Journal of the ... General Conference of the United Methodist Church

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1996

The United Methodist Church
General Conference

Daily Christian Advocate
Advance Edition I

f

Daily Christian Advocate
Advance Edition I

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Volume 1 Nashville, Tennessee

To: General Conference delegates and members of the church
From: The Commission on General Conference

This Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate contains reports from general agencies and
study committees along with legislative proposals from the agencies and annual conferences. This
volume is sent to all delegates, first lay and clergy reserves, and subscribers. Delegates and first
reserves must bring this Advance Edition with them to General Conference. Additional free copies
will not be disfributed.

The GCFA quadrennial report will be in the material given to delegates in Denver. This information
should be bound with these reports.

A second edition containing all proposals from local churches, individuals, and UM groups will be
mailed to subscribers on the opening day of conference. Delegates will find copies of this volume at
their desks upon arrival in Denver.

During General Conference, delegates and first reserves will be issued free copies of the DCA "Daily
Reports." If other reserve delegates are seated, they may use the material provided by the person they
replace, or they may purchase copies at the DCA booth.

All issues of the DCA are issued by authority of the Commission on General Conference.
Grace and peace,

^u^^ ^. ^*-^^?U— ctH^iy

John J. Thomas, chair
Commission on General Conference

DCA Advance Edition

Table of Contents

Delegate Information

Agenda Page 3

Important information Page 4

Bishops Page 5

Commission on General Conference Page 5

Local Committee Page 6

Judicial Comicil Page 6

Seating assignments Page?

Maps Page 10

Alphabetical list of delegates Page 15

Delegates and reserves by conference Page 32

Legislative Committees Page 72

Nominations to the Committee on Episcopacy . . . Page 80

Legislative process Page 82

Abbreviations and codes Page 83

Parliamentary procedures Page 86

Plan of Organization and Rules of Order

Report of the Committee Page 87

Plan of Organization Page 88

Rules of Order Page 100

Report Number Two Page 106

Church and Society Legislative Committee

Report of the Board of Church and Society Page 107

Proposed changes in Discipline Page 117

Proposed resolutions Page 130

Conferences Legislative Committee

Report on Global Nature of UMC Page 168

Proposed changes in Discipline Page 175

Proposed resolutions Page 203

Discipleship Legislative Committee

Report of the General Board of Discipleship .... Page 207

Report of the Baptism Study Committee Page 227

Proposed changes in Discipline Page 236

Proposed Resolutions Page 259

Financial Administration Legislative Committee

Reports of the Council on Finance and Admin. . . . Page 267

Reports of the General Board of Pensions Page 337

Reports of the General Board of Publication .... Page 345

Proposed changes in Discipline Page 356

Proposed resolutions Page 384

General/Judicial Administration

Reports of the General Council on Ministries . . . Page 533

Report of Site Selection Task Force Page 683

Proposed changes in Z)isci>/iMe Page 691

Proposed resolutions Page 711

Global Ministries Legislative Committee

Report of the General Board of Global Minstries . Page 719

Report of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries . Page 735

Report of Asian-American Language „

Ministry Study ..... Page 739

Report of National Comm.

onDevelopmgDeafMimstry Page 742

Report of Interagency Task Force on AIDS .... Page 744

Proposed changes in Dtsc!/)/iMe Page 749

Proposed resolutions Page 762

Higher Education and Chaplaincy Committee

ReportoftheBoardof Higher Ed. And Min. . . . Page 813

Proposed changes in Z)ist*/)/i«e Page 821

Proposed resolutions Page 825

Independent Commissions Legislative Committee

Report of the Com. on Archives and History . . . Page 828

Report of die Com. On Christian Unity Page 830

Report of the Com. on Pan Methodist Coop. . . . Page 837

Report of the Commission on Religion and Race . Page 839

Racism in Rural Areas Task Force Page 849

Membership in UMC and in Supremacist Groups Page 868

Report of the Com. on Status and Role of Women Page 871

Report of United Methodist Communications . . Page 882

Proposed changes in Dtsd/)/««e Page 901

Proposed resolutions Page 915

Local Church Legislative Committee

Proposed changes in Z)ts«>/«ne Page 941

Ministry Legislative Committee

Report of the Committee to Study Ministry .... Page 969
Ministry Study proposed changes in Discipline . Page 982

Ministry Study proposed resolutions Page 1026

Proposed changes in Discipline Page 1039

Proposed resolutions Page 1098

Central Conference Commission

Proposed resolutions Page 1106

Quadrennial Report of the General Council
on Finance and Administration

(Under separate cover) Page 1113

DCA Advance Edition

General Conference Agenda and Program

Following is the overall program of the General Conference.

The Committee on Agenda plans each day's business schedule beginning Wednesday, April 17.

All plenary sessions, legislative committees, and offices will be in the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado.

Registration

Monday, April 15 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesday, AprW 16 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17 8 a.m. - noon

Monday, A^ril 15

7:00 p.m. Reception for Bishops

Tuesday, April 16
1:30 p.m. Holy Communion and Memorial Service

2:45 p.m. Organization of General Conference

Roll Call

Report of the Committee on Plan
of Organization and Rules of Order

Nominations

Report of Committee on Agenda
4:30 p.m. Organization of legislative committees

6:00 p.m. Training of legislative committee officers
7:45 p.m. Hymn sing
8: 15 p.m. Episcopal Address

9:15 p.m.. Meeting of legislative committee officers

Wednesday, AprH 17
8: 15 a.m. Choral Music
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Address of the Laity

10:00 a.m. Report on Study of the Ministry
Thursday, ./^ril 18

9:00 a.m. Call to Witness and Prayer in celebration

of The United Methodist Church's
historic stance in support of civil and
human rights for all persons

April 18-26

In accordance with the Rules of Order, the daily schedule
of General Conference is as follows:

8:15 a.m.

Choral Music

8:30 a.m.

Devotional Service

9:00 a.m.

Conference business or committee
meetings

12:30 p.m.

Lunch recess

2:30 p.m.

Conference business or committee
meetings

5:00 p.m.

Dinner recess

7:30 p.m.

Conference business or committee
meetings

Sunday, April 21

All day

Host Area Program

7:00 p.m.

Host Area Program

Tuesday, April 23

9:00 a.m.

Presentation of ecumenical representatives

Friday, April 26

10:00 p.m.

Adjournment of General Conference

Daily Christian Advocate Advance Edition Workbook

This volume contains information for delegates to the 1996 General Conference. Included are reports and legislative proposals of the quadrennial study commissions, annual
conferences, and general boards and agencies of The United Methodist Church.

J. Richard Peck
Joan M. Shoup
Sheila W. McGee
Neil Alexander
Robert K Feaster
Billy Murphy

Editor

Associate Editor

Managing Editor

Book Editor

Publisher

Production Manager

Carolyn Marshall General Conference Secretary

Odell Thompson Petitions Secretary

Roger Kruse General Conference Business Manager

John Brawn Computer Assistant

Copy Editors: Martha Cooper, Marvin Cropsey, Michael Fleenor, Mary Ann Haney, Sheila Hewitt, Patty Meyers, Marjorie
Pierson, John Rudin, Beverly Salmon, Phyllis Weeby

Daily Ckristian Advocate is published in two advance editions, plus daily editions produced April 16-26 (except Sunday) in Denver. Colorado, during the 1996 General
Conference, plus a Round-Up edition. Subscriptions: Advance Edition I: $20.00; Advance Edition II: $15.00; Daily Reports mailed first class: $50.00; individual copies sold ii
Denver. S3. 50; RtmndUp Edition: S2.00 each or $1.50 per copy for 10 or more copies. Nashville Office: 201 Eightfi Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203. For subscriptions (
1-80M72-1789. For editorial matters, call 615-749.6007.

DCA Advance Edition

Local Committee, Denver Area

Bishop of the Denver Area: Mary Ann Swenson
Chairperson: Paula Johnston
Interpretation & Education Vice Chair: Sally Geis
Staffing & Equipment Vice Chair: Tommy Gleaton
Program Vice Chair: Eddie Kelemeni
Hospitality Vice Chair: Virginia Chase
Courtesy Vice Chair: Judy Davis

Bishop's Hospitality Co-Vice Chairs: David & Jo Pat Dolsen
Finance Vice Chair: Donald Strait
Members At Large: Lucia Guzman

Edward Paup

Nolan Smith

Ralph Zimmer

Judicial Council

Officers

President: Tom Matheny, P.O. Box 221, Hammond, LA

70404

Vice-President: Sally Curtis Askew, 1603 Montevideo Rd.

N.E.,Elberton,GA 30635
Secretary: Wayne Coffin, 4937 N.W. 62 Terrace, Oklahoma

City, OK 73122

Members

Wesley Bailey, 707 Ransom Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Evelynn S. Caterson, 904 Marlborough Ave., Absecon, NJ

08201
John G. Cony, Box 507, Meharry Medical College,

Nashville, TN 37208
Susan T. Henry-Crowe, 316 Cannon chapel, Emory

University, Atlanta, GA 30322
Zan W. Holmes, Jr., P.O. Box 150425, Dallas, TX 75315-0425
Theodore H. Walter, 4809 Colonial Dr., Columbia, SC 29203

°AV«^cTai|^R«|jH^^^«^

REMOVE BACK COVEH AND
' FASTENER TO INSERT
NEW EDITIONS

Delegate Information

Seating Assignments
Voting Delegates

Conference/

No.

Conference/

No.

Concordat Delegates

Sec

Row

Seats

Concordat

Delegates

Sec

Row

Seats

Alabama-West Florida

14

D

5

1-7

Eastern Pennsylvania

14

B

7

1-7

D

6

1-7

B

8

1-7

Alaska Missionary

2

B

10

10-11

Estonia Provisional

2

D

12

11-12

Austria Provisional

2

B

12

7-8

Finland-Finnish Provisional 2

C

10

11-12

Baltimore-Washington

20

A

9

1-10

Finland-Swreden Provisional 2

A

1

9-10

A

10

1-10

Florida

28

A

12

9-12

Bicol Philippines

A

13

1-12

Provisional

2

B

11

8-9

A

14

1-12

Bulacan Philippines

2

B

3

11-12

German East

2

D

7

9-10

Bulgaria Provisional

2

D

1

7-8

German North

2

B

4

11-12

Burundi

2

A

17

11-12

German South

2

C

9

11-12

California-Nevada

12

c

19

1-12

German Southwest

2

A

18

11-12

California-Pacific

16

C

3

1-8

Great Britain

4

C

3

9-12

c

4

1-8

Holston

16

D

7

1-8

Caribbean/the Americas

2

A

19

9-10

n

fi

1-8

Central Illinois

16

A

2

1-8

LJ

o

A

3

1-8

Hungary Provisional

2

D

5

8-9

Iowa

22

D

3

1-12

Central Luzon

2

C

6

11-12

D
D

4
11

1-10
1-8

Central Pennsylvania

16

C

17

8-12

Kansas East

8

c

18

3-12

Kansas West

10

C

5

1-10

Central Texas

12

B

2

6-12

Kentucky

8

D

1

9-12

B

3

6-10

D

2

9-12

Central Zaire

12

D

13

1-12

Liberia

8

A

20

1-8

Czech and Slovak

Republics

2

D

5

10-11

Little Rock

6

D

2

1-6

Dakotas

4

C

8

9-12

Louisiana

12

B

1

1-12

Denmark

2

D

4

11-12

Louisville

8

A

2

9-12

Desert Southwest

6

B
B

5
6

10-12
10-12

Macedonia-Yugoslavia

A

3

9-12

Provisional

2

C

11

11-12

Detroit

12

B

9

1-12

Memphis

10

D

9

8-12

East Mindanao

Philippines Provisional

2

A

1

7-8

D

10

8-12

East Ohio

22

C

1

1-12

Mexico

2

C

14

11-12

C

2

1-10

Middle Philippines

2

A

19

7-8

East Philippines

2

A

10

11-12

Mindanao

2

D

15

9-10

Eastern Angola

2

A

18

9-10

Minnesota

12

C

7

1-12

DCA Advance Edition

Conference/
Concordat

Mississippi

Missouri East

Missouri West
Mozambique
Nebraska
New England

New Mexico
New York

Nigeria
North Alabama

North Arkansas
North Carolina

North Central
New York

North Central
Philippines

North Georgia

North Indiana

North Shaba

North Texas
Northeast Philippines
Northeast Zaire
Northern Illinois

Northern New Jersey

Northern Philippines

No.
Delegates Sec Row

18

10

10

2

10

14

4
16

4
14

18

10

2
24

14

16

12
2
2

14

6

7

8

2

3

16

13

14

9

10

4

4

5

11

4

5

6

18

5

6

D 12

19
16
17
7
8
9
11
12
18
14
11
10
11
1

Seats

1-6

1-6

1-6

1-5

1-5

1-10

11-12

1-10

1-7

1-7

9-12

1-8

1-8

9-12

9-12

9-12

9-12

1-8

1-9

1-9

1-10

11-12

1-12

1-12

7-12

7-12

11-12

1-8

1-8

1-12

7-8

10-11

1-7

1-7

1-6

11-12

Conference/
Concordat

Northwest Philippines
Northwest Texas
Norway
Oklahoma

Oklahoma Indian
Missionary

Oregon-Idaho

Pacific Northwest

Palawan Provisional

Peninsula-Delaware

Philippines

Poland

Puerto Rico

Red Bird Missionary

Rio Grande

Rocky Mountain

Sierra Leone

South Carolina

South Georgia

South Indiana

Southern Illinois
Southern New Jersey
Southern Zaire
Southwest Philippines
Southwest Texas
Sweden

Switzerland-France
Tanganyika
Tennessee

Texas

Troy
Upper Zaire

No.
Delegates Sec Row Seats

2

6

2

20

2
6

2
2
2
2
2

10
2

22

14

16

6

10

8

2

10

2

2

2

10

24

6
2

B
A
D
C
C

C
B
D
D
C
D
C
D
B
B
B
D
B
B
B
B
C
C
D
C
D
B
B
D
B
A
B
B
C
C
B
D

10
17
8
10
11

18
14
20
6
6
6
2
7
15
12
4
2

21
22
19
20
8
9
1

13
19
14
15
15
19
11
7
8
20
21
20

8-9

5-10

11-12

1-10

1-10

1-2

1-6

1-8

10-11

3-10

8-9

11-12

11-12

11-12

9-10

1-10

7-8

1-12

1-10

1-8

1-6

1-8

1-8

1-6

1-10

5-12

9-10

1-10

11-12

9-10

9-10

8-12

8-12

1-12

1-12

7-12

9-10

Delegate Information

Conference/

No.

Conference/

No.

Concordat

Delegates

Sec

Row

Seats

Concordat

Delegates

Sec

Row

Seats

Virginia

30

C

15

1-12

Wyoming

6

B

12

1-6

C

16

1-12

Yellowstone

2

B

14

11-12

c

17

1-6

Zimbabwe

2

C

6

1-2

Visayas-North Mindanao
Philippines

West Michigan

2
10

c

B

9
10

9-10
1-10

Russian Observers

2

D

16

11-12

West Middle
Philippines

West Ohio

2
30

C
D

5

17

11-12
1-12

General Secretaries

UMPH General

Secretary TBA 1 D

21

1

D

18

1-12

Judith Weidman

1

D

21

2

D

19

1-4

Thorn White Wolf Fassett 1

D

21

3

West Virginia

16

A

21

1-10

Barbara Boigegrain

1

D

21

4

West Zaire

2

A
A

22
11

1-6
11-12

GCFA General
Secretary TBA

D

21

5

Western Angola

4

B
B

12
13

11-12
11-12

C. David Lundquist
Bruce Robbins

D
D

21
21

6

7

Western New York

6

A

19

1-6

Roger Ireson

D

21

8

Western North
Carolina

28

A

15

1-12

Barbara Thompson
Ezra Earl Jones

D
D

21
21

9
10

A

16

1-12

Stephanie Hkon

D

21

11

A

17

1-4

Cecelia Long

D

21

12

Western Pennsylvania

20

D

14

1-12

Randolph Nugent

D

22

1

D

15

1-8

Charles Yrigoyen

D

22

2

Wisconsin

12

C

12

1-12

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DCA Advance Edition

Back to Basics

Lord, Teach Us: The Lord's Prayer & the Christian Life

by William H. Willimon and Stanley Haueiwas

This brief introduction to the Christian faith includes Christian behefs,
practices, character, and ways in which we become and remain Christian.
After a short introduction, the authors work through each phrase of the
Lord's Prayer, using it as a framework for the Christian hfe. Providing
basic faith understanding, this helpful book is appropriate for inquirers,
as well as Sunday school classes. The book will help the user experience
Christianity as attractive and inviting, not distant, difficult,
or foreboding.

William H. Willimon is Dean of the Chapel and professor of Christian
Ministry at the Divinity School at Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina.

LORD,

TEACH USi

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Stanley Hauerwas is professor of Theological Ethics at Duke

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Includes all changes in law established by the 1996
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DD6-0I9222. $14.95

The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 1996 .

Features all Resolutions from the 1996 General Conference.
DD6-019I76. $12.95

The 1997 United Methodist Directory. Features include

• Membership information of all UMC jurisdictional offices, news
services, publications, caucuses, and affiliated ecumenical groups

• Detailed list of contact persons for UMC agencies, programs, and resources

• Leader names and addresses of all UMC schools, colleges, and seminaries

• Alphabetical index of names
DD6-019192. $8.95

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Delegate Information

15

Alphabetical list of Voting Delegates and Reserves

Clergy are in italics. Committee number follows name.

Abaya, Efren Mindanao Philippines

Abemathy, H. S Virginia

Abesamis, Leodegario R. . . . . Southwest Philippines Prov.

Abraham, William Southwest Texas

Abram, Charlotte (9) Nebraska

Abrams, Marvin B. California-Pacific

Abrams, Geraldine (8) West Ohio

Acevedo.JorgeA Florida

Ackerson, Merlin J. (1) Iowa

Ackley-Killian, Deborah L Western Pennsylvania

Acosta, Rebecca S Central Luzon

Adair. Sharon W. (10) North Texas

Adams, L Cecile (10) Detroit

Adams, Freda L (10) New York

Addison, Rubielee L. South Carolina

Ade, Hans (2) German Southwest

Adkins, Paula B Memphis

Admussen, Betty J. (8) Missouri West

Afonso, Eduardo Western Angola

Agbisit, Andrea Mindanao Philippines

Agnew, Theodore L (8) Oklahoma

Agtarap, Bener B. Philippines

Aguayo, Leonardo Mindanao Philippines

Agustin, Romeo Mindanao Philippines

Aherrera, Lydia S East Philippines

Akers, Mary E. (6) Northern Illinois

Albers, Siegfiied German North

Albright, John 'Jack' E. (3) Texas

Albury, Kay F. Baltimore- Washington

Aldridge, Jr., Julian M. (9) Western North Carolina

Alegria, Frank Texas

Alejo, David East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Alers, Vanessa Puerto Rico

Alexander, Anthony C,8) Central Pennsylvania

Alexander, Dennis J. Minnesota

Alexander, Betty M. (7) Tennessee

Alford, Ben /?. (3) Tennessee

Alford, Joyce L (6) Wisconsin

Alfred, Champo Southern Zaire

Aliwalas, Ricardo Bulacan Philippines

Alkuino, Aurora S. (3) . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Allen, Georgia Central Texas

Allen, Robert L Oklahoma

Alloway, Wayne Nebraska

Allread, Ardith California-Nevada

Aim, Beatrice Sweden

Alsted, Christian (1) Denmark

Altunian, Bedros Bulgaria Provisional

Alvarez, Maximo C. Bicol Philippines Provisional

Alvord, Alec M (6) Western North Carolina

Ahvine, Betty Western Pennsylvania

Amerson, Philip A. (8) South Indiana

Ames III, Guy C. (8) Oklahoma

Amon, Darlene V. (3) Virginia

Anderson, James (5) East Ohio

Anderson, Douglas J. Iowa

Anderson, Barry //. (3) North Alabama

Anderson, Rodney Rocky Mountain

Anderson, Gregory L Southern New Jersey

Anderson, Gail 0. (7) Wyoming

Andres, Delfin L (2) .... East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Andrews, Christopher H. (3) Louisiana

Andrews, Duane N. (1) Texas

Aniag, Pacifico E Bulacan Philippines

Aoen, Job Mindanao Philippines

Appleby, Charlie L (2) South Carolina

Arallano, Billy Mindanao Philippines

Arant, James S. (10) South Carolina

Archambeau, Trudy M. (3) West Michigan

Archer, Anita K. (5) Memphis

Archibald, Jr., Julius A Troy

Arciaga, Simeon L Central Luzon

Argo, A. David Baltimore-Washington

Arjona,JuanJ. California-Nevada

Armstrong, Charles /?. (3) South Indiana

Arnold, Kathy S. (10) Minnesota

Arnold, Paul J. North Indiana

Arnold, Jr., W. E. (Buddy) (5) North Arkansas

Ampriester, Marvin D Iowa

Arter, Dixie A. (3) North Indiana

Arthur, Algernon H. G Northern New Jersey

Ashmos, Donde Plowman (7) Southwest Texas

Ashton, Mark A. Oklahoma

Asparuchov, Asparuch Bulgaria Provisional

Atha, Grayson (',10) West Ohio

Atienzar, Agustin L East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Atkinson, George M. Texas

Atwood, Judy K. Kansas East

Aubuchon, David R (4) East Ohio

Austin, Fred L (2) Holston

Auvenshine, William R. (3) Central Texas

Avery, DonaldR. (2) Louisiana

Ayaki, Andjadiumi West Zaire

Ayers, Steve California-Pacific

Aying, Muland K. (10) Southern Zaire

Backman, Lara Ch Finland-Finnish Provisional

Bagwell, Timothy J (10) South Georgia

Bailen, Gregorio R. Central Luzon

Bailen, Esperanza B Central Luzon

Bailey, Paul C. (10) Virginia

Baird, Larry R. Western New York

Baker, Ted F. Holston

Legislative Committees

(1) Church and Society

(2) Conferences

(3) Discipleship

(4) Financial Administration

(5) General/Judicial Administration

(6) Global Ministries

(7) Higher Education and Chaplaincy

(8) Independent Commissions

(9) Local Church

(10) Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

16

DCA Advance Edition

Baker, Lynn R. (1) North Arkansas

Baker, Jonathan E. (10) Peninsula-Delaware

Baker, Sandra W. (10) Virginia

Baker, Jr., Rudolph R. (5) North Georgia

Batch, William H. Holston

Baldridge, Mary (1) Baltimore-Washington

Balentine, Becky (9) North Carolina

Bales, Linda (6) West Ohio

Bales, Harold K. (3) Western North Carolina

Baluntong, Glofie Southwest Philippines Prov.

Baluntong, Glorioso Southwest Philippines Prov.

Bamsey, Alfred T. (7) Detroit

Bank, Genie S. (3) Western New York

Banks, David A (1) North Carolina

Bankston, L. James (1) Texas

Barden, Kathleen B. (3) North Central New York

Barden, Barbara S Western North Carolina

Barham, Michp.el P Mississippi

Barker, Gary C North Carolina

Bama, David S Wyoming

Barnes, William S. (6) Florida

Barnes, Thekna P Mississippi

Bamett, Jeanne (10) California-Nevada

Bamett, Vemie T. (3) Central Illinois

Barney, Bill (1) Troy

Barr, Robin E. (8) Pacific Northwest

Barr, Roger W. Pacific Northwest

Barrera, Miriam A. . . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Barrett,JoyA. (10) Detroit

Barrett, Robbie W North Carolina

Barrier, Edna M Northern New Jersey

Barrow, Barbara B. Virginia

Bartel,BruceA (3) Wisconsin

Bartlow, Michele W. Eastern Pennsylvania

Barto, Suella C. (10) Central Pennsylvania

Barton, Patsy Baltimore-Washington

Base, Darlene Texas

Bass, Ressie Mae (8) Florida

Bass, James L Tennessee

Bassano.Jiri Czech and Slovak Republics

Baszner, Rob North Indiana

Bates, Kathryn Texas

Bates, Jr., William L. (5) Dakotas

Batiste,Jr., Harold E. (6) Southwest Texas

Bauknight, Brian K (1) Western Pennsylvania

Bauman, Dianne R Oklahoma

Baur, Peter Switzerland-France

Bauserman, Ralph E. West Ohio

Baxter, Harlan M. Southern New Jersey

Bean, Robbie (2) Rocky Mountain

Beard, Frank North Indiana

Beard, Herschel Oklahoma

Beard, Clyde W. West Virginia

Beck, Brian E. (2) Great Britain

Beck, Michael R South Indiana

Becker, Gene R. (9) West Michigan

Beckley, David L. (4) Mississippi

Beckum, Robert J. South Georgia

Beers, Sally J Western Pennsylvania

Beilke, Nancy C Wisconsin

Beisner, Judith (3) Baltimore-Washington

Bell, Sr., Ronald Peninsula-Delaware

Bender, Kelly B Kansas West

Benedyktowicz, Olgierd Poland

Benham, Beth 0. (2) North Central New York

Bennett, Bruce W. Little Rock

Bennett, Hazel C South Carolina

Benoza, Melody Southwest Philippines Prov.

Benson, Judy J. (6) Oklahoma

Beppler, Ron (9) Southern New Jersey

Berbano , Jr. , Mark V. Iowa

Berck.Jan Nebraska

Bergdoll, James R Virginia

Bemes, Dale East Ohio

Berry, George L Mississippi

Berte, Neal R. (7) North Alabama

Besserer, Armin (10) German South

Bethke, Christine A Wisconsin

Beveridge, RaeLynn Schlief (10) West Ohio

Bevins, C. Rex (5) Nebraska

Biasbas, Lucrecia F Central Luzon

Bickerton, Thomas J. (5) West Virginia

Biggins, Moira (6) Great Britain

Biggs, Jr, Marvin Mouzon (7) Oklahoma

Bildmann,Jurgen German South

Bilog, Fidela L East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Bilog, Francisco B. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Binder, Peter Switzerland-France

Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, Betty J. Northern Illinois

Bishop, Nathaniel L (5) Virginia

Bjomevik, Per Endre Norway

Black, Charlene R. (7) South Georgia

Black, Sr., Aaron D Nebraska

Blackburn, Jr., Robert M. Western North Carolina

Blacklock, Gloria J. (6) Southern Illinois

Blackwell, Shay Missouri East

Blackwell, Dennis L Southern New Jersey

Blackwell, Roberta E. (3) Western North Carolina

Blair, B. Ann (3) Holston

Blaker, Fallon Eastern Pennsylvania

Blankenship, Paul F. (10) Memphis

Blanton, Georjean H. North Texas

Bledsoe, W. Eari (10) Texas

Bloem, Claudia A. (1) Switzerland-France

Boayue, Charles S.G Detroit

Bobo, Jr., Hiram (5) North Georgia

Boe, Donna H. (1) Oregon-Idaho

Boehm, James W. (1) West Michigan

Bohringer, Norbert German South

Bolay, Winfried German Southwest

Boiler, Thomas i?. (4) Yellowstone

Bond, R. H Memphis

Bondo, Ndayi North Shaba

Bonner, Byrd L (5) Southwest Texas

Booker, R. Jeremiah Texas

Boone, Ben F. Memphis

Boozer, Asa Alabama-West Florida

Bom, Ethel W Virginia

Bortell, James B. (10) Central Illinois

Bose, Trina California-Pacific

Bouton, William D Wyoming

Bove, Jose P Florida

Bowdan, Mel (10) Kentucky

Bowers, Phyllis M. (4) Central Pennsylvania

Bowers, Troy L Kansas West

Bowers, Flora J. Pacific Northwest

Bowersox, Ronald E. (3) Central Pennsylvania

Bowles, Paul D. (4) Oklahoma

Bowles, Jr, Albert J. (10) Holston

Boyd, Gail Central Texas

Boyd, Troy E. Louisiana

Boyd, Candi (3) Mississippi

Boyd, Lane Northwest Texas

Bradley, Carol Ann (10) West Ohio

Brady, Edgar Kentucky

Brady III. Hal N. NorthTexas

Delegate Information

17

Brandt, Robert B. (3) Northern New Jersey

Branscome, James L. (4) Virginia

Brantley, Douglas 'Mac' (3) North Georgia

Braswell, Kermit L (4) North Carolina

Braun, Reinhold German South

Brawn, Mel California-Nevada

Bray, Jr., Jerry G. (7) Virginia

Brazelton, David L. (8) Florida

Bretsch, Ronald (6) North Central New York

Brewer, David T. Florida

Brewer, Jackson (7) Kentucky

Brewer, Scott Nebraska

Briggs, Margie M Missouri West

Bright, Joyce W Florida

Brim, Jay Southwest Texas

Briscoe, I. Carolyn (7) South Carolina

Brito, Ana Baltimore-Washington

Brittain, Thomas N. South Carolina

Brockwell,Jr, Charles W. {^) Louisville

Brodbeck, Gerhard German South

Branson, Oswald P. Florida

Brooks, Gennifer New York

Brooks, Jane N. North Georgia

Brooks, Philip D. (1) WestOhio

Brought, Byron P. Baltimore-Washington

Browa, Johannes German South

Brovm, Ruth S. (8) Alabama-West Florida

Brown, Eva K. Kansas East

Brown, Kimi (8) Tennessee

Brown, George S West Ohio

Broum, Michael B. (7) Western North Carolina

Brown, Jr, Warner H. (7) California-Nevada

Brown, Jr., Andrew W. Western North Carolina

Browne, Amos Missouri West

Brubaker, Ellen A (4) West Michigan

Brunkow, Thomas L. Baltimore-Washington

Bryan, James J Missouri West

Bryant, Norma L. (8) Texas

Bryson, Claudette S North Georgia

Bueg, Donald J Western New York

Buie, Becky L South Carolina

Bulaya, Shimba (8) North Shaba

Bullard, Mary Ellen Alabama-West Florida

Burdette, Carole East Ohio

Burgess, Robert L Louisiana

Burkhart,J. Robert (10) Iowa

Burkholder, Anne L Florida

Burlew, Elizabeth J North Central New York

Burrer, Helmut German South

Burton, Jeanie P. UtdeRock

Bunnell, Susanne L. (1) Wisconsin

Buskirk, James B. (3) Oklahoma

Butaca, Domingo Palawan Provisional

Buder, Phyllis (8) Baltimore-Washington

Butz, Janice 1 Northern Illinois

Buwalda, Dennis G West Michigan

Buwalda, Jr., Herb J. North Indiana

Buxton, Sue Detroit

Byers, Shirley D. (3) Troy

ByholtThorsen, Helen Norway

Byrd, Julian L. (8) Texas

Caasi, Harrison M. Central Luzon

Cabaltica, Romeo Mindanao Philippines

Cabotaje, Amante Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Cacho, Warlito D Central Luzon

Cadle, Shirley K. WestOhio

Cahoon, Pamela A Florida

Cain, Alfred E. (8) Northern Illinois

Cajiuat, Toribio C. East Philippines

Cajiuat, Purita O East Philippines

Calagui, Domingo Middle Philippines

Caldwell, Gilbert H. New York

Caldwell, Kirbyjon (9) Texas

Callahan, Seoia Louisiana

Calvert, Jr., Robert A. (7) North Georgia

Camaso, Trefilo Central Luzon

Camazo, Tomas C. Philippines

Campbell, Alonzo J. Louisiana

Campbell, Randall E. Louisiana

Campbell, Rufits /?. (1) Minnesota

Campbell, Dennis M. North Carolina

Campbell, J Gary WestOhio

Campbell Hyde, Catherine (10) Great Britain

Campbell-Marshall, Linda (1) New England

Campher, Lorena W Southern New Jersey

Canete, Alejandro P. East Philippines

Canlas, S. J. Earl P Philippines

Cansino, Regina R Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Caole, Simeon C. Central Luzon

Capen, Beth (1) New York

Capistrano, Melanio R. (1) Bulacan Philippines

Capistrano, Eliseo Bulacan Philippines

Carcano, Minerva G. (5) Rio Grande

Cardinez, Bernardo M. . . . East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Carlet, Romeo C. Central Luzon

Carlos, Elpidio Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Carlos, Edward V Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Carlstrom, Berit (3) Sweden

Carmichael, M. Susan Western North Carolina

Camicer, Estelita East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Carpenter, Jr., Robert B. (4) Virginia

Carrico, Ruben G Desert Southwest

Carrington, John E. (4) New York

Carruth, Nancy (4) Louisiana

Carruth, Amanda (7) Memphis

Carson, Kit (7) Florida

Carter, Lemuel C. South Carolina

Carter, Fletcher South Carolina

Caruso, George North Indiana

Carver, Rebecca C. (T) Iowa

Casad, Mary Brooke (3) North Texas

Casady, Robert L (3) Missouri West

Case, John M. (3) Mississippi

Case, Martin A. (I) Mississippi

Case, Riley (8) North Indiana

Casey, Robert T. (2) Virginia

Casipit, Abraham F. Central Luzon

Castorillo, Nelson East Philippines

Casuco, Marcelino M. Philippines

Cauffman, Shirley Virginia

Causby, Jimmy (5) Western North Carolina

Caywood, Larry B. North Georgia

Ceballos, Jesus Rex 0 Central Luzon

Cera,Jr.,HermogenesC. East Philippines

Cerdan, Francisco C Central Luzon

Cervenak, Josef (X) Czech and Slovak Republics

Chalker, Kenneth W. (J) East Ohio

Chamberlain, Ray W. Q) Virginia

Chambers, Chester V. West Ohio

Chambers, Linda B. Western Pennsylvania

Chamness, Ben R (T) Texas

Chandler, J. Edward Alabama-West Florida

Chaplin, jr., Hammie L (4) South Carolina

Chase, Dottie (6) East Ohio

Chatham, Betty J. (9) Mississippi

Chattin, Terri Rae (1) Baltimore-Washington

18

DCA Advance Edition

Chen, Peter F. (5) California-Nevada

Chin, Anne California-Nevada

Chinyam, Yirung Southern Zaire

Chisangam, Mbal Yav Southern Zaire

Cho, Seog Whan California-Pacific

Cho, Brandon I. California-Pacific

Chow, W.Jing West Ohio

Christian, Tom L. (2) North Texas

Christner, Hannelore German South

Christoph, Gerry B Wisconsin

Christopher, Ula D Eastern Pennsylvania

Christy, Betty C Western North Carolina

Christy, Jr., John H. (9) Western North Carolina

Chun, Young-Ho Kansas East

Church, Daniel East Ohio

Ciampa, Donald J. (2) Central Pennsylvania

Civalier, Ms A. Troy

Clapp, Sylvia L (9) Western North Carolina

Clardy, Jr., James Tennessee

Clark, Dorothy Davis (10) Baltimore-Washington

Clark, Terry L (9) Centrallllinois

Clark,JanetB. Wyoming

Clark, Jr., Russell M. (9) West Ohio

Clarke, Lambuth M Virginia

Clausen, Henning Denmark

Clayton, Paul F. Memphis

Clem, Kelly A. (6) North Alabama

Cleveland, J Fay i4) Western New York

Clinard, Hubert C. Western North Carolina

Cloud, Kay (4) Peninsula-Delaware

Cloyd, Katie J Missouri East

Cobb, Pat Louisiana

Cofer, Jr., Charles H. (6) South Georgia

Colhy, Rhonda 7. (6) Virginia

Cole, Calvin H. Central Pennsylvania

Coleman, Robert P. (6) South Indiana

Colescott, Ted G. Minnesota

Collett, John H. Tennessee

Collier, Mark H. East Ohio

Collier, Theodore C. (5) Missouri West

Collins, Dorothy (2) Florida

Collins, Gary A. Minnesota

Collins, John A New York

Collins, Janet H Western North Carolina

Compton, Philip W West Ohio

Conard, A. Mark Kansas West

Conklin, Brooke (5) Troy

Conley, Ellis E. West Virginia

Connell, Gladwin little Rock

Connolly, Phillip F. (10) West Ohio

Conoway, Merlin £>. (7) Mississippi

Cook, Shirley (2) Detroit

Cook, M. Olin North Arkansas

Cook, Beth L (2) North Georgia

Cook, Carol A Oklahoma

Cook, Jr., William B. (3) Oregon-Idaho

Cooke, John D. (5) Western New York

Cooper, K. Jeannette' West Ohio

Copeland, Delmas M. Florida

Corderman, Delos D. (A) South Carolina

Corley, Cynthia A Virginia

Comito, Joseph Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Correia, Franco Eastern Angola

Corson, John E. California-Nevada

Cosmiano, David Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Costill, Chrissy Eastern Pennsylvania

Cotant, William A Troy

Cotto, Irving Eastern Pennsylvania

Cotton-Winn, Carole (5) Louisiana

Cottrill, Donald C. (6) Louisiana

Couch, Bill J. Northwest Texas

Coulter, Vicki S Oklahoma

Courtoy, Charles W. (4) Florida

Cox, Danny F. Central Illinois

Cox, Elizabeth E Florida

Cox, Stephen L. Missouri West

Coyner, Michael J. (1) North Indiana

Craft, Precious B. (8) California-Nevada

Grain, DightW. (4) New England

Grain, Judy (8) Wisconsin

Cramer, Andreas German South

Cramer-Heuerman, Jean A Centrallllinois

Crane, Charles W North Alabama

Crane, David F South Indiana

Crawford, Kenneth 0 Central Illinois

Crawford, Avon (9) Iowa

Crawford, Timothy D Red Bird Missionary

Crawford, Jim H. Texas

Crawford, Sr., Joseph L. (6) North Georgia

Crickard, Elsie (4) Kansas West

Crisostomo, Salvador East Philippines

Crocker, Hugh D Western Pennsylvania

Cromwell, Alice (8) EastOhio

Cronin, Deborah K. (9) Western New York

Croom, Ronald Nebraska

Crosse, James E.W. South Georgia

Crouch, William C. (10) North Texas

Crouch, Timothy C North Texas

Crowder, Merry W. Troy

Crump, Anita (9) Louisiana

Crutchfield, Charles (4) New Mexico

Cruz, Benedicto V East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Cruz, Dalila Rio Grande

Cruz, Remegio F Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Csemak, Istvan (6) Hungary Provisional

Csemak, Eva (6) Hungary Provisional

Cuckler, Nancy East Ohio

Cummings, Mabel M North Carolina

Cummins, Marlene Simms Centrallllinois

Cunanan, Jose Pepito Philippines

Cunningham, Molly California-Nevada

Curtis, Bud Detroit

Gushing, Regina New England

da Cruz, Bemarda Western Angola

da Silva, Elvira M. Western Angola

Daniel, Wesley S.K. Iowa

Daniels, Lillian M Iowa

Darby, James E. Kansas East

Darko, Morrell J North Georgia

Daroy,Josue Mindanao Philippines

Darst, Betty (6) West Ohio

Dass, Emmanuel R. Iowa

Daughenbaugh, Jr., Howard L. (6) Centrallllinois

Daugherty, Ruth A. (10) Eastern Pennsylvania

Daughtery, Vergil L. (3) South Georgia

Davies, Susan F. (4) Nebraska

Davis, Rosemary A. California-Pacific

Davis, Lindsey (3) Kentucky

Davis, Judy (1) Rocky Mountain

Davis, Elwood G. (7) Southern New Jersey

Dawes, Inez (1) Iowa

Day, R. Randy (1) New York

Day, Inday (5) New York

Day, Barbara (10) North Georgia

de Gusman, Ruben .... East Mindanao Philippines Prov.
de los Santos, Edna Flor M East Philippines

Delegate Information

19

Deal, Pat M. (1) North Texas

Deckard, Stephen T. (5) North Central New York

Declaro, Rhoda Bicol Philippines Provisional

Deel, WiUiam S. (3) West Virginia

Deer, Alvin B. (4) Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Del Pino, Jerome K. (2) New England

dela Pena, Sonny Palawan Provisional

Dell, Gregroy R. Northern Illinois

delos Santos, Elias L Bulacan Philippines

DeMarcus, Jamima P. (5) Western North Carolina

Denting, Joan C. (7) Wisconsin

DeMore, Philip D North Georgia

Dent, Joel H. South Georgia

Deocampo, Jeanne G. (3) . . . East Mindanao Phlpns Prov.

Deriso, Jr., Walter M. (4) South Georgia

Derr, Donna F Eastern Pennsylvania

Devadhar, Sudarshana North Central New York

DeWitt-Droke, Nadine California-Nevada

Dharmaraj, Glory Central Illinois

Diaz, Evelyn G East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Diaz de Arce, Gabriel H Florida

Dickert, Marion N Eastern Pennsylvania

Dillard, Kay B. (1) Northern Illinois

Dillard,Jr,F. Douglas (5) Virginia

Dillman, Ilse German South

Dillon, C. A. (1) North Carolina

Dillozon.Joel Palawan Provisional

Dimalanta, Gloria B East Philippines

Dimas, Jacqueline Northern Illinois

Dinkins, JoJ North Georgia

DiPaolo, Joseph (1) Eastern Pennsylvania

Dirdak, Paul R. (6) California-Nevada

Disbrow, Rebecca L Desert Southwest

Diur,Ngaj Southern Zaire

Dkon, J. D. (7) Louisville

Dfacon, Floyd Texas

Dizon, Juanita C Central Luzon

Djamba, Mundeke Central Zaire

Djundu, Lunge (7) Central Zaire

Djungandeke, Pese Central Zaire

Dockery, Lucille New York

Dodd, Jr., Chester C West Virginia

Dodge, David A. Florida

Dodson, E. Malone (3) North Georgia

Dolsen, David Rocky Mountain

Donner, James L Western Pennsylvania

Dooling, Jerry M. Alabama-West Florida

Dorris, Karen S Texas

Dorsey, Frank L. (6) Kansas East

Douglas, Jr., WillardH. (8) Virginia

Dove, Carolyn (7) Louisiana

Dowdy, Roger C. (9) Virginia

Dowdy, Kristen E. (7) Virginia

Dowell, Jean (9) Minnesota

Downs Rosa, Melanie A Rocky Mountain

Doyle, Lin (1) Yellowstone

Drachler, Stephen E. (8) Central Pennsylvania

Drewry, Virginia P North Georgia

Dude, Karleen L Central Illinois

Duel, Nancy D. (10) Northern Illinois

Dufresne, Sandra F. Eastern Pennsylvania

Duger, Sharon L. (1) North Central New York

Dumag, Rolando Southwest Philippines Prov.

Dumlao, Eleanor S East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Duncan, Jean-Pierre (1) Wyoming

Dundas, Charlie O. (2) Minnesota

Dungalen, Osias L East Philippines

Dungan, Karen N. Iowa

Dunlap, Catherine (10) East Ohio

Dunlap, Nancye K. (10) Missouri East

Dupitas, Benjamin Mindanao Philippines

Durham, Jr., Frederick L North Texas

Duro-on, Pedro N. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

DuVall, George (9) Baltimore-Washington

Dyck, Sally (1) East Ohio

Earl, Dorothy M. (6) Wyoming

Easley,Ida South Indiana

Eberhart, Penelope (3) Dakotas

Eberhart, Diane W. (4) Iowa

Ehlen, Thomas W (10) Louisville

Edgar, John W. West Ohio

Edgerly, Cynthia (8) New England

Edmonds, Claude A Eastern Pennsylvania

Edmondson, Christina California-Pacific

Edwards, Alma B. (5) Detroit

Edwards, Neriah G East Ohio

Edwards, P. Jackson Holston

Edwards, Barbara J New York

Edwards, Marion M. (6) South Georgia

Edwards, Tena R. Southern Illinois

Egler, Gerhard German South

Ehlers, Don C. (10) Missouri West

Ehrman, James W East Ohio

Ehrman, Kenneth P. East Ohio

Ekoko, Onema (6) Central Zaire

Eliasson, Ann-Marie Sweden

Elkins, Lyman E. (9) West Virginia

Elliot, Patricia West Ohio

Elliott, Roger V. North Carolina

Elliott, Ruth F North Central New York

Ellison, Betty G North Georgia

Ellisor,J. Walter (Si) Alabama-West Florida

Els, Albrecht German Southwest

Emmett, Maty Grey Western Pennsylvania

Emswiler, Sharon Neufer (5) Central Illinois

Engelhardt, Carolyn H New York

England, Stan B. (8) North Georgia

Englund, Hakan Sweden

Ernst, Sally (5) Western Pennsylvania

Ervin,Jr.,PaulR. (3) North Georgia

Erwin, Max G. (7) Western North Carolina

Eschbach, Urs Switzerland-France

Eschmann, Holger German South

Espinoza, Lorena East Ohio

Espinoza, Modesto East Ohio

Espinoza, Samuel J. Virginia

Estioko, Adelina A. Central Luzon

Estioko, Jr., Manuel B. Central Luzon

Etherton, Rayford L. North Alabama

Etter, Martha B. (3) Southwest Texas

Eubank, Rocky Southwest Texas

Euper, Jacqueline K. (3) Detroit

Euper, Terry A Detroit

Eurey, Charles W. (4) Western North Carolina

Evans, Kyle B. Missouri West

Evans, Jr., CasharW. (4) North Carolina

Evdng.Jack Dakotas

Ewing, E. Keith (2) Florida

Exiomo, Edwin Mindanao Philippines

Extrum-Femandez, Paul (2) California-Nevada

Extrum-Femandez, Renae D. (10) .... California-Nevada

Fagan, Larry R. (2) Missouri West

Fajardo, Benjamin Mindanao Philippines

Fang, Marcus (5) Wisconsin

Farmer, Penny Dollar (8) North Carolina

Farrell, Leighton K. (4) North Texas

20

DCA Advance Edition

Farris, Patricia E. (5) California-Pacific

Fauser, Kurt German South

Feist, Caroline North Alabama

Felder, Charles B. Mississippi

Fellers, Jim Alaska Missionary

Fenn, Philip J. (10) Oklahoma

Fenner, Elizabeth A. (6) Missouri West

Fenstermacher, Mark North Indiana

Fenstermacher, Anita North Indiana

Ferguson, Sandra (5) Baltimore-Washington

Ferguson, Tyson Detroit

Ferguson, Phyllis S. (3) Pacific Northwest

Fernandez, Arturo M. Oregon-Idaho

Fernando, Ruben West Middle Philippines

Ferrer, Rufino Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Ferrer, Jr., Comelio R Philippines

Fields, Lynette (8) Florida

Finklea, W. Ray Florida

Finlayson-Schuler, Ted North Central New York

Fischer, Bemd D. (1) German South

Fisher, Violet L. (10) Eastern Pennsylvania

Fisher, A. Mickey South Carolina

Fisher, Mark A South Indiana

Fisher, Tom (2) Tennessee

Fitch, Douglass E. California-Nevada

Fitch, Marion 0. (2) West Ohio

Fleming, Gert German East

Fleming, Christina J West Michigan

Flinn, Jr., Thomas W Baltimore-Washington

Flores, Jose M. Bulacan Philippines

Flores, Maximo M. East Philippines

Flores, Anastacio Mindanao Philippines

Flynn, Shirley E West Virginia

Fogle, Dolly (3) South Carolina

Foley, Emma DeU (9) California-Pacific

Foockle, Harry F. (9) Missouri West

Fooshee, Dale L. (2) Kansas East

Forbes, Janet (.5) Rocky Mountain

Ford, Pamela H. Central Pennsylvania

Ford, Lenora Thompson (4) Eastern Pennsylvania

Forrest, Martha H. (7) North Georgia

Foster, Nancy K. (7) Oklahoma

Foster, L. Daniel Pacific Northwest

Foster, James W. {2) Texas

Foster, S. Stephen (10) Wisconsin

Fowler, Lloyd (Bud) F Florida

Fowler, James A. South Indiana

Fowlkes, Nancy (6) New York

Fox, Robert H. Florida

Fox, H. Eddie Holston

Francis, Lufunda (9) Southern Zaire

Francisco, Ciriaco Q Bulacan Philippines

Frazee, Bill C Missouri East

Frazer, E. Eugene (4) West Ohio

Frazier, William O. Southern Illinois

Frazier, Sr., Robert C. (3) North Carolina

Frederick, Jr., Austin (10) Southwest Texas

Fredsby, Bent (4) Denmark

Freeman, Robert K. '. . . Central Illinois

Fujiu, Kiyoko Kasai Northern Illinois

Fukomoto, Jo Ann Y. (1) California-Pacific

Fuller, Cynthia R. (6) Central Pennsylvania

Funk, Thomas L Western Pennsylvania

Furman, Jr., Frank H. (4) Florida

Fux, Gottfiied Austria Provisional

Gagarin, Josephine M Central Luzon

Gagno, Reyn^do A. (3) Mindanao Philippines

Galang, Ernesto Middle Philippines

Gallagher, Marianne J Oregon-Idaho

Galloway, Mary Ann (9) West Ohio

Ganzle, Sigrid German South

Garcia, Barbara P. (10) Tennessee

Gardner, Andrew J. (10) Kansas East

Garibay, Dante C Central Luzon

Garibay, Limerio C (6) East Philippines

Gam, Cyndy L West Ohio

Gamhart, Thomas O. Wisconsin

Garrett, Doris Ann Mindanao Philippines

Garrett, Joel S. (8) Western Pennsylvania

Garrison, LangdonH. Alabama-West Florida

Gary, Vicki L Mississippi

Caspar, Miguel Western Angola

Gaspard,Joan Central Texas

Gates, Mary H Minnesota

Gates, Jim R Pacific Northwest

Gause, Carolyn Baltimore-Washington

Gaylord, Frank R. Wisconsin

Gentry, James E. (9) South Indiana

Georgi, Christoph German East

Gerente, Nestor S East Philippines

Gerhard, June A. (9) West Ohio

Gibson, Thomas D. (9) Eastern Pennsylvania

Gibson, Mildred W. (6) Western North CaroUna

Gilbert, Ron W Oklahoma

Giles, Ruth L Baltimore-Washington

Gilland,Jim C. Western North Carolina

Gillis,Jr.,R. Franklin Virginia

Gilreath, Judy M North Texas

Gleason, Carol California-Nevada

Gleaton, Tommy D Rocky Mountain

Cleaves, Edith L North Carolina

Goehring, Carol W. North Carolina

Gains, Sr., Edgar S. Louisville

Goldman, June P. (5) Iowa

Goldschmidt, Victor W. (5) North Indiana

Gomes, Antonia Z. (6) Western Angola

Gomez, Julita R. Philippines

Gomez, Roberto L Rio Grande

Gonzales, Annie J. Northern Illinois

Gonzalez, Jr., Manuel E Philippines

Good, Menno E. (2) Eastern Pennsylvania

Good, Mary Hicks Wisconsin

Goodgame, Gordon C (5) Holston

Goodpastor, Larry M. (10) Mississippi

Goodwin, Tom P Alabama- West Florida

Goodwin, Dick (3) New Mexico

Goodwin, Galen L. (10) Northern New Jersey

Gordon, Jinny (3) Central Illinois

Gordon, Tyrone T. (9) Kansas West

Gordon, Betty S West Virginia

Goss, Nettie J North Arkansas

Gotz, Matthias German North

Goudie, Robert F. (9) Detroit

Gragg, James P. Oklahoma

Granger, Philip /?. (3) North Indiana

Grasle, Paul German South

Gray, Stefanie A. (7) California-Pacific

Gray, Jon R. (1) Missouri West

Gray, Aaron M. (9) Rocky Mountain

Gray, Kay C. Tennessee

Gray, Eileen (6) Western Pennsylvania

Greathouse, Lowell R. (.5) Oregon-Idaho

Green, Mareyjoyce (7) East Ohio

Green, John H. Florida

Green, James R. Holston

Green, H. Sterling (9) Peninsula-Delaware

Delegate Information

21

Greene, Paul S Central Illinois

Greene, Daryle E. (2) Missouri East

Greenway, J^ey £ (3) Western Pennsylvania

Gregory, Terry P North Arkansas

Grey, ITielnia (8) Western Pennsylvania

Grieb, Thomas fi. (4) Louisville

Grier, Dianne B Iowa

Griffith, Daniel (2) East Ohio

Griffith, Jr., Frank J. (10) South Carolina

Groseclose,AlanD. (4) Holston

Gross, Richard F. (3) New England

Grossman, Gail F Pacific Northwest

Grubb, Donna Central Pennsylvania

Gruneke, Christel (3) German North

Guarin, Abraham C. Central loizon

Guerrero, Anacleto G East Philippines

Guest, Donald F. Northern Illinois

Guidry, Francis E.W. Texas

Gulick, Tom North Texas

Gulinello, Frank (7) New England

Gunther, Thomas German East

Gunther, Andreas German East

Gustafson, Gus M. 0 North Georgia

Guzman, JosueR. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Guzman, Noel Mindanao Philippines

Gwinn, Al (6) Kentucky

Haas, Jerry P. Desert Southwest

Haase, Becky (8) California-Pacific

Habacon, AraceU E East Philippines

Hagiya, Grant J. (8) California-Pacific

Hairston, William I. (5) West Virginia

Hakeem, Berty Northern Illinois

Halderman, Sharon D. (J) Central Pennsylvania

Hall, Darlene Nebraska

Hall, Russell C. North Central New York

Holler, Laurie A West Michigan

Hallett, Helga P. (10) West Virginia

Halloway, Eke A. (5) Sierra Leone

Halter, Kenneth Detroit

Hamill, Raymond L Wyoming

Hamilton, Hattie G. (6) Eastern Pennsylvania

Hamilton, Tom W. (10) Florida

Hamilton, Richard M. New England

Hamilton-Kenney, Thomas M. Central Illinois

Hamley, Scott Western Pennsylvania

Hamon, C. Mac South Indiana

Hamrick, Leon (2) North Alabama

Han, James (2) East Ohio

Han, Sang-Hyu West Ohio

Hand, Donald J Southwest Texas

Handy, Doris M Western Pennsylvania

Hanke, Gilbert C. (3) Texas

Hansen, Lei/A Norway

Hardcastle, James (7) Peninsula-Delaware

Hardin, Jr., E. Wannamaker . . . . Western North Carolina

Hardinger, Adam Baltimore-Washington

Hardman, Ronald L Virginia

Hardwick, Judy L Central Illinois

Hargrave, Michelle M. Minnesota

Harman, Christine (1) Louisville

Hamish,John E. Detroit

Hamish,JamesA. (9) Florida

Harper, Barbara E. North Alabjmia

Harper, Ruth E. North Carolina

Harper, Polly G. (5) South Carolina

Harr, Bonnie D Western Pennsylvania

Harrell, Sr.,James A. (2) Western North Carolina

Harris, Joseph L (1) Oklahoma

Hartman, Shawn (3) Central Pennsylvania

Harvey, William R. East Ohio

Harvey, Andrew C. Western Pennsylvania

Hasemeyer, Bill (3) Nebraska

Hassinger, Susan W. (3) Eastern Pennsylvania

Hataway,Joan (9) Texas

Hataway, Bill Texas

Hatcher, William 'Bill' S. (5) South Georgia

Hathcock, Philip L. (10) North Arkansas

Hausman, Sharon i4. (2) West Ohio

Haverstock, Zedna M. (4) Central Pennsylvania

Hawke, Marybelle Western Pennsylvania

Hayenga, Mary (1) Dakotas

Hayes, Jr., Robert E. (5) Texas

Haygood, David T South Georgia

Heare, Jerry (8) Southwest Texas

Hearin, Gerry Af. (5) North Alabama

Hechanova, Sharon C. . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Hecker, Frigyes Hungary Provisional

Hefley, Chuck E. (1) North Indiana

Heidler, Hartmut German East

Heisler, Benton R. West Michigan

Heissler, Udo German South

Helliesen, Oyvind (10) Norway

Hembrador, Phoebe L . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Henderson, Curtis J. (3) Alabama-West Florida

Henderson, Betty A Eastern Pennsylvania

Henderson, Jean (10) Holston

Henderson, Dolores H. {8) New York

Henderson, Gwen C. (8) North Carolina

Henderson, Cornelius L (8) North Georgia

Henderson, Ronald D. (jo) North Texas

Henderson, Michael B South Carolina

Henry, Earnest L Mississippi

Henry, Daniel (3) Northern Illinois

Henry, William R. (2) Oklahoma

Henry, Sr., Luther W. Central Texas

Hensler, Gisela German Southwest

Hensley, Basil A West Virginia

Hermano, Santos C. .... East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Hernandez, Andrew Texas

Herrmann, Hans-Wilhelm German North

Herrmann, Siegfried German Southwest

Herrrmann, Ludwig German East

Hershberger, Jill S Kansas East

Hershberger, Nyle (10) Western Pennsylvania

Hess, Kay South Indiana

Hetzner, Armin German South

Hicks-Caskey, W. Sue Holston

Hill, Judith C. (6) Central Pennsylvania

Hill, Teresa E. Florida

Hill, Philip D. LouisvUle

Hill, Robert North Central New York

Hill, Ed H. (5) Northwest Texas

Hill, Shirley Southwest Texas

Hill, L Douglas (2) Virginia

Hill, Martha West Ohio

Hilliard, David M (3) Memphis

Hillman, Byrd (4) Mississippi

Hines, William A. {%) West Ohio

Hinshaw, M. Creede South Georgia

Hinson, William H. (3) Texas

Hinton,Jr., CoyH. North Georgia

Hipwell, Ronald J. Western Pennsylvania

Hirata, Richard Baltimore-Washington

Hodges, Larry T. (9) Oklahoma

Hoffinan, Irene Peninsula-Delaware

Hoffman, Elizabeth (4) Southern New Jersey

22

DC A Advance Edition

Hoffman, David L West Ohio

Hogberg,Bo Sweden

Hoke, Sandra F. Northern Illinois

HolifieldJ- Anthony (7) North Arkansas

Holliday, Jerry Kansas East

Hollins, McCallister {2) North Georgia

Hollis, C. Waymon North Arkansas

Holmes, William A. {7) Baltimore-Washington

Holmes, Lucinda S Oklahoma

Holsinger, Jim (5) Kentucky

Holston, Charles A. Alabama-West Florida

Holston, L Jonathan North Georgia

Holt, Nathan Desert Southwest

Holt, Gloria (1) North Alabama

Holtsclaw, Thomas G. (3) North Carolina

Hood, Andrea New York

Hook,JayW Detroit

Hopkins, David CentralTexas

Hopkins, Carolyn J. (7) South Georgia

Hopkins, John L (4) South hidiana

Hopson, Cyntha B Memphis

Hopson, Roger A (1) Memphis

Home, Edward C. New York

Horst, Mark L Minnesota

Horton,JohnE. (9) South Georgia

Horton,AlvinJ (8) Virginia

Hoshibata, Robert T. (1) Pacific Northwest

House, Donald R. (4) Texas

Howard, J N. (.9) Holston

Howard, Charles E North Alabama

Howell, H. Sharon (5) Kansas East

Howell, Jr, Robert J South Carolina

Howie, Bill F. (1) Western North Carolina

Howie, Richard A. Western North Carolina

Hsu, Leo L California-Pacific

Huber, PaulW Virginia

Huber-Hohls, Ruth (9) CentralTexas

Huckaby, Jr., Robert L (10) North Carolina

Huffman, Joel E. (4) Desert Southwest

Hughen, Richard New England

Huie,JaniceRiggleK (9) Southwest Texas

Hulick, Elizabeth 'Betsy" (8) Virginia

Hunsinger, Robert G New York

Hunter, Craig A East Ohio

Hunter HI, George G. (2) Florida

Huntington, Marilynn M. California-Pacific

Huston, Joseph D. (2) West Michigan

Hutchins, Charles A. (10) South Carolina

Hutchinson, Larry R. Louisville

Hutchinson, William (10) New Mexico

Hutchinson, Charles L. (1) South Indiana

Hutchison, Larry (2) Southern Illinois

Hutton, Lynn W Holston

Ibasco, Abelardo 0 Philippines

Icaza-Willetts, Migdalia L Florida

Iceman, Anita L (5) Desert Southwest

ldom,Jr,Matt Texas

Ilunga, Kaseya (1) North Shaba

Ingram, Betsy (3) New York

Imnan,JackC Florida

Ireland, Jeffrey Iowa

Irwin, Jr., Thomas H. Central Pennsylvania

Mil, Takayuki New York

Isnes, Anders (9) Norway

Iwig, James H. Kansas West

Jackson, Betty R California-Pacific

Jackson, Gregory K. Pacific Northwest

Jackson, Robert M Texas

Jackson, Kenneth J. (9) Virginia

Jackson, Ward (3) Virginia

Jacob, Angel Palawan Provisional

Jacobs, Thomas H. Central Pennsylvania

Jacobsen, Svein Norway

James, Rachel S. (8) Louisville

Janka,JohnA Southern New Jersey

Jantzen, Vernon G Kansas West

Jarrett, Joseph AM. (1) Sierra Leone

Jarrett, Sue C. (2) West Virginia

Jarvis, David F. Virginia

Jarvis, Patricia A West Virginia

Jasper, David E. West Virginia

Jayne, Carlos C. (6) Iowa

Jelinek, Robert V North Central New York

Jelinek, Patricia B North Central New York

Jenkins, Alonza C. South Carolina

Jenkins, Harry R. West Virginia

Jennings, Irwin £. (9) East Ohio

Jennings, James F. (9) Florida

Jennings, W. R Kentucky

Jensen, Irene Khin Khin Minnesota

Jesus de, Edgar A. Philippines

Jetter, Armin German South

John, Emmy L Northern Illinois

Johns, JuneA. Florida

Johnson, Peggy Ann (2) Baltimore-Washington

Johnson, Duane R. (4) California-Pacific

Johnson, C. Annie Central Illinois

Johnson, Alfred (5) Eastern Pennsylvania

Johnson, Dan (7) Florida

Johnson, Jane H. (6) North Carolina

Johnson, Norman R. North Georgia

Johnson, Charles I North Indiana

Johnson, Carolyn E. (6) North Indiana

Johnson, Charles L (5) South Carolina

Johnson, H. Sam (9) South Carolina

Johnson, Mary Texas

Johnson, Thelma L. (5) West Ohio

Johnson, Michael D West Ohio

Jones, Everett Baltimore-Washington

Jones, Cynthia A (8) Central Illinois

Jones, Jon W. (5) Kansas West

Jones, Dale (4) Kentucky

Jones, Donna Kentucky

Jones, Chester R. (3) Little Rock

Jones, Ida F. T North Georgia

Jones, James J. North Indiana

Jones, Scott J. (9) North Texas

Jones, Brian N. (3) South Indiana

Jones, Richard H. (9) Wisconsin

Josselyn, Lynne New England

Joyner,Jr.,F. Belton (10) North Carolina

Juan, Rodolfo (Rudy) A Philippines

Junga, Klaus E German North

Junk, Tom M. (1) Oklahoma

Justice, Jean Fitch (10) Minnesota

Ka-Kabamba, Kazadi North Shaba

Kabwende, Numbi North Shaba

Kafimbo, Shimbi (5) North Shaba

Kail, Edward A (9) Iowa

Kalume Mayombo, Mwepu North Shaba

Kamara, Abass Western Pennsylvania

Kammerer, Charlene P. (10) Florida

Kang, Youngsook C. (8) Rocky Mountain

Kapend, Musumb (1) Southern Zaire

Kapumba, Isolo (5) Southern Zaire

Kasiguran, Aluida L East Philippines

Delegate Information

23

Kasiguran,Jr.,CiriloR. East Philippines

Kasongo, Disashi Central Zaire

Katemuna, Monga (2) North Shaba

Katokane, Mande North Shaba

Katokane, Mande (4) North Shaba

Kavund, Kapend Southern Zaire

Kavwala Matanda, Ngoy (7) Tanganyika

Kawasaki, Matt Louisiana

Kayeke, Nguz Southern Zaire

Kayinda, Mujinga (4) Southern Zaire

Kea, Donald M. South Georgia

Keahey, La Verne Little Rock

Keaton, Jonathan D. (5) Northern Illinois

Keck, Duane J. (10) Alabama-West Florida

Keck, Matthew C Northern Illinois

Keels, Bernard 'Skip' (6) Baltimore-Washington

Keels, Christine (6) Baltimore- Washington

Kelemeni, Eddie Rocky Mountain

Kellerman, James G Detroit

Kelley, Erin E Western North Carolina

Kelsey.JoanT West Michigan

Kelso, Scott r. (7) West Ohio

Kemha, Djamba West Zaire

Kennedy, Judy Central Pennsylvania

Kent, Harry R South Carolina

Kerber, Joyce B Missouri West

Kerscher, Horst (9) German Southwest

Kester, Susan K. (6) Peninsula-Delaware

Kettner, Hans-Peter German Southwest

Key, Jewell C Western North Carolina

Kichibi, Mukalayi (4) Tanganyika

Kiebling, Dieter (8) German East

Kiesey, Deborah L (8) Iowa

Kilimbo, Kajoba Southern Zaire

Kilpatrick, Joe W. (9) North Georgia

Kim, MyungJ. (9) Virginia

Kim, In Muk Western North Carolina

Kimba, Kasongo (3) North Shaba

Kimbrough, Walter L North Georgia

Kimmelman, Linda S. New York

Kincaid, Sr.,J. LaVon (2) Western Pennsylvania

Kinchaloe, Beatrice (1) Holston

Kindschi, Rik (1) Wisconsin

King, Ryann Kansas East

King, Charles B. Virginia

King, Jr., James R. (5) Tennessee

Kinkundulu, Nyembo North Shaba

Kirk, R.L(9) Northwest Texas

Kirkwood, William C New York

Kitenge Moma, Lusanga Tanganyika

Kitterman, Sarah (8) Iowa

Kizer, Mary K. Western North Carolina

Kjemald, Margareta Sweden

Klein, Robert E California-Pacific

Weinhempel, Maria German East

Klement, Birgit German East

Klix, Christian German South

Knight, Gary //. (9) Mississippi

Knight, Margaret F. (1) North Georgia

Knight, Suzanne P. (10) West Virginia

Knoller, Heidelore German South

Knoller, Horst German South

Knowles, Grady (4) California-Nevada

Kober, Friedhelm (6) German East

Kohlhammer, Reiner German South

Kohlhepp, Glenn B. (4) Western Pennsylvania

Konge, Makese (9) North Shaba

Kra/i, Irene German North

Krause, Mary Lou Texas

Krill, Caryl West Ohio

Krizova, Jana (3) Czech and Slovak Republics

Kroslid, Sigmund Norway

Kumbe, Alua (9) Central Zaire

Kwak, Cheol H. California-Pacific

Kwon, Duk Kyu (10) Northern Illinois

LaBarr,Joan G. (5) North Texas

Labasan, Imelda F. Central Luzon

LaBoone, Faye Mississippi

Lacaria,J. F. (1) West Virginia

Lacaulan,JosueM. (9) Central Luzon

Ladd, Keith M. (7) Eastern Pennsylvania

Ladia, Roberto (1) Mindanao Philippines

Ladia, Vinaflor Mindanao Philippines

LaGree, Kevin R. North Georgia

Laishi, Bwalya Southern Zaire

Lamorena, Crispiniano E Central Luzon

Lanberg, Georgi Estonia Provisional

Landis, C. Robert Red Bird Missionary

Lane, James Oim) W. (3) North Arkansas

Longford lU, Thomas (Andy) A. (5) Western North Carolina

Lapac.Jose Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Lasch, Gabriele German East

Lasher, William A Troy

Lathem, Warren R. North Georgia

Latonero, Simeon L East Philippines

Lau,AnneH California-Nevada

Lauchle,PaulA Central Pennsylvania

Lautzenheiser, Ray East Ohio

Lawson, Jr., James M. (1) California-Pacific

Laycock, Evelyn (3) Holston

Leatherman, Sharon (4) Baltimore-Washington

Leathrum, Nancy R. Peninsula-Delaware

Lee, Linda Detroit

Lee, Kum (9) New England

Lee, Charles H. (8) North Alabama

Lee, Frank T Tennessee

Leeland, Paul L North Carolina

Lefelar, Donald E. (10) East Ohio

Legaspi, Noel S East Philippines

Legaspi, Dominador C. Philippines

Lehman, Donald A. (1) Alabama-West Florida

Lehman, Katharine (10) North Indiana

Lemmel, Barbara (10) Troy

Lenga, Okodiembo Central Zaire

Lenge, Kasongo (1) North Shaba

Lenk, Stefan German East

Leonhardt, Theo German South

Letana, Reynaldo F. Bicol Philippines Provisional

Letana, Ruben M. Philippines

Lett, Steven T. (5) West Michigan

Leverett, H. Robert North Alabama

Lewis, Sinclair E. South Carolina

Lewis, Patricia ^4. (2) Western North Carolina

Lightner, Roy Tennessee

Lilja, Joan M Minnesota

Lilleoja, Tarmo (6) Estonia Provisional

Lindell,Rolf{2) Sweden

Ling, Stanley T. (2) West Ohio

Link, Joanne M. Central Pennsylvania

Linn, Cheryl E Kansas West

Lippse, Charles £. (4) Holston

Litalema, Bogenda (9) Upper Zaire

Little, Laura J North Carolina

Litton, Alice Kentucky

Livingston, David S. (7) Kansas East

Livingston, Lawrence M. Peninsula-Delaware

24

DCA Advance Edition

Loberiano, Abel Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Lx)ckaby, Bob Holston

Locke, Toni L Tennessee

Lodewigs, Siegfried German North

Lodi. Pungumbu (2) Central Zaire

Loel), Carol Southwest Texas

Logan, James C. (7) Virginia

Lomami, Pena Central Zaire

Long, Nellie Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Lopemba, Anker T. Upper Zaire

Lopez, Warlita A. Central Luzon

Lorico, Samuel J. (1) Bicol Philippines Provisional

Loudner, Bonnie L West Ohio

Lourenco, Engracia A. Western Angola

Lowry, Jerry North Carolina

Lowry, John M. (1) Southwest Texas

Lowther, MaryV West Virginia

Loy, 0. F. (4) Louisiana

Loyd, Marilynn N. (4) Little Rock

Lucas, Pag-AsaT East Philippines

Lucas, Aubrey K. (7) Mississippi

Lucena, Harvey M. (6) .... Bicol Philippines Provisional

Lucero, Rhodie A East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Luckert, Dorothy Soufliem Illinois

Luis, Segunda Western Angola

Lukamba, Kalonda Central Zaire

Luke, Jr., Wendell New England

Lumasa, Shala Central Zaire

Lundgren, Christer Sweden

Lupaka, Tshita (1) Central Zaire

Lupdag, Anselmo D Central Luzon

Lutz, Sandra W. (10) East Ohio

Lutz, Benis (4) West Ohio

Lux, William E owa

Lyght, Ernest S. (6) Northern New Jersey

Lyman, Mary Grace New York

Lynn, Shirley G Memphis

Macabuag, Rafael M. (3) Palawan Provisional

Macadenden, Benjamin A. Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Macelhannon, Jean 'Dodie' B South Georgia

Magdowski, Axel German North

Magna, Catalino Middle Philippines

Magno, Elvira West Middle Philippines

Magtanong, Ricardo West Middle Philippines

Mahle, Kathi Austin (5) Minnesota

Maj, Ryszard (3) Poland

Malale Mupika, Ngoie North Shaba

Malicki, Andrzej Poland

Mallory, Gabrielle G. (1) West Ohio

Mallory, Margaret M. (8) West Ohio

Moloney, Alfred S. Eastern Pennsylvania

Mamaclay, Amelia Mindanao Philippines

Manabat, Cristina N Bulacan Philippines

Mande, Makonga North Shaba

Mann, Reinhold German East

Manson, Carolyn P South Georgia

Manuel, Nathaniel S. Philippines

Manuel, Rodrigo Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Manya, Diamba Central Zaire

MarceUus, Etta W Western North Carolina

Marchbanks, Paul K (6) Holston

Maregmen, Maximino . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Mariano, Carol A Pacific Northwest

Mariano, liz P Philippines

Marlowe, Deborah A North Georgia

Marquardt, Manfred German North

Marques, Regina (4) Western Angola

Marquez, Cesar Mindanao Philippines

Marr, Betty Southwest Texas

Marshall, Carolyn M. (10) South Indiana

Marshall, Linda Yellowstone

Martin, Stephen East Ohio

Martin, Flo S. (2) Soudi Georgia

Martinez, Rolando C. East Philippines

Masengele, Ngoy North Shaba

Mason, Betty Sue (6) Florida

Mason, Howard (3) Peninsula-Delaware

Mason, John A. (1) West Virginia

Massey, Mary Alice (3) Florida

Masters, Sr., Henry L North Texas

Mate, William T. Minnesota

Mathison,John Ed (J) Alabama-West Florida

Matthews, Marcus (5) Baltimore-Washington

Matthews, Eugene W. (10) Baltimore-Washington

Matthis, Morris F. (4) Texas

Mauney, Jimmy H. (3) Western North Carolina

Maxwell, Cecil (9) East Ohio

Mays, Joe W. (S) Mississippi

Mays, Orville (5) Southern Illinois

Mayfield, James Southwest Texas

Mayo, Margaret J South Indiana

Mayo,JerryH. (1) Tennessee

Mays, Harriett A. South Carolina

Mbembe.Rev. Central Zaire

Mbukula, Koy (8) Central Zaire

McAden, Robinson H. Virginia

McAIilly, Stephen L (2) Mississippi

McAIpin, Jackie L Northwest Texas

McCabe, John S. (4) Northern Illinois

McCall, Morris Texas

McCallum, Marvin H. (ff) Detroit

McCartney, William A East Ohio

McCartt (34700,,) Holston

McCauley, Ronald M (6) West Virginia

McClain, George D New York

McCleary, Renee L (10) Southern New Jersey

McCleUan,JoEva(3) Kansas West

McClendon, William T. (10) South Carolina

McCleskey,J. Lawrence (10) Western North Carolina

McClung, William L Virginia

McCoy, Myron F. (J) Northern Illinois

McCray, Holly S. (5) Oklahoma

McCullough, June D. (5) Southern New Jersey

McDonald, Steven C. Mississippi

McDowell, Jr., Edward H. South Carolina

McEntire, W. David Florida

McGarvey, Gregory (7) South Indiana

McGee, Elijah Tennessee

McGuirt, Betty Moss B South Carolina

McKain, Tom South Indiana

McKeown, Leland P. (3) Florida

McKinney.J. Eric (10) Central Texas

McKonly, Melinda L (6) Eastern Pennsylvania

McMahan, Dorothy S. (5) New England

McReynolds, Russell F. (6) West Michigan

Meador, Donald M. Texas

Meadows, Pat North Alabama

Means, Barbara L. (6) Texas

Meeks, Donald L (10) Southern Illinois

Meisel, Ulrich German East

Mella, Frank Mindanao Philippines

Mendenhall, Don W. (6) Iowa

Mendillo, Benjamin G. Philippines

Mendillo, Menre R. Philippines

Mendonca, Benvinda (9) Eastern Angola

Mercier, Anna M Western North Carolina

Delegate Information

25

Merrick, Tracy (4) Western Pennsylvania

Messer, Donald E. (4) Rocky Mountain

Meuschke, Paul J. Western Pennsylvania

Meyer, Margaret E. (10) Iowa

Meyer, Mary Ellen (4) Missouri East

Meyers, Robert C Oregon-Idaho

Michailova, Mariella Bulgaria Provisional

Michalski, Hans German North

Mklat, Roberto Mindanao Philippines

MiddletonJaneA. (5) New York

Miesse, Helen West Ohio

Miguel, Renato C. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Miguel, Jose Mindanao Philippines

Miguel, Romeo G Philippines

Miguel, Samuel .... Visayas-North Mindanao Philippines

Mikombe, Nseya Central Zaire

Millan, Chita R Central Luzon

Millan, Arsenio C Central Luzon

Millard, M. Kent South Indiana

Miller, Cindy Central Pennsylvania

Miller, Maynard L (5) Minnesota

Miller, Clayton Z. (10) New York

Miller, Mary H. (4) South Indiana

Miller, Patricia L (5) South Indiana

Miller, Jack P. South Indiana

Miller, L Thomas Virginia

Miller. Sue Ellen West Ohio

Miller, John D. (10) Western Pennsylvania

Miller, Sarah S. (4) Wyoming

Millikan, Charles R. Texas

Mills, Carl L Holston

Mills, Tom N. Northwest Texas

Millsaps, Luther Mississippi

Milton, Dorothy L Louisville

Mims, L F. (Harry) (6) Western North Carolina

Minor, Ute (7) German North

Mitchell, Connie Kentucky

Mitchell, Beth W. (9) Northern New Jersey

Mitchell, Peter T South Carolina

Mittelstadt, Holger German North

Moe, Sharon L (10) Pacific Northwest

Moffatt, Jessica F. Oklahoma

Moffet, Gretta M Desert Southwest

Mohr, Karsten W. German North

Moma, Moma Wa (2) Southern Zaire

Moman, Mary Ann South Indiana

Moncure, Jr., Rhymes H. (6) Missouri East

Mones, Johnson Middle Philippines

Monteloyola, Renato P Philippines

Montgomery, Darlene T. (1) Kansas East

Montgomery, Pamela South Indiana

Montgomery, Samuel (7) Texas

Moon, Scott A Missouri East

Mooneyhan, James B. (1) North Georgia

Moore, Mary Elizabeth (10) California-Pacific

Moore, Frances H. (3) North Alabama

Moore, James W. (i) Texas

Moore, Joy J. (10) West Michigan

Moore, John E West Ohio

Moorefield, Jr., Eugene Virginia

Moorehead.J. Donald Memphis

Moreno Rivas, Rafael Puerto Rico

Morey, Janet C. Minnesota

Morgan, T. Michael North Alabama

Morgan, Willie E North Indiana

Morgan, Sharie (10) North Indiana

Morris, Sam 0 Mississippi

Morris, Carolyn W. (10) North Georgia

Morris, Jim W. (2) Red Bird Missionary

Morris, Patricia (3) Western Pennsylvania

Morrison, Martha (Twick) (6) Mississippi

Morrison, Susan (3) New England

Mortel, Yolanda Palawan Provisional

Mortel, Isidro Palawan Provisional

Moss, Danny J. Oklahoma

Mostoles, Rhodita M East Philippines

Motombo, Ngoy North Shaba

Mott, Stephen C. New England

Moxley, Jody P. (5) Florida

Moyer, Bonda D. (9) North Arkansas

Mpiana, Makonga North Shaba

Muchopa, Naboth (1) Great Britain

Mueller, Michael Wisconsin

Mukala, Musenge (10) North Shaba

Mukazu, Mayonde Southern Zaire

Mukenge, Liwa (10) Central Zaire

MuUer, Marianne German North

Mumba, Djamba (3) Central Zaire

Munda, Ukunda (4) Northeast Zaire

Munyangwe, Kabamba (7) North Shaba

Munza, Kasongo (7) North Shaba

Murphy, Jim Kentucky

Murphy, Sandra L Southern New Jersey

Murphy, Jr, E. Thomas (1) Virginia

Mustonen, Antti R. Finland-Finnish Provisional

Muthiah, Marion Dakotas

Mwema, Kanonge North Shaba

Myers, Mark C. (3) Southern Illinois

Nabors, Jack M. Mississippi

Nabua, Jaime F Central Luzon

Nailor, Steven F Northern Illinois

Nalbantski, Daniel Bulgaria Provisional

Namoc, Nicholas B. .... East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Nato, Arnold Central Luzon

Nausner, Helmut (10) Austria Provisional

Nausner, Michael Sweden

Navas, John M Western New York

Nawej, SulA. (3) Southern Zaire

Ndalamba, Ilunga North Shaba

Neaves, Norman E. Oklahoma

Nebran, Patrocinio O. . . . East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Neels,Jorg Egbert German East

Neese, Betty (9) North Central New York

Nelson, Betty J. (9) Kansas East

Nesbitt, Quentin West Ohio

Neto, Evalina J. Western Angola

Newman, Jared A. (7) Rocky Mountain

Newsome.JackL Central Illinois

Newton, Douglas C. Alabama-West Florida

Ngandu, Kasongo Central Zaire

Ngeleka, Mpanga (4) North Shaba

Ngoie Wa Kuvid, Monga North Shaba

Ngoy, Kazadi (2) North Shaba

Ngoy Kyungu, Matanga (5) North Shaba

Nibbelink.Jim (5) West Ohio

Nichols, Charlotte A Peninsula-Delaware

Nicholson, Anne D. (5) Eastern Pennsylvania

Nicholson, Charles W. Mississippi

Nicodemus, Richard (2) New York

Nicolas, Efi-aim Mindanao Philippines

Nielsen, Grethe-Lis Denmark

Nilo,JeremiasB. Central Luzon

Nilo, Giovanni Montini S East Philippines

Nixon, Harold D. (1) Northwest Texas

Nkemba, Ndjungu (6) Southern Zaire

Nkulu Ntanda, Ntambo (6) North Shaba

26

DCA Advance Edition

Nolla, Jaime Wsconsin

Nolle, Beverly M. (2) Iowa

Norak.Andrus Estonia Provisional

Nordhy, Lars Erik Norway

Norris.J. Allen (7) North Carolina

Norton, Richard (1) little Rock

Norton, Wilbum (Bill) L North CaroUna

Nshimpundu, Musonda Southern Zaire

Ntambo, Mutwale Tanganyika

Nual, Carmelina R. .... Yisayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Nugent, Jr., Randolph W. {2) New York

Nunnelee, M. Diane Missouri West

Nussbaumer Marc Switzerland-France

Nutter.JudyA. (6) West Virginia

Nutter, Randy P. (4) West Virginia

O'Connor-Slater, Deborah L (8) . . North Central New York

O'Dell, Paulette W. (.10) Uttle Rock

OToole, Jr., Ed North Alabama

Oakland, Barbara L Iowa

Oakland, Jerry E. Iowa

Ocampo, Generoso C. (6) Bulacan Philippines

Oden.Tal (10) Oklahoma

Odimba, Kalema (5) Central Zaire

Odland.Tove Norway

Oglesby, Anthony R. (1) South hidiana

Okoko, Luhata Northeast Zaire

Olds, J Howard Louisville

Oleko, A. Nyembo Northeast Zaire

Olin, Judith A East Ohio

Oliphant, George Holston

Olive, George E. (8) Northern New Jersey

Oliveira, Costa (2) Eastern Angola

Oliver, Mary Brown (9) Baltimore-Washington

Oliver, Les North Arkansas

Olpindo, Jonathan D. . Visayas-North Mindanao Philippines

Olsen, Oystein Norway

Ohon, Richard L Iowa

Olson, Harrett Jane (5) Northern New Jersey

Olson-Bunnell, Heather L North Indiana

Ombaku, Onema (4) Central Zaire

Orphe, Martha M. Western Pennsylvania

Ortiz Vidal, Victor (4) Puerto Rico

Osbom,JohnP. West Ohio

Ott, Louise R. Detroit

Ot^es, Jim H. (4) North Indiana

Ough, Bruce R. (2) Iowa

Outlaw, Frederick G. (5) Alabama-West Florida

Outslay, Marilyn J. (6) Oregon-Idaho

Owen-Bofferding, Sue J. (2) Oregon-Idaho

Owens, Ray Central Illinois

Pableo, Franelli C. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Pablo, EliasF. Philippines

Pace, Kimberly R (8) Mississippi

Pacey, Stephen R. (5) Central Illinois

Packer, Vera Louisiana

Padilla,Romulo Bulacan Philippines

Padua, Aida Mindanao Philippines

Page, jr., Conrad M. (5) Central Pennsylvania

Pague, linda Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Pague, Loreto Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Pajaro, Joaquina T Philippines

Palafox, Benny C. Central Luzon

Palafox, Nerissa S Central Luzon

Palaganas, Leon L (4) Central Luzon

Palik, Marija Macedonia-Yugoslavia Provisional

Palik-Kuncak, Ana .... Macedonia-Yugoslavia Provisional

Palmberg, Mervi Finland-Swedish Provisional

Palmer, Gregory K (5) East Ohio

Palmer, Ruth G. (10) Texas

Panganiban, Marita Bulacan Philippines

Panganiban, Rustico V. (5) East Philippines

Paraso, Glen V East Philippines

Park, Hankyu California-Nevada

Park, Song Ja (3) California-Pacific

Park, Young Ok {2) Northern Illinois

Park, Jeremiah J. Northern New Jersey

Park, Yoon S. (1) Virginia

Parker, Joe (6) New England

Parker, Richard S. (6) New York

Parker, Nancy P South Georgia

Parker, Sr., Robert L Oklahoma

Parks, Lewis A (9) Central Pennsylvania

Parks, Arnold G Missouri East

Pamamets, Olav (7) Estonia Provisional

Parris, Shirley (9) New York

Parris,MarkD North Alabama

Parsons, III, James N Texas

Pascua, Lelita R Central Luzon

Pascual, Crisolito S Philippines

Pasley, B. J. (9) South Carolina

Pastores, Nimfe Mindanao Philippines

Patterson, Dottie Western Pennsylvania

Pattugalan, Roland I East Philippines

Paul, Doris B. (6) North Georgia

Paulsmeyer, Jason A (1) Missouri East

Paup, Edward W. {V3) Rocky Mountain

Paustian, Donna CentralTexas

Payne, lillie CentralTexas

Peabody, Joe P. North Georgia

Peak, Diane New England

Pearce, Charles (1) Florida

Peckham, Galen £. (4) Iowa

Pedracio, Danilo T. East Philippines

Peel, Dorothy (6) Memphis

Peeples, William D. (1) Louisiana

Pegalan, Mario Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Penalva, David E. South Indiana

Penetrante, Apolinario Philippines

Pennel,Jr.,JoeE. (9) Tennessee

Pennell, James T. (4) South Georgia

Peralta, Dominador M Central Luzon

Percell,EmeryA (4) Northern Illinois

Perry, Rubin (4) North Georgia

Perry, James M. (2) Troy

Peters, Rhoda A. (9) Louisville

Peters, Frieda K. Oklahoma

Peters, John B. Virginia

Petrak, Ruth Anne Iowa

Petreski, Kitan (3) .... Macedonia-Yugoslavia Provisional

Pevahouse, Joe N Memphis

Phillips,}. D. (6) CentralTexas

Phillips, Cheryl (6) CentralTexas

Phillips, J. Taylor (3) South Georgia

Pickett, William A (4) Florida

Pier-Fitzgerald, Lynn West Michigan

Pierson, Robert D. (6) Oklahoma

Pike, Don M (1) CentralTexas

Pimentel, FeC. Southwest Philippines Provisional

Pineda, Al (6) California-Pacific

Pitney, Deborah G. (10) Oregon-Idaho

Plowman, Jack W. (7) Western Pennsylvania

Plummer, Sr., Kenneth H Central Pennsylvania

Pokropp, Horst German Southwest

Polk, Sherrie D Oklahoma

Poll, Lothar Austria Provisional

Ponder, Reginald W. North Carolina

Delegate Information

27

Ponzani.Joe East Ohio

Porquillo, Rogelio A East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Porter, James R. Central Texas

Porter, John F Louisiana

Porterfield, Charles W South Indiana

Poto, Umembudi (6) Central Zaire

Potter, Robert L. Louisiana

Potter, Helen E. (4) West Ohio

Potter-Miller, Jaime (7) Western Pennsylvania

Potts, Bertha M (9) Oklahoma

Powell, Robert L Alabama-West Florida

Powell, Joseph C. Florida

Powell, Ida B Virginia

Powell, Sr., Larry P. (3) Desert Southwest

Poy, Emundu (2) West Zaire

Predas, Manuel E. Central Luzon

Presnell, William M (9) North Carolina

Price, Pearl L (9) Red Bird Missionary

Pritts, Deborah L (10) North Central New York

Prochazka, Pavel Czech and Slovak Republics

Prochazkova, Miroslava .... Czech and Slovak Republics

Prussner, Roberta Central Illinois

Puno, Carlito S Philippines

PupoOrtiz, Yolanda Baltimore-Washington

Purushotham, Gwen New England

Puslecki, Edward (6) Poland

Putzke, lugeborg German North

Pyron, Marvin R. Missouri East

Queen, Dolores B. (10) Western North Carolina

Quemado, Virginia P. . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Quibonda, Francisco (9) Western Angola

Quick, William K. (&) Detroit

Quick, Jeff (4) North Arkansas

Quilling, Debra A S. (8) South Carolina

Quitlong, MarcelinaA. Central Luzon

Radde, Henry W. {S) Central Texas

Raguindin,JoseQ Central Luzon

Rahuvarm, Andreas Estonia Provisional

Rainier, Helen L. (2) Southern New Jersey

Rainwater, Dorothy (5) Mississippi

Rajamaa, Tapani J. (7) Finland-Finnish Provisional

Rajamaa, Iris Ch. (8) Finland-Finnish Provisional

Ramoran, Jaime C. East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Ramos, Libertino Bicol Philippines Provisional

Ramos, Norberto M. Bulacan Philippines

Ramos, Ernesto Mindanao Philippines

Ramos, Imelda Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Ramos, Jr., Norberto S Bulacan Philippines

Rankin, Donald E. Louisville

Rankin, Nancy Burgin (8) Western North Carolina

Rapisura, Manuel Mindanao Philippines

Rasmussen,Jorgen Denmark

Rathod. Samuel R. (10) Nebraska

Ravenhorst, Dorothy A. (2) Virginia

Read, Riley R Minnesota

Readdean, Shirley E. (6) Troy

Reasner, William S. (6) Southern New Jersey

Redding, LaVada S. (6) Rocky Mountain

Redmond, John A. South Carolina

Reed,JamesR. (7) Kansas West

Reed, Charlotte Nebraska

Reese, William £>. (9) Missouri East

Reeves, Sr., Richard E. (10) Central Illinois

Regala, Riolito C Philippines

Reich, Eldon Dakotas

Reid, William C. (1) South Carolina

Reid, William W. Wyoming

Renders, Helmut German North

Renfro, Mary W Southern Illinois

Renshaw, Earl R. (9) Southern Illinois

Reyes, Ruben T Philippines

Reyes, Gilbert West Middle Philippines

Reynolds, Cynthia (9) North Indiana

Rhodes, Arnold A. (6) Western Pennsylvania

Rhodes-Wickett, Sharon K. (10) California-Pacific

Rhonemus, Alfred C. (1) West Ohio

Ribe, Torbjom Norway

Ricards, Betty P Southern New Jersey

Rice, Mattie M. (6) Little Rock

Richards, Alys P. (7) North Texas

Richardson, David L. (2) California-Pacific

Richardson, Emma M Oklahoma

Richardson, Gerald (10) Western New York

Rickardsson, Ulf Sweden

Ricks, Christian T. (3) Missouri East

Riddle, Barbara W. (10) Florida

Ridenour, Don (3) Iowa

Rieker, Wolfgang German South

Riley, Jr., Henry E. Virginia

Rinehart, Joetta F. (2) Western North Carolina

Ripski, Mike Memphis

Rish, Billy Joe Alabama-West Florida

Riss. TimothyJ. New York

Rivera, EliS.{T) New York

Roberson, Joseph South Georgia

Roberts, Henry E. Alabama-West Florida

Roberts, Rodell F. (6) Florida

Roberts, Sandra Kams New Mexico

Roberts, Tibbie North Carolina

Robertson, Eugene B. Central Texas

Robertson, Suzi (2) Texas

Robinson, Randall F. (4) Central Illinois

Robinson, Bumham Central Texas

Robinson, Emmadell Kansas West

Robinson, George P. Western North Carolina

Rochlitzer, Klaus German East

Roder, Thomas German East

Rodriguez, Erlincy €..... East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Rodriguez, Phyllis R. (4) Wisconsin

Rogers, Lois North Indiana

Rogers, Lois B Peninsula-Delaware

Rogers, Sheila Z). (6) South Carolina

Rojas, Marivic H. (1) Palawan Provisional

Rollins, Benita (6) East Ohio

Roman, David P Oklahoma

Roper, Jocelyn M West Ohio

Rosario, Virgilio S East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Rosas, Robert R. (9) Pacific Northwest

Rose, Barbara J. (1) Kansas West

Rosquita, Florencio East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Rosquita, Faustino (6) Visayas-North Mindanao Philippines

Ross, Ernest (7) Baltimore-Washington

Ross, Vance P. West Virginia

Roughface, Thomas Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Roughton, Philip //. (1) Florida

Rouse, Jeanne North Carolina

Rowlett.Jr, Peyton L Holston

Ruach, Susan W.N. (10) South Indiana

Rubemb, Nawej Southern Zaire

Rubio, Fe East Philippines

Ruckert, Harold German South

Rudisill, Maria Jean West Ohio

Ruedas, Prudencio .... Southwest Philippines Provisional

Ruff, Jerry D. (8) Southern New Jersey

Rufino, Isabelo Mindanao Philippines

Ruggiero, John New York

28

DCA Advance Edition

Ruhnow, Wol^ang German East

Rumford, Steve L South Georgia

Rttof, Klaus U. German South

Rush, James H. (8) South Georgia

Russel, Remedios Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Russell, Timothy A Central Texas

Russell Jerald W. Holston

Russell, Willard Peninsula-Delaware

Ryon, Susan Iowa

Sabado, Hilario East Philippines

Sadio, Sydney S. Southern New Jersey

Sadler, Herb (3) Alabama-West Florida

Sadsad, Domingo Bulacan Philippines

Sadsad, Catalina Bulacan Philippines

Sager, Stan (5) New Mexico

Sales, Esrom S Central Luzon

Salley, James (1) South Carolina

Salter, Diane Central Pennsylvania

Salvador, Eduardo Philippines

Salyer, Ronald (4) North Central New York

Samson, Ramon Bulacan Philippines

Samson, Jr., Gerardo R Bulacan Philippines

Samuel, Kayombo (9) Southern Zaire

Samuelson, David Texas

Sanchez, Federico A East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Sanchez, Jorge E. Northern New Jersey

Sanden,Hilde Norway

Sands, Judith CentralTexas

Sansano, David Philippines

Sarangaya, Ismael M. Bulacan Philippines

Sarazin, Duane K (3) Minnesota

Saunkeah, Ann (5) Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Scavuzzo,DavidJ. East Ohio

Schaarschmidt, Christian German Southwest

Schall, Dan Western Pennsylvania

Schauermann, Henrik Hungary Provisional

Scheer, Dennis H. (2) Kansas West

Schempp, Ulrich German North

Schenck, Carl L (5) Missouri East

Schert, Siegfried German South

Schieck, Lothar German East

Schlagenhauf, Karin German South

Schlicher, Nancy L West Ohio

Schmdz, Werner German South

Schmdz, Rainer German South

Schnase, Robert Southwest Texas

Schock, Louise K (10) Northwest Texas

Schoeffler, Sarah Louisiana

Schreiber, Gerhard German Southwest

Schwab, Penney (6) Kansas West

Schwab, Sharon L Western Pennsylvania

Scott, Zane (8) Holston

Scott, Jack J Louisville

Scott, Ralph L Missouri West

Scott, Donald L Oklahoma

Scott, Gail F. (3) Wyoming

Scott III, William D. (1) Mississippi

Seamands, David (1) Kentucky

Segrest, Dale (7) Alabama-West Florida

Seifert, Lois C Califomia-PacLSc

Self, Eddie (5) North Alabama

Selle, Man/red German North

Selleck, Richard A West Michigan

Selman, Scott North Alabama

Sendwe, Ilunga (7) West Zaire

Serafica, Eugene Palawan Provisional

Sessions, Jeff B. (7) Alabama-West Florida

Sessums, T. Terrell (7) Florida

Severance, Robert J. (8) Kansas West

Severe, David L. (5) Oklahoma

Sewell, Peggy 1. (3) Rocky Mountain

Seymour, James T. (1) Peninsuk-Delaware

Seymour, Jr., Joseph (Jody) C. . . . . Western North Carolina

Shamana, Beverly J. (6) California-Pacific

Shank, Donald R. East Ohio

Sharp, Christie C. (6) Desert Southwest

Sharpe, Susan Af. (2) Memphis

Shaw, Bobbye R. Northwest Texas

Shaw, Jr., Caswell E. (2) North Carolina

Sheaffer, Lee B. (4) Virginia

Sheets, Herchel S. (9) North Georgia

Sheldon, Barbara P Kansas West

Sheldon, Frank E West Michigan

Shelly, GussJ Mississippi

Shelton 111, Henry C Memphis

Shepherd,Jim (8) Kentucky

Shepherd, Robert E Western North Carolina

Sherbrooke, Sue Pacific Northwest

Sherrer, John Alabama-West Florida

Sherrill, Katherine C. Western North Carolina

Shervanick, Nancy L Southern New Jersey

Shettle.JohnT. (2) North Indiana

Shingler, Sara S. (6) South Carolina

Shivers, Constance A. (1) Southern New Jersey

Short, Riley P. (5) Horida

Shufflebarger, Emmett G Holston

Shuler. Albert (6) North Carolina

Siaba, Judith E. (2) Northern Illinois

Siegrist, Roland (6) Austria Provisional

Sieweck, Kriemhild German North

Sigmon, Thomas R. Western North Carolina

Sikes, Scott (7) Holston

Sikes, Marget H North Georgia

Silva, Mary (6) Rio Grande

Simmons, Charles B. (10) Louisiana

Simmons, Angelin J (7) South Carolina

Simmons, Jennifer J West Virginia

Simon, John P. Florida

Sims, Jeanne' Southern Illinois

Sims, Margaret Texas

Sineath, Charles A North Georgia

Sitts, Jeff (4) Minnesota

Sizemore, James A. Virginia

Skeen, W.M. 'BiU' (9) Holston

Skelley-Watts,JoanE. (8) East Ohio

Skinner, James G. (4) East Ohio

Skoldh Jonsson, Ulla Sweden

Slaughter, Michael B. (3) West Ohio

Sleeth, James R. West Virginia

Smalley, Susan (6) Alaska Missionary

Smith, Louise Baltimore-Washington

Smith, Patti M Baltimore-Washington

Smith, Robert California-Pacific

Smith, Hiram (10) Central Texas

Smith, Alice I Florida

Smith, Tompsie K. (5) Iowa

Smith, Sandy Little Rock

Smith, Carol A. (8) Missouri East

Smith, Rodney New Mexico

Smith, Bucky North Georgia

Smith, Scott North Texas

Smith, Jim W. (6) Northwest Texas

Smith, Nolan Rocky Mountain

Smith, Jerry J (4) Southwest Texas

Smith, Randy (3) Texas

Smith, Sandra W. Texas

Delegate Information

29

Smith, David H. Virginia

Smith. Theodore (5) Virginia

Smith, Velma Wisconsin

Snider, Mariin L Central Pennsylvania

Snyder, Clyde A Central Illinois

Snyder, Herbert}. Eastern Pennsylvania

Soderstrom, Marcus (6) . . . . Finland-Swedish Provisional

Soderstrom, Gosta Finland-Swedish Provisional

Sololo, Nduu Southern Zaire

Sorensen, Ove S. Denmark

Soriano, Leo Mindanao Philippines

Soriano, Dania Mindanao Philippines

Sowards, Charlotte M. (6) Louisville

Sowers, Gary D. (1) Central Pennsylvania

Sowers, Geoffrey L Eastern Pennsylvania

Spachman, Amy L. (7) West Michigan

Sparkman, Jr., Robert H. North Alabama

Speck, Heinz German South

Spelman, Jeffrey R Northern New Jersey

Spence, Elizabeth Lopez New Mexico

Spence, Dennis North Arkansas

Spencer, Sharon R Central Pennsylvania

Spencer, Beverly J. (6) Iowa

Spencer, Eugene P West Virginia

Spinti, Robert J Wisconsin

Sprague, Mary B West Michigan

Sprague. C. Joseph (5) West Ohio

Spranger, Friedrich German East

Springer, Joann L Florida

SL Clair, Liz (5) Peninsula-Delaware

Stabler, Monty (9) North Alabama

Stadler, Jr., Leonard E. Western North Carolina

Stahl, Reiner German South

Stambach, Paul E Central Pennsylvania

Standiford, James W. (10) Desert Southwest

Stanfield, Clyde New Mexico

Stanley, David Iowa

Stanovsky, Elaine J. W. (S) Pacific Northwest

Stanton, Harold (4) Detroit

Stames, Paul M Holston

Stedman, Cathy N (2) Central Illinois

Steeger, Hans-Albert German North

Steele, Rodney G North Arkansas

Stegall, Karl K. (A) Alabama-West Florida

Stein, Hans-Ulrich German North

Stein, Neil L Missouri East

Steinert, Ruthild German North

Stengel, Cathy Hall Western New York

Stephenson, Janet E. (7) Iowa

Stephenson, Roy (9) Memphis

Stevens, Garrie F. North Central New York

Stevens, Robert W. (4) Pacific Northwest

Stewart, E. Allen Baltimore- Washington

Stewart Carl E. (8) Louisiana

Stewart, Mollie M. (4) North Alabama

Stewart, Jr., Donalds. (8) Baltimore- Washington

Still, Billy (3) Alaska Missionary

Stilwell, Robert £. (3) South Carolina

Stith in, Frank A Western North Carolina

Stokes, Nancy D Desert Southwest

Stone, Ruth Ellen North Indiana

Stoneking, John D Kansas East

Stookey, Laurence H. Peninsula-Delaware

Story, Bettie W. (6) Central Illinois

Stout, David B. (10) Iowa

Stover, Gregory £>. (3) West Ohio

Strait, Nancy Rocky Mountain

Strait, Goerge E. South Carolina

Straka, Gabriel German North

Streetman, Charles (Bud) E Western North Carolina

Streiff, Fritz East Ohio

Streiff, Patrick Ph. {2) Switzerland-France

Strickland, Don (5) Texas

Sfroman, Pat (7) Central Texas

Stultz, Valerie W (3) East Ohio

Stutes, Robert G Texas

Sublette, Jean S. (6) Alabama-West Florida

Suits, L. David Troy

Summers, Jr., Vance West Ohio

Summers, Jr., Kenneth T Wyoming

Summerville, Margaret (2) Baltimore-Washington

Susag, Philip New England

Suzuki, Betty (6) California-Nevada

Swanson, James E. (1) South Georgia

Sweet, Elizabeth A. (6) New England

Sweet, Robert New England

Swiggett, Ernest L (4) New York

Swisher, Ronald E. (9) California-Nevada

Sykes, Roslyn K. (7) Missouri East

Tabbert, Russell Florida

Takoy, Onalunge Central Zaire

Talbott, Bert South Indiana

Talley, Kathryn F. Virginia

Tamang, Evelina Bulacan Philippines

Tamayo, Qualita Palawan Provisional

Tan, Wee-Li (10) New England

Tangonan, Lito C. East Philippines

Tanksley, Lem A. Tennessee

Tapia, Elizabeth S. Bulacan Philippines

Tappan, Marion East Ohio

Tatem, Dorothy W. Eastern Pennsylvania

Taylor, Mary Virginia (1) Holston

Taylor, Lois New England

Taylor, Wesley D Oregon-Idaho

Teano, Veronica C Philippines

Terrell, Charles Mississippi

Tews, Jane A. (1) Desert Southwest

Thai, Josef Czech and Slovak Republics

Tharpe, Nina S Western North Carolina

Theysohn, Reinhard German North

Thielking, William B. (3) Southern New Jersey

Thomas, Daniel M Mississippi

nomas, David W. Oklahoma

Thomas, John J. (9) South Indiana

Thomas, Clara E Southern New Jersey

Thompson, Janelle A. Detroit

Thompson, Marjorie H. (6) Minnesota

Thompson, James N. (4) North Georgia

Thompson, George E. Western North Carolina

Thompson, Odell (6) Wisconsin

Thomburg, John D North Texas

Tibalbag, Roy Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Tibbits, Lewis (1) Detroit

Tichenor, Lisa W North Texas

Tindall, Mary C Mississippi

Tinoco,DavidA. (9) California-Pacific

Titus, Phylemon Z). (3) Detroit

Todd, Steve Nebraska

Tomlinson, K. Edward North Georgia

Tonkel, D. Keith Mississippi

Topolewski, John L (10) Wyoming

Toquero, Solito K. Bulacan Philippines

Torres, Ulises New England

Torres, Presentacion J Philippines

Toschak, Patricia Morton (8) Minnesota

Trajkovski, Boris (1) Macedonia-Yugoslavia Prov.

30

DCA Advance Edition

Traver, Melissa S South Georgia

Trevino-Teddlie, Jeannie (4) Central Texas

Trigg, 0. Gerald Rocky Mountain

Trotter, Mark C. (3) California-Pacific

Trotter, Jr., Franks. (4) Baltimore-Washington

Trumble, BetteT. (5) Nebraska

Tserenkov, Juri Estonia Provisional

Tshilombo.Rev Central Zaire

Tubach, Jerry A. (4) Kansas East

Tucker, Mary Frances (6) Holston

Tucker, A. Arthur West Virginia

Tullhage, Leif Sweden

Turhyfill, Margaret A Virginia

Turkington, Will Kentucky

Turner, Richard D. (6) Nebraska

Turner-Lacy. Nathaniel L. (9) West Virginia

TuttleJoellynW North Central New York

Twigg, Aimee W. (9) Western Pennsylvania

Twite Kanonge, Ngoy North Shaba

Tyler, Ann (10) Western North Carolina

Uhlmann, Herbert German East

Ullo, Arsenic East Philippines

Ulmer, Susan South Carolina

Umembudi, Akasa (7) Central Zaire

Undo, Yemba (6) Northeast Zaire

Underwood, Donald W. {4) North Texas

Underwood, Cecil H West Virginia

Urbom, Warren (7) Nebraska

Valderama, Noe C. .... Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns
Valderama, Mamita C. . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

VanDussen, D. Gregory Western New York

Van Stone, Jack (2) South Indiana

Vanzant, Lucille V. (2) Oklahoma

Vaughn, Carole Virginia

Vazquez-Garza, Virgilio Southwest Texas

Velasco, Rolando C. Bulacan Philippines

Velez, Miguel A. (6) Puerto Rico

Vengco, Nonato U. Philippines

Vesen, Peter German Southwest

Vetter, Jeremy (1) Nebraska

Vidal, R. Kathleen S Central Luzon

Viduya, Trinidad Southwest Philippines Provisional

Vigneaux, Randy W Missouri West

Villa, Samuel B. Philippines

Villalon, Marie-Sol S. . . Southwest Philippines Provisional
Villalon,Jr,AnicetoR. (1) ... Southwest Philippines Prov.

Villamayor, Aurora A. East Philippines

Villamin,LilyM. California-Pacific

Villanueva, Lima Mindanao Philippines

Villanueva, Myma G. . . . Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Vineyard, George D Western New York

Vinluan, Victor C. Central Luzon

Vinte e Cinco, Gabriel Western Angola

Vogel,UndaJ Iowa

Vogt.JeroldW. (10) Kansas West

Voigt, Karl Heinz German North

Vose, Marvin R. Rocky Mountain

Vun Cannon, L. Lewis (8) Western North Carolina

Wagner, Ray (7) Dakotas

Waitzmann, Ludwig German South

Walden, Thomas L North Carolina

Walker, Robin A. Kansas West

Walker, Beverly J Oregon-Idaho

Walker, Dorothy (9) Western Pennsylvania

Walker, Jr., Robert C. (3) West Ohio

Walker, Sr., Robert C West Ohio

Walkup, Vincent Tennessee

Wall, James Randy North Carolina

Wallace, Davids. North Alabama

Waller, L. Glenn Missouri West

Walu, Onema Central Zaire

Wangawang, Noemi Mindanao Philippines

Ward, Robert B. Iowa

Ward, Martha Z). (3) Iowa

Ward, GaryT. (4) North Alabama

Ward, Hope M. North Carolina

Warfield,Jr., Stanley M. Oklahoma

Washington, Rosa California-Nevada

Washington, Stanley (3) East Ohio

Wata, Kongolo (9) North Shaba

Waters, Carolyn Nebraska

Waters, Dale C. (3) West Virginia

Watkins, Bradley F. (T) Central Illinois

Watkins, Richard West Ohio

Watson, B. Michael (10) Alabama-West Florida

Watson, Tom (8) Nebraska

Watt, Sharon M (6) Texas

Waugh, James E. (8) West Ohio

Waymire, Mona Mae (4) Oklahoma

Weatherall, Sylvester Southern Illinois

Weatherspoon, Dale (1) California-Nevada

Weaver, Michael (6) Virginia

Weaver, Peter D. (5) Western Pennsylvania

Webb, Nancy J. Baltimore-Washington

Webb, Thomas C. (1) Central Pennsylvania

Webb, Jason Iowa

Webb, Marilyn F. North Arkansas

Webb, Arthur A. Northern Illinois

Webb, Foye W Virginia

Webster, David M. Missouri East

Weeks, Patricia M North Indiana

Weems, Stanley North Alabama

Weems,Jr,LovettH. (4) Missouri West

Wegelius, Fredrik (5) Finland-Swedish Provisional

Weibbach, Christian German East

Weigle, Jennifer Central Pennsylvania

Weinberg, Nancy L Florida

Welti, Erika Switzerland-France

Wembo, Lushima Northeast Zaire

Wembo, Mundeke Northeast Zaire

Wembudinga, Gilbert U. (6) Upper Zaire

Wende, Stephen P. (2) Southwest Texas

Wendel, Jorunn Norway

Wendland, Barbara (5) Central Texas

Wenner, Rosemarie German Southwest

Werlein,Jr.,Ewing (4) Texas

West, Maria J Kansas West

West, Brenda G. (T) Missouri West

West,Jr,J. Pete (,9) NorthAlabama

Westad, Ola Norway

Westby, Jeremy Minnesota

Westmoreland, Mark A North Georgia

Weston, Jr., Charles H West Ohio

Wetzel, Nancy D Louisville

Wheatley, Dossie F. (8) Memphis

Whitaker, Keith C. Texas

Whitaker, Timothy W. Virginia

White, RaymonE. Holston

White, George A Iowa

White, Paul D. (5) Louisiana

White, Sara A South Carolina

White, David L (6) South Indiana

White, Chris (1) Western Pennsylvania

White, William F Wisconsin

White, Wesley J Wisconsin

White, Jr., Charles (Denny) D. (4) . Western North Carolina

Delegate Information

31

Whitehurst, Betty C. (6) Virginia

Whitehurst, Walter A Virginia

Whiteside, Robert E. (2) Mississippi

Whitfield, D. Max (6) North Arkansas

Whitlow, Mark (4) Memphis

Whittemore, Joe M. (5) North Georgia

Whittle, Charles Z). (3) Northwest Texas

Wiberg, Linda (3) California-Nevada

Wiborg, Margaret New England

Wier, Delight B. (1) Central Illinois

Wigel, Betty L (2) West Virginia

Wiggans, Barbara T North Texas

Wilcock, Deborah M. (3) Eastern Pennsylvania

Wilcox, Timothy D Iowa

Wilder, GamettM. (10) North Georgia

Wiley, RebaD Alabama-West Florida

Wilkes, Talmadge J South Georgia

Wilkinson, Larry Z). (4) Western North Carolina

Willey, Larry G Iowa

Williams, Edna Alabama-West Florida

Williams, John H. Baltimore- Washington

Williams, Scott A. Central Pennsylvania

Williams, Marie P. Louisiana

Williams, Aileen L (3) Minnesota

Williams, Jerry R Missouri East

Williams, Idalene Nebraska

Williams, Wesley (1) New England

Williams, Raymond (8) North Texas

Williams, Margaret A. (6) Northern Illinois

Williams, Tullalah F. (9) Northern Olinois

Williams, Danny South Carolina

Williams, Joe (4) Tennessee

Williams, Donald (8) West Michigan

Williams, Jr., Jacob C. (7) North Indiana

Williamson, Richard 'Dick' North Georgia

Willimon, William H. (2) South Carolina

Wills, Jr, Richard J. (3) Florida

Willson, June B South Carolina

Wilson, J. LaVon (7) Central Illinois

Wilson, Peary Dakotas

Wilson, David B. (5) UttleRock

Wilson, James M. Northern Illinois

Wilson, L Cean (7) West Ohio

Wilson, Jr., Earl iX) Western North Carolina

Wilson-Parsons, Mary Jane South Georgia

Wiltse, David A. West Michigan

Windham, Jr., James C Western North Carolina

Winkmann, Gunter German Southwest

Winston, Joseph M. (2) Wisconsin

Witman,Jan S Yellowstone

Witwer, Brian (5) North Indiana

Witzig, Hartmut German South

Wogaman, J Philip (3) Baltimore-Washington

Wolf, Rexford Virginia

Wolfe, Thomas V. (7) North Central New York

Wolring, Elsbeth German North

Womeldorff, Porter J. (9) Central Illinois

Wood, Arlene Alaska Missionary

Wood, Anita West Ohio

Woodruff, John H. Central Illinois

Woods, Margie McDaniel Missouri East

Woods, Vicki (10) New England

Woods, Carol North Texas

Woodward, Sewell Kentucky

Woolridge, Jr., Eugene R. (10) Virginia

Workman, Anna G. (5) North Carolina

Wright, Richard S. (1) Alabama-West Florida

Wright, Peggy J Northwest Texas

Wright, Juanita B. (6) Tennessee

Wright, Elizabeth A. 8.(1) Virginia

Wright, Richard L. (7) West Virginia

Wright, Betty (2) Western New York

Wright, Jr., WasenaF. Virginia

Wrisley, Norton (Bud) California-Pacific

Wuchterl, Rudolf German South

Wyatt, Mary New England

Wynn, Samuel (5) North Carolina

Wynne, Margaret Little Rock

Xavier, Geraldo Eastern Angola

Yamamoto, Dean S. H. Oregon-Idaho

Yannayon, Harold (2) Western Pennsylvania

Yasay, Wilfredo A Southwest Philippines Prov.

Yav,Nzam Southern Zaire

Yav, Ditend Southern Zaire

Yebuah, Lisa (8) South Carolina

Yeoh, Jenni M. (6) Pacific Northwest

Ygar, Teresita A. (4) Southwest Philippines Prov.

Yohan, Shantilata R. F. (6) North Georgia

Yoost, Charles D. (10) East Ohio

Yoost, Timothy (1) East Ohio

York, Billy L (10) North Alabama

Yost, James Florida

Yost, Lois A. Florida

Young, Jean S Baltimore-Washington

Young, T. Michael (2) Central Texas

Young, Betty J. Northern New Jersey

Young, Carl W. (3) Oklahoma

Young, C. Garland Western North Carolina

Young, Jack (8) Western North Carolina

Youngblood, Ed Mississippi

Youngblood, Rebecca C (6) Mississippi

Yrigoyen, Charles (,8) Eastern Pennsylvania

Yuhe, Mbundja Upper Zaire

Zagray, Allan H. East Ohio

Zeiders, G. Edwin (10) Central Pennsylvania

Zimmerli, Mary Jo Baltimore-Washington

Zimmerman, Emily Ann (9) Florida

Zimmerman, Marti Rocky Mountain

Zombil, Mwez (8) Southern Zaire

Zucker, Walter German Southwest

Zumo, Afonso (2) Western Angola

32

DCA Advance Edition

Voting and Reserve Delegates
to the 1996 General Conference
ofThe United Methodist Church

In parentheses following the name of the annual conference or concordat church is the number of persons in the

delegation. Voting delegates are listed in lay and ministerial groups in order of election with choice of legislative

committee indicated in parenthesis. Reserves are those elected in accordance with ^ 37 of the Constitution.

Alabama-West Florida (14)

Sec. D Row 5 Seats 1-7
Row 6 Seats 1-7

Segrest, Dale (7), circuit judge; 501 Lilly Avenue, Tallassee,

AL 36078
Henderson, Curtis J. (3), CCOM associate director; 6207

Sarah Drive, Pensacola, FL 32503
Keck, Duane J. (10), retired; 505 Amelia Street, FL Walton

Beach, FL 32547
Lehman, Donald A. (1), retired; 2245 McCutchen Place,

Pensacola, FL 32503
Sublette, Jean S. (6), retired teacher; 135 Hillcrest Drive,

Titus, AL 36080
Brown, Ruth S. (8), executive director; 512 Florence Street,

Dothan,AL 36301
Sessions, Jeff B. (7), Alabama Attorney General; 16 South

Lafayett Street, Mobile, AL 36604
*Stegall, Karl K. (4) , pastor; 2416 West Cloverdale Park,

Montgomery, AL 36106
Mathisonjohn Ed (7), pastor; 6000 Atlanta Highway,

Montgomery, AL 36117
Sadler, Herb (3), pastor; P.O. Box 338, Gulf Breeze, FL

32562
Wright, Richard S. (1) , district superintendent; 3005 Watson

Drive, Marianna, FL 32446
Watson, B. Michael (10), pastor; P.O. Box 6845, Mobile, AL

36660-0845
Ellisor,/. Walter (9), district superintendent; 1924 Reeves

Street, S-232, Dothan, AL 36303
Outlaw, Frederick G. (5), pastor; P.O. Box 1351, Tuskegee

Institute, AL 36087

Reserves

BuIIard, Mary Ellen, retired; 3359 Warrenton Road,

Montgomery, AL 36111
Rish. Billy Joe, attorney; P.O. Box 39, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Sherrer, John, corporation vice-president; 137 Satterfield,

Selma,AL 36701
Williams, Edna, library director; 2801 Bulls Avenue,

Tuskegee Instihite, AL 36088
Holston, Charles A, retired management counsultant; 106

Natchez Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117
Goodwin, Tom P., retired; 621 Merioneth Drive, FL Walton

Beach, FL 32547
Powell, Robert L., businessman; 7583 South Park, Dothan,

AL 36301
Newton, Douglas C, district superintendent; P.O. Box 2044,

Selma.AL 36702
Wiley, Reba D., pastor; P.O. Box 65, Silas, AL 36919
Garrison, Langdon H., district superintendent; P.O. Box

2727, Pensacola, FL 32513
Chandler,;. Edward, pastor; P.O. Box 278, Niceville, FL

32588

Dooling, Jerry M., pastor; 1380 West Main Street, Dothan,

AL 36301
Boozer, Asa, district superintendent; P.O. Box 6128,

Montgomery, AL 36106
Roberts, Henry E., pastor; 6 East Wright StreeL Pensacola,

FL 32501

Alaska Missionary (2)

Sec. B Row 10 Seats 10-11

Smalley, Susan (6), teacher; 105 Linwood, Kenai, AK 99611
* Still, Billy (3), superintendent; 3402 Wesleyan Drive,
Anchorage, AK 99508

Reserves

Wood, Arlene, school food services; 3416 West 83rd,

Anchorage, AK 99502-4435
Fellers, Jim, pastor; 1801 0'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK

99516-1372

Austria Provisional (2)

Sec. B Row 12 Seats 7-8

SiegrisL Roland (6), administrator; A-4020 linz, Figulystr.

32, Austria
*Nausner, Helmut (10), pastor; A-llOO Wien, Landgutgasse

39/8, Austria

Reserves

Fux, Gottfried, manager; A-4030 Linz, Willingerstrabe 21,

Austria
Poll, Lothar, pastor; A-4020 Linz, Wienerstrabe 260a, Austria

Baltimore-Washington (20)

Sec. A Row 9 Seats 1-10
Row 10 Seats 1-10

Ferguson, Sandra (5), associate council director; 5124

Greenwich Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229-2393
Butier, Phyllis (8), homemaker; Route 6, Box 130,

Martinsburg WV 25401-9239
Keels, Christine (6), probation officer supervisor; 20

Millstone Road, Randallstown, MD 21133-1519
Beisner, Judith (3), homemaker; 11904Tildenwood Drive,

RockviUe, MD 20852-4300
DuVall, George (9), retired; 5129 - 12th Street, NE,

Washington DC 20011-6411
Leatherman, Sharon (4), Appalachian ministries; 16125

Cloverton Lane, Williamsport, MD 21795-1134
Clark, Dorothy Davis (10), diaconal minister; 302 Slitting

Mill Place, Catonsville, MD 21228-2432
Baldridge, Mary (1), retired; 716 Matawa Court,

Millersville, MD 21108-2133

Delegate Information

33

Ross, Ernest (7), retired; 534 Pinedale Drive, Annapolis,

MD 21401-6817
Summerville, Margaret (2), retired; 3208 Yosemite Avenue,

Baltimore, MD 21215-7513
*Keels, Bernard 'Skip' (6), district superintendent; 20

Millstone Road, Randallstown, MD 21133-1519
Matthews, Marcus (5), council director; 5124 Greenwich

Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229-2393
Matthews. Eugene W. (10), pastor; 1709 Verbena Street,

NW, Washington DC 20012-1048
WogamanJ. Philip (3), pastor; 4620 - 45th Street, NW,

Washington DC 200164479
Chattin, Terri Rae (1), pastor; 70 Church Road, Arnold, MD

21012-2314
Johnson, Peggy Ann (2), pastor; 5606 Johnnycake Road,

Baltimore, MD 21207-4743
Trotter, Jr Frank (E.) (4), pastor, 16 Carissa Court, Owings

Mills MD 21117-1312
Oliver, Mary Brown (9), district superintendent; 1710

Vamum Street, NW, Washington DC 20011-4208
Stewart, Jr. Donald S. (8), district superintendent, 6104

Winnebago Road, Bethesda MD 20816-3142
Holmes, William A. (7), pastor; 3311 Nebraska Avenue,

NW, Washington DC,20016-2706

Reserves

Flinn, Jr. Thomas W.; sales manager, 3606 MacAlpine Road,

Ellicott City MD 21042-5203
Barton, Patsy, retired; 5412 Old Crain Highway, Upper

Marlboro, MD 20772-3021
Giles, Ruth L, retired; 1409 Peaceful Lane, Silver Spring,

MD 20904-1537
Smith, Louise, retired; 4730 Duncannon Road, Pikesville,

MD 21208-2045
Gause, Carolyn, retired; 129 Warwick Drive, Lutherville,

MD 21093-5424
Hirata, Richard, surgeon; 11703 Fallswood Terrace,

Lutherville, MD 21093-1709
Jones, Everett, retired; 3735 Kemptown Church Road,

Monrovia, MD 21770^701
Brito, Ana, retired; 18306 Hallmark Court, Gaithersburg,

MD 2087M672
Hardinger, Adam, student; 1911 Frederick Street,

Cumberland, MD 21502-1041
Smith, Patti M., diaconal minister; 1052 Upnor Road,

Baltimore, MD 21212-4020
Stewart, E. Allen, district superintendent; 2501

Heatherwood Court, Alephi, MD 20783
Brought, Byron P., pastor; 1910 Dulany Place, Annapolis,

MD 21401-6221
Argo, A David, pastor; 4526 - 44th Street, NW, Washington

DC 20016
Albury, Kay F., pastor; 5900 Loch Raven Boulevard,

Baltimore, MD 21239-2440
Brunkow, Thomas L, pastor; 5201 Worthington Drive,

Bethesda, MD 20816
Pupo^rtiz, Yolanda, General Secretary General

Commission on Religion and Race; 18 Landsend Drive,

Gaithersburg, MD 20878-1987
Webb, Nancy J., pastor; 2428 Brambleton Road, Baltimore,

MD 2120^345
Williams, John H., district superintendent; 10733 Van Lear

Drive, Williamsport, MD 21795-1423
Young, Jean S., pastor; 16501 Alden Avenue, Gaithersburg,

MD 20877-1505
Zimmerli, Mary Jo, district superintendent; 119 Charmuth

Road, LutherviUe, MD 21093-5210

Bicol Philippines Provisional (2)

Sec. B Row 11 Seats 8-9

Lorico, Samuel J. (1), employee; Camaligan United

Methodist Church, Sn. Mateo, Camaligan Cam.

Sur,Philippines
*Lucena, Harvey M. (6), district superintendent; Legaspi

United Methodist Church, Balintawak Street, Old Albay

Legaspi City,Philippines

Reserves

Ramos, Libertino, fiscal; St. Luke United Methodist

CHurch, 2450 Vmzon Avenue, Daet Cam.

Norte,Philippines
Declaro, Rhoda, employee; First United Methodist Church,

157 Bagumbayan Norte, Naga City Philippines
Letana, Reynaldo F., district superintendent; St. Luke

United Methodist Church, 2450 Vinzon Avenue, Daet

Cam. Norte,Philippines
Alvarez, Maximo C; First United Methodist Church, 157

Bagumbayan Norte, Naga City Philippines

Bulacan Philippines (2)

Sec. B Row 3 Seats 11-12

Capistrano, Melanio R. (1), lawyer; Quibadia, Obando,

Bulacan Philippines
*Ocampo, Generoso C. (6), district superintendent; Liang,

Malolos, Bulacan Philippines

Reserves

Aniag, Pacifico E., businessman; Atlag, Malolos, Bulacan

Philippines
Capistrano, Eliseo, businessman; Quibadia, Obando,

Bulacan Philippines
Samson, Jr. Gerardo (R.), businessman. Rev. Augustin

Samson Memorial United Methodist Church, Calizon

Calumpit, Bulacan,Philippines
Samson, Ramon, lawyer; Rev. Augustin Samson Memorial

United Methodist Church, Calizon, Calumpit

Bulacan,Philippines
Ramos, Jr. Norberto S.; engineer, Liang, Malolos Bulacan,

Philippines
Sadsad, Catalina, businesswoman; Central United

Methodist Church, Sta. Maria, Bulacan Philippines
Manabat, Cristina N., college faculty; Harris Memorial

College, Dolores, Taytay Ri2al,Philippines
Tamang, Evelina, administrator; Bulacan Ecumenical

School, Liang, Malolos Bulacan,Philippines
Panganiban, Marita, office worker; The United Methodist

Church, San Isidro Hagonoy, Bulacan Philippines
Aliwalas, Ricardo, businessman; Francisco Homes United

Methodist Church, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Philippines
Toquero, SolitoK, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Meycauayan, Bulacan Philippines
Francisco, Ciriaco Q., pastor; Cottingham Memorial United

Methodist Church, Liang, Malolos Bulacan.Philippines
Ramos, Norberto M., district superintendent; Liang, Malolos,

Bulacan Philippines
delos Santos, Elias L, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Polo, Valenzuela M.M., Philippines
Sadsad, Domingo, district superintendent; Central United

Methodist Church, Sta. Maria, Bulacan Philippines

34

DCA Advance Edition

Sarangaya, Ismad M., pastor; Central United Methodist

Church, Sta. Maria, Bulacan Philippines
Velasco. Rolando C, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Hagonoy, Bulacan Philippines
Flores.Jose M., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Quibadia, Obando Bulacan, Philippines
Tapia, Elizabeth S., seminary faculty; Union Theological

Seminary, Dasmarinas, Cavite Philippines
Padilla, Romulo, special appointment; National Council of

Churches in the Philippines Quezon City, Philippines

Bulgaria Provisional (2)

Sec. D Row 1 Seats 7-8

Asparuchov, Asparuch, assistant; Kompl 'Krasno selo' Bl.

196, BG-1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
Altunian, Bedros, superintendent; Han Knim 35, BG-9000

Varna, Bulgaria

Reserves

Michailova, Mariella, doctor; ul. Naiden Gerov 47, BG-9000

Varna, Bulgaria
Nalbantski, Daniel, pastor; Ivan-Vasov-Str. 28, BG-7000

Russe, Bulgaria

California-Nevada (12)

Sec. C Row 19 Seats 1-12

*Extrum-Femandez, Paul (2) ; Council on Ministries; P.O.

Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798
Weatherspoon, Dale (1), VISA USA; 619 Monterey

Boulevard, #1, San Francisco CA 94127
Knowles, Grady (4), conference Board of Pensions; 300 -

27th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Craft, Precious B. (8) , church musician; 8260 Anton Way,

Sacramento, CA 95823
Suzuki, Betty (6), retired; 19 Parklite Circle, Sacramento,

CA 95831
Bamett, Jeanne (10), retired; 2340 Gila Way, Sacramento,

CA 95864
Dirdak, Paul R. (6), pastor; 1675 California Street, San

Francisco, CA 94109
Extrum-Femandez, Renae D. (10), pastor; 1255 First

Avenue, Oakland, CA 94646
Wiberg, Linda (3), council on ministries; P.O. Box 980250,

West Sacramento, CA 95798
Swisher, Ronald E. (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box

980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798
Chen, Peter F. (5) , pastor; 566 North Fifth Street, San Jose,

CA 95112
Brown, Jr Warner H. (7), pastor, 1188 - 12th Street,

Oakland CA 94607

Reserves

Cunningham, Molly; 16412 Acorn Drive, Sonora, CA 95370
Lau, Anne H., student; 4305 Webster Street, Oakland, CA

94609
Washington, Rosa, retired; 705 Barcelona Drive, Davis, CA

95616
Gleason, Carol, church secretary; 721 Charleston Court,

Palo Alto, CA 94303
Brawn, Mel; 1747 Dolores, San Jose, CA 95125
Chin, Aime; 456 Kentucky Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707
Allread, Ardith, district superintendent; 729 Morse Street,

San Jose, CA 95126

Fitch, Douglass E., pastor; 4656 Fair Avenue, Oakland, CA

94619
Park, Hankyu, district superintendent; 584 Rio Undo, #6,

ChicoCA 95926
Arjona.JuanJ., pastor; 1461 - 11th Street, Reedley, CA 93654
Corson, John E., pastor; 902 Danville Boulevard, Alamo, CA

94507
DeWitt-Droke, Nadine, district superintendent; 2362

Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

California-Pacific (16)

Sec. C Row 3 Seats 1-8
Row 4 Seats 1-8

*Haase, Becky (8) , accountant; 733 Portola Avenue,

Glendale,CA 91206
Park, Song Ja (3), associate council director, P.O. Box 6006,

Pasadena, CA 91102-6006
Foley, Emma Dell (9), professional volunteer; 2104

Wellington Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Moore, Mary Elizabeth (10) , professor; 1325 North College

Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Fukomoto, Jo Ann Y. (1), homemaker/volimteer; 1796

Hoolehua Street, Pearl City, HI 96782
Johnson, Duane R. (4), conference treasurer; 629

Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA 91791
Pineda, Al (6), associate council director; P.O. Box 6006,

Pasadena, CA 91102-6006
Gray, Stefanie A. (7) , student; 10496 Lindbrook Drive, Los

Angeles, CA 90024
Farris, Patricia E. (5) , district superintendent; 2540 First

Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103-6505
Trotter, Mark C. (3), pastor; 2111 Camino Del Rio, South,

San Diego CA,92108
Tinoco, David A (9), district superintendent; 4845 Brockton

Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Richardson, David L (2), district superintendent; 12741

Main Street, Garden Grove, CA 92640
Rhodes-Wickett, Sharon K. (10), pastor; 10497 Wilshire

Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hagiya, Grant}. (8) , pastor; 109 Vista Del Parque, Redondo

Beach, CA 90277
Shamana, Beverly]. (6) , associate council director; P.O.

Box 6006, Pasadena, CA 91102-6006
Lawson, Jr. James M. (1) , pastor, 3320 West Adams

Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90018

Reserves

Davis, Rosemary A., diaconal minister; 956 Fenn Court,

Claremont, CA 91711
Bose, Trina, student; 13516 Samantha Avenue, San Diego,

CA 92129
Seifert, Lois C, Christian education consultant; 607 Leydon

Lane, Clarenmont, CA 91711
Jackson, Betty R., nursing professor; 205 EastLoma Alta

Drive, Altadena, CA 91101
Edmondson, Christina, student 1009 North Ivy Street,

Escondido.CA 92026
Ayers, Steve, teacher; 21158 Wmterset Drive, Saugus, CA

91350
Klein, Robert E., church administrator; 711 South Plymouth

Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Wrisley, Norton (Bud), accountant; 29360 Pemosa Lane,

Valley Center, CA 92082
Huntington, Marilynn M., council director; P.O. Box 6006,

Pasadena, CA 91 102-6006

Delegate Information

35

Cho, Seog Whan, pastor; 420 East 20th Street, Los Angeles,

CA 90011
Abrams, Marvin B., pastor; 1300 San Antonio, Norwalk, CA

90650
Villamin, LilyM., pastor; 500 East Colorado Boulevard,

Pasadena, CA 9 1101
Kwak, Cheol K, pastor; 243 South Broadway, Redondo

Beach, CA 90277
Smith, Robert, pastor; 6050 Hayes Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

90042
Cho, Brandon I., district superintendent; 10824 Topanga

Canyon Boulevard, Chatsworth, CA 91326
Hsu, LeoL, district superintendent; P.O. Box 1026, Sierra

Madre,CA 91025-4026

Central lUinois (16)

Sec. A Row 2 Seats 1-8
Row 3 Seats 1-8

*Reeves, Sr. Richard E. (10), retired engineer, 855 East

Lake Shore Drive, Decatur IL 62521-3386
Wilson, J. LaVon (7), education specialist; 4165 Hazelcrest

Road, Springfield, IL 62703-5239
Story, Bettie W. (6), conference Director of

Communications; 1211 North Park Street, P.O. Box 515,

Bloomington IL 61702-0515
Gordon, Jinny (3), homemaker; 863 South Greenwood

Avenue, Kankakee, IL 60901-5208
Pacey, Stephen R. (5), attorney; P.O. Box 35, Paxton, IL

60957-0035
Wier, Delight B. (1), columnist R.R 1, Box 181, Lacon IL

61504
Womeldorff, Porter J. (9), retired utility company

vice-president; 735 Country Manor Drive, Decatur, IL

62521-2524
Stedman, Cathy N (2), student; 216 East Cemetery Avenue,

Chenoa,IL 61726-1353
Bamett, Vemie T. (3), executive Secretary Preachers' Aid

Society; 215 Bay Shore Drive, Decatur, IL 62521
Clark, Terry L (9), district superintendent; 151 Duffy Road,

Galesburg.IL 61401-2467
Jones, Cynthia A. (8) , district superintendent; 102 South

Fayette Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650-2467
Daughenbaugh, Jr. Howard L; (6), district superintendent,

1945 West Monroe Street, Suite 105 Springfield, IL

62704-1505
Emswiler, Sharon Neufer (5), pastor; 1820 Fifth Avenue,

Rock Island, IL 61201-8119
Bortell, James B. (10), pastor; 1401 Spear Drive, Normal, IL

61761
Watkins, Bradley F. (7), district superintendent; #7 Dunlap

Court, Suite A, Savoy IL 61874-9502
Robinson, Randall F. (4), pastor; P.O. Box 345, Camp Point,

IL 623200345

Reserves

Johnson, C. Annie, retired businesswoman; P.O. Box 274,

Plymouth, IL 62367-0274
Dude, Karleen L., homemaker; 901 Randall Drive, Normal,

IL 61761-2446
Prussner, Roberta, retired teacher; 2958 South 19000 West

Road, Reddick, IL 60961-8054
Hardwick, Judy L., homemaker; 2872 County Road 200 E,

Fisher, IL 61843-9752

Cummins, Marlene Simms, conference council staff; 1211

North Park Street, P.O. Box 515, Bloomington IL

61702-0515
Dharmaraj, Glory, Women's Division staff; 24 Rosewood

Drive, CUnton, IL 61727-2462
Crawford, Kenneth 0., retired businessman; 1403 North

Fourth Street, Pekin, IL 61554-2029
Greene, Paul S., student; P.O. Box 592, Kankakee, IL 60901
Woodruff, John H., conference treasurer; P.O. Box 515,

Bloomington, IL 61702-0515
Hamilton-Kenney, Thomas M., pastor; 814 South Jersey

Avenue, Normal, IL 61761-4005
Cox, Danny F., pastor; 104 South Elm, Washington, IL

61571-2624
Cramer-Heuerman, Jean A. , pastor; 1203 West Green Street,

Urbana,IL 61801-2905
Freeman, Robert K., pastor; 1612 East Capitol Drive,

Springfield, IL 62703-1322
Newsome.Jack L, assistant to bishop; 501 East Capitol

Avenue, Suite 212, Springfield IL 62701-1880
Snyder, Clyde A., pastor; 2004 South Philo Road, Urbana, IL

61801-6411
Owens, Ray, council director; P.O. Box 515, Bloomington, IL

61702-0515

Central Luzon (2)

Sec. C Row 6 Seats 11-12

Palaganas, Leon L (4), teacher; 90 Zamora Street, Dagupan

City, Philippines
Lacaulan,Josue M. (9), district superintendent; Poblacion I,

Gerona, Tarlac Philippines

Reserves

Millan, Chita R., deaconess; Calasiao Educational Center,

Calasiao, Pangasinan Philippines
Lamorena, Crispiniano E., lawyer; The United Methodist

Church, Paniqui, Tarlac Philippines
Biasbas, Lucrecia F., deaconess; Lingayen Christian Center,

Lingayen, Pangasinan 2401 Philippines
Vidal, R. Kathleen S., deaconess; Joyland School, San

Fabian, Pangasinan Philippines
Lupdag, Anselmo D., professor; Central Luzon State

University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija 3120 Philippines
Cerdan, Francisco C, lawyer; Cerdan Street, Poblacion,

Anda Pangasinan.Philippines
Peralta, Dominador M., real estate; Marian Subdivision,

Visperas Street, Mangaldan Pangasinan 2432,Philippines
Bailen, Esperanza B., deaconess; Maramba Boulevard,

Lingayen, Pangasinan Philippines
Lopez, Warlita A., teacher; The United Methodist Church,

Paniqui, Tarlac Philippines
Quitlong, Marcelina A., office worker; 90-A Arellano Street,

Dagupan City, Philippines
Nabua, Jaime F., accountant; First United Methodist

Church, Dagupan City, Philippines
Garibay, Dante C, office worker; 7 M. H. del Pilar Street,

Paniqui, Tarlac Philippines
Estioko, Adelina A., deaconess; 113 Ramos Street, Sto.

Cristo, Guimba Nueva Ecija,Philippines
Acosta, Rebecca S., volunteer; 43 Dansalan Street, Guimba,

Nueva Ecija Philippines
Millan, Arsenio C, school administrator; Calasiao

Educational Center, Calasiao, Panganisinan Philippines
Ceballos, Jesus Rex O., student; Legaspi Street, Paniqui,

Tarlac Philippines

36

DCA Advance Edition

Gagarin, Josephine M., deaconess; The United Methodist

Church, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija Philippines
Dizon, Juanita C, volunteer worker; San Fernando, Victoria,

Tarlac Philippines
Nato, Arnold, student; First United Methodist Church,

Dagupan City, Philippines
Predas, Manuel E., district superintendent; 27 Alvear Street

West, lingayen, Pangasinan Philippines
Vinluan, Victor C, pastor; First United Methodist Church,

Dagupan City, Philippines
Casipit, Abraham F., pastor; Stewart Memorial United

Methodist Church, Lingayen, Pangasinan Philippines
Guarin, Abraham C, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Burgos, Pangasinan Philippines
Palafox, Benny C, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Munoz, Nueva Ecija Philippines
Camaso, Trefilo, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Bolinao, Pangasinan Philippines
Bailen, Gregorio R., acting college president; Asbury

College, Maramba Boulevard, lingayen Pangasinan

2401,Philippines
Labasan. Imelda F., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Del Pilar Street, CamilingTarlac,Philippines
Raguindinjose Q., retired pastor; 02 Cerdan Street,

Poblacion, Anda Pangasinan, Philippines
Nilojeremias B., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Guimba, Nueva Ecija Philippines
Cacho, Warlito D.. pastor; The United Methodist Church,

San Jose City, Nueva Ecija Philippines
Palafox, Nerissa S., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Munoz, Nueva Ecija Philippines
Pascua, Lelita R., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Padapada, Sta. lgnaciaTarlac,Philippines
Sales, Esrom S., pastor; Capaoayan, Moncada, Tarlac

Philippines
Caasi, Harrison M., district superintendent; Magsaysay,

Alaminos, Pangasinan Philippines
Estioko,Jr. Manuel (B.), district superintendent, 113 Ramos

Street, Sto. Cristo District Guimba, Nueva

Ecija,Philippines
Arciaga, Simeon L, pastor; 40 Carriedo Street, Paniqui,

Tarlac Philippines
Caole, Simeon €., pastor; 31 Mabini Street, Agno,

Pangasinan Philippines
Carlet, Romeo €., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Bani, Pangasinan Philippines

Central Pennsylvania (16)

Sec. C Row 17 Seats 8-12
Row 18 Seats 3-12

Sowers, Gary D. (1), insurance agent; 2430 Bradford Drive,

York, PA 17402
Haverstock, Zedna M. (4), conference treasurer; 708 Hilltop

Drive, New Cumberiand, PA 17070
Hartman, Shawn (3) , student; 203 Echo Drive,

Chambersburg, PA 17201-3309
Barto, Suella C. (10), conference staff; 4350 Board Road,

Manchester, PA 17345
Drachler, Stephen E. (8) , press secretary; 3751 Montour

Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Hill, Judith C. (6), retired; 1819 1/2 North Street,

Harrisburg, PA 17103
Bowers, Phyllis M. (4), stewardship foundation associate

director; 40 Farmington Drive, Jacobus, PA 17407
Page, Jr. Conrad M. (5), retired, 451 Valley Road, Etters PA

17319

*Bowersox, Ronald E. (3), pastor; 415 South 22nd Street,

Camp Hill, PA 17011
Zeiders, G. Edwin (10) , councQ director; 3920 Woodvale

Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Parks, Lewis A. (9), district superintendent; 921 Wallace

Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201-3884
Alexander, Anthony (8), pastor; 265 Homan Avenue, State

College, PA 16801
Webb, Thomas C. (1) , district superintendent; 1326 Montfort

Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Halderman, Sharon D. (7), district superintendent; R.R. 3,

Box 54A, WeUsboro PA,16901
Fuller, Cynthia R. (6), district superintendent; 31 Baylor

Boulevard, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Ciampa, Donald]. (2), pastor; 135 West Simpson,

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Reserves

Grubb, Donna, Christian educator; 302 Swan Street,

Harrisburg, PA 17111
Weigle, Jennifer, student; 6 Cromwell Street,

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Miller, Cindy, local church ministry director; R.D. 4, Box

344A, Tyrone PA 16686
Plummer, Sr. Kenneth H.; retired, 930 Leidig Drive,

Chambersburg PA 17201
Salter, Diane, diaconal minister; 758 Bowman Road,

Chambersburg, PA 17201
Spencer, Sharon R., church volunteer; P.O. Box 141,

Newburg, PA 172404)141
Kennedy, Judy; 298 Brick Church Road, Troy, NY 12180
Williams, Scott A., attorney; 516 East Main Street, Muncy,

PA 17756
Link, Joanne M., pastor; 210 West Main Street,

Hummelstown, PA 17036
Stambach, Paul E., district superintendent; 1200 Haymaker

Road, State College, PA 16801
Cole, Calvin K, pastor; 1300 North Beaver Street, York, PA

17404
Jacobs, Thomas H., pastor; 1415 Elliott Street, Wllliamsport,

PA 17701
Lauchle, Paul A, pastor; 2101 Newberry Street,

Wllliamsport, PA 17701-1361
Snider, Martin L , pastor; 420 West South Street, Carlisle,

PA 17013-2828
Irwin, Jr. Thomas (H.), conference staff, 1410 Harcourt

Drive, Harrisburg PA,17110
Ford, Pamela H., pastor; 64 Ann Street, Middletown, PA

17057

Central Texas (12)

Sec. B Row 2 Seats 6-12
Row 3 Seats 6-10

*Auvenshine, William R. (3), college president; 412

Corsicana, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Wendland, Barbara (5), writer; 505 Cherokee, Temple, TX

76504
Phillips, Cheryl (6), realtor; 2111 Coral, Arlington, TX 76010
Smith, Hiram (10), merchant; 400 Comanche, DeLeon, TX

76444
Trevino-Teddlie, Jeannie (4), diaconal minister; 464 Bailey,

Fort Worth, TX 76107-2153
Stroman, Pat (7) , accounts manager; Box 7309, Waco, TX

76710

Delegate Information

37

Pike, Don M. (1), pastor; 313 North Center, Arlington, TX

76011
Phillips,]. D. (6), pastor; 2201 East Park Row, Arlington, TX

76010
Huber-Hohls, Ruth (9), district superintendent; Box 156,

Waxahachie, TX 75165^156
McKinney,]. Eric (10), district superintendent; Box 67,

Weatherford, TX 76086^67
Young, T. Michael (2), pastor; 4833 Selkirk, Ft Worth, TX

76109
Radde, Henry W. (8), district superintendent; Box 7740,

Waco, TX 76714-7740

Reserves

Payne, Lillie, pastoral care/nurse; Box 457, Weatherford,

TX 76086
Boyd, Gail, English instructor; 1132 Knotty Oaks, Waco, TX

76712
Robinson, Bumham, personnel director; 2129 Briardale,

FortWorth,TX 76119
Gaspard, Joan, teacher; 504 Englewood Lane, Hurst, TX

76053
Hopkins, David, student; 1054 Westbury Lane, Mansfield,

TX 76063
Paustian, Donna, communty volunteer; 803 Live Oak,

Arlington, TX 76012
Sands, Judith, pastor; 900 Maxfield, Waco, TX 76705
Allen, Georgia, chaplain; 2710 Good Shepherd, Brownwood,

TX 76801
Porter, James R., district superintendent; 1200 Overlook

Terrace, Suite F, Fort Worth TX 76112-2357
Russell, Timothy A., Church Growth & Development

Director; 464 Bailey, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2153
Robertson, Eugene B., district superintendent; 464 Bailey,

Suite C, Fort Worth TX 76107-2153
Henry, Sr Luther W., pastor, 800 West Fifth Street, Fort

Worth TX 76102

Central Zaire (12)

Sec. D Row 13 Seats 1-12

Mumba, Djamba (3), academic affairs dean; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Ekoko, Onema (6), UMW president; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Umembudi, Akasa (7), pilot; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II,

Zaire
Poto, Umembudi (6), teacher; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II,

Zaire
Ombaku, Onema (4), treasurer; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II,

Zaire
Odimba, Kalema (5), school director; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
*Kumbe, Alua (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Mukenge, Liwa (10), youth director; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Djundu, Lunge (7), rector; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Lupaka, Tshita (1), dean; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Lodi, Pungumbu (2), dean; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Mbukula, Koy (8), pastor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire

Reserves

Djamba, Mundeke, pilot P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire

Manya, Diamba, doctor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Lomami, Pena, conference lay leader; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Mikombe, Nseya, doctor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Walu, Onema, nurse; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Lumasa, Shala, assistant professor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa

II, Zaire
Lenga, Okodiembo, conference treasurer; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Djungandeke, Pese, pastor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Lukamba, Kalonda, district superintendent; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Takoy, Onalunge, pastor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Ngandu, Kasongo, pastor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Mbembe, Rev., district superintendent; P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire
Kasongo, Disashi, pastor; P.O. Box 2747, Kinshasa II, Zaire
Tshilombo, Rev., district superintendent P.O. Box 2747,

Kinshasa II, Zaire

Czech and Slovak Republics (2)

Sec. D Row 5 Seats 10-11

Krizova, Jana (3) , science worker referendary; Myslivni 51,

Bmo-Kohoutovice, Czech-602 00
*Cervenak, Josef (T) , superintendent; Jecna 19, Praha 2,

Czech-120 00

Reserves

Thai, Josef, leader referendary; Haskova 1, Jihlava,

Czech-586 01
Prochazkova, Miroslava, publishing house leader; Panenska

10, Bratislava, Slovakia-811 03
Prochazka, Pavel, pastor; Panenska 10, Bratislava,

Slovakia-811 03
Bassano.Jiri, pastor;, Jenkovce 26, Slovakia-072 52

Dakotas (4)

Sec. C Row 8 Seats 9-12

*Wagner, Ray (7), retired; 2410 - 12th Street North, Fargo,

ND 58102
Hayenga, Mary (1), farmer; R.R., Box 1, Andover SD 57422
Eberhart, Penelope (3), district superintendent; 2016- 16th

Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Bates, Jr, William L. (5), pastor, 1756 South Tenth Street

Fargo ND 58103

Reserves

Muthiah, Marion, retired nurse; 1804 - 12th Avenue SE,

Mandan, ND 58554
Ewing, Jack, President Dakota Wesleyan University; 1220

West University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301
Wilson, Peary, pastor; 1000 First Street, Bismarck, ND 58501
Reich, Eldon, pastor; 502 South Lincoln, Aberdeen, SD 57401

Denmark (2)

Sec. D Row 4 Seats 11-12

Fredsby, Bent (4), senior consultant Bjerggaardsvaenget 6,

DK-2840 Holte, Denmark
Alsted, Christian (1), pastor; Stokhusgade 2, DK-1317

Copenhagen K, Denmark

38

DCA Advance Edition

Reserves

Clausen, Henning, rest home director; Otto Rudsvej 9,

DK-9900 Frederikshavn, Denmark
Nielsen, Grethe-Lis, secretary; Laerkevej 4, DK-2600

Glostrup, Denmark
Rasmussenjorgen, pastor; Strandvej 30, DK-9970 Strandby,

Denmark
Sorensen, Ove S., district superintendent Norre alle 86,

DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Desert Southwest (6)

Sec. B Row 5 Seats 10-11
Row 6 Seats 10-11

Huffinan, Joel E. (4), conference treasurer; 837 North

Grace, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Powell, Sr., Larry P. (3), mitigation risk broker, 7921

Fanciful Avenue, Las Vegas NV 89128
Sharp, Christie C. (6) , attorney; 4051 West Ajo, Tucson, AZ

85746-9762
*Iceman, Anita L (5), district superintendent; 2416 East

Fourth Street, Tucson, AZ 85719
Tews, Jane A. (1), pastor; 331 South Cooper Road, Gilbert,

AZ 85233
Standiford, James W. (10), pastor; 215 East University Drive,

Tempe.AZ 85281

Reserves

Moffet, Gretta M., retired general church employee; 5925

East 21st Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
Disbrow, Rebecca L, student; 2416 West Lomita, Mesa, AZ

85202
Stokes, Nancy D., network expansion specialist; 15824

North 57th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Carrico, Ruben G., pastor; 3214 East Palm Lane, Phoenix,

AZ 85008
Haas, Jerry P. , pastor; 1431 West Magee Road, Tucson, AZ

85704
Holt, Nathan, district superintendent; 900 East Desert Inn,

#519, Las Vegas NV 89109

Detroit (12)

Sec. B Row 8 Seats 1-12

*Cook, Shirley (2), retired general manager; 806 Olive

Road, Oxford, MI 48371
Edwards, Alma B. (5), retired school administrator; 15801

Providence Drive, No. 75F, Southfield Ml 48075
Euper, Jacqueline K. (3), project director; 804 Fourth Street,

Lapeer, MI 48446
Tibbits, Lewis (1), camp manager; 450 North Miller,

Sebewaing, MI 48709
Adams, L Cecile (10), council director; 6244 Bingham,

Dearborn, Ml 48146
Stanton, Harold (4), retired Ford Motor manager; 942

Donmar Court, Birmingham, Ml 48009-2910
Barrett, Joy A. (10), pastor; 3617 Mackinaw, Saginaw, Ml

48602
Titus, Phylemon D. (3), pastor; 15888 Archdale, Detroit, Ml

48277
McCallum, Marvin H. (6), district superintendent; 1228

Sbcth Street, Port Huron, Ml 48060
Goudie, Robert F. (9), pastor; 11328 Arnold, Redford, MI

48239

Bamsey, Alfred T. (7), pastor; 120 South Street Street, Ann

Arbor, MI 48104
Quick, William K. (8), pastor; 8000 Woodward Avenue,

Detroit, MI 48202

Reserves

Thompson, Janelle A., student; 525 South Homer Road,

Midland, MI 48640
Buxton, Sue, volunteer; 1402 Lyons Avenue, Royal Oak, MI

48073-3174
Ferguson, Tyson, student; 1361 Fletcher, National City, MI

48748
Halter, Kenneth, retired engineer; 5158 Candlewood Drive,

Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Hook, Jay W., retired; 2130 Nemeskal Road, Maple City, MI

49664
Curtis, Bud, volunteer; 520 North Oak Street, Fenton, MI

48430
Boayue, Charles S.G., urban missioner; 21700 Northwestern

Highway, Suite 1200, Southfield MI 48075
Lee, Linda, district superintendent; 21700 Northwestern

Highway, Suite 1200, Southfield Ml 48075
Kellerman, James G., pastor; 4471 Linden Park Drive, Bay

City, MI 48706
Hamish,John E., associate general secretary; P.O. Box 871,

Nashville, TN 37202
Euper, Terry A., pastor; 804 Fourth Street, Lapeer, MI 48446
Ott, Louise R., pastor; 865 Virginia Place, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

East Mindanao Philippines Provisional (2)

Sec. A Row 1 Seats 7-8

Deocampo, Jeanne G. (3), teacher; 204 Oriole Street,

Ecoland 2, Matina Davao City,Philippines
Andres, Delfin L. (2), pastor; Blk. 16, Lot 5, Phase II San

Lorenzo Village, Puan,8000 Davao City,Philippines

Reserves

Lucero, Rhodie A., teacher; College of Arts and Sciences, U.

M., Bolton Davao City, Philippines
de Gusman, Ruben, forester; TTie United Methodist

Church, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Philippines
Bilog, Fidela L, deaconess; 104-1 CM. Recto Street, Davao

City, Philippines
Diaz, Evelyn G., teacher; 3 Padre Gomez Street, Davao City,

Philippines
Atienzar, Agustin L., businessman; Fulmar Street, Zone 3,

Belisario Heights Bajada, Davao City.Philippines
Dumlao, Eleanor S., businesswoman; 856 Vinzon Street,

Davao City, Philippines
Nebran, Patrocinio 0., businesswoman; Townsite United

Methodist Church, Kapalong, Davao del Norte

Philippines
Pableo, Franelli C, nurse; 63 Pampanga Executive Homes,

Lanang, Davao City Philippines
Cruz, Benedicto V., retired teacher; 170 Pearl Street, SM

Village, Bangkal Davao City,Philippines
Alejo, David, farmer; R.T.R., Agusan del Norte, Philippines
Rosario, Virgilio S., nurse; 8 Dona Aurelia Village, Aiiport

Drive, Sasa Davao City,Philippines
Camicer, Estelita, teacher; The United Methodist Church,

Osmena Street, Tagum Davao del Norte,Philippines
Guzman, Josue R., conference stewardship and resource

development officer; 978 Osmena Street, Tagum, Davao

del Norte Philippines

Delegate Information

39

Hermano, Santos C, pastor; First United Methodist Church,

Kapalong, Davao del Norte Philippines
Duro-on, Pedro N., district superintendent; 978 Osmena

Street, Tagum, Davao del Norte Philippines
Bilog, Francisco B., pastor; 104-1 C. M. Recto Street, Davao

City, Philippines
Miguel, Renato C. , sabbatical leave; P.O. Box 224, Tagum,

Davao del Norte Philippines
Ramoran, Jaime C, seminary student; Wesley Divinity

School, Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City Philippines
Sanchez, Federico A., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Poblacion Compestela, Davao del Norte Philippines
Cardinez, Bernardo M, seminary student; Union

Theological Seminary, Pala-Pala, Dasmarinas

Cavite,Philippines
Porquillo, RogelioA., district superintendent; P.O. Box 17,

Butuan City, Philippines
Namoc, Nicholas B., pastor; The United Methodist Church,

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur Philippines
Rodriguez, Erlincy C, pastor; The United Methodist

Church, New Bataan, Davao del Norte Philippines
Rosquita, Florencio, retired pastor; The United Methodist

Church, Osmena Street, Tagum Davao del

Norte,Philippines

East Ohio (22)

Sec. C Row 1 Seats 1-12
Row 2 Seats 1-10

Anderson, James (5), retired; 333 Monroe Street, Dover,

OH 44622
Yoost, Timothy (1) , student; 1445 Royal Oak Drive,

Mansfield, OH 44906
Dunlap, Catherine (10), diaconal minister; 1435 Main

Street, Box 646, Kent OH 44240
Lutz, Sandra W. (10), professor; 5504 Frazer Avenue, N.W.,

North Canton OH 44720
Washington, Stanley (3), retired; 843 Miami Avenue,

Youngstown, OH 44505
Chase, Dottie (6), homemaker; 112 Crestwood Avenue,

Willard, OH 44890
Maxwell, Cecil (9), retired; 329 East Main Street,

Cardington, OH 43315
Aubuchon, David R. (4), conference treasurer; P.O. Box

2800, North Canton, OH 44720
Cromwell, Alice (8), homemaker; 800 South 15th Street,

#1-624, Sebring OH 44672
Griffith, Daniel (2), student; 1469 Robinwood Road,

Alliance, OH 44601
Green, Mareyjoyce (7), professor; 16116 Judson Drive,

Cleveland, OH 44128
Yoost, Charles D. (10), district superintendent; 100 Park

Avenue West, Suite 203, Mansfield OH 44902
*Palmer, Gregory V. (5), pastor; 170 Seminary Street, Berea,

OH 44017
Skinner, James G. (4), administrative assistant; 8800

Cleveland Avenue, N.W., Nortii Canton OH 44720
Jennings, Irwin E. (9) , district superintendent; 2098 Portage

Road, #375, Wooster OH 44691
Rollins, Benita (6), district superintendent; 30 West Front

Sti-eet, Youngstown, OH 44503
Lefelar, Donald E. (10), pastor; 3650 Lander Road, Pepper

Pike, OH 44124
Dyck, Sally (1), pastor; 2420 South Taylor Road, Cleveland

Heights, OH 44118
Stultz, Valerie W. (3), pastor; 1556 Rex Drive, Orrville, OH

44667

Skelley-Watts, Joan E. (8), district superintendent; 1314
Mentor Avenue, Suite 1, Painesville OH 44077-1835

Chalker, Kenneth W. (7), pastor; 3000 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland, OH 44115

Han, James (2), pastor; 3429 Harris Avenue, N.W., Canton
OH4470&-1018

Reserves

Martin, Stephen, student; 16 Keewaydin Drive, Timberlake,

OH 44095
Church, Daniel, hospital director; 3825 Blackburn Road,

N.W., Canton OH 44718
Lautzenheiser, Ray, teacher; Box 134, Hammondsville, OH

43930
Cuckler, Nancy, retired assistant claims manager; 4188

Lancaster Lane, Kent, OH 44240
Espinoza, Lorena, computer operator; 1965 West 44th

Sti-eet, Cleveland, OH 44113
Sb-eiff, Fritz, student; 26370 EdgecM Drive, Euclid, OH

44132
Ponzani, Joe, dentist; P.O. Box 241, Cadiz, OH 43907
Tappan, Marion, retired; 1425 Forest Hills Boulevard,

Cleveland, OH 44118
Ehrman, James W., lawyer; 7144 Youngstown-Salem Road,

Canfield, OH 44406
Burdette, Carole, homemaker; 8200 Fulton Road,

Tippecanoe, OH 44699
Bemes, Dale, retired; 5312 Amherst Avenue, N.W.,

Massillon OH 44646
Shank, Donald R. , pastor; 15 Public Square, Willoughby,

OH 44094
Collier, Mark H., college dean; 275 Eastland Avenue, Berea,

OH 44017
Harvey, William R., pastor; 120 Cleveland Avenue, S.W.,

Canton OH 44702
Scavuzzo, David J., pastor; 852 West Bath Road, Cuyahoga

Falls, OH 44223
Zagray, Allan H., pastor; 422 Walnut Street, Coshocton, OH

43812
Espinoza, Modesto, pastor; 1965 West 44th Street, Cleveland,

OH 44113
Hunter, Craig A., CCOM associate director; P.O. Box 2800,

North Canton, OH 44720
Olin, Judith A., council director; P.O. Box 2800, North

Canton, OH 44720
Edwards, Neriah G., pastor; 4069 Eastwood Lane,

Warrensville, OH 44122
McCartney, William A., seminary field education director;

3081 Columbus Pike, Box 1204, Delaware OH 43015
Ehrman, Kenneth P., pastor; 27650 Center Ridge Road,

Westiake, OH 44145

East Philippines (2)

Sec. A Row 10 Seats 11-12

Panganiban, Rustico V. (5), judge; Symphony Street, Sta.

Cecilia Village, Las Pinas Metro Manila.Philippines
*Garibay, Limerio C. (6), Union Theological Seminary; P.O.

Box 841, Manila, Philippines

Reserves

Aherrera, Lydia S., businesswoman; 89 - 9th Avenue, Cubao,

Quezon City Philippines
Lucas, Pag-AsaT., deaconess; Harris Memorial College,

P.O. Box 1174, Manila Philippines

40

DCA Advance Edition

Pattugalan, Roland I., retired brigadier general; 20 Jasmine

Street, Rexas District, Quezon City Philippines
Dimalanta, Gloria B., government employee; 31 Jasmine

Street, Mapayapa Village II, Quezon City Philippines
Cajiuat, Purita 0., administrator; c/o PACE., 2nd Floor,

Puno Building 47 Kalayaan Avenue.Quezon

City,Philippines
de los Santos, Edna Flor M., consultant; Blk. 76, Lot 29,

Lagro Subdivision Novaliches, Quezon City .Philippines
Habacon, Araceli E., businesswoman; 11 J. Asilo Street,

Taytay, Rizal Philippines
Kasiguran, Aluida L, deaconess; Del Monte United

Methodist Church, 55 Guevarra Street, SFDM Quezon

City,Philippines
Gerente, Nestor S., student; 5161 East Braly Avenue,

Fresno, California 93755
Mostoles, Rhodita M., deaconess; Ecumenical Chapel,

Villamor Airbase, Pasay City Philippines
Sabado, Hilario, retired; c/o Muntinlupa United Methodist

Church, New Bilibio Prison, Type B

Muntinlupa,Philippines
Villamayor, Aurora A., music professor; 55 Captain AUano

Street, Angono, Rizal Philippines
Nilo, Giovanni Montini S., businessman; c/o San Juan

United Methodist Church, 671 M. Salvador, San Juan

Philippines
Paraso, Glen V., physician; 20 Jasmine Street, Rexas

District, Quezon City Philippines
Rubio, Fe, nurse; c/o Sta. Cruz United Methodist Church,

879 Flores Street, Bo Umboy Sta. Cruz,

Laguna.Philippines
Martinez, Rolando C, pastor; 671 M. Salvador Street, San

Juan, Metro Manila Philippines
Guerrero, Anacleto G. , pastor; 130 Kamuning Road, Quezon

City, Philippines
Pedracio, Danilo T., pastor; Blk. 89, Lot 24, Lagro

Subdivision Novaliches,Quezon City.Philippines
Kasiguran, Jr., Cirilo T/?.), pastor, 55 Guevarra Street,

SFDM Quezon City.Philippines
Cajiuat, Toribio C, district suprintendent; PACE., 2nd

Floor, Puno Building 47 Kalayaan Avenue,Quezon

City,Philippines
Dungalen, Osias L, pastor; Rizal Avenue, Taytay, Rizal

Philippines
Cera, Jr., Hermogenes ('C), pastor. Susano Road. Deparo

Novaliches. Metro Manila.Philippines
Canete, Alejandro P. , pastor; 19 Osmena Street, Lifehomes,

Rosario Pasig.Philippines
Tangonan, Lite C. pastor; 915 Quezon Avenue Extension.

Quezon City, PWlippines
Flores, Maximo M., pastor; Petrona Street. Buenamar

Subdivision. Novaliches Quezon City.Philippines
Latonero, Simeon L, pastor; 943 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao,

Quezon City Philippines
Ullo, Arsenio, pastor; 6A-3, Blk. 3, Lot 5 Pacita Complex,San

Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
Crisostomo, Salvador, pastor; 41 South Fabian Street, Robles

Subdivision, San Juan Cainta, Rizal,Philippines
Castorillo, Nelson, pastor; Lot 2, Blk. 10, Lilac Street

Hacienda Heights,Subdivision M'kina,Philippines
Legaspi, Noel S., pastor; Rizal Avenue, Taytay, ^al

Philippines

Eastern Angola (2)

Sec. A Row 18 Seats 9-10

Oliveira, Costa (2), administrative director; Caixa Postal No.

9, Melange, Angola
Mendonca, Benvinda (9), pastor; Caixa Postal No. 9,

Melange, Angola

Reserves

Correia, Franco, men's director; Caixa Postal No. 9,

Melange, Angola
Xavier, Geraldo, pastor; Caixa Postal No. 9, Melange, Angola

Eastern Pennsylvania (14)

Sec. B Row 7 Seats 1-7
Row 8 Seats 1-7

*Ladd, Keith M. (7), corporation president; Box 345, High

Spire Road, Lyndell PA 19354
Daugherty, Ruth A (10), consultant/educator; 892 Justin

Lane, West Chester, PA 19382
Hamilton, Hattie G. (6), retired; 5321 West Berks Street,

Philadelphia, PA 19131
Nicholson, Anne D. (5), church secretary; 108 Washington

Street, Strasburg, PA 17579
Ford, Lenora Thompson (4), corporation president; 5734

West Oxford Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Gibson, Thomas D. (9), church business administrator;

3122 Club Drive, Allentown. PA 18103
Wilcock, Deborah M. (3), student; 51 IB Campbell Hall,

Clarion University, Clarion PA 16214
Fisher, Violet L. (10), district superintendent; 1316 Sonnet

Lane, West Chester, PA 19380-1059
Yrigoyen, Charles (8), General Secretary General

Commission on Archives and History; 2 Hemlock Lane,

Morristown, NJ 07960
Johnson, Alfred (5) , district superintendent; 12 Farwood

Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-4007
Good, Menno E. (2) , pastor; 15 Woodside Avenue, Reading,

PA 19609
Hassinger, Susan W. (3), Conference Director of Office of

Resourcing; P.O. Box 820, VaUey Forge, PA 19482-0820
DiPaolo, Joseph (1), pastor; 102 Sunset Drive, New Hope,

PA 18938-1019
McKonly, Melinda L. (6), district superintendent; 922

Parkway Road, Allentown, PA 18104-3341

Reserves

Blaker, Fallon, retired educator; Hughes Avenue Route 895

& 443, P.O. Box 22, New Ringgold PA 17960
Derr, Donna F., Director of Education and Advocacy;

Family Services, 15 East Dupont Street, Ridley Park PA

19078-3299
Henderson, Betty A, housing authority deputy director;

3413 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Costill, Chrissy, customer service; 4 Highfield Circle,

Conyngham, PA 18219
Dickert, Marion N., church volunteer; 900 Mickley Road,

Apt. Gl-2, Whitehall PA 18052
Christopher, Ula D., diaconal minister; 53 Sonia Lane,

Broomall, PA 19008-1423
Sowers, Geoffrey L, printing company president; 801 South

12th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
Edmonds, Claude A, pastor; 439 Glen Echo Road,

Philadelphia, PA 19119

Delegate Information

41

Bartlow, Michele W., pastor; 2305 Laurel Road, Reading, PA

19609-1218
Cotto, Irving, pastor; 1804 Wilderness Road, Lancaster, PA

17603-9317
Snyder, Herbert J. , pastor; 3212 School Lane, Drexel Hill, PA

19026-1441
Moloney, Alfred S., metro ministries executive director; 2101

Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Tatem, Dorothy W., pastor; 5620 Wyalusing Avenue,

Philadelphia, PA 19131
Dufresne, Sandra F., district superintendent; 130 West

Madison Street, Mohnton, PA 19540-1205

Estonia Provisional (2)

Sec. D Row 12 Seats 11-12

Lilleoja, Tarmo (6) , Estonian Bible Society Editor; Kihnu

G-53, Tallinn EE0035, Estonia
*Pamamets, Olav (7), superintendent; Endla 44-1, Tallinn

EE0006, Estonia

Reserves

Rahuvarm, Andreas, Youth Center Secretary; Vilde Tee

142-12, TalUnn EE0026, Estonia
Tserenkov, Juri, Administrative Board Lay Member;

Karberi 28-29, Tallinn EE0038, Estonia
Lanberg, Georgi, pastor; Akadeemia Tee 22-30, Tallinn

EE0026, Estonia
Norak, Andrus, pastor; Box 166, Tartu Postimaja EE2400,

Estonia

Finland-Finnish Provisional (2)

Sec. C Row 10 Seats 11-12

Rajamaa, Iris Ch. (8), administrative secretary;

Punavuorenkatu 2 A 4, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
*Rajamaa, Tapani J. (7), superintendent; Punavuorenkatu

2 A 4, 00120 Helsinki, Fin'and

Reserves

Backman, Lara Ch., student; Aapelink. 1, 02230 Espoo,

Finlcind
Mustonen, Antti R., pastor; Inkilanmaenk. 28 A 5, 70340

Kuopio, Finland

Finland-Swedish Provisional (2)

Sec. A Row 1 Seats 9-10

Soderstrom, Marcus (6), student; Dobelnsg. 25, FIN-68600

Jakobstad, Finland
Wegelius, Fredrik (5) , superintendent; Kantelevagen 26 D

11, FIN-67300 Karleby, Finland

Reserves

Palmberg, Mervi, housewife; Djaknegatan 6, FIN-06100

Borga, Finland
Soderstrom, Gosta, pastor; Dobelnsgatan 25, FIN-68600

Jakobstad, Finland

Florida (28)

Sec. A Row 12 Seats 9-12
Row 13 Seats 1-12
Row 14 Seats 1-12

Massey, Mary Alice (3), homemaker; 6750 Epping Forest

Way, #106, Jacksonville FL 32217
McKeown, Leland P. (3), retired insurance agent; 1025

Mildred Avenue, Brooksville, FL 34601
Carson, Kit (7), Internal Revenue Service retiree; 18663 SW

94th Court, Miami, FL 33157
Moxley, Jody P. (5) , homemaker; P.O. Box 1445, Titusville,

FL 32780
Furman, Jr., Frank (H.), 4; insurance executive, 900 NE

Third Avenue, Pompano Beach FL 33061
Roberts, Rodell F. (6), psychologist; P.O. Box 1783,

Jacksonville, FL 32201
Zimmerman, Emily Ann (9), homemaker; 7204 San Carlos

Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Mason, Betty Sue (6) , homemaker; 202 West Powhattan

Drive, Tampa, FL 33604
Hamilton, Tom W. (10), diaconal minister; 4845 NE 25th

Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
Pearce, Charles (1), cost consultant; 1610 Glenwood Road,

DeLand, FL 32720
Sessums, T. Terrell (7), attorney; 1113 Dunbar Avenue,

Tampa, FL 33629
Bass, Ressie Mae (8), GBGM staff; 475 Riverside Drive,

Room 1501, New York NY 10115
Collins, Dorothy (2) , homemaker; 238 Monte Cristo

Boulevard, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Fields, Lynette (8) , social worker; 305 SW 43rd Avenue,

Miami, FL 33134
*Kammerer, Charlene P. (10) , pastor; 1700 North Meridian

Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Wills, Jr.. Richard]. (3), pastor, 4845 NE 25th Avenue, Ft.

Lauderdale FL 33308
Jennings, James F. (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box

144880, Coral Gables, FL 33114
Riddle, Barbara W. (10) , district superintendent; 1415

LaSalle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Hamish, James A. (9) , pastor; 500 West Piatt Street, Tampa,

FL 33606
Ewing, E. Keith (2), pastor; 1005 West Main Street,

Leesburg,FL 34748
Brazelton, David L. (8), district superintendent; P.O. Box

290655, Tampa, FL 33687-0655
Courtoy, Charles W. (4), pastor; 6704 Trail Ridge Drive,

Lakeland, FL 33813
Johnson, Dan (7) , pastor; 3536 NW Eighth Avenue,

Gainesville, FL 32605
Barnes, William S. (6), pastor; 4851 South Apopka-Vineland

Road, Orlando, FL 32819
Roughton, Philip H. (1), pastor; 336 South Halifax Drive,

Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Hunter III, George G. (2), seminary dean and professor;

Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY 40390
Pickett, William A. (4), pastor; 731 East Fairlane Avenue,

Oriando, FL 32809
Short, Riley P. (5), pastor; 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland,

FL 33801

Reserves

Dodge, David A., diaconal minister; 3536 NW Eighth
Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605

42

DC A Advance Edition

Bove, Jose P., diaconal minister; 72 Lake Morton Drive,

Lakeland, FL 33801
Yost, James, electrical engineer; 12021 Orange Grove Drive,

Tampa, FL 33618
Springer, joann L., retired teacher; 316 Raymond Avenue,

Frostproof, FL 33843
Tabbert Russell, insurance and financial planner; 6880 East

Chanel Drive, Hernando, FL 34442
Smith, Alice I., retired teacher; 19252 Blount Road, Lutz, FL

33549
Fowler, Lloyd (Bud) F., retired; 2956 Starwood Drive,

Oviedo,FL 32765
Diaz de Arce, Gabriel H.; Route 4, Box 315, Lake City FL

32055
Johns, June A., homemaker; 555 NW Fourth Avenue, Apt

412, Boca Raton FL 33432
himan, Jack C, insurance executive; 520 Virginia Drive,

Winter Park, FL 32789
Bright, Joyce W., technical solutions consultant; 3491

Colwyn Court, Orlando, FL 32812
Cox, Elizabeth E., retired elementary principal; 31 West

View Lane, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Yost, Lois A., retired teacher; 12021 Orange Grove Drive,

Tampa, FL 33618
Weinberg, Nancy L, day care center owner; 409 Fourth

Place, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Powell, Joseph C, district superintendent; P.O. Box 3545,

Tallahassee, FL 32315
Burkholder, Anne L, pastor; 601 Center Street, Femandma

Beach, FL 32034
Brewer, David T., CCOM Executive Director; P.O. Box

3767, Lakeland, FL 33802
Branson, Oswald P., President Bethune-Cookman College;

640 Second Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
Cahoon, Pamela A, CROS Ministries Executive Director;

4401 Garden Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Hill, Teresa E., pastor; P.O. Box 157, Roseland, FL 32957
Green, John H, district superintendent; P.O. Box 31060,

Sarasota, FL 34232
Copeland, Delmas M., district superintendent; P.O. Box

2625, Lakeland, FL 33806
Simon, John P., district superintendent 2935 Washington

Road, West Pahn Beach, FL 33405
Finklea, W. Ray, district superintendent; 700 North

Wickham Road, #205, Melbourne FL 32935
McEntire, W. David, pastor; 900 Brandywine Road, West

Palm Beach, FL 33409
Acevedo, Jorge A., pastor; 4845 NE 25th Avenue, FL

Lauderdale, FL 33308
Icaza-Willetts, Migdalia L, General Board of Discipleship

staff; 3720 Belle Oaks Drive, Antioch, TN 37013
Fox, Robert H., district superintendent; 901 West Main

Street, Leesburg, FL 34748

German East (2)

Sec. D Row 7 Seats 9-10

Kiebling, Dieter (8), vice-mayor; Schmaizbachsiedlung 45,

08468 Unterheinsdorf, Germany
Kober, Friedhelm (6), superintendent; Lessingstrasse 6,

08058 Zurickau, Germany

Reserves

Fleming, Gert, chemist Albert-Kohler-Str. 81, 09122

Chemnitz, Germany
Rochlitzer, Klaus, administration manager; Zeisigwaldstr.

80, 09130 Chemnitz, Germany

Lasch, Gabriele, administration manager; Bahnhofstrabe

33, 07639 Bad Klosterlausnitz, Germany
Heidler, Hartmut mathematician; Lobnitzer Str. 36, 09599

Freiberg, Germany
Meisel, Ulrich, chemist Mittelbreite 46, 06849 Dessau,

Germany
Klement Birgit deacon; C.-v.-Ossietzky-Str. 11, 08280 Aue,

Germany
Lenk, Stefan, engineer; RicardarHuch-Str. 97, 08280 Aue,

Germany
Weibbach, Christian, mechanic; Gartenstr. 10, 09227

Dittersdorf, Germany
Spranger, Friedrich, engineer, Dobenaustr. 110, 08523

Plauen, Germany
Kleinhempel, Maria, deacon; Auerhammerstr. 30, 08280

Aue, Germany
Roder, Thomas, pastor; Gasanstaltstr. 172, 09474

Crottendorf, Germany
Ruhnow, Wolfgang, pastor; Dorfstrabe 19, 09465 Cranzahl,

Germany
Schieck, Lothar, pastor; Bellinostrabe 35, 72764 Reutlingen,

Germany
Uhlmann, Herbert, superintendent Wiener Strabe 56, 01219

Dresden, Germany
Gunther, Thomas, pastor; Bahnhofstrabe 33, 07639

Klosterlausnitz, Germany
Gunther, Andreas, pastor; Hauptstrabe 32, 09227

Dittersdorf, Germany
Mann, Reinhold, pastor; Schneebergerstrabe 2, 08321

Zschorlau, Germany
Herrrmann, Ludwig, pastor; Friedensstrabe 9, 02763 Zittau,

Germany
Neels, Jorg Egbert, pastor; Am Anger 11, 08228 Rodewisch,

Germany
Georgi, Christoph, pastor; Strabe der Einheit 11, 09423

Gelenau, Germany

German North (2)

Sec. BRow4;'.-;-itsll-12

Minor, Ute (7), lay preacher; Bemhard-Bastlein-Str. 35,

D-10367 Berlin, Germany
Gruneke, Christel (3), pastor; Mozartstr. 53, D-42115

Wuppertel, Germany

Reserves

Theysohn, Reinhard, lay preacher; Samowstr. 39, D-18435

Stralsund, Germany
Magdowski, Axel, administrator; Bomimerstr. 4, D-10711

Berlin, Germany
Schempp, Ulrich, manager; Fritz-Solnitz-Weg 17, D-22417

Hamburg, Germany
Herrmann, Hans-Wilhelm, manager; Schmachtenbergw^

29b, D42113 Wuppertal, Germany
Steinert Ruthild, teacher; Am Riedenbach 58, D-49082

Osnabruck, Germany
Putzke, lugeborg, teacher; Achtermohlen 37a, D-26129

Oldenburg, Germany
Muller, Marianne, draftswoman; Scharhomstr. 2d, D-22880

Wedel, Germany
Junga, Klaus E., tax consultant Burger Landstr. 242,

D42659 Solingen, Germany
Wolring, Elsbeth, bank employee; TTiomasstr. 48, D-27553

Delmenhorst Germany
Sieweck, Kriemhild, housewife; Ammonstr. 1, D-16225

Eberswalde, Germany

Delegate Information

43

Albers, Siegfried, mayor; Up de Cast 12, D-26556

Westerholt, Germany
Mittelstadt, Holger, teacher; Dieffenbachstr. 39, D-10967

Berlin, Germany
Marquardt, Manfred, pastor; Hagstr. 8, D-72762 Reutlingen,

Germany
Stein, Hans-Ulrich, superintendent; Menzelstr. 20, D45147

Essen, Germany
Selle, Manfred, pastor; Schildescher Str. 102, D-33611

Bielefeld, Germany
Lodewigs, Siegfried, superintendent; Eilbeker Weg 84,

D-22089 Hamburg, Germany
Voigt. Karl Heinz, pastor; Hardenbergstr. 15, D-24105 Kiel.

Germany
Michalski, Hans, superintendent; Schroderstr. 5, D-10115

Berlin, Germany
Renders, Helmut, pastor; Abendrothsweg 43, D-20251

Hamburg, Germany
Steeger, Hans-Albert, pastor; Schmachtenberg weg 29,

D42113 Wuppertal, Germany
Gotz, Matthias, pastor; Schroderstr. 5, D-10115 Berlin,

Germany
Straka, Gabriel, pastor; Dieffenbachstr. 39, D-10967 Berlin,

Germany
Kraft, Irene, pastor; Heinrichstr. 63, D-49080 Osnabruck,

Germany
Mohr, Karsten W., superintendent; Fritz-Solmitz-Weg 27,

D-22417 Hamburg, Germany

German South (2)

Sec. C Row 9 Seats 11-12

Fischer, Bemd D. (1), teacher; Eschenauer Str. 27, 90411

Numberg, Germany
*Besserer, Armin (10), superintendent; Haglenstr. 60, 72793

Pfullingen, Germany

Reserves

Egler, Gerhard, director; Auf der Hohe 37, 78048

Villengen-Schwenningen, Germany
Dillman, Use, nurse; Riesbergstr. 70, 71540 Murrhardt,

Germany
Schlagenhauf, Karin, general practitioner; Bolingerstr. 38,

72336 Bolingen, Germany
Fauser, Kurt, administrative official; Winzerstr. 18/1, 72766

Reutlingen, Germany
Heissler, Udo, lawyer; Taunusstr. 15, 70469 Stuttgart,

Germany
Schmdz, Rainer, professor; Imenstr. 36, 74226 Nordheim,

Germany
Speck, Heinz, bank manager; Gutenbergstr. 26, 73779

Deizisau, Germany
Ganzle, Sigrid, catechist; Holdenweg 46, 72138

Kirchentellinsturt Germany
Christner, Hannelore, home economist; St.-Leonhard-Str.

3 1 , 72764 Reudingen, Germany
Grasle, Paul, teacher; Augelbaumstr. 12, 74211 Leingarten,

Germany
Witzig, Hartmut, manager; Cheruskerstr. 47, 71101

Schanaich, Germany
Hetzner, Armin, teacher; Humbddstr. 40, 91522 Ansbach,

Germany
Knoller, Heidelore, housewife; Friedensstr. 6, 73728

Esslingen, Germany
Wuchterl, Rudolf, measuring manager; Silcherstr. 98, 73614

Schamdorf, Germany

Burrer, Helmut, tax advisor; Georg-Wagner-Str. 65, 72202

Nagold, Germany
Schert, Siegfried, teacher; Karlstr. 21, 71394 Kemeni 2,

Germany
Jetter, Armin, publisher; Grundstr. 5, 82061 Neuried,

Germany
Stahl, Reiner, superintendent; Judtstr. 15, 91522 Ansbach,

Germany
Bohringer, Norbert, pastor; Wallstr. 10, 71364 Winnenden,

Germany
Rieker, Wolfgang, pastor; Panoramostr. 1, 70839 Gerlingen,

Germany
Schmdz, Werner, pastor; Gabrielstr. 15, 72250 Freudenstadt,

Germany
Cramer, Andreas, pastor; Schomberger Str. 9, 72250

Freudenstadt, Germany
Leonhardt, Theo, pastor; Friedrich-STr. 69, 71032 Boblingen,

Germany
Eschmann, Holger, seminary lecturer; Bellinostr. 35, 72764

Reudingen, Germany
Ruckert, Harold, pastor; Steinburgstr. 89, 97080 Wuizburg,

Germany
Bildmann,Jurgen, pastor; Kapellenweg 14, 70771

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
Klix, Christian, pastor; Frauenstr. 83, 89073 Ulm, Germany
Browa, Johannes, pastor; Leonbergerstr. 12, 71277

Reutesheiva, Germany
Waitzmann, Ludwig, pastor; Stadenstr. 60, 90491 Numberg,

Germany
Brodbeck, Gerhard, pastor; Keltenweg 1, 70839 Gerlingen,

Germany
Kohlhammer, Reiner, pastor; Rappenstr. 21, 72250

Freudenstadt, Germany
Braun, Reinhold, superintendent; Birkenwaldstr. 204, 70191

Stuttgart, Germany
Knoller, Horst, pastor; Friedensstr. 6, 73728 Esslingen,

Germany
Ruof Klaus U., pastor; Am Briel 43, 78467 Konstanz,

Germany

German Southwest (2)

Sec. A Row 18 Seats 11-12

Ade, Hans (2), university teacher; Curt-Goetz-Str. 95, 55127

Mainz, Germany
Kerscher, Horst (9), superintendent; Auer Strabe 20, 76227

Karlsruhe, Germany

Reserves

Kettner, Hans-Peter, high school master; Humboldstrabe 5,

75217 Birkenfeld, Germany
Herrmann, Siegfried, teacher; Grenzweg 3, 76327 Pfinztal,

Germany
Schaarschmidt, Christian, attomey-at-law; Adelenstrabe 2,

65929 Frankfurt, Germany
Zucker, Walter, bank branch leader; Uhlandstrabe 30,

75438 Knittlingen, Germany
Pokropp, Horst, singing clerk; Briandstrabe 8, 76870

Kandel, Germany
Hensler, Gisela, conference chair of women's work;

Maximilianstr. 28, 75172 Pforzheim, Germany
Els, Albrecht, pastor; Elkenbachstr. 36, 60327 Frankfurt,

Germany
Wenner, Rosemarie; Steubenstrabe 71, 63225 Langen,

Germany
Vesen, Peter, pastor; Moltkestrabe 3, 76646 Bruchsal,

Germany

44

DCA Advance Edition

Schreiher, Gerhard, pastor; Ferdinand-Weib-Str. 72, 79106

Freiburg, Germany
Winkmann, Gunter, pastor; Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 8,

60329 Frankfurt, Germany
BoWinfried, pastor; Kurpfalzstrabe 55; 69226 Nubloch,

Germany

Great Britain (4)

Sec. C Row 3 Seats 9-12

Biggins, Moira (6), ITofScer; Methodist Homes, MHA,

Epworth House Stuart Street,Derby DEI 2EQ,England,
Muchopa, Naboth (1), secretary for racial justice; 1 Central

Buildings, Westminster, London SWIH 9NH England,
Beck, Brian E. (2), secretary of the British Methodist

Conference; 25 Marylebone Road, NWl 5JR London,

England
Campbell Hyde, Catherine (10), superintendent of circuit; 46

Western Avenue, Newport Gwent NP9 3SN, England

Holston (16)

Sec. D Row 7 Seats 1-8
Row 8 Seats 1-8

*Henderson, Jean (10), volunteer/homemaker; 3167

Whipporwill Drive, NW, Cleveland TN 37312
Scott, Zane (8), assistant attorney general; 152 Depot Street,

Gate City, VA 24251
Laycock, Evelyn (3), director SEJ Lay Ministry Center; 9-3

Tri Vista Villas, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Skeen, W.M. 'Bill' (9), engineer; 9748 Coebum Mountain

Road, Wise, VA 24293
Sikes, Scott (7) , student; P.O. Box 86, Galax, VA 24333
Groseclose, Alan D. (4), attorney; P.O. Box 1440, Pulaski,

VA 24301
Tucker, Mary Frances (6) , business administrator; 1413

Kenton Way, Knoxville, TN 37922
Kinchaloe, Beatrice (1) , homemaker; 631 Fifth Street,

Bristol, TN 37620
Lippse, Charles E. (4), pastor; 1226 Watauga Street,

Kingsport,TN 37660
Bowles, Jr., Albert J.; (10), pastor, P.O. Box 1336, Johnson

City TN 37605
Howard,]. N. (9), pastor; 115 South Church Street, Marion,

VA 24354
Marchbanks, Paul Y. (6), pastor; P.O. Box 7078, Kingsport,

TN 37664
Blair, B. Ann (3), district superintendent; 3315 Berkshire

Circle, Johnson City, TN 37604
Austin, FredL. (2), district superintendent; P.O. Box 925,

Wytheville,VA 24382
Goodgame, Gordon C. (5), executive director SEJ

Administrative Council; P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska,

NC 28745
Taylor, Mary Virginia (1), pastor; 6314 East Brainerd Road,

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Reserves

McCartt, Jan, homemaker; 1708 Orchard Court, Kingsport,

TN 37660
Shufflebarger, Emmett G., retired educational consultant;

206 Tenth Street, Radford, VA 24141
Stames, Paul M., consultant; 4004 Patton Drive,

Chattanooga, TN 37412
Hicks-Caskey, W. Sue, diaconal minister; P.O. Box 1336,

Johnson City, TN 37605-1336

Lockaby, Bob, attorney; 7514 Island Manor Drive, Harrison,

TN 37341
Mills, Carl L, retired mechanical engineer; 7524 Huffaker

Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920
Oliphant, George, retired Division Director Oak Ridge

National Laboratories; 106 Wendover Circle, Oak Ridge,

TN 37830
Hutton, Lynn W., diaconal minister; 201 EastlTiird Street,

KnoxviUe.TN 37917
Fox, H. Eddie, World Evangelism Director World Methodist

Council; 4491 Chandler Road, Hermitage, TN 37076
Green, James R., pastor; 411 Belle Mead Drive, Maryville,

TN 37803
Rowlett,Jr., Peyton L; council director, P.O. Box 1178,

Johnson City TN 37605
Batch, William H, Pastoral Counseling Center Director;

P.O. Box 11328, Knoxville, TN 37939-1328
White, Raymon E., pastor; 6412 Mountain Laurel Road,

Knoxville, TN 37924
Baker, TedF, pastor; 3811 Redding Road, Chattanooga, TN

37415
Russell, Jerald W., pastor; 1228 Raulston Road, Maryville,

TN 37801
Edwards, P. Jackson, district superintendent; P.O. Box 1592,

Morristown, TN 37816-1592

Hungary Provisional (2)

Sec. D Row 5 Seats 8-9

Csemak, Eva (6), teacher, Szinhaz utca 6., H-4400

Nyiregyhaza, Hungary
Csemak, Istvan (6), pastor; Szinhaz utca 6., H-4400

Nyiregyhaza, Hungary

Reserves

Schauermann, Henrik, engineer, Kedves utca 28., H-7628

Pecs., Hungary
Hecker, Frigyes, superintendent; Felso erdosor 5., H-1068

Budapest, Hungary

Iowa (22)

Sec. D Row 3 Seats 1-12
Row 4 Seats 1-10

Mendenhall, Don W. (6), CCOM Director; 500 East Court,

Suite C, Des Moines lA 50309
Dawes, Inez (1), CCOM staff; 500 East Court, Suite C, Des

Moines lA 50309
Stephenson, Janet E. (7), annual conference secretary; 322

Hickory Drive, Ames, lA 50014-3431
Ridenour, Don (3), farmer;, Keswick, lA 50136
Spencer, Beverly J. (6), homemaker/volunteer; R.R 2, West

Branch, lA 52358
Goldman, June P. (5), county supervisor; 24113 - 178th

Street, Spirit Lake, lA 51630
Nolte, Beverly M. (2), Intersharing administrator, VIM,

4038 Morton, Des Moines L\ 50317
Crawford, Avon (9) , teacher; 5108 Westwood Drive, West

Des Moines, L\ 50265
Meyer, Margaret E. (4), retired teacher; 4319 Brown Street,

Davenport, lA 52806
Kitterman, Sarah (8), student; 3606 Peters, Sioux City, lA

51106
Eberhart, Diane W. (10), diaconal minister; 6222 University,

Des Moines, lA 50311

Delegate Information

45

*Kiesey, Deborah L (8), pastor; P.O. Box 27, Mt. Pleasant,

lA 52641
Stout, David B. (10), pastor; 720 Grand Avenue, West Des

Moines, lA 50265
Ackerson, Merlin}. (1), pastor; 119 South Georgia, Mason

City, lA 50401
Peckham, Galen E. (4) , district superintendent; 500 East

Court, Suite C, Des Moines lA 50309
BurkhartJ. Robert (10), administrative assistant; 5(X) East

Court, Suite C, Des Moines lA 50309
Ward, Martha D. (3), pastor; P.O. Box 288, Knoxville, lA

50138
Kail, Edward A. (9), associate professor; 5123 Truman

Road, Kansas City, MO 64127
Smith, Tompsie K. (5), district superintendent; P.O. Box

582, Creston, lA 50801
Ough, Bruce R. (2), district superintendent; 225 First

Avenue, SW, Cedar Rapids lA 52405
Jayne, Carlos C. (6), pastor; 921 Pleasant Street, Des

Moines, lA 50309
Carver, Rebecca C. (7), Wesley Foundation; 2422 College

Street, Cedar FaUs, lA 50613

Reserves

Lux, William E., poultryman; 101 Rays Court, Manchester,

lA 52057
Ireland, Jeffrey, lawyer; 6005 Walnut Hills Drive, Des

Moines, lA 50312
Webb, Jason, student; 1102 Burnett Avenue, Ames, lA 50010
Ryon, Susan, volunteer; 1620 - 23rd Street, Fort Dodge, lA

50501
Daniels, Lillian M., retired Director of Nursing Services;

2723 Avenue C, Fort Madison, lA 52627
Petrak, Ruth Anne, executive director; 1507 Pennsylvania

Avenue, Des Moines, lA 50316
Oakland, Barbara L, volunteer; 2906 Bonnie Drive,

Muscatine, lA 52761
Wilcox, Timothy D., campus ministry; 2935 North 53rd

Street, #4, Lincoln NE 68504
Vogel, linda J., professor; 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL

60201
Grier, Dianne B., diaconal minister; 1207 Kimball, Waterloo,

lA 50702
Stanley, David, lawyer/investment manager; P.O. Box 209,

Muscatine, lA 52761
Daniel, Wesley S. K, CCOM staff; 500 East Court, Suite C,

Des Moines lA 50309
Dungan. Karen N., pastor; 805 Okoboji Avenue, Milford, lA

51351-1643
Olson, Richard L, Direcotr Church Growth & Revitali2ation;

P.O. Box 484, Washington, lA 52353
Anderson, Douglas/., pastor; 2900 - 49th Street, Des Moines,

lA 50310
Ward, Robert B., pastor; P.O. Box 288, Knoxville, lA 50138
Willey, Larry G., pastor; 102 South Eighth, Estherville, lA

51334
Berbano,Jr., Mark (V.), pastor, 707 Sbcth Street, Grundy

Center lA 50638
Dass, Emmanuel R., pastor; 223 West Washington,

Clarinda, lA 51632
Oakland, Jerry E., district superintendent; 216 Sycamore,

Suite 102, Muscatine lA 52761-3838
Ampriester, Marvin D., pastor; 11 South First Street,

Council Bluffs, lA 51503
White, George A., pastor; 109 East 14th Street, Davenport, lA

52803

Kansas East (8)

Sec. D Row 11 Seats 1-8

Fooshee, Dale L. (2), council director; P.O. Box 4187,

Topeka, KS 66604-0187
Nelson, Betty J. (9), director of lay ministries; 4100 SW

Munson, Topeka, KS 66604-1817
Montgomery, DarleneT. (1), retired social worker; 5442

SW 12th Terrace, #2, Topeka KS 66604-2347
Livingston, David S. (7) , youth director; 5424 Westgate,

Shawnee, KS 66216
*Howell, H. Sharon (5), district superintendent; P.O. Box

607, Ottawa, KS 66067-0607
Dorsey, Frank L (6), pastor; 5400 West 75th Street, Prairie

Village, KS 66208
Tubach, Jerry A. (4), district superintendent; 6420 Santa Fe

Drive, Overland Park, KS 66202
Gardner, Andrew J. (10) , district superintendent; P.O. Box

244, Parsons, KS 67357

Reserves

Atwood, Judy K., church and community worker; 1514

Jarvis, Manhattan, KS 66502
Hershberger, Jill S., teacher; 7054 Haskell, Kansas City. KS

66109
King, Ryann, student; 10803 West 96th Place, Overland

Park, KS 66214
Holliday, Jerry, engineer; R.R. 2, Box 163, Neodesha KS

66757
Brown, Eva K , chaplain; 914 SW Cambridge Avenue,

Topeka, KS 66606
Chun, Young-Ho, professor; 1121 SE 1 1th Street, Lee's

Summit, MO 64081
Darby, James E. , pastor; 5519 State Park Road, Shawnee '

Mission, KS 66205
Stoneking, John £>., district superintendent; 4201 SW 15th

Street, Topeka, KS 66604

Kansas West (10)

Sec. C Row 5 Seats 1-10

*Schwab, Penney (6), adminisfrator; 1052 C Road,

Copeland, KS 67837-9007
Rose, Barbara J. (1), homemaker; 810 West 17th,

Hutchinson, KS 67501
McClellan, Jo Eva (3), homemaker; 807 Main, Box 248,

Palco KS 67657
Severance, Robert J. (8), retired Vo-Tch CEO; R.R. 2, Box

65, Beloit KS 67420
Scheer, Dennis H. (2), conference treasurer; 9440 East

Boston, Suite 110, Wichita KS 67207
Gordon, Tyrone T. (9), pastor; 1525 North Lorriane, Wichita,

KS 67214
Crickard, Elsie (4), pastor; 1600 West 27th North, Wichita,

KS 67204-5005
Reed, James R. (7), district superintendent; 620 East 30th,

Suite 100, Hutchinson KS 67502
Vogt.Jerold W. (10), district superintendent; 9440 East

Boston, Suite 140, Wichita KS 67207
Jones, Jon W. (5), pastor; 4407 East Douglas, Wichita, KS

67218

Reserves

Walker, Robin A, student; 431 South Prospect, Clearwater,

KS 67206

46

DCA Advance Edition

West, Maria J., homemaker; R.R. 1, Box 38, Norcatur, KS

67653
Jant2en, Veraon G., insurance agent; P.O. Box 1118,

Elkhart, KS 67950
Robinson, Emmadell, banker; 2615 North Vasser, Wichita,

KS 67220
Sheldon, Barbara P., diaconal minister; 9440 East Boston,

Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67207
Conard, A. Mark, district superintendent; Pioneer Hall, 100

East Claflin, Room 5 Salina, KS 67401
Linn, Cheryl E., pastor; 208 East Central, Maize, KS 67101
Iwig, James H., pastor; 1100 West 15th, Wichita, KS 67203
Bowers, TroyL, pastor; Box 534, Abilene, KS 67410
Bender, Kelly B., pastor; 330 North Broadway, Wichita, KS

67202

KentuclQ^ (8)

Sec. D Row 1 Seats 9-12
Row 2 Seats 9-12

Jones, Dale (4), conference treasurer; P.O. Box 55440,

Lexington, KY 40555
Bowdan, Mel (10), college administrator; 2236 Clear Creek

Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Holsinger, Jim (5), medical center chancellor; 4705

Waterside Court, Lexington, KY 40513
Shepherd, Jim (8), attorney; P.O. Box 157, Perry Park, KY

40363
*Davis, Lindsey (3), district superintendent; 215 Catalpa

Road, Lexington, KY 40502
Seamands, David (1), retired professor; 63 Inlet Boulevard,

Nokomis, PL 34275
Gwinn, Al (6), pastor; 1094 Rockbridge Road, Lexington,

KY 40515
Brewer, Jackson (7), district superintendent; 906 Collins

Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017

Reserves

Litton, Alice, businesswoman; 199 Elizaville Avenue,

Flemingsburg, KY 41041
Mitchell, Connie, teacher; 1705 Leestown Road, #418,

Lexington KY,40511
Turkington, Will, businessman; 3433 Oak Brook,

Lexington, KY 40515
Murphy, Jim, diaconal minister; 214 West High Street,

Lexington, KY 40507
Jennings, W. R., pastor; 707 Wicklow Road, Louisville, KY

40207
Jones, Donna, pastor; 1800 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY

40601
Woodward, Sewell, district superintendent; 3000 Belhaven

Drive, Russell, KY 41169
Brady. Edgar, pastor; 1825 Russell Cave Road, Lexington,

KY 40511

little Rock (6)

Sec. D Row 2 Seats 1-6

*Loyd, Marilynn N. (4), real estate broker; P.O. Box 743,

Lake Village, AR 71653
Norton, Richard (1), state administrator; 6701 Highway 67,

Benton, AR 72015
Rice, Mattie M. (6), homemaker; 6412 Brentwood Road,

Uttle Rock, AR 72207-2705
Wilson, David B. (5), paston 1100 Central, Hot Springs, AR

71901

Jones, Chester R. (3), district superintendent; #1

Longmeadow, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
O'Dell, Paulette W. (10), pastor; 1300 East University,

Magnolia, AR 71753

Reserves

Smith, Sandy, homemaker; 1525 Reed, Malvern, AR 72104
Wynne, Margaret, homemaker; 1724 Abemathy, Fordyce,

AR 71742
Keahey, La Verne, diaconal minister; 138 ^ple Blossom

Loop, Maumelle, AR 72113
Connell, Gladwin, council director, 715 Center Street, #202,

Uttle Rock AR,72201
Burton, Jeanie P., district superintendent; 715 Center Street,

#201, Uttle Rock AR,72201
Bennett, Bruce W., pastor; P.O. Box 357, Sheridan, AR 72150

Louisiana (12)

Sec. B Row 1 Seats 1-12

Crump, Anita (9), retired principal; 7321 Dalewood, New

Orleans, LA 70126
Stewart, Carl E. (8), circuit court judge; 300 Fannin Street,

#2299, Shreveport LA,71101
Loy, 0. F. (4), lobbyist P.O. Box 1546, Baton Rouge, LA

70821
Carruth, Nancy (4), financial management; P.O. Box 267,

Bunkie, LA 71322
White, Paul D. (5), realtor; 99 Woodlands Drive, Boyce, LA

71409
Dove, Carolyn (7), homemaker; 5945 Hickory Ridge, Baton

Rouge, LA 70817
* Simmons, Charles B. (10), pastor; 10230 Mollylea Drive,

Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Avery, Donald R. (2) , district superintendent; 2013

MacArthur, Building 2, Alexandria, LA 71301
Andrews, Christopher H. (3), pastor; 930 North Boulevard,

Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Cottrill, Donald C. (6), pastor; 360 Robert Road, Slidell, LA

70458
Peeples, William D. (1), pastor; 3715 Youree Drive,

Shreveport LA 71105
Cotton-Winn, Carole (5), district superintendent; 3401 Canal

Street, New Orieans, LA 70119

Reserves

Kawasaki, Matt, ship designer; 1002 Michigan Avenue,

SUdeU, LA 70458
Callahan, Seoia, legal secretary; 1048 Cypress Creek Road,

Oakdale, LA 71463
Cobb, Pat, homemaker; 7117 Memphis Street, New

Orleans, LA 70124
Packer, Vera, financial consultant PO. Box 851, Slidell, LA

70459
Porter, John F., business owno", 236 Ashley, Shreveport LA

71105
Schoeffler, Sarah, professor; 3502 East Simcoe, Lafeyette,

LA 70501
Burgess, Robert L, pastor; 101 Uve Oak Boulevard,

Lafayette, LA 70503
Campbell, Alonzo J, pastor; P.O. Box 1174, SlideU, LA 70459
Williams, Marie /'..pastor; 212 Broad, DeRidder, LA 70634
Potter, Robert L, district superintendent P.O. Box 41188,

Shreveport LA 71134-1188
Campbell, Randall E., pastor, 2722 Louisiana Avenue, New

Orleans, LA 70115

Delegate Information

47

Boyd, TroyE., pastor; 201 John Wesley Boulevard, Bossier
City, LA 71112

Louisville (8)

Sec. A Row 2 Seats 9-12
Row 3 Seats 9-12

Sowards, Charlotte M. (6), teacher; 400 Wesleyan Place,

Owensboro.KY 42303
Peters, Rhoda A. (9), council director; 1911 Hurstboume

Court, Louisville, KY 40220
Harman, Christine (1) , bank quality control officer; 1078

Millcreek Drive, Henderson, KY 42420
Dixon, J. D. (7), retired university staff; P.O. Box 117,

Hawesville, KY 42346
*Eblen, Thomas W. (10), pastor; 1305 South Main Street,

Hopkinsville,KY 42240
Brockwelljr., Charles W.\ (3), sseminary staff, 3907

Ashridge Drive, Louisville KY 40241
Grieb, Thomas B. (4), pastor; 201 East Fourth Street,

Owensboro.KY 42303
James, Rachel S. (8), pastor; 202 Burkesville Street,

Columbia, KY 42728

Reserves

Wetzel, Nancy D., piano teacher; 2476 Hack Brown Road,

Franklin, KY 42134
Milton, Dorothy L., homemaker; 4907 Kay Avenue,

Louisville, KY 40299
Scott, Jack J., retired investments; 213 North Main,

Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Hutchinson, Larry R., warehouse manager, 31 Daytona

Drive. Louisville, KY 40214
Coins, Sr., Edgar S.; pastor, 318 West St Catherine,

LouisvUleKY 40203
Rankin, Donald E. , pastor; 800 Newman Way, Bowling

Green, KY 42104
Hill, Philip D., pastor; 503 Letcher Street, Henderson. KY

42420
Olds, J. Howard, pastor; 2000 Douglas Boulevard, Louisville,

KY 40205

Macedonia-Yugoslavia Provisional (2)

Sec. C Row 11 Seats 11-12

Trajkovski, Boris (1), lawyer; Finska 208, 91000 Skopje,

Macdonia
*Petreski, Kitan (3), district superintendent; Debarca 9,

91000 Skopje, Macedonia

Reserves

Palik, Marija, secretary; Janka Gombara 24, YU-21211

Kisac, Macedonia
Palik-Kuncak, Ana, pastor; Janka Gombara 22, YU-21211

Kisac, Macedonia

Memphis (10)

Sec. D Row 9 Seats 8-12
Row 10 Seats 8-12

*Archer, Anita K (5), church program director; 315 East

Chester, Jackson, TN 38301
Whitlow, Mark (4), accountant; 285 Cedar Lane, Paducah,

KY 42001

Peel, Dorothy (6), business owner; 6024 Ivawood,

Memphis, TN 38134
Stephenson, Roy (9), council associate director; 575

Lambuth Boulevard, Jackson, TN 38301
Carruth, Amanda (7), student; 4419 Sequoia, Memphis, TN

38117
Hilliard, David M. (3), district superintendent; 100 Fountain

Avenue, #220, Paducah, KY 42001
Blankenship, Paul F. (10), seminary staff; 168 East Parkway

South, Memphis, TN 38104
Hopson, Roger A. (1), district superintendent; P.O. Box 28.

Paris, TN 38242
Wheatley, Dossie F. (8), pastor; P.O. Box 452, Dyersburg,

TN 38025
Sharpe, Susan M. (2), pastor; P.O. Box 452, Dyersburg, TN

38025

Reserves

Bond, R. H., retired; 231 Red Bond Road, Dyersburg, TN

38024
Hopson, Cyntha B., professor; P.O. Box 28, Paris, TN 38242
Shelton III, Henry C., attorney; 1705 Grove Park Road,

Memphis, TN 38117
Adkins, Paula B.. housewife; 427 Tara Lane, Huntingdon,

TN 38244
Pevahouse, Joe N., pharmacist; 210 West Sixth Street,

Henderson, TN 38340
Clayton, Paul F., pastor; 315 East Chester, Jackson, TN

38301
Lynn, Shirley C, pastor; 300 Fountain Avenue, Paducah, KY

42001
Boone, Ben F., pastor; P.O. Box 25, Paris. TN 38242
Ripski, Mike, pastor; 2949 Davis Plantation Road, Memphis,

TN 38133
Moorehead,J. Donald, district superintendent; P.O. Box

11809, Memphis, TN 38111

Middle Philippines (2)

Sec. A Row 19 Seats 7-8

Galang, Ernesto; San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Magna, Catalino, pastor; 1518 Zamora Street, Tarlac, Tarlac
2300 Philippines

Reserves

Calagui, Domingo; The United Methodist Church, Tarlac,

Tarlac 2300 Philippines
Manes, Johnson; Wesleyan University, Cabanatuan City

3100, Philippines

Mindanao Philippines (2)

Sec. D Row 15 Seats 9-10

Gagno, Reynaldo A. (3), election registrar; COMELEC

Office. Isulan. Sultan Kudarat Philippines
*Ladia, Roberto (1), community development person in

mission; Spottswood Methodist Center, 9400 Kidapawan,

Cotabato Philippines

Reserves

Pastores, Nimfa, government official; DAR, Celema's Place.

9506 Koronadal South Cotabato.Philippines
Nicolas, Efraim, government official; Caloocan, Koronadal,

South Cotabato Philippines

48

DCA Advance Edition

Agbisit, Andrea, dentist; Spottswood Methodist Center,

Kidapawan, Cotabato Philippines
Padua, Aida, accountant; Provincial Accounting Office,

Koronadal, South Cotabato Philippines
Agustin, Romeo, businessman; 414 Domingo Street,

Koronadal, South Cotabato Philippines
Rufino, Isabelo, businessman; San Emmanuel, Tacuring,

Sultan Kudarat Philippines
Abaya, Efren, businessman; Singer Marketing, Isulan,

Sultan Kudarat Philippines
Soriano, Dania, social worker; 104 Recto Street, 8000 Davao

City, Philippines
Ladia, Vinaflor, teacher; Spottswood Methodist Center,

Kidapawan, Cotabato Philippines
MamacAmelia, principal; Mapanao Compound; 9506

Koronadal, South Cotabato, Philippines
Garrett, Doris Ann, missionary; United Methodist Building,

900 United Nations Avenue, Manila Philippines
Flores, Anastacio, clerk of court; Clerk of Court Office,

Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat Philippines
Cabaltica, Romeo, retired government official; Midsaya,

Cotabato 0410, Philippines
Fajardo, Benjamin, retired judge; Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat,

Philippines
Aguayo, Leonardo, physician; Kidapawan, Cotabato,

Philippines
Arallano, Billy, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Katico, Sultan Kudarat Philippines
Villanueva, Lima, district superintendent; Singer

Marketing, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Philippines
Soriano, Leo, pastor; 104 Recto Street, 8000 Davao City,

Philippines
Exiomo, Edwin, pastor; The United Methodist Church, 9506

Korondal, South Cotabato Philippines
Rapisura, Manuel, district superintendent; 283 Kalaliman

Street, 9506 Koronadal, South Cotabato Philippines
Aoen, Job, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Blingkong, Latayan Sultan Kudarat,Philippines
Dupitas, Benjamin, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Midsayap, Cotabato Philippines
Daroy,Josue, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Surallah, South Cotabato Philippines
Mella, Frank, district superintendent; 1353 Mercado Street,

9407 Kabacan, Cotabato Philippines
Marquez, Cesar, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

I^tidtuan, Kabacan Cotabato,Philippines
Miclat, Roberto, pastor; Spottswood Methodist Center,

Kidapawan, Cotabato Philippines
Miguel, Jose, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Naunama, Koronadal South Cotabato, Philippines
Guzman, Noel, pastor; The United Methodist Church, 9402

M'lang, Cotabato Philippines
Ramos, Ernesto, Methodist Center director; Spottswood

Methodist center, Kidapawan, Cotabato Philippines
Wangawang, Noemi, professor; Union Theological

Seminary, Palapala, Dasmarinas Cavite.Philippines

Minnesota (12)

Sec. C Row 7 Seats 1-12

♦Williams, Aileen L (3), educator; 985 11 1/4 Street SW,

Rochester, MN 55902
Miller, Maynard L. (5), retired; R.R. 3, Box 3658, Slayton

MN 56172
Justice, Jean Fitch (10) , adult education coordinator; 10025

Amsden Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Dowell, Jean (9), volunteer; 10360 Columbus Circle,

Bloomington, MN 55420-5423
Sitts, Jeff (4), student; Box 211, Elk River, MN 55330
Thompson, Marjorie H. (6), homemaker; 1207 Cedar

Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Sarazin, Duane V. (3), district superintendent; 122 West

Franklin Avenue, Room 400, Minneapolis MN 55404
Mahle, Kathi Austin (5), pastor; 1514 Englewood Avenue,

St. Paul, MN 55104
Campbell, Rufus R. (1), pastor; 513 West Central Avenue, St.

Paul, MN 55103
Dundas, Charlie O. (2), pastor; 14770 Canada Avenue West,

Rosemount, MN 55068
Arnold, Kathy S. (10), pastor; 826 Stevens Circle, Park

Rapids, MN 56470
Toschak, Patricia Morton (8), pastor; 511 Groveland,

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Reserves

Jensen, Irene Khin Khin, professor; 1666 Cofftnan, #216, St.

Paul, MN 55108
Ulja, Joan M., diaconal minister; 1468 Centennial Drive,

RoseviUe, MN 55113
Gates, Mary H., college admissions counselor; 3420

Skycroft Circle, Minneapolis, MN 55418-1719
Collins, Gary A., farmer/carpenter; Box 499, Pine Island,

MN 55963
Read, Riley R., retired consultant; 2968 Fumess,

Maplewood, MN 55109
Westby, Jeremy, student; P.O. Box 536, Winnebago, MN

56098
Mate, William T., pastor; 114 West Broadway, Winona, MN

55987-6783
Horst, Mark L, pastor; 3400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

55407-2099
Alexander, Dennis J., pastor; 5356- 30th Avenue South,

Minneapolis, MN 55417
Colescott, Ted G., pastor; 1411 South Maple Street,

Northfield, MN 55057-2926
Morey, Janet C, pastor; 33 Grove Street, Proctor, MN 55810
Hargrave, Michelle M., pastor; 114 West Broadway, Wmona,

MN 55987-6783

Mississippi (18)

Sec. A Row 6 Seats 1-6
Row 7 Seats 1-6
Row 8 Seats 1-6

Morrison, Martha CTwack) (6), church volunteer/teacher;

2617 Confederate, Vicksburg, MS 39180
Lucas, Aubrey K (7) , university president; 3701 Jamestown

Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
McAiaiy, Stephen L. (2), UMSSM director; Box 2514,

Tupelo, MS 38801
Scott III, William D. (1), teacher; 566 Swaney Road, Holly

Springs, MS 38635
Pace, Kimberly R. (8), Methodist Hour; Box 16657,

Hattiesburg, MS 39404
Chatham, Betty J. (9), church volunteer/artist; Box MU,

Mississippi State, MS 39762
Rainwater, Dorothy (5), church volunteer/homemaker;

3704 - 34th Avenue, Meridian, MS 39305
Beckley, David L (4), college president; 150 East Rust

Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635
Boyd, Candi (3), student; Route 3, Box 598-B, Brookhaven,

MS 39601

Delegate Information

49

*Mays,Joe W. (5) , administrative assistant; Box 931,

Jackson, MS 39205^931
Goodpastor, Larry M. (10), pastor; Box 1706, Meridian, MS

39302
Case, John M. (3), pastor; 5116 Kaywood Circle, Jackson,

MS 39211
Knight, GaryH. (9), district suprintendent; Boo 629,

Brookhaven, MS 39601
Hillman, Byrd (4), pastor; Box 305, Philadelphia, MS 39350
Younghlood, Rebecca C. (6), district superintendent; Box

820286, Vicksburg, MS 39182
Whiteside, Robert E. (2), pastor; 702 North Jackson,

Starkville, MS 39759
Conoway, Merlin D. (7) , district superintendent; Box 1329,

Starkville, MS 39759
Case, Martin A. (1), pastor; Box 797, Batesville, MS 38606

Reserves

Millsaps, Luther, church volunteer; Box 854, Tupelo, MS

38801
Barham, Michael P., local church staff; 3114 - 38th Street,

Meridian, MS 39305
Barnes, Thelma P., Delta Resources Center Director; 217

Trilby, Greenville, MS 38701
Terrell, Charles, diaconal minister; Box 1092, Jackson, MS

39215-1092
Youngblood, Ed, retired; Route 1, Box 106, Meadville, MS

39658
Thomas, Daniel M., veterinarian; Box 278, Forest, MS 39074
Berry, George L, retired; 106 Peninsula, Leland, MS 38756
LaBoone, Faye, church volunteer; Box 226, Quitman, MS

39355
Tindall, Mary C, church volunteer; 636 Woods Street

Coldwater, MS 38618
Morris, Sam 0., pastor; Box 1092, Jackson, MS 39215-1092
Shelly, GussJ., district superintendent; Box 220, Senatobia,

MS 38668
Tonkel, D. Keith, pastor; Box 1121, Jackson, MS 39213
Felder, Charles B., pastor; 23 Crossgates Drive, Brandon,

MS 39042
Henry, Earnest L, district superintendent; 1509 - 24th

Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
Gary, VickiL, pastor; Box 661, Magee, MS 39111
Nicholson, Charles W., district superintendent; Box 1406,

Ridgeland, MS 39159
McDonald, Steven C, pastor; Box 600, Corinth, MS 38834
Nabors,Jack M., district superintendent; Box 1199,

Grenada, MS 38901

Missouri East (10)

Sec. B Row 2 Seats 1-5
Row 3 Seats 1-5

Greene, Daryle E. (2), retired animal scientist; 514 Webster

Forest Drive, St Louis, MO 63119
Ricks, Christian T. (3), state trooper; 704 Deer Creek,

Jefferson City, MO 65109
Paulsmeyer, Jason A. (1), college student Route 1, Box 49,

Chamois, MO 65024
Sykes, Roslyn K (7), professor; 957 Warder Avenue, St.

Louis, MO 63130
Smith, Carol A. (8), senior secretary; 301 Maplewood Drive,

Columbia, MO 65203
*Moncure,Jr., Rhymes H.; (6), district superintendent 870

Woods Mill Drive, Suite 500, Ballwin, MO 63011

Dunlap, Nancye K. (10), pastor; 6901 Washington, St. Louis,

MO 63130
Schenck, Carl L. (5), pastor; 204 South Ninth, Columbia,

MO 65201
Reese. William D. (9), pastor; P.O. Box 67, Eureka, MO

63025
Meyer, Mary Ellen (4) , district superintendent 810 Alta

Vista, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Reserves

Blackwell, Shay, deaconess; 824 South Sappington, St

Louis, MO 63126
Williams, Jerry R., retired telephone company manager;

1967 Willow Lake Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Frazee, Bill C, retired teacher; R.R 1, Box 140, Knox City,

MO 63446
Cloyd, Katie J., retired teacher; 202 Monroe Mill Drive,

Ballwin, MO 63011-3316
Parks, Arnold G., professor; 1521 Timber Trail, Jefferson

City, MO 65109
Stein, Neil L, pastor; 300 North Ellis, Cape Girardeau, MO

63702
Woods, Margie McDaniel, pastor; 901 Broadway, Hannibal,

MO 63401
Pyron, Marvin R., district superintendent 870 Woods Mill

Drive, Suite 500, Ballwin, MO 63011
Moon, Scofti4., pastor; 415 North Pacific, Cape Girardeau,

MO 63701
Webster, David M., pastor; 425 North Street Farmington,

MO 63640

Missouri West (10)

Sec. D Row 16 Seats 1-10

Gray, Jon R. (1), circuit judge; 2839 Benton Boulevard,

Kansas City, MO 64128
Ehlers, Don C. (10), diaconal minister; 549 West Fourth,

Maryville, MO 64468
Fenner, Elizabeth A. (6), retired; 514 South 13th, Lexington,

MO 64067
Admussen, Betty J. (8), retired; 5604 North Oaktree Lane,

Kansas City, MO 64118
Fagan, Larry R. (2), electrical contractor; 6533 Melody

Court Parkville, MO 64152
*Collier, Theodore C. (5), district superintendent 1512 Van

Brunt Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64127
Weems,Jr., Lovett H.; (4), President Saint Paul School of

Theology, 5123 Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64127
Casady, Robert L. (3), district superintendent 2921 North

Bek Highway, L6, St Joseph, MO 64506
Foockle, Harry F. (9) , pastor; 7310 NW Prairie View Road,

Kansas City, MO 64151
West, Brenda G. (7), district superintendent P.O. Box 883,

Chilicothe, MO 64601

Reserves

Briggs, Margie M., administrative assistant 30911 South

Grant Road, Creighton, MO 64739
Scott, Ralph L, retired; 1401 Dierke Drive, Monett, MO

65708
Kerber, Joyce B., lawyer; 1020 NE Kenwood Drive, Lee's

Summit, MO 64064
Waller, L Glenn, securities advisor; 404 South Washington

Street, Oregon, MO 64473
Vigneaux, Randy W., machinist 4421 Oak Drive, Joplin,

MO 64804

50

DCA Advance Edition

Bryan, James J., pastor; 2747 East Sunshine, Springfield,

MO 65804
Browne, Amos, pastor; 8435 East 56th Terrace, Kansas City,

MO 64129
Cox, Stephen L, pastor; 2801 SW Walnut, Blue Springs, MO

64015
Nunnelee, M. Diane, pastor; 110 North 12th Street, St.

Joseph, MO 64501
Evans, Kyle B., pastor; 1209 Momingside Drive, Blue

Springs, MO 64015

Nebraska (10)

Sec. C Row 14 Seats 1-10

Vetter, Jeremy (1), student; 4510 Mohawk, Uncoln, NE

68510
Hasemeyer, Bill (3), retired college president; 301 Lakeview

Boulevard, North Platte, NE 69101
Trumble, BetteT. (5), software distributor; 12400 Buffalo

Road, Springfeild, NE 68059
Urbom, Warren (7), federal judge; 4421 Ridgeview Drive,

Lincoln, NE 68516
Watson, Tom (8), attorney; 3 Sycamore Place, Kearney, NE

68847
*Bevins, C. Rex (5), pastor; P.O. Box 83068, Lincoln, NE

68501
Turner, Richard D. (6), conference executive director od

ministries; Box 4553, Lincoln, NE 68504
Abram, Charlotte (9), pastor; P.O. Box 3167, Omaha, NE

68103
Rathod, Samuel R. (10), district superintendent; 207 North

Pine, #106, Grand Island, NE 68801
Davies, Susan P. (4), district superintendent; 1101 Riverside

Boulevard, #1, Norfolk, NE 68701

Reserves

Williams, Idalene, accountant; 11010 Laurel, Omaha, NE

68104
Reed, Charlotte, retired; 83726 - 554th Avenue, Norfolk, NE

68701
Berck, Jan, farmwife; Box 40, Greham, NE 68367
Hall, Darlene, insurance sales; 3010 Avenue C, Scottsbluff,

NE 69361
Brewer, Scott, student; 4030 Loveland, Lincob, NE 68506
Todd, Steve, pastor; 1401 Lake, Gothenburg, NE 69138
Black, Sr., Aaron D.; pastor, 2723 North 50th, Lincoln, NE

68504
Croom, Ronald, pastor; 815 North Broad, Fremont, NE

68025
Waters, Carolyn, district superintendent; 729 West Court,

Beatrice, NE 68310
Alloway, Wayne, pastor; Box 310, Shelton, NE 68876

New England (14)

Sec. D Row 9 Seats 1-7
Row 10 Seats 1-7

Lee, Kum (9), homemaker; 188 State Road, Eliot, ME 03903
Sweet, Elizabeth A. (6), executive director; 32 Baker Street,

Reading, MA 01887-1812
Parker, Joe (6), mechanical drafting designer; 158

Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244
Edgerly, Cynthia (8) , parent aide; 48 Lovell Street,

Rochester, NH 03887
Gross, Richard F. (3), college admissions director; 51

Googin Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

McMahan, Dorothy S. (5), retired teacher; R.R 1, Box

131B, Penobscot, ME 04476
Grain, Dight W. (4), food manufacturer; 10 Clover Lane,

Natick, MA 01760
*Woods, Vicki (10), district superintendent; 211 West

Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Del Pino, Jerome K. (2), district superintendent; 53

Birchwood Drive, Holden, MA 01520
Tan, Wee-Li (10), pastor; 5 Damon Street, Wayland, MA

01778
Williams, Wesley (1), coordinator for urban strategy; 566

Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Campbell-Marshall, Linda (1), district superintendent;

Route 2, Box 5778, Union, ME 04862
Morrison, Susan (3), pastor; 2600 Massachusetts Avenue,

Lexington, MA 02173
Gulinello, Frank (7), pastor; 258 Mammoth Road,

Londonderry, NH 03053

Reserves

Wiborg, Margaret, university faculty; 36 Fessenden Street,

Newton, MA 02126
Gushing, Regina, secretary; 12 Whalen Drive, Lincoln, RI

02865
Susag, Philip, retired engineer; 46 Adelaide Road,

Manchester, CT 06040
Taylor, Lois, artist/retired teacher; 808 South Main Street,

Centerville, MA 02632
Wyatt, Mary, retired parole officer; Stillwater Bridge Road,

South Deerfield, MA 01373
Peak, Diane, conference benefits coordinator; 566

Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-2501
Hughen, Richard, retail store manager; 65 Dawson Street,

South Portland, ME 04106
Mott, Stephen C, pastor; 517 West Center Street, West

Bridgewater, MA 02379
Sweet, Robert, pastor; 6 Salem Street, Reading, MA 01867
Torres, Ulises, pastor; 2 Vernon Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Purushotham, Gwen, district superintendent; 385 Sowans

Road, Barrington, RI 02806
Luke, Jr., Wendell; district superintendent, 566

Commonwealth, Boston, MA 02215-2501
Josselyn, Lynne, pastor; 8 Prospect Street, Caribou, ME 04736
Hamilton, Richard M., pastor; 12 College Avenue, Gorham,

ME 04038

New Mexico (4)

Sec. C Row 4 Seats 9-12

*Sager, Stan (5), attorney; 6000 Hermanos, NE,

Albuquerque, NM 87111
Goodwin, Dick (3), retired; 1510 South Lea, Roswell, NM

88201
Hutchinson, William (10), pastor; 1615 Copper, NE,

Albuquerque, NM 87106
Crutchfield, Charles (4), district superintendent; 6401 Belton

Road, El Paso, TX 79912

Reserves

Roberts, Sandra Kams, homemaker; 3119 LaRonda Place,

NE, Albuquerque NM,87110
Smith, Rodney, project engineer; 3413 Sands, El Paso, TX

79904
Stanfield, Clyde, pastor; P.O. Box 1638, Albuquerque, NM

87103

Delegate Information

51

Spence, Elizabeth Lopez, pastor; 1601 East 42nd Street,
Odessa, TX 79762

New York (16)

Sec. A Row 4 Seats 1-8
Row 5 Seats 1-8

*Swiggett, Ernest L (4), conference treasurer; 252 Bryant

Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
Parris, Shirley (9), retired A.V.P. human resources; 1136

Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216-3302
Ingram, Betsy (3), NYNEX Operator Services; 25 Millstone

Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Capen, Beth (1), lawyer; 23 Rogers Street, Kingston, NY

12401-6049
Nicodemus, Richard (2), retired educator; 165 Rochdale

Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Fowlkes, Nancy (6), social worker; 107 Valley Road, White

Plains, NY 10604
Day, Inday (5), freelance communicator; 544 North Salem

Road, Ridgefield,CT 06877
Adams, Freda L (10), retired hospital administrator; 2541

Seventh Avenue, #10D, New York NY,10039
MiddletonJaneA. (5), pastor; 165 South Avenue, New

Canaan, CT 06840
Day, R. Randy (1), pastor; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT

06877
Miller, Clayton Z. (10), council director; 252 Bryant Avenue,

White Plains, NY 10605
Nugent, Jr., Randolph W.; (2), General Secretary, General

Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, Room

1400, NewYork, NY 10115
Carrington, John E. (4), Church City Society Executive

Director; 50 Ralph Road, New Rochelle, NY 10204
Henderson, Dolores H. (8) , pastor; 163 South Long Beach

Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520
Parker, Richard S. (6) , pastor; 1515 Middle Neck Road, Port

Washington, NY 11050
Rivera, Eli S. (J), Cross-Conference Hispanic Ministries;

475 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10115

Reserves

Ruggiero, John, retired educator; Box 517, East Moriches,

NY 11940
Kirkwood, William C, retired insurance broker; 42

Washington Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Engelhardt, Carolyn H., diaconal minister; 205 Academy

Road, Cheshire, CT 06410
Dockery, Lucille, homemaker; 5 Hill and Hollow Road,

Hyde Park, NY 12538-2919
Hood, Andrea, student; 12 Lafayette Avenue, Coxsackie, NY

12051
Hunsinger, Robert G., account manager; 63 Pickerel Road,

Monroe, NY 10950
Lyman, Mary Grace, General Agency Staff; 15 Washington

Place, Northport, NY 11768
Edwards, Barbara J., microbiologist; 139-28 - 230 Place,

Laurelton, NY 11413
Riss, Timothy J., pastor; 35 Woodland Avenue, Catskill, NY

12414
Ishii, Takayuki, pastor; 201 West 13th Street, New York, NY

10011-7701
Collins, John A, pastor; 65 Rockland Place, New Rochelle,

NY 10801
Brooks, Gennifer, pastor; 4801 Foster Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

11203

Kimmelman, Linda S., district superintendent; 14 Babnville

Lane, Newburgh, NY 12550
McClain, George D. , MFSA Executive Director; 76 Clinton

Avenue, Staten Island. NY 10301
Home, Edward C, pastor; 550 West End Avenue, New York,

NY 10024
Caldwell, Gilbert H, pastor; 239 West 139th Street, New

York, NY 10030

North Alabama (14)

Sec. A Row 4 Seats 9-12
Row 5 Seats 9-12
Row 6 Seats 9-12

Moore, Frances H. (3), educator; 711 Stonevrall Drive,

Birmingham, AL 35210
Berte, Neal R. (7) , college president; 816 - 8th Avenue West,

Birmingham, AL 35204
Hamrick, Leon (2), surgeon; 3656 Rockhill Road,

Birmingham, AL 35223
Stewart, Mollie M. (4), quality assurance manager; P.O.

Box 130, Valhermoso Springs, AL 35775
Stabler, Monty (9) , art gallery owner; 3538 Victoria Road,

Birmingham, AL 35223
Self, Eddie (5), CPA; P.O. Box 1212, Decatur, AL 35601
Holt, Gloria (1) , homemaker; 923 Wiunchester Circle,

Birmingham, AL 35235
*York, Billy L (10), pastor; P.O. Box 19069. Birmingham,

AL 35219
Anderson, Barry H. (3), pastor; 415 North Seminary Street,

Florence. AL 35630
Hearin, Gerry M. (5). district superintendent; 8705 Camille

Drive. Huntsville. AL 35802
West, Jr., J. Pete 0, 9; district superintendent, 104 Gwindale

Road, Gadsden, AL 35901
Clem, Kelly A. (6), pastor; 201 Montview, Piedmont, AL

36272
Ward, Gary T. (4), pastor; 109 Weatherly Road, Huntsville,

AL 35803
Lee, Charles H. (8), pastor; 5191 Caldwell Mill Road,

Birmingham. AL 35244

Reserves

Weems. Stanley, retired; 11302 Woodcrest Drive.

Huntsville. AL 35803
Meadows. Pat. assistant U.S. attorney; 1003 Rime Village,

Hoover. AL 35216
OToole, Jr., Ed; engineer business, P.O. Box 25,

Pahnerdale,AL 35123
Crane, Charles W., retired engineer; 1314 - 13th Street,

Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
Howard, Charles E., retired government employee; 1708

Sandra Street, SW, Decatur, AL 35601
Feist, Caroline, physician; 216 Monterey Circle, Gadsden,

AL 35901
Selman. Scott, conference treasurer; 898 Arkadelphia Road.

Birmingham, AL 35204
Leverett, H. Robert, district superintendent; 709 South

Norton Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150
Morgan, T. Michael, pastor; P.O. Box 20150, Birmingham,

AL 35216
Etherton, RayfordL, Homes Superintendent; 898

Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham. AL 35204
Wallace, David S., district superintendent; 421 North

Seminary Street, Florence, AL 35630

52

DCA Advance Edition

Parris, Mark D., pastor; 5669 Morris Avenue, Hokes Bluff,

AL 35903
Sparkmanjr., Robert (H.), pastor, P.O. Drawer J, Arab, AL

35016
Harper, Barbara E., district superintendent; 2826 - 14th

Street East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

North Arkansas (8)

Sec. A Row 18 Seats 1-8

Lane, James Qim) W. (3), retired U.S. Government; 508

Brent Drive, Sherwood, AR 72116
Arnold, Jr., W. E. (Buddy) (5), retired U.S. Government,

3712 Pope Avenue, North little Rock, AR 72116
Baker, Lynn R. (1), non-profit director; 811 Lauderdale

Road, Blytheville, AR 72315
Quick, Jeff (4), youth director; 6701 John F. Kennedy

Boulevard, North Uttle Rock, AR 72116
*Whitfield, D. Max (6), district superintendent; P.O. Box

2415, Batesville, AR 72503
Hathcock, Philip L. (10), pastor; 1610 Prince Street, Conway,

AR 72032
Moyer, Bonda D. (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box 1139,

Forrest City, AR 72335
HolifieldJ. Anthony (7), pastor; P.O. Box 1106, Fayetteville,

AR 72702

Reserves

Gregory, Terry P., teacher; P.O. Box 532, Augusta, GA

72006
Goss, Nettie J., retired nurse; HI Sunset Lane, North Litde

Rock, AR 72118
Cook, M. Olin, college administrator; 266 South Enid Street,

RussellviUe, AR 72801
Oliver, Les, diaconal minister; 201 N.W. Second Street,

Bentonville, AR 72712
Mollis, C. Waymon, council director; 715 Center Street, Litde

Rock, AR 72201
Steele, Rodney G., pastor; 1604 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, AR

72956
Spence, Dennis, pastor; P.O. Box 535, Clarksville, AR 72830
Webb, Marilyn F., pastor; P.O. Box 107, Eureka Springs, AR

72632

North CaroUna (18)

Sec. B Row 5 Seats 1-9
Row 6 Seats 1-9

*Evans, Jr., Cashar W.; (4), real estate broker, 69 Poteskeet

Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Norris, J. Allen (7), conference treasurer; P.O. Box 10955,

Raleigh, NC 27605
Workman, Anna G. (5), Christian Education director; 2114

US 70, Mebane, NC 27302
Dillon, C. A (1) , supply company chairman; 925 Vance

Street, Raleigh, NC 27628-6096
Balentine, Becky (9), Director of Evangelism; 1416 Granada

Drive, Raleigh, NC 27628-6096
Henderson, Gwen C. (8), university staff; P.O. Box 606,

Fayetteville, NC 28302-0606
Johnson, Jane H. (6), retired educator; 856 KnoUwood Falls

Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Frazier, Sr., Robert C; (3), professor, 215 Grace Drive,

Wilson NC 27893
Huckaby, Jr., Robert L; (10), diaconal minister, 6612

Creedmore Road, Raleigh NC 27613

Braswell, KermitL. (4), district superintendent; P.O. Box

10955, Raleigh, NC 27605
Holtsclaw, Thomas G. (3), district superintendent; 1503

Kimberly Road, New Bern, NC 28562
Presnell, William M. (9), district superintendent; Box 1662,

312 South Griffin Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27906
Banks, David A (1), pastor; 111 Hodges Street, Morehead

City, NC 28557
Farmer, Penny Dollar (8), pastor; Route 65, Box 80-A,

Arapahoe, NC 28510
Joyner,Jr., F. Belton; (10), administrative assistant, P.O. Box

10955, Raleigh, NC 27605^955
Shuler, Albert (6), district superintendent; 1002 West Knox

Street, Durham, NC 27701
Wynn, Samuel (5), pastor; 3821 Madison Avenue,

Fayetteville, NC 28304
Shaw, Jr., Caswell (E.), 2; pastor, 100 South Church Street,

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Reserves

Norton, Wilbum (Bill) L, council staff; P.O. Box 10955,

Raleigh, NC 27605
Rouse, Jeanne, administrative assistant; P.O. Box 1588, 1304

West Church Street, Laurinburg, NC 28353
Cummings, Mabel M., homemaker; Route 3, Box 198-B,

Maxton, NC 28364
little, Laura J., home economist; 217 King George Road,

Greenville, NC 27858
Walden, Thomas L, retired; 8333 Zebulon Road,

Youngsville, NC 27596
Wall, James Randy, student; 2163 Boonesneck Road, SW,

Supply, NC 28462
Barker, Gary C, realtor; Drawer D, New Bern, NC 28563
Barrett, Robbie W., administrative secretary; 104 Twin Oaks

Place, Gary, NC 27511
Roberts, Tibbie, retired; P.O. Box 3471, Morehead City, NC

28557
Ward, Hope M, pastor; 12837 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC

27613
Harper, Ruth E., district superintendent; 2201 Lynnwood

Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
Goehring, Carol W., pastor; 208 Cypress Avenue,

Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Ponder, Reginald W., retirement home president; P.O. Box

52549, Durham, NC 27717
Elliott, Roger V., pastor; 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh,

NC 27603
Cleaves, Edith L, pator; 4705 Old Chapel Hill Road,

Durham, NC 27707
Leeland, Paul L. , pastor; 2916 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC

27330
Campbell, Dennis M. , Duke Divinity School Dean; Box

90968, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
Lowry, Jerry, pastor; 1300 Seaside Road, SW, Sunset Beach,

NC 28468

North Central New York (10)

Sec. D Row 12 Seats 1-10

*Neese, Betty (9), retired; 24 Charles Street, Auburn, NY

13021
Bretsch, Ronald (6), professor; 7 Elm Street, Norwood, NY

13668
Salyer, Ronald (4), Conference DAS/T; P.O. Box 1515,

Cicero, NY 13039
Barden, Kathleen B. (3), diaconal minister; 118 Gertrude

Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212

Delegate Information

53

Duger, Sharon L. (1), Resource Center Director; R.R. 2, Box

479A, Little Canada Road, Central Square, NY 13036
Pritts, Deborah L (10), district superintendent; P.O. Box

236, Homer, NY 13077
Deckard, Stephen T. (5), pastor; Box 158, Fayetteville, NY

1306^0158
Benham, Beth 0. (2), pastor; 32 North Street, Marcellus, NY

13108
O'Connor-Slater, Deborah L (8), pastor; 604 Oswego Street,

Uverpool, NY 13088
Wolfe, Thomas V. (7), professor; 302 Berkeley Drive,

Syracuse, NY 13210

Reserves

Burlew, Elizabeth J., parish worker; 4873 Candy Lane,

ManUus, NY 13104
Tuttle, Joellyn W., diaconal minister; 811 North Cayuga

Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Jelinek, Robert V., retired; 6332 Ledgewood Drive,

JamesviUe, NY 13078
Elliott, Ruth F., parish worker; 1 Acker Road, Horseheads,

NY 14845
Finlayson-Schuler, Ted, public transportation safety; 612

Summit Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13207
Devadhar, Sudarshana, pastor; 41 Court Street, Canton, NY

13617
Stevens, Carrie F., conference council; P.O. Box 1515,

Cicero, NY 13039
Hall, Russell C, pastor; 350 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY

13210
Hill, Robert, pastor; 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Jelinek, Patricia B., pastor; P.O. Box 277, Jamesville, NY

13078

North Georgia (24)

Sec. B Row 16 Seats 1-12
Row 17 Seats 1-12

Ervin, Jr., Paul R. (3), executive vice-president, 3635 Oak

Lane, Marietta, GA 30062
Whittemore, Joe M. (5), certified public accountant; P.O.

Box 770, Hartwell, GA 30643
Paul, Doris B. (6), attorney; 751 Channing Drive NW,

Atlanta, GA 30318-2504
Day, Barbara (10), diaconal minister; 775 Powder Horn,

Atlanta, GA 30342
Yohan, Shantilata R. F. (6), retired professor; 4028 Sue

Lane, Decatur, GA 30035
Knight, Margaret F. (1), office manager; 521 England

Chapel Road, Jenkinsburg, GA 30234
Bobo, Jr., Hiram, 5; retired, 6747 Tilton Lane, Doraville, GA

30360
Perry, Rubin (4), business owner; 3760 Loch Highland

Parkway, Roswell, GA 30075
England, Stan B. (8), Methodist Hour; 537 Shiloh Road,

Kennesaw,GA 30144
Cook, Beth L (2), diaconal minister; 2645 Regency Drive

West, Tucker, GA 30084
Kilpatrick, Joe W. (9), certified public accountant; 1476

Drayton Woods Drive, Tucker, GA 30084
Calvert, Jr., Robert (A.), 7; management consultant, 710

Marshview Close, Roswell, GA 30076
*Dodson, E. Malone (3), pastor; 814 Mimosa Boulevard,

Roswell, GA 30075
Thompson, James N. (4), district superintendent; 159 Ralph

McGill Boulevard NE, #204, AUanta, GA 30308

Forrest, Martha H. (7), pastor; 1016 East Rock Springs Road

NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Wilder, Gamett M. (10), pastor; P.O. Box 1109, Athens, GA

30602
Crawford, Sr., Joseph (L), 6; district superintendent, 159

Ralph McGill Boulevard NE, #514 AUanta, GA 30308
Morris, Carolyn W. (10) , district superintendent; 855 Sunset

Drive, Jefferson Professional Park, A-2 Athens,GA 30606
Brantley, Douglas 'Mac' (3), district superintendent; P.O.

Box 1064, Dalton, GA 30722
Sheets, Herchel S. (9), administrative assistant; 159 Ralph

McGill Boulevard NE, #512, Atlanta, GA 30308
Baker, Jr, Rudolph (R.), 5; council director, 159 Ralph

McGill Boulevard NE, #106 Atlanta, GA 30308
Mooneyhan, James B. (1), pastor; 2428 Main Street,

SnellviUe, GA 30278
Hollins, McCallister (2), pastor; 2099 Fairbum Road,

Atlanta, GA 30331
Henderson, Cornelius L. (8), seminary president; 145

Benson Circle, Fairbum, GA 30213

Reserves

Dinkins, Jo J., conference pension officer; 1854 Joppa Lane,

Tucker, GA 30084
Williamson, Richard 'Dick', business owner; 5167 Indian

Circle, Gainesville, GA 30506
Jones, Ida F. T., retired teacher; 714 Pyracantha Drive,

LaGrange,GA 30240
Sikes, Marget H., homemaker; 205 Jordan Street, Tunnel

Hill, GA 30755
Darko, Morrell J., retired teacher; P.O. Box 6108, Rome, GA

30162-6108
Gustafson, Gus M. 0., retired; 212 Larcom Lane, Griffin, GA

30223
Ellison, Betty G., business owner; 4058 Ayers Drive,

Kennesaw,GA 30144
Drewry, Virginia P., volunteer; 6640 Williamson Drive NE,

Atlanta, GA 30328
Bryson, Claudette S., retired nurse; 326 Ross Street, Rome,

GA 30161
Smith, Bucky, account executive; 1900 Battlefield Drive,

Marietta, GA 30064
Marlowe, Deborah A., attorney; 782 Courtenay Drive NE,

Atlanta, GA 30306
Johnson, Norman R., retired; 668 Church Street NW,

AUanta, GA 30318^241
DeMore, Philip D. , pastor; 2780 Thompson Bridge Road,

GainesviUe,GA 30506
Tomlinson, K. Edward, district superintendent; 700 East

Second Avenue, Suite D, Rome, GA 30161
Brooks, Jane N., pastor; P.O. Box 87, WaUdnsville, GA 30677
Sineath, Charles A., pastor; 56 WhiUock Avenue, Marietta,

GA 30064
Holston, L. Jonathan, associate council staff; 159 Ralph

McGill Boulevard NE, AUanta, GA 30308
Hinton.Jr., Coy (H), pastor, 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta,

GA 30909
Caywood, Larry B., pastor; 401 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA

30240
Peabody.Joe P., district superintendent; 343 Northside

Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501
Westmoreland, Mark A., Wesleyan Christian Advocate

editor; 2698 Colony Circle, Snellville, GA 30278
LaGree, Kevin R., seminary dean; 202 Bishops Hall, Emory

University, AUanta, GA 30322
Lathem, Warren R., pastor; 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road,

Alpharetta.GA 30202

54

DCA Advance Edition

Kimbrough, Walter L, pastor; 4340 Pompey Drive SW,
Atlanta, GA 30331

North Indiana (14)

Sec. A Row 7 Seats 7-12
Row 8 Seats 7-12
Row 9 Seats 11-12

Alter, Dixie A. (3), sales representative; 5002 Tacoma

Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Goldschmidt, Victor W. (5) , professor; 6617 State Road

26W, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Johnson, Carolyn E. (6), university researcher; 2550 Yeager

Road, 19-2, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Shettle, John T. (2), hospital security; Box 155, Orestes, IN

46063
Ottjes, Jim H. (4), plumbing; heating and electrical

contractor, P.O. Box 115, Uniondale, IN 46791
Morgan, Sharie (10), assistant to pastor; 5008 Gettysburg

Drive, Kokomo, IN 46902
Hefley, Chuck E. (1), educator; 4839 North Parkway,

Kokomo, IN 46901
*Coyner, Michael J. (1), administrative assistant; 1100 West

42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Lehman, Katharine (10), district superintendent; 901 West

Lindberg Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Williams, Jr., Jacob (C), 7; district superintendent, P.O. Box

508, nil West Second Street Marion, IN 46952
Reynolds, Cynthia (9), district superintendent; 3 Stoneridge

Drive, Huntington, IN 46750
Case, Riley (8), pastor; 700 Southway Boulevard East,

Kokomo, IN 46902
Granger, Philip R. (3), district superintendent; 2936 Bagley

Drive West, Kokomo, IN 46902
Witwer, Brian (5), pastor; 2417 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN

46804

Reserves

Weeks, Patricia M., counselor; 1024 Marleton Road,

Logansport, IN 46947
Baszner, Rob; 514 Rudgate Lane, Kokomo, IN 46901
Fenstermacher, Anita; 1905 Famsworth Drive, South Bend,

IN 46614
Olson-Bunnell, Heather L, diaconal minister; P.O. Box 387,

Roanoke, IN 46783
Morgan, Willie E., retired; 938 North Niles Avenue, South

Bend, IN 46617
Rogers, Lois, diaconal minister; 937 River Drive, Hammond,

IN 46324
Stone, Ruth Ellen, conference staff, 403 West Ellsworth,

Columbia City, IN 46725
Johnson, Charles I., pastor; 2800 Rockford Lane, Kokomo,

IN 46902
Fenstermacher, Mark, pastor; 630 Lincoln Highway, New

Haven, IN 46774
Jones, James J., district superintendent; 9430 lima Road,

Suite B, Fort Wayne IN,46818
Beard, Frank, pastor; P.O. Box 1933, 1501 Morehouse,

Elkhart IN,46515
Arnold, Paul J, pastor; 7320 Northcote Avenue, Hammond,

IN 46324
Caruso, George, pastor; 530 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN

46750
Buwalda,Jr., Herb J.; pastor, 1968 West Main, Muncie, IN

47303

North Shaba (16)

Sec. A Row 11 Seats 1-8
Row 12 Seats 1-8

Kimba, Kasongo (3), handicapped school director; The

United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola,

Zambia
Ilunga, Kaseya (1) , doctor; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Kafimbo, Shimbi (5), nurse; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia,
Ngoy, Kazadi (2), businessman; The United Methodist

Church, P. 0. Box 11.237. Chingola, Zambia
Wata, Kongolo (9), Methodist Men President; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Mukala, Musenge (10), businessman; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Bulaya, Shimba (8), lay woman; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Katokane, Mande (4), layman; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
*Nkulu Ntanda, Ntambo (6), missionary; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Munza, Kasongo (7), Christian education director; TTie

United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola,

Zambia
Ngoy Kyungu, Matanga (5), assistant to bishop; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Ngeleka, Mpanga (4), conference treasurer; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Katemuna, Monga (2), pastor; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Konge, Makese (9), pastor; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Munyangwe, Kabamba (7), professor; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Lenge, Kasongo (1), professor; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia

Reserves

Katokane, Mande, lay man; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Kabwende, Numbi, lay man; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Motombo, Ngoy, lay woman; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Mande, Makonga, lay woman; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Masengele, Ngoy, director; The United Methodist Church,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Bondo, Ndayi, professor; The United Methodist CHurch,

P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Mwema, Kanonge, women's group vice-president; The

United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola,

Zambia
Malale Mupika, Ngoie, lay man; TTie United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Ndalamba, Ilunga, district superintendent; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Twite Kanonge, Ngoy, district superintendent; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Mpiana, Makonga, district superintendent; The United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia
Ka-Kabamba, Kazadi, professor; The United Methodist

Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia

Delegate Information

55

Kinkundulu, Nyembo, professor; The United Methodist
Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia

Kalume Mayombo, Mwepu, pastor; The United Methodist
Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia

Ngoie Wa Kuvid, Monga, pastor; The United Methodist
Church, P.O. Box 11.237, Chingola, Zambia

North Texas (12)

Sec. B Row 18 Seats 1-12

Deal, Pat M. (1) , counselor; 1508 Andria, Wichita Falls, TX

76302
Casad, Mary Brooke (3), writer; 2717 Coventry Lane,

CarroUton,TX 75007-4861
Williams, Raymond (8), retired; 1246 Whispering Trail,

Dallas, TX 75241
Adair, Sharon W. (10), Associate Director Council on

Ministries; P.O. Box 516069, Dallas, TX 75251
Christian, Tom L. (2), Coordinator Conference

Administrative Services; P.O. Box 516069, Dallas, TX

75251
Richards, Alys P. (7), SMU Special Events Director; 4

Forest Park Drive, Richardson, TX 75080
*Henderson, Ronald D. (6), pastor; 11881 Schroeder Road,

Dallas, TX 75243
Crouch, William C. (10), district superintendent; P.O. Box

8127, Dallas, TX 75205
Farrell, Leighton K. (4), Conference Director of

Development; P.O. Box 516069, Dallas, TX 75251
Underwood, Donald W. (4) , pastor; 2640 Glencliff, Piano, TX

75075
LaBarr,Joan G. (5), district superintendent; 1101 South

Scott Street, Suite 2, Wichita Falls TX,76301
Jones, Scott J.. (9), pastor; 1709 Hwy. 50, Commerce, TX

75428

Reserves

Smith. Scott, Dallas Medical City C.E.O.; 2361 Highlands

Creek Road, CarroUton, TX 75007
Gilreath, Judy M., secretary/treasurer Gilreath

Investments; Inc., P.O. Box 556, Sulphur Springs, TX

75483
Gulick, Tom, consultant; Route 2, Box 486E, Pottsboro, TX

75076
Crouch, Tmiothy C, cable television manager; 2312

Parkside, Denton, TX 76201
Tichenor, Usa W.; 3924 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205
Wiggans, Barbara T.; 4129 Northview Lane, Dallas, TX

75229
Blanton, Georjean H., pastor; 9998 Ferguson Road, Dallas,

TX 75228
Brady III, Hal N., pastor; 1928 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX

75201
Woods, Carol, pastor; 4501 Matthew Road, Grand Prairie, TX

75052
Durham, Jr, Frederick L; pastor, 927 West Tenth, Dallas

TX,75208
Thomburg, John D., pastor; 11211 Preston Road, Dallas, TX

75230
Masters, Sr., Henry L; district superintendent, 1928 Ross

Avenue, Dallas Tx,75201

Northeast Zaire (2)

Sec. B Row 11 Seats 10-11

Munda, Ukunda (4), lay leader; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
*Unda, Yemba (6), pastor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire

Reserves

Oleko, A. Nyembo, lasy leader; 2867 Av Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
Wembo, Mundeke, doctor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
Okoko, Luhata, pastor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
Wembo, Lushima, pastor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire

Northern Illinois (14)

Sec. B Row 10 Seats 1-7
Row 11 Seats 1-7

Akers, Mary E. (6), retired teacher; 620 Emmert Drive,

Sycamore, IL 60178
Williams, Margaret A. (6), diaconal minister/social worker;

1073 West Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Siaba, Judith E. (2), teacher; 107 South Congress, Polo, IL

61064
McCabe, John S. (4), corporation vice-president; 9 West

Bailey Road, Napendlle, IL 60565
Henry, Daniel (3), engineer; 227 Charlotte Lane,

Bollingbrook,IL 60440
Cain, Alfred E. (8), retired editor; 7012 South Shore Drive,

Chicago, IL 60649
Duel, Nancy D. (10), church and community volunteer; 115

North Windsor Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
*Keaton, Jonathan D. (5), district superintendent; 20 West

Tupelo, Naperville, IL 60540
Kwon, Duk Kyu (10), district superintendent; 1475 Maple

Lane, Elgin, IL 60123
Dillard, Kay B. (1), district superintendent; 10051 South

Hoyne, Chicago, IL 60643'
Williams, Tullalah F. (9), pastor; 223 North Emerson, ML

Prospect, IL 60056
Park, Young Ok (2), pastor; 523 Wauponsee, Morris, IL

60450
McCoy, Myron F. (7), pastor; 801 South Eberhart, Chicago,

IL 60619
Percell, Emery A. (4), pastor; 5005 Brookeview Road,

Rockford,IL61107

Reserves

Nailor, Steven F., public affairs director; 2202 Chiu-chview

Drive -E,Rockford,IL 61107
Keck, Matthew C, student; 664 Addison Street, Elgin, IL

60120
Webb, Arthur A., retired engineer; 23845 West Sussex

Drive, Channahan, IL 60410
Fujiu, Kiyoko Kasai, organizational consultant; 9110 East

Prairie Road, Evanston, IL 60203
Butz, Janice I., diaconal minister; 2123 Harrison Street,

Evanston, IL 60201
Dimas, Jacqueline, General Board of Pensions and Health

Benefits staff; 8825 Knox Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076

56

DCA Advance Edition

John, Emmy L., volunteer/homemaker; 411 Grand Avenue,

Aurora, IL 60506
Dell, GregrcjR., pastor; 217 South Euclid, Oak Park, IL

60302
Gonzales, Annie J., pastor; 151 East Whitehall, Northlake, IL

60164
Guest, Donald F., pastor; 8230 South Crandon, Chicago, IL

60617
Wilson, James M., district superintendent; 611 linden Place,

DeKalb,IL60115
Hoke, Sandra F., pastor; 6829 Thomas Parkway, Rockford,

IL 61114
Hakeem, Berty, pastor; 1711 Creve Coeur, LaSalle, IL 61301
Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, Betty J., pastor; 2212 Ridge,

Evanston.IL 60201

Northern New Jersey (6)

Sec. A Row 1 Seats 1-6

Olson, Harriet Jane (5), attorney; 362 South Street,

Morristown, NJ 07960
Olive, George E. (8), conference council director; 147

Westville Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006
Brandt, Robert B. (3), consulting agency officer; 250

Jefferson Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661
*Lyght, Ernest S. (6), district superintendent; 512 Bradford

Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090-3026
Goodwin, Galen L. (10), pastor; 20 Oak Drive, Chatham, NJ

07928
Mitchell, Beth W. (9), pastor; 358 Anderson Avenue,

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Reserves

Spelman, Jeffrey R., systems analyst; 1151 Gresham Road,

Plainfield, NJ 07062
Barrier, Edna M., administrative assistant; 19 Old Wolfe

Road, Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Arthur, Algernon H. G., shipping manager; 402 Tremont

Place, Orange, NJ 07050
Young, Betty J., pastor; 76 Congers Road, New City, NY

10956
Park, Jeremiah J., associate council director; 22 Madison

Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Sanchez, Jorge E., pastor; 1060 Overlook Terrace, Union, NJ

07083

Northwest Texas (6)

Sec. A Row 17 Seats 5-10

*Hill, Ed H. (5), lawyer; 3909 Doris Drive, Amaiillo, TX

79109-5506
Schock, Louise K. (10), council director; 5201 - 90th Street,

Lubbock, TX 79424-4301
Nixon, Harold D. (1), farm supply owner; 15 Cobblestone

Lane, Abilene, TX 79606-2817
Smith, Jim W. (6), pastor; 4600 South Western Street,

Amarillo,TX 79109-6025
Kirk, R. L (9), pastor; P.O. Box 1981, Pampa.TX 79066-1981
Whittle, Charles D. (3), district superintendent; P.O. Box

3239, Big Spring, TX 79721-3239

Reserves

Wright, Peggy J., conference president United Methodist
Women; 3010 Edgemont Drive, Abilene, TX 79605-6913

Shaw, Bobbye R., estate liquidator; 2309 - 53rd Street,
Lubbock, TX 79412-2523

McAlpin, Jackie L, college staff; 1707 Hillcrest Drive,

Canyon, TX 79015-5235
Couch, Bill J., pastor; 4701 - 82nd Street, Lubbock, TX

79424-3236
Boyd, Lane, pastor; 305 North Baird Street, Midland, TX

79701-4701
Mills, Tom N., pastor; 3717 - 44th Street, Lubbock, TX

79413-3499

Norway (2)

Sec. D Row 8 Seats 11-12

Isnes, Anders (9), teacher; Ragnhild Schibbyesv. 55, N-0968

Oslo, Norway
Helliesen, Oyvind (10), superintendent; Alperosevn. 5,

N-4023 Stavanger, Norway

Reserves

Bjomevik, Per Endre; Bakkavn. 17, N-4060 Kleppe, Norway
Odland, Tove, mission secretary; Postboks 2744 St.

Hanshaugen, N-0131 Oslo, Norway
Kroslid, Sigmund; Meisevn. 5, N-4400 Flekkeflord, Norway
Jacobsen, Svein; Aslia 7, N-1639 Gamle Fredrikstad, Norway
ByholtThorsen, Helen; Ulsholtvn. 27 A, N-1053 Oslo,

Norway
Ribe, Torbjom; Torderodgt 7, N-1511 Moss, Norway
Wendel, Jorunn, superintendent; Postboks 2744 SL

Hanshaugen, N-0131 Oslo, Norway
Olsen, Oystein, pastor; Gjoavn. 11, N-1654 Sellebakk, Norway
Sanden, Hilde, pastor; Lundvn. 15 B, N-0678 Oslo, Norway
Nordby, Lars Erik, pastor; Ridehusgt 7 A, N-1606

Fredrikstad, Norway
Hansen, Lei/A., superintendent; Kveldrovn. 22, N-9400

Harstad, Norway
Westad, Ola, pastor; Allegt. 18, N4400 Flekkefiord, Norway

Oklahoma (20)

Sec. C Row 10 Seats 1-10
Row 11 Seats 1-10

*Oden, Tal (10), attorney/college teacher; 913 East Elm,

Altus, OK 73521
Benson, Judy J. (6), accountant; 1000 Wall, Frederick, OK

73542
Junk, Tom M. (1), church business administrator; 2741

South Aspen Court, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Hodges, Lany T. (9), farmer/rancher; Route 1, Box 3,

Forgan OK,73938
Young, Carl W. (3), attorney; 417 Kenswidck Court,

Edmond, OK 73034
Vanzant, Lucille V. (2) , support in school system; 602 North

Cox, Wynnewood, OK 73098
McCray, Holly S. (5), homemaker/freelance journalist;

Route 6, Box 214, Duncan, OK 73533
Foster, Nancy K (7), homemaker, 4742 South Irvington,

Tulsa, OK 74135
Waymire, Mona Mae (4), insurance; P.O. Box 617, Madill,

OK 73446
Agnew, Theodore L (8), retired history professor; 1216

North Lincoln Street, Stillwater, OK 74075
Fenn, Philip J (10), pastor; P.O. Box 6390, Norman, OK

73070
Biggs, Jr, Marvin Mouzon ; (7), pastor, 1301 South Boston

Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119
Bowles, PaulD. (4), district superintendent; 5319 South

Lewis, #100, Tulsa, OK 74105

Delegate Information

57

Severe, David L. (5), Local Church Ministries Director; 2420

North Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Buskirk, James B. (3), pastor; 1115 South Boulder, Tulsa,

OK 74119
Henry, William R. (2), district superintendent; 2200 North

Classen, #1320, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Potts, Bertha M. (9), pastor; 2020 Sunny Lane, Del City, OK

73115
Harris, Joseph L (1), district superintendent; 2608

Ridgeway, Ardmore, OK 73401
Pierson, Robert D. (6), pastor; 3515 South Harvard, Tulsa,

OK 74119
Ames III, Guy C. (8), pastor; 2717 West Hefner Road,

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Reserves

Polk, Sherrie D., student; Route 1, Box 1009, Talihina, OK

74571
Parker, Sr., Robert (L.), board chairman, 8 East Third

Street, Tulsa, OK 74103
Richardson, Emma M., diaconal minister; 1301 South

Boston Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119
Peters, Frieda K., homemaker; 1123 Graham, Stillwater, OK

74075
Roman, David P., diaconal minister of music; P.O. Box 180,

Mustang, OK 73064
Bauman, Dianne R., homemaker/community volunteer;

2414 Smoking Oak Drive, Norman, OK 73072
Gilbert, Ron W., dentist; 304 B Street NW, Miami, OK 74354
Ashton, Mark A., attorney; 1618 NW 34th, Lawton, OK

73505
Coulter, Vicki S., housewife; Box 538, Helena, OK 73741
Beard, Herschel, abstractor; P.O. Box 50, MadiU, OK 73446
Holmes, Lucinda S., pastor; P.O. Box 3707, Enid, OK 73702
Moss, Danny J, pastor; 2602 NW Ferris, Lawton, OK 73505
Neaves, Norman E., pastor; 14343 North MacArthur,

Oklahoma City, OK 73142
Gragg, James P. , pastor; 40 West Seventh, Stillwater, OK

74074
Thomas, David W, pastor; P.O. Box 1136, Bartlesville, OK

74005
Warfield,Jr., Stanley M.; district superintendent, P.O. Box

5024, Enid, OK 73701
Allen, Robert L, pastor; 1401 NW25th, Oklahoma City, OK

73106
Cook, Carol A., pastor; 302 East Independence, Shavraee,

OK 74801
Scott, Donald L, pastor; 5001 North Everest, Oklahoma

City, OK 73111
Moffatt, Jessica F., pastor; 1115 South Boulder, Tulsa, OK

74119

Oklahoma Indian Missionary (2)

Sec. C Row 18 Seats 1-2

*Saunkeah, Ann (5), teacher; P.O. Box 4584, Tulsa, OK

74159^584
Deer, Alvin B. (4), pastor; 616 S.W. 70th, Oklahoma City,

OK 73139

Reserves

Long, Nellie; 1213 North Indiana, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Roughface, Thomas, conference superintendent; 6704
Gleason Circle, Bethany, OK 73008

Oregon-Idaho (6)

Sec. B Row 14 Seats 1-6

Boe, Donna H. (1), ESL tutor; 226 South 16th. Pocatella, ID

83201
Cook, Jr., William B. (3), consultant, 15220 NW Oak HiUs

Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006
Outslay, Marilyn, J. (6), choir director; 18570 Honeywood

Drive; Aloha, OR 97006
*Pitney, Deborah G. (10), district superintendent; 1405

Joyce, Boise, ID 83706
Greathouse, Lowell R. (5), pastor; 12555 SW Fourth Street,

Beaverton, OR 97005
Owen-Bofferding, Sue J. (2), district superintendent; P.O.

Box 188, Bend, OR 97709

Reserves

Walker, Beverly J., retired; 1266 SW Fourth Street,

Gresham, OR 97080-6820
Meyers, Robert C, conference treasurer; 1505 SW 18th

Avenue, Portland, OR 97201
Gallagher, Marianne J., nurse; 12200 SE 31st Place, #99,

MUwaukee, OR 97222-8606
Yamamoto, Dean S. H., pastor; 1333 SE 28th Avenue,

Portland, OR 972 14
Taylor, Wesley D. , pastor; 9845 SW Walnut Place, Tigard,

OR 97223
Fernandez, Arturo M., district superintendent; 680 State

Street, Salem, OR 97301

Pacific Northwest (8)

Sec. D Row 20 Seats IS

Ferguson, Phyllis S. (3), office manager; 10050 - 43rd Place

N.E., Seattle, WA 98125
Yeoh, Jenni M. (6), homemaker; 7021 - 50th Avenue N.E.,

Seattle, WA 981 15
Barr, Robin E. (8), student; 1150 West Spruce Court,

Sequim,WA 98382
Stevens, Robert W. (4), conference treasurer; 2112 Third

Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98121
*Stanovsky, Elaine J. W. (5),district superintendent; P.O.

Box 1052, Everett, WA 98206
Hoshibata, Robert T (1), pastor; 3001 - 24th Avenue South,

Seattle, WA 98144
Moe, Sharon L (10), pastor; 4909 Purdue Avenue N.E.,

Seattle, WA 98105
Rosas, Robert R. (9), district superintendent; 63 Baumeister

Drive, Walla WaUa, WA 99362

Reserves

Sherbrooke, Sue, finance and property diretor; 2300 North

43rd, SeatUe.WA 98103
Gates, Jim R., teacher; 207 North Franklin, Wenatchee, WA

98801
Grossman, Gail F., retreat leader; 347 East Alder Drive,

SedroWoolley,WA 98284
Mariano, Carol A., student; 2729 - 72nd Avenue S.E.,

Mercer Island, WA 98040
Foster, L Daniel, pastor; 20730 S.E. 272nd Street, Kent, WA

98042
Bowers, Flora J., pastor; 15255 S.E. Fairwood Boulevard,

Renton,WA 98058
Jackson, Gregory K., pastor; 18515- 92nd Avenue N.E.,

Bothell.WA 98011

58

DCA Advance Edition

Barr, Roger W., pastor; 100 South Blake, Sequim, WA 98382

Palawan Provisional (2)

Sec. D Row 6 Seats 10-11

Rojas, Marivic H. (1), employee; The United Methodist

Church, Bataraza, Palawan Philippines
*Macabuag, Rafael M. (3), pastor; The United Methodist

Church, Princess Urduja, Narra Palawan,Philippines

Reserves

Tamayo, Qualita, businesswoman; The United Methodist

Church, San Vicente, Palawan Philippines
Mortel, Yolanda, farmer; The United Methodist Church, Rio

Tuba, Palawan Philippines
Butaca, Domingo, teacher; TTie United Methodist Church,

56-A Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa Palawan,Philippines
Jacob, Angel, farmer; The United Methodist Church, 56-A

Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa Palawan,Philippines
Dillozonjoel, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Bataraza, Palawan Philippines
dela Pena, Sonny, district superintendent; The United

Methodist Church, Brooke's Point, Palawan Philippines
Mortel, Isidro, pastor; The United Methodist Church, Rio

Tuba, Palawan Philippines
Serafica, Eugene, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

56-A Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa Palawan,Philippines

Peninsula-Delaweire (8)

Sec. C Row 6 Seats 3-10

Mason, Howard (3), retired; 730 Nylon Boulevard, Seaford,

DE 19973
St. Clair, Liz (5), Christian education consultant; 4011

Springfield Lane, Wihnington, DE 19807
Cloud, Kay (4), retired; 431 Briar Creek Drive, Hockessin,

DE 19707
Hardcastie, James (7), retired; 121 North Kirkwood Street,

Dover, DE 19901
* Baker, Jonathan E. (10), pastor; 13 Bay Harbor Drive,

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Seymour, James T. (1), pastor; P.O. Box 309, Hockessin, DE

19707
Green, H. Sterling (9), district superintendent; 128 North

Governors Avenue, Dover, DE 19904
Kester, Susan K (6), district superintendent; 2200 Baynard

Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802

Reserves

Rogers, Lois B., food service manager; 27253 Nevette Muir,

Westover.MD 21871
Hof&nan, Irene, procurement officer; 238 Evans Lane,

Stevensville, DE 21666
Leathrum, Nancy R., homemaker/ volunteer; 46 Kensington

Lane, Newark, DE 19713
Russell, Willard, tovra manager; P.O. Box Q, Greenwood,

DE 19950
Livingston, Lawrence M. , pastor; 800 North Walnut Street,

Wilmington, DE 19801
Nichols, Charlotte A, district superintendent; 114 North

Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601
Bell, Sr., Ronald ; college chaplain, 936 McDowell Drive,

Dover, DE 19901
Stookey, Laurence H., seminary professor; 13500 Justice

Road, Rockville, MD 20853

Philippines (2)

Sec. D Row 6 Seats 8-9

Teano, Veronica C, exporter; 8 C-3 Road, Kaunlaren

Village, Navotas Metro Manila.Philippines
*Casuco, Marcelino M., pastor; 1904 F. Agoncillo Street,
Malate, Metro Manila Philippines

Reserves

Gonzalez, Jr., Manuel E.; businessman, 10 Commandments

UMC, Valenzuela, Philippines
Sansano, David, businessman; Knox UMC, Sta. Cruz,

Manila, Philippines
Puno, Carlito S., president; PCU, Taft Avenue, Manila,

Philippines
Pascual, Crisolito S., retired justice; Knox UMC, Sta. Cruz,

Manila, Philippines
Penetrante, Apolinario, employee; Queensrow UMC,

Philippines
Gomez, Julita R., dean; Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Ferrer, Jr., Comelio R.; treasurer, UMC Building, 900

United Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Mariano, Liz P., businesswoman; c/o Knox UMC, Sta. Cruz,

Manila, Philippines
Reyes, Ruben T., Supreme Court Justice; Spureme Court,

Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Jesus de, Edgar A., employee; c/o UMC, 900 United

Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Torres, Presentacion J., deaconess; c/o Knox UMC, Lope

de Vega, Sta. Cruz Manila, Philippines
Pajaro, Joaquina T., businesswoman; c/o Knox UMC, Lope

de Vega, Sta. Cruz Manila, Philippines
Regala, Riolito C, architect; c/o Knox UMC, Lope de Vega,

Sta. Cruz Manila, Philippines
Monteloyola, Renato P., businessman; c/o Crossroad UMC,

Sangandaan, Caloocan, Philippines
Canlas, S. J. Earl P., employee; c/o UMC, 900 United

Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Agtarap, BenerB., district superintendent; UMC Building,

900 United Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Mendillo, Benjamin G., district superintendent; UMC

Building, 900 United Nations Avenue, Manila, Philippines
Juan, Rodolfo (Rudy) A, Army chaplain; c/o UMC

Headquarters, 900 United Nations Avenue, Manila,

Philippines
Vengco, Nonato U., pastor; Central UMC, T.M. Kalaw Street,

Ermita Manila, Philippines
Manuel, Nathaniel S., pastor; 122 Third Street, Tenth

Avenue, Caloocan City, Philippines
Legaspi, Dominador C, pastor; Lfnited Methodist Church, P.

Burgos, Makati, Philippines
Salvador, Eduardo, pastor; c/o UMC Headquarters, 900

United Nations Avenue, Ermita Manila, Philippines
Camazo, Tomas C, pastor; Hope United Methodist Church,

BPS, Imus Cavite, Philippines
Mendillo, Menre R., pastor; Road 2, Superville Subdivision,

Paranaque Metro Manila, Philippines
Cunanan.Jose Pepito, special appointment; 879 EDSA,

Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Miguel, Romeo G., pastor; Central UMC, T.M. Kalaw Street,

Ermite Manila, Philippines
Ibasco, Abelardo 0., hospital chaplain; Tondo, Manila,

Philippines
Pablo, Elias F., pastor; Central UMC, T.M. Kalaw Street,

Ermite Manila, Philippines
Letana, Ruben M., pastor; Knox UMC, Lope de Vega, Sta.

Cruz Manila, Philippines

Delegate Information

59

Villa, Samuel B., pastor; Pasay First UMC, University
Street, Pasey City Metro Manila, Philippines

Poland (2)

Sec. C Row 2 Seats 11-12

Maj, Ryszard (3), teacher; Wojska Polskiego 9/28, 25-364

Kielce, Poland
*Puslecki, Edward (6), general superintendent;

Mokotowska 12/9, 00-561 Warszawa, Poland

Reserves

Benedyktowicz, Olgierd, psychologist; Kartaginy 1/272,

02-762 Warszawa, Poland
Malicki, Andrzej, pastor; Malopolska 6, 25-341 Kielce, Poland

Puerto Rico (2)

Sec. D Row 7 Seats 11-12

Ortiz Vidal, Victor (4), industrial psychologist; F-1 El Alamo
Drive, El Alamo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00969

*Velez. Miguel A. (6), pastor; Via 11 KLr2 #363, Villa
Fontana, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00983

Reserves

Alers, Vanessa, teacher; Apartado 1496, Cidra, Puerto Rico

00739
Moreno Rivas, Rafael, district superintendent; Yagrumo F-1,

Colinas de Guaynabo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00969

Red Bird Missionary (2)

Sec. B Row 15 Seats 11-12

Price, Pearl L (9), retired;, Vincent, KY 41386
*Morris,Jim W. (2), superintendent; Red Bird Missionary
Conference, 6 Queendale Center, Beverly KY,40913

Reserves

Crawford, Timothy D., Executive Director Henderson
Settlement; Henderson Settlement, P.O. Box 205, Frakes
KY,40940

Landis, C. Robert, pastor;, Coalgood, KY 40818

Rio Grande (2)

Sec. B Row 12 Seats 9-10

Silva, Mary (6), management; 13914 Anchorage Hill, San

Antonio, TX 78217
*Carcano, Minerva G. (5), pastor; 3907 Isleta Boulevard

SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

Reserves

Cruz, Dalila, Women's Division staff; 475 Riverside Drive,

Room 1501, New York NY,10115
Gomez, Roberto L, pastor; P.O. Box 28098, San Antonio, TX

78284

Rocky Mountain (10

Sec. B Row 4 Seats 1-10

*Sewell, Peggy I. (3), educator/communicator; 2344 East
1700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Davis, Judy (1), diaconal minister; 545 West 10th Avenue,

Broomfield, CO 80020
Newman, Jared A. (7), student; 7965 Contrails, Colorado

Springs, CO 80920
Redding, LaVada S. (6), retired administrative office

manager; P.O. Box 308, Ovid, CO 80744-0308
Bean, Robbie (2) , retired educator; 3034 Leyden Street,

Denver, CO 80207
Paup, Edward W. (10), assistant to bishop; 2200 South

University Boulevard, Denver, CO 80210
Forbes, Janet (5), council director; 2200 South University

Boulevard, Denver, CO 80210
Gray, Aaron M. (9), pastor; P.O. Box 7236, Denver, CO

80207
Kang, Youngsook C. (8), pastor; 1500 Ford Street, Golden,

CO 80401
Messer, Donald E. (4) , seminary president; 2201 South

University Boulevard, Denver, CO 80210

Reserves

Gleaton, Tommy D., retired; P.O. Box 6283, Denver, CO

80206
Dolsen, David, conference tresurer; 2200 South University

Boulevard, Denver, CO 80210
Anderson, Rodney, local church administrative assistant;

440 - 33rd Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Strait, Nancy, credit union manager; 11461 North Pine

Drive, Parker, CO 80134
Smith, Nolan, retired; 702 Hoome Street, Colorado Springs,

CO 80907
Kelemeni, Eddie, district superintendent; 522 White Avenue,

Grand Junction, CO 81501
Trigg, 0. Gerald, pastor; 420 North Nevada Avenue,

Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Downs Rosa, MelanieA., pastor; 1390 Brentwood,

Lakewood, CO 80215
Vose, Marvin R, district superintendent; 4273 West 15th

Street Road, Greeley, CO 80634
Zimmerman, Marti, pastor; 19491 East Smoky HiD Road,

Aurora, CO 80015

Sierra Leone (2)

Sec. D Row 2 Seats 7-8

Halloway, Eke A. (5), barrister-at-law; 8 Howe Street,

Freetown, Sierra Leone
*farrett, Joseph A.M. (1), principal/associate pastor; Bishop

Johnson Memorial Secondary School, Fourah Bay Road,

Freetown, Sierra Leone

South Carolina 22)

Sec. B Row 21 Seats 1-12
Row 22 Seats 1-10

*Briscoe, I. Carolyn (7), professor; P.O. Box 1825, Clemson,

SC 29633-1825
Arant, James S. (10), diaconal minister 108 Coventry Lake

Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
Hutchins, Charles A. (10), fundraising/financial consultant;

106 Cardiff Street, Columbia, SC 29209
Chaplin, Jr., Hammie L 4; engineer, 2005 Courtney Drive,

North Augusta, SC 29841
Fogle, Dolly (3), homemaker; 5005 Neeses Highway,

Neeses, SC 29107
Shingler, Sara S. (6), homemaker; 210 Lakewood Drive,

Spartanburg, SC 29302

60

DCA Advance Edition

Pasley, B. J. (9), retired; P.O. Box 202, Clover, SC 29710
Appleby, Charlie L. (2), retired; P.O. Box 3286, Florence,

SC 29502
Salley, James (1) , Africa University Vice-President for

Development; P.O. Box 1878, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Harper, Polly G. (5), housewife; 2 Petiver Lane, Greenville,

SC 29605
Yebuah, Lisa (8), student; 3338 Stonehaven Drive, North

Charleston, SC 29420
Rogers, Sheila D. (6), district superintendent; 104 Amherst

Drive, Greenwood, SC 29646
Stilwell, Robert E. (3) , pastor; 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC

29678
Johnson, Charles L (5), council director; 4908 Colonial

Drive, Columbia, SC 29203
Quilling, Debra A. S. (8), pastor; 6911 Two Notch Road,

Columbia, SC 29223
McClendon, William T. (10), pastor; P.O. Box 550, Cheraw,

SC 29520
Griffith, Jr., Frank (J.), 10; district superintendent, 139

Elizabeth Lane, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Corderman, DelosD. (4), Office of Ministerial Affairs; P.O.

Box 11284, Columbia, SC 29211
Johnson, H. Sam (9) , district superintendent; 754 Rutledge

Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403
Reid, William C. (1), pastor; P.O. Drawer 1988, Greenville,

SC 29602
Simmons, Angelin J. (7) , district superintendent; P.O. Box

303, Orangeburg, SC 291160303
Willimon, William H. (2), professor; 3104 Doubleday Place,

Durham, NC 27705

Reserves

Redmond, John A., jeweler; Box 26, Greenville, SC 29602
Willson, June B., Christian educator; 317 Ayers Circle,

Summerville, SC 29485
Addison, Rubielee L, retired teacher; P.O. Box 1338,

Clemson, SC 29633
McGuirt, Betty Moss B., Christian education volunteer; 410

Auld Brass Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
Buie, Becky L, accountant; P.O. Box 3787, Columbia, SC

29230
Carter, Fletcher, stewardship consultant; 323 Hallsborough

Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170
Bennett, Hazel C, diaconal minister; 28 South Main Street,

Inman, SC 29349
Mitchell, Peter T., college president; 1301 Columbia

College Drive, Columbia, SC 29203
Kent, Harry R., construction consultant; P.O. Box 30156,

Charleston, SC 29417
Mays, Harriett A., homemaker; 1110 Marshall Road,

Greenwood, SC 29646
Williams, Danny, computer programmer; 1200 St. Andrews

Road, Apt. 607, Columbia, SC 29210-5864
McDowell, Jr, Edward H. pastor, 232 Meadowbury Drive,

Columbia, SC 29203
Carter, Lemuel C, district superintendent; P.O. Box 543,

Marion, SC 29571
Strait, Goerge E., district superintendent; 205 Boxwood

Lane, Greenville, SC 29601
Jenkins, Alonza C, pastor; 701 St. John Street, Kngstree, SC

29556
Lewis, Sinclair E., pastor; 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC

29205
Brittain, Thomas N., retired pastor; 3921 Camellia Drive,

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Howell, Jr., Robert J; pastor, P.O. Box 5446, Florence, SC

29502
Henderson, Michael B., pastor; 182 Gordon Street,

Charleston, SC 29403
Fisher, A Mickey, pastor; P.O. Box 2947, Spartanburg, SC

29304
White, Sara A, pastor; P.O. Box 807, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Ulmer, Susan, pastor; 202 East Bridge Street, SL Matthews,

SC 29135

South Geoi^a (14)

Sec. B Row 19 Seats 1-8
Row 20 Seats 1-6

Hatcher, William 'Bill' S. (5), businessman; 104 Dumbarton

Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458
Phillips, J. Taylor (3), state court judge; P.O. Box 6242,

Macon, GA 3 1208
Black, Charlene R. (7), college administrator/professor; 720

Captola Road, Sylvania, GA 30467
Martin, Flo S. (2), curriculum consultant; 122 Worthing

Road, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Deriso, Jr., Walter M. (4), bank president, P.O. Box 1912,

Albany, GA 3 1702
Hopkins, Carolyn J. (7), financial secretary; 2018 Hadley

Ferry Road, Cairo, GA 31728
Cofer, Jr., Charles H. (6), retired, 10292 Zebina Road,

Louisville, GA 30434
*Edwards, Marion M. (6), pastor; P.O. Box 867, Columbus,

GA 31902
Daughtery, Vergil L. (3), pastor; 100 East Park Avenue,

Valdosta,GA31602
Bagwell, Timothy J. (10) , pastor; 2200 Dawson Road, Albany,

GA 31707
Swanson, James E. (1), pastor; 3993 SL Mary's Road,

Columbus, GA 31907
Horton.John E. (9), district superintendent; 4842 Wesleyan

Woods Drive, Macon, GA 31210
Pennell, James T. (4), council director; P.O. Box 20408, St

Simons Island, GA 31522
Rush, James H. (8), pastor; P.O. Box 20407, St. Simons

Island, GA 31522

Reserves

Crosse, James E.W., urologist; 6758 Beaver Court, Midland,

GA 31820
Parker, Nancy P., volunteer; P.O. Box 18, Bronwood, GA

31726
Macelhannon, Jean 'Dodie' B., housewife; 444 Holland

Drive, Fortson.GA 31808
Manson, Carolyn P., homemaker; 4 Sherborne Lane,

Savannah, GA 31419
Wilkes, Talmadge J., insurance agent; P.O. Box 6127,

Columbus, GA 31907
Rumford, Steve L, children's home administrator; 130

Arlington Row, Macon, GA 31210
Traver, Melissa S., student; 568 Waterford Landing Road,

Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Beckum, Robert J, pastor; P.O. Box 738, Douglas, GA 31533
Hinshaw, M. Creede, pastor; P.O. Box 149, Macon, GA 31202
Haygood, David T, district superintendent; 106 Lee

Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31405
Kea, Donald M. , pastor; P.O. Box 448, Albany, GA

31702-0448
Dent, Joel //..district superintendent; 410 Pine Forest

Street, DubUn.GA 31021

Delegate Information

61

Wilsott-Parsons, Mary Jane, pastor; P.O. Box 434,

HawkinsviUe. GA 31036-0434
Roberson, Joseph, pastor; 1213 Benning Drive, Columbus,

GA 31903

South Indiana (16)

Sec. C Row 8 Seats 1-8
Row 9 Seats 1-8

Thomas, John J. (9), lawyer; P.O. Box 194, Brazil, IN 47834
Oglesby, Anthony R. (1), music director; 7905-D Coventry

Court, Evansville, IN 47715
Marshall, Carolyn M. (10), General Conference Secretary;

204 North Newlin Street, Veedersburg, IN 47987-1358
Jones, Brian N. (3), student; P.O. Box 504, Hymera, IN

47855
Miller, Mary H. (4), retired; 6434 East 52nd Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46226-2588
Miller, Patricia L (5), state senator; 1041 South Muesing

Road, Indianapolis, IN 46239-9614
Van Stone, Jack (2), lawyer; 1301 Southfield Road,

Evansville, IN 47715-5203
White, David L (6), General Board of Discipleship staff;

P.O. Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202
*Ruach, Susan W.N. (10), council director; P.O. Box 5008,

Bloomington, IN 47407-5008
Coleman, Robert P. (6), district superintendent; 3 Orchard

Lane, Flouds Knobs, IN 47119-9707
Armstrong, Charles R. (3), pastor; 7101 North Shadeland

Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Hutchinson, Charles L. (1), pastor; 5959 Grandview Drive,

Indianapolis, IN 46208-1399
Hopkins, John L. (4), pastor; 2109 Lincoln, Evansville, IN

47714-1694
McGarvey, Gregory (7), pastor; 7995 East 21st Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46219-2410
Gentry, James E. (9), pastor; 618 Eighth Street, Columbus,

IN 47201-6891
Amerson, Philip A. (8) , pastor; P.O. Box 936, Bloomington,

IN 47402

Reserves

Talbott, Bert, retired; 2004 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN

46240-1908
Porterfield, Charles W., retired; 5708 Wallingwood Drive,

Indianapolis, IN 46226-1341
Hess, Kay, music teacher; 2028 Davis Meyers Road,

Fountain City, IN 47341
Fowler, James A., retired; 918 Lombard, Evansville, IN

47714-0429
Crane, David F., construction company owner; 3 Green

Acres, Washington, IN 47501
Mayo, Margaret J., administrative assistant; 3836 Parkwood

Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Montgomery, Pamela, diaconal minister; 4780 East 126th

Street, Carmel, IN 46033
McKain, Tom, physician; 914 Oakland Court New Albany,

IN 47150
Easley, Ida, pastor; 2781 North 500 East, Columbus, IN

47203-9356
Moman, Mary Ann, pastor; 3425 West 30th Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46222-2172
Penalva, David E., pastor; P.O. Box 11774, Indianapolis, IN

46201-0774

Millard, M. Kent, pastor; 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis,

IN 46260-2391
Hamon, C. Mac, pastor; 300 Mary Street, Evansville, IN

47710-1292
Miller, Jack P., pastor; 5500 North Meridian Street,

Indianapolis, IN 46208-2598
Fisher, Mark A., pstor; 3179 North Mt. Comfort Road,

Greenfield. IN 46140-9635
Beck, Michael R., pastor, 141 Heidelberg Road NW,

Corydon, IN 47112-9290

Southern Illinois (6)

Sec. D Row 1 Seats 1-6

Mays, Orville (5), retired transportation superintendent; 58

Will-Vina Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234
Hutchison, Larry (2), customer service manager; 53

Lockhaven Drive, Granite City, IL 62040
Blacklock, Gloria J. (6), retired farm family; 41 Rodan Drive,

Vergennes,IL 62994
*Myers, Mark C. (3), pastor; 335 South Fair Street, Olney,

IL 62450
Meeks, Donald L (10), pastor; 603 West St. Louis Street,

Lebanon, IL 62254
Renshaw, Earl R. (9), district superintendent; 1019 North

Burtschi Street, Vandalia, IL 62471

Reserves

Sims, Jeanne', retired teacher; 203 East Grove Avenue,

Effingham, IL 62401
Luckert, Dorothy, retired secretary; 4051 Breckenridge

Lane, Granite City, IL 62040
Renfro, Mary W., retired teacher; 124 Florence Street,

Lebanon, IL 62254
Weatherall, Sylvester, pastor; 404 West Dee Street, Lebanon,

IL 62254
Frazier, William 0., district superintendent; 1703 North

Linda Lane, Olney, IL 62450
Edwards, Tena i?., pastor; 219 East Union Avenue,

Utchfield,IL 62056

Southern New Jersey (10)

Sec. C Row 13 Seats 1-10

*Beppler, Ron (9), computer consultant; 2326 Corbett Road,

Pennsauken, NJ 008109
Davis, Elwood G. (7), retired Public/Business

Administrator; 1614 North Arkansas Avenue, Atlantic

City, NJ 08401
McCullough, June D. (5), homemaker; 712 Holmes Avenue,

Vineland, NJ 08360
Hoffman, Elizabeth (4), bookkeeper/secretary; 188 High

Street, P.O. Box 124, Port Morris, NJ 08349
Shivers, Constance A. (1), homemaker; 19 Madaket Court,

Ocean City, NJ 08226
Reasner, William S. (6), district superintendent; 445 East

Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Thielking, William B. (3), retired; 11 Pike Avenue, Millville,

NJ 08332
Rainier, Helen L. (2), pastor; 102 Salem Hill Road, Howell,

NJ 07731
Ruff, Jerry D. (8), pastor; 14 Eden Hollow Lane, Sicklerville,

NJ 08081
McCleary, Renee L. (10), pastor; 200 Ava Avenue,

Somerdale, NJ 08083

62

DCA Advance Edition

Reserves

Thomas, Clara E., diaconal minister; 951 Old York Road,

Highstown, NJ 08520
Ricards, Betty P., retired secretary; 315 West Park Drive,

Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Anderson, Gregory L, computer systems integrator; 63

Oakwood Drive, Medford, NJ 08055
Shervanick, Nancy L., administration assistant; 12 West

Joffre Avenue, Milltown, NJ 08850
Campher, Lorena W., retired supervisory systems analyst 8

Bridal Wreath Court, Marlton, NJ 08053
Murphy, Sandra L, district superintendent; 725 Old Corlies

Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753
Baxter, Harlan M., pastor; 533 Kings Highway,

Moorestown, NJ 08057
Blacktvell, Dennis L, pastor; 5015 Chapel Avenue,

Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Sadio, Sydney S., pastor; 371 Wheeler Road, North

Brunswick, NJ 08902
Janka.John A, district superintendent; 90 Sharp Street,

Millville, NJ 08332

Southern Zaire (8)

Sec. D Row 19 Seats 5-12

Samuel, Kayombo (9), lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Kapend, Musumb (1), women's president; P.O. Box 11237,

Chingola, Zambia
Kayinda, Mujinga (4), financial member; P.O. Box 11237,

Chingola, Zambia
Moma, MomaWa (2), lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Francis, Lufunda (9) , lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Aying, MulandK. (10), pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Kapumha, Isolo (5), assistant to bishop; P.O. Box 11237,

Chingola, Zambia
Zomhil, Mwez (8), evangelist; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Nawej, SulA (3), pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia
*Nkemha, Ndjungu (6), pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia

Reserves

Kayeke, Nguz, lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia
Sololo, Nduu, High Institute Director; P.O. Box 11237,

Chingola, Zambia
Mukazu, Mayonde, secondary school director; P.O. Box

11237, Chingola, Zambia
Nshimpundu, Musonda, coordinator of schools; P.O. Box

11237, Chingola, Zambia
Yav, Ditend, financial member; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Chisangam, Mbal Yav, lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Rubemb, Nawej, lay leader; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Alfred, Champa, pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia
Diur, Ngaj, pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia
Chinyam, Yirung, pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia
Yav, Nzam, medical coordinator; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia

Kilimho, Kajoba, seminary director; P.O. Box 11237,

Chingola, Zambia
Laishi, Bwalya, superintendent; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola,

Zambia
Kavund, Kapend, pastor; P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia

Southwest Philippines Provisional (2)

Sec. B Row 14 Seats 9-10

Ygar, Teresita A. (4), teacher, 5 San Isidro Street,
Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

*Villalon,Jr., Aniceto (R.), 1; district superintendent. Good
Shepherd United Methodist Church, San Jose
Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Reserves

Benoza, Melody, student; c/o Good Shepherd United

Methodist Church, Labangan, San Jose Occidental

Mindoro, Philippines
Baluntong, Glofie, deaconess; San Mariano United

Methodist Church, San Mariano, Occidental Mindoro,

Philippines
Viduya, Trinidad; San Mariano, Occidental Mindoro,

Philippines
Dumag, Rolando, farmer; Pag-asa, Sablayan, Occidental

Mindoro, Philippines
Ruedas, Prudencio, farmer; Magsaysay, Occidental

Mindoro, Philippines
Yasay, WilfredoA., resource development worker; The

United Methodist Church, Mamburae, Occidental

Mindoro, Philippines
Villalon, Marie-Sol S., district superintendent; The United

Methodist Church, Rexas, Occidental Mindoro,

Philippines
Abesamis, Leodegario R., pastor; Good Shepherd United

Methodist Church, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro,

Philippines
Pimentel, Fe C, pastor; The United Methodist CHurch,

Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Baluntong, Glorioso, pastor; Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro,

Philippines

Southwest Texas (10)

Sec. B Row 15 Seats 1-10

Bonner, Byrd L (5), attorney, 223 Springwood Lane, San

Antonio, TX 78216
Ashmos, Donde Plowman (7), professor; 6520 Ladera

Norte, Austin, TX 78731
Etter, Martha B. (3), retired; 4905 Hodges, San Antonio, TX

78238
Batiste, Jr., Harold E.; 6; health insurance consultant, 709

Fawndale, San Antonio, TX 78239
Heare, Jerry (8), commercial real estate; 3313 Thousand

Oakes Cove, Austin, TX 78746
*Huie, Janice Riggle K (9) , district superintendent; 2201

Sherwood Way, Suite 210, San Angelo, TX 76901
Frederick, Jr., Austin; (10), district superintendent, Box

4649, 404 North Glass, Victoria, TX 77903
Wende, Stephen P. (2), pastor; 5084 DeZavala Road, San

Antonio, TX 78249
Smith, Jerry J. (4), assistant to the episcopal office; P.O. Box

28098, San Antonio, TX 78284
Lowry,John M. (1), pastor; 7501 South Staples, Corpus

Christi,TX 78413

Delegate Information

63

Reserves

Loeb, Carol, retired; 4610 Lomond, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Marr, Betty, diaconal minister; 407 North Bridge, Victoria,

TX 77901
Brim, Jay, attorney; 4906 Timberline, Austin, TX 78746
Eubank, Rocky, retired; 3405 Saddlestring Trail, Austin, TX

78739
Hand, Donald J., attorney; 3514 Huntwick Lane, San

Antonio, TX 78230
Vazquez-Garza, Virgilio, pastor; 1220 McClelland, Laredo,

TX 78249
Abraham, William, professor; Perkins School of Theology,

SMU, Dallas, TX 78275
Mayfield, James, pastor; P.O. Box 5566, 2601 Exposition,

Austin, TX 78763
Schnase, Robert, pastor; Box 1568, 221 North Main,

McAllen.TX 78505
Hill, Shirley, pastor; 5247 Vance Jackson, San Antonio, TX

78230

Sweden (2)

Sec. D Row 15 Seatsll-12

Carlstrom, Berit (3), evangelism secretary; Alnangsgatan 7,

S-703 62 Orebro, Sweden
Lindell, Rolf (2), district superintendent; Jutevagen 6, S-554

45 Jonkoping, Sweden

Reserves

Rickardsson, Ulf; Friggatan 7 A, S-411 01 Goteborg, Sweden
Aim, Beatiice; Box 186, S-170 11 Drottningholm, Sweden
Eliasson, Ann-Marie; Pilspetsgatan 11, S-723 53 Vasteras,

Sweden
Lundgren, Christer; Kittelvagen 40, S-811 37 Sandviken,

Sweden
Kjemald, Margareta; Margretelundsgatan 23, S412 67

Goteborg, Sweden
Tullhage, Leif, district superintendent; Vasavagen 197 B,

S-191 76 Sollentuna, Sweden
Hogberg, Bo, Bible School teacher; Arkitektvagen 1, S-441

50 Alingsas, Sweden
Skoldhjonsson, Ulla, district superintendent; Kedjegatan 17,

S-361 33 Emmaboda, Sweden
Nausner, Michael, pastor; Kungsgatan 30, S-753 21 Uppsala,

Sweden
Englund, Hakan, district superintendent; Metodistkyrkan,

Kikebogatan, S-572 33 Oskarshamn Sweden

Switzerland-France (2)

Sec. B Row 19 Seats 9-10

Bloem, Claudia A. (1), lawyer; 17 Rte. de Bestigny, CH-1700

Fribourg, Switzerland
*Streiff. Patrick Ph. (2), pastor; 11, Rue des Beaux-Arts,

CH-2000 Neuchatel Switzeriand,

Reserves

Welti, Erika, Zwyssigstrasse 6, CH-8048 Zurich, Switzerland
Baur, Peter, Schwalmerenweg 5, CH-3800 Interlaken,

Switzerland
Binder, Peter, Gebhartsti-asse 40, CH-8404 Wnterthur,

Switzerland
Nussbaumer, Marc, pastor; Riehenring 129, CH-4058 Basel,

Switzerland

Eschbach, Urs, pastor; Eichensh-asse 1, CH-4054 Basel,
Switzerland

Tanganyika (2)

Sec. A Row 11 Seats 9-10

Kavwala Matanda, Ngoy (7), school director; The United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia

*Kichibi, Mukalayi (4), district superintendent; The United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia

Reserves

Kitenge Moma, Lusanga, fish project director; The United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11237. Chingola, Zambia

Ntambo, Mutwale, district superintendent; The United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 11237, Chingola, Zambia

Tennessee (10)

Sec. B Row 7 Seats 8-12
Row 8 Seats 8-12

*Alexander, Betty M. (7), administrator/counselor, 147

Allen Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Garcia, Barbara P. (10), diaconal minister; 309 Franklin

Road, Brentwood, TN 37027
Williams, Joe (4), attorney; 124 Oak Park, Tullahoma, TN

37388
Fisher, Tom (2), engineer; 1729 Wilson Pike, Brentwood,

TN 37207
Brown, Kimi (8), customer service representative; P.O. Box

9,NolensviUe,TN37135
*King, Jr., James R. (5), pastor, 1014 - 14th Avenue North,

Nashville, TN 37208
Pennel, Jr. , Joe E. (9) , pastor, 309 Franklin Road,

Brentwood, TN 37027
Wright, Juanita B. (6), district superintendent; P.O. Box

847, Clarksville,TN 37041
Alford, Ben R. (3), pastor; 217 East Main Sh-eet,

Hendersonville, TN 37075
Mayo, Jerry H. (l), pastor; 220 North Church Sh-eet,

Murfreesboro,TN 37130

Reserves

Bass, James L, attorney; P.O. Box 500, Carthage, TN 37030
Tanksley, Lem A., engineer; 746 Rodney Drive, Nashville,

TN 37205
Locke, Toni L, high school librarian; 117 High Avenue,

Fayetteville,TN 37334
Lightner, Roy, advertising; 596 Cumberland Hills Drive,

Hendersonville, TN 37075
Lee, Frank T., retired electrical engineer; Route #6, Box

6692, Manchester, TN 37355
McGee, Elijah, distinct superintendent; P.O. Box 477,

Hendersonville, TN 37077
Clardy, Jr., James; pastor, 84 South Greenhill Road, Mount

JuUet,TN 37122
Walkup, Vincent, pastor; 3701 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, TN

37215
Collett,John H., pastor; P.O. Box 120098, Nashville, TN

37212
Gray, Kay C, pastor; 7919 Lebanon Road, Mount Juliet, TN

37122

64

DCA Advance Edition

Texas (24)

Sec. C Row 20 Seats 1-12
Row21Seatsl-12

Means, Barbara L. (6), church financial secretary; 1014

Mariana Drive, Wake Village, TX 75501
Strickland, Don (5), funeral home owner; P.O. Box 217,

Somerville,TX 77879
Smith, Randy (3), lawyer; 58 East Broad Oaks, Houston, TX

77056
Andrews, Duane N. (1), physician; 1101 Santa Rosa, Tyler,

TX 75701
Hanke, Gilbert C. (3), speech pathologist; 803 Wildwood,

Nacogdoches, TX 75961
House, Donald R. (4), economist; 1108 Shady Drive,

College Station, TX 77840
Werlein, Jr., Ewing, (4), U.S. District Judge, 515 Rusk

Avenue, R 9136 Houston, TX 77002
Montgomery, Samuel (7), retired college registrar; P.O.

Box 2373, Prairie View, TX 77446
Palmer, Ruth G. (10), community center director; 2001

Holcombe Boulevard, #1206, Houston TX 77030
Hataway, Joan (9), homemaker; 27 Bellchase Gardens,

Beaumont, TX 77766
Bryant, Norma L (8), church secretary; 4330 Larkspur,

Houston, TX 77051-2734
Robertson, Suzi (2), diaconal minister; 5200 Willowbend

Boulevard, Houston, TX 77096
*Moore, James W. (4) , pastor; P.O. Box 22013, Houston, TX

77227
Caldwell, Kirbyjon (9), pastor; 6000 Heatherbrook, Houston,

TX 77085
Bledsoe, W. Earl (10), pastor; 13403 Cypress-North

Houston, Cypress, TX 77429
Albright, John 'Jack' E. (3), pastor; 16000 Rippling Water

Drive, Houston, TX 77084
Bankston, L. James (1), pastor; 5501 Main Street, Houston,

TX 77004
Hayes, Jr., Robert E. (5), district superintendent, 5215 Main

Street, Houston, TX 77002-9792
Hinson, William H. (3), pastor; 1320 Main Street, Houston,

TX 77002
Chamness, Ben R. (7) , pastor; 300 West Erwin, Tyler, TX

75702
Matthis, Morris F. (4), pastor; 4600 FM 359, Richmond, TX

77469
Watt, Sharon M. (6), district superintendent; P.O. Box 3606,

Beaumont, TX 77704
Foster, James W. (2), pastor; 20775 Kingsland Boulevard,

Katy,TX 77450
Byrd, Julian L. (8), hospital pastoral services and education

manager; 6464 Fannin, D-102, Houston, TX 77074

Reserves

Jackson, Robert M., businessman; 1302 Woodland Park,

Jasper, TX 75951
Samuelson, David, physician; 613 Boiling Green, Wharton,

TX 77488
Johnson, Mary, homemaker/rancher; Route 1, Box 356,

Franklin, TX 77856
Hernandez, Andrew, accountant; 6603 Seinfeld Court,

Houston, TX 77069
Sims, Margaret, homemaker; Route 1, Box 374,

Colmensneil, TX 75938

McCall, Morris, retired judge/attorney; 825 Oano, Port

Neches.TX 77651
Dixon, Floyd, retired; 8630 Shotwell, Houston, TX 77016
Base, Darlene, church secretary; P.O. Box 389, Hallsville,

TX 75650
Krause, Mary Lx)u, retired newspaper editor; 2129

Southgate, Houston, TX 77030
Bates, Kathryn, administrative manager; 6331 Coachwood,

Houston, TX 77035
Parsons, 111 James N.; lawyer, 730 Range Road, Palestine,

TX 75801
Hataway, Bill, marine chemist; 27 Bellechase Gardens,

Beaumont, TX 77766
Guidry, Francis E.W., psator; 2812 Milby, Houston, TX

77004
Idom,Jr., Matt ; pastor, 416 South Bonner, Jacksonville, TX

75766
Smith, Sandra W., pastor; 22801 Aldine Westfield, Spring,

TX 77373
Alegria, Frank, pastor; 5203 Fulton, Houston, TX 77009
Atkinson, George M., pastor; 5200 Willowbend Boulevard,

Houston, TX 77096
Stutes, Robert G., pastor; 670 North Fifth, Silsbee. TX 77656
Booker, R. Jeremiah, pastor; 1501 Jensen Drive, Houston,

TX 77020
Whitaker, Keith €., pastor; 805 East Denman, Lufkin, TX

75901
Meador, Donald M., district superintendent; P.O. Box 2382,

Longview, TX 75606
Crawford, Jim H., conference fiscal officer; 5215 Main

Street, Houston, TX 77002-9792
Millikan, Charles R, pastor; 2803 - 53rd Street, Galveston,

TX 77551
Dorris, Karen S., pastor; P.O. Box 720722, Houston, TX

77272

Troy (6)

Sec. B Row 20 Seats 7-12

*Conklin, Brooke (5), volunteer; 7 Carr Road, Saratoga

Springs, NY 12866
Readdean, Shirley E. (6), volunteer; 2232 Turner Avenue,

Schenectady, NY 12306
Byers, Shirley D. (3), retired speech/language pathologist,

P.O. Box 603, Nassau, NY 12123
Perry, James M. (2), council director; P.O. Box 560, Saratoga

Springs, NY 12866
Barney, Bill (1), pastor; 10 Lincoln Avenue, Glens Falls, NY

12801
Lemmel, Barbara (10), pastor; P.O. Box 426, North Creek,

NY 12853

Reserves

Archibald, Jr., Julius A.; professor, 90 Park Avenue,

Pittsburgh, NY 12901
Civalier, Iris A., volunteer; Box 49, Hoffman Road,

Olmstedville, NY 12857
Suits, L. David, volunteer; 5 Willoughby Drive, Albany, NY

12205
Cotant, William A., pastor; 1 Gilligan Road, East

Greenbush, NY 12061
Lasher, William A., pastor; 8 Bog Meadow Run, Saratoga

Springs, NY 12866
Crowder, Merry W., pastor; P.O. Box 8074, Essex, VT 05451

Delegate Information

65

Upper Zaire (2)

Sec. D Row 8 Seats 9-10

♦Wembudinga, Gilbert U. (6), doctor; P.O. Box 2006,

Kisangani, Zaire
Litalema, Bogenda (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box

2006, Kisangani, Zaire

Reserves

Yuhe, Mbundja, principal; P.O. Box 2006, Kisangani, Zaire
Lopemba, Anker T., Christian education director; P.O. Box
2006, Kisangani, Zaire

Virginia (30)

Sec. C Row 15 Seats 1-12
Row 16 Seats 1-12
Row 17 Seats 1-6

Amon, Darlene V. (3), homemaker; 5128 Stratford Drive,

Suffolk, VA 23435
Bishop, Nathaniel L (5), assistant administrator; P.O. Box

6339, Roanoke, VA 24017
Baker, Sandra W. (10) , homemaker; 419 West Clifford

Street, Winchester, VA 22601
Branscome, James L (4), conference treasurer; P.O. Box

11367, Richmond, VA 23230
Whitehurst, Betty C. (6), educator; 159 McGill Boulevard,

NE, Suite 305, Atlanta, GA 30308
Carpenter, Jr., Robert B. (4), engineer, P.O. Box 696,

AltaVista, VA 24517
Jackson, Ward (3), government service; 21232 Revenwood

Court, Sterling, VA 22165
Ravenhorst, Dorothy A (2), homemaker; P.O. Drawer 904,

Lexington, VA 24450
Weaver, Michael (6), pilot; 17902 Milroy Drive, Dumfries,

VA 22026
Bray, Jr., Jerry G. (7) , retired judge, 3100 Shore Drive,

Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Dowdy, Roger C. (9), diaconal minister; 582 Leesville Road,

Lynchburg, VA 24502
Hulick, Elizabeth 'Bets/ (8), student; 59 Hampton Road

Avenue, Hampton, VA 23661
Park, Yoon S. (1), govenmient service; 2654 Oakton Glen

Drive, Vienna, VA 22181
Dowdy, Kristen E. (7), student; Box MWC 1048, 1701

College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Douglas, Jr., Willard H. (8), retired judge, 606 Edgehill

Road, Richmond, VA 23222
*Chamheriain, Ray W. (3), district superintendent; P.O. Box

11367, Richmond, VA 23230
Logan, James C. (7), professor; 11152 Saffold Way, Reston,

VA 22090
Bailey, Paul C. (10) , pastor; 19th & Pacific Avenue, Virginia

Beach, VA 23451
Wright, Elizabeth A. S. (1), pastor; 151 Wythe Parkway,

Hampton, VA 23669
Sheaffer, Lee B. (4), council director; P.O. Box 11367,

Richmond, VA 23230
Jackson, Kenneth J. (9), district superintendent; 804-A

Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Kim, MyungJ. (9), district superintendent; P.O. Box 429,

Ashland, VA 23005
Casey, Robert T. (2), district superintendent; 75 Shoe Lane,

Newport News, VA 23606
Hill, L Douglas (2), district superintendent; P.O. Box 3413,

Petersburg, VA 23805

Colby, Rhonda V. (6), pastor; 9155 Hungary Road,

Richmond, VA 23294
Horton, AlvinJ. (8), CCOM staff; P.O. Box 11367,

Richmond, VA 23230
Murphy, Jr, E. Thomas (1), pastor, 250 Franklin Street,

Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Smith, Theodore (5), pastor; 500 North Naylor Street,

Alexandria, VA 22304
Dillard,Jr, F. Douglas (5), district superintendent, 5001

Echols Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311
Woolridge,Jr., Eugene R. (10), pastor, 903 Forest Avenue,

Richmond, VA 23229

Reserves

Hardman, Ronald L., government service; 214 North

Edgewood Street, Arlington, VA 22201
Wolf, Rexford, UM Assembly Center Business

Administrator; 707 Fourth Street, Blackstone, VA 23824
Vaughn, Carole, CCOM staff; P.O. Box 11367, Richmond,

VA 23230
Abemathy, H. S., retired school administrator; 636 Green

Valley Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Bom, Ethel W., homemaker; 3789 Knollridge Road, Salem,

VA 24153
Bergdoll, James R, college vice-president; 4500 Pinebrook

Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Powell, Ida B., education consultant; 3809 Manton Lane,

Lynchburg, VA 24503
McClung, William L, student; 1619 Linden Avenue,

Chesapeake, VA 23325
Miller, L Thomas, retired; 148 Summit Road, DanfiUe, VA

24540
Moorefield, Jr., Eugene; corporation vice-president, 1601

Westover Drive, Danville, VA 24541
Clarke, Lambuth M., retired college president; 1508

Buckingham Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23509
Sizemore, James A., consultant; 704 Spring Valley Drive,

Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Cauffman, Shirley, administrative secretary; 4613 North

41st Street, Arlington, VA 22207
Huber, Paul W., physicist; 2 Edgewood Drive, Newport

News, VA 23606
Webb, Foye W., government executive; 7513 Camp Alger

Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22042
Corley, Cynthia A., pastor; 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Turbyfill, Margaret A., campus pastor; 204 High Street,

Farmville,VA 23901
McAden, Robinson H., pastor; 1301 Collingwood Road,

Alexandria, VA 22308
Wright, Jr., Wasena F.\ pastor, 6935 Columbia Pike,

Annandale.VA 22003
Riley, Jr., Henry E.; pastor, 308 Hanover Street,

Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Peters, John B., pastor; 115 Wolfe Street, Wmchester, VA

22601
Whitaker, Timothy W., pastor; 411 East Grace Street,

Richmond, VA 23219
Smith, David H, council staff; P.O. Box 11367, Richmond,

VA 23230
Espinoza, Samuel J., pastor; 9203 Braddock Road,

Springfield, VA 22015
King, Charles B., district superintendent; 301 Fourth

Avenue, Farmville, VA 23901
Gillis,Jr., R. Franklin ; pastor, 1645 Buford Road,

Richmond, VA 23235
Jarvis, David F. , pastor; 10300 Stratford Avenue, Fairfax, VA

22030

66

DCA Advance Edition

Talley, Kathryn F., pastor; 10661 Duryea Road, Richmond,

VA 23235
Whitehurst, Walter A, Southeastern Jurisdiction VIM

Director; 159 Ralph McGill Boulevard, NE, Suite 305

Atlanta, GA 30308
Barrow, Barbara B., district superintendent; 32 South Gate

Court, Suite 202, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Visayas-North Mindanao Philippines (2)

Sec. C Row 9 Seats 9-10

*Alkuino, Aurora S. (3), teacher; Visayas State College of

Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines
Rosquita, Faustina (6), pastor; United Methodist Church,

Mabubay, Valencia Bukidnon, Philippines

Reserves

Barrera, Miriam A., teacher; Iligan Capitol College, Rexas

Avenue, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
Nual, Carmelina R., businesswoman; United Methodist

Church, 1 Mortola, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Carlos, Elpidio, businessman; B U S C 0, Bukidnon,

Philippines
Cansino, Regina R., teacher; United Methodist Church, 1

Mortola Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Quemado, Virginia P., teacher; United Methodist church,

Sumpong, Malayba Bukidnon, Philippines
Loberiano, Abel, businessman; United Methodist church,

2nd East, Rosario Heights Iligan City 9200, Philippines
Russel, Remedies, teacher; VisCA, Baybay, Leyte,

Philippines
Pague, Linda, businesswoman; c/o Rev. Joseph Comito,

14-A Lopez Street, Labangon Cebu City, Philippines
Carlos, Edward V., student; College of Engineering,

Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Philippines
Hechanova, Sharon C., journalist; United Methodist

Church, 2nd East, Rosario Heights 9200 Iligan City,

Philippines
Hembrador, Phoebe L, retired teacher; United Methodist

Church, 1 Mortola Street, Cagayan de Oro City,

Philippines
Pague, Loreto, retired teacher; United Methodist Church,

Sta. Cruz Plaridel, Mis. Occidental, Philippines
Cruz, Remegio F., farmer; c/o Rev. Samuel Miguel, United

Methodist Church, Kalilangan Bukidnon, Philippines
Valderama, Mamita C, deaconess; United Methodist

Church, 2nd East, Rosario Heights 9200 Iligan City,

Philippines
Villanueva, Myma G., pastor; Calvary Bible School,

Buenavista, Guimaras Is. Iloile, Philippines
Valderama, Noe C, pastor; First United Methodist Church,

2nd East Road, Rosario Heights Iligan City, Philippines
Macadenden, Benjamin A., pastor; United Methodist

Church, No. 1 Mortola Street, Cagayan de Oro,

Philippines
Miguel, Samuel, pastor; United Methodist Church,

Kalilangan, Bukidnon, Philippines
Ferrer, Rufino, pastor; c/o Rev. Kwak Choon Shik, P.O. Box

60, Dumaguete City, Philippines
Olpindo, Jonathan D., pastor; United Methodist Church, 1

Mortola Street, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Cabotaje, Amante, pastor; c/o Dr. Esther M. Cabotaje,

Central Mindanao State University, Musuan Bukidnon,

Philippines
Cosmiano, David, pastor; c/o Mrs. Aurora Alkuino, VisCA,

Baybay Leyte, Philippines

Comito, Joseph, pastor; United Methodist Church, 14-A

Lopez Street, Labangon Cebu City, Philippines
Maregmen, Maximino, pastor; c/o Rev. Joseph Comito, 14-A

Lopez Street Labangon Cebu City, Philippines
Manuel, Rodrigo, pastor; United Methodist Church, Melave,

Zamboanga Sur, Philippines
Tibalbag, Roy, pastor; United Methodist Church, 1 Mortola

Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Lapac, Jose, pastor; c/o Rev. Joseph Comito, 14-A Lopez,

Labangon Cebu City, Philippines
Pegalan, Mario, pastor; United Methodist Church, Sta.

Cruz, Plaridel Mis. Occ, Philippines
Ramos, Imelda, pastor; United Methodist Church, 14-A

Lopez Street, Labangon Cebu City, Philippines

West Michigan (10)

Sec. B Row 10 Seats 1-10

Becker, Gene R. (9), lay minister; 738 North Pine River,

Ithaca, MI 48847
Lett, Steven T. (5), attorney; 3519 Christine Drive, Lansing,

MI 48911
Archambeau, Tmdy M. (3), writer; 4001 Stabler, Lansing,

MI 48910
Spachman, Amy L (7), student; 175 North Drive, Sheperd,

MI 48883
Williams, Donald (8), professor; 5226 Forest View Court,

Hudsonville, MI 49426
*Boehm, James W. (1), district superintendent; 2141

Parkview Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
McReynolds, Russell F. (6), pastor; 153 North Wood Street,

Battle Creek, MI 49017
Moore, Joy J (10), pastor; 10 West Bidwell, Battle Creek, MI

49015
Huston, Joseph D. (2), pastor; P.O. Box 168, Holt, MI 48842
Brubaker, Ellen A. (4), pastor; 4301 Ambrose N.E., Grand

Rapids, MI 49505

Reserves

Wiltse, David A., graphic arts director; P.O. Box 6247,

Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Sheldon, Frank E., retired; Box 445, Portage, MI 49081-0455
Kelsey, Joan T., volunteer; 1879 Cahill Drive, East Lansing,

MI 48823
Fleming, Christina J., student; 1209 South Clinton Drive,

Charlotte, MI 48813
Sprague, Mary B., teacher; 2124 East Lake Mitchell Drive,

Cadillac, MI 49601
Holier, Laurie A., pastor; 227 East Fulton Street, Grand

Rapids, MI 49503
Heisler, Benton R., pastor; 2200 Lake Lansing Road,

Lansing, MI 48912
Buwalda, Dennis G., district superintendent; 1670 Barlow

Sti-eet, Traverse City, MI 49686
Selleck, Richard A. , pastor; 45 Sbrth Sti-eet, P.O.Box 97,

Sand Lake, MI 49343
Pier-Fitzgerald, Lynn, pastor; 214 Spencer N.E., Grand

Rapids, MI 49505

West Middle Philippines (2)

Sec. C Row 5 Seats 11-12

Magno, Elvira; The United Methodist Church, Palauig,

Zambales, Philippines
Fernando, Ruben, pastor; The United Methodist Church,

Cabangan, Zambales, Philippines

Delegate Information

67

Reserves

Reyes, Gilbert; The United Methodist Church, Ascomo,

Guagua Pampanga, Philippines
Magtanong, Ricardo, pastor; 204 Valdez Street, Marisol

Village, Angeles City 2009, PhiUppines

West Ohio (30)

Sec. D Row 17 Seats 1-12
Row 18 Seats 1-12
Row 19 Seats 1-4

Rhonemus, Alfred C. (1), retired teacher; 9822 Bradysville

Road, Aberdeen, OH 45101
Connolly, Phillip F. (10), contractor; P.O. Box 271,

Marysville, OH 43040
Mallory, Gabrielle G. (1), student; 1211 Mt. Vernon Avenue,

Dayton, OH 45405
Nibbelink, Jim (5), manager; 934 Hidden Ridge Drive,

Milford, OH 45150
Gerhard, June A. (9), homemaker; 8891 Charington Court,

Pickerington, OH 43147
Bales, Linda (6), human services planner; 3698 Winston

Churchill, Dayton, OH 45432
Bradley, Carol Ann (10), diaconal minister; 48 East North

Broadway, Columbus, OH 43214
Lutz, Benis (4), retired school superintendent; 641 West

Main Street, AshviUe, OH 43103
Johnson, Thelma L (5), retired manager; 5915 Desmond

Street, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Walker, Jr., Robert C. (3) , student, 4516 College View Drive,

Dayton, OH 45427
Fitch, Marion 0. (2), retired financial officer; 1039 Russ

Road, Greenville, OH 45331
Darst, Betty (6), educational technology administrator; 2423

Brown Bark Drive, Dayton, OH 45431
Galloway, Mary Ann (9) , school nurse; 121 Franklin Street,

South Point, OH 45680
Abrams, Geraldine (8), retired contracting officer; 1431

Trade Square West (D), Troy, OH 45373
Potter, Helen E. (4), homemaker; 258 East Floyd Avenue,

Dayton, OH 45415
*Atha, Grayson (10), pastor; 299 King Avenue, Columbus,

OH 43201
Sprague, C. Joseph (5), pastor; 48 East North Broadway,

Columbus, OH 43214
Brooks, Philip D. (1), pastor; 5125 Drake Road, Cincinnati,

OH 45243
Ling, Stanley T. (2), council director; 32 Wesley Drive,

Worthington, OH 43085
Beveridge, RaeLynn Schlief (10), pastor; 5757 Starr Avenue,

Oregon, OH 43616
Slaughter, Michael B. (3), pastor; 6759 South County Road

25A, Tipp City, OH 45371
Stover, Gregory D. (3), pastor; 3751 Creek Road, Cincinnati,

OH 45241
Mines, William A. (6), pastor; 800 South Main Street,

Findlay, OH 45840
Clark, Jr., Russell M. (9), district superintendent, 150 Myrtle

Avenue, Newark, OH 43055
Hausman, Sharon A. (2), pastor; 45422 Pomeroy Pike,

Racine, OH 45771
Wilson, L Cean (7), district superintendent; 1201 Red Oak

Circle, Cridersville, OH 45806
Mallory, Margaret M. (8), pastor; 1516 Salem Avenue,
Dayton, OH 45406

Waugh, James E. (8), district superintendent; 47 Johnson

Road, Box 67, The Plains OH,45780
Kelso, Scott T. (7), pastor; 13475 Tollgate Road,

Pickerington, OH 43147
Frazer, E. Eugene (4), pastor; 1581 Cambridge Boulevard,

Columbus, OH 43212

Reserves

Krill, Caryl, homemaker; 05696 Kramer Road, Route 1, Box

322 Edgerton, OH 43517
Hoffman, David L, student; 3476 Hillman Ford Road,

Morral, OH 43337
Roper, Jocelyn M., associate council director; 32 Wesley

Drive, Worthington, OH 43085
Walker, Sr., Robert C; community center director, 4516

College View Drive, Dayton, OH 45427
Wood, Anita, diaconal minister; 110 West Franklin Street,

Troy, OH 45373
Nesbitt, Quentin, data processing CEO; One Tanglewood

Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45224
Compton, Philip W., professor; 0475 Township Road 30,

Ada, OH 45810
Miesse, Helen, homemaker; 4115 Karl Road, #210,

Columbus, OH 43224
Weston, Jr., Charles H.; retired public administrator, 711

Hayden Park Drive, Columbus, OH 43219
Moore, John E., retired government personnel director; 23

ICimberly Circle, Dayton, OH 45408
Elliot, Patricia, student; 146 East Maple, Box 66, North

Lewisburg, OH 43060
Loudner, Bonnie L, diaconal minister; 450 West Alex-Bell

Road, Dayton, OH 45459
Hill, Martha, student; 263 Senator Place, Cincinnati, OH

45220
Watkins, Richard, retired teacher; P.O. Box 56, Ridgeville

Comers, OH 43555
Schlicher, Nancy L, retired office manager; 381 Green Vista

Drive, Enon, OH 45323
Summers, Jr, Vance ; pastor, 256 William Street, Bowling

Green, OH 43402
Campbell, J Gary, pastor; 1610 - 28th Street, Portsmouth,

OH 45662
Edgar, John W., pastor; 1480 Zettler Road, Columbus, OH

43227
Miller, Sue Ellen, pastor; 3330 Cleveland Avenue,

Columbus, OH 43224
Chambers, Chester V., district superintendent; 1421 Sixth

Street, Findlay, OH 45840
Broum, George S., pastor; 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati,

OH 45211
Cooper, K. Jeannette', pastor; P.O. Box 2660, Toledo, OH

43606
Bauserman, Ralph £., pastor; 10530 Township Road 56, Mt.

Perry, OH 43760
Osbom,John P., district superintendent; 632 Vine Street,

Room 315, Cincinnad, OH 45202
Chow, W. Jing pastor; P.O. Box 634, Waynesville, OH 45068
Rudisill, Maria Jean, director of church and community

ministries; 601 West Riverview Avenue, Dayton, OH

45406
Johnson, Michael £>., district superintendent; 471 East Broad

Street, Room 1102, Columbus, OH 43215
Gam, CyndyL, pastor; 5100 Karl Road, Columbus, OH

43229
Han, Sang-Hyu, pastor; 208 Heischman Road, Worthington,

OH 43085

68

DCA Advance Edition

Cadle, Shirley K, district superintendent; 61 East Main,
Suite 1, Box 310, Wilmington, OH 45177-0310

West Virginia (16)

Sec.ARow21 Seats 1-10
Row 22 Seats 1-6

Deal, William S. (3), university administrator; 2208 Circle

Drive, Milton, WV 25541-1004
Nutter, Judy A. (6) , homemaker; HC 39, Box 123B, St

Mary's, WV 26170
Nutter, Randy P. (4), mathematics teacher; HC 39, Box

123B, St Mary's, WV 26170
Knight Suzanne P. (10), church musician/homemaker; 23

Latham Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201
Hairston, William I. (5), management consultant; P.O. Box

4466, Charleston, WV 25364
Elkins, Lyman E. (9), retired assistant general yardmaster;

3703 Norwood Road, Huntington, WV 25705
Lacaria, J. F. (1), conference council diaconal associate;

P.O. Box 2313, Charleston, WV 25328
Wigel, Betty L. (2), self employed; 300 Crestview Drive,

Charleston, WV 25302
*Hallett. Helga P. (10), district superintendent; P.O. Box

866, Charleston, WV 25323
Bickerton, Thomas]. (5), pastor; P.O. Box 156, Hurricane,

WV 25526
Waters, Dale C. (3), pastor; 210 West Philadelphia Drive,

Bridgeport, WV 26330
Wright, Richard L (7), pastor; 503 High Street,

Morgantown, WV 26505
McCauley, Ronald M. (6), pastor; 415 Lawnview Drive,

Morgantown, WV 26505
Turner-Lacy, Nathaniel L (9), district superintendent; 213

South Heber Street, Beckley, WV 25801
Jarrett, Sue C. (2), district superintendent; P.O. Box 547,

Sutton, WV 26601
Mason, John A. (1), pastor; 1400 Myers Avenue, Dunbar,

WV 25064

Reserves

Underwood, Cecil H., industrial research park chair; 609-

13th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701
Gordon, Betty S., project consultant 643 Rockbridge Street

Bluefield.WV 24701
Simmons, Jennifer J., student; 1392 Bennett Drive,

Morgantown, WV 26505
Spencer, Eugene P., full time supply pastor; P.O. Box 346,

Lava]ette,WV 25535
Flynn, Shirley E., council associate director; 809 Montrose

Drive, South Charleston, WV 25302
Sleeth, James R., retired engineer; Star Route, Pullman, WV

26241
Lowther, Mary V., council diaconal assistant P.O. Box 3981,

Charleston, WV 25339
Dodd, Jr., Chester (C), retired, P.O. Box 47, Spencer, WV

25276
Ross, Vance P., General Board of Discipleship staff; P.O.

Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202-0840
Jarvis, Patricia A., pastor; 318 College Avenue, Bluefield,

WV 24701
Hensley, Basil A., pastor; 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV

26241
Jenkins, Harry R, district superintendent 938 Pine Hill

Drive, Fairmont WV 26554

Beard, Clyde W., district superintendent P.O. Box 457,

Huntington, WV 25504
Tucker, A. Arthur, pastor; 125 Kruger Street, Elm Grove,

WV 26003
Jasper, David E., pastor; 203 Caoerton Avenue, Princeton,

WV 24740
Conley, Ellis E., pastor; 88 South Kanawha Street

Buckhannon, WV 26201

West Zaire (2)

Sec. A Row 11 Seats 11-12

*Poy, Emundu (2), doctor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
Sendwe, Ilunga (7), district superintendent; 2867 Av.

Ecuries, Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire

Reserves

Ayaki, Andjadiumi, women's leader; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire
Kemha, Djamba, pastor; 2867 Av. Ecuries,

Kinshasa/Ngaliema, Zaire

Western Angola (4)

Sec. B Row 12 Seats 11-12
Row 13 Seats 11-12

*Marques, Regina (4), nurse; Caixa Postal 68, Luanda,

Angola
Quibonda, Francisco (9), student Caixa Postal 68, Luanda,

Angola
Zumo, Afonso (2), district superintendent Cafaca Postal 68,

Luanda, Angola
Gomes, Antonia Z. (6), pastor; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda,

Angola

Reserves

Caspar, Miguel, teacher; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola
Luis, Segunda, merchant; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola
Lourenco, Engracia A, housewife; Caixa Postal 68, Luanda,

Angola
da Cruz, Bemarda, analyst Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola
Vinte e Cinco, Gabriel, pastor; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda,

Angola
Afonso, Eduardo, pastor; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola
Neto, EvalinaJ., pastor; Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola
da Silva, Elvira M., student Cabca Postal 68, Luanda, Angola

Western New York (6)

Sec. A Row 19 Seats 1-6

Bank, Genie S. (3), volunteer; 243 Randwood Drive, Buffalo,

NY 14221
Wright, Betty (2), retired; 104 John Street, Akron, NY 14001
Richardson, Gerald (10), alcoholism program specialist

1217 Delaware Avenue, Apt 904, Buffalo, NY 14209
*Cleveland,J. Fay (4), pastor; 75 East Avenue, Lockport NY

14094
Cooke, John D. (5), pastor; 357 Main Street, East Aurora, NY

14052
Cronin, Deborah K. (9), district superintendent; 131 North

Ninth Street, Olean, NY 14760

Delegate Information

69

Reserves

Bueg, Donald J., salesman; 215 Northwood Avenue, East

Rochester, NY 14445
Vineyard, George D., retired veterinarian; 99 Gardeau Road,

Perry, NY 14530
Navas, John M., teacher; 1746 Eggert Road, Amherst, NY

14226
Stengel, Cathy Hall, pastor; 927 Gwinn Street. Medina, NY

14103
VanDussen, D. Gregory, pastor; 25 Hazard Parkway, Albion,

NY 14411
Baird, Larry R., pastor; 10171 Greiner Road, Clarence, NY

14031

Western North Carolina (28)

Sec. A Row 15 Seats 1-12
Row 16 Seats 1-12
Row 17 Seats 14

Rinehart, Joetta F. (2), jurisdiction development director,

605 Harrell Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Clapp, Sylvia L (9), homemaker; 260 Clapp Farms Road,

Greensboro, NC 27405
BlackweU, Roberta E. (3), retired; 2827 LaSalle Street,

Charlotte, NC 28216
Young, Jack (8) , salesman; 1008 Westwood Avenue, High

Point, NC 27262
Causby, Jimmy (5), automobile dealer; 810 Bethel Road,

Morganton, NC 28655
DeMarcus, Jamima P. (5), interior designer; 510 South

Main Street, China Grove, NC 28023
Gibson, Mildred W. (6), homemaker/volunteer; P.O. Box

66, Richfield, NC 28137
Mims, L F. (Harry) (6), retired; 2925 Club Drive, Gastonia,

NC 28054
Harrell, Sr., James A.; (2), dentist, 108G Parkwood Drive,

Elkin.NC 28621
Mauney, Jimmy H. (3), retired; 4256 Bramble Bush Court,

Clemmons, NC 27012
Erwin, Max G. (7), retired; 3025 Imperial Drive, Gastonia,

NC 28054
Tyler, Ann (10), retired diaconal minister; 150 1-E Lansdale

Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205
Howie, Bill F. (1), retired; 4617 Pleasant Grove Road,

Waxhaw, NC 28173
Eurey, Charles W. (4), businessman; 1010 South Aspen

Street, Uncolnton, NC 28092
*McCleskey,J. Lawrence (10), pastor, P.O. Box 6161,

Charlotte, NC 28207
White, Jr, Charles (Denny) D.; (4), conference secretary,

P.O. Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218
Queen. Dolores B. (10), district superintendent; P.O. Box

2311, Salisbury, NC 28145
Langfordlll, Thomas (Andy) A. (5), pastor, P.O. Box 625,

China Grove, NC 28023
Wilson, Jr, Earl ; (1), district superintendent, 4108 Park

Road, Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28209
Christy, Jr, John H.; (9), pastor, 311 Third Avenue N.E.,

Hickory, NC 28601
Aldridge, Jr., Julian M; (9), pastor, P.O. Box 5289, High

Point, NC 27262
Bales, Harold K. (3) , conference director of ministries; P.O.

Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218
Alvord, Alec M. (6) , conference director of

missions/outreach; P.O. Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218

Wilkinson, Larry D. (4), district superintendent; P.O. Box

426, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Lewis, Patricia A. (2) , district superintendent P.O. Box 367,

North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Vun Cannon, L. Lewis (8), administrative assistant to the

bishop; P.O. Box 18005, Charlotte, NC 28218
Rankin, Nancy Burgin (8), pastor; 30 Union Street, North,

Concord, NC 28025
Brown, Michael B. (7), pastor; 27 Church Street, Asheville,

NC 28001

Reserves

Kelley, Erin E., student; 320 Jim Parker Road, Monroe, NC

28110
Mercier, Anna M., student; 218 Pine Valley Road,

MocksviUe, NC 27028
Barden, Barbara S., diaconal minister; P.O. Box 146, New

London, NC 28127
Marcellus, Etta W., retired; 311 North Washington Avenue,

ReidsviUe, NC 27320
Tharpe, Nina S., homemaker; P. 0. Box 3, Ronda, NC 28670
Kim, In Muk, businessman; 2038 Fox Run Road,

BurUngton, NC 27215
Windham, Jr., James C; attorney, P.O. Box 995, Gastonia,

NC 28053
Collins, Janet H., retired; 500 Lakeshore Drive, Lake

Junaluska, NC 28745
Shepherd, Robert E., government service; 923 Sand Hill

Road, AsheviUe, NC 28806
Kizer, Mary K., sales/management; 7140 Lakeside Drive,

Charlotte, NC 28215
Streetman, Charles (Bud) E., retired; 4013 Hough Road,

Charlotte, NC 28209
Key, Jewell C, corporate manager; 1930 Lodgecrest Lane,

Pfafftown, NC 27040
Carmichael, M. Susan, retired diaconal minister/deaconess;

P.O. Box 561, Misenheimer, NC 28109
Christy, Betty C, gift shop owner; P.O. Box 1247,

Kannapolis, NC 28082
Hardin, Jr., E. Wownamaifeer ; district superintendent, 1031

Reynolda Road, Wmston-Salem, NC 27104
Young, C. Garland, pastor; P.O. Box 870, Greensboro, NC

27402
Brown, Jr, Andrew l^.; district superintendent, P.O. Box

4523, Greensboro, NC 27404
Seymour, Jr, Joseph (Jody) C; pastor, P.O. Box 218,

Gastonia, NC 28053
Thompson, George E., pastor; 410 North Holden Road,

Greensboro, NC 27410
Stith III, Frank A. , pastor; 1207 West Dixon Boulevard,

Shelby, NC 28152
Gilland,Jim C, pastor; 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte,

NC 28211
Sherrill, Katherine C, pastor; 4814 Zephyr Lane, Charlotte,

NC 28209
Blackburn, Jr, Robert M.\ pastor, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville,

NC 28786
Howie, Richard A., district superintendent; P.O. Box 4158,

Archdale, NC 27263
Sigmon, Thomas R, district superintendent; 166 East Main

Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
Stadler,Jr, Leonard E.; pastor, 13901 Providence Road,

Matthews, NC 28105
Robinson, George P., pastor; P.O. Box 658, Wmston-Salem,

NC 27102
Clinard, Hubert C, retired; 2224 Cardinal Loop, Stanley, NC

28164

70

DCA Advance Edition

Western Pennsylvania (20)

Sec. D Row 14 Seats 1-12
Row 15 Seats 1-8

Merrick, Tracy (4), bank vice-president; 5472 Patton Street,

Erie, PA 16509
Ernst, Sally (5), retired nurse; 3240 Post Gate Road, Bethel

Park, PA 15102
Morris, Patricia (3), auto dealership controller; 1318 Eighth

Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Yannayon, Harold (2), manufacturing vice-president; 2926

Homer Avenue, Erie, PA 16506
White, Chris (1), student; R.R 2, Box 122, Eldred, PA 16731
Walker, Dorothy (9), conference staff; 204 Timothy Drive,

Elizabeth, PA 15037
Grey, Thelma (8), retired church secretary; 112 McClelland

Drive, Rochester, PA 15074
Hershberger, Nyle (10), educator; 318 Kerr Drive,

Johnstown, PA 15904
Plowman, Jack W. (7), attorney; 1025 Lakemont Drive,

Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Gray, Eileen (6), homemaker; Box 237, Dayton, PA 16222
* Weaver, Peter D. (5), pastor; Center & South Aiken

Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Kincaid, Sr.,J. LaVon ; (2), district superintendent, P.O.

Box 17488, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Twigg, Aimee W. (9), pastor; 434 Main Street, Latrobe, PA

15650
Greenway, Jeffrey E. (3) , pastor; 2571 West 32nd Street, Erie,

PA 16506
Kohlhepp, Glenn B. (4), pastor; 136 North Richhill Street,

Waynesburg, PA 15370
Potter-Miller, Jaime (7), district superintendent; 200

Bloomfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15904
Miller, John D. (10), executive director; P.O. Box 8, Ludlow,

PA 16333
Rhodes, Arnold A. (6), district superintendent; 5 South Park

Avenue, Kane, PA 16735
Bauknight, Brian K. (1), pastor; 44 Highland Road, Bethel

Park, PA 15102
Garrett, Joel S. (8), pastor; 191 East Highland Drive,

McMurray, PA 15317

Reserves

Donner, James L, retired engineer; 405 Indiana Drive, Erie,

PA 16505
Hamley, Scott, student; Box 615, Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Hawke, Marybelle, retired nurse; 247 Creek Drive, Slippery

Rock, PA 16057
Schall, Dan, cable franchise assistant manager; 110 Ziegler

Street, Zelienople, PA 16063
Kamara, Abass, student; 5512 Avondale Place, Pittsburgh,

PA 15206
Patterson, Dottie, homemaker; 500 Oak Hill Drive, Grove

City, PA 16127
Handy, Doris M., retired social worker; 101 North

Dithridge, #1101, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Alwine, Betty, seamstress; R.R 2, Box 385, Holsapple, PA

15035
Harr, Bonnie D., hospital spiritual care coordinator; RD #5,

Box 241, Latrobe, PA 15650
Beers, Sally J., homemaker; RD #1, Box 496-A, Saegertown,

PA 16433
Chambers, Linda B., pastor; 230 College Street, Youngsville,

PA 16371

Schwab, Sharon L, pastor; R.R 2, Box 431, Worthington, PA

16262
Orphe, Martha M., executive director; 1420 Centre Avenue,

Apt. #1413, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Crocker, Hugh D., retired; 611 Ridgeway Avenue, Grove

City, PA 16127
Harvey, Andrew C. , pastor; 3319 West liberty Avenue,

Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Hipwell, Ronald J, pastor; 200 East North Street, Butler, PA

16001
Emmett, Mary Grey, district superintendent; 201 West

Beaver Street, Zelienople, PA 16063
Meuschke, Paul J., retired; 4185 Ivanhoe Drive, Monroeville,

PA 15146
Ackley-Killian, Deborah L, pastor; 130 East Meyer Avenue,

New Castle, PA 16105
Funk, Thomas L, district superintendent; 4523 Wood

Street, Erie, PA 16509

Wisconsin (12)

Sec. C Row 12 Seats 1-12

*Rodriguez, Phyllis R. (4), stewardship consultant; P.O. Box

119, MorrisonviUe, WI 53571
Kindschi, Rik (1), student; 318 Epworth Avenue, Wilmore,

KY 40390
Grain, Judy (8), volunteer; 718 Cass Street, Green Bay, WI

54301
Thompson, Odell (6), professional volunteer; 1740 Sbrth

Street, Beloit,WI 53511
Winston, Joseph M. (2), administrator; 3291 North 36th

Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Fang, Marcus (5), professor; 1700 Church Street, Stevens

Point, WI 53581
Alford, Joyce L. (6), district superintendent; 2231 East

Luther Road, Janesville, WI 53545
Bartel, Bruce A. (3), pastor; 212 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box

37, Onalaska, WI 54650
Jones, Richard H (9) , pastor; 819 East Silver Spring Drive,

Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Foster, S. Stephen (10), pastor; 1025Tullar Road, Neenah,

WI 54956
Burwell, Susanne L. (1), pastor; 5200 South 48th Street,

Greenfield, WI 53220
Deming,Joan C. (7),pastor;203 Wisconsin Avenue,

Madison, WI 53703

Reserves

Good, Mary Hicks, associate council director; P.O. Box 620,

Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Spinti, Robert J., retired professor; Box 386, Menomonie,

WI 54751
White, William F., attorney; 2709 Lakeland Avenue,

Madison, WI 53704
Mueller, Michael, park ranger/bee farmer; 1234 County

Road B, Montfort, WI 53569
Christoph, Gerry B., homemaker/volunteer; 2451 Brenner

Place, Green Bay, WI 54301
Beilke, Nancy C, homemaker; 401 - 19th Avenue West,

Menomonie, WI 54751
Gaylord, Frank R., pastor; 121 Wisconsin Avenue,

Waukesha, WI 53186
Bethke, Christine A. , pastor; 700 West Linwood Avenue,

Oshkosh, WI 54901
Nolla, Jaime, district superintendent; P.O. Box 620, Sun

Prairie, WI 53590

Delegate Information

71

mite. Wesley/., pastor; 819 East High Street, Milton, WI

53563
Smith, Vclma. pastor; 3438 North 24th Street, Milwaukee,

WI 53206
Gamhart, Thomas 0., pastor; 5109 Washington Avenue,

Racine, WI 53406

Wyoming (6)

Sec. B Row 12 Seats 1-6

Anderson, Gail 0. (7), associate council director; 84 Miner

Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-1722
Earl, Dorothy M. (6), retired; 14 Academy Street, Windsor,

m 13865
Scott, Gail F. (3), conference treasurer; 621 Leon Drive,

Endicott, NY 13760
*Miller, Sarah S. (4), pastor; 22 Hinds Street, Montrose, PA

18801
Topolewskijohn L (10), district superintendent; 1 Circle

Drive, Sidney, NY 13838
Duncan, Jean-Pierre (1), pastor; 224 South Blakely Street,

Dunmore, PA 18512

Reserves

Hamill, Raymond L, attorney; R.R. 3, Box 1357, Honesdale,

PA 18431
Summers, Jr., Kenneth T.; retired, 201 Evergreen Street,

4-3FVestal, NY 13850
Bama, David S., transportation analyst; 904 McFall Road,

Apalachin, NY 13732
Clark, Janet B., pastor; P.O. Box 355, Apalachin, NY

13732-0355
Bouton, William D., pastor; 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta,

NY 13820
Reid, William W., retired pastor; R.R. 2, Box 143,

Tunkhannock, PA 18657

Yellowstone (2)

Sec. B Row 14 Seats 11-12

*Doyle, Lin (1), teacher/rancher; Box 8, Hyattville, WY

82428
Boiler, nomas R. (4), district superintendent; 335

Broadwater Avenue, Billings, MT 59101

Reserves

Marshall, Linda, diaconal minister; 2800 Fourth Avenue

Nordi, Billings, MT 59101
Witman,Jan S., pastor; Box 6303, Great Falls, MT 59405

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72

DCA Advance Edition

Membership of Legislative Committees

for the 1996 General Conference

of The United Methodist Church

Standing Legislative Committee (1)
Rooms A 109/111

Church and Society

Ackerson, Merlin, J. Iowa

Alsted, Christian Denmark

Andrews, Duane, N Texas

Baker, Lynn, R. North Arkansas

Baldridge, Mary Baltimore-Washington

Banks, David, A North Carolina

Bankston, L, James Texas

Barney, Bill Troy

Bauknight, Brian, K. Western Pennsylvania

Bloem, Claudia, A. Switzerland-France

Boe, Donna, H Oregon-Idaho

Boehm, James, W. West Michigan

Brooks, Philip, D West Ohio

Burwell, Susanne, L Wisconsin

Campbell, Rufits, R. Minnesota

Campbell-Marshall, Linda New England

Capen, Beth New York

Capistrano, Melanio, R. Bulacan Philippines

Case, Martin, A Mississippi

Chattin, TerriRae Baltimore-Washington

Coyner, Michael, J. North Indiana

Davis, Judy Rocky Mountain

Dawes, Inez Iowa

Day, R. Randy New York

Deal, Pat, M North Texas

Dillard, Kay, B. Northern Illinois

Dillon, C. A. North Carolina

DiPaolo, Joseph Eastern Pennsylvania

Doyle, lin ... Yellowstone"

Duger, Sharon, L North Central New York

Duncan, Jean-Pierre Wyoming

Dyck, Sally East Ohio

Fischer, Bemd, D German South

Fukomoto, Jo Ann, Y California-Pacific

Gray, Jon, R Missouri West

Harman, Christine Louisville

Harris, Joseph, L. Oklahoma

Hayenga, Mary Dakotas

Hefley, Chuck, E North Indiana

Holt, Gloria North Alabama

Hopson, Roger, A Memphis

Hoshibata, Robert, T. Pacific Northwest

Howie, Bill, F Western North Carolina

Hutchinson, Charles, L South Indiana

Ilunga, Kaseya North Shaba

Jarrett, Joseph, AM. Sierra Leone

Junk, Tom, M Oklahoma

Kapend, Musumb Southern Zaire

Kinchaloe, Beatrice Holston

Kindschi, Rik Wisconsin

Knight, Margaret, F North Georgia

Lacaria,J., F West Virginia

Ladia, Roberto Mindanao Philippines

Lawson, Jr., James, M. California-Pacific

Lehman, Donald, A. Alabama-West Florida

Lenge, Kasongo North Shaba

Lorico, Samuel, J Bicol Philippines Provisional

Lowry, John, M. Southwest Texas

Lupaka, Tshita Central Zaire

Mallory, Gabrielle, G West Ohio

Mason, John, A West Virginia

Mayo, Jerry, H. Tennessee

Montgomery, Darlene, T Kansas East

Mooneyhan, James, B. North Georgia

Muchopa, Naboth Great Britain

Murphy, Jr., E. Thomas Virginia

Nbcon, Harold, D Northwest Texas

Norton, Richard little Rock

Oglesby, Anthony, R South Indiana

Park, Yoon, S Virginia

Paulsmeyer, Jason, A. Missouri East

Pearce, Charles Florida

Peeples, William, D Louisiana

Pike, Don, M. CentralTexas

Reid, William, C. South Carolina

Rhonemus, Alfi-ed, C West Ohio

Rojas, Marivic, H Palawan Provisional

Rose, Barbara, J Kansas West

Roughton, Philip, H. Florida

Salley, James South Carolina

Scott III, William, D Mississippi

Seamands, David Kentucky

Seymour, James, T. Peninsula-Delaware

Shivers, Constance, A. Southern New Jersey

Sowers, Gary, D Central Pennsylvania

Swanson, James, E. South Georgia

Taylor, Mary Virginia Holston

Tews, Jane, A Desert Southwest

Tibbits, Lewis Detroit

Trajkovski, Boris Macedonia-Yugoslavia Prov.

Vetter, Jeremy Nebraska

Villalon,Jr.,Aniceto,R. .... Southwest Philippines Prov.

Weatherspoon, Dale California-Nevada

Webb, Thomas, C. Central Pennsylvania

White, Chris Western Pennsylvania

Wier, Delight, B Central Illinois

Williams, Wesley New England

Wilson, Jr., Earl Western North Carolina

Wright, Elizabeth, AS Virginia

Wright, Richard, S. Alabama-West Florida

Yoost, Timothy East Ohio

Standing Legislative Committee (2)
Room A 112

Conferences

Ada, Hans German Southwest

Andres, Delfin, L East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

Appleby, Charlie, L South Carolina

Austin, Fred, L Holston

Delegate Information

73

Avery, Donald, R. Louisiana

Bean, Robbie Rocky Mountain

Beck, Brian, E. Great Britain

Benham,Beth,0 North Central New York

Casey, Robert, T. Virginia

Christian, Tom, L North Texas

Ciampa, Donald, J. Central Pennsylvania

Collins, Dorothy Florida

Cook, Beth, L North Georgia

Cook, Shirley Detroit

Del Pino, Jerome, K. New England

Dundas, Charlie, 0 Minnesota

Ewing, E. Keith Florida

Extrum-Fernandez, Paul California-Nevada

Fagan, Larry, R Missouri West

Fisher, Tom Tennessee

Fitch, Marion, 0 West Ohio

Fooshee, Dale, L Kansas East

Foster, James, W. Texas

Good, Menno, E. Eastern Pennsylvania

Greene, Daryle, E Missouri East

Griffith, Daniel East Ohio

Hamrick, Leon North Alabama

Han, James East Ohio

Harrell, Sn.James, A. Western North Carolina

Hausman, Sharon, A West Ohio

Henry, William, R. Oklahoma

Hill, L Douglas Virginia

Hollins, McCallister North Georgia

Hunter III, George, G Florida

Huston, Joseph, D West Michigan

Hutchison, Larry Southern Illinois

Jarrett, Sue, C West Virginia

Johnson, Peggy, Ann Baltimore-Washington

Katemuna, Monga North Shaba

Kincaid, Sr.,J. LaVon Western Pennsylvania

Lewis, Patricia, A Western North Carolina

Lindell, Rolf Sweden

Ling, Stanley, T. West Ohio

Lodi, Pungumbu Central Zaire

Martin, Flo, S South Georgia

McAlilly, Stephen, L Mississippi

Moma, Moma, Wa Southern Zaire

Morris, Jim, W. Red Bird Missionary

Ngoy, Kazadi North Shaba

Nicodemus, Richard New York

Nolte, Beverly, M Iowa

Nugent, Jr., Randolph, W. New York

Oliveira, Costa Eastern Angola

Ough, Bruce, R. Iowa

Owen-Bofferding, Sue, J. Oregon-Idaho

Park, Young Ok Northern Illinois

Perry, James, M. Troy

Poy, Emundu West Zaire

Rainier, Helen, L Southern New Jersey

Ravenhorst, Dorothy, A. Virginia

Richardson, David, L. California-Pacific

Rinehart, Joetta, F Western North Carolina

Robertson, Suzi Texas

Scheer, Dennis, H Kansas West

Sharpe, Susan, M. Memphis

Shaw, Jr., Caswell, E. North Carolina

Shettle.John.T North Indiana

Siaba, Judith, E Northern Illinois

Stedman, Cathy, N Central Illinois

Streiff, Patrick, Ph Switzerland-France

SummerviUe, Margaret Baltimore-Washington

Vanzant, Lucille, V Oklahoma

Van Stone, Jack South Indiana

Wende, Stephen, P. Southwest Texas

Whiteside, Robert, E. Mississippi

Wigel, Betty, L West Virginia

Willimon, William, H. South Carolina

Winston, Joseph, M Wisconsin"

Wright, Betty Western New York

Yannayon, Harold Western Pennsylvania

Young, T. Michael Central Texas

Zumo,Afonso Western Angola

Standing Legislative Committee (3)
Rooms A 108/110

Discipleship

Albright, John Jack', E. Texas

Alford, Ben, R. Tennessee

Alkuino, Aurora, S Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Amon, Darlene, V Virginia

Anderson, Barry, H. North Alabama

Andrews, Christopher, H Louisiana

Archambeau, Trudy, M West Michigan

Armstrong, Charles, R. South Indiana

Arter, Dixie, A. North Indiana

Auvenshine, William, R. Central Texas

Bales, Harold, K. Western North Carolina

Bank, Genie, S Western New York

Barden, Kathleen, B North Central New York

Bamett, Vemie, T. Central Illinois

Bartel, Bruce, A Wisconsin

Beisner, Judith Baltimore-Washington

Blackwell, Roberta, E Western North Carolina

Blair, B. Ann Holston

Bowersox, Ronald, E. Central Pennsylvania

Boyd, Candi Mississippi

Brandt, Robert, B Northern New Jersey

Brantley, Douglas "Mac' North Georgia

Brockwell,Jr., Charles, W. Louisville

Buskirk, James, B Oklahoma

Byers, Shirley, D Troy

Carlstrom, Berit Sweden

Casad, Mary, Brooke North Texas

Casady, Robert, L Missouri West

Case, John, M. Mississippi

Chamberlain, Ray, W. Virginia

Cook,Jr., William, B Oregon-Idaho

Daughtery, Vergil, L South Georgia

Davis, Lindsey Kentucky

Deel, William, S West Virginia

Deocampo, Jeanne, G East Mindanao Phlpns Prov.

Dodson, E. Malone North Georgia

Eberhart, Penelope Dakotas

Ervin,Jr., Paul, R North Georgia

Etter, Martha, B Southwest Texas

Euper, Jacqueline, K. Detroit

Ferguson, Phyllis, S Pacific Northwest

Fogle, Dolly South Carolina

Frazier, Sr, Robert, C North Carolina

Gagno, Rennaldo A. Mindanao Philippines

Goodwin, Dick New Mexico

Gordon, Jinny Central Illinois

Granger, Philip, R. North Indiana

Greenway, Jeffrey, E. Western Pennsylvania

Gross, Richard, F New England

Gruneke, Christel German North

Hanke, Gilbert, C Texas

Hartman, Shawn Central Pennsylvania

74

DCA Advance Edition

Hasemeyer, Bill Nebraska

Hassinger, Susan, W. Eastern Pennsylvania

Henderson, Curtis, J Alabama- West Florida

Henry, Daniel Northern Illinois

Hilliard, David, M. Memphis

Hinson, William, H. Texas

Holtsclaw, nomas, G North Carolina

Ingram, Betsy New York

Jackson, Ward Virginia

Jones, Brian, N South Indiana

Jones, Chester, R. Little Rock

Kimba, Kasongo North Shaba

Krizova, Jana Czech and Slovak Republics

Lane, James Qim), W North Arkansas

Laycock, Evelyn Holston

Macabuag, Rafael, M. Palawan Provisional

Maj, Ryszard Poland

Mason, Howard Peninsula-Delaware

Massey, Mary Alice Florida

Maun ey, Jimmy, H Western North Carolina

McClellan, Jo Eva Kansas West

McKeown, Leland, P Florida

Moore, Frances, H North Alabama

Morris, Patricia Western Pennsylvania

Morrison, Susan New England

Mumba, Djamba Central Zaire

Myers, Mark, C. Southern Illinois

Nawej, Sul, A Southern Zaire

Park, Song Ja California-Pacific

Petreski, Kitan Macedonia-Yugoslavia Prov.

Phillips, J. Taylor South Georgia

Powell, Sr., Larry, P Desert Southwest

Ricks, Christian, T Missouri East

Ridenour, Don Iowa

Sadler, Herb Alabama-West Florida

Sarazin, Duane, V. Minnesota

Scott, Gail, F Wyoming"

Sewell, Peggy, I Rocky Mountain

Slaughter, Michael, B. West Ohio

Smith, Randy Texas

Still, Billy Alaska Missionary

Stilwell, Robert, E. South Carolina

Stover, Gregory, D West Ohio

Stultz, Valerie, W. East Ohio

Thielking, William, B Southern New Jersey

Titus, Phylemon, D Detroit

Trotter, Mark, C. California-Pacific

Walker, Jr., Robert, C West Ohio

Ward, Martha, D Iowa

Washington, Stanley East Ohio

Waters, Dale, C. West Virginia

Whittle, Charles, D Northwest Texas

Wiberg, Linda California-Nevada

Wilcock, Deborah, M Eastern Pennsylvania

Williams, Aileen, L Minnesota

Wills, Jr, Richard,;. Florida

Wogaman,}. Philip Baltimore-Washington

Young, Carl, W Oklahoma

Standing Legislative Committee (4)
Rooms A 101/103

Financial Administration

Aubuchon, David, R East Ohio

Beckley, David, L Mississippi

Boiler, Thomas, R. Yellowstone"

Bowers, Phyllis, M Central Pennsylvania

Bowles, Paul, D Oklahoma

Branscome, James, L Virginia

Braswell, Kermit, L North Carolina

Brubaker, Ellen, A West Michigan

Carpenter, Jr., Robert, B Virginia

Carrington,John,E. New York

Carruth, Nancy Louisiana

Chaplin, Jr., Hammie, L South Carolina

Cleveland, J. Fay Western New York

Cloud, Kay Peninsula-Delaware

Corderman, Delos, D South Carolina

Courtoy, Charles, W. Florida

Grain, Dight, W New England

Crickard, Elsie Kansas West

Crutchfield, Charles New Mexico

Davies, Susan, P. Nebraska

Deer, Alvin, B. Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Deriso, Jr., Walter, M South Georgia

Eberhart, Diane, W Iowa

Eurey, Charles, W Western North Carolina

Evans, Jr., Cashar.W North Carolina

Farrell, Leighton, K North Texas

Ford, Lenora Thompson Eastern Pennsylvania

Frazer, E. Eugene West Ohio

Fredsby, Bent Denmark

Furman, Jr., Frank, H Florida

Grieb, Thomas, B LouisvUle

Groseclose, Alan, D Holston

Haverstock, Zedna, M Central Pennsylvania

Hillman, Byrd Mississippi

Hoffman, Elizabeth Southern New Jersey

Hopkins, John, L South Indiana

House, Donald, R. Texas

Huffman, Joel, E Desert Southwest

Johnson, Duane, R. California-Pacific

Jones, Dale Kentucky

Katokane, Mande North Shaba

Kayinda, Mujinga Southern Zaire

Kichibi, Mukalayi Tanganyika

Knowles, Grady California-Nevada

Kohlhepp, Glenn, B. Western Pennsylvania

Leatherman, Sharon Baltimore-Washington

Lippse, Charles, E. Holston

Loy, 0. F Louisiana

Loyd, Marilynn, N Little Rock

Lutz, Benis West Ohio

Marques, Regina Western Angola

Matthis, Morris, F. Texas

McCabe, John, S Northern Illinois

Merrick, Tracy Western Pennsylvania

Messer, Donald, E. Rocky Mountain

Meyer, Mary Ellen Missouri East

Miller, Mary, H South Indiana

Miller, Sarah, S. Wyoming

Moore, James, W. Texas

Munda, Ukunda Northeast Zaire

Ngeleka, Mpanga North Shaba

Nutter, Randy, P West Virginia

Ombaku, Onema Central Zaire

Ortiz Vidal, Victor Puerto Rico

Ot^es, Jim, H North Indiana

Palaganas, Leon, L Central Luzon

Peckham, Galen, E. Iowa

Pennell, James, T. South Georgia

Percell, Emery, A Northern Illinois

Perry, Rubin North Georgia

Pickett, William, A Florida

Potter, Helen, E West Ohio

Delegate Information

75

Quick, Jeff North Arkansas

Robinson, Randall, F. Central Illinois

Rodriguez, Phyllis, R Wisconsin

Salyer, Ronald North Central New York

Sheaffer, Lee, B. Virginia

Sitts,Jeff Minnesota

Skinner, James, G East Ohio

Smith, Jerry, J. Southwest Texas

Stanton, Harold Detroit

Stegall, Karl, K. Alabama-West Florida

Stevens, Robert, W Pacific Northwest

Stewart, MoUie, M North Alabama

Swiggett, Ernest, L New York

Thompson, James, N. North Georgia

Trevino-Teddlie, Jeannie Central Texas

Trotter, Jr., Frank, E. Baltimore-Washington

Tubach, Jerry, A Kansas East

Underwood, Donald, W. North Texas

Ward, Gary, T. North Alabama

Waymire, Mona Mae Oklahoma

Weems.Jr., Lovett, H. Missouri West

Werlein, Jr., Ewing Texas

White, Jr., Charles (Denny), D. . . . Western North Carolina

Whitlow, Mark Memphis

Wilkinson, Larry, D Western North Carolina

Williams, Joe Tennessee

Ygar, Teresita, A Southwest Philippines Prov.

Standing Legislative Committee (5)
Rooms A 105/107

General/Judicial Administration

Anderson, James East Ohio

Archer, Anita, K Memphis

Amold,Jr.,W.E. (Buddy) North Arkansas

Baker, Jr., Rudolph, R. Noith Georgia

Bates, Jr., William, L Dakotas

Bevins, C. Rex Nebraska

Bickerton, Thomas, J. West Virginia

Bishop, Nathaniel, L Virginia

Bobo, Jr., Hiram North Georgia

Bonner, Byrd, L Southwest Texas

Carcano, Minerva, G Rio Grande

Causby, Jimmy Western North Carolina

Chen, Peter, F. California-Nevada

Collier, Theodore, C. Missouri West

Conklin, Brooke Troy

Cooke, John, D Western New York

Cotton-Winn, Carole Louisiana

Day, Inday New York

Deckard, Stephen, T. North Central New York

DeMarcus, Jamima, P Western North Carolina

Dillard,Jr.,F. Douglas Virginia

Edwards, Alma, B Detroit

Emswiler, Sharon Neufer Central Illinois

Ernst, Sally Western Pennsylvania

Fang, Marcus Wisconsin"

Farris, Patricia, E. California-Pacific

Ferguson, Sandra Baltimore-Washington

Forbes, Janet Rocky Mountain

Goldman, June P Iowa

Goldschmidt, Victor, W North hidiana

Goodgame, Gordon, C. Holston

Greathouse, Lowell, R. Oregon-Idaho

Hairston, William, I West Virginia

Halloway, Eke, A Sierra Leone

Harper, Polly, G South Carolina

Hatcher, William 'Bill', S South Georgia

Hayes, Jr., Robert, E. Texas

Hearin, Gerry, M. North Alabama

Hill, Ed, H Northwest Texas

Holsinger, Jim Kentucky

Howell, H. Sharon Kansas East

Iceman, Anita, L Desert Southwest

Johnson, Alfred Eastern Pennsylvania

Johnson, Charles, L South Carolina

Johnson, Thelma, L West Ohio

Jones, Jon, W. Kansas West

Kafimbo, Shimbi North Shaba

Kapumba, Isolo Southern Zaire

Keaton, Jonathan, D Northern Illinois

King, Jr, James, R. Tennessee

LaBarr,Joan, G North Texas

LangfordUI, Thomas (Andy), A. . . Western North Carolina

Lett, Steven, T West Michigan

Mahle, Kathi Austin Minnesota

Matthews, Marcus Baltimore-Washington

Mays, Joe W. Mississippi

Mays, Orville Southern Illinois

McCray, Holly, S Oklahoma

McCuUough, June D Southern New Jersey

McMahan, Dorothy, S New England

Middleton,Jane,A New York

Miller, Maynard, L Minnesota"

Miller, Patricia, L South Indiana"

Moxley, Jody, P Florida

Ngoy Kyungu, Matanga North Shaba

Nibbelink, Jim West Ohio

Nicholson, Anne, D Eastern Pennsylvania

Odimba, Kalema Central Zaire

Olson, Harrett, Jane Northern New Jersey

Outlaw, Frederick, G Alabama-West Florida

Pacey, Stephen, R Central Illinois

Page,Jr., Conrad, M Central Pennsylvania

Palmer, Gregory, V. East Ohio

Panganiban, Rustico, V. East Philippines

Rainwater, Dorothy Mississippi

Sager, Stan New Mexico

Saunkeah, Ann Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Schenck, Carl, L. Missouri East

Self, Eddie North Alabama

Severe, David, L Oklahoma

Short, Riley, P. Florida

Smith, Theodore Virginia

Smith, Tompsie, K. Iowa

Sprague, C. Joseph West Ohio

St. Clair, Liz Peninsula-Delaware

Stanovsky, Elaine, J. W. Pacific Northwest

Strickland, Don Texas

Trumble, Bette, T. Nebraska

Weaver, Peter, D Western Pennsylvania

Wegelius, Fredrik Finland-Swedish Provisional

Wendland, Barbara Central Texas

White, Paul, D Louisiana

Whittemore, Joe, M North Georgia

Wilson, David, B Little Rock

Witwer, Brian North Indiana

Workman, Anna, G North Carolina

Wynn, Samuel North Carolina

76

DCA Advance Edition

Standing Legislative Committee (6)
Room A 201

Global Ministries

Akers, Mary, E Northern Illinois

Alford, Joyce, L Wisconsin

Alvord, Alec, M. Western North Carolina

Bales, linda West Ohio

Barnes, William, S. Florida

Batiste, Jr., Harold, E Southwest Texas

Benson, Judy, J Oklahoma

Biggins, Moira Great Britain

Blacklock, Gloria, J Southern Illinois

Bretsch, Ronald North Central New York

Chase, Dottie East Ohio

Clem, Kelly, A North Alabama

Cofer, Jr., Charles, H South Georgia

Colby, Rhonda, V. Virginia

Coleman, Robert, P. South Indiana

Cottrill, Donald, C. Louisiana

Crawford, Sr., Joseph, L North Georgia

Csemak, Eva Hungary Provisional

Csemak, Istvan Hungary Provisional

Darst, Betty West Ohio

Daughenbaugh, Jr., Howard, L Central Illinois

Dirdak, Paul, R. California-Nevada

Dorsey, Frank, L Kansas East

Earl, Dorothy, M Wyoming"

Edwards, Marion, M. South Georgia

Ekoko, Onema Central Zaire

Feimer, Elizabeth, A. Missouri West

Fowlkes, Nancy New York

Fuller, Cynthia, R. Central Pennsylvania

Garibay, Limerio, C. East Philippines

Gibson, Mildred, W Western North Carolina

Gomes, Antonia, Z. Western Angola

Gray, Eileen Western Pennsylvania

Gwinn.Al Kentucky

Hamilton, Hattie, G Eastern Pennsylvania

Henderson, Ronald, D. North Texas

Hill, Judith, C Central Pennsylvania

Hines, William, A West Ohio

Jayne, Carlos, C. Iowa

Johnson, Carolyn, E North Indiana

Johnson, Jane, H North Carolina

Keels, Bernard 'Skip' Baltimore-Washington

Keels, Christine Baltimore-Washington

Kester, Susan, K Peninsula-Delaware

Kober, Friedhelm German East

Ulleoja, Tarmo Estonia Provisional

Lucena, Harvey, M. Bicol Philippines Provisional

Lyght, Ernest, S Norfliem New Jersey

Marchbanks, Paul, Y. Holston

Mason, Betty Sue Florida

McCallum, Marvin, H. Detroit

McCauley, Ronald, M. West Virginia

McKonly, Melinda, L Eastern Pennsylvania

McReynolds, Russell, F. West Michigan

Means, Barbara, L Texas

Mendenhall, Don, W Iowa

Mims, L. F. (Harry) Western North Carolina

Moncure, Jr., Rhymes, H. Missouri East

Morrison, Martha (Twick) Mississippi

Nkemba, Ndjungu Southern Z^e

Nkulu Ntanda, Ntambo North Shaba

Nutter, Judy, A. West Virginia

Ocampo, Generoso, C Bulacan Philippines

Outslay, Marilyn, J Oregon-Idaho

Parker, Joe New England

Parker, Richard, S New York

Paul, Doris, B North Georgia

Peel, Dorothy Memphis

Phillips, Cheryl Central Texas

Phillips, J D CentralTexas

Pierson, Robert, D Oklahoma

Pineda, Al California-Pacific

Poto, Umembudi Central Zaire

Puslecki, Edward Poland

Readdean, Shirley, E Troy

Reasner, William, S. Southern New Jersey

Redding, LaVada, S Rocky Mountain

Rhodes, Arnold, A Western Pennsylvania

Rice, Mattie, M Little Rock

Roberts, Rodell, F Florida

Rogers, Sheila, D South Carolina

Rollins, Benita East Ohio

Rosquita, Faustino Visayas-North Mindanao Phlpns

Schwab, Penney Kansas West

Shamana, Beverly, J. California-Pacific

Sharp, Christie, C Desert Southwest

Shingler, Sara, S South Carolina

Shuler, Albert North Carolina

Siegrist, Roland Austria Provisional

Silva, Mary Rio Grande

Smalley, Susan Alaska Missionary

Smith, Jim, W. Northwest Texas

Soderstrom, Marcus Finland-Swedish Provisional

Sowards, Charlotte, M Louisville

Spencer, Beverly, J Iowa

Story, Bettie, W Central Illinois

Sublette, Jean, S Alabama-West Florida

Suzuki, Betty California-Nevada

Sweet, Elizabeth, A. New England

Thompson, Marjorie, H Minnesota

Thompson, OdeU Wisconsin

Tucker, Mary Frances Holston

Turner, Richard, D Nebraska

Undo, Yemba Northeast Z^e

Velez, Miguel, A Puerto Rico

Watt, Sharon, M. Texas

Weaver, Michael Virginia

Wembudinga, Gilbert, U Upper Zaire

White, David, L South Indiana

Whitehurst, Betty, C Virginia

Whitfield, D. Max North Arkansas

WiUiams, Margaret, A. Northern Illinois

Wright, Juanita, B. Teimessee

Yeoh.Jenni, M Pacific Northwest

Yohan, Shantilata, R. F North Georgia

Youngblood, Rebecca, C. Mississippi

Standing Legislative Committee (7)
Room A 205

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

Alexander, Betty, M Tennessee

Anderson, Gail, 0 Wyoming"

Ashmos, Donde Plowman Southwest Texas

Bamsey, Alfi-ed, T. Detroit

Berte, Neal, R North Alabama

Biggs, Jr., Marvin Mouzon Oklahoma

Black, Charlene, R. South Georgia

Bray, Jr., Jerry, G Virginia

Brewer, Jackson Kentucky

Delegate Information

77

Briscoe, I. Carolyn South Carolina

Brown, Jr., Warner, H. California-Nevada

Brown, Michael, B Western North Carolina

Calvert, Jr., Robert, A. North Georgia

Carruth, Amanda Memphis

Carson, Kit Florida

Carver, Rebecca, C. Iowa

Cervenak, Josef Czech and Slovak Republics

Chalker, Kenneth, W. East Ohio

Chamness, Ben, R Texas

Conoway, Merlin, D Mississippi

Davis, Elwood, G Southern New Jersey

Deming,Joan, C. Wisconsin

Dfacon, J. D Louisville

Djundu, Lunge Central Zaire

Dove, Carolyn Louisiana

Dowdy, Kristen, E Virginia

Erwin, Max, G Western North Carolina

Forrest, Martha, H. North Georgia

Foster, Nancy, K. Oklahoma

Gray, Stefanie, A. California-Pacific

Green, Mareyjoyce East Ohio

Gulinello, Frank New England

Halderman, Sharon, D Central Pennsylvania

Hardcastle, James Peninsula-Delaware

Holifield, J. Anthony North Arkansas

Holmes, William, A Baltimore-Washington

Hopkins, Carolyn, J South Georgia

Johnson, Dan Florida

Kavwala Matanda, Ngoy Tanganyika

Kelso, Scott, T. West Ohio

Ladd, Keith, M Eastern Pennsylvania

Livingston, David, S Kansas East

Logan, James, C. Virginia

Lucas, Aubrey, K. Mississippi

Mathison.JohnEd Alabama-West Florida

McCoy, Myron, F. Northern Illinois

McGarvey, Gregory South Indiana

Minor, Ute German North

Montgomery, Samuel Texas

Munyangwe, Kabamba North Shaba

Munza, Kasongo North Shaba

Newman, Jared, A. Rocky Mountain

Norris, J. Allen North Carolina

Pamamets, Olav Estonia Provisional

Plowman, jack, W Western Pennsylvania

Potter-Miller, Jaime Western Pennsylvania

Rajamaa, Tapani, J. Finland-Finnish Provisional

Reed, James, R Kansas West

Richards, Alys, P North Texas

Rivera, Eli, S. New York

Ross, Ernest Baltimore-Washington

Segrest, Dale Alabama-West Florida

Sendwe, Eunga West Zaire

Sessions, Jeff, B Alabama-West Florida

Sessums, T. Terrell Florida

Sikes, Scott Holston

Simmons, Angelin, J. South Carolina

Spachman, Amy, L West Michigan

Stephenson, Janet, E Iowa

Stroman, Pat CentralTexas

Sykes, Roslyn, K. Missouri East

Umembudi, Akasa Central Zaire

Urbom, Warren Nebraska

Wagner, Ray Dakotas

Watkins, Bradley, F. Central Illinois

West, Brenda, G Missouri West

Williams, Jr.. Jacob, C. North Indiana

Wilson, J. LaVon Central Illinois

Wilson, L. Cean West Ohio

Wolfe, Thomas, V. North Central New York

Wright, Richard, L West Virginia

Standing Legislative Committee (8)
Room A 209

Independent Commissions

Abrams, Geraldine West Ohio

Admussen, Betty, J Missouri West

Agnew, Theodore, L Oklahoma

Alexander, Anthony Central Pennsylvania

Amerson, Philip, A South Indiana

Ames III, Guy, C. Oklahoma

Barr, Robin, E Pacific Northwest

Bass, Ressie Mae Florida

Brazelton, David, L Florida

Brown, Kimi Tennessee

Brown, Ruth, S Alabama-West Florida

Bryant, Norma, L Texas

Bulaya, Shimba North Shaba

Butler, Phyllis Baltimore-Washington

Byrd, Julian, L Texas

Cain, Alfred, E Northern Illinois

Case, Riley North Indiana

Craft, Precious, B California-Nevada

Grain, Judy Wisconsin"

Cromwell, Alice East Ohio

Douglas, Jr., WiUard.H Virginia

Drachler, Stephen, E Central Pennsylvania

Edgerly, Cynthia New England

England, Stan, B North Georgia

Farmer, Penny Dollar North Carolina

Fields, Lynette Florida

Garrett, Joel, S Western Pennsylvania

Grey, Thelma Western Pennsylvania

Haase, Becky California-Pacific

Hagiya, Grant, J. California-Pacific

Heare, Jerry Southwest Texas

Henderson, Cornelius, L North Georgia

Henderson, Dolores, H. New York

Henderson, Gwen, C North Carolina

Horton,Alvin,J. Virginia

Hulick, Elizabeth 'Betsy* Virginia

James, Rachel, S Louisville

Jones, Cynthia, A Central Illinois

Kang, Youngsook, C. Rocky Mountain

Kiebling, Dieter German East

Kiesey, Deborah, L Iowa

Kitterman, Sarah Iowa

Lee, Charles, H. North Alabama

Mallory, Margaret, M. West Ohio

Mbukula, Koy Central Zaire

O'Connor-Slater, Deborah, L. . . . North Central New York

Olive, George, E Northern New Jersey

Pace, Kimberly, R Mississippi

Quick, William, K. Detroit

Quilling, Debra, A. S. South Carolina

Radde, Henry, W. Central Texas

Rajamaa, Iris, Ch Finland-Finnish Provisional

Rankin, Nancy, Burgin Western North Carolina

Ruff, Jerry, D Southern New Jersey

Rush, James, H South Georgia

Scott, Zane Holston

Severance, Robert, J Kansas West

Shepherd, Jim Kentucky

78

DCA Advance Edition

Skelley-WattsJoan.E. East Ohio

Smith, Carol, A. Missouri East

Stewart, Carl, E Louisiana

Stewart, Jr., Donald, S Baltimore-Washington

Toschak, Patricia Morton Minnesota

Vun Cannon, L Leuds Western North Carolina

Watson, Tom Nebraska

Waugh, James, E. West Ohio

Wheatley, Dossie, F. Memphis

Williams, Donald West Michigan

Williams, Raymond North Texas

Yebuah, Lisa South Carolina

Young, Jack Western North Carolina

Yrigoyen, Charles Eastern Pennsylvania

Zombil, Mwez Southern Zaire

Standing Legislative Committee (9)
Room A 207

Local Church

Abram, Charlotte Nebraska

Aldridge, Jr., Julian, M. Western North Carolina

Balentine, Becky North Carolina

Becker, Gene, R West Michigan

Beppler, Ron Southern New Jersey

Caldwell, Kirhyjon Texas

Chatham, Betty, J Mississippi

Christy, Jr., John, H. Western North Carolina

Clapp, Sylvia, L Western North Carolina

Clark, Jr, Russell, M. West Ohio

Clark, Terry, L. Central Illinois

Crawford, Avon Iowa

Cronin, Deborah, K. Western New York

Crump, Anita Louisiana

Dowdy, Roger, C Virginia

Dowell,Jean Minnesota

DuVall, George Baltimore-Washington

Elkins, Lyman, E West Virginia

Ellisor,J. Walter Alabama-West Florida

Foley, Emma DeU California-Pacific

Foockle, Harry, F. Missouri West

Francis, Lufunda Southern Zaire

Galloway, Mary Ann West Ohio

Gentry, James, E. South Indiana

Gerhard, June A. West Ohio

Gibson, TTiomas, D Eastern Pennsylvania

Gordon, Tyrone, T Kansas West

Goudie, Robert, F. Detroit

Gray, Aaron, M. Rocky Mountain

Green, H. Sterling Peninsula-Delaware

Hamish,James,A Florida

Hataway, Joan Texas

Hodges, Larry, T Oklahoma

Horton,John, E. South Georgia

Howard, J. N. Holston

Huber-Hohls, Ruth Central Texas

Huie, Janice Riggle, K Southwest Texas

Isnes, Anders Norway

Jackson, Kenneth, J. Virginia

Jennings, Irwin, E. East Ohio

Jennings, James, F. Florida

Johnson, H., Sam South Carolina

Jones, Richard, H. Wisconsin"

Jones, Scott, J. North Texas

Kail, Edward, A Iowa

Kerscher, Horst German Southwest

Kilpatrick, Joe, W North Georgia

Kim, Myung, J. Virginia

Kirk,R.,L. Northwest Texas

Knight, Gary, H. Mississippi

Konge, Makese North Shaba

Kumbe.Alua Central Zaire

Lacaulan, Josue, M. Central Luzon

Lee, Kum New England

Litalema, Bogenda Upper Zaire

Maxwell, Cecil East Ohio

Mendonca, Benvinda Eastern Angola

Mitchell, Beth, W. Northern New Jersey

Moyer, Bonda, D. North Arkansas

Neese, Betty North Central New York

Nelson, Betty, J Kansas East

Oliver, Mary Brown Baltimore-Washington

Parks, Lewis, A Central Pennsylvania

Parris, Shirley New York

Pasley, B.,J South Carolina

Pennel,Jr.,Joe,E. Tennessee

Peters, Rhoda, A. Louisville

Potts, Bertha, M. Oklahoma

Presnell, William, M. North Carolina

Price, Pearl, L Red Bird Missionary

Quibonda, Francisco Western Angola

Reese, William, D Missouri East

Renshaw, Earl, R. Southern Illinois

Reynolds, Cynthia North Indiana

Rosas, Robert, R. Pacific Northwest

Samuel, Kayombo Southern Zaire

Sheets, Herchel, S North Georgia

Skeen, W.M. 'Bill' Holston

Stabler, Monty North Alabama

Stephenson, Roy Memphis

Swisher, Ronald, E. California-Nevada

TTiomas, John, J South Indiana

Tinoco,David,A California-Pacific

Turner-Lacy, Nathaniel, L West Virginia

Twigg, Aimee, W. Western Pennsylvania

Walker, Dorothy Western Pennsylvania

Wata, Kongolo North Shaba

West,Jr,J. Pete North Alabama

Williams, Tullalah, F. Northern Illinois

Womeldorff, Porter, J Central Illinois

Zimmerman, Emily Ann Florida

Standing Legislative Committee (10)
Rooms A 104/106

Ordained and Diaconal Ministiy

Adair, Sharon, W North Texas

Adams, Freda, L New York

Adams, L Cecile Detroit

Arant, James, S South Carolina

Arnold, Kathy, S Minnesota

Atha, Grayson West Ohio

Aying, Muland, K. Southern Zaire

Bagwell, Timothy, J. South Georgia

Bailey, Paul, C. Virginia

Baker, Jonathan, E. Peninsula-Delaware

Baker, Sandra, W Virginia

Bamett, Jeanne California-Nevada

Barrett, Joy, A Detroit

Barto, Suella, C Central Pennsylvania

Besserer, Armin German South

Beveridge, RaeLynn, Schlief West Ohio

Blankenship, Paul, F. Memphis

Bledsoe, W. Earl Texas

Delegate Information

79

Bortell, James, B Central Illinois

Bowdan, Mel Kentucky

Bowles, Jr., Albert,/. Holston

Bradley, Carol Ann West Ohio

Burkhart,J., Robert Iowa

Campbell Hyde, Catherine Great Britain

Clark, Dorothy, Davis Baltimore-Washington

Connolly, Phillip, F West Ohio

Crouch, William, C. North Texas

Daugherty, Ruth, A. Eastern Pennsylvania

Day, Barbara North Georgia

Duel, Nancy, D Northern Illinois

Dunlap, Catherine East Ohio

Dunlap, Nancye, K. Missouri East

Eblen, Thomas, W. Lx)uisville

Ehlers, Don, C Missouri West

Extrum-Femandez, Renae, D California-Nevada

Fenn, Philip, J Oklahoma

Fisher, Violet, L Eastern Pennsylvania

Foster, S. Stephen Wisconsin

Frederick, Jr, Austin Southwest Texas

Garcia, Barbara, P Tennessee

Gardner, Andrew, J. Kansas East

Goodpastor, Larry, M. Mississippi

Goodwin, Galen, L Northern New Jersey

Griffith, Jr., Frank, J. South Carolina

Hallett, Helga, P. West Virginia

Hamilton, Tom, W Florida

Hathcock, Philip, L North Arkansas

Helliesen, Oyvind Norway

Henderson, Jean Holston

Hershberger, Nyle Western Pennsylvania

Huckaby, Jr., Robert, L. North Carolina

Hutchins, Charles, A. South Carolina

Hutchinson, William New Mexico

Joyner,Jr,F. Belton North Carolina

Justice, Jean Fitch Minnesota

Kammerer, Chartene, P. Florida

Keck, Duane,J Alabama-West Florida

Knight, Suzanne, P West Virginia

Kumn, Duk, Kyu Northern Illinois

Lefelar, Donald, E. East Ohio

Lehman, Katharine North Indiana

Lemmel, Barbara Troy

Lutz, Sandra, W East Ohio

Marshall, Carolyn, M South Indiana

Matthews, Eugene, W. Baltimore-Washington

McCleary, Renee, L Southern New Jersey

McClendon, William, T. South Carolina

McCleskey, J. Lawrence Western North Carolina

McKinney,J.,Eric Central Texas

Meeks, Donald, L Southern Illinois

Meyer, Margaret, E Iowa

Miller, Clayton, Z. New York

Miller, John, D Western Pennsylvania

Moe, Sharon, L Pacific Northwest

Moore, Joy, J. West Michigan

Moore, Mary Elizabeth California-Pacific

Morgan, Sharie North Indiana

Morris, Carolyn, W. North Georgia

Mukala, Musenge North Shaba

Mukenge,Liwa Central Zaire

Nausner, Helmut Austria Provisional

O'Dell, Paulette, W. Little Rock

Oden,Tal Oklahoma

Palmer, Ruth, G Texas

Paup, Edward, W. Rocky Mountain

Pitney, Deborah, G Oregon-Idaho

Pritts, Deborah, L North Central New York

Queen, Dolores, B Western North Carolina

Rathod, Samuel, R Nebraska

Reeves, Sr., Richard, E Central Illinois

Rhodes-Wickett, Sharon, K. California-Pacific

Richardson, Gerald Western New York

Riddle, Barbara, W. Florida

Ruach, Susan, W.N. South Indiana

Schock, Louise, K. Northwest Texas

Simmons, Charles, B. Louisiana

Smith, Hiram Central Texas

Standiford, James, W. Desert Southwest

Stout, David, B Iowa

Tan, Wee-Li New England

Topolewski, John, L Wyoming"

Tyler, Ann Western North Carolina

Vogt, Jerold, W. Kansas West

Watson, B. Michael Alabama-West Florida

Wilder, Gamett, M. North Georgia

Woods, Vicki New England

Woolridge, Jr., Eugene, R. Virginia

Yoost, Charles, D East Ohio

York, Billy, L North Alabama

Zeiders, G. Edwin Central Pennsylvania

80

DCA Advance Edition

Nominations to the Interjurisdictional Committee

on Episcopacy

North Central Jurisdiction

Central Illinois
Dakotas
Detroit
East Ohio
Iowa

Minnesota
North Indiana
Northern Illinois
South Indiana
Southern Illinois
West Michigan
Wisconsin

Northeastern Jurisdiction

Baltimore-Washington

Central Pennsylvania

Eastern Pennsylvania

New England

New York

North Central New York

Peninsula-Delaware

Southern New Jersey

Troy

West Virginia

Western New York

Western Pennsylvania

Wyoming

South Central Jurisdiction

Central Texas
Kansas East
Kansas West
Little Rock
Louisiana
Missouri East
Missouri West

Howard L. Daughenbaugh Jr.
Penelope Eberhart
Joy A. Barrett
James G. Skinner
Bruce R. Ough
Duane V. Sarazin
Michael J. Coyner
Gregroy R. Dell
Susan W.N. Ruach
Mark C. Myers
James W. Boehm
Joyce L. Alford

Bernard 'Skip' Keels
Ronald E. Bowersox
Claude A. Edmonds
Jerome K. Del Pino
Jane A. Middleton
Sudarshana Devadhar
Lawrence M. Livingston
William S. Reasner
James M. Perry
Richard L. Wright
J. Fay Cleveland
Aimee W. Twigg
Sarah S. Miller

Don M. Pike
Frank L. Dorsey
Tyrone T. Gordon
David B. Wilson
Charles B. Simmons
Rhymes H. Moncurejr.
Theodore C. Collier

J. LaVon Wilson
Ray Wagner
Shirley Cook
Sandra W. Lutz
Janet E. Stephenson
Aileen L. Williams
Dixie A. Arter
Mary E. Akers
John J. Thomas
Orville Mays
Gene R. Becker
Phyllis R. Rodriguez

Sandra Ferguson
Gary D. Sowers
Anne D. Nicholson
Richard F. Gross
Ernest L. Swiggett
Elizabeth J. Burlew
Howard Mason
D. McCullough
Brooke Conklin
William S. Deel
Genie S. Bank
Sally Ernst
Gail 0. Anderson

William R. Auvenshine
Dale L Fooshee
Penney Schwab
Marilynn N. Loyd
Anita Crump
Daryle E. Greene
Jon R. Gray

DCA Advance Edition

81

Nebraska

New Mexico

North Arkansas

North Texas

Northwest Texas

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Indian Missionary

Rio Grande

Southwest Texas

Texas

Soutfaeastem Jurisdiction

Alabama-West Florida

Florida

Holston

Kentucky

Louisville

Memphis

Mississippi

North Alabama

North Carolina

North Georgia

Red Bird Missionary

South Carolina

South Georgia

Tennessee

Virginia

Western North Carolina

Western Jurisdiction

Alaska Missionary
California-Nevada
Desert Southwest
Oregon-Idaho
Pacific Northwest
Rocky Mountain
Yellowstone

C. Rex Bevins
William Hutchinson

D. Max Whitfield
Joan G. LaBarr
Jim W. Smith
Philip J. Fenn
Alvin B. Deer
Minerva G. Carcano
Janice Riggle K. Huie
James W. Moore

KarlK. Stegall
Richard J Wills Jr.
Charles E. Lippse
Lindsey Davis
Thomas W. Eblen
David M. Hilliard
Joe W. Mays
Billy L York
Kermit L. Braswell
E. Malone Dodson
Jim W. Morris
Sheila D. Rogers
Timothy J. Bagwell
James R. King Jr.
Ray W. Chamberlain
J. Lawrence McCleskey

Billy Still
Paul R. Dirdak
Anita L. Iceman
Deborah G. Pitney
Elaine J. W. Stanovsky
Edward W. Paup
Thomas R. Boiler

Bette T. Trumble
Stan Sager
James 0im) W. Lane
Tom L. Christian
Ed H. Hill
Tal Oden
Ann Saunkeah
Mary Silva
Byrd L Bonner
Barbara L Means

Dale Segrest
Mary Alice Massey
Jean Henderson
Dale Jones
Charlotte M. Sowards
Anita K. Archer
Martha (Twick) Morrison
Frances H. Moore
Cashar W. Evans Jr.
Paul R. Ervin Jr.
Pearl L Price
I. Carolyn Briscoe
William 'Bill' S. Hatcher
Betty M. Alexander
Darlene V. Amon
Joetta F. Rinehart

Susan Smalley

Paul Extrum-Fernandez

Joel E. Huffman

Donna H. Boe

Phyllis S. Ferguson

Peggy 1. Sewell

Lin Doyle

82

DCA Avance Edition

Legislative Process

Petitions are sent by agencies, conferences,
churches, and individuals.

The petitions secretary assigns petition numbers.

The numbers indicate the legislative committee, the

chronological order, and the source

Petitions from agencies and conferences are printed

in Advance Edition I of the DCA; all others are

printed in Advance Edition H.

Reference committee reviews assignments by

petitions secretary. They combine petitions and

make new assignments to legislative committees as

deemed necessary.

Legislative committees act upon petitions and make
recommendations to plenary session.

T

Reports are sent to DCA. Copy is returned to

committee officers for approval. Copy is sent to the

General Conference secretary for a calendar

number prior to being printed in the DCA.

The action is printed in the Discipline or the Book

of Resolutions. The DCA becomes the official

journal of the General Conference.

Delegate Information 83

Abbreviations and Codes

In this Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate are printed reports, proposed changes in the Discipline,
and proposed resolutions from annual conferences and general agencies. Petitions from local churches,
individuals, and others will be printed in Advance Edition II, which will be on delegates' desks on the opening day
of conference. These are not the full petitions; editing has been done to conserve space and to maintain
consistency of style.

During General Conference, complete petitions will be in the hands of the Committee on Reference and the
legislative committees to which they are assigned. Any delegate desiring to see a complete petition may obtain a
copy from the petitions secretary.

Proposed deletions to existing legislation are indicated by strike through. Proposed additions to existing
legislation are indicated by bold face. Clergy names in the delegate listings are in italics. Each petition is
numbered using the following code:

Petition Coding

First series of numbers Chronological listing of petition ( begins with 20,001)

First two letters Legislative committee

Second series of numbers Paragraph in Discipline

NonDis Non-Disciplinary matter

Single letter:

C Constitutional amendment

D Discipline other than constitution

U Update to Book of Resolutions

R Referral on calendar item

0 Other

$ Financial implications (existing budget)

! Financial implications (new budget)

Legislative Committees General Agencies

GBCS General Board of Church and Society

CC Cenfral Conferences qBqD General Board of Discipleship

CO Conferences

GBGM General Board of Global Ministries

^ Church and Society GBHEM General Board of Higher Education and

DI Discipleship Ministry

FA Financial Administration GBPHB General Board of Pension/Health

GJ General Administration/Judicial Benefits

Administration GBOP General Board of Publication

GM Global Ministries GCAH General Commission on Archives and

HE Higher Education and Chaplaincy History

IC hidependent Commissions GCCUIC General Commission on Christian

LC Local Church Unity/Interreligious Concerns

MN Ordained and Diaconal Ministry GCOC General Commission on Communications

GCFA General Council on Finance and

Administration

GCOM General Council on Ministries

BPSC Baptism Study Committee GCRR General Commission on Religion and

RBGM Task Force to Study Relocating Race

General Board of Global Ministries GCSRW General Commission on the Status and

MS Ministry Study Role of Women

Study Groups

84

DCA Advance Edition

Abbreviations for the Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church

AFL Alabama-West Florida

BMW Baltimore-Washington

BUL Bulgaria Provisional

CAP California-Pacific

CLZ Central Luzon

CZA Central Zaire

DEN Denmark

EMP East Mindanao Philippines Prov.

EAN Eastern Angola

FIF Finland-Finnish Provisional

GRE German East

GSW German Southwest

HNG Hungary Provisional

KSW Kansas West

LRK Little Rock

MEM Memphis

MDO Mindanao

MOE Missouri East

NEB Nebraska

NYK New York

NAK North Arkansas

NCP North Central Philippines

NSH North Shaba

NZA Northeast Zaire

NPH Northern Philippines

NOR Norway

ORI Oregon-Idaho

FED Peninsula-Delaware

PRC Puerto Rico

RKM Rocky Mountain

SGA South Georgia

AKM Alaska Missionary

BMP Bicol Mission Philippines

BUR Burundi

CAM Caribbean & the Americas

CPA Central Pennsylvania

CSR Czech and Slovak Republics

DSW Desert Southwest

EOH East Ohio

EPA Eastern Pennsylvania

FIS Finland-Swedish Provisional

GNO German North

ORB Great Britain

IWA Iowa

KEN Kentucky

LSA Louisiana

MXC Mexico

MNN Minnesota

MOW Missouri West

NEN New England

NGR Nigeria

NCA North Carolina

NGA North Georgia

NTX North Texas

NIL Northern Illinois

NWP Northwest Philippines

OKL Oklahoma

PNW Pacific Northwest

PHI Philippines

RBM Red Bird Missionary

SLE Sierra Leone

SIN South Indiana

AUS Austria Provisional

BCP Bulcan Philippines

CNV California-Nevada

CIL Central Illinois

CIX Central Texas

DKT Dakotas

DET Detroit

EPI East Philippines

EST Estonia Provisional

FIA Florida

GSO German South

HOL Holston

KSE Kansas East

LIB Liberia

LVL Louisville

MIP Middle Philippines

MSS Mississippi

MOZ Mozambique

NMX New Mexico

NAL North Alabama

NNY North Central New York

NIN North Indiana

NEP Northeast Philippines

NNJ Northern New Jersey

NWT Northwest Texas

OKI Oklahoma Indian Missionary

PLW Palawan Provisional

POL Poland

RIO Rio Grande

SCA South Carolina

SIL Southern Illinois

Delegate Information

85

SNJ Southern New Jersey

STX Southwest Texas

TGK Tanganyika

TRY Troy

VNM Visayas-North Mindanao Phil.

WOH West Ohio

WAN Western Angola

WPA Western Pennsylvania

YEL Yellowstone

SZA Southern Zaire

SWE Sweden

TEN Tennessee

UZA Upper Zaire

WMI West Michigan

WVA West Virginia

WNY Western New York

WIS Wisconsin

YUG Yugoslavia Provisional

SWP Southwest Phlpns Prov.

SWF Switzerland-France

TEX Texas

VIR Virginia

WMP West Middle Philippines

WZA West Zaire

WNC Western North Carolina

WYO Wyoming

ZIM Zimbabwe

One Part Politics/One Part Religion

Political Religion:

A Liberal Answers the Question "Should Politics and Religion Mix?"

by Charles R. Stith

In Political Religion, Charles Stith contends that the proper mix is one
which requires us to give priority to three values: justice, harmony, and
equality. Political Religion raises these three values to prominence and
urges that they be embraced as the political agenda for the church. Stith
examines the Civil Rights Movement, the Church and political
campaigns, Jesse Jackson and Pat Robertson, coalition building, and
future proiections.

Political Religion

• encourages readers to work out deeply felt moral concerns in a
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86

DCA Advance Edition

HOW TO UNDERSTAND PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

TO DO THIS

YOU SAY THIS

H

(V.

T3

lU

-a

0)

<u
Z

1

n..

TO

c
.2
o

•a

c

Vote Needed?

SECONDARY MOTIONS IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE PROPOSED RULE 19

Adjourn

"I move to adjourn."

no

yes

no

no

majority

Recess

"I move we recess
until.."

no

yes

no

no

majority

Suspend debate without
calling for vote

"'I move that we table"

no

yes

no

no

majority

End debate

"I move the previous
question"

no

yes

no

no

2/3 majority

Limit debate

"I move debate be
limited to..."

no

yes

no

yes

2/3 majority

Postpone to specific time

"'I move to postpone this
matter until..."

no

yes

yes

yes

majority

Have matter studied further

"'I move we refer this
matter to..."

no

yes

yes

yes

majority

Amend a motion or substitute

"I move to amend by..."
or "I move to
substitute..."

no

yes

yes

yes

majority

Postpone indefinitely

"I move to postpone
indefinitely..."

no

yes

yes

yes

majority

INCIDENTIAL MOTIONS GROW OUT OF THE BUSINESS THE CONFERENCE IS CONSIDERING

Correct error in
parliamentary procedure

"Toint of order"

yes

no

no

no

Chair rules

Obtain advice on
parliamentary procedure

"'I raise a parliamentary
inquiry"

yes

no

no

no

Chair rules

Request information

"Toint of information"

yes

no

no

no

None

MAIN MOTIONS AS TOOLS TO INTRODUCE NEW BUSINESS

Introduce business

"I move that..."

no

yes

yes

yes

majority

Take up matter previously
tabled^

"I move that we take
from the table..."

no

yes

no

no

majority

Reconsider matter previously
voted

"I move we
reconsider..."

no

yes

Rules

17 &

27

no

majority

DCA Advance Edition

Plan of Organization
and Rules of Order

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

Report of the Committee on Plan of Organization
and Rules of Order

Introduction

The responsibility for reviewing and suggesting
amendments for the Plan of Organization and Rules of
Order has been a rewarding, humbling, and challenging
experience.

Our committee has been pleased to work so inti-
mately with the structural realities of our General Con-
ference in ways which have increased our appreciation
of the many traditions of that entity. Nevertheless, we
have been humbled by the awareness of the contribu-
tion of those who have gone before us in the develop-
ment of so much of what makes this legislative body tick,
and of the investment of so many other people as they
live out a very important aspect of their ministry as
delegates to and/or servants of the General Conference.

Mostiy, we have been challenged by your expecta-
tions that this body and its various legislative realities
should be going on to perfection. Clearly there is the
hope — even the demand — that the functional dimen-
sions of the General Conference be responsive to the
great constituency which is The United Methodist
Church. There is also the expectation that its organiza-
tional form and operational rules be so finely tuned that
they enhance and serve the commitment of the many
delegates in the legislative process.

Early in its first meeting of the quadrennium, the
Committee on the Plan of Organization and Rules of
Order discovered a general sense among its members
that certain actions on the General Conference might be
addressed and processed more effectively if alternative
procedures of discussion and decision could be devised.

The Committee recognizes that the General Confer-
ence is fundamentally a legislative body. Procedures in
place during recent sessions serve the Conference and
the Church well in dealing with changes in The Book of
Discipline modif5dng structure and procedure. The proc-

ess of assigning such matters to Legislative Committees
for careful examination and recommendation to plenary
session is affirmed.

The Committee did identify dissatisfaction with this
process in certain particulars:

The assignment to Legislative Committees of some
issues, study reports and other proposals of broad and
central concern to the identity and mission of the church
restricts effective discussion and deliberation of such
proposals to the members of the Legislative Committee
involved. Approximately 90% of the General Conference
delegates to not have opportunity to participate in ex-
tended group deliberation and dialogue of issues so
assigned.

Time available and the number of delegates in ple-
nary sessions of the General Conference make genuine
engagement on such issues difficult. Discernment and
a seeking for wisdom and consensus easily become
subordinated to parliamentary strategies and win/lose
voting.

These realities diminish the sense of many dele-
gates that the church has deliberated effectively as a part
of the Body of Christ called to listen well to one another
and seek together the leadership of the Spirit.

Therefore, the Committee on the Plan of Organiza-
tion and Rules of Order proposes that the General Con-
ference make necessary provisions to receive,
deliberate upon and decide at least one major proposal
through an alternative process which the Committee
has developed and commends to the Conference of its
use in the 1996 session. That proposal is included in our
report as Recommendation Number Two, page 106.

Other than our proposal in Recommendation
Number Two, we have made no sweeping changes in
what we present to you. We do want you to know of some
of the principles which guided our efforts and some of

88

DCA Advance Edition

the objectives which we had. In addition to dealing with
the recommendations and assimilating the experience
and observations of the committee members into the
process, we sought to do these things: 1) Word the Plan
of Organization and Rules of Order to conform to the
actual practice which we have followed at General Con-
ference. 2) Facilitate and clarify the operation where we
had noted awkward situations. 3) Harmonize General
Conference with the paragraphs about it as are found in
the Discipline.

In carrying out our task, we drew upon the cumula-
tive experience and observation of those of us who
labored on the committee. We were emersed in the
awesome responsibility of the General Conference.

The commitment to perfection, however, does not
guarantee that it will happen. It is not possible for any
one committee to resolve all issues and concerns. We
had no delusions that we had special talents our prede-
cessors did not have. We have, however, been diligent
in efforts to build upon the efforts of those who have
gone before us. We present our report with the confi-
dence that we have made some improvements which
will facilitate the work of General Conference. At the
same time, we know that those who follow will need to
review and amend what we have done.

As this total report is presented to you, we do so with
these additional comments and observations:

1. Changes being proposed are indicated in the
following manner: That which is to be deleted is indi-
cated by a strikeout, and that which is to be added is
indicated by boldface type. (The exceptions to this are:
a) where the change is simply the change of reference
to another section of the document or to a specific
portion of the Discipline, and b) in the definition of and
assignment of paragraphs to the various Legislative
Committees.)

2. In keeping with ^ 606 of the Discipline, we note:
"The Plan of Organization and Rules of Order of the
General Conference shall be the Plan of Organization
and Rules of Order as published in the journal of the
preceding General Conference until they have been
altered or modified the action of the General Confer-

3. It is hoped that this plan of Organization and Rules
of Order will facilitate the democratic process of the
General Conference by which the will of God and the
concerns of the people are known and become manifest.
We thank you in advance for the spirit of humility,
respect, and cooperation by which you translate this
document from a mere legal and functional document,
into a living covenant of faith and responsibility among
the Delegates.

Dr. Harvey Manchester, Chair (until July 1995)
Ms. Carmen Carrico, Vice Chair

Mr. Robert W. Stevens, Secretary

The Honorable Jerry G. Bray, Jr.

Rev. Sandra Forrester Dufresne

Rev. Richard Hamilton

Mr. Marvin D. McReynolds

Mr. David Quee

Rev. Phylemon Titus

Ms. Edna L Williams

Dr. Carolyn Marshall (ex officio)

Mr. Roger F. Kruse (ex officio)

Plan of Organization

I. Opening Session and Organization

The General Conference shall assemble on the day
fixed at the place designated in accordance with the
action taken by the preceding General Conference or
the Commission on the General Conference. The Holy
Communion and Memorial Service shall be celebrated
by the Conference, the Council of Bishops being in
charge. During the Memorial Service, there shall be
called the names of the bishops who have died since the
adjournment of the preceding General Conference, and
likewise the names of the delegates-elect who have died.
The opening business session of the Conference shall
be on the day and at the hour fixed by the Commission
on the General Conference and shall be called to order
by the bishop designated, as provided in the Discipline
15.11.

The following order of business shall be observed:

A Roll Call. The record of attendance shall be made
in writing to the Secretary of the General Conference by:

(1) The Secretary of the Council of Bishops for the
bishops,

(2) The Secretary of the Judicial Council for that
body,

(3) The General Secretary of the General Council
on Ministries for all general secretaries, aft4

(4) Tlie chairperson of each delegation for its mem-
bership. Tlie chairperson shall be provided with a form
on which to report daily the attendance of its members.
Any reserve seated in the place of a regular delegate
shall have been duly elected as a reserve delegate by the
Annual Conference and shall meet the requirements set
forth in the Discipline 37-39. Delegates, including re-
serves when the latter are substituted for a delegate or
delegates, shall be seated in the order of their election,
except when a reserve is seated temporarily, in which
case the reserve shall occupy the seat of the delegate for
whom the substitution is made. All delegates arriving
after the opening roll call shall be reported by the chair-

Organization and Rules

89

person of the delegation to the Committee on Creden-
tials. (See Section VIIIA4. and Rule 5. See also Disci-
pline 607 defining a Quorum.) and

(5) The chairperson of the delegation for affili-
ated Autonomous Methodist and United Churches
delegations.

B. Establish the bar of die conference.

BC. Report of The Commission on The General
Conference.

GD. Report of The Plan of Organization and Rules
of Order.

&E. Elections

(1) Coordinator of Calendar. (See IV-C)

(2) Committee on The Plan of Organization and
Rules of Order.

(3) Secretory' Designate. {Discipline, 604).

The Council of Biahopa ahall present a nomination
from the clergy and lay membership of the United Mcth
odiat Church for Secretary' Designate. Other nomina
tions shall be permitted from the floor. A time of election
shall be scheduled during the session by the Agenda
Committee The election, if there be two or more nomi
noes, shall be by ballot or by electronic voting. The
Secretary-Designate shall assume the responsibilities of
the office of secretary as soon after the adjournment of
the General Conference as work in connection with the
session has been completed (Discipline, 605) . The exact
date of the transfer of responsibility to a secretary-des-
ignate shall be determined by the Commission on the
General Conference but shall not be later than Decem-
ber 31, following the adjournment of the General Con-
ference.

EF. Report Of Committee On Agenda.

EG. Miscellaneous Business.
GH. Adjournment

II. Episcopal and Laity Addresses

The Quadrennial Address of the Council of Bishops
shall be delivered early in the Conference, at such hour
as determined by the Commission on the General Con-
ference.

The Quadrennial Address of the Laity shall be de-
livered early in the Conference, at such hour as deter-
mined by the Commission on the General Conference.
The National Association of Annual Conference Lay
Leaders shall be responsible for the preparation and
presentation of the Quadrennial Lay Address, taking
care to consult with lay leadership of the Central Con-
ferences. The National Association of Annual Confer-

ence Lay Leaders shall enlist participation of men,
women, youth, young adults, racial and ethnic minori-
ties, and persons with handicapping conditions in the
preparation and presentation of the address.

III. Presiding Officers

The presiding officers for the several sessions of the
Conference, the opening session excepted (See Section
I, above), shall be chosen from among the effective
bishops by the Committee on Presiding Officers. (See
Section VIII A6.)

IV. Secretarial Staff

A The Secretary of the General Conference, elected
as hereinbefore provided (Section I.D.3), shall be re-
sponsible for all functions of the office in preparation for
the session of the General Conference following that
election. The Secretary shall keep the record of proceed-
ings of all sessions of the General Conference; shall
compile and edit a Handbook for the General Confer-
enee; and shall provide corrections to the Daily Chris-
tian Advocate which serves as the official Journal of the
General Conference.

B. Other persons from the ministry or lay member-
ship of The United Methodist Church shall be selected
by the Secretary of the General Conference and, after
approval by the Commission on the General Confer-
ence, shall form the Secretarial Support Staff. The sec-
retary shall select persons from the clergy and lay
membership of The United Methodist church to
serve on the secretarial support staff.

C. The Conference shall elect, upon nomination by
the Secretary, a Coordinator of Calendar, who shall
assist the Committee on Agenda and Calendar in pre-
senting reports in such order as to expedite the business
of the Conference, as well as in other responsibilities of
the committee. (See I.E.I and VIIIAl).

D. After ascertaining that petitions, resolutions and
similar communications, in hand and dealing with the
regular business of the Conference meet the require-
ments therein specified, {Discipline 608) of 608 of TTie
Book of Discipline, the Secretary shall be responsible
for preparing prepare the same for reference to the
appropriate standing adminisfrativc or legislative com-
mittee, subject to review by the Committee on Refer-
ence. (See Section VIIIA7.) In the case of a single
petition signed by a number of people, the Com-
mittee need print only the name of the first signer
with an indication of the total number of signers.

E. The secretary shall appoint the Committee of
Tellers which shall be composed of sixty persons to act
as tellers for the purpose of reporting on count votes
when voting is not done by eleefronic means. The tellers
shall be divided into two groups of thirty persons each.
If a person who has been appointed as a teller is elected
as an officer of a standing committee, he or she shall

90

DCA Advance Edition

E. TTic secretary shall appoint the Committee of
Tellers which ahall be composed of sixty persona to act
as tellers for the purpose of reporting on count votes
when voting is not done by electronic means. The tellers
shall be divided into two groups of thirty persons each.
K a person who has been appointed as a teller is elected
as an officer of a standing committee, he or she shall
cease serving as a teller and a replacement teller shall
be appointed by the Secretary. The names of the tellers
shall be printed in the Daily Chmtian Advocate.

¥E. The work of the Secretary shall be supervised
by the Executive Committee of the Commission on the
General Conference. A budget for the work of the Sec-
retary shall be presented by the Commission on the
General Conference to the General Council on Finance
and Administration. Such budget shall be paid out of the
General Administration Fund.

GF. If in the interim of the quadrennial sessions of
the General Conference the office of Secretary shall for
any reason be vacated, the Council of Bishops shall elect
a successor to serve until the next session.

V. Nominations and Elections.

The Council of Bishops shall present such nomina
tions as arc committed to it, for election by the General
Conference. If any members elected do not serve, the
Council of Bishops shall name replacements. (See See
tion W.A)

The Secretary of The General Conference shall
develop a timeline for the submission of nomina-
tions and elections/appointments by the Council
of Bishops. In making these nominations and
elections/appointments, attention shall be given
to ensuring continuity of membership from the
previous quadrennium.

It shall be the responsibility of the Coimcil of
Bishops to present nominations for The Commis-
sion on the General Conference, Committee on
Plan of Organization and Rules of Order, Commis-
sion on Central Conference Affairs, General Con-
ference standing committees and secretary-
designate of The General Conference. These nomi-
nations shall be presented to the General Confer-
ence for election.

Disciplinary provisions shall govern the nomi-
nation and election procedures for:

General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion {% 905)

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
(1 1602.1O)

General Commission on Archives and History
(1 1804.2)

The University Senate (^ 1517.2)

The Judicial Council (M 2602, 2603)
Episcopal membership on:

General Board of Chtirch and Society (^

805.26)

General Board of Discipleship {% 805.26)

General Board of Global Ministries (^ 805.26,
% 1412.6))

General Board of Higher Education and Min-
istry (1805.26)

VI. Commission on The General Conference.

A TTiere shall be a Commission on the General
Conference composed of one clergy and one layperson
fi-om each Jurisdiction and four members-at-large, at
least one of whom shall be from an Annual Conference
outside the United States, who shall be nominated by
the Council of Bishops at its Fall meeting next preceding
the General Conference and elected by the General
Conference for a term of eight years, half of whom shall
be elected by the General Conference each quadren-
nium. If vacancies occur, the Council of Bishops
shall elect successors to serve until the next ses-
sion of the General Conference and then nominate
for election by tiie General Conference persons to
serve any remainder of the term. The Secretary of
the General Conference, the Treasurer of the General
Council on Finance and Administration, and the Busi-
ness Manager of the General Conference shall also be
members ex-officio but without vote. If vacancies occur,
the Council of Bishops shall elect successors to serve
until the next session of the General Conference and
then nominate for election by the General Conference
persons to serve any remainder of the term. The Com-
mission may elect two additional merabers-at-large for
each quadrennium.

The Council of Bishops shall designate one of its
members to convene and organize the Commission
before the adjournment of the General Conference.

B. This Commission shall determine the place and
time (within such limits as may be set up by the General
Conference) of the next General Conference and shall
send an official notice to all elected delegates announc-
ing specifically the opening day and hour of the General
Conference and anticipated time of adjournment It shall
further advise the General Conference delegates in ad-
vance of all such special events and orders of the day,
the dates and times of which have been determined prior
to the opening of the (General Conference, in order that
the delegates may have an overview of the General
Conference program. The Commission shall make all
necessary arrangements in connection therewith, in-
cluding arrangements for the publication of the Daily
Christian Advocate and quadrennial reports of the gen-
eral agencies of the church, the same to be published by

Organization and Rules

91

the United Methodist Publishing House. The Daily
Christian Advocate shall print the list of nominees for
election to the Judicial Council, with biographical
sketches not to exceed 100 words in length for each
nominee.

C. The Commission shall take the necessary
measure to assure full participation of all General
Conference Delegates, including providing accom-
modation for language and physical challenges.

GD. The Commission shall plan the schedule for the
opening day of the Conference.

GE. The Commission shall recommend to the Gen-
eral Conference the per diem allowance to be paid to the
elected delegates. (See Section X.)

EF. The Secretary, on behalf of the Commission on
the General Conference, shall issue invitations to ecu-
menical representatives after consultation with the
Council of Bishops and The General r,ommissinn no
Christian Unity and Interreligious ^v/nwcms. me
Commission shall theft arrange for local hospitality
and presentation of ecumenical representatives
their presentation to the General Conference and for
their local entertainment during the specific period of
time required for their presence. The term ecumenical
representatives shall be interpreted to include only per-
sons who have been duly elected by the Christian com-
munions of which they arc rcapcctivcly members to
represent the same before the General Conference; who
present the appropriate credentials of such elections;
and have been invited through the Commission on the
General Conference, after consultation with the Council
of Bishops. All communications, credentials, and infor-
mation in the hands of the Secretary of the General
Conference or the Council of Bishops relating to ecu-
menical representatives shall be referred to the Com-
mission.

FG. The Commission is authorized, if it deems it
advisable, to select the site of the General Conference
two quadrennia in advance.

VII. Plan of Organization and Rules of Order.

A. There shall be a Committee on Plan of Organiza-
tion and Rules of Order of ten members, including
membership from each of the Jurisdictions and from
Annual Conferences outside the United States, nomi-
nated from the elected delegates to the General Confer-
ence by the Council of Bishops at its Fall meeting ftejtt
preceding the General Conference and elected by the
General Conference for a term of four years. Members
may be elected for additional terms of four years,
provided no more than four members of the new
committee are returning members. The Secretary
and Business Manager of the Conference shall be ex-of-
ficio members without vote. The Council of Bishops
shall designate one of its members to convene and
organize this committee after it is elected.

Outgoing members of the committee present
at General Conference may meet with the newly
elected committee during the current sessions of
General Conference. These outgoing members
will have voice but no vote.

B. To this committee shall be referred any proposed
amendments to the Plan of Organization and Rules of
Order (See Rule 39) . To it may be referred any other
matters relating to parliamentary order or procedure in
the business of the General Conference.

C. This committee shall serve as an Interim Com-
mittee between sessions of the General Conference.
The committee shall restudy the Plan of Organization
and Rules of Order and make needed changes and
adaptations and after printing in the Advance DCA shall
present them to the General Conference for considera-
tion and final action, same to be published in the Daily
Christian Advocate which serves as the Journal of the
General Conference.

D. The Plan of Organization and Rules of Order of
the General Conference shall be the Plan of Organiza-
tion and Rules of Order as published in the Journal of
the preceding General Conference until they have been
altered or modified by action of the General Conference
(Discipline, 606.)

VIII. Committees

The General Conference shall have the standing
committees hereinafter indicated, with such functions,
responsibilities, and limitations respectively as are here-
inafter prescribed, and such special committees as it
may order.

A. Standing Administrative Committees

The members of the following committees shall be
appointed by the Council of Bishops at its Fall meeting
ftext preceding the General Conference. All except the
Committee on Correlation and Editorial Revision shall
be from the elected delegates to the General Confer-
ence. (See Section V.) Members of standing admin-
istrative committees which meet prior to the day
on which the General Conference convenes, shall
receive the delegate per diem for each additional
day on which their attendance is required. Dele-
gates who are nominated for such committees less
than 60 days prior to the opening session of Gen-
eral Conference shall be entitied to reimburse-
ment for any additional transportation costs.

(1) Agenda and Calendar

(a) There shall be a Committee on Agenda and
Calendar of eight members, at least four of whom
shall be laypersons, to be constituted as follows:
one from each Jurisdiction, one from Annual Con-
ferences outside the United States, the chairperson
of the Committee on Calendar when elected, the Coor-

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dinator of the Calendar, and the chairperson or sub-
stitute for the Chairperson of the Program Committee
of the Commission on the General Conference. No
member of the committee shall be chauijerson of
a Standing Legislative Committee or a director or
staff person of any general agency. The Committee
shall be convened, for the purpose of organization, by
the Secretary of the General Conference at least the day
before the opening of the General Conference.

Following the presentation and adoption of the
report of the Commission on the General Confer-
ence at the opening session of die General Confer-
ence, the Committee on Agenda and Calendar
shall immediately become responsible for guiding
the order of business of tiie Conference.

(b) The Committee on Agenda and Calendar
shall:

(1) Present calendar reports in such an order
as to expedite the business of the Conference,

(2) Inform the bishop presiding as soon as
possible of the agenda items, including order of
priority, to be considered,

(3) Keep an overview of calendar progress;

(4) Report to each session of the General Con-
ference recommendations concerning business
agenda, including time allocation and order in
which legislative committee reports shall be
printed;

(5) Give priority to calendar items as soon as
they 4u-e available;

(6) Give priority to calendar items involving
minority reports;

(7) Announce, at the last plenary session of
each day, a tentative agenda for the next day;

(8) Consult daily with the legislative commit-
tee chairpersons to expedite the business of the
General Conference; and

(9) Receive all requests for special orders of
the day, except those requested in the report of the
Commission on the General Conference on the
first day of the Conference.

(b) The Committee shall consult vnth the Council
of Bishops, the Commission on the General Conference,
and the Secretary of the General Conference concerning
pending business.

(c) Follosying the presentation and adoption of the
report of the Commission on the General Conference at
the opening session of the General Conference, the
Committee on Agenda shall immediately become re-

sponsible for helping guide the order of business of the
Conference.

(d) To this committee shall be referred all requests
for special orders of the day, except those requested in
the report of the Commission on the General Confer
encc on the first day of the Conference.

(ec) Proposals, questions, communications, resolu-
tions, and other matters not included in the regular
business of the General Conference shall be referred to
the Committee on Agenda and Calendar without mo-
tion or debate. This committee shall determine whether
or not the matter presented shall be considered by the
General Conference. Appeal from the decision of this
committee may be presented to the Conference upon
the written signature of twenty members delegates ©f
the Conference, and the item shall be presented to the
Conference if the appeal is supported by a one-third vote.

(f) The Committee on Agenda shall report to each
session of the General Conference its recommendations
concerning business agenda and time allocations for the
various reports and business items, except that at all
times the Committee on Calendar shall determine the
order in which legislative committee reports shall be
presented. Priority shall be given to calendar items as
soon as they ore available. At the last plenary session of
each day, a tentative agenda for the next day shall be
announced.

(g) The chairperson of the Committee on Agenda,
in consultation with the chairperson of the Committee
on Calendar, shall inform the presiding officer as soon
as possible of the agenda items to be considered.

(3) Colcndar.

(a) There shall be a Committee on Calendar of five
members. None of them shall be chairperson of a Stand
ing Legislative Committee or a member or staff person
of any general agency. The Secretary' of the General
Conference shall convene the committee for the pur-
pose of organisation. The committee, after consultation
with the Coordinator of Calendar (See Section IV. C),

(b) Present calendar reports in such an order so as
to expedite the business of the Conference,

(e) inform the Committee on Presiding Officers, as
far ahead as is feasible, of the calendar to be considered,

(d) inform the presiding bishop of the priority status
of the calendar,

(e) keep an overview of calendar progress,

(f) give priority to calendar items involving minority
reports, and

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93

(g) consult daily with the legislative committee
chairpersons to expedite the buaincaa of the General
Conference.

(92) Correlation and Editorial Revision.

There shall be a Committee on Correlation and
Editorial revision of four persons not members of the
General Conference and the Book-Editor, who shall be
an ex-officio member. They shall be entitled to reim-
bursement of expenses for attendance at meetings of the
committee. Two alternates shall be appointed by the
Council of Bishops. The Book Editor shall convene the
committee for the purpose of organization. The function
of this committee shall be:

(a) To review all proposed legislation reported in the
Daily Christian Advocate and that presented in special
reports to the General Conference. The Committee shall
report to the standing committees concerned, or to the
General Conference as the situation may warrant, all
contradictions, duplications, and inconsistencies discov-
ered therein.

(b) To assure that, when a calendar item approved
on the Consent Calendar or under an omnibus vote is
found to be in conflict with parts of another calendar item
discussed and voted upon at a plenary session, the item
discussed and voted shall prevail.

(c) To edit the Discipline in accordance with Section
XI.B.

(43) Courtesies and Privileges.

There shall be a Committee on Courtesies and Privi-
leges of six members composed of one repre-
sentative from each Jurisdiction and one
representative from Annual Conferences outside
the United States. The committee shall be con-
vened by a Bishop for the purpose of organization.

The committee has the following duties and respon-
sibilities:

(a) To consider, as presented to it by members of
the Conference, what said members regard as questions
or matters of privilege, to decide whether they are such
or not, and if they are regarded as being such, to recom-
mend to the Conference that they be heard.

(b) To consider resolutions of commendation, cour-
tesy, appreciation, etc., submitted in writing by dele-
gates. TTie committee may initiate similar resolutions
and edit and amend those submitted to it Resolutions
approved by the committee shall be printed in the Daily
Christian Advocate and brought to the floor if the com-
mittee considers them of unusual importance or ur-
gency.

(c) To arrange for extending courtesies of the Con-
ference to any to whom they may be due, ecumenical
representatives and official visitors excepted.

(d) To limit its report, including the statement of the
chairperson and the hearing of such persons as may be
presented, to a maximum of ten minutes in any one
business day. No person or persons shall be presented
whose request has been denied by the Commission on
the General Conference, nor after the sbcth day unless
approved by a two-thirds vote of the Conference. (See
Rule 26.3.)

(S4) Credentials.

There shall be a Committee on Credentials of sbc
members, composed of one representative delegate
from each Jurisdiction and one representative delegate
from Annual Conferences outside the United States.
The committee shall be convened by a Bishop for the
purpose of organization.

To this Committee, the chairpersons of the respec-
tive annual conference delegations shall report on a form
provided for that purpose any change in seating of dele-
gates, indicating the length of time for which the change
shall be effective. (See Section IA4.) The chairperson
of this committee shall make a daily written report to the
Secretary of the General Conference, listing all changes
of seating approved by the Committee. In the event of
questions which may arise regarding the eligibility of
seating any delegates, this Committee shall report di-
rectly to the General Conference with its recommenda-
tions. (See Rule 5.)

(€5) Joiunzd.

There shall be a Committee on the Journal of three
members to approve daily the record of Proceed-
ings of the General Conference prepared by the
Secretary and assistant(s). The committee shall be
convened by a Bishop for the purpose of organiza-
tion.

(?6) Presiding Officers.

There shall be a committee on Presiding Officers of
twelve members, composed of one clergy and one
layperson from each Jurisdiction and one clergy
and one layperson from among the delegates rep-
resenting the Annual Conferences outside the
United States. The committee shall be convened
by a Bishop for the purpose of organization.

The Committee shall select and notify the presiding
officer(s) of each session at least 24 hours in advance,
insofar as possible. The Committee shall be free to select
a bishop for more than one session and to change the
presiding officer during the session, whenever it seems
advisable. (See Section III.)

(87) Reference.

There shall be a Committee on Reference of sbcteen
persons members, composed of one clergy and one lay
representative delegate from each Jurisdiction, one
clergy and one laypefsoft delegate from Annual Confer-

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ences outside the United States, and four members-at-
large. The membership of this committee shall include
at least one member from each legislative committee.
This committee shall be convened, for the purpose of
organization, by the Secretary of the General Confer-
ence prior to and at the scat the day prior to the
opening of the General Conference.

(a) After reviewing the proposed assignments by
the Secretary to standing committees of the petitions,
resolutions, and similar communications dealing with
the regular business of the Conference, this committee
shall refer the same to the appropriate standing admin
istrativc or legislative committees. (See Section IV.D.)
One member of each legislative committee serving on
this committee shall be designated to coordinate peti-
tions assigned to his/her respective legislative commit-
tee. This committee shall also be responsible for
reviewing the assignment, by the Secretary of the book
of printed Quadrennial Rcporta, all reports, recommen-
dations, and resolutions from general agencies, stand-
ing or special commissions and committees, and all
other communications which shall come into the Secre-
tary's hands after the convening of the General Confer-
ence, all of which shall be referred directiy to
appropriate legislative committees without presentation
to a plenary session of the General Conference.

(b) The Committee on Reference may withdraw a
paper that has been assigned to a committee, either
upon a request or upon its own motion. It may also
withhold from reference or publication any document it
shall deem improper.

(c) Where the Committee finds two or more sub-
stantially identical petitions, it may group them under
one title and number, indicating the total number of
petitions. In the case of a single petition signed by a
number of people, the Committee need print only the
name of the first signer with an indication of the total
number of signers.

(d) No petitions shall be assigned by the Committee
on Reference to any General Conference Committee
unless they meet the requfrements of 608. 1.2 of the Book
of Discipline.

B. Commission on Central Conference AfiEairs.

(For membership, see Discipline, 2301.)

To this Commission shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the Central Conferences,
Autonomous Churches, Affiliated Churches, Affiliated
United Churches and Concordant relationships (Disci-
pline, 26-34, 528, 636-654, 2301.)

The Commission on Central Conference Affairs
shall submit its report and any legislative proposals
related to the paragraphs assigned to it directly to the
General Conference.

If the Commission on Central Conference Affairs
has a concern for any paragraphs assigned to one of the
legislative committees, the commission shall offer its
recommendation to the appropriate legislative commit-
tee for consideration and recommendation to the Gen-
eral Conference.

C. Standing Legislative Committees.

The General Conference shall have the following
standing legislative committees, which shall consider all
proposals looking toward new legislation or changes in
the present legislation of the church, including all re-
ports and recommendations from general agencies, and
standing or special commissions or committees, and
report recommendations relating thereto the Confer-

Any legislative committee considering legislation
affecting the concerns of the Commission on Cenfral
Conference Affairs shall consult with the Commission
before submitting its proposed legislation to the General
Conference.

(1) Church and Society.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the statement of Social Prin-
ciples, social issues, and the work and concerns of the
Board of Church and Society.

Discipline paragraphs

70-76

Social Principles

728

AC: Board of Church and Society

753

District Director

1101-1115

General Board of Church and Society

(2) Conferences.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the composition and activi-
ties of the General, Jurisdictional, Aiinual, Provisional,
Missionary, and Disfrict Conferences, and Missions,
including the Jurisdictional, Annual and District Confer-
ence Councils on Minisfries.

Discipline paragraphs

7-11 Constitution: Conferences

12-15 Constitution: General Conference

21-25 Constitution: Jurisdictional Conferences

35-39 Constitution: Annual Conferences

40-44 Constitution: Boundaries

45 Constitution: Disfrict Conferences

505-507 Election, Assignment of Bishops

Organization and Rules

95

601-611 General Conference (including

opening statement)

612-627 Jurisdictional Conference

628, 630 Jurisdictional Agencies

629 Jurisdictional Council on Ministries

655-658 Provisional Annual Conferences

659-662 Missionary Conference

663-664 Mission

701-707 Annual Conference

726 AC: Council on Ministries

747 AC: Ministry to Persons with

Handicapping Conditions

749-750 District Conference

752 District Council on Ministries

Report Global Nature of the Church

(3) Discipleship.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work and concerns of
the Boards of Discipleship, and the report of the Study
on Baptism.

Discipline paragraphs

65-69 Doctrine

278-281 LC: Lay Speaking

282 LC: Lay Preacher

632 JYMO Convocation

635 JC: Committee of UMM

729 AC: Board of Discipleship

730 AC: Board of Laity

743 AC: CYM

744 AC: United Methodist Men

745 AC: CYM

751 District Lay Leader

757 District Board of Laity

758 District Committee on Lay Speaking

761 DC: United Methodist Men

762 District CYM

1201-1206 General Board of Discipleship

1207-1210 GBOD: Education

1211-1215 GBOD: Evangelism, Worship and

Stewardship

1216-1222 GBOD: Ministry of the Laity

1223 GBOD: UMM

1224-1229 GOD: Curriculum Resources

Committee

1301-1311
Report

NYMO

Study on Baptism

(4) Financial Administration.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work and concerns of
the Council on Finance and Administration, the Board
of Pension and Health Benefits, and the Board of Publi-
cation. The budget and recommendations prepared by
the General Council on Finance and Administration
shall be submitted to this committee for study and
review. Thereafter, when the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration presents its report to the
General Conference for action, the committee shall pre-
sent its recommendations and may propose amend-
ments.

Discipline ]

jaragraphs

6

Constitution: Title to Properties

20

Constitution: Restrictive Rule

708-716

AC: Council on Finance
and Administration

717-725

AC: Clergy Support

736

Episcopal Residence

737

AC: Board of Pensions

746

AC: Joint Committee on Disability

901-909

General Council on Finance
and Administration

910-913

GCFA: General Funds

916

GCFA; Special Days Offerings

917-922

GCFA: General Funds

923-932

GCFA: Episcopal Fund

1601-1605

General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits

1606-1609

Annual Conference Pension
Administration

1701-1743

General Board of Publications

2501-2524

Church Property

2554

Trustees of Church Institutions

(5) General Administration/Judicial Admini-
stration.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work and concerns of
the General Council on Ministries, including the Ad-
vance, Judicial Administration, and the report of the Site
Selection Task Force.

The report of the General Council on Ministries
shall be submitted to this committee for study and
review. Thereafter, when the General Council on Minis-
tries presents its report to the General Conference for

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action, the committee shall present its recommenda-
tions and may propose amendments.

Discipline paragraphs

1-4 Constitution: General

(including Preamble)

16-17, 19 Constitution: Restrictive Rules

58-61 The Judiciary

62-64 Constitution: Amendments

274-277 Local Church Special Sundays

727 AC: Advance Program

748 AC: Committee on Native American

Ministry

801-825 Administrative Order: General

Provisions

914-915 The Advance

1001-1007 General Council on Ministries

2601-2621 Judicial Council

2622-2628 Investigation, Trials and Appeals

Report Connectional Issues

Report Site Selection Task Force

(6) Global Ministries.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work and concerns of
the Boards of Global Ministries, and the report on His-
panic and Native American Ministries.

Discipline paragraphs

634 JC: United Methodist Women

731 AC: Board of Global Ministiies

743 AC: United Metiiodist Women

760 DC: United Metiiodist Women

1401-1412 General Board of Global Ministries

1413-1417 GBGM: National Division

1418-1421 GBGM: Office of Deaconess

1422-1430 GBGM: Women's Division

1431-1439 GBGM: World Division

1440-1448 GBGM: Healtii and Welfare Ministries

1449-1453 GBGM: Mission Education

and Cultivation

1454-1458 GBGM: Mission Personnel Resources

1459-1468 GBGM: UM Committee on Relief

Report Hispanic Ministires

Report Native American Ministries

(7) Higher Education and Chaplaincy.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work and concerns of
Higher Education, Schools of Theology, and the Divi-
sion of Chaplaincy and Related Ministries.

Discipline paragraphs
732 AC: Board of Higher Education

and Campus Ministry

1501-1509 General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry

1510-1512 GBHEM: Division of Chaplains

and Related Ministries

1513-1523 GBHEM: Division of Higher Education

1530-1532 GBHEM: Schools of Theology

(8) Independent Commissions

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to commissions, and ecumeni-
cal concerns. This shall include Archives and History,
Christian Unity and Interrellgious Concerns, Communi-
cations, Religion and Race, Status and Role of Women,
and membership or relationship to the World Methodist
Council, Councils and Consultations of Churches, the
American Bible Society, and the report on the Consult-
ation on Church Union.

Discipline paragraphs

5
631

Constitution: Ecumenical Relations

JC: Commission on Archives
and History

738

AC: Commission on Archives
and History

739

AC: Commission on Christian Unity
and Interrellgious Concerns

740

AC: Commission on Religion and Race

741

AC: Commission on Status and Role
of Women

742

AC: Commission on Small Membership
Church

754

DC: Director Ethnic Local Church
Concerns

755

DC: Director Religion and Race

1801-1812

General Commission on Archives and
History

1901-1909

General Commission on
Communications

2001-2006

General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interrellgious Concerns

2101-2108

General Commission on Religion
and Race

2201-2209

General Commission on Status

and Role of Women

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97

2401-2406
Report

(9) Local Church

Interdenominational Agencies
Consultation on Church Union

Report

Study of Ministry

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the organization of the local
church and its membership, programs, boards, coun-
cils, commissions, committees, etc., or relating to local
church property.

Discipline paragraphs.

4647 Constitution: Charge Conferences

101-107 Mission and Ministry of the Church

111-114

201-207 Local Church

208-243 LC: Church Membership

244-270 LC: Organization and Administration

271-273 LC: General

2525-2553 LC: Property

(10) Ordained and Diaconal Ministry.

To this committee shall be referred all petitions,
resolutions, etc., relating to the work of the ordained
ministry, diaconal ministry, superintendency, and the
report of the Study of Ministry.

Discipline paragraphs
18 Constitution: Restrictive Rule

48-57

108-110

301-317

401459

501-504

508-516

517-525

Constitution: Episcopal Supendsion

Representative Ministry

Diaconal Ministry

Ordained Ministry

Superintendency

Superintendency: Bishops

Superintendency: District
Sut

iperintendents

526-527,529 Expressions of Superintendency

530-534 Appointment-Making

633 JC: Committee on Ordained

and Diaconal Ministries

733 AC: Board of Ordained Ministry

734 AC: Board of Diaconal Ministry

735 AC: Committee on Episcopacy

756 DC: Committee on Ordained Ministry

759 DC: Committee on Episcopacy

1524-1526 GBHEM: Division of Diaconal

Ministry

1527-1529 GBHEM: Division of Ordained

Ministry

Report and recommendations of the Study of Ministry
include amendments to TI^ 38, 101-1532.

D. Membership of Standing Legislative Com-
mittees.

(1) Each delegate shall serve as a member of one of
the standing legislative committees numbered 1 to 44
10. Within the annual conference delegation each mem-
ber shall choose from the legislative committees 1 to -H-
10 the committee on which to serve, the choice being
made in order of election. Beginning with 1988, the
clergy first elected, shall be entitled to the first choice,
the lay delegate first elected, the second choice, and
thus the right of choice shall continue to alternate be-
tween clergy and lay delegates in the order of their
election. For subsequent General Conferences, first
choice shall alternate between the lay and clergy dele-
gates, provided that two members of a delegation may
not serve on any one of the above-designated standing
legislative committees 1 to -ti 10 unless the said dele-
gation is represented on each of them. All delegations
composed of twelve eleven or more members shall
assign all members in excess of eleven ten according to
this same principle of distribution. (For example, a con-
ference with sbcteen delegates shall have two members
on each of any five six of these eleven ten committees
and one on each of the remaining six four. Similarly, a
conference with 35 delegates shall have four members
on each of two five committees and three on each of the
remaining «ifte five. Each delegate may, in the order
herein indicated, select any one of these eleven ten
committees, provided that the foregoing division of the
delegates among the committees is maintained.) When-
ever a delegation has more than one member on a
legislative committee, its members shall be divided as
equally as possible between lay and clergy. Thus, if there
are three members on a committee, they shall be two
clergy and one lay or vice versa.

(2) If a matter is under consideration in any standing
legislative committee which in the judgment of any
annual conference delegation vitally affects the interests
of its constituency, and if the said annual conference is
not represented in the membership of said committee,
then the said delegation may choose one of its members
to represent its annual conference in the committee
when the matter judged to be vital to the interests of this
constituency is under consideration. Such a person shall
be entitled to sit with the committee while this particular
matter is being considered and shall be entitled to the
floor, subject to such limitations as are imposed on the
regular members of said committee, but shall not be
entitied to vote. (See Section VIII.E.4.)

(3) Each person seated in the General Conference
with the right to speak but not vote may submit to the
Secretary of the General Conference a choice of a legis-
lative committee and shall have the same right in that
committee to speak but not to vote.

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E. Meeting of Committees.

(1) For Organization. All standing legislative and
administi'ative committees shall meet for organization
at such time as the Commission on the General Confer-
ence shall determine. Abishop appointed by the Council
of Bishops and an assistant secretary appointed by the
Secretary of the General Conference shall serve, respec-
tively, as chairperson and secretary to effect an organi-
zation in each of the several standing committees,
except where other provision is specified. The first meet-
ing of the legislative committees shall be held as soon
as possible following the first plenary session of the
General Conference. The orientation of the committee,
followed by the election of officers, shall be the order of
business of the first meeting of the committee.

(a) The election of chairperson, vice-chairperson,
and Secretary of each standing committee, both admin-
istrative and legislative, shall be by ballot.

(b) The Secretary of the General Conference shall
be responsible for arranging for a training session for all
chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and secretaries of leg-
islative committees as soon as possible after their elec-
tions. The training shall include instruction in their
duties, all procedures in the handling of petitions, the
times of the daily deadline for publishing reports, and
other information to expedite the work of the commit-
tees. The Commission on the General Conference is
requested to arrange for a time and place for such a
training session.

(2) Regular Meetings. The standing legislative com-
mittees 1 to ii 10 inclusive shall meet for business as
scheduled by the Agenda Committee unless otherwise
ordered by the Conference, until their work is com-
pleted, and at such other times as the committees may
themselves determine.

(3) Quorum for Committee Meetings. A majority of
the members shall constitute a quorum for the transac-
tion of business in all committees.

(4) Each legislative committee shall establish an
area in which only voting committee members will be
seated. Staff, resource persons, and visitors may speak
only when authorized, in each instance by specific com-
mittee action. (See Section VIII.D.2.)

(5) Legislative committees are urged to give priority
to significant and controversial legislation so that their
reports on such matters may be printed as soon as
possible in the Daily Christian Advocate and considered
by the General Conference.

(6) Minority reports should be encouraged so that
differing views held by a significant portion of the com-
mittee may be carefully prepared and expressed and the
issues clearly defined for decision by the General Con-
ference. Adequate time should be given for the minority
to prepare its report and every effort made to have the

majority and minority reports printed together in the
Daily Christian Advocate (See Rules 16, 32, 33 and 35).

F. Function and Authority Of Committees

(1) The standing administrative committees, with-
out specific instruction or direction fi"om the Confer-
ence, shall assume responsibility for considering and
reporting to the Conference upon all matters which
would logically fall within their respective purviews, if it
seems wise to do so, 09 these arc indicated hereinbefore.

(2) The standing legislative committees may not
originate business, but shall consider and report only
upon that which is referred to them by the Committee
on Reference, or which has been referred to them di-
rectiy by the Conference and processed by the Commit-
tee on Reference. (See Rule 30.)

IX. Proposal Involving Expenditure
of Unbudgeted Funds

'V\Ticn any proposal ia 9ubmittcd to the General
Conference to establish an interim or continuing board,
commission, or committee, and at that point the pro-
posal shall state an estimated coat of the proposal, before
final action is taken by the General Conference estab-
lishing auch board, commission, or committee, aaid
proposal ahall be referred to the General Council on
Finance and Administration or its executive committee,
with the request that it bring to the General Conference
an estimated budget of the expense of operation of the
proposed board, commission, or committee for the next
quadrennium and a atatcment of how the adoption of
such proposal will affect the budget or budgets for the
existing boards, commissions, or committees as already
presented by the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration. When any proposal is submitted to the
General Conference which involves the expenditure of
funds not included in an established budget, auch pro-
poaal ahall be referred for advice and recommendation
to the General Council on Finance and Administration
before final action is token by the General Conference.

A. Any proposal submitted to the General Con-
ference to establish an interim or continuing
board, commission, committee or task force shall
be referred to the General Coimcil on Finance and
Administration or its executive committee for a
report and recommendation before final action is
taken.

The General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration or its executive committee shall provide
the General Conference with tiie following before
action is taken:

(1) an estimated budget for the proposed
board, commission, committee or task force for
the next quadrennitmi; and

Organization and Rules

99

(2) a statement explaining how the creation of
die proposed board, commission, committee, or
task force will affect the budget or budgets for
existing boards, commissions, committees and
task forces already presented by the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

B. Any proposal submitted to the General
Conference wWch involves the expenditure of
funds not included in the established budget shall
be referred to the General Council on Finance and
Administration for advice and recommendation
before final action is taken.

X. Delegates' Expense Accounts

A. The report of the chairperson of the respective
annual conference delegations shall be the basis for
settlennient with principal and reserve delegates for their
per diem allowances. The total traveling expense includ-
ing per diem shall be payable to the principal delegate if
present and seated. K during the Conference a reserve
delegate is seated for a principal delegate for one or
more full days, the principal delegate shall adjust the per
diem with such reserve on the basis of the time served
by each.

B. Full travel expenses and per diem shall be
paid for the number of allotted delgates from each
conference whether those delegates are principal
or reserve.

BC. Air travel expense shall be on the basis of the
most economical roundtrip tourist/coach air fare di-
rectly to and from the seat of the General Conference.
Special excursion and promotional fares shall be utilized
whenever possible. Additional expenses may be allowed
delegates from Annual Conferences outside the United
States for arrival and departure not to exceed two days
in cither case before or after General Conference.
Unavoidable cxccptiona to this limitation of two days
before and two days after General Conference, due to
tranaportation achcdulcs, must be approved by the Gen
cral Council on Finance and Administration. The per
diem expense allowance for all such days before and
after General Conference shall be at the same rate as
granted delegates during General Conference. Excep-
tions to these limitations must be approved by the
Business Manager of the General Conference.

D. When one or more delegates come in the same
automobile, the owner will be allowed the established
rate per mile plus the cost of room and meals en route
up to the established General Conference per diem rate.
Guest passengers who are the principal delegates to the
General Conference shall submit only the cost of room
and meals en route up to the established General Con-
ference per diem rate. Maximum use of automobiles for
travel may not exceed 1,000 miles roundtrip, for reim-
bursement purposes. If automobile travel exceeds 1000
miles roundtrip, reimbursement will be based upon the
most economical roundtrip tourist/coach air fare, or the

mileage reimbursement, whichever is less. In all cases
delegates shall report only the actual cost of travel.

GE. For the dates General Conference is in session,
no General Conference delegate shall receive expense
money from the general church or any of its boards and
agencies other than approved per diem and travel ex-
penses available to all delegates. This provision docs not
apply to members of a body required by the Discipline
to convene at general conference. This provision is not
to restrict financial assistance to delegates from their
own annual conferences.

XI. Material to be Included in The Discipline

A. No non-legislative material shall be ordered
printed in the Discipline without first referring it to the
committee on Correlation and Editorial Revision for
consideration and report to the General Conference for
further consideration and final action.

B. The Book Editor, the Secretary of the General
Conference, the Publisher of The United Methodist
Church, and the Committee on Correlation and Editorial
Revision shall be charged with editing the Discipline.
These editors, in the exercise of their judgment, shall
have the authority to make changes in phraseology as
may be necessary to harmonize legislation without
changing its substance. The editors, in consultation
with th Judicial Council, shall also have authority
to delete provisions of the Discipline which have
been ruled unconstitutional by the Judicial Coun-
cil. Any challenge of a decision made by the Committee
on Correlation and Editorial Revision shall be in writing.
If the matter should go to the Judicial Council, the
appealing party shall give notice thereof to the Commit-
tee. Any established errata in the Discipline shall be
forwarded by the United Methodist Publishing House
to the Council of Bishops.

XII. Distribution to the Desks of Members

Delegates

After the first day, only the Daily Christian Advocate
shall be placed on the desks of the members delegates,
with additional copies for the first ministerial clergy and
first lay reserve delegate from each delegation.

XIII. Distribution of UnofScial Material

Daily, periodic, or regular newsletters, or any spe-
cial interest material published at General Conference
by United Methodist boards, agencies, and related
United Methodist groups may be distributed under the
following conditions:

A Two copies of each publication shall be deposited
in the office of the Commission on the General Confer-
ence in advance of the time of distribution.

B. Material distributed should be used for informa-
tion relative to matters that have been before or are

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coming before the General Conference and not for so-
liciting membership in an organization.

C. Distribution shall be at least 30 feet outside^ any
entrance door to the plenary or committee meeting
rooms.

D. Distribution shall be done by representatives of
the publishing groups. Distributors shall be in the small-
est number capable of effecting adequate distribution to
those entering. During distribution it is the responsibil-
ity of the distributors not to impede or interfere with the
entrance or exit of persons or to hamper the general flow
of pedestrian traffic.

E. Distributors are responsible for the disposal of
unused or unclaimed materials.

F. Distributors violating these regulations will be
prohibited from future distributions.

XIV. Reports to be Mailed Before General
Conference

The reports, recommendations, and resolutions, re-
quiring action by the General Conference, as well as
petitions submitted in accordance with Discipline 608.7,
shall first be assigned a Petition Number by the Secre-
tary of the General Conference or the one designated as
Petitions Secretary and then shall be printed in an Ad-
vance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate and moiled
distributed to all delegates and to the first ministerial
clergy and first lay reserve delegates at least sbcty days
prior to the opening of the General Conference. If nec-
essary to meet this deadline, material to delegates from
outside the United States shall be sent by air mail. Such
reports shall be printed in the same size and style as the
Daily Christian Advocate and be punched for binding.

In order to accomplish this, the finished copy of all
such reports and recommendations shall be submitted
to the editor of the Daily Christian Advocate at least 120
days prior to the opening of the General Conference.
Any such reports and recommendations not so submit-
ted and not printed in an Advance Edition of the Daily
Christian Advocate shall be received by the General
Conference only upon three-fourths vote of the General
Conference. The General Council on Finance and Ad-
minisfration shall be exempt from this requirement to
the extent necessary to allow inclusion of general funds
receipts information for the first three years of the quad-
rennium. The General Council on Finance and Admini-
sfration will provide data including the third year of the
quadrennium and other appropriate information to dele-
gates prior to the convening of the General Conference.

Rules of Order

I. Daily Schedule

Rule 1. Hours of Meetings

The following shall be the daily order for the Gen-
eral Conference, Sundays excepted:

(1) 8:15 a.m. Choral music

(4:2) 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Devotional service under
direction of the Council of Bishops

(S3) 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Conference business
committee meetings

(34) 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Conference business or
committee meetings

(45) 7:30 p.m. Evening programs as planned by the
Commission on the General Conference, Conference
business or committee meetings

(56) Recess may be called during any plenary ses-
sion at a time deemed appropriate by the presiding
bishop presiding.

Rule 2. Order of Business

After the devotional service, the daily sessions of the
Conference shall be conducted as follows:

(1) Reports of standing adminisfrative and special
committees

(2) Agenda and calendar items

(3) Consent calendar (See Rule 28.5.)

(4) Miscellaneous business

II. Presiding OflScers
Rule 3. Authority of the Chairperson

(1) The bishop presiding shall be the legal chairper-
son of the General Conference session.

(2) The presiding bishop presiding shall decide
points of order raised by the members delegates and
shall rule on points of order not raised by members
delegates, as the chair deems necessary to conform to
these rules of order, subject in both cases to an appeal
to the Conference by any member delegate without
debate, except that the chairperson and the appellant, in
the order here named, shall each have three minutes for
a statement in support of their respective positions. A tie
vote in the case of appeal shall sustain the chair. (See
Rule 26.2) Any member delegate who raises a point of
order shall cite the rule by number adjudged believed
to have been violated.

Organization and Rules

101

(3) The presiding bishop presiding shall have the
right to recess a session of the General Conference at
any time at the chair's discretion and to reconvene at
such time as the chair shall announce. The presiding
bishop presiding shall also have the right to stipulate
that the session shall reconvene with only delegates,
authorized personnel, and authorized guests permitted
to attend such a session following recess.

Rule 4. Calling the Conference to Order

When the presiding bishop presiding stands and
calls the Conference to order, no member shall speak,
address the chair, or stand while the presiding bishop

9ulllQ9.

III. Rights and Duties Of Members

Rule 5. Attendance and Seating Reserves

No member delegate, unless hindered by sickness
or other emergency situation shall be absent from the
sessions of the Conference without permission of the
Conference. All absences shall be reported by the chair-
persons of the several Annual Conference delegations
to the Committee on Credentials on a form provided for
this purpose. A reserve delegate may be seated upon
authority of the chairperson of the delegation who shall
report the substitution in writing to the Committee on
Credentials on a form provided for this purpose. Re-
serves are chosen to be seated:

1. by reason of being of the same order as the absent
member;

2. in order of their election as reserve delegates.

If the Committee disapproves the substitution, after
consultation with the chairperson of the delegation, it
may report to the General Conference with its recom-
mendation. The chairperson of the Committee on Cre-
dentials shall make a daily written report to the
Secretary of the General Conference, listing all changes
of seating. (See Plan of Organization I A.4 and VIII A4.)

Rule 6. Voting When On The Platform

Electronic voting devices shall be available on
the platform for deelgates making a presentation
to the Conference. Reserves shall not be seated
for such delegates.

Rule €7. Directions for Securing the Floor

A delegate desiring to speak to the Conference shall
hold up the appropriate placard provided for that pur-
pose. A delegate shall not move to the microphone until
recognized by the presiding bishop presiding. Unless
raising a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, the
delegate shall not speak until given the floor. The pfe-
aiding bishop presiding is requested to consider the
various sections of the auditorium in rotation. The dele-
gate recognized shall proceed to the nearest micro-

phone and shall first announce her or his name and the
name of the Annual Conference represented; which in
turn, the presiding bishop presiding shall then an-
nounce to the Conference.

Rule f8. Interrupting the Speaker

No member delegate who has the floor may be
interrupted except for a point of order, a misrepresenta-
tion, a parliamentary inquiry, a point of information, or
to call attention that the time has arrived for a special
order.

Rule 89. Speaking More Than Once; Length of
Speech

No member shall speak a second time on the same
question if any member who has not spoken desires the
floor, no more than twice on the same subject under the
same motion, and no longer than three minutes unless
that time shall be extended by the conference. (See Rule
35.2.) This three minute limit may be amended by a
majority of the Conference at any time, and for any
period of duration.

A. No delegate shall speak a second time on
the same question if any delegate who has not
previously spoken on the question desires the
floor.

B. No delegate shall speeik more than twice on
the same subject under the same motion, except
as provided in Rule 36.3.

C. No delegate shall speak longer than three
minutes unless that time is extended by the Con-
ference. (See Rule 36.3)

D. The three-minute limit on delegate
speeches may be amended by a majority vote of
the Conference at any time and for any period of
duration.

Rule 910. Point of Order

A delegate wishing to raise a point of order shall
address the presiding bishop presiding and say, "I rise
to a point of order." The presiding bishop presiding
shall interrupt the proceeding; if a delegate is speaking,
that one shall immediately yield the floor. The presiding
bishop presiding shall then direct the delegate raising
the point of order to state the point as briefly and con-
cisely as possible, citing the rule invoked in the point of
order but the delegate shall not presume to decide the
question or argue the point.

A point of order is decided by the presiding bishop
presiding without debate unless in doubtful cases the
chair submits the question to the body for advice or
decision. When the presiding bishop presiding rules on
a point, debate is closed, but the decision may be ai>-
pealed.

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Rule Wl. Voting Area Bar of the Conference

There shall be a voting area bar of the conference
te shall provide for the integrity of the General Confer-
ence. It is for delegates, pages, and others who have
been granted access to the area for General Conference
business. Delegates are not to distract others near them
by engaging in unrelated business activity.

Rule H2. Voting Procedure

(1) Voting shall be by show of hands or by electronic
means unless otherwise ordered by the Conference,
provided, however, that in elections, voting may be by
written ballot. H the vote is in doubt after a show of
hands, the chair may order a standing vote.

(2) When electronic voting is not in use, a standing
count vote or vote by secret ballot may be ordered on
call of any member delegate, supported by one-third of
the members delegates present and voting.

(3) If the event the electronic voting system is
inoperable, the chairpersons of the delegations
shidl poll their respective delegations.

(34) Only delegates within the erea bar of the
Conference when the vote is taken shall be entitled to
vote. No delegate shall cast a vote in place of any other
person delegate.

(45) No other business shall be in order when a vote
is being taken or when the previous question has been
called until the process is completed, except such as
relates to the vote itself or such business as the chair
may deem appropriate.

Rule 1S3. Division of Question

Before a vote is taken, any delegate shall have the
right to call for a division of any question, if it is subject
to such division as the delegate indicates. If no delegate
objects, the division shall be made; but if there is objec-
tion, the chair shall put the question of division to vote,
not waiting for a second.

IV. Business Procedure

Rule 134. Motion for Adoption of reports

Whenever a report of a committee signed by the
chairperson and secretary thereof shall be presented to
the Conference for its action, it shall be deemed in
proper order for consideration by the Conference with-
out the formality of a motion to adopt and a second
thereto.

Rule 145. Required Forms for Reports, Resolution,
Motions, Amendments

All resolutions and committee reports shall be pre-
pared in triplicate; and motions, including amendments,
shall be presented in writing. (See Rules 28.2, 31.2, 33.)

27)

Rule 166. Alterations of Motions, Etc.

When a motion is made and seconded or a resolu-
tion is introduced and seconded or a committee report
is read or is published in the Daily Christian Advocate,
it shall be deemed to be in the possession of the Confer-
ence and may not be altered except by action of the
Conference. (See Rule 32.)

Rule 1€7. Undebatable Motions

The following motions shall be acted upon without
debate:

(1) To adjourn, when unqualified, except to adjourn
the Conference finally

(2) To suspend the rules

(3) To lay on the table, except as provided in Rule
36

(4) To take fi-om the table

(5) To call for the previous questions (See Rule 22)

(6) To reconsider a non-debatable motion (See Rule

(7) To limit or extend the limits of debate

Rule 1-78. Rights of the Main Question

The main question may be opened to debate under
the following motions: to adopt, to commit or refer, to
substitute, to postpone, and to reconsider. No new mo-
tion, resolutions, or subject shall be entertained until the
one under consideration shall have been disposed of,
except as provided in Rule 12.5. The foregoing does not
apply to secondary motions if otherwise allowable.

Rule 1€9. Precedence of Secondary Motions

If any one or more of the following motions shall be
made when one or more other motions are pending, the
order of their precedence in relation to one another shall
be the same as the order of their listing below:

(1) To fix the time to which the conference shall
adjourn. (This motion is subject to amendment, or it may
be laid to the table.)

(2) To adjourn

(3) To take a recess

(4) To lay on the table

(5) To order the previous question (See Rules
22,24.)

(6) To limit or extend the limits of debate

(7) To postpone to a given time

Organization and Rules

103

(8) To commit or refer

(9) To amend or to amend by substitution (one
amendment being allowed to an amendment)

(10) To postpone indefinitely

Rule ■i920. Motion to Adjourn in Order Except:

The motion to adjourn, when unqualified, shall be
taken without debate and shall always be in order, ex-
cept:

(1) When a delegate has the floor

(2) When a question is actually put or a vote is being
taken and before it is finally decided

(3) When the previous question has been ordered
and action thereunder is pending

(4) When a motion to adjourn has been lost and no
business or debate has intervened

(5) When the motion to fix the time to which the
conference shall adjourn is pending

The foregoing does not apply to a motion for final
adjournment of the Conference.

Rule 291. Tabling Related Motions

No motion which adheres to another motion or has
another motion adhering to it can be laid on the table by
itself. Such motions, if laid on the table, carry with them
the motions to which they adhere or which adhere to
them.

Rule 2i2. Previous Question

Any member who moves the previous question
(that is, that the vote be now taken on the motion or
motions pending) shall also indicate to what it is in-
tended to apply, if any secondary motion or motions are
also pending. If said member does not so indicate, it shall
be regarded as applying only to the immediately pend-
ing question. This motion shall be taken without debate
and shall require a two-thirds vote of those present and
voting for its adoption; if it is adopted, the vote shall be
taken on the motion or motions to which it applies
without further debate except as provided in Rule 36.
(See also Rules 17, 24e, 25.)

Rule 2S3. Referring Reports, Etc.

It shall be in order for the Conference to refer to a
committee a section or part of a report or resolution
which is before the Conference for consideration of any
amendment offered thereto.

Rule 294. Procedure for Amending by Substitution

(A) When a resolution or committee report is prop-
erly before the Conference for consideration and action.

even if amendments are pending, a substitute therefore
may be offered by any member moving that the same
be substituted for the report, resolution, or amendment
under consideration. Th«e substitute shall be an alter-
native to what is before the house and not simply a
negation of the main motion.

(B) The Conference shall theft proceed first to per-
fect the original report or resolution, including consid-
eration and action upon any amendments which may be
offered to it.

(C) The same perfecting process shall then be fol-
lowed with respect to the substitute.

(D) The questions shall theft be put first on the
motion to substitute, followed by the motion to adopt the
report or resolution; provided, however,.

(E) The motion for the previous questions shall not
be in order on the adoption of the report or recommen-
dation or on making the proposed substitution until
opportunity has been given for at least two members to
speak on each side of the question of substitution or
adoption. (Also see 35.2 for handling minority reports.)

Rule 245. Unlawful Motion After Speech

It shall not be in order for a member delegate
immediately after discussing a pending question and
before relinquishing the floor to make a motion whose
adoption which, if adopted, would limit or stop de-
bate.

Rule 26Q. Exceptions to Majority Vote.

A majority of those voting, quorum being present
(Discipline 607), shall decide all questions, with the
following exceptions:

(1) One-third of those present and voting shall suf-
fice to sustain a call for a count recorded vote in case
the decision of the chair is doubted. (See Rule 12.2.)

(2) A tie vote sustains the chair. (Rule 3.2.)

(3) A two-thirds vote shall be required to sustain a
motion to suspend (Rule 38) or amend (Rule 39) the
rules; to set aside a special order (Rule 28. 1) ; to consider
a special order before the time set therefore; to sustain
the request of the Committee on Courtesies and Privi-
leges for the presentation of any person after the sbcth
day of the General Conference. (Plan of Organization
VIII.A.3.)

(4) A call for the previous question is a motion to
suspend the rules and therefore requires a two-thirds
vote.

(5) A two-thirds vote shall be required to approve a
proposal for a constitutional amendment. (Discipline,
62-64.)

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Rule 267. Reconsideration

A motion to reconsider an action of the Conference
shall be in order at any time if offered by a member
delegate who voted with the prevailing side. If the
motion it is proposed to reconsider is non-debatable, the
motion to reconsider may not be debated. (See Rule 16.)

Rule 27S. Regular Calendar and Consent Calendar

(1) The Secretary shall keep the Calendar which
includes the orders of the day and the reports of com-
mittees (See Rule 31); the matters of. ^Business placed
on it-the calendar shall be considered as in the order
recommended by the Committee on Agenda and Cal-
endar, unless by two-thirds vote of the Conference, an
item is taken up out of its order. (See Rule 26.3.)

(2) When a committee presents a report on a given
subject, as a part of its report it must shall also list the
numbers of all petitions relating to this subject the
report on which the committee voted non-concurrence
so that all related matters may be considered at the same
tiffle together. (See Rules 30.3, 31, 33.)

(3) When the action of a legislative committee has
had no more than 5 votes cast against the prevailing
position on a calendar item, and the item has been
previously printed in the Daily Christian Advocate and
in the hands of the delegates for not less than 24 hours,
the Calendar Committee shall cause the calendar num-
bers of such items to be printed in the Daily Christian
Advocate under the heading of Consent Calendar, cx'
cepting those calendar items dealing with constitutional
amendments or having financial implications. (Sec Plan
of OrganLzation IX and Rule 25.5.)

(4) The Consent Calendar shall be called up daily
pursuant to Rule 2. Adoption of the Consent Calendar
by vote of the Conference shall be deemed adoption of
all calendar items on the Consent Calendar. However,
any 5 delegates may have a Consent Calendar item
removed by having such a request in the hands of the
Secretary by 3:00 p.m. of the day the calendar item first
appears in the Daily Christian Advocate. In such ease the
item shall be removed and thereafter shall be called up
in the regular order of business.

(3) Action from a legislative committee shall
be placed on the Consent Calendar if:

(a) No more than five votes were cast against
the prevailing position in the Committtee;

(b) The item has been previously printed in

The Daily Christian Advocate;

(c) The item has been in the hands of delegates
for at least 24 hours; and

(d) The item is neither a constitutional amend-
ment nor one having financial implications.

(4) The Daily Christian Advocate shall clearly
identify the Consent Calendar which will list items
in three sections sub-headed as follows:

(a) Discipline Changes — Conciurence

(b) Non-Discipline Items — Concurrence

(c) Discipline and Non-Discipline Items —
Non-conctu"ence

(5) The Consent Calendar shall be called up
daify pursuant to Rule 2. Adoption of the Consent
Calendar by vote of the Conference shall be
deemed action on all calendar items on the Con-
sent Calendar.

(6) Any five delegates may have a Consent
Calendar item removed by having such a request
on file with the Secretary by 3:00 p.m. of the day
the calendar item first appears in The Daily Chris-
tian Advocate. Such items shall be called up in the
regular order of business.

Rule 289. Rules of Order of Legislative Committees

The rules of order of the General Conference, ex-
cept for Rule 36, shall be observed in meetings of stand-
ing legislative committees insofar as they apply.

Rule 5930. Duties and Prerogatives of Legislative
Committees

(1) Following election and orientation of officers, as
its first order of business, each committee shall utilize
the resources of its legislative coordinator. Each com-
mittee shall evaluate the petitions assigned to the com-
mittee, establish priorities, and outline the committee's
work on the basis of those priorities unless it is given
special instructions by the General Conference. (See
Plan of Organization VIII. A (7) (a) .)

(2) When a petition or resolution or any similar item
is referred to one of the several standing legislative
committees, it shall be understood that the whole ques-
tion with which the paper has to do is referred to that
committee for such action as it may deem wise. In
addition to concurrence and non-concurrence, a com-
mittee may recommend action or referral to the next
General Conference or to a board, council, commission,
or committee either for action or for report to the next
General Conference.

(3) Committees shall report to the Conference upon
all matters referred to them by the Conference, directiy
or through the Committee on Reference. Committee
reports on resolutions, petitions, etc., shall cite the same,
identifying them by numbers they bear respectively in
the published reports of the Committee on Reference or
in some other suitable manner.

(4) When a committee ascertains that another com-
mittee is, or in its judgment should be, considering a

Organization and Rules

105

subject which the former is considering, it shall report
the matter to the Committee on Reference for such
adjustment as the situation may require.

Rule 301. Legislative Committee Report to the Daily
Christian Advocate

(1) As quickly as material can be prepared, each
secretary of a standing legislative committee shall pre-
sent each of the committee's reports to a recorder as-
signed to the committee. The recorder will key in
prepare the report and send it to the Daily Christian
Advocate. A copy of the report as it will appear in the
Daily Christian Advocate will be sent to the chair and
vice chair for their approval and signature. After copy
has been approved, it will be returned to the Daily
Christian Advocate. A calendar number will be assigned
and it will be printed as approved.

(2) Committee and minority reports which propose
changes in the Discipline shall give chapter, section, and
paragraph to be affected and shall be prepared in the
following manner.

Existing words used as reference points shall be in
quotation marks; words to be deleted shall be single-un-
derscored; words to be added shall be double-under-
scored. In the publication of these reports, the Daily
Christian Advocate shall substitute italics for single un-
derscoring and boldface for double underscoring. (See
Rule 33.)

Rule 3-i2. Published Reports in Possession ofConfer-

Reports submitted by the committee according to
the deadline, as announced by the Secretary of the
Conference, shall appear in the next day's Daily Chris-
tian Advocate. The report as printed in the Daily Chris-
tian Advocate becomes the official copy, subject only to
grammatical or other obvious editorial changes and
shall be regarded as in the possession of the Conference.
On the day following its first appearance in the Daily
Christian Advocate or any time thereafter, a report is in
order for consideration at the pleasure of the confer-
ence. The same rule shall apply to a report of a minority
of any committee. (See Rules 16, 35.)

Rule 553. Preparation and Printing of Reports

(1) All committee reports shall be presented to the
Daily Christian Advocate on a form provided therefore
and using a process approved by the Secretary of the
Conference. The form shall bear at the top the name of
the committee, its total membership, the number pre-
sent at the time the report was adopted, the number
voting for and against the report, respectively, and the
number not voting. (See Rule 15, 28.2, 30.3, 31.)

(2) Consent Calendar items (see Rule 28.3, 4) shall
be clearly marked with an identifying symbol on the
report cover and in the Daily Christian Advocate print-

ing, this symbol to be supplied by the General Confer-
ence Secretary.

(3) Reports of the standing legislative committees
shall be printed in the Daily Christian Advocate at least
one day before being presented for consideration by the
Conference, and they shall not be read unlc99 by its
order. Committee reports to which minority reports are
appended shall be printed in sequence, and so num-
bered.

(4) Every effort should be made to print consecu-
tively all petitions, whether concurrence or non concur
rcncc or whether on the Consent Calendar or not, which
address the same issue. Every efifort should be made
by the secretary of the Legislative Committee to
report consecutively all petitions which address
the same issue.

Rule 3S4. Committee Chairperson Not in Harmony
with Report

When the chairperson of a committee is not in
harmony with a report adopted by the committee, it shall
be the chairperson's duty to state the fact to the commit-
tee. The committee shall elect one of its members to
present it in the presentation and discussion of the
report in the Conference. If, in such a case, the commit-
tee shall fail to select a representative, the chairperson
shall designate a member to represent the committee,
and said representative shall have all the rights and
privileges of the chairperson in relation to such report

Rule 345. Minority Report

(1) Minority reports represented as substitutes for
a committee report shall conform to Rule 24 and Rule
31 respectively and indicate the specific report number
with which it relates. The names of the members of the
committee signing the report shall be indicated. A mi-
nority report shall be signed by one-tenth or by ten
members of the committee, whichever is the lesser.

(2) A minority report shall be handled processed
as a substitution for the report of the committee pursu-
ant to Rule 24 as would any other substitute.

(3) A member selected by the signers of the report
of a minority of a committee to present the same shall
have the same rights and privileges in relation thereto
which belong to the chairperson in the presentation of
the committee report. In closing debate on the minority
report, the member presenting the minority report shall
speak first and the chairperson last.

Rule 366. Speakers For and Against

(1) When the report of a committee is under consid-
eration, it shall be the duty of the presiding bishop to
ascertain, when recognizing a member of the Confer-
ence, on which side the member proposes to speak; the
chair shall not assign the floor to any member proposing
to speak on the same side of the pending question as the

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speaker immediately preceding if any member desires
to speak on the other side thereof.

(2) Except for undebatable motions (Rule 17), no
report shall be adopted or question relating to the same
decided without opportunity having been given for at
least two speeches for and two against the said proposal.
After three speeches for and three against and provided
no secondary motions come before the floor, the ques-
tions shall be put automatically. However, the chairper-
son and/or duly authorized member or members
presenting the committee's report (and the minority
report chairperson or representative if there be one)
shall be entitled to speak before the vote is taken. (See
Rule 35.)

(3) The right of the chairperson and/or other mem-
ber or members to close the debate shall prevail in like
manner to a limit of three minutes when a vote is about
to be taken on a motion to amend, to substitute, to
postpone, to refer, or to lay on the table or any other
motion whose adoption would vitally affect the report
under consideration. (See Rules 9, 35.)

Rule 367. Effective Date

All legislation of the General Conference of the
United Methodist Church shall become effective Janu-
ary 1 following the session of the General Conference at
which it is enacted, unless otherwise specified. (See
Discipline ^ 609.)

VI. Suspending, Amending, and Supplementing

Rule 3^. Suspension of the Rules

The operation of any of the provisionz of the Plan of
Organization or of these Rules of Order may be sus-
pended at any time by two-thirds vote of the Conference.
(See Rule 26.3.)

Rule 389. Amending Rules

The plan of Organization and these Rules of Order
may be amended or changed by a two-thirds vote of the
Conference; provided the proposed change or amend-
ment has originated in the Committee on Plan of Organi-
zation and Rules of Order or has been presented to the
Conference in writing and referred to this committee,
which committee shall report thereon not later than the
following day. (See Rule 26.3 and Plan of Organization

vn.B.)

The Plan of Organization and Rules of Order
as adopted at the opening session shall be printed
in the next Daily Christian Advocate.

Rule S940. Robert's Rules of Order, Supplemental

Authority

In any parliamentary situation not covered by the
Plan of Organization or these Rules of Order, the Gen-
eral Conference shall be governed in its action by the
current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

Rule 4&1. Persons Without Right to Make or Second
Motion

A person seated in the conference with the right to
speak, but without vote, does not have the right to make
a motion or second motions.

Recommendation Number Two

We propose that the Study on Ministry come before
the General Conference using the following process:

1. The Council of Bishops will present its Study on
Ministry to the General Conference in plenary on
Wednesday morning, April 17, as an order of the day.

2. Following this presentation, the body of the Gen-
eral Conference will be divided into 25 randomly se-
lected non-legislative groups for reflection and dialogue
on the study.

3. Each group will meet for 90 minutes guided by a
convenor Bishop selected by the Council of Bishops.

4. Each group will be provided a recorder who is a
non-delegate and who has been trained by UMCom.

5. On Wednesday evening, April 17, the convenors
and recorders will meet to compare experiences and to
identify areas of consensus among the groups as well as
issues or questions related to the study which were not
addressed in the Wednesday morning presentation.

6. The convenor and recorder will provide the Gen-
eral Conference on Thursday morning, April 18, with a
written report-for-information of their observations.
The General Secretary of UMCom will present a brief
oral summary of the report. The Bishop presenting the
Study on Ministry report will have opportunity for addi-
tional comments.

7. The study will then move to the legislative com-
mittee to which it has been assigned and follow the
legislative process in accordance with the Plan of Or-
ganization and Rules of Order adopted by the General
Conference.

DCA Advance Edition

Church and Society

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

General Board of Church and Society

"How Do We Honor Life"

In the middle of the second year of this 1993-1996
quadrennium, Thorn White Wolf Fassett, general secre-
tary of the General Board of Church and Society
(GBCS), in an article in Christian Social Action maga-
zine, published by the GBCS for the Church, asked the
question, "How do we honor life?" His answer high-
lighted the Church's directives for the work of this
general agency:

"I believe that the great Disciplinary mandates for
the GBCS are designed to honor life. How often do we
use paragraphs 1102 or 1104 [of TTte Book of Discipline,
1992] to engage in daily meditation? It may seem odd
that I could meditate over such Disciplinary language,
but it is the very core of our mandate from the general
church, directing us to help the church honor life.

"We are to relate the gospel of Jesus Christ to
members of the church and to the persons and struc-
tures of the communities and world in which they live.

"We shall bring the whole of human life, including
all activities, possessions, and community and world
relationships, into conformity with the will of God.

"We shall show the members of the church and the
society that the reconciliation which God effected
through Christ involves personal, social and civic right-
eousness.

"We shall seek the implementation of the Social
Principles and other policy statements of the General
Conference on Christian social concerns.

"How do we honor life? What an astonishing task!
Why is it so difficult to understand that some of our
family members are not clear about this powerful man-
date for this international program board of The United
Methodist Church? Our mandate is disturbing, revolu-
tionary, if you will. How do we understand these power-
ful mandates and free ourselves and free our beloved
church to devote its faith, resources and property to the
call of Christ to honor life?"

These Disciplinary mandates, the GBCS General
Secretary noted "are the very substance of the gift of the
Holy Spirit empowering us to share God's gracious love
as we seek the transformation of individuals and com-
munities, of national and international relationships in
order to honor life and heighten human dignity, love,
justice and freedom."

The 38 program and support staff members of the
GBCS, working from the United Methodist Building on
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and the Church Center
for the United Nations in New York City, continued this
quadrennium to carry out the mandates of the Discipline
and to advocate for the Church's stances on social issues
as articulated in the Social Principles and multiplicity of
position statements published in the Book of Resolutions.

As it has each preceding quadrennium, the GBCS
again projected plans and programs to educate, assist,
and motivate United Methodists to carry on justice min-
istries through their own local churches, through their
district and conference connections, through ecumeni-
cal channels, and through coalitional efforts with other
societal groups.

The GBCS staff continued to analyze and interpret
the issues confronting people in this country and
throughout the world. During this quadrennium, it in-
tensified its efforts to assist districts and annual confer-
ences with needed resources, training, and support in
work on issues. To facilitate communication and inter-
action with annual conferences, and to respond to the
need of United Methodists across the Church for sup-
port services and resources, each GBCS Program Staff
member now carries responsibility for being the pri-
mary contact person for several annual conferences.

Leading the work of the GBCS during the quadren-
nium were: Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel, Washington Area,
president; Celia Cox, North Carolina Conference, vice-
president; Ron Koo, North Texas Conference, secretary,
succeeded for the latter part of the quadrennium by
Faustina H. Lucero, New Mexico Conference; and Mar-
garet F. Knight, treasurer. The Rev. Dr. Thom White
Wolf Fassett has served as the GBCS General Secretary
since June 1988.

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Speaking to the Church — and the World

Throughout the quadrennium, the GBCS judi-
ciously, yet vigorously, carried out its Disciplinary re-
sponsibility to "speak to the Church, and to the world,
its convictions, interpretations, and concerns, recogniz-
ing the freedom and responsibility of all Christians to
study, interpret, and act on any or all recommendations
in keeping with their own Christian calling" {Book of
Discipline, 1992, %, 1104). The GBCS took positions on
a number of emerging critical issues, and the General
Secretary issued frequent press statements dealing with
justice issues on which The United Methodist Church
has taken positions. During the quadrennium the GBCS
adopted resolutions:

• Urging a publicly financed health care system provid-
ing universal access to comprehensive benefits.

• Calling for welfare reform linked with job training,
which does not punish recipients, and which will not
reduce benefits to children and further impoverish
poor families.

• Expressing concern about the Cuban economic em-
bargo and its expansion through the Cuban Democ-
racy Act

• Calling for relocation of the 1996 General Conference
because Colorado's Amendment 2 (dealing with the
civil rights of homosexuals) was "in direct conflict
with the policy of The United Methodist Church."

• Decrying the murder of Dr. David Gunn, a physician
who performed abortions.

• Calling for a 50 percent increase on alcoholic bever-
age taxes to be used in prevention strategies, retrain-
ing of displaced workers, and as a revenue in any new
health care package.

• Promoting gun collection days and urging the Na-
tional Rifle Association to "ease its opposition to the
passage of gun control legislation."

• Indicating opposition to the proposed North Ameri-
can Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which did not
include enforceable economic and environmental
standards.

• Calling on US President Clinton to negotiate and sign
a comprehensive nuclear weapons test ban treaty.

• Urging the Food and Drug Administration to recon-
sider its approval of the genetically engineered bo-
vine growth hormone to increase milk production.

• Urging local churches observing the 25th anniver-
sary of Earth Day to include the issues of environ-
mental racism and classism.

• Asking the Council of Bishops for support in devel-
oping a mental-Ulness network.

• Calling for prayer vigUs during elections in El Salva-
dor and South Africa.

• Urging continued efforts to assure a restoration of
human rights for the people of Haiti.

• Calling on the US Senate to ratify the Law of the Sea
and Biodiversity treaties.

• Supporting a US campaign to establish a peace tax
fund for people "who conscientiously object to pay-
ment of taxes for war."

• Opposing California's Proposition 187 on the
grounds that this legislation is contrary to the biblical
admonitions about the treatment of sojourners.

Undergirded by the Social Principles and General
Conference resolutions, the GBCS General Secretary
spoke "to the Church and to the world" on a wide range
of issues through press statements advocating:

• Support for the efforts of former Virginia Governor
Wilder on gun control.

• Passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,
which affirms the right of every religious group to
exercise religious freedom.

• Establishment of fuU diplomatic and trade relations
with Angola.

• An end to the 30-year embargo of Cuba and a return
to normal diplomatic relations.

• International efforts to assure democratic rights for
the people of Haiti, "but a military invasion is not the
answer."

• That the President and the US Congress not abandon
the needs of the people in Somalia.

• Establishment of a National Day of Reconciliation to
"enable all of us to reaffirm the sacredness of human
life and to resolve that guns and gim violence must
be rejected by all people as a means of problem
solving."

• Defeat by Congress of the proposed balanced budget
amendment

• Increased protection for Haitian refugees seeking
asylum in the United States.

• Support for the Employment Non-discrimination Act
of 1994 to prohibit work-place discrimination based
on sexual orientation.

• Strong opposition to legislation calling for a state-
sponsored school prayer constitutional amendment

Church and Society

109

• Defeat of the "Citizens Protection from Violent Crime
Act of 1995," which included a repeal of the assault
weapons ban.

• Presidential and congressional control of the CIA,
which "has no right to interfere in the internal affairs
of foreign nations" (e.g., Guatemala).

• Opposition to legislation that would weaken existing
affirmative action programs or laws.

Research, Education and Advocacy

The ability of the GBCS and its staff to speak to the
Church and the world is undergirded by its work on the
issue development mandate-to "conduct a program of
research, education, and advocacy/action on the wide
range of issues confronting the Church consistent with
the Social Principles and the policies adopted by Gen-
eral Conference" (1992 Book of Discipline, ^ 1104).

The GBCS and its staff continued during this quad-
rennium to fine-tune the new organizational design
adopted during the previous quadrennium. Staff mem-
bers continued their work within the three ministry
areas: 0) the Ministry of God's Creation, (2) the Minis-
try of God's Human Community, and (3) the Ministry of
Resourcing Congregational Life. In addition, staff with
offices in the Church Center for the United Nations
carried on, in cooperation with the Women's Division of
the Board of Global Ministries, the United Methodist
United Nations ministry.

Board members in six work areas guided the work
of the staff in the ministry areas. Those work areas
continued as: Peace with Justice, Environmental Justice,
Alcohol and Other Drugs, Human Welfare, Communi-
cations, and Resourcing Congregational life.

Furthermore, board members in 11 administrative
committees continued to care for these aspects of the
GBCS organizational life: Biblical and Theological Inter-
pretation; Bylaws/Legislation; Confronting Classism,
Racism, Ageism, Sexism, Handicappism (CCRASH);
Ethnic Local Church Funding; Hispanic Ministry; Hu-
man Relations Day; Evaluation and Review; Executive
Committee; Finance; Nominations; Trustees.

The GBCS continues to carry out the bulk of its
issue work through the Ministry of God's Creation and
the Ministry of God's Human Community. However,
during this quadrennium the Communications Work
Area carried on research, education, and action on the
issues of media literacy and violence in the media. Fur-
thermore, near the end of the quadrennium, Resourcing
Congregational Life also became involved in work on
several issues.

Ministry of God's Creation
Peace with Justice

The Peace with Justice Program has kept peace and
justice ministries before the Church, particularly focus-
ing on issues of de-militarization, national budget priori-
ties, foreign aid, human rights, and economic justice. By
the end of the quadrennium, the GBCS Peace with
Justice Program will have expended approximately
$2,039,083 (unaudited estimate), including the monies
from the annual Peace with Justice Special Sunday offer-
ing, which supports the program, and certain World
Service contingency funds.

Peace with Justice staff continued to work closely
with United Methodist Communications to provide re-
sources for local churches to celebrate Peace with
Justice Sunday. Some of the funds received by the
GBCS through the offering are granted to peace and
justice programs around the world to assist in education,
advocacy, and mission-related efforts. The GBCS advo-
cates continuation of Peace with Justice as a special
program of the church in the next quadrennium.

Working to support and strengthen peace and jus-
tice ministries in local churches and annual confer-
ences, the GBCS organized and coordinated a variety of
Peace with Justice involvements:

Peace with Justice Coordinators in every annual
conference served as primary GBCS contact persons
and received regular resources and communications
from the Peace with Justice Program office.

Peace with Justice Educators, GBGM mission-
aries on home assignment for sbc-months to two-year
periods, worked through the GBCS in annual confer-
ences as resource persons interpreting the Peace with
Justice Program. In this quadrennium, eight educators
worked with five annual conferences to strengthen and
promote peace and justice ministries in local churches
and districts through the direction of the annual confer-
ences.

Peace Advocates, initially resourced by both the
GBCS and the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD),
are now solely related to the GBCS, due to GBOD
restructuring. They are dedicated persons who volun-
teer their time in their local churches, communities,
districts, and annual conferences to keep peace and
justice ministries at the forefront.

The Peace with Justice Network, made up of the
people mentioned above and other interested United
Methodists, continued to grow. Network members re-
ceive the quarterly Peace with Justice Newsletter. A

number of persons in the Network participated in the
Peace with Justice-hosted "Rivers in the Desert," a week-
end retreat-type event providing workshops and plenar-
ies on a variety of social justice/peace-making topics.

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In the international arena, the GBCS Peace with
Justice involvements included a visit to Cuba to demon-
strate solidarity with the Cuban Methodist Church; the
visit generated further advocacy with Congress and the
Administration urging an end to the US 35-year-old
embargo. Through coalitional efforts, Peace with Justice
staff worked to end the military junta and called upon
the United Nations and all governments to seek a solu-
tion and help establish democracy and social justice for
the people of Haiti.

Peace with Justice also supported the peace proc-
esses of Nicaragua and El Salvador through visiting,
monitoring the Salvadoran elections, and calling on the
World Bank to ease the debt burden on poor countries.
In addition, the Peace with Justice Program initiated
letters, statements, and press conferences to express
concern and issue calls for justice for the people of
Mexico, the Middle East, Guatemala, and other coun-
tries in Central and Latin America.

The GBCS joined the "50 Years Is Enough Cam-
paign," a national effort of religious and secular organi-
zations working for major reforms of the World Bank
and International Monetary Fund.

On issues related to Africa, staff participated in
legislative efforts on foreign aid reform, which stressed
poverty reduction, alleviation of hunger, and sustainable
development as key US foreign aid priorities. With the
changes in Congress, including increased opposition to
foreign aid assistance to African countries, the GBCS
strengthened its Africa public policy work. In these
efforts, the GBCS has worked to coordinate its advocacy
work with the GBGM Africa office, the Women's Divi-
sion and UMCOR Washington offices, the Washington
Office on Africa, and Bread for the World. Staff moni-
tored White House and Congressional response to the
fragic situation in Rwanda, helped organize African
Americans for Aid to Africa, worked with the Forum of
African Voluntary Development Organization, and
worked with African NGO's at the United Nations World
Summit for Social Development.

Throughout the quadrennium, staff persons in the
Ministry of God's Creation also worked on a variety of
other economic justice issues, including:

• Empowerment zones and enterprise communi-
ties in lu-ban and rural areas — Staff supported
legislation to create such areas; supported ef-
forts to stop the weakening of the Commxmity
Reinvestment Act, key legislation that protects
low-income and communities of color against
redlining; participated in efforts to stop insur-
ance and telecommxmications redlining.

• Urban redevelopment — Staff advocated poli-
cies addressing the crises facing US cities, in-
cluding job creation and training, community
banks and other financial institutions, neigh-

borhood enterprise development; worked with
the United Methodist National Urban Strategy
Coimcil; attended the World Summit for Social
Development.

• Trade and labor — Staff advocated for policies
that protect the rights of workers, including the
California table grape boycott, workplace fair-
ness efforts, and OSHA reform; worked to ob-
tain adequate environmental and economic
provisions in NAFTA and to Congress and the
administration for inclusion of the latest envi-
ronmental standards as key to any trade agree-
ment.

• Gambling — Staff worked to provide resoiu"ces
and support to United Methodists across tibe
nation acting to oppose the spread of legalized
gambling; initiated the project "Enough Is
Enough: Churches and Communities Working
Together to Stop Gambhng," and hired United
Methodist anti-gemibling activist Tom Grey as a
consultant to help annual conferences and con-
gregations organize against gambling; partici-
pated in the work of the National CoaUtion
Against Legalized Gambling; consulted in the
production of a special issue of Christian Social
Action on gambling, which became a vridely-used
resource for anti-gambling education and action.

Environmental Justice

The Environmental Justice Work Area, in its efforts
to implement the statements of the Social Principles and
General Conference resolutions, sought to promote en-
vironmental justice and the survival of all parts of God's
creation. It saw annual conferences as the primary vehi-
cle "with whom we will establish ministries of environ-
mental justice," and it also worked through coalitions on
issue development and advocacy. Its four-year expendi-
tures will total approximately $1,098,083 (unaudited es-
timate). The work area's program included these foci:

Designing and implementing "Abimdant liv-
ing: How Much Is Enough?" To raise awareness of
abundant living, staff of the Ministry of God's Creation
helped to draft an abundant living resolution; partici-
pated in National Religious Partnership for the Environ-
ment consultations on consumption; initiated a process
for developing dialog groups hosted by annual confer-
ence environmental justice coordinators; and held a
fraining event for environmental coordinators. Staff also
met with staff members from United, Illiff, and Clare-
mont seminaries to discuss the issue.

Responding to commimities facing environ-
mental degradation with special attention to peo-
ple of color/poor and Third World communities.

As part of its work on the issue of environmental racism,
the GBCS sponsored a 1995 Hispanic environmental
fraining event in Phoenix, Arizona, and it hosted an

Church and Society

111

Hispanic intern for 10 months to work on environmental
justice issues. The staff highlighted the issue in its
newsletter, developed and distributed in the summer of
1994 an environmental racism packet, and led a work-
shop on environmental racism during a meeting of en-
vironmental justice coordinators.

Advocating for a moratorium on the siting of hazard-
ous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities in
low-income/people of color communities, staff worked
for passage of the Environmental Equal Rights Act
(EERA), for inclusion of environmental racism consid-
erations in the Clean Water Act and the Superfund, and
on the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, staff worked
with the World Council of Churches on environmental
racism aspects of climate change, with Rep. Cardiss
Collins' staff to help redraft the EERA and with the
Gwich'in Steering Committee to protect the Arctic Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge.

Staff also co-sponsored hearings on toxic waste
problems, wrote articles on the subject for various pub-
lications, and developed a bibliography of national and
global racism issues. Furthermore, staff was particularly
involved in bringing social activists and energy conser-
vation activists together for joint strategy discussions.

To monitor toxic and solid waste issues, staff
worked with other environmental and religious groups
such as the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibil-
ity (ICCR). Staff worked with ICCRto develop strategies
with companies on ozone issues and climate change.

During this quadrennium, the Ministry of God's
Creation was asked to assist the National Council of
Churches (NCC) and the World Council of Churches
(WCC) in their work on climate change. The ministry
staff participated in drafting a major study of the issue
for the WCC, hosted several meetings on climate
change for the NCC, represented the GBCS at interna-
tional conferences, met with members of Congress and
the administration, and coordinated its work on the
issue with United Methodist churches in the United
States, Europe, and the Philippines, and the Methodist
Church of Brazil.

Working with annu£il conferences to carry out
environmental justice ministries. To help establish
environmental justice goals in annual conferences, staff
surveyed all the conferences and then began to provide
models for planning — in each issue of the newsletter,
through its work with the NCC to produce an "Earth Day
95" packet, and through publication of a resource on the
environment, "Hope for the Earth." It continued its work
on developing a network of resourcing between the
GBCS and the conferences. It completed on-site visits to
a dozen annual conferences to equip activists there to
do environmental action locally. It utilized staff of United
Methodist Seminars to provide assistance in developing
eco-justice seminars. It encouraged the ministry of pres-
ence of bishops who are in environmentally threatened

areas; GBCS member Bishop Kenneth Carder organ-
ized an Appalachia trip, attended by 12 bishops.

Following up on the Genetic Science Report.

The Ministry of God's Creation continued to follow up
on the work of the Genetic Science Task Force, despite
limited funds. Staff coordinated in 1994-95 the statement
of some 200 religious leaders against animal/human
gene patenting. The statement was covered by every
major US and European newspaper and many in Latin
America and Asia, as well as most major radio and
television oudets. Staff continued to meet with govern-
ment, industry, and academic groups on issues related
to the United Methodist resolution on genetic science.
The staff also continued working with the Biotechnol-
ogy Working Group, monitored legislation in Congress,
and assisted in developing a GBCS-adopted statement
against human cloning.

Continuing work on U.S. Agriculture and Ru-
ral Communities in Crisis. Staff cooperated with
groups such as the Federation of Southern Coopera-
tives, the Rural Coalition, the National Family Farm
Coalition, Office of Town and Country Ministries of the
GBGM, and the United Methodist Rural Fellowship. In
efforts to encourage public policies that support family
farmers and preserve and expand the land base of mi-
nority persons, staff attended various meetings dealing
with the issue, worked on legislation to include minori-
ties on county committees that administer farm pro-
grams, and continued to work with the Rural Coalition
on issues related to minority farmers. Staff is also follow-
ing developments in NAFTA concerning agricultural
and environmental policies.

Staff also worked on the 1995 Farm Bill, the legisla-
tive vehicle for most federal farm commodity, domestic
food, and food export programs. On this effort it cooper-
ated with the Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, a
network of diverse groups seeking to change federal
policy to foster a sustainable farm and food system.
Furthermore, staff set priorities of supporting family
farms, improving the status of minority farmers, advanc-
ing rural development through marketing cooperatives
and government partnership with community-based or-
ganizations, and enhancing conservation programs; it
also participated in the work of the Racism in Rural
Areas Task Force.

Assisting United Methodists to respond to
other significant environmental issues. Staff contin-
ued to work to educate and develop grass roots advo-
cacy for the Endangered Species Act and the Clean
Water Act — through workshops, publications, "action
alerts," involvements with coalitions working on the
issues, such as the Endangered Species Coalition and
the Clean Water Coalition. It also worked on anti-regu-
latory issues as they affect the environment-such as
unfunded mandates, takings, cost-benefit and risk as-
sessments.

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DCA Advance Edition

Ministry of God's Human Community
Alcohol and Other Drugs

During these four years, the Drug and Alcohol
Work Area carried out a program based on a mission
statement that says, in part: The misuse of drugs (alcohol,
tobacco, controlled substances and other mind-altering
substances) is injurious to personal health, hinders inter-
personal relationships, and tears at the fabric of commu-
nity life. This physical and social problem is ultimately a
spiritual challenge. The work area on Alcohol and Other
Drugs will assist the Church in deepening its under-
standing of the problem, raising its voice of advocacy, and
using its resources to bring healing to those afflicted.

By the end of these four years, this work area will
have expended approximately $1,016,530 (unaudited
estimate) to fulfill its mission. This amount includes
both World Service and World Service Contingency
Fund monies. (In addition, the other work areas also
deal with alcohol and other drugs issues.) The work area
staffs 1993-1996 assistance to the Church included:

Developing materials and resources for equip-
ping local congregations in combatting the use of
alcohol and other drugs. Among these resources
were "Drug and Alcohol Resource Notebooks" for all
annual conference libraries; articles in various United
Methodist publications; staff service as a leader/trainer
on the use of Pan Methodist curriculum; a brochure
lifting up the Special Program on Substance Abuse and
Related Violence (SPSARV); staff participation in the
development of 'The Things that Make for Peace," a
booklet dealing with gangs and gang violence.

Coordinating inter-agency activities on the is-
sues associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Jer-
ald Scott, who has served as a half-time GBCS staff
member, staffed the day-to-day work of the SPSARV for
the General Board of Global Ministries. In her SPSARV
work she reviewed applications for funding in excess of
$300,000 for local, district, and annual conferences. She
also served as keynote speaker, trainer, and workshop
leader for local church, district, and annual conference
events.

Working for the banning of all alcoholic bever-
£iges from public advertising. Staff continued work
on legislation dealing with labeling of alcoholic bever-
ages; reprioritized the work when the Sensible Advertis-
ing and Family Education Act by Senator Strom
Thurmond was withdrawn; served as a workshop leader
for the Global Alliance dealing with alcohol policy and
advocacy in London, England; and participated in train-
ing of annual conference and local church persons to
combat alcohol advertising at state and community lev-
els.

Carrying on cooperative work in support of the
CouncU of Bishops' initiative on drugs and drug
violence and assisting in the development of mod-
els for local church use. Staff developed workshops
for constituents planning to set up "Saving Station" min-
istries; utilized the Covenant Pastors network as a
speakers bureau for training events; worked with the
United Methodist Church of Northern Europe (Scandi-
navia) to plan, develop, and resource the sixth Bishops'
Initiative on Drugs and Drug Violence seminar in Stock-
holm, Sweden, in October 1994; offered technical assis-
tance for the seventh Drug and Drug Violence seminar
in Tallin, Estonia, October 1995, and St. Petersburg,
Russia, March 1996.

Creating a United Methodist coalition of cre-
dentialed drug and alcohol professionals. Staff
trained more than 150 conference leaders, clergy, and
lay persons through Substance Abuse Mission Strategy
Training Seminars at Wesley Seminary in Washington,
D.C. and at the Gulfside Assembly in Waveland, Missis-
sippi; staff also compiled a resource directory of some
400 United Methodist professionals engaged in preven-
tion, intervention, education, and treatment

Providing guidance to assist aimual confer-
ences to develop standing committees on alcohol
and other drugs. Staff maintained an updated list of
annual conference committee members and sent mail-
ings and action alerts to standing committee chairper-
sons to assist in carrying out legislative strategies of the
Drug and Alcohol Concerns Work Area.

Humem Welfare

The Human Welfare Work Area during this quad-
rennium focused its strategies in four broad issue areas:
0) justice (or human rights), (2) community (or family
and household, (3) right relationships (or administra-
tion of justice), and (4) shalom (or right to wellness). By
the end of the quadrennium the Human Welfare total
expenditures will be approximately $1,608,187 (un-
audited estimate).

Community (or Family and Households)

Focusing on "community," staff in the Ministry of
God's Human Community worked for:

Policies and programs to address the needs of
families and households. Staff acted in opposition to
the House appropriations bill, which would have se-
verely cut Head-start, utilities supplement for poor peo-
ple, the WIC programs, and public education funds;
advocated for welfare reform legislation that protects
the integrity of families, provides adequate services, and
is child friendly; resourced bishops, annual confer-
ences, and other United Methodist constituents on wel-

Church and Society

113

fare reform and strategies for advocacy; and worked
with the Interagency Task Force on Children, Youth and
Families. In 1995 a 12-member GBCS delegation partici-
pated in the Fourth World Conference on Women and
the related Non-Governmental Organization event in
China.

Policies and programs to address the needs of
children and youth around the world. Staff contin-
ued to seek US support of UNICEF and UNDP pro-
grams; worked with UNICEF and the World Health
Organization on infant formula, child health, and baby-
friendly hospitals; provided United Methodist congrega-
tions with educational materials on issues affecting
children, including resources for the Children's Sabbath
Program; resourced the Council of Bishops Special
Committee on Children, Youth, and Families and sup-
ported a special initiative on Children, Youth, and Pov-
erty; supported a ban on cigarette smoking commercials
targeted towards children; resourced the GBCS semi-
nar program on children's issues; joined and worked
with the Child Labor Coalition in support of the "Rug-
mark" campaign to protect children from abusive labor
practices in the worldwide carpet industry. Staff also
continued to expand the Youth Offenders Program,
supported by funds from the annual Human Relations
Day offering.

Policies and programs to meet particular
needs of the elderly. Staff participated in the work of
the Older Adult Ministries Committee; worked for ac-
cess to national health care, including long-term care,
and for the preservation of Medicaid and Medicare, with
appropriate federal funding and oversight; advocated for
federal programs and expenditures on behalf of the
elderly; participated in the White House Conference on
Aging.

Access to afiFordable, decent, safe, and sani-
tary housing. Staff participated in ecumenical efforts to
secure legislation supporting affordable housing; moni-
tored the federal budget and appropriations for funding
of housing programs; resourced annual conferences
and various constituents on the issue.

Right Relationships
(or Administration of Justice)

Staff carried out programs of research, education,
and advocacy that involved them in:

Working for the elimination of all forms of
violence. Staff worked in coalitional efforts that helped
to assure passage of the Violence Against Women Act
of 1994, the Violent Crime Confrol Act of 1994, the Brady
Gun Control Bill, and the Assault Weapons Ban. Staff
also continued support of the Youth Offender Rehabili-
tation Projects and worked in several conferences on
efforts to serve more youth; co-sponsored a press con-
ference in support of maintaining the Assault Weapons

Ban; initiated a new anti-death penalty educational pro-
ject in conjunction with the National Coalition to Abolish
the Death Penalty and acted against the death penalty
in other ways; set up successful prototypes for gun
turn-in at local church "redemption centers" in annual
conferences.

Developing opportunities for programs and re-
sources affirming the gift of hiunan sexuality. Staff
advocated actions by the White House and the US Con-
gress to protect the civil and human rights of all persons,
particularly those of gay men and lesbians; helped to
craft, endorsed, and supported the infroduction of the
Employment Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimina-
tion in the work force because of sexual orientation;
developed and presented a workshop on the church's
position on homosexuality and promoted the church's
study on the issue; continued liaison work with Affirma-
tion and the Reconciling Congregation Program and
initiated communication with the Transforming Congre-
gation Program; resourced constituents with materials
on the church's position on human sexuality.

Shalom (or Right to Wellness)

Working for health and wholeness for all
through access to health care. Staff of the Ministry
of God's Human Community engaged in a multiplicity
of sfrategies, including:

• Continued work on global health issues in coordina-
tion mth the GBGM's Health and Welfare Minisfries
and United Methodist Women; participation in inter-
national gatherings; dissemination of information to
annual conferences and congregations; monitoring
and confronting infant formula producers; jointly
sponsoring (with the Ministry of God's Creation) an
exhibit of art by Russian children exposed to radia-
tion during the Chernobyl disaster.

• Efforts to pass legislation to provide universal access
to affordable health care; meetings with members of
Congress and the adminisfration; participation and
leadership in various health care coalitions; provision
of on-going staff and financial support to the Interre-
ligious Health Care Access Campaign (IHCAC);
analysis of health care reform legislation in relation
to United Methodist positions and IHCAC's 'Twelve
Working Principles"; development and promotion of
an annual Health Care Sabbath; mailings to constitu-
ents on health care reform; addresses to annual con-
ference events; seminars in each jurisdiction;
coordination of daily prayer and worship service,
focused on health and wholeness, in the United
Methodist Building; monitoring health care activity
in key states and working with United Methodist
health care advocates on strategies to increase access
to quality health care.

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DCA Advance Edition

• Work with the Religious Coalition for Abortion
Rights, support for its reorganization, new name (Re-
ligious Coalition for Reproductive Choice), and move
to larger space outside of the United Methodist Build-
ing; speaking out against related violence.

• Advocacy for legal protections for persons with pro-
longed mental illness; financial and staff-time support
for the on-going work of Pathways to Promise, which
provides education on mental illness; support for the
National Depression Awareness Campaign; work
with various national organizations to publicize is-
sues of mental illness; production of a Mental Illness
Packet for Coordinators of Mental Illness Ministry,
advocated for each annual conference as the founda-
tion of a United Methodist Mental Illness Network;
preparation of articles for United Methodist and men-
tal health journals; addresses in several annual con-
ferences to promote the Mental Illness Network.

• Work with the AIDS National Interfaith Network to
resource United Methodists for advocacy on issues
relating to AIDS both nationally and internationally;
advocacy on AIDS-related issues of housing, immi-
gration, medical research, Medicaid, funding; pro-
duction of an AIDS Packet in response to inquiries
from constituents; presentation of two AIDS-related
exhibits in the United Methodist Building lobby; pro-
duction of AIDS worship services for publication in
Christian Social Action.

• Staff gave addresses on health and wholeness at
more than 40 events across the nation and provided
a variety of resources to constituents.

Providing special attention to domestic and
intemational population issues, staff represented
the GBCS at the UN Intemational Conference on Popu-
lation and Development in Cairo, Egypt; wrote articles
on the conference; spoke to United Methodist gather-
ings on the issues of population; also spoke at the 1994
World Population Day celebration at the US Capitol;
monitored the federal budget on population issues and
advocated for reversal of US foreign policy restrictions
against funding population programs globally.

Working for policies and programs to address
issues of medical ethics, including euthanasia, staff
continued to work with the Park Ridge Center, writing
materials on issues of medical ethics; worked with an-
nual conferences studying the resolution, "Under-
standing Living and Dying as Faithful Christians";
helped seminaries prepare summer sessions on the
Church's public policy stands on issues of medical eth-
ics.

Ministry of Resourcing
Congregational Life

Resourcing Congregational Life

The GBCS continued during this quadrennium to
carry out its mandate to motivate, train, organize, and
build networks for action, working with annual confer-
ences, districts, and local churches. The unit on Resour-
cing Congregational Life (RCL) served as the
coordination point for the GBCS church relationships.
As one of the quadrennial goals for this unit stated, it
sought to facilitate the GBCS efforts "to resource the
constituency of The United Methodist Church through
annual conferences and districts to maximize social in-
volvement, social change, and effective social justice
strategies." By the end of the quadrennium, RCL will
have expended about $2,887,459 (unaudited estimate),
including Ethnic Local Church and Hispanic Ministry
funds. In these four years, the RCL staff worked to:

Develop linkages with annual conferences and
districts to enable and strengthen their witness
and action for social justice. Staff created and distrib-
uted materials offering action ideas, strategies, models
of social ministry; continued on-site visitations with an-
nual conference Boards of Church and Society to listen
to issue concerns and assist in training and organizing;
led a regional training event; coordinated staff visits to
annual conferences and districts.

Cultivate relationships within The United
Methodist Church and the interreligious commu-
nity. Staff participated in the work of the Curriculum
Resources Committee of the General Board of Disci-
pleship; continued involvement with seminaries and
other pastoral institutions of higher learning to keep
before them the need for social justice awareness and
involvement as an essential part of clergy training;
worked with interreligious bodies on social justice.

Assist in resourcing ethnic local churches to
develop leaders and ministries in social justice
within their churches and communities. This be-
came an area of intense work for the RCL unit during
the quadrennium as staff continued to carry out relation-
ships with ethnic caucuses, participated in training of
ethnic persons on social justice themes, advocated so-
cial concerns issues related to ethnic local churches,
and coordinated the functions and work of the Ethnic
Local Church Grant Committee as well as the GBCS
work on the Hispanic Ministry Plan.

• The Ethnic Local Church Grants Committee contin-
ued to allocate monies received to programs that
benefit individuals, congregations, and communities.
For example, the committee granted $5,000 to a local
church drug prevention program for high-risk youth
in North Georgia, $10,000 for an Illinois project pro-
viding pesticide education for migrant workers, and

Church and Society

115

$18,200 to the Native American International Caucus
for an internship program (which brought the first
intern to the GBCS the first half of 1995).

• Coordinated by RCL, the GBCS staff developed a
number of programs and resources for the National
Hispanic Ministry Plan. Among them were: an His-
panic environmental justice training event in which
participants developed strategies to deal with hazard-
ous waste endangering the health of their communi-
ties; a training workshop on drugs and drug violence
to enable Hispanic United Methodists to confront the
issues in their areas; a justice for farmworkers train-
ing workshop; three conflict resolution training work-
shops; a healthcare policy training event; a seminar
program on peace with justice to train lay missioners
and pastors who wall then repeat the seminar in their
home areas; sbc Spanish-language booklets interpret-
ing the Social Principles for use by lay missioners as
they conduct studies of this foundational United
Methodist document.

Provide an on-going educational/training pos-
sibility for local churches, districts, and annual
conferences and other groups through the United
Methodist Seminars on National and International
AfEairs. Throughout the quadrennium, this program, in
which the Women's Division of the GBGM cooperates
to provide seminars at the Church Center for the UN,
again helped several thousand participants in well over
100 groups become better educated on a wide range of
issues, such as racism, violence, sexuality, homeless-
ness, or Eastern Europe. Two seminar designers on the
RCL staff guided the work of this program that has
served United Methodists since 1974.

The seminar staff worked to ensure ethnic and
gender diversity among participants and resource per-
sons, and designed seminars related to the Ethnic Local
Church program. Staff also developed a two-year series
of Substance Abuse Mission Strategy Training Semi-
nars designed for United Methodists and others con-
cerned about substance abuse and related violence in
their communities.

Communications

Emphasizing its overarching concern to promote
the understanding that justice ministries are an integral
part of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the GBCS Communi-
cations unit continued this quadrennium to publish,
publicize, promote, interpret, and act on communica-
tions issues. Over these four years. Communications
will have expended approximately $1,798,859 (un-
audited estimated) on Communications functions.
Christian Social Action magazine, and production of
resources. The unit's work was clustered in four action

Providing resources that inform, educate, and
motivate United Methodists so that they become
involved in Christian social action ministries in
their communities, the nation, and the world.

Eleven times each year, staff published and distributed
to subscribers the magazine Christian Social Action,
with the newsletter "Word from Washington" as an
eight-page insert. In addition, staff produced: the 20-
booklet series "Faithful Witness on Today's Issues,"
which highlights General Conference resolutions; the
Social Principles in booklet format (in English, Spanish,
and Korean) and supplementary materials assisting
study of the Social Principles; the annual congressional
directory "Register Citizen Opinion"; and various other
educational issue-oriented materials.

Creating a greater awareness and positive im-
age of the General Board of Church and Society
and seeking to increase usage of the GBCS re-
sources. Staff worked closely with the staffs of the
Interpreter and United Methodist News Service to ob-
tain articles and news coverage, developed interpretive
materials about the GBCS, and carried on, in coopera-
tion with other GBCS units, annual promotional efforts
with annual conferences, districts, and local churches
(through the late-August UN Day mailing) .

Developing resources to assist United Meth-
odists in identifying, evaluating and taking action
in response to values commtuiicated by the me-
dia. Staff wrote or coordinated articles on issues of
media literacy for publication in Interpreter, Christian
Social Action, and "Word from Washington"; utilized
and promoted the materials of the Center for Media
Literacy; tracked, analyzed, and interpreted to constitu-
ency legislation dealing with media issues; developed,
in cooperation with UMCom, a resolution on "Violence
in Electronic Media and Film" for submission to the
1996 General Conference; and worked with the NCC
and secular organizations dealing with media issues.

Facilitating more effective two-way conununi-
cation that will strengthen the network of United
Methodists involved in Christian social action and
using electronic resources to inform, educate, and
motivate. Staff worked with GBGM video production
personnel to produce a new cooperative video highlight-
ing local churches involved in justice ministries; contin-
ued to promote and distribute the Social Principles
videos, "More Than Words" (for adults) and 'The Re-
treat" (for confirmation-age youth); assisted the GBCS
in research and planning for use of available electronic
networks; began to place GBCS materials on Ecunet; in
1995 began to utilize the Internet.

United Nations and Chapel Ministry

During this quadrennium, the GBCS continued its
United Nations ministry, begun in 1953 and expanded
in 1960 when the General Conference mandated a joint

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DCA Advance Edition

office in cooperation with the Women's Division; the two
agencies then worked together to build the Church
Center for the United Nations at 777 UN Plaza. Total
expenditures for the GBCS four-year UN ministry at the
quadrennium's end will be approximately $1,200,363
(unaudited estimate) . The Church Center chapel, site of
several thousand religious services during the quadren-
nium, continued to provide a sanctuary used by people
of various faiths.

Staff continued to train local church members,
either at the site of the UN in New York City or in annual
conference experiences, to "think globally-act locally."
Annually it developed materials for the all-church mail-
ing with resources for UN Sunday and for UNICEF Day.
At the United Nations, the GBCS staff promoted the
General Conference positions on international con-
cerns, human rights, justice and equity, and peace. (It
was not unusual for world leaders at the United Nations
to make note of the work done at the Church Center that
helps to facilitate the successes of the international
body.)

A significant portion of the work of the UN ministry
during this quadrennium focused on the series of inter-
national conferences planned and held under UN aus-
pices-International Conference on Environment and
Development (Earth Summit), World Conference on
Human Rights, International Conference on Population
and Development, World Summit on Social Develop-
ment, and the Fourth World Conference on Women.

For each conference, the UN ministry provided
research, education, advocacy, and access to the confer-
ences. In cooperation with the Women's Division, it
provided the framework and location for the Non-gov-
ernmental Organization hospitality center. This facility
offered unique opportunities for NGO's to network, dis-
cover and use resources, and meet wi± UN governmen-
tal officials and other representatives of NGO
organizations from around the world.

The unfilled aspirations for justice increase the ne-
cessity for and demand on this United Methodist office
at the United Nations. During the quadrennium, resur-
gent racial, ethnic, religious, and national violence con-
tinued to grow throughout the world; The United
Methodist Church brought a long history of anti-xeno-
phobia and demands for racial justice into that turbu-
lence, and will continue to do so. A recent report of the
Independent Working Group on the Future of the
United Nations offered a shared vision supported by the
presence of the GBCS UN ministry. With the United
Nations during this quadrennium, the GBCS continued
(and will continue into the quadrennia ahead) to work

for "a world of equity and justice, a world of shared
economic progress, a world in which future generations
can live secure and well, at peace with themselves and
wath the environment on which their very survival will
depend."

A Cost to Discipleship

As in past quadrennia, the GBCS again carried on
its work while confronted with steadily shrinking finan-
cial resources and faced with increasing requests for
actions by this agency. Over 30 of the resolutions com-
ing out of the 1992 General Conference included re-
quests for actions by the GBCS. Some of these-such as
promoting UN Day, giving emphasis to U.S. gun vio-
lence, or continuing the work on genetic science —
GBCS staff had already been doing. Others-such as a
UMC mental health network, resources on AIDS, or
Native American social witness programs — GBCS staff
began to do. Work on some of the others remains in the
gestation stage.

During this quadrennium, GBCS staff members
frequently have had to devote too many work hours to
quieting the anxieties of constituents shaken by the
spoken or written words of critics who seek to defame
GBCS actions and statements based on United Method-
ist positions adopted by General Conference. The GBCS
General Secretary, in his March 1995 report to the
board, talked about Christian response to the unsettling
stirrings in Church and society in this era:

"We are members of the Body of Christ, and we are
persons who, in faith, continue to discern how our faith
consciousness resonates with society's actions. No mat-
ter how many times we are misquoted in the church and
secular press, no matter how our minisfries may be
interpreted by others, no matter what personal cost it
takes to sustain our witness, we must be clear that our
expressions of personal righteousness are clearly
bound to our expressions of civic and public righteous-
ness in the faith."

"We are mandated to be the public policy agency of
The United Metiiodist Church," Dr. Fassett stated. "We
are mandated to address issues of private and public
righteousness. We do not accept the prophesy that we
wOl die in a polluted land. We do not accept the aphorism
that there will always be wars and rumors of wars. And
we must not accept the conclusion that the poor will
always be among us. Our mandate from God is not to
abide in or be resigned to these kinds of prophesies, but
to defy the conclusions. To do so is not heresy; it is
discipleship, and there is a cost to discipleship."

Church and Society

117

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^70.

Petition Number: 20918-CS-70-D; GBCS.

Water, Air, Soil, Minerals, Plants
Amend ^ 704:

A) Water, Air, Soil, Minerals, Plants. — ^We support
and encourage social policies that serve to reduce and
control the creation of industrial by-products and waste;
facilitate the safe processing and disposal of toxic and
nuclear waste; encourage reduction of municipal
waste; provide for appropriate recycling and_disposal
of municipal waste; and assist the clean-up enhance
the rejuvenation of polluted air, water, and soil. We
support measures designed to maintain and restore
natural ecosystems, which will halt the spread of de-
serts into formerly productive lands. We support regu-
lations designed to protect plant life, including those that
provide for reforestation and for conservation of grass-
lands. We support policies that develop alternatives to
retard the indiscriminate use of chemicals, including
those used for growing,. ..We urge development of inter-
national agreements concerning equitable utilization of
the world's ocean's resources for human benefit so
long as the integrity of the earth seas is maintained.
Moreover, we support policies on the part of govern
mcnts and industries that conserve fossil and other
fuels, and that eliminate methods of securing minerals
that destroy plants, animals, and soil. We encourage
creation of new sources for food and power, while main-
taining the goodness of the earth.

^70.

Petition Number: 20919-CS-70-D; GBCS.

Animal Life

Amend ^ 70C:

C) [Second Sentence] Furthermore, wWe encour-
age the preservation of all animal species new includ-
ing those threatened with extinction. We also rccogninc
the necc3sit>' of the use of animals in medical and cos-
metic rcscorchi however, we reject the abuse of the

^70.

Petition Number: 20920-CS-70-D; GBCS.
Space
Delete ^ 70D and substitute new text:

D) Space. — The universe, known and un-
known, is the creation of God and is due the
respect we are called to give the Earth.

^70.

Petition Number: 20921-CS-70-D; GBCS.
Science and Technology

Delete the first paragraph of ^ 70E and substitute
new text

E) Science and Technology. — We recognize science
and technology as an interpretation and use of God's
natural world.

170.

Petition Number: 20229-CS-70.1-D;CNV, WPA
A Dioxin-Free Future
Amend ^ 704:

A) Water, Air, Soil, Minerals, Plants. — ^We support
and encourage social policies that serve to reduce and
control the creation of industrial by-products and waste;
facilitate the safe processing and disposal of toxic and
nuclear waste and that move toward the elimination
of both;.. .We support policies that retard the indiscrimi-
nate use of chemicals, including those used for growing,
processing, and preserving food, and encourage
strongly urge adequate research...

171.

Petition Number: 20001-CS-71-D;LRK
Abortion
Amend f 71H:

[Fourth sentence] But we are equally bound to re-
spect the sacredness of the life and well being of the
mother, for whom devastating damage death may re-
sult from an unacceptable untimely pregnancy. In con-
tinuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic
conflicts of life with life that may ju9tif>' make prefer-
able the option of abortion, and in such cases support
the legal option of abortion under proper medical proce-

118

DCA Advance Edition

dures. We cannot affirm unconditionally reject abor-
tion as an acceptable means of birth control, and wc
unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection.
We call all Christians.. .We encourage call for the
Church to provide nurturing mmistries to those who
give birth and to those children whose birth par-
ents are unable to parent

^71.

Petition Number: 2(X)11-CS-71-D;VIR

Family Violence and Abuse
Add the following new text at the end of ^ TLA):

We recognize that fiamily violence/abuse, in all
its forms — ^verbal, psychological, physical, sex-
ual— is detrimental to die covenant of the human
community. We further recognize the primary re-
sponsibility of the church to provide a safe envi-
ronment for the victims, be they spouse, child,
parent, or other member of the family. While we
deplore the actions of the abuser, we affirm that
person to be wordiy of God's redeeming love.

1[71.

Petition Number: 20022-CS-71-D;CNV.

Equal Protection and Treatment
Within The United Methodist Church

Add a new sentence before the last sentence of ^
71G:

We are equally committed to equal protection
and treatment within the United Methodist
Church.

^71.

Petition Number: 20053-CS71-D;NGA, WNC, SGA,
EPA WNY, SIN.

Human Sexuality

Retain the current statements regarding homosexu-
ality in ^ 1\F.

^71.

Petition Number: 20120-CS-71-D;WIS.

Correct Language which Classifies Lesbian
and Gay Persons

Delete the second sentence of the first paragraph of
'n7LF.

^71.

Petition Number: 20121-CS71-D;IWA
Christian Sexual Morality

Add the following new text after the second sen-
tence of ^71 F;:

We reaf&rm the Christian moral standard of
fideUty in marriage and celibacy in singleness, for
all persons. This standard was practiced and
tau^t by Jesus Christ The widespread rejection
of this standard by secular culture, and the frailty
of himian nature are reasons for the church to
uphold and advocate this standard, not to retreat
from it

^71.

Petition Number: 20122-CS-71-D;CNV, NNJ, NYK.
NIL, GBCS, NYMO.

Human Sexuality

Amend the third sentence of the fifth paragraph of
^7LF:

Although wc do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible with
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

^71.

Petition Number: 20153-CS-71-D;NGA, NCA
Abortion
Amend ^ 7L^:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctity of un-
born human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.
Indeed, we cannot af&rm abortion as an accept-
able means of birth control, and we uncondition-
ally reject it as a means of gender selection. Btrt
wWe are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the
life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating
damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In
continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize
tragic conflicts where the life of the unborn direcdy
and immediately threatens the life of the mother of
life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases
encourage clergy and congregations to pray for
and support such mothers and their families, stip-
port the legal option of abortion under proper medical
procedures. Wc cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable
means of birth control, and wc unconditionally reject it
as a means of gender selection. Wc call all Christians to
a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of con-
ditions that may warrant abortion. Furthermore, wWe
call for the Church to provide nurturing ministries to
those persons who have obtained abortions for \*1iat-
ever reasons terminate a pregnancy. Also wWe call

Church and Society

119

encourage the Church to provide a full range of wel-
coming, nurturing ministries to those who give giving
birth — especially to those in the midst of "crisis
pregnancies". Finally, we acknowledge that gGov-
emmental laws and regulations do not provide all the
guidance required by the informed Christian con-
science...

^71.

Petition Number: 20184-CS-71-D;NAL.

Abortion: The Beginning and Ending of Life
Amend ^ 71i/:

H) Abortion. — ^The beginning of life and the ending
of life are the God-given boundaries of human existence.
While individuals have always had some degree of con-
trol over when they would die, they now have the awe-
some power to determine when and even whether new
individuals will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of
unborn human life makes us reluctant unable to ap-
prove abortion. Btrt However, we are equally bound to
respect the sacredness of the life nnd well-being of the
mother, for whom devastating damage may result from
an unacceptable eminently life threatening preg-
nancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we
recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may-jttstify
abortion warrant the termination of a pregnancy,
and in such cases support the legol option of abortion
under proper medical procedures leave that decision
up to each individual as they seek God's guidance,
and the advice of their physician, pastor, and fam-
ily. We cannot affirm unconditionally reject abortion
as an acceptable means of birth control, and we uncon-
ditionally reject it as a means of gender selection. We
call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry
into the sorts of conditions that may warrant cause one
to consider abortion...

171.

Petition Number: 20195-CS-71-D;HOL.
Human Sexuality

Amend the last sentence of the first paragraph of %
71F:

Further, within the context of our understanding of
this gift of God, we rceognigc that God challenges us to
find rcsponaiblc, committed, and loving forma of cxprca-
8i©ftwe gratefully receive the Scriptural witness to
ttie will of God that heterosexual marriage is the
responsible, committed, and loving relationship
for sexual expression in its fullness.

171.

Petition Number: 20196-CS-71-D;MNN.

Fair and Inclusive Treatment of Persons
of Homosexual Orientation

Affirm the statements regarding homosexuals in ^

71G.

171.

Petition Number: 20261-CS71-D;ORI, MNN.
Human Sexuality
Amend the fifth paragraph of ^ 71F:

[Third sentence] Although we do not condone the
practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching, wWe affirm that
God's grace is available to all.

171.

Petition Number: 20262-CS-71-D;ORI.
Human Sexuality
Amend the second paragraph of ^ 71F:

...We reject all sexual expressions which damage or
destroy the humanity God has given us as birthright,
and we affirm only that sexual expression which en-
hances that same humanity, in the midst of diverse
opinion as to what constitutes that enhancement. We
believe that sexual relations wliere one or both
partners are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous
are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian
behavior, and are ultimately destructive to indi-
viduals, families, and the social order.

171.

Petition Number: 20283-CS-71-D;PNW.

An Amendment on Men and Women
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 71E:

Women and Men. — We affirm with scripture the
basic similarity of the sexes and assert that it is
human similarities and not differences that allow
persons to find intimacy and partnership in ac-
cordance witfi God's intention. We reject the an-
cient dualism between male and female which has
led to the erroneous notion that one gender is
superior to another, and that one gender must
strive against another, and that members of one
gender may receive love, power and esteem only
at the expense of another. We especially reject the
idea that God made individuals as incomplete
Augments made whole only in relationship to an-
other. We call upon women and men alike to share

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DCA Advance Edition

power and control, to learn to give freely and to
receive freely, to be complete and to respect the
wholeness of others. We seek for every individual
opportunities and freedom to love and be loved, to
seek justice and to practice moral self-determina-
tion. We understand our gender diversity to be a gift
from God, intended to add to the rich variety of
human experience and perspective; and we guard
against attitudes and traditions that would use this
good gift to leave members of one sex more vulner-
able in relationships than members of another.

^71.

Petition Number: 20284-CS-71-D;WMI.

Amendment on Human Sexuality
Amend the fifth paragraph of % 71.F:

[Third sentence] Although we do not condone the
practice of homosexuality and conaidcr this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching, While the
church is not of one mind in imderstanding the
relationship between sexuahty and historic Chris-
tian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to
aU.

^71.

Petition Number: 20285-CS-71-D;WMI, HOL.
Human Sexuality

Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ 7LFby adding the
following after the first sentence:

We call upon the general agencies and the
local churches to afBrm sexual abstinence outside
of marriage as the standard of United Methodism.

^71.

Petition Number: 20286-CS-71-D;PNW.

An Amendment on Homosexual Persons
Amend the fifth paragraph of ^ 7 IF:

[Thu-d sentence] Although we do not condone the
practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that
God's grace is available to all. Research, theological
inquiry, and spiritual discernment have not led
United Methodists to a consensus of the etiology
of homosexual orientation. We remain divided in
our understanding of homosexual orientation and
practice. We continue to seek God's truth and
understanding in a spirit of humility and love.

^71.

Petition Number: 20287-CS71-D;PNW.

An Amendment on the Role of Sexuality

Delete the first paragraph of ^ 7LFand replace with
new text

F) Human Sexuality. — In sexuality we find God's
gifts of the power of intimacy and mutual pleasuring as
well as the gift of procreation. We affirm that sexual
pleasure and happiness are significant parts of human
experience. We honor the goodness of sexuality and
give thanks to God for its diversity. As stewards of this
gift we seek to find responsible, committed, and loving
forms of expression while remaining accountable to
God's demands for justice. We express a deep concern
for those who are sexually abused, exploited, violated
and isolated, and we seek to know and learn fi-om those
who have been so injured. We urge to church to advo-
cate on behalf of such persons and to work with them
for justice in the social order.

171.

Petition Number: 20288-CS-71-D;WMI.

Violence against Abortionists
Add the following sentence at the end of % 71H:

Fiuthermore, we do not encourage or con-
done, imder any circtmistances, any form of vio-
lent protest or action against anyone involved in
the abortion dilemma.

171.

Petition Number: 20289-CS-71-D;NAK, HOL

Concerning Alternatives to Abortion
Amend ^ 71H:

We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful
inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant
abortion. We commit our church to provide alter-
natives to abortion at all levels of church life. We

call for the Church...

171.

Petition Number: 20526-CS-71-D;NAK, SIL, EOH,
WVA,HOL,TEX.

Human Sexuality

Retain the next to the last sentence of ^ 71F without
change.

Church and Society

121

^71.

Petition Number: 20700-CS-71-D;KEN.
Human Sexuality

Retain the present language on homosexuality in
the last paragraph of ^ 7LF.

1171.

Petition Number: 20701-CS-71-D;NIL
Human Sexuality

Delete the first, second, and fifth paragraphs of
^71F and substitute the following text:

F) Human Sexuality. — ^We recognize sexuality as a
gift of God to all persons. We believe persons may be
more fully human when they acknowledge this good gift
for themselves and others. We call all persons to a
disciplined and responsible stewardship of this gift, so
that it may be fulfilled in them. We recognize our limited
understanding of this precious gift and we encourage
theological, social science and medical disciplines to join
together in efforts to increased knowledge and under-
standing of human sexuality. We call on the church to
take the lead in this endeavor.

Because we understand sexuality as a gift of
God, we are challenged to responsible, committed
and loving forms of sexual expression. We, there-
fore, afiBrm sexual relations only in the sanctity of
the marriage bond and in the sanctity of commit-
ted and covenanted relationships. Sex may be-
come exploitative in any human relationship. We,
therefore, reject all sexual expressions which de-
mean, subordinate or damage the humanity God
has given us, and we afSrm only those sexual
expressions which enhance and fulfil this human-
ity.

All persons, regardless of gender or sexual
orientation, are individuals of sacred worth. The
ministry and guidance of the church should be
available to all who struggle toward human and
sexual fulfillment The church should provide the
spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship which
enables reconciling relationships with God, with
others, and with self. We affirm that God's grace
is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in
ministry for and with all persons.

We deplore all forms of the commercialization...

^71.

Petition Number: 20702-CS71-D;EOH.

Regarding Human Sexuality

Amend the last sentence of the first paragraph of ^

7 LP:

Further, within the context of our understanding of
this gift of God, we rccogninc that God challcngca us to
find rcaponaiblc, committed, and lovingforma of cxprcs-
«i©ft we gratefully receive the Scriptural witness to
the will of God that heterosexual marriage is the
responsible, committed, and loving relationship
for sexual expression in its fullness.

^71.

Petition Number: 20703-CS-71-D;EOH.
Abortion
Add a new sentence at the end of 11 71H:

In addition, in the fece of increasing violence
at medical facilities which provide abortion serv-
ices, we remind all persons, no matter how ear-
nest they are in their personal objection to any
form of abortion, that the United Methodist
Church affirms that those who dissent from any
given law are to do so by "refraining fi'om vio-
lence." (Discipline: 74E)

^71.

Petition Number: 20704-CS71-D;KEN.

Abortion
Amend ^ 71H:

...we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that
may justify abortion, these conflicts being incest,
rape, or endangering the mother's life, and in such
cases...

171.

Petition Number: 20705-CS-71-D;KEN.
Abortion
Amend the fourth sentence of ^ 71//:

But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness
of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom dev-
astating damage may result from an unacceptable prcg-

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DCA Advance Edition

^71.

Petition Number: 20706-CS-71-D;KEN.
Abortion
Amend the third sentence of ^ 7\H:

Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life
molica U9 reluctant to approve abortion keeps us from
approving abortion on demand.

f71.

Petition Number: 20707-CS71-D;KEN.
Abortion
Amend ^ 71//:

...We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful
inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant
abortion, and seek to find alternatives that might
be available. We call for the Church...

171.

Petition Number: 20747-CS-71-D;CAP.
Human Sexuality

Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ llFhy adding new
text after the first sentence:

We call upon the general agencies and the
local churches to a£Grm sexual abstinence outside
of marriage as the behavioral standard of United
Methodists.

171.

Petition Number: 20748-CS-71-D;CAP, KSE.

Human Sexuality
Amend the fifth paragraph of ^ 7LF:

[Tliird sentence] Although we do not condone the
practice of homoacxuality and consider this practice
incompatible syith Christian teaching, wWe affirm...

171.

Petition Number: 20749-CS-71-D;NEB.

Abortion
Retain 1 71H.

171.

Petition Number: 20848-CS71-D; GCSRW.
Sexual Harassment
Add a new sub-paragraph to ^ 71:

Sexual harassment. — Sexual harassment is
any unwanted sexual advance or demand, either
verbal or physical, which is perceived by the re-
cipient as demeaning, intimidating or coercive.
Sexual heirassment must be understood as an ex-
ploitation of a power relationship rather than as an
exclusively sexual issue. Sexual harassment also
includes the creation of a hostile or abusive work-
ing environment resulting from discrimination on
the basis of gender.

Sexuid harassment creates improper, coer-
cive, and abusive conditions wherever it occurs in
society. Sexual harassment imdermines the social
goal of equal opportunity and the climate of mu-
tual respect between men and women. Unwanted
sexual attention is wrong and discriminatory. Sex-
ual harassment interferes with the moral mission
of the chiu-ch.

171.

Petition Number: 20865-CS-71-D; Methodist Federa-
tion for Social Action, CPA

Human Sexuality

Amend the next to last sentence of the fifth para-
graph of ^71F:

Although wc do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible vdth
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

171.

Petition Number: 20922-CS-71-D; GBCS.
Divorce
Delete ^ 710 and substitute new text

D) Divorce. — When a married couple is es-
tranged beyond reconciliation, even after thought-
ful consideration and cotmsel, divorce is an alter-
native in the midst of brokenness. Although
divorce publicly declares that a marriage no longer
exists, odier covenantal relationships resulting
from the marriage remain, such as the nurture
and support of children and extended £unily ties.
We urge respectful negotiations in deciding the
custody of minor chUdren, and support the con-
sideration of either or both parents for this re-
sponsibility. The welfare of each child is the most
important consideration.

Church and Society

123

Divorce does not preclude a new marriage. We
encourage an intentional commitment of the
church and society to minister compassionately to
those in the process of divorce, as well as mem-
bers of divorced and remarried families in a com-
munity of faith where God's grace is shared by all.

^72.

PetiUon Number: 20023-CS-72-D;WYO, CAP, WVA,
NYK,NIL

Basic Rights of all Persons

Add a new sentence at the end of the first paragraph
of ^72:

We support the basic rights of all persons to
equal access to housing, education, employment,
medical care, legal redress for grievances, emd
physical protection.

^72.

Petition Number: 20305-CS-72-D;WPA

Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Amend ^ 72G:

G) Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
People with Disabilities. — ^We recognize.. .We affirm the
responsibility of the Church and society to be in ministry
with all persons, including those persona with mentally,
physically, and/or psychologically handicapping condi-
tions people with disabilities whose disabilities... We
urge the Church and society to receive the gifts of
persons wth handicapping conditions people with
disabilities to enable them...

172.

Petition Number: 20868-CS72-D; Methodist Federa-
tion for Social Action, CPA.

Basic Human Rights

Add a new sentence at the end of the first paragraph
of 172:

We support the basic rights of all persons to
equal access to housing, education, employment,
medical care, legal redress for grievances, and
physical protection.

172.

Petition Number: 20923-CS-72-D; NIN.
The Social Community
Add a new sub-paragraph after 'd 72C:

Once considered the property of their moth-
ers, unborn children are now acknowledged to be,
if not fully human, at least as human beings in
process. Because of this, we are reluctant to sup-
port any view which would view the developing
fetus as merely a mass of tissue. We believe every
unborn child has the right to be loved, if not by its
natural bom parents, then by adoptive parents.
With the right to be loved comes also the right to
be bom and accepted into the world as a child of
God.

172.

Petition Number: 20924-CS-72-D; GBCS.
Rights of Religious Minorities
Amend the third sentence of ^ 725:

In particular, wWe condemn antiScmitc, anti Mus-
lim, and anti Christian attitudes and practices in both
theif all overt and covert forms of religious intoler-
ance, being especially sensitive...

172.

Petition Number: 20925-CS72-D; GBCS.

Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Amend ^ 72G:

G) Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Disabilities. — ^We recognize.. .We affirm the responsibil-
ity of the church and society to be in ministry with all
persons, including those persons with mentally, physi-
cally, and/or psychologically handicapping conditions
disabilities whose disabilities or differences in appear-
ance or behavior create aproblem... We urge the Church
and society to receive the gifts of j. ersons with handicap-
ping conditions disabilities to enai-^le them...

172.

Petition Number: 20926-CS-72-D; GBCS.

Media Violence and Christian Values

Amend the next to last sentence of the last para-
graph of ^ 720:

¥et Many in the media remain aloof to the issue,
claiming to reflect society rather than to influence it
society.

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DCA Advance Edition

^72.

Petition Number: 20927-CS-72-D; GBCS.
Right to Health Care
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 72:

Right to Health Care. — Health is a condition of
physical, mental, social, find spiritual well-being
and we view it as a responsibility — public and
private. Health care is a basic human right. Psalm
146 speaks of the God "who executes justice for
the oppressed; who gives food to the himgry. The
Lord sets prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes
of the blind." It is imjust to construct or perpetu-
ate barriers to physical wholeness or full partici-
pation in commtmity.

We encourage individuals to pursue a healthy
life style and affirm the importance of preventive
health care, health education, environmental and
occupational safety, good nutrition, emd secure
housing in achieving health. We also recognize the
role of governments to assure that each individual
has access to those elements necessary to good
healdi.

173.

Petition Number: 20024-CS-73-D;CNV, CAP.
The Rights of all Persons

Delete the first sentence of ^ 73C and substitute the
following:

C) Work and Leisure. — Every person has the
right to a job at a living wage. Where the private
sector cannot or does not provide jobs for all who
seek and need them, it is the responsibility of
government, organized to "provide for the general
welfare" (US Constitution), to provide for the crea-
tion of such jobs.

SI73.

Petition Number: 20866-CS-73-D; Methodist Federa-
tion for Social Action, CPA.

Right to a Job

Delete the first sentence of ^ 73C and substitute the
following new text

Every person has the right to a job at a living
wage. Where the private sector cannot or does not
provide jobs for all who seek and need them, it is
the responsibiUty of government, organized "to
provide for the general welfare" (U.S. Constitu-
tion) to provide for the creation of such jobs.

173.

Petition Number: 20928-CS-73-D; GBCS.
Consumption
Amend ^ 73D:

D) Consumption. — We support efforts to ensure
truth in pricing, packaging, lending, and advertising. We
assert that the consumers' primary responsibility is to
provide themselves with needed goods and services of
high quality at the lowest cost consistent with economic
practices. They Consumers should exercise.. .These
who manufacture goods and offer scr\'icc3 serve society
best when they aid consumers in fulfilling these respon-
sibilities. Consumers should evaluate.. .express dissatis-
faction with harmful economic, social, or ecological
practices.. .For example, these methods can be used to
influence better television and radio programming.

173.

Petition Number: 20929-CS-73-D; GBCS.

Poverty
Amend the second sentence of ^ 73E:

Increasing technology aft4 when accompanied by
exploitative economic practices impoverishes many per-
sons and makes poverty self-perpetuating.

173.

Petition Number: 20930-CS-73-D; GBCS.

Gambling

Amend 1 73:

[Second sentence] As an act of faith and-leve con-
cern, Christians should abstain.. .and constructive ends.
The church shotdd promote Community standards
and personal lifestyles should be such as wWch would
make unnecessary...

174.

Petition Number: 20263-CS-74-D;NEB.
Cultural Yiolence
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 74 G:

Cultural Violence, — ^The pain of Jesus over his
people's blindness to "things that make for peace"
as he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday enters
our hearts when we view the addiction to violence
which permeates the cultures of our time, includ-
ing otu* own. In shame we confess that, apart from
God's grace through Christ, revenge, hatred, coer-
cion, and violence lie close to us. We commit our
covenant commtmity of faith to discernment, un-

Church and Society

125

derstanding, and living out in all our beliefs and
behaviors the ways of reconciliation and coopera-
tion in the resolution of conflict. We will do so in our
church schools, our prayer groups, oiu- study and
service and mission groups, our worship and ad-
ministration, in our individual heart of hearts, and
in oiu' daily lives. We will do more than criticize. We
will do more them bewail the behavior which scares
us and retreat into hoped-for safe havens. We will
heed the word of the writer of Ephesians, "But if you
bite and devour one another take heed that you are
not consumed by one another" (5:15), and the
more ancient word of Deuteronomy, "...I have set
before you life and death, blessing and curse; there-
fore choose life, thatyou and your descendants may
live." (30:19b) We will become "ambassadors for
Christ," who carry out oiu" "ministry of reconcili-
ation.'' (II Cor. 5)

^74.

Petition Number: 20931-CS-74-D; GBCS.
Political Responsibility
Amend the last sentence of ^ 745:

The church should continually exert a strong ethi-
cal influence upon the state, supporting policies and
programs deemed to be just and compassionate and
opposing policies and programs which are net unjust

^74.

Petition Number: 20932-CS74-D; GBCS.
Education
Amend the last sentence of ^ 74Z):

The state should not use its authority to inculcate
promote particular religious beliefs...

^74.

Petition Number: 20933-CS-74-D; GBCS.

Civil Obedience and Civil Disobedience
Amend 1 74£::

[Fourth sentence] ...after having exhausted all legal
recourse, to resist or disobey laws which they deem to
be unjust or laws which are discriminately enforced.
Even then, respect for law should be shown by refrain-
ing from violence and by accepting being willing to
accept the costs of disobedience.. .We assert the duty of
churches to support everyone those who suffer* fef
because of their stands the cause of conscience rep-
resented by non-violent beliefs or actS7-an4. We
urge governments seriously to consider restoration of
rights to such persona while also maintaining respect for
those who obey ensure civil rights, as defined by the

International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, to persons in legal jeopardy because of
those non-violent acts.

^74.

Petition Number: 20934-CS-74-D; GBCS.
Military Service
Delete the first two sentences of ^ 74G.

^76.

Petition Number: 20306-CS-76-D;WPA.
Our Social Creed
Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ 76:

We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women,
children, youth, young adults, the aging, and those with
handicapping conditions people with disabilities;...

^728.

Petition Number: 20008-CS-728-D;MOW,MOE.

Flexibility in Annual Conference Structure
Amend 1 728:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize.. .as set
forth in ^^ 1102-1104. The responsibilities of the
Board of Church and Society may be assigned to
an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the Conference Council that cares for the
functions of and the connectional relationships of
the General Board of Church and Society, the
Conference, the districts, and the local churches.
The person or persons serving as member(s) of
the General Board of Church and Society may be
member(s) of the Conference Board of Church
and Society or equivalent structure and may be
granted voting privileges.

3. The conference board, in cooperation with the
General Board of Church and Society and the Annual
Conference Council on Ministries, shall develop...

1728.

Petition Number: 20009-CS-728-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Church and Society
Amend ^ 728:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize a Board of
Church and Society or an equivalent structure (or the
responsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides pursuant to % 707.x) that shall provide...

126

DCA Advance Edition

1728.

Petition Number: 20472-CS-728-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Board
of Church and Society

Delete 1 728.

1728.

Petition Number: 20443-CS-728.1-D;NMX.

Conference Board of Church and Society
Amend ^728.1:

1. ?^ Annual Conferences shall organize provide
for the fulfillment of the purposes, duties and re-
sponsibilities assigned to the-a Board of Church and
Society by ^728,3-6 and elsewhere, or an cquiva
lent structure by structuring themselves as they
deem appropriate, that In doing so, it shall provide
for.. .as set forth in ^^1102-1104. References in this
paragraph, and elsewliere in the Discipline to "the
Board of Chiirch and Society," or to "the board,"
in appropriate context, shall be interpreted and
construed to refer to the structure provided pur-
suant to this paragraph, whatever called or
named.

1728.

Petition Number: 20935-CS-728.1-D; GBCS.

Annual Conference Board of Church and Society
Amend ^ 728.1:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize a Board of
Church and Society or an equivalent structure that shall
provide for the connectional relationship between
the General Board of Church and Society and the
conference, district, and local church, as well as
for Church and society responsibilities related to the
purpose, objectivesT and responsibilities scope of work
of the General Board of Church and Society as set forth
in T^ 1102-1104.

1728.

Petition Number: 20444-CS-728.2-D;NMX.

Membership of the Board of Church and Society
Amend f 728.2:

2. The conference Board of Church and Society or
equivalent structure shall be composed of those persons
as determined by the Annual Conference. It may have
membership in common with other structures,
and it may be assigned other duties and responsi-
bihties. When it sits as the Board, the structure
should include including as an ex officio member the
mission coordinator for Christian social involvement of
the conference United Methodist Women. Guidelines
for inclusivcncss in the membership shall be followed
(11707.4).

1728.

Petition Number: 20936-CS728.2-D; GBCS.

Membership of the Annual Conference Board

of Church and Society
Amend 1 728.2:

2. The conference Board of Church and Society or
equivalent structure shall be composed of those persons
as determined by the Annual Conference including as
an ex officio member, by virtue of their offices, the
mission coordinator for Christian social involvement of
the conference United Methodist Women and mem-
bers of the General Board of Church and Society
from the Annual Conference who shall serve
within hmits set by %% 707.5 and 810.5. Guide-
lines...

1753.

Petition Number: 20555-CS-753-D;WNC.

Eliminate District Director of and Committee
on Church and Society

Delete ^ 753.

1728.

Petition Number: 21632-CS-728.1-D; GCOM.
Board of Church and Society
Amend II 728.1:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize a Board of
Church and Society or an equivalent structure that
other structiu-e to provide for these functions and
maintain the connectional relationships. It shall
provide for...

11102.

Petition Number: 20937-CS-1102-D; GBCS.

The Purpose of the Board of Church and Society
Amend ^ 1102:

[Second sentence] It shall seek to bring the whole
of human life, including all activities, possessions, use
of resources, and community.. .It shall show the mem-
bers of the Church and the societythatthe reconciliation
which that God effected...

Church and Society

127

^1103.

Petition Number: 20938-CS-l 103-D; GBCS.
Objectives
Amend ^ 1103:

Objectives. — ^To achieve its purpose, the board shall:

pProject plans and programs that challenge the
members of The United Methodist Church to work
through their own local churches, through ecumenical
channels, and through society toward personal, social,
and civic righteousness; te

ftAssist the District and Annual Conferences with
needed resources in areas of such concerns; t»

aAnalyze the issues whieh that confront the person,
the local community, the nation persons, communi-
ties, nations, and the world; and to

eEncourage Christian lines of action which that
assist humankind to move toward a world where peace
and justice are achieved.

^1104.

Petition Number: 20867-CS-1104-D; United Methodist
Appalachian Development Committee.

Responsibility of the General Board of Church

and Society
Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ 1104:

The board will maintain a close relationship with the
General Commissions on Religion and Race, aft4 the
Commission on the Status and Role of Women, the
Appalachian Development Committee, and the
U.S./Mexico Bi-Lateral Mission Advisory Commit-
tee as they seek to coordinate...

^1104.

Petition Number: 20939-CS-1104-D; GBCS.
Responsibilities
Amend ^ 1104:

Responsibilities. — ^The pPrime responsibility of the
board.. .Furthermore, the board and its executives shall
provide forthright witness and action on those social
issues of human well-being, justice, peace and the
integrity of creation that call Christians to respond as
forgiven people for whom Christ died. In particular, the
board shall conduct a program of research, education,
and action, consistent with the Social Principles
and policies adopted by the General Conference,

on the wide range of issues confronting that confront
the Church consistent with the Social Principles and the
policies adopted by the General Conference.

The board shall analyze long-range social trends
and their underlying ethical values, systemic alterna-
tives, and strategics for social change and explore alter
natc futures. It shall explore systemic strategies for
social change and alternative futures. It shall
speak its convictions, interpretations and con-
cerns to the Church, and to die world.

The board. ..particularly on the specific aeetal issues
prioritized by the board. Special attention shall be given
to nurturing the niuture of the active constituency of
the board. The board will encoiu-age by encouraging
an exchange of ideas on strategy and methodology for
social change. Through and enabling church members
through conferences, districts, coalitions, and networks
it will assist church members te as they identify and
respond to critical social issues at the community, state
end regional, nationed and international levels.

The board will shall maintain a close relationships
with the General Commissions on Religion and Race and
Status and Role of Women as they seek to coordinate
the denominational support.. .according to guidelines
stated in the Book of Discipline.

The board shall spcalt to the Church, and to the
world, its convictions, interpretations, and concerns,
recognizing the freedom and responsibility of all Chris-
tians to study, interpret, and act on any or all rccommen
dations in keeping with their own Christian calling.

In cooperation vnth...and institutions of The United
Methodist Church. (See Judicial Council Decision
387.)

^1106.

Petition Number: 20940-CS-1106-D; GBCS.

Organization of the General Board of Church

and Society
Amend TI 1106:

Organization. — ^The General Board of Church and
Society shall be composed according to the instructions
defined for all program boards in organized as speci-
fied in its By-Laws and in harmony with ^<J802-810
of the General Provisions with the addition of three
Central Conference members one clergy, one layman,
and one laywoman — to be elected by the Council of
Bishops upon Nomination by the Central Conference
College of Bishops, with the exception that each
jurisdiction shall elect to the board only one per-
son from each of its episcopal areas and one from
each of its missionary and language conferences.

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DCA Advance Edition

^1106.

Petition Number: 21647-CS1106-D; GCOM.

Organization of the General Board of Church

and Society
Amend ^ 1106:

Organization. — 1. The General Board of Church
and Society shall have sixty-four (64) members con-
stituted in accordance with ^ 805.3a and be eem-
po9cd according to the inatrucdons defined for all pro-
gram boards in organized as specified in its By-Laws
and in harmony with ^802-810 of the General Provi-
sions with the addition of three Central conference
mcmbcra-onc clergy, one la^Tnan and one la>'woman-to
be elected by the Council of Biahopa upon nomination
by the Central Conference College of Bishops.

The membership shall be constituted as fol-
lows:

a) Jurisdictional members — Clergy, laywomen
and laymen shall be elected to die board by the
Jurisdictional conference upon nomination fi"om
the Annual Conference in accordance with ^
805.3b, based on the following formula: North
Central - 7, Northeastern - 8, South Central - 10,
Southeastern - 11 and Western - 3.

b) Central Conference members — Five Central
Conference members shall be elected to the board
on nomination by the Council of Bishops, accord-
ing to die provisions in % 805.3c. At least one
Central Conference member shall be from Central
Zaire Annual Conference.

c) Episcopal members — Nine (9) episcopal mem-
bers, including at least three (3) from the Central
Conferences, shall be named by the Council of
Bishops.

d) One member elected by Iglesia Metodista
Autonoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico.

e) Additional members — (1) United Method-
ist— Additional members are nominated by a com-
mittee composed of three persons from each juris-
diction (one clergy, one laywomen and one
layman) elected by the jurisdictional conference.
They shall elect up to nine (9) additional members
to ensure inclusivity and expertise.

2. It is recommended that the board elect at
least one of the additional members without vote,
from among the other chxu-ches of the Consult-
ation on Church Union.

^1107.

Petition Number: 20941-CS-1107-D; GBCS.

Vacancies
Amend % 1107:

Vacancies. — ^Vacancies in the board membership
shall be filled by the procedure defined in ^812 of the
General Provisions.

^1108.

Petition Number: 20942-CS1108-D; GBCS.

Officers
Delete ^ 1108.

^1109.

Petition Number: 20943-CS-1109-D; GBCS.

Executive Committee
Delete ^ 1109.

^1110.

Petition Number: 20944-CS-lllO-D; GBCS.

Meetings
Delete f 1110.

^1111.

Petition Number: 20945-CS-llll.l-D; GBCS.
Financial Support
Delete ^ 1111.1 and substitute new text:

1. The General Conference shall determine
and provide the funding for the board in accord
with poUcies and procedures of ^906.

^1111.

Petition Number: 20946-CS-1111.2-D; GBCS.
Financial Support
Amend the first sentence of "J 1111.2:

2. ...in accordance with its own rules and provisions
of the Book of Discipline.

^1112.

Petition Number: 20947-CS1112-D; GBCS.

Internal Organization
Delete ^ 1112.

Church and Society

129

^1113.

Petition Number: 20010-CS-1113.1-D;SNJ.

Election of General Secretary of General Board
of Church and Society

Amend ^1113.1:

1. The general secretary shall be elected by the
board in a meinner prescribed by the board, and

shall be the chief administrative officer....

^1113.

Petition Number: 20949-CS-1113.2-D; GBCS.

All other staff
Amend TI 1113.2:

2. All other staff are to be elected or appointed in a
manner prescribed by the board and in keeping con-
sistent with the affirmative action policies of the general
Church and the board.

11113.

Petition Number: 20948-CS-1113.1-D; GBCS.
Staff
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1113.1:

1. ...the supervision of staff, and fef the administra-
tion of the headquarters office.

11114.

Petition Number: 20950-CS-1114-D; GBCS.
Headquarters
Amend the second sentence of ^ 1114:

A United Nations Office shall be conducted main-
tained in cooperation with the Women's Division of the
General Board of Global Ministries.

11115.

Petition Number: 20951-CS-1115-D; GBCS.
Bylaws
Amend ^1115:

Bylaws. — ^The General Board of Church and Society
shall provide its own bylaws, which shall not violate any
provisions of the Constitution or the Book of Discipline;.
The bylaws and which may be amended...

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Proposed Resolutions

The Natural World

Petition Number: 21045-CS-R79-U; GBCS.

The Law of the Sea

Amend "The Law of the Sea," p. 79, The Book of
Resolutions:

We recognize that "All creation is the Lord's and we
are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse
it" (1080 Statement of Social Principles)

[Fourth paragraph] But this ideal is not yet ex-
pressed in international treaty. So the race is one to ace
who will be able to exploit and control the resources of
the seas. The question facing the peoples of the world
is whether global cooperation or global anarchy will
prevail.

The best hope for global cooperation is through the
United Nations, where representatives of the nations of
the world arc at work in the conference on developed
the Law of the Sea.

The Law of tiie Sea conference worked hopes to
produce a fair...

The United Nations, Law of the Sea Treaty is
concerned with protecting this "common heritage" of
humanldnd htunfuiity. is negotiating international
agreements to It would:

— guarantee unimpeded access to over 100 straits,
facilitating commercial transportation;...

— prevent conflicts or "cod wars" lilic the one be
twecn Iceland and England over fishing waters;

We also affirm our support for the evolution of
effective "commons" law, such as the.treaties now un-
dcr development for the Antarctic, climate, biodiver-
sity, and outer space, which support* our obligations of
stewardship, justice, and peace.

Therefore, wc urge all United Methodists to be-
come informed about all of the aspects of "Law of the
Sea," one of the most critical and least understood issues
of our day.

Further, we urge all United Methodists to become
informed about the Law of the Sea, and to call upon
their governments to commit themselves to the devel-
opment of a just and equitable implementation of the
Law of the Sea Treaty, treaty through the United
Nations Conference on Law of the Sea and to ratification
of the treaty by our respective governments.

Petition Number: 2104&-CSR87-U; GBCS.

U.S. Agriculture and Riu'al Communities
in Crisis

Delete "U.S. Agriculture and Rural Communities in
Crisis," p.87, TTie Book of Resolutions and replace with
the following new text:

L Preface

The United Methodist Church has long wit-
nessed to rural peoples and their concerns. Each
Genered Conference since 1940 has suggested re-
sponses for improving rural church and commu-
nity life, and the economic and environmental
well-being of rural peoples. The 1988 General
Conference accepted a study on U.S. Agriculture
and Rural Communities in Crisis. This resolution
reaffirms that study and calls The United Method-
ist Church to continue its commitment to rural
chtu'ch ministry and its advocacy for agricultural
and rural community concerns.

XL Theological Statement: Land, People &
Justice

God is the owner of the land (Lev. 25); thus it
is a gift in covenant which involves the steward-
ship of keeping and tending the land for present
and future generations; as God's creation, land
has the need to be regenerated that it may sustain
life and be a place of joy. It is a common gift to all
of life reqturing just patterns of land use.

Social, economic, and ecological justice with
regard to the use of land was central to the Law.
The land itself was to receive a rest every seven
years (Lev. 25:4). Voluntary charity or occasional
care of the land was not enough. Israel's failure to
follow the laws related to the land was considered
a cause of the exile to Babylon (2 Chron. 36:21).
The care of the land, the rights of the poor and
those in need were at the center of the Law. Ade-
quate food was regarded as an inherent right of aU,
such that the poor could eat grapes in a neighbor's
vineyard or pluck grain when passing by a field
(DeuL 23:24-25). Owners were urged not to be
too efficient in their harvest (Lev. 19:9-10), so
that gleaning by those in need was possible.

Indeed, the concept of equal access to com-
munity resources according to need formed the
basis of the covenant the community was expected
to embody. The caring for one's neighbor, espe-
cially one in need, became a religious obligation.
Jesus both inherits and fulfills this tradition when
he Usts the commandment to love your neighbor

Church and Society

131

as yourself as second only to the commandment to
love God (Matt 22:38-40).

The prophets saw the patterns of economic
exploitation, social class consciousness, judicial
corruption, political oppression, failing to care for
the land, and exclusiveness as opposed to God's
desire for fiill life and wholeness for all (Amos 2-8;
Isa 5:1-1, 58:3-7, Jer. 2:7-8; Hos. 4:1-3). Some
would suggest that both the contemporary world
and Israel under the monarchy came to worship
"bigness" more than God.

Today, rural parts of the globe suffer from
many of the same maladies as did ancient Israel.
Land holdings have become more concentrated.
The accumulation of material wealth often is wor-
shipped as the solution to other spiritual and eco-
nomic problems. Creation itself groans under a
burden of eroding topsoil, toxic wastes, and pol-
luted waters. Neither the land nor most of the
people who work it can celebrate the wholeness
God intended.

III. Major Findings
A. The Farm Crisis

As the adverse economic conditions affecting
rural America continue to be chronic, the patterns
of diverse land ownership and control are disap-
pearing. The structiu"e of agriculture is changing.
In 1986, the Office of Technology Assessment of
the U.S. Congress estimated that about 72,000
farms may be lost each year until the year 2000.
Most of the farms expected to be lost are family
sized units. Ethnic-minority-owned and small-
scale farms will decline further if present trends
continue. A family farm is defined not by the
number of acres in operation, but as an agricul-
tural production unit and business in which the
management, economic risk, and most of the la-
bor (except in peak seasons) are provided by the
family, and from which the family receives a sig-
nificant part, though not necessarily the majority,
of its income.

Declining land values, the relationship be-
tween farm product prices and incomes, farm debt
and bankrupteies, forced land transfers and fore-
closiu-es, changes in the structure of agriculture,
and tax policy continue to contribute to the loss of
family farms.

Black and other minority farmers are even
less likely than white farmers to benefit from any
changes in the nu-al/farm economy. According to
the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Emer-
gency Land Fimd, if present land loss continues,
there will be virtuaUy no black farmers by the year
2000. Surveys of Native American farmers sug-
gest that their situation may be nearly as bleak as

that of black farmers. Farming is the leading occu-
pation among Native Americans living on reserva-
tion lands. Asian Americans and Hispanics have
historically been excluded from significant farm
ownership.

Farm workers have difficult and dangerous
work. Inadequate wages, benefits and living facili-
ties keep most farm workers in poverty.

Many farmers have internalized the external
cause of tiieir losses which has led to deep depres-
sion, spouse and family abuse, alcoholism, mental
breakdown, divorce, suicide, participation in ex-
tremist groups, and at times, miu-der.

The farm crisis accelerates the loss of nu-al
community.

B. Rural Community in Crisis

The rural United States today is a contrast
between beauty and desecration, isolation and in-
dustrialization, wealth and poverty, power and op-
pression, freedom and exploitation, abundance
and hunger, and individualism and dependence.
The nation's poorest housing and healtii facilities
occur disproportionately in rural communities, as
do the worst education, the worst roads and trans-
portation systems, the least progressive justice
systems, and the greatest poverty and m^utri-
tion. Towns which not long ago were vibrant com-
mimities of economic, social and spiritual life now
have become ghost towns with empty businesses,
abandoned homes, closed chtu'ches, and broken
spirits. Broken homes, broken lives, suicides,
bankrupteies, spouse and child abuse, unemploy-
ment, substance abuse and related violence, and
other social catastrophes often make up the local
news for many nu-al communities.

C. The Ecological Crisis in Rtu-al Areas

Much of the rural population of the United
States depends on ground water from shallow
wells, many of which are already polluted. The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1984 stuvey of nu'al water quality found that al-
most two-thirds of the supplies tested exceeded
EPA's drinking water standards for at least one
contaminant.

Soil conservation practices such as contotu*
plowing, crop rotation, wind-breaks, and covering-
cropping are affected as farmers are pushed to
farm more and more acres with bigger and bigger
equipment

The decline of conservation practices is par-
alleled by an increase in pesticide and herbicide
use. While their use brings many benefits, there

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DCA Advance Edition

are still unanswered questions that need to be care-
fully examined.

Absentee land ownership and all its short-
comings are endemic to mining. Restoration of
mined land continues to be a concern. Studies by
the Commission on Religion in Appalachia reveal
that mining interests often pay Utfle heed to resto-
ration laws, and have the political clout to get away
with ignoring them.

The loss of genetic diversity, including the
consequences of the loss of native seed and ani-
mal varieties is a concern.

The genetic engineering of plants and animals
and die patenting of genes, plants and animals
raise major concerns.

IV. The Church Responding to Crisis

In some areas the chm-ches have been helpful
in assisting farmers to cope with the loss of their
farms and in aiding others to help keep their
farms. Unfortunately, in many cases, churches
have been ineffective in fiilfiUing this ministry. A
niunber of reasons have been cited for the chur-
ch's shortcoming:

Many church members are still accepting a
theology that "goodness" means "success," and
that failure means that God has pxmished the per-
son for his/her "sins."

Many clergy are not trained adequately to
minister to the needs of the hurting families in
their commtmities.

In general, clergy are more involved in re-
sponding to congregational needs than the needs
of the larger comnumity.

In many rural areas, churches are still oper-
ating under an independent rather than a coopera-
tive model.

V. A CaU for Change: What Needs To Be Done?

A. The local churches, charges, and cooperative
parish ministries, are called to:

1. Intentionally develop ministries to meet
major needs that exist today in rural United States
including:

a. Take responsibility for assisting with mend-
ing the brokenness of community life in rm-al so-
ciety.

b. Strengthen its ministry and mission with
rural churches and communities

c. Lift up the responsible stewardship of natu-
ral resotu'ces.

d. Build bridges of understanding and part-
nership between rural and urban congregations
and communities.

2. Implement the recommendations of the
General Board of Discipleship 1992 study on
"Strengthening the Small Membership Church."

B. The districts are called to:

1. Develop and or strengthen their missional
stance in rural areas.

2. Create cluster groups and other supportive
networks within the district to faciUtate spiritual
formation.

3. Encourage cooperative leadership through
more creative use of available personnel and ap-
propriate technology.

C. Annual conferences are called to:

1. Analyze their rural crisis response and pro-
vide funding for an effective and ongoing re-
sponse.

2. Place personnel strategically in order to
respond to rural needs. Insist that pastoral ap-
pointments be made with the needs of entire com-
mimities in mind, and not just the needs of the
congregation.

3. Become public policy advocates, speaking
out as a Church, creating awareness and imder-
standing, and in bringing about positive change.

4. Cooperate with other chiu"ch and secular
agencies in a rural response.

5. Be in partnership with seminaries to de-
velop programs, including "teaching" parishes
and internships, to equip ministers to serve in
rural £ireas.

6. Develop programs to invest conference
foundation funds in rural economic development
needs.

7. Discover ways to enable the ethnic owner-
ship of farmland.

8. Model and support the team ministry con-
cept at every level, including cluster groups and
other supportive networks to facilitate spiritual
formation.

9. Develop programs for volunteers-in-mis-
sion in rural areas.

10. Encoiu^e sustainable agricultural prac-
tices by United Methodist femily-owned farms.

D. The general Church is called to:

Church and Society

133

1. Use its seminaries to prepare clergy to be
more effective pastors in rural areas, using the
"missionary training" model, knowing that many
ministers not accustomed to rural life enter into
an area where there is a new "language," a new
lifestyle, a new culture.

2. Cooperate ecumenically and with other
groups to develop responses to the problems of
rural areas.

3. Better learn the skills of personnel place-
ment, so that appointed ministers in rural areas
will have a long enough tenure to build trust/un-
derstanding relationships necessary for becoming
pastors to the community. Place more mission
(and similar) personnel in rural ministries.

4. Recognize Rural life Sunday as a special
day in the chiwch year, combining in the one day
the emphases of Riu"al life Sunday, Soil Steward-
ship Day, Earth Day, World Environment Day and
Rogation Sunday.

5. Provide opportunities for U.S. and Third
World farmers to share innovations and knowl-
edge.

6. Carefully analyze and monitor all church
agencies' programs to insure sensitivity to the pre-
sent rural crisis.

7. Emphasize, in all appropriate Uteratiu^e and
training programs, the importance of soil steward-
ship and ecology as a part of total Christian Stew-
ardship. Greneral agencies should report annually
on their stewardship of farm and rural lands they
own.

8. Consider using a significant portion of the
investment funds of all Church agencies for invest-
ment in local-church-based community economic
development in rural areas.

9. Urge all church agencies to continue to
promote the cooperative style of ministry, espe-
cially cooperative parish ministries, as a model of
God's desire for life in community.

10. Aggressively research corporate owner-
ship of agriculture and its effects upon life in rural
areas, and advocate necessary responses based
upon the findings of this research.

11. Request that the General Board of Disci-
pleship Curriculum Resoiu"ces Committee peri-
odicalty develop curriculum resoiu-ces on the is-
sues raised in this resolution, in coordination with
the General Board of Church and Society and the
General Board of Global Ministries, and make
such materials available to aU chiu'ches.

12. Call upon the General Board of Church
and Society and the General Board of Global Min-
istries to develop other materials to interpret this
resolution.

E. Bishops are called to:

1. Work toward longer term rural appoint-
ments (with a goal of a minimum of 4 years) of
clergy leadership to provide more stability in nu-al
areas.

2. Foster cooperative styles of leadership in
rural churches by more creative use of available
ministerial personnel and appropriate technology.

F. Federal legislators and administrators, as they

develop farm and nu-al policies are called to:

1 . Develop poUcies that will enable farm fami-
lies to receive a just return for their labor and
investments. These new policies would:

a. Reverse the loss of family farms.

b. Provide for credit to family farmers at af-
fordable interest rates.

c. Develop a marketing and government sup-
port system that will guarantee the cost of produc-
tion to farm families.

d. Initiate participatory democratic processes
with farmers to determine if mandatory produc-
tion goals, which would discourage over-produc-
tion of some commodities, are needed to move
toward a balance between supply and demand.

e. Greatly reduce government payments to
large corporate farming interests.

f. Create programs that would enable new
families to enter farming as vocation.

g. Create incentives for family farmers to shift
from ciurent production-oriented modes to a sus-
tainable and regenerative agriculture.

h. Ensure the participation of family farmers
regardless of race and sex.

2. Discourage concentration in ownership and
control of land and money and move toward land
reforms that broaden ownership of land.

3. Require soil and water conservation prac-
tices for farm operations which participate in fed-
eral programs; include farmers in the planning of
such requirements.

4. Reduce the federal deficit without burden-
ing family farms.

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DCA Advance Edition

5. Reform federal tax laws to remove unfair
competition and discourage tax shelter motivated
capital in agriculture.

6. Maintain an emphasis on direct loan activ-
ity, resist attempts to reduce the level of direct
loans in favor of guarantees, and increase the Lim-
ited Resources Loan program for qualified £arm-

7. Provide for commodity reserves, isolated
from the market, to be established at a level ade-
quate to protect constmiers from supply disrup-
tion and meet domestic agricultural disaster and
global humanitarian food aid requirements.

8. Ensxu*e that most federally-supported pro-
grams of research and education in agriculture
focus on small and medium-sized family farm op-
erations, with special attention paid to minority
farmers, and that county committees, which ad-
minister these programs, be inclusive of women
and minority farmers.

9. Fund major new research initiatives and
programs through the federal land grant institu-
tions, including black land grant colleges, to en-
siu'e that development of long-term, sustainable
and regenerative agriculture.

10. Develop farm policies that will encourage
farm owned and controlled businesses and coop-
eratives for processing, distributing and market-
ing farm products.

1 1 . Develop policies that will respect the guar-
anteed land and water rights of all minority peo-
ples.

12. Develop and support programs in coop-
eration with community-based organizations to
improve the quahty of life in depressed rural ar-
eas, with attention given to healtii care, transpor-
tation, education, employment, law enforcement,
housing, job training, and environmental protec-
tion.

13. Develop national and regional water and
energy pohcies wiiich asstu'e that those who bene-
fit from energy and water projects pay a substan-
tial portion of those costs.

14. Recognize and protect the right of farm
workers to organize into iinions of their own
choosing, be covered by minimum wage laws, and
receive adequate benefits, including social secu-
rity, health care, and unemployment.

15. Discourage exports policies that would
hurt small farm agricultiu'e in developing coun-
tries and hinder efforts toward food self-sufS-
ciency in those countries.

16. Prohibit the importation of produce con-
taining residues of pesticides or other chemicals
that are banned for U.S. producers and revise
permitted residue levels when the pesticide is
banned.

17. Urge the federal government to declare
moratorituns on foreclostu'es in states where lend-
ers are participating in debt restructure or media-
tion programs.

18. Seek out international cooperation in de-
veloping an international food policy.

G. State governments are caUed to:

1. Develop systems of mediation to resolve
conflicts between borrower and lender.

2. Develop and enforce fair and just tax sys-
tems that ensiu"e that those with great wealth and
poUtical power pay their fair share of taxes.

3. Enstu'e that state subsidies for water benefit
small and medium-sized operations.

4. Protect security of farm products stored by
farmers in elevators.

5. Develop and support farmers' markets and
marketing cooperatives.

6. Pay special attention to the education and
relocation of jobless persons, conunit state re-
soxu-ces to the estabUshment of industries or agen-
cies that will increase the job/tax base, and main-
tenance of an acceptable quaUty of social services
for all.

7. Allocate funds to monitor all state programs
and economic development projects for their im-
pact upon the socio-economic and natural envi-
ronment

8. Urge the development and maintenance of
conservation programs that supplement federal
progremis and environmental standards that ex-
ceed federal minimums.

9. Sell bonds to help farmers sectu"e low-inter-
est loans, with special attention given to minority
farmers and others witii similar needs. Assist
such families in identifying and seciuing loans
from such soiu-ces.

10. Assure that state marketing regulations
benefit small and medium-sized operators.

11. Ensxu-e that most state-supported pro-
grams of research and education in agriculture
focus on small-£md-medium-sized family farm op-
erations, with special attention paid to minority
fanners.

Church and Society

135

12. Fund major research initiatives and pro-
grams through state and/or corporate grants to
ensure the development of long-term, sustainable,
and regenerative agriculture.

H. Government and private lending agencies
are called to:

1. Continue to restructure existing loans to
allow for lower payments over a longer period of
time, and with lower interest rates, as agreed to by
lender and borrower through a mediation process.

2. Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and other lending agencies to have more balanced
and consistent lending policies and practices, and
to assess fairly the spending of authorized funds
on farm operations.

3. Urge the U.S. government to change accoimting
procedures to allow banks that peirticipate in debt
restructure agreements to write off any potential
losses over a ten-year period.

4. Give priority for purchases to minority fore-
closed, beginning and re-entering farmers when
foreclosed land is offered for sale.

I. Local government and commimity groups are
called to:

1 . Develop land use and land reclamation poli-
cies, supported by adequate funding, to preserve
productive farmlands.

2. Organize and support local groups to pro-
vide legal aid, financial advice, counseling and
other support service for rural persons.

3. Monitor programs to assure that all commu-
nity planning is ecologically soxmd, socially re-
sponsible, and includes persons of color and
women.

4. Foster a positive community spirit with a
variety of local programs that enhance tiie commu-
nity members' well-being and self-worth.

5. Develop and support measures that ensure
a fair tax treatment of all in the community.

6. Support the development of local programs
to meet such special needs as better housing,
health care, transportation, and recreation.

7. Develop local representative, long-range
planning committees to monitor and advise
elected or appointed ofBcials, and community
groups.

8. Cooperate with state agencies to develop
policies so that farmers markets in their commu-

nities may be able to accept food stamps and WIC
certificates for purchases.

J. Multinational, national, and local business
groups are called to:

1 . Examine their corporate policy in relation-
ship to an understanding of and responsiveness to
the values of rural lifestyles represented by
smaller farm size units.

2. Implement just policies concerning the etii-
ics of research; short-term and long-term ecologi-
cal effects; conservation of resources; water and
energy use; local, national, and export marketing;
labor use; and the availability and access to financ-
ing and credit

The More DiEBcult Task

The more difBcult task for the Chiu"ch is to
take clearly and intentionally the prophetic role.
The Church has a clear record of helping the world
address such issues as clean water and air, civil
rights, nuclear warfare, arms expenditures, and
world hunger. The Church must likewise take re-
sponsibility for addressing the problem of agricul-
ture. The outcome of human history will be deter-
mined by our resolve to achieve a favorable future
for agriculture.

Unless we change some basic directions, we
are not just in a period of transition; we are headed
for disaster for all nations. Some basic directions
that must be changed include:

— ^The movement toward investor-owned land
in increasingly larger corporate units; the separa-
tion of ownership, management, and labor.

— ^The increased reliance upon high inputs of
non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and
chemicals.

— ^The continued decline in rural populations
from nu'al areas, especially those who have been
directly involved in food production.

— ^The increasing chemical toxicity of oiu- water
systems, air, rain, waste dumps and vegetable and
animal products.

— The continuing loss of cropland through ero-
sion, salinization, urbanization, conversion, and
other processes.

— ^The disappearance of world forest re-
sources, and changing weather patterns residting
from that.

— ^The loss of atmospheric ozone.

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DCA Advance Edition

— The continuing and growing use of the
world's basic resoiu-ces for armaments.

— The loss of our centuries-old genetic seed
bank.

Three Ethical Guidelines

We can change the direction of agricidture and
rural development, but we need guidelines. A pre-
ferred agriculture must have three attributes:

(1) It must be just. A just society and a just
agriculture provides the means whereby people
can share in the inheritance of the earth so that all
life can fully be maintained in freedom and com-
mtmity. The piupose of a just agricidture should
be for the maintenance and renewal of the neces-
sary resources for food, clothing and shelter, for
now and for the future.

(2) It must be participatory. For an agriculture
to be just everyone has the right to be consulted.
Participation in society and in the ongoing process
of creation is the necessary condition for justice.
Participation requires a recognition of everyone's
right to be consulted and xmderstood, regardless
of that person's economic, political, or social
status. Participation is not possible without
power. In such decision-making everyone has the
right to be consulted about such issues as expen-
ditures for armaments, nuclear power, forms of
employment, social services, etc...

(3) It must be sustainable. A sustainable agri-
culture is one where the idea of permanent carry-
ing capacity is maintained, where yields (agricul-
ture, energy production, forestry, water use,
industrial activity) are measured by whether or not
they are sustainable, rather than by the criteria of
yields per acre or profits. In a sustainable agricid-
ture waste products can be absorbed back into the
ecosystem without damage.

A just, participatory and sustainable agricul-
ture would meet basic human needs for food and
fiber, regenerate and protect ecosystems, be eco-
nomically viable, enhance the quality of life for
farm families, be supportive of rural communities,
be socially just, and be compatible witii spiritual
teachings that recognize the eardi as a common
heritage and responsibility. For Christians, the
idea of sustainabiUty flows directly from the bibh-
cal call to human beings to be stewards of God's
creation.

The Nurturing Community

Petition Number: 20032-CS-NonDis-O;WIS, WYO,

NEB.

Use of the Church Studies on Homosexuality

Whereas, our Social Principles state: "We recognize
that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We
believe persons may be fully human only when that gift
is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the
Church, and society. We call all persons to the disci-
plined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others,
and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also
recognize our limited un derstanding of this complex gift
and encourage the medical, theological, and social sci-
ence disciplines to combine in a determined effort to
understand human sexuality more completely. We call
the Church to take the leadership role in bringing to-
gether these disciplines to address this most complex
issue. Further, within the context of our understanding
of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us
to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of
expression" % 71F; and

Whereas, the Committee to Study Homosexuality
provided a meaningful model and process of study,
prayer, reflection, and action of a complex and signifi-
cant issue facing United Methodists; and

Whereas, the study resource includes stories of
individuals struggling and growing, sharing their under-
standing of faithfulness to the mind of Christ; and

Whereas, the use of these materials expands our
spiritual growth in understanding God's good gift of
human sexuality; and

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individu-
als continue to benefit from open and informed discus-
sion about homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Annual Confer-
ences are urged to support the use of this study; and

Be it resolved, that the Council of Bishops is encour-
aged to use the study; and

Be it further resolved, that the Board of Discipleship
facilitate the use of the study in Church School, retreat,
distinct Council on Ministry, and other settings.

Petition Number: 20858-CS-NonDis-O; Metiiodist Fed-
eration For Social Action, CPA Harrisburg, PA

Use of "The Church Studies Homosexuality"

Whereas, our Social Principles state:

We recognize that sexuality is God's good gift to all
persons. We believe persons may be fully human only
when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by them-
selves, the Church, and society. We call all persons to

Church and Society

137

the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves,
others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We
also recognize our limited understanding of this com-
plex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and
social science disciplines to combine in a determined
effort to understand human sexuality more completely.
We call the Church to take the leadership role in bring-
ing together these disciplines to address this most com-
plex issue. Further, within the context of our under-
standing of this gift of God, we recognize that God
challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving
forms of expressions.

And whereas, the Committee to Study Homosexu-
ality provided a meaningful model and process of study,
prayer, reflection, and action of a complex and signifi-
cant issue facing United Methodists; and

Whereas, the study resource includes stories of
individuals struggling and growing, sharing their under-
standing of faithfubess to the mind of Christ; and

Whereas, the use of these materials expands our
spiritual growth in understanding God's good gift of
human sexuality; and

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individu-
als continue to benefit from open and informed discus-
sion about homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the annual confer-
ences are urged to support the use of this study; and

Be it further resolved, that the Council of Bishops
is encouraged to use the study; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Board of
Discipleship facilitate the use of the study in church
school, retreats, district Council on Ministries and other
settings.

Petition Number: 20155-CS-R125-U;NGA

Responsible Parenthood: Abortion

Amend "Responsible Parenthood", The Book of
Resolutions, p. 125-128, by adding the following sentence
at the end of the 4th paragraph, before the last sentence
of the 5th paragraph, and at the end of proposals 7 and
9:

We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable
means of birth control and we unconditionally re-
ject it as a means of gender selection.

The Social Community

Petition Number: 20157-CS-NonDis-O;NGA.

Organizations Connected to Abortion Matters

Many in The United Methodist Church feel
strongly that the right of woman to choose is to be

supported by laws and governmental actions such as
counseling and funding abortion. Others are deeply
pained by the huge quantity of fetal death; they feel
strongly that the life of the fetus is sacred and should be
protected by laws and governmental actions. Those who
feel strongly on these matters have created organiza-
tions which lobby governments to favor their point of
view. These organizations are often in conflict, present-
ing opposing positions. We believe that the General
Boards and Agencies of The United Methodist Church
should not hold membership in these organizations.
Neither should they grant funds obtained fi^om appor-
tionments to support abortion caucuses or groups, or
otherwise use such funds to promote one position over
another.

Neither should our General Boards and Agencies
give in-kind support, such as secretarial support or office
services and space. We should instead be sensitive to
the pain that exists in these matters and recognize that
loyal members are hurt when they are asked to support
the total work of the Church, yet see some portion,
however small, spent in opposition to positions they
believe are vital to Christian faith.

We encourage local congregations, and also annual
conferences, to participate in these organizations
when apportioned funds are not involved and suffi-
cient dialogue has resulted in substantial agreement
on ministry activity. We encourage dialogue among
our members and our General Boards and Agencies
to the end that we may be agents of reconciliation in
these matters. We hope that fetal death can be re-
duced and the rights of women can be protected.
Surely we can pray and work together to find such a
way without exerting power over others, causing
them great pain.

Petition Number: 20029-CS-NonDis-O;WYO,TRY,
RKM, NYK, NIL.

Clinic Violence eiround Reproductive Rights

Whereas, faithful and conscientious persons hold
widely different convictions concerning abortion;

Whereas, some opponents of abortion have publicly
postulated a "justifiable homicide" rationale for killing
abortion providers;

Whereas, murder is a sin;

Whereas, violence is a sin;

Whereas, escalation of attacks on abortion clinics
resulting in the murder of doctors, clinic office workers,
and visitors constitutes domestic terrorism;

Whereas, escalation of rhetoric on all sides contin-
ues to push people apart and make useful dialogue
around common ground issues difficult;

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DCA Advance Edition

Whereas, this increase of violence, both in attitude
and acts of physical violence, calls all of us to repentance;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church:

Repent of violence, turn toward attitudes of respect,
and seek areas of common ground between those who
call themselves pro-life and those who call themselves
pro-choice;

Reject and condemn the use of violence against
providers of legal services related to reproductive
health;

Encourage local churches, annual conferences, and
General Conference agencies to speak out whenever
such violence occurs.

Petition Number: 20248-CSNonDis-O;EPA

Opposition to Abusive Treatment of Persons
with Mental Disabilities

Whereas, a large part of the ministry of our Lord
focused on persons with mental disabilities; and

Whereas, persons with mental disabilities are chil-
dren of God and are therefore our brothers and sisters
within the human family; and

Whereas, the full and equal rights of persons with
mental disabilities are enshrined in the Social Principles
of The United Methodist Church, as well as the Consti-
tution and laws of the United States of America; and

Whereas, we note that the use of abusive treatment
as "therapy" for persons with mental disabiUties still
occurs in the Untied States, and that such abusive treat-
ment is used on both adults and children, and that
programs which rely on such abusive treatments are
usually funded by federal, state, and/or local tax reve-
nues; and

Whereas, a number of organizations which advo-
cate for persons with mental disabilities have already
taken stands against abusive treatment;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church affirms the right of persons with disabilities
to freedom from abusive treatment.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church opposes the use of any form of punishment for
children or adults with mental disabilities in any case
where such punishment would be considered illegal,
abusive, or unconscionable if applied to a child or adult
who is not disabled, hi particular, we condemn as unac-
ceptable the following practices:

1. Treatments which result in physical injury or
tissue damage to the person.

2. Verbal abuse or insult, humiUation, or degrada-
tion.

3. Denial of food, warmth, hygiene, contact with
other human beings, or other necessities of life.

4. The use of electric shock or noxious substances
as a form of punishment.

5. The use of any punishment on a child with mental
disabilities that would be considered child abuse if used
on a child with no disabilities.

6. Neglect

7. The use of physical or chemical restraint when
the individual or others are not in danger of physical
harm.

8. The threat of any of the above treatments.

Any therapy used in the treatment of persons with
mental disabilities must be potentially beneficial to the
person. As an alternative to abusive treatments, we sup-
port the use of positive approaches in the treatment of
persons with mental disabilities. Positive approaches
affirm the humanity of persons with mental disabilities
and recognize that the needs and desires of such per-
sons are not significantly different from those of other
persons. Our obligation to persons with mental disabili-
ties is to support and assist them in their efforts to live
lives as rich and rewarding as possible.

Be it further resolved, that we call upon all public
and private agencies and service providers involved in
providing services to persons with mental disabilities to
adopt and uphold the standards set forth in this resolu-
tion.

Be it further resolved, that we call upon all federal,
state, and local governments to end immediately the
expenditure of public revenues on any agency or pro-
gram which faUs to adopt and uphold the standards set
forth in this resolution.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church declares itself to be open to persons with men-
tal disabilities and their families, commits itself to sup-
port such persons and families and accommodate
their needs within our community. We further pledge
our support to help persons with mental disabilities
and their families find appropriate services, programs,
and supports, and to protect them from abusive treat-
ments.

Petition Number: 20260-CS-NonDis-O;ORI.

Rights of All Persons

Around the world, political and religious groups
attempt to mandate discrimination against gay and les-

Church and Society

139

bian persons through local and national legislative initia-
tives. We feel called as Christians to reconfirm our
resistance to the strategies and intent of such groups.
These groups falsely portray the basic human rights of
equal opportunity, access to redress for harm, and jus-
tice as "special rights" in the case of gay and lesbian
persons.

This legal, systemic attack results in persecution
and suffering. The legislative initiatives effectively limit
freedom of speech, freedom of inquiry, and access to
health care for persons with HIV/ AIDS. This endeavor
to isolate and discriminate against gay, lesbian, and
bisexual persons as a group within our society hurts
them and diminishes the rights of all. It must be stopped
now.

It is particularly disturbing when religious values
are used as a foundation for persecution of select groups
of people. This process has characterized some of the
church's bleakest history: the Crusades, Inquisition,
Pogroms, Slavery, and the Holocaust. It is crucially
important that Christians insist that all people are God's
children who deserve the protection of their human and
civil rights.

The Social Principles statement of the United Meth-
odist Book of Discipline gives us clear direction in the
matter:

"We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gen-
der, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to
have their human and civil rights ensured." (^ 71.F)

'The rights and privileges a society bestows upon
or withholds from those who comprise it indicate the
relative esteem in which that society holds particular
persons and groups of persons. We affirm all persons as
equally valuable in the sight of God. We therefore work
toward societies in which each person's value is recog-
nized, maintained, and strengthened." CB 72)

Therefore, all United Methodists are called upon:

1. To refrain from signing petitions and to vote
against measures which advocate the denial of basic
human and civil rights to anyone;

2. To educate congregation and community alike
about the position of the United Methodist Discipline on
civil rights and its broad applications;

3. To stand against any political or physical acts that
deny human and civil rights and the sacred worth of all
persons.

We do this as part of our Christian witness and minis-
try. Never let it be said that United Methodists were si-
lent during this attack on the rights of all.

Petition Number: 20857-CS-NonDis-O; Metiiodist Fed-
eration for Social Action, CPA, Harrisburg, PA

Clinic Violence

Whereas, faithful and conscientious persons hold
widely different convictions concerning abortion; and

Whereas, some opponents of abortion have publicly
postulated a "justifiable homicide" rationale for killing
abortion providers; and

Whereas, murder is a sin; and

Whereas, violence is a sin; and

Whereas, escalation of attacks on abortion clinics
resulting in the murder of doctors, clinic officers, work-
ers, and visitors constitutes domestic terrorism; and

Whereas, escalation of rhetoric on all sides contin-
ues to push people apart and make useful dialogue
around common ground issues difficult; and

Whereas, this increase of violence, both in attitude
and acts of physical violence calls all of us to repentance;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church:

• repent of violence, turn toward attitudes of respect,
and seek areas of common ground between those
who call themselves pro-life and those who call
themselves pro-choice;

• reject and condemn the use of violence against
providers of legal services related to productive
health;

• encourage local churches, annual conferences, and
General Conference agencies to speak out
whenever such violence occurs.

Petition Number: 21038-CS-NonDis-O; GBCS.

God's Msion of Abundant Living

All creation has been brought into being by God
who "saw everything that God had made, and behold it
was very good" (Genesis 1:31). All creation declares
God's handiwork; everything exists in an intricate web
of interdependence, and all this is given value and
blessed by God (Genesis 1).

The initial and foundational value of all creation
comes from its being the handiwork of God. God seeks
the salvation, healing, and reconciliation of all crea-
tion— "God so loved the world, that he sent his only
son..." Gohn 3:16). In "Jesus Christ, God was pleased to
reconcile to himself all things whether on earth or in
heaven through making peace through the blood of the
cross" (Colossians 1:20).

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DCA Advance Edition

Through the divine creation and incarnation of God
in Christ, we see the world as a loving creation — a
creation intimate with its creator. It is through this
intimacy with God, through Jesus Christ, that we find
our value and our worth.

The whole of creation contains all that is necessary
to sustain itself and is an indication of God's affection
and desire for re-creation.

We are people called to live toward God's vision of
reconciliation through Christ Jesus. This reconciled
world, or "new heaven and earth" (Revelation 21), in-
cludes creation healed — a creation where diversity is
celebrated as a gift, rather than resisted and destroyed;
where loving relationships are supremely valued and the
resources of the world are shared equitably and justly;
where all persons know their worth and value as chil-
dren of God who seek the well-being of God's Creation
above their own greed.

It is a world where we live out of a theology of
"enough," a theology based in knowledge that we are
grounded in Christ; that our sense of personal value and
esteem grow from our Christ-centered life. It is a theol-
ogy that allows us to move away from worshipping the
gods of consumption and material need.

In living out a theology of "enough" we will no
longer expend our physical resources in consumption
and our emotional resources in worrying over status.
Our security and sense of well-being will be defined in
relationship to God, not by our possessions. We will
center our lives around God.

We hear a reminder of this style of living throughout
Jesus' teachings: "Do not worry what we will eat, what
we will drink or what we will wear. For it is the Gentiles
who strive for all these things; and indeed God knows
that you need all these things. But, strive first for the
kingdom of God and God's righteousness and all these
things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31).
While Christ does not seek for any of us to be without
basic necessities, a simplified life will move us away from
the expectations and injustices of affluent living. Abun-
dant living is a life of greater simplicity, of more respon-
sible use of resources and of a deeper faith.

Jesus discusses the foolishness of the rich and the
greed that builds treasures on the earth. He admonishes
us to build treasures in heaven, so that we might keep
ourselves pure in heart and faithful to God (Luke 12).

In the "new heaven and new earth" we will choose
a just lifestyle and share our wealth with the poor be-
cause we no longer need "things" to give us worth. With
a theology of "enough," we will find gracious and fulfilled
living in meeting our own basic needs and those of
others. We will truly be "keepers" and "doers" of God's
word.

A Corrupted Vision of Abundant living:

There is a conflict between what abundant living
means for a Christian and what it has come to mean in
secular society. In secular society abundant living is
defined by one's aspiration to purchase an endless
number of things, far more than is needed. Secular
abundant living is experienced when one desires to live
in luxury with every whim satisfied. This type of abun-
dant living creates a system where the wealthy consume
a disproportionate amount of resources and produce a
disproportionate amount of waste. This living is rooted
in a consumerism that exploits natiu^al resources, exac-
erbates global resource crises, and causes cycles of
global poverty which often lead to local and international
violence.

Hearing these facts often raises feelings of guilt,
anger and denial. The false hope that technology will
find fixes for all problems leads us to believe that change
is not necessary. We who live in a culture of consumer-
ism believe we have earned and deserved all of what we
have, we do not want to give up anything. Our "things"
give us a misguided status, a false sense of security and
a distorted sense of self worth.

If we fail to believe in our hearts that our worth
comes from our relationship to Christ and that we are
called to bring God's redeeming love to creation through
our actions and lifestyles, then all the arguments and
information on the global crisis will be ignored. We will
care about our impact on creation when we each recog-
nize that creation is a gift given by a loving God for the
benefit of all life. Only then will we assess how our
lifestyles (what we do, use, buy, wear, eat, live in and
travel in) affect all present and future life.

We have a choice: we can be sustainers or exploiters
of creation.

Visions of Faithful Abundant Living on Earth:

- Abundant living is when all people have their basic
needs met for food, shelter and good health.

- Abundant living occurs when all have meaningful
and fulfilling work that contributes to the common good
of all others.

- Abundant living is providing not only for the needs
of this generation, but for ones to come.

- Abundant living is found in having time for family
and community Ufe.

- Abundant living produces an environment where
children are valued, cared for, and nurtured in families
and communities.

- Abundant living is a lifestyle that protects the
diversity of all creation.

Church and Society

141

- Abundant living is based on spiritual principles,
which results in unity, sharing, mutual respect and ap-
preciation.

- Abundant living is found in a church that nurtures
growth and a deepening relationship with God through
Christ.

Abundant livingToward Redemption
anoRenewal:

The United Methodist Church is called to help find
opportunities for individuals to reevaluate their sense of
value and to center their lives and lifestyles around God,
rather than consumption of material things. The follow-
ing are steps to assist The United Methodist Church in
responding to its call:

United Methodist Congregations:

Local congregations will reclaim the Spirit of sacri-
ficial discipleship through networks and abundant living
communities. These will nurture the conversion of peo-
ple in local communities through study, lifestyle assess-
ment and nurture of spiritual life. (The General Board
of Church and Society can suggest resources)

General Board of Church and Society:

The General Board of Church and Society, working
with the General Council on Ministries, will assist Gen-
eral Agencies, Boards and Councils and Annual Confer-
ences to assess their patterns of consumption (including
but not limited to facility use, travel, compensation pack-
ages, and purchase of reusable materials).

General Boeu-d of Discipleship:

The General Board of Discipleship, with support of
the General Board of Church and Society, will develop
ways of assisting persons (especially those who have
experienced programs such as the Disciple Bible Study
or other Bible study programs) to reassess personal
lifestyles with the goal of a conversion to a more simple,
less consumptive lifestyle and to a greater sensitivity to
each person's decision-making responsibility in relation
to national and global social, environmental, and eco-
nomic problems.

General Board of Global Ministries:

The General Board of Global Ministries will look at
the models of development taught to and by World and
National Division partners and assess these models'
roots in the culture of consumerism. The Women's
Division shall include the focus of Abundant Living in
the Schools of Christian Mission.

Council of Bishops:

The General Board of Church and Society will work
with episcopal leaders to increase their awareness and

modeling of abundant living and support their commit-
ment to ministries to and with the poor of the world.

The General Board of Higher Education
and Ministiy:

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
will work with United Methodist seminaries and
schools to provide education to promote individual
conversion to a simplified lifestyle.

Petition Number: 21040-CSNonDis-O; GBCS.

Immigrants in the United States: Ministries
of Hospitality, Advocacy and Justice

Our Christian roots are centered among people who
were sojourners in the land. Throughout history, people
have been uprooted under conditions similar to that of
Mary and Joseph who were forced to flee to save the life
of their son. Most of our own forefathers and foremoth-
ers were immigrants to this country. The Bible is clear
about how we should treat these wanderers.

When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you
shall not do them wrong. The strangers who sojourn with
you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall
love them as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of
Egypt (Lev. 19:33-34).

Communities throughout our world are suffering
from war, civil conflict and persecution for political,
religious, ethnic or social reasons. The World Council
of Churches reports that two out of every 100 human
beings are fleeing their country, and many families are
forcibly displaced within their own countries. For these
reasons we stand firmly opposed to legislative action
such as that proposed in California's Proposition 187 or
any similar legislation that may have the following ef-
fects:

Public Schools: districts are required to verify the
legal status of students enrolling for the first time. The
status of parents or guardians of students must also be
verified;

Higher Education: undocumented immigrants
are barred from community colleges and public institu-
tions of higher learning;

Health: undocumented immigrants are ineligible
for public health services except for emergency care;

Welfare: undocumented immigrants are already
ineligible for the major welfare programs. Most child
welfare and foster care benefits are also eliminated;

Law Enforcement Service providers are required
to report suspected undocumented immigrants. Law
enforcement agencies must verify the residency status
of individuals arrested or suspected of being in the
United States illegally. When legal residency cannot be

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DCA Advance Edition

proved, the person will be reported to the United States
Immigration and Naturalization Service;

With grace and concern, the Church must address
the legal, economic, social and human rights conditions
of people who are legal or undocumented immigrants,
and to oppose the introduction of legislation by any state
that would cause human suffering and a denial of such
individual's rights as interpreted through our biblical
understanding of God's grace to all peoples, but espe-
cially to the Sojourner. Our faith, grounded in Christ and
in the Wesleyan call to work for prophetic justice, calls
us to follow our Social Principles and respond in appro-
priate and direct ways to prevent harm to the sojourner.

Jesus teaches us to show special concern for the
poor and oppressed who come to our land seeking
survival and peace. We call upon United Methodists
individually and through general boards and agencies
throughout The United Methodist Church to do the
following:

• Actively oppose anti-immigrant legislative action
and support legislative action that protects the poor
and oppressed in their quest for survival and peace;

• Advocate human rights (political, economic and
civil) for all people, including the strangers who
sojourn in our land;

• Support communities and congregations by prayer
and action where anti-immigrant measures may be
implemented;

• Continue to work with community organizations to
provide forums for citizens to voice concerns,
educate one another and confront the problems of
racism as obstacles to building community;

• Continue to work with civic and legal organizations
to support communities who are now or will be
affected by the destructive, deteriorating social
issues raised by anti-immigrant measures;

Finally, we call upon United Methodists to practice
hospitality and express our commitment to an inclu-
sive church and society through all our ministries in
the spirit of our biblical tradition. Do not oppress an
alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, be-
cause you were aliens in Egypt (Exodus 23:9).

Petition Number: 21126-CS-NonDis-0$;WNC.

Denominational Office and Director
of Prison Ministry

Whereas, The Western North Carolina Conference
has worked faithfully in prison ministry and prison re-
form for over twenty-five years; and

Whereas, The Western North Carolina Conference
has initiated and supported expansion of this ministry
over the past five years through the establishment of
Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries of The United
Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Western North Carolina Conference-
sponsored CJAMM has affected many other confer-
ences and resulted in the organization and ministry of a
Southeastern Jurisdiction Fellowship for CJAMM; and

Whereas, The CJAMM Fellowship of the Southeast-
ern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church is now
petitioning the 1996 General Conference to establish a
CJAMM office and director of The United Methodist
Church; and

Whereas, The 1984 General Conference adopted a
petition from the Western North Carolina Conference
calling for the development of prison ministry and prison
reform and establishment of a General Council on Min-
istries committee to work toward this end and to make
further recommendations; and

Whereas, the 1988 and 1992 General Conferences
supported the continued development of this ministry,
adopting all recommendations of the General Council
on Ministries committee, including episcopal and An-
nual Conference actions, and recommending local
church coordinators and/or councils on prison ministry;
and

Whereas, The General Council on Ministries Com-
mittee on Prison Ministries and Prison Reform is recom-
mending establishment of a United Methodist Church
CJAMM office of ministry and advocacy through the
General Board of Discipleship or the General Board of
Church and Society or a related agency, such as the
Foundation for Evangelism;

Therefore, be it resolved, that, m keeping with our
history as the Methodist Church and the initiative and
support given to prison ministry and prison reform by
the Western North Carolina Conference, the 1995 ses-
sion of the conference endorse the need for a CJAMM
office of The United Methodist Church and petition the
1996 General Conference to act upon our request for a
CJAMM director.

Petition Number: 21473-CSNonDis-O; NYMO.

Homosexuals in the Military

Basis: The United States of America, a nation built
on equal rights, has denied the rights of homosexuals
to actively serve their country while being honest about
who they are. Meanwhile, The United Methodist
Church is moving towards accepting all people for who
they are. The United Methodist Church needs to be an
advocate for equal civil rights for all marginalized
groups, including homosexuals.

Church and Society

143

Conclusion: The United Methodist Church should af-
firm the rights of homosexuals to serve in the United
States Armed Forces.

Petition Number: 21047-CSR229-U; GBCS.

Drug and Alcohol Concerns

Delete "Drug and Alcohol Concerns" (229) ; "Ban on
Alcohol Beverage Advertisements" (189); "Confronting
the Drug Crisis" (211); "Driving Under the Influence"
(228) ; and "Sale and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco on
Church Property" (367); and replace with the following
text

Drug and Alcohol Concerns

As God's children and participants in the gift
of abundant life, we recognize the need to respond
to those who know brokenness from the wide-
spread abuse of alcohol and other drugs in our
world. The experience of God's saving grace of-
fers wholeness to each individual. In light of the
reality of alcohol and other drug abuse, the chiu'ch
has a responsibility to recognize brokenness and
be an instrument of education, healing, and resto-
ration. First, we must be committed to confront
the denial within ourselves that keeps individuals
and nations from overcoming their struggle with
alcohol and other drug abuse. Secondly, the alco-
hol and other drug problem must be tmderstood
as a social, economic, spiritual, and health prob-
lem. Third, the church has a fundamental role in
reorienting the public debate on alcohol and other
drugs by shifting the focus from punishment to
prevention and treatment This is rooted in the
Christian belief in the ongoing possibilities for
transformation in the life of each individual and in
our world.

The alcohol and other drug crisis has reached
global proportions. More alcohol and other drugs
are produced and consumed than ever before. In
consuming countries, with their attendant prob-
lems of poverty, racism, domestic violence, hope-
lessness, and material despair, alcohol and other
dnig abuse is a part of a continuing cycle of eco-
nomic and spiritual turmoil.

Abuse of legal drugs (alcohol, tobacco £md
pharmaceuticals) remains a leading cause of dis-
ease and death around the world. While recrea-
tional use of iUegal drugs in the United States has
declined, the use of drugs remains socially accept-
able as levels of addiction and abuse continue to
rise.

Growing numbers of cities, small towns, and
rural areas around the world are caught in a web
of escalating alcohol and other drug-related vio-
lence. As the findings of the regional hearings in
the United States stressed: "Drug addiction

crosses all ethnic, cultural and economic back-
grounds." Social systems are dangerously strained
under the heavy weight of alcohol and other drug-
related health and social problems. Meanwhile the
supply of drugs from developing countries contin-
ues to grow in response to high demand from the
developed coimtries.

The United States policy response to the drug
crisis has focused almost exclusively on law en-
forcement and military solutions. This policy, in
some cases, has led to the erosion of precious civil
liberties and human rights, especially for poor and
minority conmiunities.

International strategies should reflect the
need for balanced, equitable economic growth,
and stable democratic governments in drug-pro-
ducing developing countries. Most importantiy,
any alternative strategy must be rooted in local
communities. The most creative and effective ap-
proaches to the present crisis begin at the local
level.

The United Methodist Church has long op-
posed abuse of alcohol and other drugs. In 1916,
the General Conference authorized the formation
of a Board of Temperance, Prohibition and Public
Morals, "to make more effectual the efforts of the
church to create public sentiment and crystallize
the same into successful opposition to the organ-
ized trafBc in intoxicating liquors."

Diuing the 1988-92 quadrennium. The
United Methodist Chiu"ch laimched a comprehen-
sive Bishops' Initiative on Drugs and Drug Vio-
lence which, through regional hearings across the
United States, deepened the denomination's
awareness of alcohol and other drug problems.
The report of these hearings concluded: "There-
fore, The United Methodist Chtirch must play a
key role in confronting drug and alcohol addic-
tion...." Today, The United Metiiodist Church re-
mains committed to curbing drug traffic and the
abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

In response to the alcohol and other drug cri-
sis. The United Methodist Church commits itself
to a wholistic approach, which emphasizes pre-
vention, intervention, treatment, community or-
ganization, public advocacy, and abstinence. Out
of love for God and our neighbors, the Church
must have a positive role by offering a renewed
spiritual perspective on this crisis. We commend
local congregations, annual conferences, and gen-
eral agencies and seminaries to take action in the
areas of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

I. Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug, which presents special prob-
lems because of its widespread social accep-

144

DCA Advance Edition

tance. We affiim our long-standing conviction
and recommendation that abstinence from alco-
holic beverages is a faithful witness to God's liber-
ating and redeeming love.

This witness is especially relevant because ex-
cessive, harmful, and dangerous drinking pat-
terns are uncritically accepted and practiced. So-
ciety glamorizes drinldng, and youthful
immaturity can be exploited for personal gain. The
costs associated with alcohol use/abuse are more
than the costs associated with all illegal drugs
combined. Worldwide, millions of individuals and
their families suffer as a result of alcoholism. The
medical consequences of alcohol abuse include
fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a preventable
cause of mental retardation, cardiac defects, and
pre- and postnatal growth retardation. Chronic al-
cohol constmiption can have a damaging effect on
every body organ, including brain, Uver, heart,
stomach, intestines, and mouth. Alcohol is a fac-
tor in many other social problems such as crime,
poverty, and family disorder. The societal costs of
alcohol abuse include lost productivity, increased
health care costs, loss of lives in vehicular acci-
dents, and criminal activity.

Thus, The United Methodist Chiu-ch bases its
recommendation of abstinence on critical ap-
praisal of the personal and societal costs in the
use of alcohol. The church recognizes die freedom
of the Christian to make responsible decisions
and calls upon each member to consider seriously
and prayerfully the witness of abstinence as part
of his or her Christian commitment Persons who
practice abstinence should avoid attitudes of self-
righteousness which express moral superiority
and condemnatory attitudes toward those who do
not choose to abstain. Because Christian love in
human relationships is primary, abstinence is an
instrument of love and sacrifice and idways sub-
ject to the requirements of love.

Our love for our neighbor obligates us to seek
healing, justice and the alleviation of the social
conditions which create and perpetuate alcohol
abuse. Therefore:

1. We tu^e individuals and local congrega-
tions to demonstrate active concern for alcohol
abusers and their families. We encourage
chiu"ches to support the care, treatment and reha-
bilitation of problem drinkers.

2. We urge churches to include the problems
of alcohol and the value of abstinence as a part of
Christian education.

3. We encourage individuals and local congre-
gations to develop prevention education for family,

chtu'ch, and community. We encourage sound em-
pirical research on the social effects of alcohol.

4. We oppose the sale and consumption of
alcohoUc beverages within the confines of United
Methodist Chtu"ch facilities and recommend that
it be prohibited.

5. We ask individuals and local congregations
to study and discuss the problem of driving while
intoxicated and impaired by alcohol or other drugs
and support legislation to reduce such activity.

6. We direct the General Board of Disci-
pleship and The United Methodist Publishing
House to incorporate educational material on al-
cohol and other drug problems throughout its
graded literature.

7. We expect United Methodist-related hospi-
tals to treat the alcoholic person with the attention
and consideration all patients deserve. We tirge
the worldwide health care delivery system to fol-
low this example.

8. We urge all legislative bodies and health
care systems to focus on and implement measures
to help meet the special needs of particular groups
disproportionately affected by alcohol use.

9. We favor laws to eliminate all advertising
and promoting of alcoholic beverages. We tirge the
General Board of Church and Society and local
chtu'ches to increase efforts to remove all adver-
tising of alcoholic bever^es from the media. We
urge special attention to curbing promotions of
alcoholic beverages on college campuses as well
as racial minority communities.

10. We urge the Federal Trade Commission to
continue developing better health hazard warning
statements concerning the use of alcohol.

11. We ask the United States government to
improve interagency coordination of drug and al-
cohol abuse efforts so that there are uniform poli-
cies and regulations, and we look forward to the
cooperation of all governments in these areas.

II. Tobacco

The use of tobacco is another form of drug
abuse, even though it is legal. Overwhelming evi-
dence links cigarette smoking with lung cancer,
cardio-vascular diseases, emphysema, and
chronic bronchitis. In addition, cigarette smoking
can also negatively affect a developing fetus and
secondary smoke is a known carcinogen. The
United Methodist Church discom-ages all persons,
particularly youths and young adults, from using
any form of tobacco.

Church and Society

145

We commend the suspension of cigarette ad-
vertising on radio and television. We are con-
cerned about other advertisements which associ-
ate smoking with physical and social maturity,
attractiveness, and success, especially those tar-
geted at youth, racial minorities, and women. We
support the Federal Trade Commission's rules re-
quiring health warning statements in cigarette
packaging. We are also concerned that the tobacco
industry is marketing tobacco in developing coun-
tries. Therefore,

1 . We recommend that tobacco use be banned
in all church facilities.

2. We recommend a tobacco-free environment
in all public areas.

3. We recommend the prohibition of all com-
mercial advertising of tobacco products.

4. We support expanded research to discover
the specific mechanisms of addiction to nicotine.
We urge the development of educational methods
which effectively discourage the use of tobacco
and methods to assist those \^o wish to stop
using tobacco.

5. We urge the Department of Agriculture and
other government agencies to plan for and assist
the orderly economic transition of the tobacco in-
dustry— tobacco growers, processors and dis-
tributors— into industries more compatible with
the general welfare of the people.

III. Drugs

The United Methodist Church recognizes the
widespread use and misuse of drugs which alter
mood, perception, consciousness, and behavior of
persons among all ages, classes, emd segments of
oiu" society. Pharmacologically, a drug is any sub-
stance which by its chemical nature alters the
structure or function of any living organism. This
broad definition encompasses a wide range of sub-
stances, many of which are psychoactive and have
the potential for abuse. These include marijuana,
narcotics, sedatives and stimulants, psychedelics,
and hallucinogens. Additionally, commonly used
products such as glue, paint thinners, and gaso-
line have the potential to be abused as inhalants.

— Marijuana

Like alcohol and tobacco, marijuana is fre-
quently a precursor to the use of other drugs. The
active ingredient is THC which affects the user by
temporarily producing feelings of euphoria, re-
laxation, altered sense of body image and bouts of
exaggerated laughter are commonly reported.
However, studies reveal that marijuana impairs
short term memory, altering sense of time and

reducing the ability to perform tasks requiring con-
centration, swift reactions and coordination. 1

— Sedatives and Stimulants

Sedatives, which include barbiturates and
tranquilizers, are prescribed appropriately for
treatment of anxiety. These legally prescribed
drugs need to be taken only under appropriate
medical supervision. The use of this class of
drugs can result in dependence.

Severe physical dependence on barbiturates
can develop at doses higher than therapeutic
doses, and withdrawal is severe and dangerous.
The combination of alcohol and barbiturates is
potentially lethal.

Stimulants range from amphetamines to mild
stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Pre-
scribed for obesity, sleep disorders, hyperactivity,
fatigue and depression, stimulants produce a tem-
porary sense of vitality, alertness, and energy.

UnUke other stimulemts, cocaine has Umited
medical uses. When the powder form is inhaled,
cocaine is a highly addictive central nervous sys-
tem stimulant that heightens the body's natural
response to pleasure and creates a euphoric high
and has the potential to be extremely lethal.

A crystallized form of cocaine, "crack," is
readily available because of its lesser cost Addic-
tion often comes from one use of the substance.

— Psychedehcs or Hallucinogens

Psychedelics or hallucinogens, which include
LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, PCP, and DMT pro-
duce changes in perception and altered states of
consciousness. Not only is there limited medical
use, the long-term use of these drugs may result
in permanent psychiatric problems.

— Narcotics

Narcotics are prescribed for the relief of pain,
but the risk of physical and psychological depend-
encies is well documented. Derived from the
opiimi plant, natural narcotics include heroin,
morphine, codeine, and percodan, whUe synthetic
narcotics include methadone and meperidine.

Therefore, as The United Methodist Chxu-ch:

1 . We oppose the use of all drugs, except in
cases of appropriate medical supervision.

2. We encourage the church to develop hon-
est, objective and factual drug education for chil-
dren, youths and adults as part of a comprehen-
sive prevention education program.

146

DCA Advance Edition

3. We urge the church to coordmate its eflforts
with ecumenical, interfaith and commixnity
groups in prevention, rehabilitation and pohcy
statements.

4. We encourage the annual conferences to
recognize the luiique impact of drugs and its re-
lated violence upon tu'ban and nu-al areas and
provide appropriate ministries and resources.

5. We strongly encourage annual conferences
to develop leadership training opportunities and
resoiu"ces for local church pastors and laity to help
them with: cotmseling individuals and famihes
who have alcohol and other drug-related prob-
lems; coxmsehng those bereaved by alcohol and
other drug-related deaths and violence; and teach-
ing stress management to chiu'ch workers in com-
mimities with high alcohol and other drug activity.

6. We encourage all educational systems at
every level to develop comprehensive drug educa-
tion programs and coiu-ses.

7. We urge redevelopment of more effective
methods of treatment of drug abuse and addiction.

8. We support government policies about
drugs that are compatible with oiu" Christian be-
liefs about the potential transformation of all indi-
viduals.

9. We urge all United Methodist churches in
the United States to work for a minimum legal
drinking age of 21 years in their respective states.

10. We support strong hiunane law enforce-
ment efforts against the illegal sale of all drugs and
we urge that those arrested for possession and use
of illegally procxu^ed drugs be subject to education
and rehabilitation.

Performance Resource Press, Inc., Troy,
Michigan

Petition Number: 21468-CS-R377-U; GBOD.

Suicide: A Challenge to Ministry

The General Board of Discipleship supports the
retention of the resolution, Suicide: A Challenge to Min-
istry, page 377 of The Book of Resolutions, with the
following addition under Causes of Suicide:

"Youth experience alienation and rejection by so-
ciety, family and the church when dealing with
sexual identity issues, including homosexuahty.
For many youth, the only way out is suicide."

The Economic Community

Petition Number: 20156-CS-NonDis-O;NGA

Taxation Fairness

Whereas, it has been well documented beyond
question that the United States Tax Code penalizes
couples for being legally married; and

Whereas, under current tax law, many married cou-
ples pay significantly more in income taxes each year
than they would have paid if they were single; and

Whereas, tax credits and other provisions to reduce
the "Marriage Penalty" have been proposed on numer-
ous occasions to the United States Congress; and

Whereas, United States Treasury officials have ac-
knowledged that the marriage penalties greatly exceed
$2 bOlion a year; and

Whereas, our society's very existence is dependent
upon stable family environments; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has con-
sistently supported holy and legal marriage as one of the
bedrocks of our civilization;

Be it therefore resolved, that we. General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church, call upon all
members of Congress to support the immediate elimi-
nation of any and all tax provisions which penalize legally
married couples and cause their income tax obligation
to be greater than it would be if they were filing as single
individuals.

Petition Number: 20523-CS-NonDis-O;CAP, WVA

Call for a Rebirth of Compassion

The great strength of U.S. society has always been
that its citizens believed that despite hardship, inequi-
ties, and injustice, the system has the capacity to be
fundamentally fair and offers the possibility of a better
life to all its citizens. This belief, despite segregation, led
Blacks to work to reform and not overthrow the system.
It led women, despite patriarchy and discrimination, to
demand and work for full participation in the system. In
the worst social crisis of this century, the Great Depres-
sion, widespread unrest and upheaval was avoided when
the system moved quickly to assist the poor and the
unemployed. In these times of crisis, the U.S. people
have joined together for the common good, drawing
upon a deep-seated sense of fairness and compassion
rooted in their religious and ethical traditions.

Today, this "social contract," which has been the
glue holding together a nation as diverse as any in the
world, is being replaced by a new spirit of divisiveness
and narrow self-interest It is as though the challenge of
John F. Kennedy, "Ask what you can do for your coun-

Church and Society

147

try," has been changed to "Ask only what's in it for you."
This has led to a massive upward redistribution of wealth
in U.S. society until today the top 5% have more wealth
than the bottom 40% combined. Conspicuous consump-
tion and waste goes hand in hand with rising homeless-
ness, children born into poverty and the elderly forced
into it. As this process continues, middle America, for
the first time since the Depression, has seen its standard
of living decline and can no longer expect the next
generation to have a better life.

The response of our political leadership to this crisis
has been to point the finger of blame at those deemed
responsible — the poor. In a "big lie" reminiscent of Nazi
Germany, the problems of U.S. society are blamed on
teenage mothers, welfare recipients, racial minorities,
women's liberation, programs of social welfare, and ho-
mosexuals.

Encouraged by demagogic politicians, mean-spir-
ited talk-show hosts, and millionaire tele-evangelists, the
social contract, which has bound this nation together
since the Civil War, is being systematically unraveled,
with the result that increasing numbers of Americans
are forced into poverty, unemployment, low-wage jobs,
and homelessness, while their children are denied the
education which once promised that children of poverty
could aspire to a better life than their parents. The
direction is clear: as economic and social conditions
worsen, those who benefit from injustice and inequality
will become increasingly strident in placing blame on
the poor and the powerless, and the downward spiral will
continue until the nation explodes in civil unrest and the
repression of a police state.

In such a climate of anger, violence and stridency,
even Jesus would be derided were he to call in to one of
the popular talk shows and call for a rebirth of compas-
sion. There are few politicians in either major party who
are willing to challenge the ethics of selfishness, greed
and scapegoating which characterize politics today. Too
few voices challenge the culture of sex, violence, self-in-
dulgence and instant gratification spewed into millions
of homes 24 hours a day.

We believe that it is to such a time and such a
mission that God is calling the church 2000 years after
the Savior's birth. It is the unique mission of the religious
community to call this nation to a rebirth of compassion.
How prophetic today are the words of Jesus, quoting
Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has
anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent
me to proclaim release of captives and recovery of sight
to the blind, to let the oppressed go fi^ee, to proclaim the
year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18)

In this spirit, we call upon United Methodists
throughout the land not only to feed the hungry and
house the homeless, but to work for policies that will
end hunger and homelessness. We call upon our bish-
ops to speak boldly for those who cannot speak for
themselves — against economic policies which benefit

the few at the expense of the many, against violence
toward women and homosexuals, and against the con-
tinued militarization of a nation with no external threat.

We call on our people to support candidates for
office who are committed to policies of full employment,
universal health insurance, long-term health care, qual-
ity public education for all children, reduced military
spending, and progressive taxation.

Finally, we call on our churches to reach out in love
and compassion to all persons, regardless of race, eco-
nomic condition, sexual preference, and religious per-
suasion, becoming beacons of love in a stormy sea of
hatred, discrimination, and violence. Let us be signs of
the coming reign of God in our midst — a reign marked
by compassion and justice.

Petition Number: 20524-CSNonDis-O;WVA.

Principles of Welfare Reform

Whereas, as people of faith and religious commit-
ment, we are called to stand with and seek justice for
people who are poor; central to our religious traditions,
sacred texts, and teachings is a divine mandate to side
with and protect the poor; we share a conviction, there-
fore, that welfare reforms must not focus on eliminating
programs but on eliminating poverty and the damage it
inflicts on children (who are 2/3 of all welfare recipi-
ents), on their parents, and on the rest of society; and

Whereas, we recognize the benefit to the entire
community of helping people move from welfare into the
job market when possible and appropriate; we fear,
however, that reform will fail if it ignores labor market
issues such as unemployment and an inadequate mini-
mum wage and important family issues such as the
affordability of child care and the economic value of
care-giving in the home; successful welfare reform will
depend on addressing these concerns as well as a whole
range of such related issues as pay equity, affordable
housing, and the access to health care; and

Whereas, we believe that people are more important
than the sum of their economic activities; successful
welfare reform demands more than economic incentives
and dis-incentives; it depends on overcoming both bi-
ased assumptions about race, gender, and class that feed
hostile social stereotypes about people living in poverty
and suspicions that people with perspectives other than
our own are either indifferent or insincere; successful
welfare reform will depend ultimately upon finding not
only a common ground of policies but a common spirit
about the need to pursue them for all; and

Whereas, the following principles do not exhaust
our concerns nor resolve all issues raised. The princi-
ples will serve nonetheless as our guide in assessing
proposed legislation in the coming national welfare de-
bate; we hope they may also serve as a rallying point for
a common effort with others throughout the nation.

148

DCA Advance Edition

Therefore, be it resolved, that the following state-
ment, "Principles of Welfare Reform," be sent to the
President of the United States, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the United States Senate Majority
Leader:

A Statement of Shared Principles of Welfare Reform

An acceptable welfare program must result in lifting
people out of poverty, not merely in reducing welfare
roles.

I. The federal government should define minimum
benefit levels of programs serving low income people,
below which states will not be permitted to fall. These
benefits must be adequate to provide a decent standard
of living.

n. Welfare reform efforts designed to move people
into the work force must create jobs that pay a liveable
wage [at least 150% of the poverty level plus full benefits]
and do not displace present workers. Programs should
eliminate barriers to employment and provide training
and education necessary, including post-high school
education such as vocation school and college for inex-
perienced and young workers to get and hold jobs. Such
programs must provide child care, transportation, and
other ancillary services that will make participation both
possible and reasonable. Kthe government becomes the
employer-of-last-resort, the jobs provided must pay a
family-sustaining wage.

ni. Dis-incentives to work should be removed by
allowing welfare recipients to retain a larger portion of
wage earnings and assets before losing cash, housing,
health, child-care or other benefits.

IV. Work-based programs must not impose arbi-
trary time limits. If mandated, limits must not be im-
posed without availability of viable jobs at a family-sus-
taining wage. Exemptions should be offered for people
with serious physical or mental illness, disabling condi-
tions, responsibilities as care-givers for incapacitated
family members, and for those primary care-givers who
have responsibility for young children.

V. Welfare reform should result in a program that
brings together and simplifies the many efforts of fed-
eral, state and municipal governments to assist persons
and families in need. "One-stop shopping centers"
should provide information, counseling, and legal assis-
tance regarding such issues as child support, job train-
ing and placement, medical care, affordable housing,
food programs, and education.

VI. Welfare reform should acknowledge the respon-
sibility of both government and parents in seeking the
well-being of children. No child should be excluded
fi-om receiving benefits available to other siblings be-
cause of having been bom while the mother was on
welfare. No child should be completely removed from
the safety net because of a parent's failure to fulfill

agreements with the government. Efforts are needed to
increase the level of child support assistance fi-om non-
custodial parents.

VII. Programs designed to replace current welfare
programs must be adequately funded. It must be recog-
nized and accepted that more will be invested in the
short-term than the present Aid to Families with De-
pendent Children Program. However, if welfare reform
programs are successfully implemented, they will cost
less as the number of families in need of assistance
diminishes over the long-term. In financing this effort,
funding should not be taken from other programs that
successfully serve the poor.

Petition Number: 21048-CSR412-U; GBCS.

Gambling

Amend "Gambling," p. 412:

The Social Principles states., .for support of charities
or government" [See Social Principles, Paragraph
73.G]

One of the caacntial commandments, according to
Jc9U9, is "Love thy neighbor as thyself' (Matthew 22:30-
40). This, together with loving God with all of one's
being, summoriiics all of the law.

When asked which commandment is first of
all, Jesus answered, "Hear O Israel: the Lord our
God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord Thy
God, with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind, and with all yoiu*
strength." (Mk. 12:29-30) Gambling feeds on hu-
man greed and invites persons to place their trust
in possessions rather than in God. It represents a
form of idolatry wWch contradicts the first com-
mandment Jesus continued. The second is this.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mk,
12:31) In relating with compassion to our sisters
and brothers, we are called to resist those prac-
tices and systems which exploit them and leave
them impoverished and demeaned.

Gambling, as a means of keeping acquiring mate-
rial gain ©frfy by chance.. .and is destructive to the inter-
ests of good government It encourages the belief
that work is unimportant, that money can solve all
oiu* problems, and that greed is die norm for
achievement It serves as a "regressive tax" on
those with lower income. In summary, gambling
is bad economics; gambUng is bad public policy;
and gambling does not improve the quahty of life.

We oppose the growing legalization and state pro-
motion of gambling...

[Last paragraph] The Church has a key role.. .gam-
bling or fund raising. We United Methodists should
refi'ain... funding which do not depend upon gambling.

Church and Society

149

The General Board of Church and Society in
cooperation widi other general agencies shall pro-
vide materials to local churches and annual con-
ferences for study and action to combat gambling
and aid persons addicted to gambling. The gen-
eral agencies, annual conferences and local
churches should work with the National Coalition
Against Legalized Gambling, a grassroots organi-
zation of reUgious and conununity persons work-
ing to stop and reverse legalized gambling.

The Political Community

Petition Number: 20027-CS-NonDis-O;SNJ.

Amendment to the Constitution
of the United States of America

The General Conference of The United Methodist
Church shall petition the Congress of the United States
and the legislators of all fifty states to adopt the following
amendment to the Constitution of the United States of
America: "Any public body may convene and/or con-
clude any public meeting with a period of meditation."

Petition Number: 20359-CS-NonDis-O;KSE.

Separation of Church and State

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has his-
torically supported the separation of church and state,
including the free exercise of religion; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has under-
stood this to mean that government must be neutral in
matters of religion and may not show preference of one
religion over others, for religion in general or for religion
over non-religion; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has con-
tinued to affirm the position that government may not
engage in, sponsor, supervise, aid or lend its authority
to religious expression or religious observance;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference, meeting in Denver, Colorado, reaffirm its
historic position and oppose any government legislation
or Constitutional amendment that would change our
existing First Amendment rights with regard to the use
of public funds to support non-public elementary and
secondary schools where religion is taught, or with
regard to religious observances in public schools.

Petition Number: 20360-CS-NonDis-O;RKM.

Closing of Military Installations

Resolved, that the 1996 General Conference work
for economic and environmental justice by:

1. encouraging a reduction in military spending;

2. encouraging detailed and broad-based commu-
nity planning for the downsizing or closing of military
installations; and

3. supporting Restoration Advisory Boards, techni-
cal Review Committees, BRAC Re-Use Committees, and
other official bodies overseeing environmental cleanup
and conversion planning at Department of Defense or
Department of Energy sites.

Petition Number: 20361-CS-NonDis-O;RKM.

Removal or Reduction of U.S. Military Bases
in Okinawa

Resolved that the 1996 General Conference support
the present government of Okinawa and the vast major-
ity of the Okinawan people in their strong, unceasing
efforts to achieve the complete removal or substantial
reduction of U.S. military bases and U.S. military person-
nel on the island of Okinawa and other islands in Oki-
nawa Prefecture of Japan, and the return of those lands
for peaceful, constructive purposes; and that a copy of
this petition be sent to the President of the United States,
the U.S. Secretary of State, and the U.S. Secretary of
Defense for consideration and action, and that a copy be
sent to the Governor of Okinawa and the Prime Minister
of Japan for their information.

Petition Number: 20525-CS-NonDis-O;CAP.

Public Ftmding of Federal Elections

Whereas, the democratic values of our nation are
being eroded by a political system no longer responsive
to the needs of the American people;

Whereas, this failure is directiy attributed to the
spiraling cost of political campaigns and the attendant
demand for more and more money to finance those
campaigns;

Whereas, the citizens of America are in danger of
losing their representative form of government because
the two major political parties are increasingly under the
control of a small, but wealthy, clientele who seek domi-
nance of the political process;

Whereas, the potential for this political dominance
may be seen, to an alarming degree, by campaign con-
tributions that in the 1994 Congressional elections ex-
ceeded $580,000,000;

Whereas, 1994 campaign contributions to incum-
bents in the House of Representatives exceeded
$239,000,000, while their challengers raised less than
$86,000,000;

Whereas, political action committees (PACS) in
1994 conti-ibuted more than $147,000,000 to Congres-
sional races;

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Whereas, on average, more than $300,000 in PAC
money was given to the winners in the 48 closest House
races while the average given to their challengers was
less than $35,000 — a stunning example of influence ped-
dling;

Whereas, dependence upon special interest money
and PACs has a direct impact on the substantive posi-
tions adopted by the two major political parties;

Whereas, the adoption of public funding for cam-
paigns would help restore the true meaning of our rep-
resentative form of Government and bring an end to the
control of special interests, however defined;

Whereas, the restoration of such a govern-
ment— one in accord with the vision that stirred the
Framers of the Constitution — ^would significantly assist
the citizens of the United States of America in reaffirm-
ing their belief in a "Government of the People, by the
People, and for the People";

Whereas, the supporters of this resolution under-
stand that no government is perfect, that all govern-
ments are flawed and, as members of The United Meth-
odist Church, we have a clear obligation to confront this
evil of money and politics and to minimize its strangle-
hold on the democratic institutions of our nation;

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference affirms
support for public funding of all federal elections.

Petition Number: 21480-CS-NonDis-O;SIN.

Against Political Mudslinging

Whereas, the use of character assassination and the
misrepresentation of another candidate's position and
record is deceptive and manipulative, pre3dng on our
worst human qualities instead of building on our best;
and

Whereas, negative campaigning undermines the
faith of the public in all political leaders and creates a
climate of hostility and divisiveness, making it difficult
for our elected officials to work together; and

Whereas, instead of distorting the truth for political
gain we should "speak the truth to our neighbors"
(Ephesians 4:25), and the General Rules of The Meth-
odist Church condemns "Uncharitable or unprofitable
conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates
or of ministers";

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
call upon all candidates for public office to focus their
campaigns on the issues, and on their own qualifications
to serve in office; that they refrain from personal attacks
and name-calling of opponents; that they do not distort
an opponent's views by taking quotes out of context or
misrepresenting the opponent's positions or voting re-

cord; and that they set an example of truthfulness and
integrity for the public.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church call upon all candidates for the office of Presi-
dent of the United States to lead the country in this style
of campaigning by conducting their campaigns with
honesty and respect.

Petition Number: 21364-CS-R504-U; GBGM.

Gun Violence in the U.S.

Delete "Gun Control," pp. 504-506 and "U.S. Gun
Violence," pp. 536-539 and replace with the following:

With the mounting proliferation of firearms
throughout the world, the safety of God's children
cannot be guaranteed. Crime in city streets
climbs, accidents abound, domestic violence
erupts and suicides soar. Christians concerned
about reverence for life care about what is happen-
ing to many victims of gtui miu-ders and assaults.
In the name of Christ, who came that persons
might know abundant life, we call upon the
Chiu-ch to afOrm its faitii through vigorous efforts
to ciu"b gim violence. Gim violence aroimd the
world is a growing menace, particularly in the
United States. Today, deaths and assaults involv-
ing guns of all kinds have reached devastatingly
high levels. The Center for Disease Control and
the New England Journal of Medicine have de-
clared this crisis one of "epidemic proportions."
A severe health crisis is created in many commu-
nities as the physical and psychological health of
innumerable tu'ban and rural families is impacted
by gun violence.

Gxm violence is a deep concern to The United
Methodist Chiu-ch and tiie commtmity of faith
whose members are called to a vision of a peace-
able kingdom, a society in which God's justice
reigns, where reconciliation replaces aUenation,
where an open hand and a turned cheek replaces
retaliation, where love of enemy is as important as
love of neighbor. The rehgious community must
also take seriously the risk of idolatry that could
restdt from an unwarranted fascination with guns,
and that overlooks or ignores the social conse-
quences of their misuse. The United Methodist
Chm-ch regards effective gun control and regida-
tion to be a spiritual concern and public responsi-
bility.

Working as an instrument of reconciliation,
The United Methodist Church is among those re-
hgious communions calling for social poUcies and
personal lifestyles that bring an end to senseless
gim violence. The United States might weU learn
from the experience of other societies where strin-
gent gim control laws are enforced. The gun mur-

Church and Society

151

der rate per 100,000 population in the United
States is 100 times greater than in England and
Wales, where strict gun laws prevail; it is 200 times
greater than in Japan, where it is impossible for the
public to secure handguns legally. In the United
States, approximately 30,000 men, women, and
children are shot to death in homicides, suicides
and accidents. This does not take into account the
approximately 250,000 people suffering injuries
costing the society over $24 billion each year. Over
three quarters of these medical expenses are paid
for with public tax dollars that could be used for
conununity development and to aid those in need.

Behind the statistics often lies great tragedy:
children and teachers are being shot in school;
depressed persons are taking their lives with
guns; persons wiio piu-chase guns to protect their
homes often end up using them to kill a loved one;
police officers are being gimned down in increas-
ing numbers in the course of duty.

As Christians who are deeply concerned about
human life, we must do something about the un-
regulated and uimecessary access to guns.

We do not believe there is any constitutional
personal right to bear arms. Although there is
vigorous debate over the meaning of the Second
Amendment to the Constitution, which speaks to
the right to keep and bear arms, the United States
Supreme Court and lower federal coiuts have held
that the private ownership of guns is not protected
by the Second Amendment

Most gun-related deaths and injuries in the
United States are by handguns originally acquired
for personal protection, target shooting, gun col-
lections and hunting. Some are by sho^uns and
rifles most often acquired for legitimate sporting
or collecting. An increasing number of deatiis emd
injiuies are by semi-automatic and automatic
guns, often referred to as assault weapons, devel-
oped for wartime piuposes. The futility of these
weapons far outweighs the utility.

In spite of the purpose for which guns are
acquired, deaths and injuries residting from their
use contribute significantiy to the atmosphere of
violence, fear and alienation that is a daily part of
life in the United States today. There are over an
estimated 65 million handguns and 135 million
rifles in the United States — nearly one gun for
each man, woman and child. While guns are not
the sole cause of violence, their ready availability
for purchase, easy accessibility to children, and
convenient access to those contemplating criminal
activity or suicide make gun violence a monumen-
tal social problem. We believe that the time has
come for all nations to move toward a less violent
and more civilized society.

As people of faith, we recognize the inherent
goodness of all creation. We firmly believe in God
as the giver and sustainer of all life. We also rec-
ognize the ultimate purpose of creation is to reveal
God's reign of justice and peace. The biblical ad-
monition to choose life instead of death sets the
tone for all human activity. "I call heaven and
earth to witness against you today that I have set
before you life and deatii, blessings and curses.
Choose life so that you and your descendants may
live..." (Deuteronomy 30:19). Our focus must not
lose the vision of transformation given to us in
Micah to beat otu* swords into plowshares and oiu*
spears into pruning hooks (Micah 4:3). Therefore,
The United Methodist Church:

1. Declares its support for meaningful and
effective federal legislation to regulate the impor-
tation, manufacturing, sale, and possession of
guns and ammimition by the general public. Such
legislation should include provisions for the regis-
tration and Ucensing of gun purchasers and own-
ers, appropriate background investigation and
waiting periods prior to gun piu'chase, and regu-
lation of subsequent sale.

2. Cedls upon the United States government to
estabUsh a national ban on the importation, manu-
facture, sale and possession of handguns and
handgun ammunition with reasonable limited ex-
ceptions. Such exceptions shotdd be restricted to:
the police, the military, licensed security guards,
antique dealers who maintain guns in unfireable
condition, and licensed pistol clubs where fire-
arms are kept on the premises under secure con-
ditions. Those who comply with the law and turn
in their gims should be compensated at fair value
through a cash payment or tax credit

3. Opposes the licensing of individuals to
carry concealed weapons. Special controls should
be appUed to the handgim, for it is the most deadly
and least utihtarian weapon in American society.
Because the handgun is concealable, it is the
weapon of crime; because the handgun is avail-
able, it is the instrument used in suicides and
crimes of passion.

4. Calls for the continuation and strengthening
of the federal ban on the sale and possession of
assault weapons.

5. Supports the oudawing of the production
and sales of automatic weapon conversion Idts as
well as the production of gims that cannot be de-
tected by traditionally used metal detection de-
vises.

6. Calls upon the United States government to
establish product protection laws and regulate
gims through the Consumer Protection Agency.

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DCA Advance Edition

7. Calls upon the media and entertainment
industry to refrain from promoting gun usage to
children in such magazines as Boys Life, Guns and
Ammo, Guns, The American Rifleman and many oth-
ers. We also discourage the graphic depiction and
glorification of violence by the entertainment in-
dustry.

8. Calls on all United Methodists who are
members of gun clubs and associations to use
their influence to help expand gun education and
safety programs. These individuals shotild also
enter into dialogue with their clubs and associa-
tions to estabUsh responsible and safe gim regu-
lations, and to build a seifer and less violent soci-
ety.

9. Calls for all church properties and facihties
to be designated as "No Gun Zones" and prohibit
guns from being carried onto the premises.

Petition Number: 20003-CS-R536-U;CNV.

U.S. Gun Violence

Amend "U.S. Gun Violence," Book of Resolutions,
p.538-9:

Once again, the church dare not te be silent Be-
cause our society is experiencing increasing gun vio-
lence

Therefore, as United Methodists, we recommend
the following:

1. That the United Methodists work toward discour-
aging discourage the graphic depiction....

3. That all governing bodies, annual conferences,

congregations, and their members join in dialogue....

5. That annual conferences make visible pub-
lic witness to the sin of gun violence and to the
hope of community healing.

S6. That all governing bodies, that annual con-
ferences, congregations, and members....

6. [Delete.]

7. ...to develop model legislation and guidelines for
implementations.

Furthermore, we call upon the United States govern-
ment to:

2. (Retain as is, except correct spelling of climate.)

4. Outlaw the sale* and manufacture of all automatic
weapon conversion kits since their only purpose is to
produce illegal firearms.

Finally, we instruct the Secretary of the Gen-
eral Conference to communicate this resolution
on gun violence to the Congress and to the Presi-
dent of the United States.

Petition Number: 20859-CS-R536-U; Methodist Federa-
tion for Social Action, CPA.

Gun Violence

Amend "Gun Violence," beginning on p. 538 of the
1992 Book of Resolutions as follows:

...overlooks or ignores the social consequences of
thef their misuse.

Once again tThe church dsfe must not to be si-
lent...regards effective gun control and regulation to be
a matter of spiritual concrcn concern and pubbc respon-
sibility...

Therefore, as United Methodists, we recommend
the following:

1. That #ie United Methodists work toward diseour
aging discourage the graphic depiction.. .and we lU'ge
that this be done at all levels.

2. [Delete.]

32 . That all governing bodies annual conferences,
congregations, and their members join in dialogue^wift
gun clubs and similar associations in the effort to estab-
lish responsible gun regulations, to build a safer and less
violent society, and to ask sports people to agree to incur
some small inconveniences, such as waiting periods,
before purchases ptu'chasing in order to reduce the
senseless deaths of many people.

3. That annual conferences make visible pub-
lic witness to the sin of gxm violence and to the
hope of commimity healing.

4. [Delete.]

54. That annual conferences, all congregations,
and their members become involved in coalitions...

6. [Delete.]

?5. That the General Board of Church and Society
give emphasis...

Furthermore, we call upon the United States govern-
ment to:

1. Establish meaningful and effective federal legis-
lation to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale and
possession of guns and ammunition...

2. Address more urgentiy the societal situations,
including the clmate climate of fear,...

Church and Society

153

4. Outlaw the sale and manufacture of all automat-
ic-weapon conversion kits since their only purpoac ia to
produce illegal fireormo.

5. Outlaw the manufacture and sale of guns...

Finally, we instruct the Secretary of the Gen-
eral Conference to communicate this resolution
on gun violence to the Congress and to the Presi-
dent of the United States,

Petition Number: 20699-CS-R538-U;NIL.

Gun Violence

Amend "U.S. Gun Violence," TJie Book of Resolu-
tions, pp. 538, 539:

Once again, tThe church dare not to be silent.. .to be
a matter of spiritual concrcn concern and public respon-
sibility.

Therefore, as United Methodists, we recommend
the following:

1. That the United Methodists work toward discour-
aging discotirage the graphic depiction. ..and ¥^ urge
that this be done at all levels.

2. [Delete.]

3. That all governing bodies. Annual Confer-
ences, congregations, and their members join in dia-
loguc with gun clubs and similar associations in the

effort to establish...

4. [Delete.]

5. That Annual Conferences, all congregations,
and their members become involved...

6. [Delete.]

Furthermore, we call upon the United States govern-
ment to:

1. Establish meaningful and effective federal legis-
lation to regulate the importation, manufacture,. ..wait-
ing periods prior to gun purchases, and regulation...

2. Address more urgendy the societal situations,
including the clmatc climate of fear,...

4. Outlaw the sales and manufacture of all automat-
ic-weapon conversion kits since their only purpose is to
produce illegal firearms.

The World Community

Petition Number: 20697-CS-NonDis-O;NNY.
The Promised Financied Aid to the Palestinians

Whereas, the signing of the Oslo Accord by the PLO
and Israel in September, 1993 stipulated financial aid for
a necessary and rapid improvement in the economy of
the occupied territories; and

Whereas, external parties, including the United
States, at the World Bank Conference in October, 1993,
pledged 2.4 billion dollars to help revive the failing
economy of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and to
provide for immediate and basic needs such as nutrition,
housing, health care, sanitation, education, and jobs;
and

Whereas, delivery of aid has kept pace neither with
the promises nor the needs, causing further deteriora-
tion of the living standards of the Palestinians, contrib-
uting to the unrest and cycle of violence which is endan-
gering free elections, and making it difficult for the
Palestinian National Authority to establish educational
systems and other social programs and to implement
economic development; and

Whereas, continued and, in many cases, intensified
closures, confiscation of Palestinian land by the govern-
ment of Israel, and the importing of foreign workers into
Israel to replace Palestinian labor, coupled with eco-
nomic policies of the Israeli government which hamper
economic development in the West Bank and Gaza, have
caused a further deterioration of the living standards of
Palestinians, an increasing distrust of the peace process
and its leaders, and an increasing sense of hopelessness
and frustration; and

Whereas, we deplore the violence directed toward
Israelis and the violence directed towards Palestinians
and believe that, even as we hold the perpetrators re-
sponsible and accountable, we must address the root
causes;

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
insist that our government release its portion of the aid
immediately and encourage other nations to do the
same; and

Be it further resolved, that we request that our
government reevaluate the entire structure of aid to the
Middle East, one goal being to redistribute the huge
amount now given to Israel and Egypt, and a second goal
being to consider economic support for the efforts of
non-governmental organizations, including religious in-
stitutions, human rights groups, labor unions, and pro-
fessional groups; and

Be it further resolved, that we insist that our govern-
ment use its influence upon the State of Israel to cease
the confiscation of land, allow freedom of movement to
the Palestinian people, and cease those economic poli-
cies which are detrimental to development in the West
Bank of Gaza; and

Be it further resolved, that copies of this resolution
be sent to the representatives of the State of Israel in the

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United States, to the President of the United States, the
Secretary of State, the Representatives and Senators, the
Council of Bishops of Tlie United Methodist Church,
and representatives of the General Board of Church and
Society and the General Board of Global Ministries.

Petition Number: 20698-CS-NonDis-O;NNY.

The Building of Settlements
in the Occupied Territories

Whereas, the continuing efforts by the State of
Israel to build settlements in the occupied territories
violates both international law and the spirit of the Dec-
laration of Principles, that such efforts are based upon a
vision of superiority of Jewish claims to land over the
long-standing and recognized claims to the land by
indigenous Palestinian people, and that such efforts
have a devastating effect on Palestinian communities;
and

Whereas, the continuing confiscation of private land
for the construction of setdements stands as an impedi-
ment to peace because it violates both international law
and the Declaration of Principles; it destroys the capac-
ity of people in Palestinian communities to work and
earn a livelihood; it, along with the restrictions on build-
ing placed on the Palestinian communities, forces the
emigration of Palestinian people from the occupied ter-
ritories; and it demoralizes the indigenous Palestinian
population; and

Whereas, the prophet Isaiah cautioned against cov-
eting the lands and homes of one's neighbors..." Woe to
you who add house to house and field to field until no
space is left and you live alone in the land." (Isaiah 5:8);
and

Whereas, the continuing confiscation of privately
held land for construction of settlements violates basic
understandings of human rights, perverts the peace
process, destroys the hope of people who are working
for and longing for peace, both Israelis and Palestinians,
and fosters a sense of desperation which can only lead
to further violence; and

Whereas, we in the United States are providing
financial assistance to the State of Israel which allows for
the building of these settlements;

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
communicate its opposition to continuing confiscation
of Palestinian land, the continued building of Jewish
settlements, and any vision of a "greater Israel" which
includes the Occupied Territories and/or the whole of
Jerusalem and its surroundings to the Prime Minister of
Israel and the Ambassador of Israel in Washington,
D.C.; and

Be it further resolved, that we communicate the
above to the President of the United States, the Secre-
tary of State, the appropriate Congress people and Sena-

tors, along with our desire that the United States hold
the State of Israel accountable for its actions and refuse
to support the continued confiscation of land and build-
ing of settlements; and

Be it further resolved, that we send copies of this
resolution to representatives of The United Methodist
Church on the Boards of Church and Society, the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries, and the Council of
Bishops.

Petition Number: 20746-CS-NonDis-O;NNY.

Jerusalem

Whereas, Jerusalem is sacred to all the children of
Abraham: Jews, Muslims, and Christians; and

Whereas, we lift up a vision of Jerusalem as a city of
peace and reconciliation where indigenous Palestinians
and Israelis can live as neighbors and, along with visitors
and tourists, have access to holy sites and exercise
freedom of religious expression; and

Whereas, the peaceful resolution of the Jerusalem
issue is crucial to the success of the whole process of
making peace between Palestinians and Israelis; and

Whereas, the United States, until the issue is re-
solved, should reflect international consensus and law,
and accordance with United Nations Resolution 242, as
well as the long-standing United States view that the
Jerusalem issue is unresolved and that East Jerusalem
is occupied territory; and

Whereas, the Jerusalem issue is in danger of being
resolved, not by negotiations between all parties, but by
policies of the Israeli government, which include the
confiscation of increasing amounts of Palestinian land,
expansion of the borders of Jerusalem to include more
and more Palestinian villages and lands, thus forming
what is now known as "Greater Jerusalem," the building
of setdements for Jewish families on these lands, clo-
sures which prevent Palestinians from traveling to or
through Jerusalem, the withholding of basic services
from tax-paying Palestinian neighborhoods, the denial
of Jerusalem identity cards whenever possible to Pales-
tinian citizens, and the denial of building permits for
Palestinians, which contributes to the increased number
of homeless and causes Palestinian residents of Jerusa-
lem to leave the city; and

Whereas, the United States, by its silence and with
its financial assistance, contributes to the building of
these "facts on the ground," which are an impediment
to peace and may preclude any hope of Jerusalem ever
becoming that City of Peace and Reconciliation for
which we pray;

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
request that our government pressure the State of Israel
to:

Church and Society

155

1. Cease the confiscation of Palestinian lands,

2. Cease the building of new or development of
existing settlements in the occupied territory and Gaza,

3. Lift the closure of Jerusalem to Palestinians,

4. Issue Jerusalem building permits to Palestinians
so they can build on their own land,

5. Halt the policy which would deny Jerusalem iden-
tity cards whenever possible to Palestinian citizens,

6. Address the problem of homelessness, severe
overcrowding, and substandard housing among the Pal-
estinian residents of Jerusalem; and

Be it further resolved, that we insist that our govern-
ment leaders take the following actions:

1. Refuse to move the United States embassy fi^om
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move which has been called for
by several Congress people,

2. Refrain from signing "sense of the Congress
letters," which hold, among other things, that Jerusalem
is the capital of Israel and only Israel,

3. Continue to meet with both Palestinian and Israeli
leaders in Jerusalem,

4. Continue to deduct from Israeli loan guarantees
an amount equal to all Israeli settlement spending, in-
cluding spending for settlements in and around Jerusa-
lem,

5. Affirm the long-standing policy of the United
States that statements and actions should continue to
reflect the view that the status of Jerusalem is unre-
solved and that East Jerusalem is, indeed, occupied
territory; and

Be it further resolved, that we communicate the
above to the President of the United States, the Secre-
tary of State, the appropriate Congress people and Sena-
tors, and representatives of the Israeli government; and

Be it further resolved, that we send copies of this
resolution to representatives of The United Methodist
Church on the Board of Church and Society, the General
Board of Global Ministries, and the Council of Bishops.

Petition Number: 21043-CS-NonDis-O; GBCS.

The U.S Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund

We have long supported those persons who cannot
in conscience pay taxes in support of war. We believe
they should be granted the same legal recognition as
that granted to conscientious objectors to military serv-
ice. Toward that end we recognize the work of the
National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund (NCPTF) . The

NCPTF advocates for legislation by the United States
Congress to establish a Peace Tax Fund.

The purpose of Peace Tax Fund legislation is to:

- Provide each individual the right not to be coerced
into any form of participation in killing other human
beings — ^whether that participation is physical or finan-
cial.

- Offer conscientious objectors the right to pay their
full tax obligation without violating deeply held religious
or ethical beliefs.

- Give those who are conscientiously opposed to war
because of religious or ethical beliefs the right not to
have legal penalties imposed because of those beliefs.

We believe all persons have these rights based in
the freedom to exercise their beliefs according to the
dictates of conscience. To that end, we support the
National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund and affirm the
work it does on behalf of those who conscientiously
object to payment of taxes for war.

Petition Number: 21044-CSR517-U; GBCS.
Human Rights

Amend "New Issues in Human Rights," p. 517, The
Book of Resolutions:

New I99UC3 in Human Rights

...This biblical poaaogc showa u9 that in our apirituol
identity, we possess a God-given worth and dignity. The
biblical We affirm that all persons are of equal
worth in the sight of God because all are created
in the image of God. Biblical tradition demands that
we live in an interdependent relationship with God and
our neighbor. That moves us to We must respond to
human need at every community level.

"Now therefore, if you will obey my voice and keep
my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all
people for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a
Itingdom of priests and a holy nation."(Exodus 10!5-6,
Revised Standard Version) .

"You shall love the Lord your God vnth all your
heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and wth
your mind and your neighbor as yourself. "(Luke 10!27-

As covenant people of God who arc a part to this
covenant, we are called to responsibility rather than
privilege.

God's vision. ..Human rights are holistic in nature
and therefore indivisible in their social, civil, political,
cultural and economic, social, cultural, civil, and
political aspects...

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DCA Advance Edition

Further, As Christians, we receive and carryT-as
Christiana, a mandate to seek justice and liberation. ?%at
mandate coIIb us to safeguard and dlgnit>' of all pcraona,
whether they are the oppressed or the oppressors by
identifjang and eliminating the root causes of human
rights violations throughout our global community.
Isaiah calls us to "loose the bonds of injustice, to
undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed
go free, and to break every yoke." (Isaiah 58:6)

Therefore, The United Methodist Church feki-
forccs continues its commitment to human rights ftft4
as grounded in God's covenant by critically assessing
and safeguarding the following principles in human
rights as defined in the Universal Declaration of
Htunan Rights:...

2) All persons have the right to the basic necessities
of life, as defined in the United Nations

Declaration of Human Rights.

4) ...religious expression and practice.

The United Nations has spoken strongly
against racism as a human rights violation in the
United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination:

Discrimination between human beings on the
ground of race, color or ethnic origin is em offense
to human dignity and shall be condemned as a
denial of the principles of the Charter of the
United Nations, as a violation of the human rights
and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Uni-
versal Declaration of Human Rights, as an obsta-
cle to fiiendly and peaceful relations among na-
tions and as a fact capable of disturbing peace and
security among peoples.

In addition, the United Nations has also de-
fined sexism as a violation of human rights in the
Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women:

Discrimination against women, denying or
limiting as it does their equality of rights with men,
is fundamentally unjust and constitutes an offense
against human dignity.

As a people "committed to Christ" and "called to
change," we are responsible for securing the integrity
of our covenant in the midst of new imposing human
rights developments.

In this spirit, wWe call upon citizens within the
church and society to critically analyze criticaUy trends
and developments which may impinge upon adversely
affect human rights. These include:

1) The increase of capital intensive technology that
destroys opportunities for productive and mean-
ingful employment

2) The intentional use of data banks to provide
pervasive information imdermine rather than en-
hance abundant living.

4) The possible economic and political scape-goat-
ing of such an "underclass" for technological and social
displacement. The criterion of a "Fourth World" and its
potential scapegoat for the social displacement resulting
from technological advances.

6) The growth of militarism and the imposition of
military-like behavior on control over civilians.

7) The increase of terrorism and the growth of less
publicized racist white supremacist movements such
as the neo-Nazi groups and paramilitary units, of the
Ku Mux Klan, the Posse Comitatus, etc. and so-called
"National Fronts" in Britain and France.

8) In many countries Tthe decreasing civilian
control in many countries of domestic and international
policing and intelligence units as well as increasing
surveillance of their own citizenry perceived imposed
under the guise of a potential threat to national security.

9) The conflict of rising expectations between
meeting the basic needs of developing countries and
the disproportionate sharing of global resources.

History teaches us We are increasingly aware
that militarism and greed can overwhelm and under-
mine movements to secure human rights. Moreover, as
humanity approaches the 2l8t Century the role of the
church as advocate, healer, and servant of the poor and
oppressed, including the indigenous people, is ncecs-
safyrThe Chiu"ch is called to be an advocate for the
human rights of all persons in the political, social
and economic quest for justice and peace. In the
political, social and economic quest for justice and
peace, the insatiable demand for material gain requires
the church to be an advocate for the human rights of all.

Meanwhile As people of faith and hope, we com-
mend thosepositivetrendsleftdiftgifBpetttswiiich con-
tribute positively to the human rights movement.
Among them:

— ^The growing acceptance of universal standards
for human rights.

— ^The establishment of oi^nizations such as
Amnesty International which documents, verifies,
and publicizes pohtical imprisonment, torture,
killings, and crimes against humanity.

— ^The increasing consensus against war as a viable
solution to international conflicts.

— Recent moves to include Movement toward the
inclusion of "basic human needs" criteria in interna-
tional aid packages and financial aid programming.

Church and Society

157

— The acknowledgment by the international com
munity of a bona fide human role for the church.

— ^The cstabliahment growing importance of hu-
man rights offices¥ftthin governments of acvcral nations
around the world.

— ^The growing emphasis on ti*e technology appro-
priate to the cultural setting.

We uphold the requirements advocated by the
National Council of Churches to preserve and pro-
tect human rights:

1) Human rights require world peace;

2) Human rights require a secure and sustain-
able environment;

3) Himian rights require sustainable human
development;

4) Hiunan rights require the preservation of
communities; and

5) Human rights require the preservation of
religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

We hereby call upon all governments to renew
accept their obligation to uphold human rights by
refraining from repreaaive repression, torture and vio-
lence against all persona any person. We further call
upon all governments to fulfill their positive obligations
to human rights to ratifying and implementiof interna-
tional conventions,...

We call the Church to be a place of refuge for the
"heavy laden" and uprooted of the global community.
those who experience the violation of their human
rights. It is the duty of Christians "to help create
a worldwide conmiunity in which governments
and people treat each other compassionately as
members of one human family."

While recognition and protection of human rights
is an essential part of our Christian obligations, we must
remember that human rights alone do not assure indi
vidual redemption and wholeness. The Church must
keep before the global community the claims of Christ
upon humanity to seek lovingly to fulfill his mandate
expressed in the Great Commission.

Therefore, we call upon all members of The United
Methodist Church to do all syithin their power to further
these objectives.

Petition Number: 21049-CS-R561-U; GBCS.

Peace, The United Methodist Church and

Delete "Christian Faith and Disarmament," p. 561;
"Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, p. 568; "Nuclear Dis-
armament: The Zero Option," p. 600; and "Peace Col-

leges," p. 612; and amend "Peace, The United Methodist
Church and" p. 617:

I. Disarmament

One hard fact must be stated bluntiy; the The arms
race goes on;, the momentum of the race never slack-
ens, and However, the danger of aholocaust is remains
imminent as long as nations maintain nuclear
weapons. Meanwhile, millions starve andr develofh
ment stagnates., and international cooperation is threat-
ened. Increasingly sophisticated weapons systems ac-
celerate arms spending and heighten anxieties without
adding to the security of the nations. Again and again,
regional tensions grow, conflicts erupt, and great pow-
efs outside forces intervene to advance or protect their
interests without regard to international law or human
rights.

True priorities... Yet the their availability of all of
these is constantiy threatened because of by the over-
riding priority given by governments to what is called
"defense."

If humanity is to move out of this period of futility
and constant peril, the search for new weapons systems
must be halted through comprehensive international
agreements. — Moreover, — disarmament — negotiations
should include all nations with substantial armaments
systems. The vast stockpiles of nuclear bombs and con-
ventional weapons must be dismanticd under interna-
tional supervision, and the resources being used for
arms must be diverted to programs designed to affirm
life rather than destroy it Serious consideration should
be given by nations to unilateral initiatives which might
stimulate the reaching of international agreement.

We support disarmament initiatives that go
beyond compliance with international treaties. In
particular we ask that the nuclear powers disman-
tie nuclear stockpiles to show good fiaith to the
non-nuclear participants of the extended Non-Pro-
liferation Treaty. We have rejected possession of
nuclear weapons as a permanent basis for seciu*-
ing and maintaining peace. Possession can no
longer be tolerated even as a temporary expedient.
We affirm the prophetic position of our bishops
who said in their statement In Defense of Creation:
"We say a clear and unconditional NO to nuclear
war and to any use of nuclear weapons. We con-
clude that nuclear deterrence is a position that
cannot receive the Church's blessing."

The time to test nuclear weapons is past. The
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty must include a
prohibition on aU tests that release radiation. We
condemn those nations that continue to conduct
such tests. Their actions show they are not respon-
sible members of the world community. We ask
that measures such as embargoes, boycotts or
other peaceful pressures be universally applied
against nations that continue to test

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At the same time nations must provide for
more secure control of weapons-grade nuclear
materials. It is clear deterrence comes from inter-
national controls on materials from which bombs
are made.

We support the concept of nuclear-free zones
where governments or peoples in a specific region
band togedier to bar nuclear weapons from the
area either by treaty or declaration.

World public opinion justly condemns the use of
chemical or biological weapons. Governments must re-
nounce use of these particularly inhumane weapons as
part of their national policy.

We support treaty efforts to ban the develop-
ment, trade and use of weapons that are inhu-
mane, are excessively injurious and have indis-
criminate effects. Such weapons include land
mines, booby traps, weapons with non-detectable
fragments, incendiary weapons and blinding laser
weapons.

We are also concerned about the use of inhu-
mane weapons by civilian or military police. Hol-
low point ("Diun-dum") or other bullets designed
to maim are not acceptable weapons for use by
civilian or mihtary forces. We support measiu^es
that outlaw use of such weapons at all levels.

We affirm peoples' movements directed to abolition
of the tools of war. Governments must not impede public
debate on this issue of universal concern.

TTie goal of world disarmament, demanding de-
mands a radical reordering of priorities afi4 coupled
with an effective system of international peacemaking,
peace keeping and peace building. The church
must constantly keep that goal must be kept con-
standy before peoples and governments by the church.

n. Democracy and Freedom

[Second paragraph] Action by governments.. .Un-
less the prevailing oppression and denial of basic human
rights are ended, violence on an increasing scale will
continue to erupt in many nations, and may spread
throughout the world. The human toll in such a conflict
could be conflicts is enormous for they and could
result in new oppression and further dehumanization.

We are concerned for areas where oppression and
discrimination take place, and specifically for Namibia
and South Africa, where White minorities continue to
opprc39 and diacriminatc against Black majorities
through legal 3y9tcm3. We, as United Methodist
Christiiuis, must btiild the conditions for peace
through development of confidence and trust be-
tween peoples and governments. We are imalter-
ably opposed to those who instill hate in one group

for another. Governments or political factions must
not use religious, class, racial or other differences
as the means to achieve heinous poUtical purposes.

This concern...

III. The United Nations

[Third paragraph] These achievements.. .Many na-
tions, including the most powerful, participate in some
programs only when those actiona do such action does
not interfere with their national advantage...

We believe the United Nations...

[Substitute bullets for numbering:]

• -It The Universal Declaration. ..International
covenants and conventions which seek to
implement the Declaration should must be
universally ratified.

• 3? Peace and world order...

• St Greater use should be made of the International
Court of Justice. Nations should remove any
restrictions they have adopted which impair the
court's effective functioning.

• 4? Development agencies should not be dominated
by the industrialined world. The industrialized
world must not dominate development
agencies. We support eEfforts to make
controlling bodies of these such agencies more
representative should be supported.

• St We support the development and
strengtiiening of ilntemational agencies designed
to help nations or peoples escape from domination
by other nations or transnational enterprises-mttst
continue to be created and strengthened.

• 6r Issues of food, cncrg>', raw materials, and other
commodities arc grcady affected by economic and
political considerations. Efforts in the United
Nations to achieve new levels of justice in the world
economic order should be considered, reviewed,
and — supported. Economic and pohtical
considerations greatly affect issues of food,
energy, raw materials, and other
commodities. We support efforts in the United
Nations to achieve new levels of justice in the
world economic order.

• ?7 We support the concept of c€ollective action
against threats to peace must be supported. Wars
fought in the search for justice might well be
averted or diminished if the nations of the world
would work vigorously and in concert in scclcing to
seek changes in oppressive political and economic
systems.

Church and Society

159

rV. World Trade and Economic Development

[Third paragraph] In working toward that purpose,
we believe these steps are needed:...

Control of international monetary facilities should
must be more equitably shared by all the nations, in-
cluding the needy and less powerful...

VI. Peace Research, Education, and Action

The 1960 General Conference established the
landmark study "The Christian Faith and War in
the Nuclear Age." That study said, "The Christian
Chtu'ch and the individual must accept responsi-
bility for the creation of a climate of opinion in
which creative changes can occur." It called work
for these creative alternatives, "Our mission field
as we live as disciples of the Prince of Peace."

In order to create such a climate of concili-
ation and compromise, wWe call upon The United
Methodist Church, including its agencies and insti-
tutions of higher education, in the light of its histori-
cal teachings and its commitment to peace and self-de-
velopment of peoples to:

1. Seek the establishment of educational institutions
devoted to the study of peace (auch as the National
Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution).

2. Develop alternatives to vocations that work
against peace and support individuals in their quest.

4. Affirm and employ methods that build confidence
and trust between peoples and countries, including
training in multi-cultural understanding and ap-
preciation of differences, rejecting all promotion of
hatred and mistrust

Petition Number: 21050-CS-R633-U; GBCS.

Ratification of United Nations Covenants and
Conventions by the United States

Delete "Ratification of Human Rights Covenants
and Conventions," p. 633 and replace with new text:

The United Methodist Chtu'ch commends the
Senate of the United States for actions which com-
pleted ratification of the following htunan rights
instruments and allowed its government to de-
posit instruments of ratification with the Secretary
General of the United Nations, wiio received them
on the following dates:

— The International Convention on the Pre-
vention and Punishment of Genocide on Novem-
ber 25, 1988;

— The International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights on June 8, 1992;

— The Convention against Torture and other
Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Pun-
ishment; and

— The International Convention on the Elimi-
nation of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on
October 21, 1994.

The Senate has not pursued those steps which
will complete ratification of three remaining hu-
man rights instruments that have been signed by
the President

— The International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights was signed by Presi-
dent Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1977, and trans-
mitted to the United States Senate;

— The Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women was
signed on behalf of President Carter in Copenha-
gen on July 17, 1980, and transmitted to the
United States Senate; and

— The Convention on the Rights of the Child
was signed on behalf of President Clinton in New
York on February 16, 1995, and transmitted to
the United States Senate.

The Senate also has not acted upon the follow-
ing conventions:

— The Convention on Biodiversity was signed
on June 4, 1993, on behalf of President Clinton
and transmitted to the United States Senate; and

— The Treaty on the Law of the Sea was signed
on behalf of President Clinton on July 29, 1994,
and transmitted to the United States Senate.

It is imperative that the United States Senate
act prompdy to give its "advice and consent" to the
ratification of these instruments.

Petition Number: 2002&-CS-NonDis-O;WYO.

The Embargo against Cuba

Whereas, the Social Principles of the United Meth-
odist Church state that, "We hold governments respon-
sible for the protection of the rights of the people.. .to the
guarantee of the rights to adequate food, clothing, shel-
ter, education, and health care";

Whereas, the total embargo of trade with Cuba (in
effect for over 30 years) has created vast shortages of
food supplies, building repair materials, personal care
items, clothing, medicine, and health care equipment;

Whereas, Cuba remains the only country against
whom the United States maintains a total trade embargo
(including humanitarian aid);

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Whereas the United Methodist Homes of the Wyo-
ming Conference is developing a partner relationship
with Hogar Cristiano Metodista (a small nursing home
facility operated by the Methodist Church of Cuba) to
improve the quality of health care for its residents
through training, an increased supply of medicine, and
the updating of medical equipment;

Whereas, the only means currently of delivering
these desperately needed items is limited to personally
carrying the items in very limited quantities;

Whereas the government of the United States has
in recent years strengthened its commercial and diplo-
matic relations with Vietnam, and has also increased
contacts and negotiations with North Korea, inde-
pendently of their foreign policy which contradicts that
of the United States;

Whereas the lifting of the economic embargo
against Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Common
Market (CARICOM) would help relieve tensions in the
Caribbean while creating a new and important market
for American industry and agriculture;

Whereas the Council of Churches of Cuba of which
the Methodist Church of Cuba is a member, the Cuban
Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops, and several
other international and U.S. religious bodies such as
theUnited Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church
(USA) , and the American Baptist Churches have passed
resolutions in favor of lifting the embargo;

Whereas, more than two hundred and fifty Chris-
tians from approximately 23 Protestant denominations
and diverse ecumenical movements met in 1994 with
leaders of the Cuban Communist Party and of the gov-
ernment, at the highest levels, to discuss both accom-
plishments and shortcomings of the revolutionary proc-
ess; and to encourage the government to take measures
that guarantee a greater respect for and the promotion
of human rights;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of the United Methodist Church request
that the President and Congress of the United States
cooperate to:

1) repeal the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (22
U.S.C. 6001 et seq.) , as well as the 1994 tightening of
travel restrictions that prevent the normal working rela-
tionship between religious communities in Cuba and the
United States;

2) resume normal diplomatic relations between the
government of Cuba and the United States;

Be it further resolved, that this resolution be advo-
cated by the Council of Bishops, the General Board of
Church and Society, and the General Board of Global
Ministries.

Be it further resolved that the secretary of the 1996
General Conference send a copy of this resolution to
William Clinton, President of the United States.

Petition Number: 20031-CS-R634-U;WIS, NEB, RKM,
NYK,NIL.

Recognition of Cuba

Amend "Recognition of Cuba," TJie Book of Resolu-
tions, pp. 634-636, beginning with the second paragraph:

"God's world is one world." The Social Principles
requires us to make the community of God a reality as
we "pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel
in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth
of world community." We believe that "God's world
is one world." However, sSuch a world cannot exist
when nations refuse to give diplomatic recognition to
one another.

For over-30 32 years the government of the United
States has not maintained diplomatic relations with the
government of Cuba and has instead pursued an eco-
nomic embargo prohibiting sRy all kinds of trade with
Cuba. The Democracy Act of 1992 (no. 22 U.S.C.
6001 et seq.) has tightened the embargo restric-
tions by penalizing other countries if their ships
stop in Cuba. This policy has resulted continues to
result in the loss of an important commercial market
and trade partner for the United States, and in the
heightening heightened ©f tensions in the Caribbean.
The objectives sought by the proponents of this policy
in the cold War era were to force a change in Cuban
foreign policy and to halt the growth and development
of Soviet influence in that country.

It is now clear that the embargo policy has not
succeeded with those objectives. If anything, its most
evident result of the embargo has been not only t©
fofeethat it forced Cuba to an even closer political and
military reliance on the former Soviet Union, but it has
also increased the suffering of the children and the
elderly due to lack of essential medicines and
food. The Cold War is over, the socialist block of
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union has disap-
peared and no longer exercises any influence on
Cuba's foreign policy or poses any threat to the
United States.

Whereas, the Methodist Church in 1964....

Whereas, the government of the United States is the
only major Western country pursuing a policy of non-re-
lations with Cuba, while Canada, France, Great Britain,
West Germany, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and
almost all other countries of the western alliance main-
tain normal diplomatic and/or economic relations with
Cuba; and

Whereas, the General Assembly of the United
Nations has several times voted overwhelmingly in

Church and Society

161

Cavor of the United States lifting the embargo and all
restrictions against Cuba; and

Whereas, the government of the United States has
in recent years strengthened its commercial and diplo-
matic relations with other Communist countries auch as
the Soviet Union itself, China, Hungary, Poland, and
Romania, Vietnam and has also increased contacts
and negotiations with North Korea, independently
of their foreign policy, which differs and often collides
w4th-contradicts that of the United States; and

Whereas, the Reagan administration declared that
the United States wiH was not going to use food....

Whereas, the lifting of the economic embargo
against Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Common
Market (CAJRICOM), would help relieve tensions in
the Caribbean while creating a new and important mar-
ket for American industry and agriculture especially at
a time of high unemployment in this country; and

Whereas, the Ecumenical Council of Cuba (now
Council of Churches of Cuba) of which the Methodist
Church of Cuba is a member, the Cuban Conference of
Roman Catholic Bishops, and several other international
89 well fls and U.S. religious bodies such as the United
Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church GJSA), and
the American Baptist Churches have passed resolutions
in favor of lifting the embargo; and

Whereas, the Ecumenical Council of Cuba has
stated, "the space for freedom and action for the
work of the Chiu'ch and of Christians in Cuba has
been concertized in political and juridical deci-
sions which have allowed for the growth and ex-
pansion of all churches and the possibility of bet-
ter work for both within and with the rest of civil
society"; and

Whereas, more than two himdred and fifty
Christians from approximately 23 Protestant de-
nominations and diverse ecumenical movements
met in 1994 with leaders of the Cuban Commu-
nist Party and of the government, at the highest
levels, to discuss both accomplishments emd
shortcomings of the revolutionary process; and to
encourage the government to take measures that
guarantee a greater respect for and the promotion
of human rights;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, from its Christian and humanitarian perspec-
tive, inspired by the love of God and the historic
Methodist commitment to peace and social jus-
tice, and in light of historic changes with the end
of the Cold War, hereby petitions the government of
the United States to lift its economic embargo against
Cuba and to seek negotiations with the Cuban govern-
ment for the purpose of resuming normal diplomatic
relations, requests of the President and Congress
of the United States: 1) the repeal of the Cuban

Democracy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 6001 et seq.),
as well as the 1994 tightening of travel restrictions
that prevent the normal working relationship be-
tween religious communities in Cuba and the
United States; 2) the resumption of normal diplo-
matic relations between the government of Cuba
and the United States;

Be it further resolved, that the General Con-
ference requests the Council of Bishops and the
Genereil Boards of Church and Society and Global
Ministries of The United Methodist Church, as
well as the National Council of the Chiu-ches of
Christ in the United States, to advocate with the
President and Congress of the United States for
the aforementioned requests.

Petition Number: 20863-CS-R634-U; Methodist Federa-
tion for Social Action, CPA

Recognition of Cuba

Amend "Recognition of Cuba," p. 634-636:

[Second paragraph] "God's world is one world."
The Social Principles.. .the growth of the world commu-
nity." We believe that "God's world is one world."
However, sSuch a world cannot exist...

For over 30 32 years the government.. embargo
prohibiting any all kinds of trade with Cuba. The De-
mocracy Act of 1992 (#22 U.S.C. 6001 at seq.)
has tightened the embargo restrictions by penaliz-
ing other cotmtries if their ships stop in Cuba. This
policy...and in the heightening heightened of tensions
in the Caribbean. The objectives sought by the propo-
nents of this policy in the Cold War era were to force
a change...

It is now clear that the embargo policy has not
succeeded with those objectives. If anything, its most
evident result of the embargo has been not only to
force that it forced Cuba to an even closer political and
military reliance on the former Soviet Union, but it has
also increased the suffering of the children and the
elderly due to lack of essential medicines and
food. The Cold War is over, the socialist block of
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union has disap-
peared and no longer exercises any influence on
Cuba's foreign policy or poses any threat to the
United States.

...Whereas, the government of the United States is
the only major Western country.. .Mexico, Brazil, Ar-
gentina, Bolivia.. .economic relations with Cuba; and

Whereas, the General Assembly of the United
Nations has several times voted overwhelmingly in
favor of the United States lifting the embargo and
all restrictions against Cuba; and

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DCA Advance Edition

Whereas, the government of the United States has
in recent years strengthened its commercial and diplo-
matic relations with other Communist countries such as
the Soviet Union itself, China, Hungary, Poland, and
Romania, Vietnam, and has also increased contacts
and negotiations with North Korea independently
of their foreign policy which differs and often collides
wi#» which contradicts that of the United States; and

Whereas, the Reagan administration declared that
the United States will was not going to use food as a
foreign policy instrument...

Whereas, lifting of the economic embargo against
Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Common Market
(CARICOM), would help relieve tensions-cspccially at
a time of high unemployment in this country"; and

Whereas, the Ecumenical Council of Cuba (now
Council of Churches of Cuba) of which. ..and several
other international as well as and U.S. religious bod-
ies...resolutions in favor of lifting the embargo; and

Whereas, the Ecxunenical Council of Cuba has
stated "the space for freedom and action for the
work of the Church £md of Christians in Cuba has
been concretized in political and juridical deci-
sions which have allowed for the growth and ex-
pansion of all churches and the possibiUty of bet-
ter work for both within and with the rest of civil
society"; and

Whereas, more than two hundred and fifty
Christians from approximately 23 Protestant de-
nominations and diverse ecumenical movements
met in 1994 with leaders of the Cuban Commu-
nist Party and of the government, at the highest
levels, to discuss both accomplishments and
shortcomings of the revolutionary process and to
encourage the government to take measures that
guarantee a greater respect for and the promotion
of human rights;

TTierefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, from its Christian and humanitarian perspec-
tive, inspired by the love of God and the historic
Methodist commitment to peace and social jus-
tice, and in light of historic changes with the end
of the Cold War, hereby petitions the government of
the United States to lift its economic embargo against
Cuba and to seek negotiations with the Cuban govern-
ment for the purpose of resuming normal diplomatic
relations requests of the President and Congress of
the United States: 1) the repeal of the Cuban De-
mocracy Act of 1992 (22 IIS.C. 6001 et seq), as
weU as the 1994 tightened travel restrictions that
prevent the normal working relationship between
reUgious commimities in Cuba and the United
States; 2) the resumption of normal diplomatic
relations between the government of Cuba and the
United States;

Be it further resolved, that the General Con-
ference requests the Council of Bishops and the
General Boards of Chiu-ch jmd Society and Global
Ministries of The United Methodist Church, as
well as the National Coimcil of Churches of Christ
in the United States, to advocate with the Presi-
dent and Congress of the United States for the
aforementioned requests.

Petition Number: 21051-CS-R643-U; GBCS.

Terrorism

Amend 'Terrorism," p. 643:

^VHEREAS, tThe increase in terrorism from the
1970's to 1000 through the present has caused a fear
and desperation among international people every-
where that creates a sense of hopelessness and instabil-
ity and reveals the weakness in the present world system
of international peace, and securityt«ft4 at home.

The image of God and the sacrifice of Christ
bestow a worth and dignity that cannot be right-
fulty ignored or violated by any human institution
or social movement. For this reason we condemn
all acts of terrorism with no exception for the tar-
get or the soiu"ce.

WHEREAS7 There is no significant difference be-
tween "state terrorism," as the "overkill" response of a
state, and group terrorism, whether in the interna-
tional arena or on the home front inasmuch as the
innocent suffer;

THEREFORE, Witii these truths in mind it is
important that we, as United Methodist Christiansr
we:

1. Will examine Examine critically the causes of
terrorism including and nations' national and inter-
national involvement with it

2. Firmly support the United Nations as an agency
for conflict resolution and as a viable alternative to #ie
resort resorting to war and/or terrorism.

3. Stand against terrorist acts in the forms of
retahation or capital ptmishment

34. Urge the President of the United States to
repudiate violence and to adhere to the statement that
retaliation could be a terrorist act in itself and the killing
and victimizing of innocent people.

4 5. Oppose the use of indiscriminate military force
to combat terrorism except as a final resort, especially...
S 6. Condemn the use of extremist tactics...

€ 7. Direct the General Board...

8. Continue to support the U.S. ban on assault
rifles, as they are the weapons of choice by indi-

Church and Society

163

viduals and organizations implementing terrorist
activities both at home and abroad.

Petition Number: 21052-CS-R648-U; GBCS.

In Support of the United Nations
Amend "In Support of the United Nations," p. 648:

This General Conference The United Methodist

Church affirms its historic support for the United Na-
tions. Today wWe rejoice that since 1945...

• Provided mechanisms for the peaceful settlement
of disputes.

• Provided an arena for promotion of a just and
equitable world economic system.

• Provided — assistance — through — United — Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organigation,
United Nations Development Program, United
Nations Childrcns Fund (U>JICEF), World Health
Organigation, and its other agencies to persons who
arc usually neglected.

• Established peacekeeping forces in troubled areas.

• Developed principles of peace-building.

• Defused big power confrontations.

• Provided assistance through United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCOt. United Nations
Development Program (UNDP>. United
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World
Health Organization (WHO), and its other
agencies to persons who are usually
neglected.

• Provided a forum for discussion of difficult issues,
such as racism, population and decolonization.

• Promoted just and equitable world social and
economic systems.

• Established internationally accepted
standards of human rights for all persons,
including women and children.

• Forged international treaties on Ozone,
Climate Change, Bio-diversity, and The Law of
the Sea, and sponsored siunmits of heads of
state and government on issues of children,
environment and social development.

• Brought nations togetiier to coordinate the
batdes against smallpox, polio, childhood
mortality, inadequate nutrition and
HIV/AIDS.

• Provided a means of coordination and
commimication for world Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGO's).

International relations are entering a new era. Gov-
ernments turn to the United Nations as they recognize
that they must address theif problems multilaterallyr
through t¥he use of consultation and compromise as
solutions intensifies. Nations acting together...

However, wWe are not convinced.. .Nations might
still return to unilateral acts of violence... The arms
build-up has decreased but it has not ceased. Regional
civil and ethnic wars wiH continue to break out...

We encourage the governments of the world to
discard old systems of nationalistic self will and to let the
ideals and visions of the Charter of the United Nations
serve as their guide to a new spirit of international
cooperation.

The pursuit of peace is thwarted when media-pro-
moted falsehoods misunderstandings about the pur-
pose and possibilities of the United Nations are widely
promoted disseminated and believed. Therefore, we
commend to the churches a wider study of the United
Nations in order that Christians might be enabled to
work in unity for peace and justice in the world.

We encoxu"age the governments of the world to
say no to nationalistic self-will, to say yes to the
ideals and visions of the Charter of the United
Nations, and to let it serve as their guide to a new
spirit of international cooperation.

To that end:

1. We commend to the churches a wider study
of the United Nations in order that Christians
might be enabled to work in unity for peace and
justice in the world.

i 2. We reaffirm decisions of the General Confer-
ence beginning in 1944 to establish "an international
office of education and publicity for peace." These deci-
sions resulted in establishment of Supported by those
decisions the church established the Methodist Of-
fice for the United Nations and, in 1963, in construction
of constructed the Church Center for the United Na-
tions.

3 3. We particularly commend...the work of the
United Nations as it grapples with the work strives for
peace.

4. We affirm and support the United Method-
ist Office for the United Nations as a facilitator and
participant in the NGO network.

S 5. We also reaffirm the importance of celebrating
the signing entry into force of the Charter of the United
Nations on October 24, 1945, with an emphasis in local

164

DCA Advance Edition

churches on World Order United Nations Sunday,
observed on that date or the Sunday preceding it.

6. We call upon United Methodists to encour-
age tiieir governments to strengthen tiie U.N. by
fulfilling all treaty and financial obligations so that
it may more effectively relieve the suffering of mil-
lions through better health, protect our planef s
environment, promote human rights, and bring
about genuine and lasting peace in the world.

Other Resolutions

Petition Number: 21039-CS-NonDis-O; GBCS.

Caring Communities - The United Methodist
Mental Illness Network

The mission to bring all persons into a community
of love is central to the teachings of Christ. We gather
as congregations in witness to that mission, welcoming
and nurturing those who assemble with us.

Yet, we confess that in our humanity we have some-
times failed to minister in love to persons and families
with mental illness. We have allowed barriers of igno-
rance, fear, and pride to separate us from those who
most need our love and the nurturing support of com-
munity.

To support United Methodist congregations in their
goal to reach out to persons and families with mental
illness, the General Board of Church and Society estab-
lished the United Methodist Mental Illness Network. It
is a network of "Caring Communities," congregations
and communities in covenant relationship with persons
and families with mental illness.

United Methodist congregations, annual confer-
ences, jurisdictions, and boards are called to join the
United Methodist Mental Illness Network:

• to educate their members about mental illness;

• to enter into a covenant relationship of
understanding and love with persons and families
with mental illness, in order to nurture them; and to
reach out to the larger community.

Petition Number: 20228-CS-NonDis-O;CNV, NEB,
NIL, NIN.

Tobacco Marketing by Philip Morris
and RIR Nabisco

The United Methodist Church and its predecessor
denominations have a long history of witness against the
use and marketing of tobacco products.

In our Social Principles "we recommend total absti-
nence from the use of tobacco" and "recognize the
harmful effects of passive smoke and support the restric-

tion of smoking in public areas and work places." ("J
72J).

In 1992, we called upon United Methodists to "work
with local, state, and federal government repre-
sentatives on legislation to limit advertisement of alco-
hol and tobacco" (Confronting the Drug Crisis), ex-
pressing our deep concern about the promotion of
tobacco products through advertising:

"We are especially concerned about the portrayal of
smoking in connection with commercial advertising. We
commend the suspension of cigarette advertising on
radio and television. Smoking in other advertisements
is still depicted in ways which identify it with physical
and social maturity, attractiveness, and success. We
support the Federal Trade Commission's rules requir-
ing health warning statements in cigarette packaging."
{Book of Resolutions, p. 234.)

"We are also concerned that the tobacco industry is
implementing marketing sfrategies that focus on the
sales of tobacco in developing countries." {Book of Reso-
lutions, p. 235.)

The resolution made this far-reaching proposal:

"We recommend the prohibition of commercial ad-
vertising of tobacco products in order to reduce entice-
ment toward use of a proven health hazard." {Book of
Resolutions, p. 235)

Since 1992, the marketing of tobacco in developing
countries has intensified. The resistance of the tobacco
industry to health regulations has hardened. The evi-
dence of the human suffering due to tobacco use has
continued to mount, and the denials and equivocation of
tobacco industry leaders on this urgent health issue
have astounded and alarmed the public. Tobacco com-
panies have become owners and marketers of many
leading food brands.

The industry leaders are Philip Morris, which sells
Marlboro, Chesterfield, Merritt, Lark, Ambassador,
L&M, Parliament, Alpine, Cambridge, Merit, Bristol,
Bucks, Benson & Hedges, and Virginia Slims cigarettes
while marketing many common food products, includ-
ing Kraft, General Foods, Oscar Mayer, Miller Brewing,
Post Cereals, Entenmann's, Jell-0, Log Cabin, Maxwell
House, Kool-Aid, Uncle Ben's, Country Time, Miracle
Whip, Parkay, Cracker Barrel, Tang and Velveeta, and
RJR Nabisco, which produces Nabisco Food Products
while enticing untold numbers of young people into
tobacco use through Joe Camel cartoon advertising.

Public concern about the marketing strategies of
the tobacco industry, especially as they affect children
and youth and persons in developing counfries, has
generated a growing grassroots movement of education
and action, coordinated by INFACT.

Church and Society

165

Therefore, the General Conference resolves:

1. To commend its General Board of Pensions for
its longtime exclusion of tobacco manufacturers from its
portfolio of securities and asks it to intensify dialogue
with public media in which it is part owner and which
carries advertising or promotion of tobacco products;

2. To ask all United Methodist agencies and related
institutions to establish purchasing policies that take
into account the church's Social Principles and resolu-
tions on tobacco concerns and, specifically, to consider
the role of Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco in tobacco
marketing as a factor in any decision as to whether to
buy a food product manufactured by Philip Morris or
RJR Nabisco;

3. To instruct the United Methodist Association of
Health and Welfare Ministries and Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to communicate, interpret, and
advocate for this concern with their affiliated institu-
tions;

4. To ask all local churches, annual conferences, and
church members also to take into account the church's
position on tobacco use and marketing when making
decisions about purchasing food products from Philip
Morris and RJR Nabisco;

5. To direct the General Board of Church and Soci-
ety to communicate this resolution to the tobacco com-
panies, serve as continuing advocate of the United Meth-
odist position within The United Methodist Church and
with the companies, and monitor the implementation of
this resolution for report at the next General Confer-
ence; and

6. To request the General Board of Church and Soci-
ety to explore the institution of a formal United Meth-
odist boycott of all Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco
products using the "Guideline for Initiating or Joining
an Economic Boycott" adopted in 1988, and make a
specific recommendation regarding such a boycott at
the next General Conference.

Petition Number: 20861-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration for Social Action, CPA.

Tobacco Marketing by Philip Morris
and RJR Nabisco

The United Methodist Church and its predecessor
denominations have a long history of witness against the
use and marketing of tobacco products.

In our Social Principles "we recommend total absti-
nence from the use of tobacco" and "recognize the
harmful effects of passive smoke and support the restric-
tion of smoking in public areas and workplaces." (^72J) .

In 1992, we called upon United Methodists to "work
with local, state, and federal government repre-
sentatives on legislation to limit advertisement of alco-
hol and tobacco" (Confronting the Drug Crisis), ex-
pressing our deep concern about the promotion of
tobacco products tiirough advertising.

"We are especially concerned about the portrayal of
smoking in connection with commercial advertising. We
commend the suspension of cigarette advertising on
radio and television. Smoking in other advertisements
is still depicted in ways which identify it with physical
and social maturity, attractiveness, and success. We
support the Federal Trade Commission's rules requir-
ing health warning statements in cigarette packaging."

"We are also concerned that the tobacco industry is
implementing marketing strategies that focus on the
sales of tobacco in developing countries." (Drug and
Alcohol Concerns)

The resolution made this far-reaching proposal:

"We recommend the prohibition of commercial ad-
vertising of tobacco products in order to reduce entice-
ment toward use of a proven health hazard." (p. 235)

Since 1992, the marketing of tobacco in developing
countries has intensified. The resistance of the tobacco
industry to health regulations has hardened. The evi-
dence of the human suffering due to tobacco use has
continued to mount, and the denials and equivocation of
tobacco industry leaders on this urgent health issue
have astounded and alarmed the public. Tobacco com-
panies have become owners and marketers of many
leading food brands.

The industry leaders are Philip Morris, which sells
Marlboro, Chesterfield, Maretti, Lark, Ambassador,
L&M Parliament, Alpine, Cambridge, Merit, Bristol,
Bucks, Benson & Hedges, and Virginia Slims cigarettes
while marketing many common food products, includ-
ing Kraft, General Foods, Oscar Mayer, Miller Brewing,
Post Cereals, Entenmann's, Jell-0, Log Cabin, Maxwell
House, Kool-Aid, Uncle Ben's, Country Time, Miracle
Whip, Parkay, Cracker Barrel, Tang, and Velveeta; and
RJR Nabisco, which produces Nabisco products and
many others, while enticing untold numbers of young
people into tobacco use through Joe Camel cartoon
advertising.

Public concern about the marketing strategies of
the tobacco industry, especially as they effect children
and youth and persons in developing countries, has
generated a growing grassroots movement of education
and action, coordinated by INFACT.

In view of the urgency of this issue. The United
Methodist Church:

A. Commends its General Board of Pensions for its
longtime exclusion of tobacco manufacturers from its

166

DCA Advance Edition

portfolio of securities and asks it to intensify dialogue
with public media in which it is part owner and which
carries advertising or promotion of tobacco products;

B. Asks all United Methodist agencies and related
institutions to establish purchasing policies that take
into account the church's Social Principles and resolu-
tions on tobacco concerns and, specifically, to consider
the role of Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco in tobacco
marketing as a factor in any decision as to whether to
buy a food product manufactured by Philip Morris or
KJR Nabisco;

C. Instructs the United Methodist Association of
Health and Welfare Ministries and Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to communicate, interpret, and
advocate for this concern with their affiliated institu-
tions;

D. Asks all local churches, annual conferences, and
church members also to take into account the church's
position on tobacco use and marketing when making
decisions about purchasing food products from Philip
Morris and RJR Nabisco, informing these companies of
our desire to strengthen their business enterprises in
other products to make them less dependent on to-
bacco. This cannot be done unless these companies
show good faith intention to withdraw tobacco products
from the market;

E. Directs the General Board of Church and Society
to communicate this resolution to the tobacco compa-
nies, serve as continuing advocate of the United Meth-
odist position within The United Methodist Church and
with the companies, and monitor the implementation of
this resolution for report at the next General Confer-
ence; and

F. Requests the General Board of Church and Society
to explore the institution of a formal United Methodist
boycott of all Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco products,
following the "Guidelines for Initiating or Joining an
Economic Boycott" adopted in 1988, and make a spe-
cific recommendation regarding such a boycott at the
next General Conference.

Petition Number: 21042-CS-NonDis-O; GBCS.

Tobacco Marketing by Philip Morris
and RJR Nabisco

The United Methodist Church and its predecessor
denominations have a long history of witness against the
use and marketing of tobacco products. There is over-
whelming evidence linking cigarette smoking with lung
cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, emphysema, chronic
bronchitis, and related illnesses.

We are outraged by the use of marketing tech-
niques aimed at children by leading cigarette manufac-
turers. Two specific companies using marketing strate-

gies aimed at children are Philip Morris, which sells
Marlboro cigarettes, and RJR Nabisco, which sells
Camel cigarettes.

Therefore, as people of faith who believe our bodies
are temples of the living God (ICorinthians 6:13-20), we:

A. Call on the General Board of Church and Society
to maintain and publish a current list of consumer prod-
ucts produced by Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco so
United Methodists are made aware of their indirect
support of the tobacco industry;

B. Commend the General Board of Pensions and
Health Benefits for its long standing exclusion of to-
bacco manufacturers from its investment portfolio and
ask it to challenge public media in its portfolio not to
carry advertisements and promotion of tobacco prod-
ucts;

C. Ask all United Methodist agencies and related
institutions to take into account the church's social prin-
ciples and tobacco concerns and, specifically, to con-
sider the role of Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco in
tobacco marketing as a factor in any decision in purchas-
ing food products manufactured by them;

D. Request the United Methodist Association of
Health and Welfare Ministries, the General Board of
Global Ministries and the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to communicate, interpret and
advocate for this concern with their affiliated institu-
tions;

E. Ask all local churches and annual conferences to
educate their membership about the tobacco industry
marketing tactics aimed at children. It is equally impor-
tant we understand the connection between our pur-
chasing food products and our indirect support of the
tobacco industry;

F. Request the General Board of Church and Soci-
ety to explore productive measures aimed at stopping
tobacco companies from marketing cigarettes and other
tobacco products to children.

Petition Number: 21041-CS-NonDis-O; GBCS.

Observance of Health Care Sabbaths

In 1994 the Interreligious Health Care Access Cam-
paign inaugurated the observance of a Health Care
Sabbath by persons of faith as a symbol of their faithful-
ness to the goal of health care for all. Rather than
specifying a particular date for this observance, the
Campaign encouraged communions and congregations
to select a Sabbath date that reflected their individual
commitment to issues of health and wholeness. In sup-
port of this interfaith effort and in faithful witness to the
beliefs articulated in the United Methodist resolutions
"Health and Wholeness," "Universal Access to Health
Care in the United States and Related Territories,"

Church and Society

167

"Health for All by the Year 2000," The United Methodist
Church calls congregations to designate one Sunday
during the calendar year for the observance of a "Health
Care Sabbath."

The Health Care Sabbath is a day of rejoicing and
reflection. It is a time for thanksgiving for the health and
well-being enjoyed by many in our world community and
thanksgiving for the diverse care-givers who minister to
our needs. It is a time to reflect on those who are sick,
who struggle with chronic illnesses, who lack access to

the health care services they need, and who are denied
those basic elements essential to achieving health. It is
a time to focus on our belief that health care is a right
and a responsibility, public and private. It is a time to
challenge our communities of faith to seek their role in
making "Health Care for All" a reality.

To assist congregations in their observance of a
Health Care Sabbath, resources will be made available
by the General Board of Church and Society.

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DCA Advance Edition

Conferences

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

A Report
on The Global Nature of The United Methodist Church

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church

(Progress report of the Council of Bishops on the Study of the Global Nature of the Church
to the 1996 General Conference)

Petition Number: 21718-CO-NonDis-0$; COB
Introduction

1. The Council of Bishops was asked by the 1992
General Conference to study the global nature of the
Church. The task given to the Council of Bishops is in
the following resolution:

1409*GJ074

Subject: 74e Global Nature of The United

Metiiodist Church

Whereas, there must be developed a truly global
church which has an integrity which affords dignity for all
parts of The United Methodist Church; our church must
be an expression of the global nature of our church mem-
bership: "A member of a local United Methodist church is
a member of the total United Methodist connection." (f
210); and

Whereas, there must be equity (parity) between what
are now called central conferences and jurisdictional con-
ferences; and

Whereas, we must provide for connectional unity with
the flexibility and freedom for meeting regional needs; and

Whereas, we must redefine some General Conference
responsibilities as regional ones; much of the current Gen-
eral Conference agenda is focused exclusively on United
States issues and needs; at least some of this agenda could
be handled in a North American Regional Conference,
just as similar regional agenda could be addressed in other
regional conferences; and

Whereas, we must be sensitive to how God seeks to
manifest the Gospel in each unique culture and nation;

we must also maintain a vital global connection in order
to prevent both narrow parochialism and detrimental
regionalism; and

Whereas, our global vision for The United Methodist
Church includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Provision of a means by which the United Methodist
family can live and serve together in a common dignity
and respect as together we respond to the mission of Jesus
Christ.

2. A serious responsiveness to the unique needs and
expressions of faith in each of the regions of the world and
provision offreedom for creative response to unique char-
acteristics.

3. Connection of our global United Methodist mem-
bership at essential points and through common global
mission.

4. Responsiveness to the radically changed and chang-
ing world culture in which we are called to do ministry in
Christ's name.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference
authorize the Council of Bishops, in cooperation with the
General Council on Ministries, the General Council on
Finance and Administration, the General Board of
Global Ministries, the General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns, and the Commission
on Central Conference Affairs (selecting at least three
non-episcopal members) to continue to develop this pro-
posal on the Global Nature of The United Methodist
Church and to report to the General Conference 1996; and

Be it further resolved, that the Council of Bishops
submit the attached report as a progress report to the
General Conference.

Conferences

169

2. The Council of Bishops appointed a committee
from among its members to assist it in this study. This
committee cooperated with the agencies named in the
resolution by working closely with the GCOM Connec-
tional Studies Committee. It reported regularly to the
Council of Bishops on the progress of its work. The
Council of Bishops received from this committee a final
draft of its report and took action on it.

The following is now being submitted by the Coun-
cil of Bishops to the 1996 General Conference as its
progress report on the study of the global nature of the
Church.

Elements of the Global Vision

The Council of Bishops offers the following ele-
ments as helpful in clarifying our vision of a global
United Methodist Church.

3. We believe that the next step in the pilgrimage of
"the people called Methodist" is to become a global Church.

Why 'next step? One may view the past history of
Methodism as consisting of two major phases. The first
is the founding of Methodism and of the Methodist
Church in England. The second is the establishment
and growth of the Methodist Church in the United
States of America. Would not the next phase be the
globalizing of The United Methodist Church? The facts
warrant this next step. Consider the following:

i. The membership of The United Methodist Church
is almost global and is growdng globally. This member-
ship must be drawn into a global web of interactive
relationship of common identity, life, and mission so that
it can be truly said that "A member of a local United
Methodist church is a member of the total United Meth-
odist connection" (^ 210 of the 1992 Book of Discipline) .

ii. The self-understanding of The United Methodist
Church is that it is a church and is a part of the universal
church (^ 4, Article IV of the Constitution of The United
Methodist Church, 1992 Book of Discipline) . If so, then
it bears the essential marks of the church, which are
unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity. These es-
sential features of the Church must be expressed both
locally and globally.

iii. The fellowship of The United Methodist Church
has always aimed at 'inclusiveness' {% 4, Article TV of the
Constitution, 1992 Book of Discipline) . This inclusive-
ness cannot be local only; it is also global.

iv. United Methodists have always believed that
they share a common heritage of faith with Christians
of every age and nation, and at the same time they have
developed distinctive ways of living and expressing the
Christian faith (^ 65, 1992 Book of Discipline). This has
shaped their identity and polity and is the basis of their
ecumenical commitment. Are not all these best pre-
served and strengthened by expressing them globally?

By becoming a global church, The United Method-
ist Church is only being consistent with its self-under-
standing, its membership and fellowship, its identity and
polity, and its commitment and witness to the Christian
faith. If it does not take this step of becoming a global
church, it will most likely face the danger of becoming
fragmented into autonomous churches in various na-
tions of the world, with the American segment becoming
merely that — an American fragment of the once future
global United Methodist Church! Must we not avoid this
danger?

4. We affirm that a global church is best able to do
global mission in a globalizing world.

We must gratefully acknowledge the fact that The
United Methodist Church has already been doing global
mission in all these many years. But it is also true that
this global mission has been carried out with mainly
American features: American perspective, American
support, American personnel, American base and
agency. Would it not be in keeping with the Gospel and
the nature of the bearer of that Gospel (the church) if
global mission were carried out by a global church?
Consider the following:

i. It would be considered odd at this time — to say
the least — for a church with a national identity or label
(for example: American United Methodist, Korean Pres-
byterian, etc.) to be doing mission in another country
for the purpose of planting itself there. This problem,
however, would not arise for a global Church because it
is already in almost every country, and it will not bear
the label or identity of a nation! In a post-colonial world,
mission cannot be another form of neo-colonialism.

ii. The problems that mission must address today
are global in character and scope: the future of Christian
faith in a world that is increasingly secular and non-
Christian (not to say anti-Christian); redeeming the en-
vironment for human destruction, the issues around
women, children, and the family; the need for a more
global and inclusive community that is not racist, sexist,
or ethnocenfrist; the global search for justice, peace, and
sustainable development, etc.. ..Does not mission in re-
sponse to global issues demand global visioning and
global participation, and coordination and global pooling
of resources?

iii. The context of mission is a world that is increas-
ingly being drawn into a global community by irresist-
ible globalizing forces, such as: increased global fravel,
global communication, the universalizing of human
rights, the globalizing of the free market economy, the
universal character and influence of science and tech-
nology, the increasing awareness that the one earth in
the one universe is our home, and preserving it and
being at home in it are a common global responsibility,
etc. Can mission be less than global in a global context?
If the world becomes a global community, must the
Church be left behind?

170

DCA Advance Edition

iv. Whatever else the historical reasons for John
Wesley's remark, saying, "I look upon the world as my
parish," nothing now prevents us from appropriating it
as expressing the United Methodist perspective on mis-
sion. The whole world is indeed the missionary parish
of The United Methodist Church. To see it in this way
requires that The United Methodist Church view the
world globally. This is most likely to happen if "the
people called United Methodists" became indeed a
global Church!

Taking all these factors into account. The United
Methodist Church is only being responsive to the global
issues and context of mission and faithful to its own
missiological heritage if it began doing global mission
from a global perspective as a global Church! If for some
reason it fails to take this further step, it is likely that its
missionary activity would be severely crippled and made
irrelevant, globally speaking.

5. We acknowledge that both the Church and mission
are not only global but also local.

The Church must be free to express its life and
witness both globally and locally. So far we have said
that both the nature of the Church and the character of
mission drive toward globalization. There is, however,
another side to both Church and mission which drives
towards what might appear to be the opposite of globali-
zation, namely, what might be called — ^for want of a
better term — localization, which — as used here — in-
cludes the local, the national, and the regional. This is
actually the twin side of globalization, and both arise
from the nature of the Church and the character of
mission. One cannot have globalization without localiza-
tion, and vice versa.

The church is both global (universal) and local. The
elements that constitute the church universally — the
Word, the Sacraments, the worship and praise of God,
faith in God through Jesus Christ, fellowship in the Holy
Spirit — ^which are the same and true everywhere and
through all time — find concrete expression in a local
congregation composed of believers in a specific place
and time. That concrete expression in its form and style
and relevant sense is shaped by a unique culture. As the
1992 General Conference resolution on the Global Na-
ture of The United Methodist Church put it: "God seeks
to manifest the gospel in each unique culture and na-
tion."

Mission thought global in thrust is, however, con-
cretely local in expression because it seeks to respond
out of the gospel to specific human needs in a given
locality, nation, or region. In mission in toda3^s business,
it is as well "to think globally and to act locally."

These considerations lead to one significant conclu-
sion: the Church in mission must be acknowledged as free
to be responsive, flexible, and creative in expressing locally
its life, faith, witness, and service, including the develop-
ment of structures and agencies for local, national, and
regional activity and governance, subject only to the

essential limits provided by the faith and Constitution of
The United Methodist Church. To deny this measure of
autonomy to the Church would stifle its life and cripple
its mission. To affirm it is to acknowledge the rightful
claim to self-determination on the part of many seg-
ments of our constituency (i.e. , the central conferences)
for the purpose of releasing their energy and of express-
ing thefr faith, life, and mission in ways that are signifi-
cant in their respective cultures and social contexts.

6. We envision a global Church vitally connected in a
web of inter-dependent and interactive relationships in all
its parts, vertically from the local to the global levels, and
multi-laterally across horizontal lines around the globe.

Connectionalism in the United Methodist tradition
is multi-levelled, global in spread, and local in thrust.

We are connected by sharing a common fradition of
faith.

We are connected by sharing together a constitu-
tional polity, including a leadership of general superin-
tendency.

We are connected by sharing a common mission
which we seek to carry out together both globally and
locally.

We are connected organizationally in and through
conferences that reflect both the inclusive and repre-
sentative character of our fellowship.

We share a common ethos which characterizes our
distinctive way of doing things.

We are connected by a common journey of more
fully expressing our connectionalism from the local to
the global and from the global to the local.

For us connectionalism is not merely a linking of
one connectional charge conference to another horizon-
tally across the globe. It is, rather, a vital web of interac-
tive and intertwining relationships that enables us to
express freely, justly, and in dignity at both global and
local levels our essential identity, inclusive fellowship,
common mission, distinctive ethos, and visible unity.

This means, among other things, that we must not
allow connectionalism to stop at the national or regional
level. Genuine conectionalism cannot be less than
global. Moreover, we must not allow our essential iden-
tity, inclusive fellowship, common mission, distinctive
ethos, and visible unity as United Methodists to be
broken up into Humpty-Dumpty fragments which can-
not be put together again on a global scale. We must
keep and more fully express our global connection. But
having said this, we must also be absolutely sure that
our global connection does not stifle the life, nor cripple
the mission, of the Church at the local level. On the
confrary, we affirm that genuine connectionalism begins
at, and expresses itself through, the local congregation,
which in United Methodist polity is "a connectional
society."

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171

7. We believe that a global Church should share its
resources multi4aterally across the global connection to
strengthen the life and mission of the Church at their
cutting edge both locally and globally.

The resources of the Church are not merely in its
funds, but more importantly its understanding of, and
commitment to, the Christian faith; its people in their
capacities, experience, and skills; its many cultural
forms (i.e., language, cultures, art forms), and, of
course, its facilities and equipment.

Moreover, the resources of a global Church rightly
belong to, and must be used for the benefit of, the whole
Church and the people whom it serves in mission.

Furthermore, these resources may be more avail-
able in some sectors of the Church than in others. Some
sectors of the Church may also have needs that other
sectors may more readily meet. This means that multi-
lateral ways must be found to move resources from
where they are readily available to where they are most
needed in a manner that promotes mutual sharing, ef-
fective pooling, hands-on delivery, wise use, transparent
accountability, and eliminates forms of paternalism and
dependencies.

We have a long way to go in developing the under-
standing, the relations, and the structures that will en-
able us to share resources in the way indicated here. But
becoming a global Church provides us the motive and
the occasion. If we fail to seize the opportunity by glo-
balizing, we will perpetuate the limited understanding
and sharing of resources that have prevailed until now,
together with their deplorable consequences.

8. We are convinced that a strengthened ecumenical
commitment will grow out of a global Church.

Consider the following:

i. The unity of our connection will become global
and so more visible. It will transcend national, ethnic,
and regional levels and boundaries.

ii. Becoming a global Church will provide the oppor-
tunity to develop a structure which will make it possible
for other Methodist churches (such as the affiliated
autonomous Methodist churches) to maintain their es-
sential identity as Methodists and at the same time
preserve the autonomy they now enjoy should they
establish new linkages in the global connection. (As
mentioned earlier, this issue remains to be explored.)

iii. The tradition of faith represented in The United
Methodist Church and other churches in the Methodist
family will be seen as global in scope and not as a
denominational fragment represented by autonomous
or national churches. This perception should
strengthen the bilateral conversations being conducted
through the World Methodist Council.

iv. By becoming a truly global Church, we would
then join others in visioning a global unity for the uni-

versal church, a unity transcending denominational,
counciliar, or other forms of unity limited by national
boundaries.

9. We anticipate that globalizing The United Method-
ist Church along the lines indicated above will stir up the
winds of the Spirit to blow afresh, sweeping deeply across
Methodist spirituality and renewing it for a global age.

A new spirituality for a global Church in a globaliz-
ing world is likely to entail the following considerations:

i. Deepen and broaden the understanding of God
the Spirit in such a way that no level or dimension of
reality is outside His sphere.

ii. Overcome the conflict between matter and spirit
in the tradition of Christian spirituality towards a synthe-
sis that is more fruitful for Christian life in today's world.

iii. Facilitate a creative relationship between "the
practice of the Presence of God" and the variety of
cultures and their encounter, which today are the matrix
for living the Christian faith.

iv. Undergird and nourish a global Church with a
vital spirituality that will sustain it as it becomes more
globally inclusive in its membership and seeks to re-
spond more missionally to the needs of a global age.

Of course, the Spirit is free to blow where it wills,
and the renewal of spirituality is not at the beck and call
of human initiative. But globalizing The United Method-
ist Church might just be the occasion and motive for "the
people called Methodist" to gather together in a "global
room" and wait in anticipation for a new Pentecost that
will once again make peoples "hear God's deeds of
power" in their "own native language" (Acts 2:7-11).

10. Finally, becoming a global Church will pro-
vide us with both the motive and the occasion to
restructure our Church and make it ready to face
the coming of a new millennium.

i. Restructuring may mean that we place greater
emphasis on covenant relationship rather than on legis-
lative structure.

ii. Restructuring for a global Church may mean that
there are some aspects of our present structure that may
have to be modified, or replaced, or abandoned.

iii. It may also mean putting in place new ones that
are essential for a truly global Church.

iv. It could provide the opportunity to remove in-
equities in current structures so that "the United Meth-
odist family can live and serve together in common
dignity and respect.

A Proposed Form for a Global Church

The following outline of a structure for a global
United Methodist Church attempts to embody the prin-
ciples stated above. The structure seeks to strike a

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with:

balance between global connectionality and identity on
the one hand, and local autonomy and flexibility for
missional and management purposes at national and
regional levels on the other hand. Globalization and
localization are twin sides of the same coin. But the
structure outlined here is still tentative and imperfect. It
needs to be worked on for further improvement. The
issues are grouped under three headings: mission,
structure, and leadership. We offer this outline of the
form of a global Church as a proposal for further consid-
eration.

Global Conference

11. It is proposed that there shall be a Global Confer-
ence.

i. This Global Conference shall personify, embody,
and order the global identity and connectedness of
global United Methodism.

ii. It shall set forth the basic mission thrust of The
United Methodist Church.

iii. It shall have sole authority on matters dealing
i:

(a) Constitution

(b) Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task

(c) Mission statements and global missional initia-
tives

(d) Global social principles

(e) General ministry of all Christians

(f) Clergy orders

(g) Episcopacy

(h) General financial matters

(i) Administrative order defined and/or delegated

(j) Judicial Order Defined and/or Delegated

(k) Formal ecumenical relationships with other
global Christian denominations and interreligious
groups

0) Definition or requirements for church member-
ship defined/delegated

iv. The membership of the Global Conference shall
be constituted in such a way that no one region would
dominate or have majority over the others. For this
reason, the composition of the Global Conference may
be established as follows:

(a) Memberships shall be composed of one lay and
one clergy from each annual conference.

(b) The size of the membership shall equal twice
the size of the largest region of the annual conferences,
plus two.

(c) Extra delegates shall be apportioned to regions
other than the largest region by proportion according to
membership of the regions.

V. Bishops shall be present and preside at the ses-
sions of the Global Conference, as per current pattern
(no vote/voice as granted).

vi. The Global Conference shall meet every four or
five or eight years, as the case may be.

Global Mission Council

12. It is proposed that there shall be a Global Mission
Council.

i. Such a council highlights the fact that a primary
reason for The United Methodist Church becoming
global is to carry on mission at both global and local
levels.

ii. The task of such a council is to be a global forum
for focusing, visioning, initiating, and coordinating, the
mission task of The United Methodist Church.

iii. It carries out this task consultatively and persua-
sively, not legislatively. And so it recommends mission
initiatives to conferences and regions fi^om a global
perspective and encourages the establishing of linkages
and relationships that empower, drive, and express mis-
sion.

iv. It may be composed of the Council of Bishops and
a corresponding number of laity /clergy, the total of
which is equal to the number of active bishops. Of the
non-episcopal composition of the council, two-thirds
shall be lay and one-third shall be clergy. The lay/clergy
membership is to be proportional to the membership of
the regions.

V. The Global Mission Council may meet every two
years for one week, as the case may be.

13. It is proposed that there shall be Regional Confer-
ences. The Regions shall include North America, Africa,
Asia/Philippines, Europe. The ways of relating to Latin
America and the Caribbean will be explored.

i. Regional Conferences shall have authority to de-
fine their internal structure suitable to the life and mis-
sion of the Church in their regions.

ii. It shall decide whether to retain, replace, or mod-
ify the present central/jurisdictional conferences.

iii. It shall have authority over its own finances,
including mission giving.

iv. It shall implement the missional thrust of the
Global Conference, as well as its own regional missional
initiatives.

V. It shall have delegates from other regions without
vote.

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173

vi. It shall have authority over the following:

(a) Articles of procedures On governance and man-
agement)

0)) Boards and agencies or other implementing
mechanisms.

(c) Central/jurisdictional conferences or their re-
placement as defined by the regional conferences

(d) Additional regional social principles

(e) Regional Missional Initiatives

(0 Elect and/or delegate the election of Bishops

(g) Appropriate relationships with autonomous
Methodist and ecumenical partner churches within the
specific region

(h) Regional judicial matters

14. It is assumed that the charge conference and the
annual conference shall remain constitutional struc-
tures of the global Church, with whatever modifications
determined by their respective regional conferences.

Leadership

15. Global leadership for the global Church shall be
provided by the Council of Bishops.

i. Bishops both individually and corporately (as col-
leges and council) shall be held as visionary spiritual
leaders of the global Church in its life and mission.

ii. The Council of Bishops as set forth in ^ 50, Article
III of the present Constitution will be retained.

iii. Bishops are to be leaders of relationships which
empower and inspire rather than as mere operators or
managers of structures.

Conclusion

16. It is clear that much has yet to be done in
perfecting this study on the global nature of The United
Methodist Church. The unfinished work includes,
among other things:

i. Perfecting the proposed form

ii. Consulting with partner churches such as autono-
mous Methodist churches and ecumenical agencies on
the implication of globalization.

iii. Consulting with central conferences in the re-
gions on the implications of the proposed form.

iv. Assessing possible cost of the form and funding
of the new form.

V. Drafting the necessary legislation to implement
the restructuring for a global Church.

vi. Coordinating with GCOM and other partner
agencies in completing the unfinished work.

vii. Educating the constituency on globalizing The
United Methodist Church.

17. The quadrennium 1997-2000 may provide the
needed time to do all of the above. The study must be
completed and a report, including proposed implement-
ing legislation, is to be presented for the consideration
and action of the General Conference in the year 2000.

On the Global Nature of the United

Methodist Church

Recommendation to the General

Conference

Petition Number: 21719-CO-NonDis-0$; COB

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has deliberated
upon the global expression of United Methodism; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops received a report
from its Committee to Study the Global Nature of the
Church which addresses the theological and ecclesi-
ological foundations of our global connection; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has considered a
potential form for United Methodism's global mission;
and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops' Committee to
Study the Global Nature of The United Methodist
Church and The Connectional Issues Task Force of
GCOM have shared in a productive exchange of infor-
mation and thinking leading to an emerging consensus
as to United Methodism's global mission; and

Whereas, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church will be receiving the report
from the Council of Bishops relative to the Global Nature
of The United Methodist Church, along with other re-
ports on structure and connectionalism that shall also
be presented to The General Conference.

Therefore, be it resolved, that we request that the
report of The Council of Bishops on the Global Nature
of the United Methodist Church shall be assigned to the
Legislative Committee on General and Judicial Admini-
stration for consideration and implementation; and

Be it further resolved, that a Task Force or Commit-
tee be authorized by The General Conference to develop
further the proposals that address connectionalism and
globality within the following considerations:

a). The Task Force or Committee shall be com-
posed of 30 persons:

1. 6 persons to be nominated by a Nominating
Committee composed of two representatives from
GCOM and two representatives of The Council of Bish-
ops and elected by The Council of Bishops.

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DCA Advance Edition

2. Four persons at large, elected by The Committee
to ensure inclusive membership on The Committee.

3. Three persons elected by and representing
GCOM.

4. One person elected by and representing GCFA

5. Sk bishops (three Central Conference and three
U.S. bishops to represent the laos.

6. Three persons from the Affiliated and Autono-
mous churches be invited to participate in the work of
the Task Force or Committee.

b). The Committee shall engage in dialogue with
The Council of Bishops and GCOM in a manner deter-
mined by the respective bodies and in a fashion so as to
facilitate reporting and response, as well as shared dis-
cussion on at least three scheduled times during the
quadrennium and vidth the understanding that the final
report of The Committee will be reviewed by the respec-

tive bodies. Consultation with the General Boards and
Agencies shall also occupy the work of the Committee.

c). Staffing for the Committee will be provided by
GCOM with funding determined by GCFA; and also

Be it further resolved, that the proposal of The
Council of Bishops on the Global Nature of The Church,
along with other studies, reports, and proposals on
United Methodism's connectional life in a global context
be given over to the aforementioned Task Force or
Committee.

Be it further resolved, that all consideration of
United Methodist Connectional life in the global context
be done in light of The United Methodist Church's
commitment to strive for the unity of all Christians in
each place where the church is present

Bridge the Gap

Unity, Liberty, and Charity: Building Bridges Under Icy Waters

By Donald E. Messer and William }. Abraham

This significant collection of essays from two of United Methodism's best-known authors explores
ways that United Methodists can bridge internal schisms, bringing influence back to the
denomination. Designed as a study book for clergy and laity, Unity. Liberty, and Charity will help both
professionals and nonprofessionals within United Methodism minister to one another and to other
denominations, fostering an environment of ecumenical charity. In other words, building bridges of
strength within the denomination will, in turn, fortify relationships with other denominations across the
world and will help to position The UMC as a leader in a worldwide ecumenical movement.

There is no time better than the present to begin healing ruptured relationships within The United
Methodist Church and to establish strong friendships outside the denomination.

Donald E. Messer is President of the Iliff School of Theology.

@ Coke^bury

William J. Abraham is Professor of Theology at Perkins School of
Theology at SMU.

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175

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^12.

Petition Number: 20556-CO-12.1-C;WNC.

Effective Bishops as Members of General Conference

Amend ^12.1:

1. The General Conference shall be composed of
the efifective bishops of The United Methodist
Church and not less than 600 nor more than 1,000
additional delegates, one half of whom shall be minis-
tefs clergy and one half lay members...

^12.

Petition Number: 21053-CO-12.3-C; GCCUIC.

United Methodist Delegates to Other Conferences

Amend ^ 12.3:

3. In the case of The Methodist Church in Great
Britain, mother church of Methodism, provision shall be
made for the reciprocal election and seating of four
dclcgatca, two clergy and two lay. The United Meth-
odist Church to send two delegates annually to the
British Methodist Conference, and The Methodist
Church in Great Britain to send four delegates
quadrennially to The United Methodist General
Conference, the delegates of both conferences
having vote and being evenly divided between
clergy and laity.

^13.

Petition Number: 20407-CO-13-C;NMX.

Meeting of General Conference

Delete the first paragraph of ^ 13 and substitute the
following text:

Article II. — The first General Conference of the
21st century shall meet in the month of April or
May in the year 2001, and subsequent General
Conferences shall meet every four years thereafter
at such time and in such place as shall be deter-
mined by the General Conference or by its duly
autiiorized committees.

114.

Petition Number: 20961-CO-14-C;TEX.

Ratio of Representatives in General, Central,
Jurisdictional Conferences from Conferences

Delete ^ 14(1) and (2) and replace with new text:

(l)The number of clergy members and the
number of lay members of local churches in the
Annual Conference and the Missionary Confer-
ence shall be added together as one body to form
the sum total of the members of the Annual Con-
ference and the Missionary Conference for the
purpose of this article, and (2) one delegate shall
be allotted for the first 10,000 members of the
Annual Conference as computed in factor one,
and one delegate for each additional 10,000
members of the Annual Conference or major frac-
tion thereof. The number of delegates shall be one
half clergy and one half lay members to comply
with the Constitution, Division Two, Section II,
Article I, *il2; provided that each Annual Conference...

115.

Petition Number: 20063-CO-15-C;NWT.

Legislative power of the General Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 15.14:

To allow the Annual Conferences to utilize
structures unique to regional aspects of their mis-
sion, other mandated structures notwithstanding.

[Judicial Council Decision 680 ruled that the 1992
General Conference amendment on this subject was
unconstitutional. To remedy such defect, amendments
to Section n, §15, Article IV and to Section 707.1 are
being proposed.]

115.

Petition Number: 20197-CO-15.10-C;TRY.
Amendment to the Constitution
Amend ^ 15.10:
10. To fix a uniform the basis upon which bishops...

176

DCA Advance Edition

^15.

Petition Number: 20408-CO-15.15-C;NMX.

The Power of General Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph after "n 15.14 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

To specify an upper limit, in the aggregate, for
the quadrennial budget of expenses for the vari-
ous funds of the Chiu-ch to be presented to the
next General Conference.

121.

Petition Number: 20409-CO-21-C;NMX.

Responsibility of General Conference

Add a new Rafter ^20:

Article VII. — ^The General Conference shall not
adopt for implementation or action any program,
theme, study, focus or initiative imless at the same
session it provides for the funds to pay for the
same.

125.

Petition Number: 20410-CO-25-C;NMX.

Power and Duties of Jurisdictional Conferences

Delete ^ 25.1 and .3, and add the following new
sub-paragraph after current .5:

The chief administrative oflBcers of the several
annual conferences shall serve together as the
administrators of such rules addressing the life
and work of the annual conferences within its
boundaries as may be adopted by the jurisdiction.

135.

Petition Number: 20198-CO-35-C;TRY.

Amendment to the Constitution

Amend ^35:

Article I. — The Annual Conference shall be com-
posed of clergy miniatcriol members as defined.. .Each
charge served by more than one clergy minister shall
be entitied to as many lay members as there are clergy
ministerial members...

If the lay membership should number less than the
clergy ministerial members of the Annual Conference,
the Annual Conference shall, by its own formula, provide
for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay
and clergy ministerial membership of the Annual Con-
ference.

Clergy members of an Annual Conference who
eu-e in the retired relationship and who are not
serving in any capacity as Retired Suppfy, chap-
lains, or serving on any annual conference com-
mittees, boards and/or agencies, and who are no
longer attending annual conference and partici-
pating in voting actions because of health or dis-
tance, may, with their permission, be excluded
from the ntunber of clergy members to be equal-
ized with additional lay members.

135.

Petition Number: 21127-CO-35-C; GBHEM.

Amend the Constitution of The United Methodist
Church

Amend the first sentence of ^ 35:

...the president of the conference youth organiza-
tion, the chair of the annual conference collie
student organization, and two young persons...

135.

Petition Number: 21467-CO-35-C; WYO.

Composition of the Annual Conference

Add new text at the end of ^ 35:

...membership of the Annual Conference. In deter-
mining the niunber of additional lay members
needed to equalize lay and ministerial member-
ship of the Annual Conference, retired ministerial
members of the Annual Conference ifdio have not
attended sessions of the Annual Conference in
four years shall not be coimted imless, by Septem-
ber 1st, they indicate in writing to the Conference
Secretary their intention to attend the next session
of the Annual Conference.

Retired bishops of The United Methodist
Chtirch shall have the privilege of voice and vote
in the Annual Conference in ^%1uch they reside.
For the purpose of lay equalization, they will be
included in the number of ministerial members if
they indicate in writing to the Conference Secre-
tary by September 1st their intention to attend the
next session of the Annual Conference.

136.

Petition Number: 20185-CO-36-C;BMW.

Voting Rights of Lay Members of Annual Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^ 36:

...with the exception that only those the lay mem-
bers elected to serve in the membership of the

Conferences

177

Board of Ordained Ministry may net vote on matters
of ordination...

^36.

Petition Number: 20186-CO-36-C;WIS, KEN, AKM.

Remove Prohibition of Laity Voting on Ordination,
Character, and Conference Relations of Ministers

Amend the first sentence of ^ 36:

.. .under the Constitution, syith the exception that the
lay mcmbcra may not vote on matters of ordination,
character, and conference relations of ministers.

^38.

Petition Number: 20064-CO-38-C;DET, TRY.

Ministerial Delegates to Conferences

Amend ^ 38:

Article IV. — ^The ministerial clergy delegates to the
General Conference and to the Jurisdictional or Central
Conference shall be elected by the ministerial clergy
members in full connection with of the Annual Confer-
ence or Provisional Annual Conference; provided that
such delegates shall have been traveling preachers
clergy members in The United Methodist Church for
at least four years next preceding their election and are
in full connection with clergy members of the Annual
Conference...

^38.

Petition Number: 20708-CO-38-C;EOH.

Election and Eligibility of Clergy Delegates to General
and Jurisdictional Conferences

Amend % 38:

Article. IV. — ^The ministerial clergy delegates to the
General Conference and to the Jurisdictional or Central
Conference shall be elected by the ministerial clergy
members in full connection-witlt of the Annual Confer-
ence or Provisional Annual Conference; provided that
such delegates shall have been traveling preachers
clergy members in The United Methodist Church for
at least four years next preceding their election and are
in full connection with clergy members of the Annual
Conference...

f505.

Petition Number: 20200-CO-505-D;TRY.

Number of Bishops

Delete ^ 505 and replace with new text:

Bishops in Jurisdictions and Central Confer-
ences.— 1. In Jurisdictions and Central Confer-
ences, the number of bishops shall be determined
on the basis of missional needs:

a) Jurisdictions. — ^Approved by the Jurisdic-
tional Committee on Episcopacy, Jurisdictional
Conference and the General Conference upon
such recommendation as may originate from one
or more of the following from within the jtuisdic-
tion:

• an annual conference

• an episcopal area

• the College of Bishops

• the jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy.

b) Central Conferences. — ^Approved by the Gen-
eral Conference on recommendation of the Com-
mission on Central Conference Affairs.

2. This legislation shall be effective immedi-
ately upon its adoption by the 1996 General Con-
ference.

^505.

Petition Number: 20557-CO-505-D;WNC.

President of Council of Bishops

Amend ^ 505:

1. ... entitled toone additional bishop:; andprovided
further that the jiuisdiction or central conference
from which the president of the Coimcil of Bish-
ops is elected for the quadrennitun shall be enti-
tled to elect one additional bishop. At the
completion of the quadrennium of service, the
bishop who has served as council president, if not
retiring, shall be assigned to residential and presi-
dential supervision in a jurisdiction or central con-
ference to be determined, with the consent of the
bishop, by the Interjurisdictional Committee on
Episcopacy (for a bishop elected by a jiuisdiction)
or Committee on Central Conference AfEairs (for a
bishop elected by a central conference), in accord-
ance with ^612.

3. This legislation shall take effect immediately
upon adjournment of the 1002 General Conference rati-
fication of a constitutional amendment creating
the ofBce of president of the Council of Bishops.

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DCA Advance Edition

^505.

Petition Number: 21720-CO-505-D; The Council of
Bishops.

Bishops in Jurisdictions

Amend ^ 505:

1. Each jurisdiction having 500,000 church mem-
bers or less shall be entitied to sbc bishops, and each
jurisdiction having more than 350,000 500,000 church
members shall be entitled to one additional bishop for
each additional 500,000 325,000 church members or
major fraction thereof; provided, however, that in those
jurisdictions where this requirement would result in
there being an average of more than 55,000 75,000
square miles per episcopal area, such jurisdiction shall
be entitied to six bishops for the first 400,000 church
members or lc93, and for each additional 310,000 church
members or two thirds thereof shall be entitied to one
additional bishop for each additional 275,000
church members or major fraction thereof.

3. This legislation shall take effect upon adjourn-
ment of the i093 1996 General Conference.

1506.

Petition Number: 20558-CO-506-D;WNC.

Eliminate Nominations for Episcopal Elections

Delete ^ 506.1 and amend .2 as follows:

2. Process. — ef 1. Jurisdictional/Central Confer-
ence delegates,...

b)-2.TheJurisdicational and Central Conferences...

^ 3. Consecration of bishops...

1506.

Petition Number: 20854-CO-506.2-D;RBM.

Election of Bishops and Limited Tenure

Add new text at the end of ^ 506.2:

d) Beginning with the 2000 Jurisdictional
Conference, those elected to the office of bishop
shall have a term of 12 years. Bishops whose
terms of office expire prior to the term of compul-
sory retirement because of age and who are not
reelected by the Jurisdictional Conference shall be
returned to membership as traveling elders in the
Annual Conference (or its successor) of which
they ceased to be a member when elected bishop.
Their term of office shall e3q)ire at the close of the
Jtuisdictional Conference at which their succes-

sor is elected, and they shall be entided to partici-
pate as a bishop in the consecration of their succes-
sors. The credentieds of office as bishop shall be
submitted to the Secretary of the Jurisdictional
Conference, who shall make thereon the notation
that the bishop has honorably completed his/her
term of service for which elected and has ceased to
be a bishop of The United Methodist Church.

e) A bishop elected prior to 2000 upon retire-
ment shall be entitled to the following status and
emoluments, prospectively and from the time of
adoption of this provision: (1) has the right to use
the title "bishop"; (2) has the right to attend ses-
sions of the Cotmcil of Bishops; (3) has the right
to have expenses paid for attendance at sessions
of the Council of Bishops; (4) has the right to be
seated among the bishops and retired bishops on
the platform of the General Conference; and (5)
has the right to have expenses paid for attendance
at sessions of the General Conference.

1507.

Petition Number: 20535-CO-507.1-D; Cabinet of the
West Virginia Annual Conference, WVA.

Assignment of Bishops

Amend ^507.1:

[Second sentence] A bishop maybe recommended
for assignment to the same residence for a third quad-
rcnnium only if the Jurisdictional Committee on Episco-
pacy, on a two-thirds vote and the Jurisdictional
Conference by a t^'o-thirds vote as the Jtuisdictional
Committee on Episcopacy determines such assign-
ment to be in the best interest of the jurisdiction. TTiis
legislation is to be effective at the close of the4998 1996
General Conference.

1601.

Petition Number: 20201-CO-601-D;SGA, NTK.

The Mission of the Church

Insert the following preface before % 601:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see flOl). \Mtiun United
Methodism, our distinctive connectional structure
exists to enhance and to challenge the local
church in its disciple-making ministry. Tlie con-
nectional structure of the church is maintained
through its chain of conferences. The conferences
are channels used by God to give inspirational
leadership and witness to a larger, global vision of
our God-given mission.

Conferences

179

^602.

Petition Number: 20199-CO-602-D;FLA.

Composition of General Conference

Amend ^ 602:

l.c) Each General Conference shall set, within
the range specified in the Constitution (^12.1),
the maximum number of delegates which will
comprise the succeeding General Conference. If
such an action is not taken, the maximum number
of delegates for the succeeding General Confer-
ence shall be the maximtmi number as estab-
lished in ^12.1.

2. [Delete existing text.] The number of dele-
gates to which an Annual Conference is entitled
shall be computed on the basis of total member-
ship of the Annual conference arrived at by adding
the number of clergy members of the Annual Con-
ference to the number of members of local
churches in the Annual Conference.

3. [Delete existing text] Sixty days following the
end of the second calendar year of the quadren-
nium, using the most current lay and clergy mem-
bership figures then available, the secretary of the
General Conference shall calculate the ntmiber of
delegates to be elected by each Annual Confer-
ence, based on the factors specified above. The
method by which the ntmiber of delegates for each
Annual Conference is determined shall conform to
the following principles:

a) The total number of delegates, including
those chosen under lb, shall be as nearly equal to
the number determined as provided in Ic as prac-
ticable, without exceeding that number.

b) Each Annual Conference shall be repre-
sented by an equal number of lay and clergy dele-
gates.

c) Each Annual Conference shall be entitled to
at least one clergy and one lay delegate.

4. ...preceding the session of the General Confer-
ence. Consideration shall be given to electing an
inclusive delegation OT103, 113), Annual Con-
ferences are not precluded from establishing
nominating procedures to identify candidates for
election to General and Jurisdictional Conference,
provided that all persons eligible for election, in
accordance with the Constitution, may be elected
whether or not they have been formally nomi-
nated. At least thirty days prior...

^602.

Petition Number: 20874-CO-602-D; Southeastern
Jurisdictional Conference.

Composition of General Conference

Amend <][ 602:

1 .c) Each General Conference shall set, within
the range specified in the Constitution (^12.1),
the maximum number of delegates which will
comprise the succeeding General Conference. If
such an action is not taken, the maximum number
of delegates for the succeeding General Confer-
ence shaU be the maximum ntunber as estab-
lished in 112.1.

2. The number of delegates to which an Annual
Conference is entitled shall be computed on a two-factor
the basist of the total membership of the Annual
Conference arrived at by adding the number of
clergy members of the Annual Conference «i4 to the
number of members...

The term "clergy members" as used in this para-
graph shall refer to both active and retired members of
the Annual Conference (^703.1).

3. Sixty days foUowing the end of the second
calendar year of the quadrennium, using the most
current lay and clergy membership figures then
available, tThe secretary of the General Conference
shall calculate the number of delegates to be elected by
each Annual Conference, based on the factors specified
above;, as follows; The method by which the number
of delegates for each Annual Conference is deter-
mined shall conform to the following principles:

a) [Delete existing text.] The total mmaber of
delegates, including those chosen under lb, shall
be as nearly equal to the number determined as
provided in Ic as practicable, without exceeding
that number.

b) [Delete existing text.] Each Annual Confer-
ence shall be represented by an equal number of
lay and clergy delegates.

c) [Delete.]

^ c) Each Annual Conference shall be entitled to at
least one clergy and one lay delegate.

e) [Delete.]

4. Delegates to the General Conference.. .the ses-
sion of the General Conference. Consideration shall
be given to electing an inclusive delegation
(11103, 113). Annual Conferences are not pre-
cluded from establishing nominating procedures
to identify candidates for election to General and
Jurisdictional Conferences, provided that all per-
sons eligible for election, in accordance with the

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DCA Advance Edition

Constitution, may be elected whether or not they
have been formally nominated. At least thirty days...

members of the Annual Conference or major frac-
tion thereof.

^602.

Petition Number: 21609-CO-602-D; GCOM.

Composition of The General Conference
Amend ^ 602:

1. a) An equal number of clergy and lay delegates
elected by the Annual Conferences as provided in The
Book of Discipline (^12).

2. ex* This formula is designated to comply complies
with the Constitution,.. .the secretary of the General
Conference shall be authorized to remedy the situation
by adjusting up or down the numbers of clergy mem-
bers...

6. The Secretary of the General Conference shall
prepare and send credentials to each Annual Confer-
ence secretary credentials to be signed and distributed
to the delegates and reserves elected by the Annual
Conference. The Conference secretary shall sign
these credentials and distribute them to the dele-
gates.

^602.

Petition Number: 20290-CO-602.2-D;WMI.

Definition of membership in the Annual Conference

Amend the second paragraph of ^602.2:

The term "clergy members" as used in this para-
graph shall refer to Elders, both active and retired,
Deacons serving under full-time appointment, and
full-time local pastors (who are members of the
Annual Conference) (702.1).

1602.

Petition Number: 20962-CO-602.2-D;TEX.

Composition of the General Conference

Amend the first paragraph of ^ 602.2:

2. The number of delegates to which an Annual
Conference is entitled shall be computed on a two-factor
basis: Factor One — the number of clergy members of
the Annual Conference and the number of members of
local churches in the Annual Conference shall be
added together as one body to form the simi total
of the members of the Annual Conference for the
purpose of this paragraph. Factor Two — one dele-
gate shall be allotted for the first 10,000 members
of the Annual Conference as computed in factor
one, and one delegate for each additional 10,000

1602.

Petition Number: 20963-CO-602.3-D;TEX.

Delegates to General Conference by Annual
Conferences

Amend ^ 602.3, deleting a-d and replacing with new
text:

3. ...based on the factors specified abover; as follows
provided that

a) Hie number of lay delegates shall be equal
to the number of clergy delegates authorized for
each Annual Conference.

b) Every Annual Conference shall be entitied
to at least one clergy and one lay delegate.

c) The secretary of the General Conference
meets the constitutional provision of ^ 12 that
prescribes the minimum and maximiun number
of delegates to a General Conference as not less
than 600 nor more than 1,000 delegates.

d) Should the computations provided in the
paragraph result in a figure below the prescribed
minimum (600) or above the maximum (1,000)
for delegates, the secretary of the General Confer-
ence shall be authorized to remedy the situation
as follows: The number 10,000 in factor two, pre-
scribed in % 14 and \ 602.2, shall be adjusted up
or down as necessary to entitie an Annual Confer-
ence to elect delegates; any such adjustment shall
insure the entitiement to delegates is based on the
sum total of the Annual Conference's membership
as prescribed in factor one of ^ 14.

1604.

Petition Number: 21610-CO-604.1-D; GCOM.
Election of Secretary-Designate
Renumber %, 604 as % 604.1.

1605.

Petition Number: 21611-CO-605-D; GCOM.

Responsibilities of the Secretary-Designate

Renumber % 605 as % 604.2 and .3 and amend:

2. Assumption of OflBce. — The secretary-desig-
nate shall assume the responsibilities of the office of
secretary as soon after the adjournment of the General
Conference as all work in connection with the session
has been completed, including the corrections to the
Daily Christian Advocate, which serves as the official

Conferences

181

journal of the General Conference. The exact date of the
transfer of responsibility to the secretary-designate shall
be determined by the Commission on ijie General Con-
ference, but shall not be later than December 31, follow-
ing the adjournment of the General Conference.

3. Assigned Duties. — ^The secretary shall, at the
request of the General Commission on the General
Conference, assist in initiating procedures to inform
delegates from outside the United States concerning
both the operation of the General Conference and mate-
rials it will consider.

After consultation with the Council of Bishops and
the General Com.mission on Christian Unity and Inter-
religious Concerns the secretary shall issue invitations
to ecumenical representatives.

1608.

Petition Number: 20709-CO-608.2-D;NIL.

General Conference Petitions

Amend f 608.2:

2. Each petition must address only one paragraph
of the Discipline or, if the Discipline is not affected, one
issue if the Discipline is not affected; if the Discipline
is affected, each petition must address only one
paragraph of the Discipline, except that, if two or
more paragraphs in the Discipline are so closely
related that a change in one affects the others, the
petition may call for the amendment of those para-
graphs also to make them consistent with one
another.

^608.

Petition Number: 21612-CO-608.2-D; GCOM.

Petitions to General Conference

Amend ^ 608.2:

2. Each petition must address only one paragraph
of the Discipline or, if the Discipline is not affected, one
issue, except as noted. A petition may address
mtdtiple paragraphs if an identical change is to be
made in several paragraphs.

1608.

Petition Number: 21558-CO-608.4-D; GCFA

Petitions to General Conference

Amend "fl 608.4:

4. All petitions submitted to the General Confer-
ence, except those submitted by individual members of
The United Methodist Church and local church groups,
which include proposals which would require

funding from any general chtirch fund(s) (^910)

call for the cstabliahmcnt of new programs or the expan-
sion of existing programs will be invalid and will not
be accepted for consideration unless accompanied
by a statement setting forth the estimated cost of
the proposal and a proposed source of funding
supporting data which addresses the issue of anticipated
financial requirements of the program. This require-
ment would apply to all petitions which call for any
of the following:

a) the establishment by the General Confer-
ence of a new coimcil, board, commission, com-
mittee, task force, or other unit, whether
temporary or continuing.

b) the establishment of a new program or pro-
grams or emphases.

c) the expansion of existing programs.

d) a requirement directing an existing agency
to conduct studies, do research, provide resource
materials or services, or take any other action
which would require funding beyond that required
for activities already being performed by the
agency.

The "proposed source of funding" may take
the form of a proposal to add the cost to existing
budget proposals or to substitute the proposed
structure, program, or activity for specifically des-
ignated structures, programs, or activities which
were previously funded.

1609.

Petition Number: 20202-CO-609-D;MNN.

Omission of Unconstitutional Clauses: Editing

Insert a new paragraph after current ^ 609:

The Committee on Correlation and Editorial
Revision shall not reprint in succeeding editions
of the Book of Discipline any clauses from a pre-
ceding edition which have been declared uncon-
stitutional by the Judicial Council.

1611.

Petition Number: 20203-CO-611.2-D;MNN.

The Book of Resolution

Add new text at the end of ^ 611.2a:

Resolutions shall be considered official ex-
pressions of The United Methodist Church for
twelve years following their adoption, after which
time tiiey shall be deemed to have expired unless
re-adopted. Those which have expired shall not be
printed in subsequent editions of the Book of Reso-
lutions.

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DCA Advance Edition

^611.

Petition Number: 20559-CO-611.2-D;WNC.

Review of Resolutions

Amend ^61 1.2 J:

2.b) The General Council on Miniatrica Council of
Bishops and the program boards and agencies...

^612.

Petition Number: 21613-CO-612-D; GCOM.

Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy
Amend ^ 612:

2. No A bishop shall may be transferred across
jurisdictional lines unless only when that bishop has
consented... in which the bishop was elected and unless
a concurrent transfer is effected into the jurisdiction
from which the bishop is transferring or unless the
Jurisdictional Conference which is receiving that bishop
has voted to waive this right Such a transfer shall not
be concluded an^l when the Committee on Episcopacy
of each jurisdiction involved has approved the pteft
transfer(s) by a majority vote of those present and
voting, insofar as the transfer(s) it affects itsosro that
jurisdictionT and the Jurisdictional Conferences, meet-
ing concurrcntiy, have also approved. (See ^52 Article
V).

3. [Fourth sentence] Request for transfer from
either a bishop or Jurisdictional Committee 8 on Episco-
pacy must shall be received by the Interjurisdictional
Committee on Episcopacy by April 1 of the year ftcift
preceding the year of Jurisdictional Conferences.. ..the
appropriate Jurisdictional Committee (s) on Episcopacy
by July 1 of the year preceding January 1 of the year
of Jurisdictional Conference (s) . Once the Jursidictional
Jurisdictional Committee (s) on Episcopacy and the
sending and receiving Jurisdictional Conference (s)
have has taken action, Jurisdictional Conference secre-
taries witt shall inform the Interjurisdictional Commit-
tee...

f624.

Petition Number: 21614-CO-624-D; GCOM.

The Jurisdictional Conference

Amend ^ 624:

It shall also have such other powers and duties as
may be conferred by the General Conference, and in
exercise thereof Ht shall act in all respects in harmony
with the policy of The United Methodist Church with
respect to elimination of discrimination based upon
race.

^628.

Petition Number: 20307-CO-628-D;WPA

Authority of the Jurisdictional Conference. Amend

Amend the last sentence of ^628:

Special attention shall be given to the inclusion of
clergywomen, youth, young adults, older adults, single
adults, persons ¥fith a handicapping condition people
with disabilities, persons...

^629.

Petition Number: 20560-CO-629-D;AVNC.

Eliminate Jurisdictional Council on Ministries

Amend the first sentence of ^629:

In each jurisdiction of The United Methodist
Church there may be a Jurisdictional Council on Minis-
tries or Jurisdictional Administrative Council any ad-
ministrative and programmatic structure organized
as the jurisdiction shall determine and wth the authority
to coordinate the programs of the general agencies
wthin the jurisdiction.

Petition Number: 20561-CO-630-D;WNC.

Eliminate Jurisdictional Agencies
Delete ^630.

^638.

Petition Number: 20562-CO-638.32-D;WNC.
Status of Retired Bishops
Delete ^638.32.

1660.

Petition Number: 21721-CO-660.1-D; The Council of
Bishops.

Organization of a Missionary Conference

Amend the third sentence of ^ 660:

Such conference and/or district superintendent(s)
shall be an elder (s), and may nto be appointed for more
than eight years shall be subject to the same limita-
tions on years of service as district superinten-
dents a 518).

Conferences

183

^660.

Petition Number: 20710-CO-660.7-D;SCA, GBHEM.

Organization of a Missionary Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^660.7:

...all the rights and privileges of associate member-
ship in the Missionary Conference except the right of
guaranteed appointment, provided that...

^664.

Petition Number: 21341-CO-664.3-D; GBGM.

Establishment and Administration of a Mission

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 664.3:

The bishop assigned to a Mission, in consultation
with the deputy general secretary of the appropriate
division of the General Board of Global Ministries,...

^664.

Petition Number: 21297-CO-664.6-D; GBGM.

Assignment of Missionaries and Mission Traveling
Preachers in the Conference

Amend f 664.6:

6. ...provided that transfer of National Division-re-
lated missionaries related to the General Board of
Global Ministries shall be completed only after con-
sultation with the National Division of the General
Board of Global Miniatriea.

^664.

Petition Number: 21298-CO-664.7-D; GBGM.

Administration, Initiation, and Coordination
of a Mission

Delete ^ 664.7 and substitute new text

Administration, initiation, and coordination of
a Mission shall be in the General Board of Global
Ministries.

1700.

Petition Number: 20518-CO-700-D$;BMW, VIR, NEB,
WPA, NNY, NIN, UMCOM, SIN.PED, CIL

Annual Conference Commission on Communications

Add a new ^ after 'Q 727, renumbering as appropri-
ate:

1 . In each Annual Conference there shall be a
Commission on Communications or equivalent
structure which shaU include persons with sldUs

in communications nominated for membership in
a manner determined by the conference, in accord-
ance with ^ 707.4.

The commission shall be a service agency to
meet the communication, publication, multime-
dia, public and media relations, interpretation and
promotional needs of the Annual Conference. It
shall be responsible for providing resources and
services to conference agencies, districts and local
chiu-ches in the field of communication. The com-
mission shall have a consultative relationship with
all agencies and bodies within the conference
structure.

2. a) The commission shall include at least
seven voting members. The following shall be ex-
ofBcio members of the commission in addition to
the number set by the Annual Conference:

(1) the conference director of communication
(if employed, without vote); (2) any member of the
General Commission on Communication or the
General Board of Publications who resides within
the botmds of the conference, with vote, unless
voting membership is in conflict with another pro-
vision of the Book of Discipline, in which case
his/her membership shall be without vote; (3) the
presiding bishop, without vote; (4) a district su-
perintendent, chosen by the cabinet, without vote;
(5) the conference treasiu"er/director of adminis-
trative services, without vote; and (6) the confer-
ence council director, without vote.

b) Two or more conferences may decide to
have a single Commission on Commtmications, in
which case each Annual Conference shall be rep-
resented as stated in the preceding paragraph and
each shall elect an equal number of voting mem-
bers.

3. The responsibihties of the Commission on
Communications, unless the Annual Conference
has designated another agency to carry any of
these responsibilities, shall include:

(a) To consult and cooperate with the confer-
ence Council on Finance and Administration in
providing district superintendents, pastors, and
appropriate officers of the local churches and
charge conferences with interpretive aids or mate-
rials to assist in gaining understanding and sup-
port of the conference budget and other approved
causes.

(b) To interpret and promote the programs
and benevolences of the general Church, the Ju-
risdictional or Central Conference, and the Annual
Conference to the local churches in consultation
with other general Church and conference agen-
cies.

(c) To develop, implement and maintain a
comprehensive internal conununication network

184

DCA Advance Edition

among clergy and laity within the Annual Confer-
ence, districts and local churches.

(d) To guide radio, television and telecommu-
nications ministries in the Annual Conference.

(e) To assist other agencies of the Annual Con-
ference, districts, and local congregations in the
use of computers and computer networks for com-
mtmication purposes.

(f) To provide oversight for all periodicals
(print and electronic) of the Annual Conference.

(g) To facilitate training opportunities in com-
munication for Annual Conference agencies, dis-
tricts, and local chiu-ches.

(h) To provide oversight of conference multi-
media resource collections shared among Aimual
Conference agencies, districts, and local
chiu*ches.

(i) To develop and coordinate, in consultation
with the bishop, cabinet and other appropriate
Annual Conference and general Church agencies,
disaster and crisis communication plans for the
Annual Conference.

(j) To provide a liaison between the Annual
Conference and The United Methodist Publishing
House.

(k) To raise public awareness within the geo-
graphical region of the Annual Conference of the
programs and poUcies of The United Methodist
Chiu"ch; to be die primary soiu"ce of information
services on behalf of the Annual Conference to the
general pubUc; and to perform public and media
relations functions for the conference.

(I) To recommend the effective use of emerg-
ing communication technologies and methods.

(m) To perform such other communication
services as the Annual Conference may assign.

4. An executive ofBcer, to be known as the
director of communications, shall be designated
by one or more Annual Conferences to assist the
commission in carrying out its responsibilities.

^700.

Petition Number: 21624-CO-700-D; GCOM.

Conference Commission on Communication

Add a new % after % 727:

1 . In each annual conference there shall be a
Commission on Communication or other struc-
tiu"e to provide for the communication ministries
and maintain the connectional relationships. It

shall include persons with skills in commimica-
tions nominated for membership in a manner de-
termined by the conference, in accordance with %
707.4.

The commission shall be a service agency to
meet the communication, publication, multime-
dia, public and media relations, interpretation and
promotional needs of the annual conference. It
shall be responsible for providing resources and
services to conference agencies, districts and local
churches in the field of commtuiication. The Com-
mission may be placed in the annual conference
structure as determined by the annual conference
and shall have a consultative relationship with all
agencies and bodies within the conference struc-
ture.

2.a) The commission shall include a least
seven voting members. The following shall be ex-
ofi5cio members of the commission in addition to
the number set by the annual conference; (1) the
conference director of commtmications (witibout
vote); (2) any member of the General Commission
on Communication or the General Board of Pub-
lication who resides within the boimds of the con-
ference, with vote, tuiless voting membership is in
conflict with another provision of the Book of Dis-
cipline, in which case his/her membership shall
be without vote; (3) the presiding bishop, without
vote; (4) a district superintendent, chosen by the
cabinet, without vote; (5) the conference treas-
urer/director of administrative services, without
vote; and (6) the conference council director,
without vote.

b) Two or more conferences may decide to
have a single Commission on Communication, in
which case each annual conference shall be rep-
resented as stated in the preceding paragraph and
each shall elect an equal number of voting mem-
bers.

3. The responsibilities of the Commission on
Communication or other structure may include:

a) To consult and cooperate with the confer-
ence Council on Finance and Administration in
providing district superintendents, pastors, and
appropriate officers of the local chiu'ches and
charge conferences with interpretive aids or mate-
rials to assist in gaining understanding and sup-
port of the conference budget and other approved
causes.

h) To interpret and promote the programs and
benevolences of the general Chiu-ch, the Jurisdic-
tional or Central Conference, and die annual con-
ference to the local churches in consultation with
other general church and conference agencies.

Conferences

185

1701.

Petition Number: 20473-CO-701-D;NTX.

The Purpose of the Annual Conference

Amend "J 701:

^701.1 Purpose. The purpose mission of the An-
nual Conference is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by
equipping its local churches for ministry and by provid-
ing a connection for ministry beyond the local church;
all to the glory of God. The Annual Conference shall
pay particular attention to equipping local congre-
gations and developing connectional avenues for
ministry in relation to inclusiveness throughout
the chiu'ch, starting new faith communities and
congregations, ministries with children, youth,
younger adults, adults, older adults, singles, fami-
lies, church school, Christian unity, interfaith re-
lations, social justice issues, education,
evangelism, campus ministry, spiritual formation,
religion and race, community, national and global
missions, stewardship, worship, commxmica-
tions, and history and archives.

2. The Annual Conference shall develop a
structure, program and financial support for the
faithful and effective carrying out of its mission in
appropriate ways. Special attention shall be given
to the inclusion of leaders who represent the di-
verse constituency of the Annual Conference.

1702.

Petition Number: 20066-CO-702-D;IWA

Part-Time and Student Local Pastors
Amend ^ 702:

1. ...and local pastors under full time appointment to
a pastoral charge...

d) Local pastors under full-time appointment..

e) [Delete]

2. The following shall be seated in the Annual Con-
ference and shall be given the privilege of the floor
without vote: part-time and student local pastors; official
representatives...

1702.

Petition Number: 20188-CO-702-D;EPA.

Composition and character of the Annual Conference

Amend ^ 7Q2d:

d) Local and student part-time pastors under
full'timc appointment to a pastoral charge shall have the
right to vote in the Annual Conference on all matters

except constitutional amendments, election of clergy
delegates...

1702.

Petition Number: 20204-CO-702-D;MSS.

Voting Status of Retired Clergy at Annual Conference

Retain % 702 without change and take no action to
alter the membership or voting status of retired minis-
ters in the Annual Conference.

1702.

Petition Number: 20291-CO-702-D;WML

Definition of membership in the Annual Conference

Amend % 702.1ft, c, and d for consistency of defini-
tion in relation to petition 20290.

1702.

Petition Number: 20308-CO-702-D;WPA.

Annual Conference membership of Local pastors

Add new text at tiie end of 1 702:

Eligibility and Rights of Local Members: Local
members of an Annual Conference are local pas-
tors (full-time, part-time, and student) of the
Church. They shall be amenable to the Annual
Conference in the performance of their ministry.

1 . Local membership is renewed annually.

2. Local members shall have the right to vote
in the Annual Conference on all matters except the
following: (a) constitutional amendments; (b) elec-
tion of delegates to the General and Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences; (c) all matters of ordina-
tion, character and conference relations of min-
sters.

3. Local members may serve on any board,
commission or committee of an Annual Confer-
ence except the Board of Ordained Ministry and
the Board of Trustees. They shall not be eligible
for election as delegates to the General or Juris-
dictional or Central Conferences.

Requirements for Election as Local Members: Can-
didates may be elected to local membership by
vote of the clergy members in full connection,
upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained
Ministry, when they have met the following condi-
tions: TTiey shall have (1) met the requirements of
a local pastor OT 406-410); and (2) been ap-
pointed by the bishop to serve a charge dtuing that
year.

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DCA Advance Edition

1702.

Petition Number: 20543-CO-702-D;SNJ.

Clergy Membership of Annual Conference

Amend ^ 702. Irf:

1. d) Local pastors under full-time appointment to a
pastoral charge, part-time local and student pastors
under appointment to a pastoral charge shall have
the right to vote...

1702.

Petition Number: 20711-CO-702-D;EOH.

Part-Time Local Pastors

Amend ^ 702d:

d) Local pastors under full-time or part time ap-
pointment...

4e) Local pastors under full time appointment... ex-
cept constitutional amendments, election of lay dele-
gates...

tf) ...allow local and student local port time pas-
tors...except constitutional amendments, election of
clergy delegates...

2. The following shall be seated.. .parttimc and stu-
dent local pastors;...

1702.

Petition Number: 21247-CO-702-D; GBHEM.

Composition and Character of the Annual Conference

Delete % 702.1c, d, and e and amend .26:

2. b) Probationary clergy members, associate and
affiliate clergy members, and local pastors under
appointment to a pastoral charge shall have the right
to vote...

1702.

Petition Number: 20754-CO-702-D; Historical Society,
the United Methodist Church, Durham, NC.

Composition and Character of Annual Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 702:

Clergy members are encouraged to join the
Historical Society of The United Methodist
Church, whose programs and publications help
keep the connectional principle alive (see ^112).

1702.

Petition Number: 20875-CO-702-D; NCJ Town &
Country Assoc and Urban Network.

Voting Rights for Clergy Members

Amend ^ 702:

1. .. .and local pastors under full-time appointment to
a pastoral charge...

c) Associate and affiliate clergy members shall have
the right to vote in the Annual Conference on all matters
except constitutional amendments, election of clergy
lay delegates...

d) Affiliate clergy members shall have the right
to vote in the Annual Conference in which they are
serving as missionaries on all matters except con-
stitutional amendments, election of delegates to
the General and Jurisdictional or Central Confer-
ences, and matters of ordination, character, and
conference relations of clergy.

1702.

Petition Number: 21615-CO-702-D; GCOM.
Composition and Character
Amend % 702:

1. b) Probationary clergy members, associate and
affiliate clergy members, and local pastors under
fiiUtime appointment to a pastoral charge shall have
the right to vote...

c) [Delete.]

d) [Delete.]

2. The Lay membership of the Annual Confer-
ence shall consist of a lay member elected by each
charge, diaconal ministers, the conference presi-
dent of United Methodist Women, the conference
president of United Methodist Men, the confer-
ence lay leader, district lay leaders, the president
or equivalent officer of the conference young adult
organization, the president of the conference
youth organization, two young persons under
twenty-five (25) years of age fi'om each district to
be selected in such a manner as may be deter-
mined by the Annual Conference. If the lay mem-
bership should number less than the clergy
members of the Annual Conference, the Annual
Conference shall, by its own formula, provide for
the election of additional lay members to equalize
lay and clergy membership of the Annual Confer-
ence.

Each charge served by more than one clergy
under appointment shall be entitied to as many lay
members as there are clergy under appointment.
The lay members shall have been members of The

I

Conferences

187

United Methodist Church for the two years preced-
ing their election and shall have been active partici-
pants in The United Methodist Church for at least
four years preceding their election (^ 35, 252.2).

a) In the Annual Conferences of the Central
Conferences, the four year participation and the
two year membership requirements may be
waived for young persons under twenty-five (25)
years of age. Such persons must be members of
The United Methodist Church and active partici-
pants at the time of election.

h) By authorization of a Central Conference
national Diaconal Ministers may be given the
same privileges of a Diaconal Minister.

3. [Delete.]

6. When at any time a lay member is excused by the
Annual Conference from further attendance during the
session, the alternate lay member, sfiay if present,
shall be seated inatcad....

^702.

Petition Number: 20065-CO-702.1-D;DET, TRY.
Voting Rights for Clergy Members
Amend 1 702:

1. ...and local pastors under full time appointment to
a pastoral charge {^ 408. 1) .

c) Associate and affiliate clergy members shall have
the right to vote in the Annual Conference on all matters
except constitutional amendments, election of clergy
lay delegates...

d) Affiliate clergy members shall have the right
to vote in the Annual Conference on all matters
except constitutional amendments, election of
clergy delegates to the General and Jiuisdictional
or Central Conferences, and matters of ordination,
ch£iracter, and conference relations of clergy.

4)^) Local pastors under full time appointment to a
pastoral charge shall have the right to vote in the Annual
Conference on all matters except constitutional amend-
ments, election of lay delegates...

t^f) Under special conditions, and for missional
reasons, an Annual Conference may, by a two-thirds
majority vote of its members present, allow local and
student local part time pastors under appointment to a
pastoral charge the right to vote at Annual Conference
on all matters except constitutional amendments, elec-
tion of ekffy delegates...

2. The following shall be seated in the Annual Con-
ference and shall be given the privilege of the floor
without vote: part time and student local pastors;...

1702.

Petition Number: 20189-CO-702.1-D;WIS.

Enabling Laity as Voting Members
of the Clergy Session

Amend 702. Ic:

a) Clergy members in full connection.. .shall have
sole responsibility with elected lay members of the
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for all mat-
ters of ordination,...

1702.

Petition Number: 21607-CO-702.1-D;TEN.

Composition and Character

Amend "J 702. le:

L e) Under special conditions, and for missional
reasons, an Annual Conference may, by a t¥i'o thirds
majority vote of its members present, allow ILocal and
student part-time pastors under part-time appointment
to a pastoral charge shall have the right to vote at
Annual Conference...

1702.

Petition Number: 21608-CO-702.2-D;TEN.

Composition and Character

Amend ^ 702.2:

2. The following shall be seated in the Annual Con-
ference and shall be given the privilege of the floor
without vote: part-timc and student local pastors; official
representatives...

1703.

Petition Number: 20362-CO-703-D;NYK

Annual Conference Accessibility

Insert a new sub-paragraph after % 703.3 and renum-
ber accordingly:

The Annual Conference sessions and all con-
ference meetings shall be held in places which are
accessible to persons with disabilities. The follow-
ing are guidelines as to what makes a place acces-
sible:

Architectural Guidelines

a. All meeting rooms to be used are accessible
to those in wheelchairs. Examples of things which
may make a room accessible:

1) Everything is at grotmd level with no steps.

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DCA Advance Edition

2) An elevator is available.

3) A ramp of size and maximum angle of 1/12
that wheelchairs can negotiate is available.

4) Door openings are at least 36 inches wide.

5. Pews or chairs are arranged to include
space for wheelchairs.

b. Accessible washrooms.

c. Convenient parking for those with disabili-
ties.

d. Curb cuts if curbs must be negotiated.

e. Adequate hand rails for safety.

f. Adequate lighting.

g. For overnight meetings, accessible lodging
for participants.

Communications Guidelines

a. A loud speaker system.

b. Sound equipment for the more profoundly
hearing impaired.

c. Signing for the deaf.

d. Large print program materials or tape re-
cordings available.

e. Programs and directions making use of
visuals, symbols, images, and soimds for persons
who have difficxdty communicating via the printed
or spoken word.

Transportation Guidelines

If at all possible that Annual Conference and
other major meetings be held at sites accessible
by public or arranged transportation.

^703.

Petition Number: 20205-CO-703.2-D;VIR

Timing of Conferences

Amend ^ 703.2:

2. The bishops shall appoint the times for holding
the Annual Conferences and may choose to hold
such conferences less often than once per year.

^703.

Petition Number: 20563-CO-703.8-D;WNC.

Conference Lay Leader

Amend ^703.8:

8. a) [Last sentence] The lay leader is a member of
the Annual Conference, the conference Council on Min-
istries, the conference Committee on Nominations, and
the conference Committee on Episcopacy, and the ex-
ecutive committee, if any, of the conference Council on
Ministries, and may serve on the committee...

b) The conference lay leader shall be the chairper-
son of the conference Board of Laity, or its equivalent,
if any, and shall relate to....

*n703.

Petition Number: 21470-CO-703-D;

Accessibility of Annual Conference Meetings

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 703.3 and renum-
ber accordingly:

The Annual Conference sessions and all con-
ference meetings shall be held in places which are
accessible to persons with disabilities. The follow-
ing are guidelines as to what makes a place acces-
sible:

Architectural Guidelines

a. All meeting rooms to be used are accessible
to those in wheelcheurs.

Examples of things wUch may make a room
accessible:

1) Everything is at grotmd level with now
steps.

2) An elevator is available.

3) A ramp of size and maximum angle of 1/12
that wheelchairs can negotiate is available.

4) Door openings are at least 36 inches wide.

5) Pews or chairs are arranged to include
space for wheelchairs.

b. Accessible washrooms.

c. Convenient parking for those with disabili-

ties.

d. Curb cuts if curbs must be negotiated.

e. Adequate handrails for safety.

f. Adequate lighting.
Commtmication Guidelines
a. A loudspeaker system.

Conferences

189

b. Sound equipment for the more profoundly
hearing impaired.

c. Signing for the deaf.

d. Large print progriim materials or tape re-
cordings available.

e. Programs and directions making use of
visuals, symbols, images and sounds for persons
who have difficulty conununicating via the printed
or spoken word.

^704.

Petition Number: 21248-CO-704.4-D; GBHEM.

Powers and Duties of the Annual Conference

Amend the last sentence of ^ 704.4:

The Annual Conference shall have power to locate
a clergy member for unacccptability or inefficiency fiail-
ure to perform effectively and competently the du-
ties of itinerant ministry.

^704.

Petition Number: 21249-CO-704.7-D; GBHEM.

Powers and Duties of the Annual Conference

Amend "B 704.7:

7. Whenever clergy members, whether on b4al pro-
bation or in full connection,...

^704.

Petition Number: 20427-CO-704.13-D;NMX.

Power and Authority of Annual Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 704.12:

Annual Conferences shall have the power and
authority to organize themselves for mission by
using such structures as they may determine to be
appropriate, subject to the requirements that, in
doing so, the Annual Conferences shall provide for
functions and structures that are specifically man-
dated by the Discipline and shall provide for inclu-
siveness in the membership of structures chosen,
as required by ^707.4.

^705.

Petition Number: 21616-CO-705.3-D; GCOM.

Business of the Conference

Amend ^ 705.3:

3. Members for all standing committees, boards,
and commissions of the Annual Conference shall be
selected in such manner as the Annual Conference may
determine or as tThe Book of Discipline may specifically
require or as the Annual Conference may deter-
mine.

^705.

Petition Number: 20190-CO-705.6-D;WIS.

Giving Lay Members of the Board of Ordained
Ministry Vote at the Clergy session

Amend ^ 705.6:

6. ...All clergy members (^ 70L1) of the Annual
Conference and the elected lay members or observers
of the Board of Ordained Ministry may attend and shall
have voice in the clergy session. Only the ordained
clergy in full connection and the lay members of the
Board of Ordained Ministry may vote (^ 70L la) .

^706.

Petition Number: 20564-CO-706.2-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 706.2:

2. Each Annual Conference shall send to the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration two printed
copies of its annual journal and one printed copy to the
General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops.

1706.

Petition Number: 21365-CO-706.2-D; UMCOM.

Records and Archives

Amend ^ 706.2:

2. ...to the General Council on Ministries and to
United Methodist Communications.

1706.

Petition Number: 20363-CO-706.9-D;RKM.

Records and Archives

Amend ^706.9<::

9.c) access to unpublished records by persons other
than the bishop, district superintendent, conference sec-

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DCA Advance Edition

retary, treasurer, assistant to the bishop, conference
cheincellor, or other administrative officer...

^707.

Petition Number: 20191-CO-707-D;BMW.

Conference Agencies

Amend ^707:

The Annual Conference shall provide for the con-
ncctional relationship between the general boards and
commissions and the conference, district, and local
church be the basic connectional body for evangeli-
zation, ministry and mission in covenant with local
congregations and the General and Jurisdictional
Conferences; unite the local congregations within
its bounds into a basic, ongoing, inclusive body of
the chiu-ch universal imder the lordship of Jesus
Christ; and resotu'ce and equip local congrega-
tions, conference ministries and other expres-
sions of church as commtmities of disciples of
Jesus Christ.

^707.

Petition Number: 20368-CO-707-D;NYK

Accessibility in Annual Conference Boards
and Agencies

Insert a new sub-paragraph after current ^707.3 and
renumber accordingly:

All meetings scheduled by the Annual Confer-
ence and its districts, bo£irds, or committees shall
be held in places which are accessible to persons
with disabilities. The following are guidelines as to
what makes a place accessible:

Architectural Guidelines

a. All meeting rooms to be used are accessible
to those in wheelchairs. Examples of things \diich
may make a room accessible:

1) Evetything is at ground level with no steps.

2) An elevator is available.

3) A ramp of size and maximum angle of 1/12
that wheelchairs can negotiate is available.

4) Door openings are at least 36 inches wide.

5. Pews or chairs are arranged to include
space for wheelchairs.

b. Accessible washrooms.

c. Convenient parking for those with disabili-

ties.

d. Curb cuts if curbs must be negotiated.

e. Adequate hand rails for safety.

f. Adequate lighting.

g. For overnight meetings, accessible lodging
for participants.

Communications Guidelines

a. A loud speaker system.

b. Sotmd equipment for the more profoundly
hearing impaired.

c. Signing for the deaf.

d. Large print program materials or tape re-
cordings available.

e. Programs and directions making use of
visuals, symbols, images, and sounds for persons
who have difficulty communicating via the printed
or spoken word.

1707.

Petition Number: 2042&-CO-707-D;NMX.
Connectional Relationship

Amend ^ 707:

^707. ?%e-Annual Conferences shall provide for the
connectional relationship between the general boards
and commissions and the conference, district, and local
church. The connectional relationship may be pro-
vided for in ways and with structures within the
Annual Conference that the Annual Conference
determines to be appropriate for its mission, ex-
cept that functions and structures that are man-
dated by the Discipline shall be provided. In
providing for the structure or structures, the An-
nual Conference shall be inclusive (^ 707.4) and
shall consider representation from churches of
various sizes.

1707.

Petition Number: 20489-CO-707-D;NNJ.

The Structure of Annual Conference

Add new text at the end of ^ 707.1:

Notwithstanding anything else herein pro-
vided, any Annual Conference may decide to
structure itself as it sees fit to accomplish the
several ministries for which it is responsible, pro-
vided that:

a) any Conference which makes this election
shall see to it that all of the work of the commis-
sions, boards and agencies that would otherwise
have been required is assigned to an appropriate

Conferences

191

substitute agency, which may also have otiier work
assigned to it by the Annual Conference;

b) a Conference making this election shall no-
tify and maintain connection with appropriate gen-
eral agencies through its successor agencies and
bodies;

c) a list of Annual Conference agencies and a
description of their portfolios be readily available
at the Conference office, so that callers can be
advised who to contact in their area of interest or
concern; and

d) each of such successor agencies shall re-
ceive adequate budget and have adequate mem-
bership to carry out the work assigned to it on a
schedule appropriate for the Conference.

^707.

Petition Number: 20565-CO-707-D;WNC.

Connectional Relationships

Amend ^ 707:

The Annual Conference aheli may provide for the
connectional relationship...

1. An Annual Conference shaH may provide for the
functions.. .In doing this the Annual Conference may
utili2e structures unique to regional aspects of its mis-
sion, other mandated atructurcs not vyithatanding.

^707.

Petition Number: 21617-CO-707-D; GCOM.

Conference Agencies

Amend ^ 707:

The Annual Conference is responsible for struc-
turing its ministries in order to accomplish its
ptupose (^ 701). In so doing it shall provide for
the connectional relationship of the local church,
district and conference with the general agencies
shall provide for the connectional relationship between
the general boards and commiasions and the confer-
ence, district, and local church. It will monitor to
ensure racial, gender, age inclusiveness and for
persons with disabilities in the Annual Confer-
ence.

l.a) An Annual Conference shall provide for the
functions and General Conference connections of with
all boards and generzd agencies provided by the Disci-
pline. In doing this the Annual Conference may organ-
ize units so long as the functions of ministry are
fuHBlled and the connectional relationships are
maintained. Utilize structurca unique to regional aa
pcets of its mission, other mandated atructurca not with-
atanding. ^^

b) An Annual Conference may utilize the inter-
active model of organization including the ele-
ments of: (1) the Annual Conference; (2)
Outreach, Nurture, Witness Ministries; (3) Lead-
ership Ministries; (4) Administrative and Fiscal
Ministries and; (5) the Council to fulfill the func-
tions as specified in ^ 701.

TI707.

Petition Number: 20052-CO-707.1-D;NWT.

Conference Agencies

Add ^707.1:

1 . An Annual Conference shall provide for the
functions and General Conference connections of
all boards and agencies provided by the Disci-
pline. In doing this, the Annual Conference may
utilize structures unique to regional aspects of its
mission, other mandated structures notwithstand-
ing.

[Judicial Council Decision 680 ruled that the 1992
General Conference amendment on this subject was
unconstitutional. To remedy such defect, amendments
to Section II, §15, Article IV and to Section 707.1 are
being proposed.]

^707.

Petition Number: 20187-CO-707.1-D;BMW.

Mandated Structures Provided by Annual Conference

Amend ^ 707.1:

...In doing this the Annual Conference may utilize
structures unique to regional aspects of its missionT.
other mMandated structures not withstanding, which
Annual Conference shall provide for are:

-Board of Laity

-Board of Ordained Ministries

-Board of Diaconal Ministries

-Committee on Episcopacy

-Episcopacy Residence Committee

-Board of Pensions

-United Metiiodist Women

-United Methodist Men

-Council on Youth Ministries

An Annual Conference shall have the following
structures or an equivalent structure that fulfills
their function:

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DCA Advance Edition

-An agency or agencies on finance and admini-
stration

-Commission on Equitable Compensation

-Conference Comicil on Ministries

-Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns

-Board of Church and Society

-Board of Discipleship

-Board of Global Ministries

-Board of Higher Education and Campus Min-
istry

-Commission on Archives and History

-Commission or Committee on Christian
Unity and Interrehgious Concerns

-Commission on Religion and Race

-Commission on the Status and Role of
Women

-Joint Committee on Disability

-Committee on Native American Ministry

An Annual Conference may have the following
structures or an equivalent structure to fulfill their
function:

-Commission on the Small Membership
Chxwch

-Committee on Ministry to and with Persons
with Handicapping Conditions.

^707.

Petition Number: 20429-CO-707.1-D;NMX.

Conference Agencies

Delete ^ 707.1 and replace with new text

1. Annual Conferences shall provide for per-
formance of the functions and for the General
Conference connections of all boards and agencies
provided by the Discipline through the use of ways,
structures, and organizations that each Annual
Conference determines to be appropriate, except
in instances in which the Discipline makes a certain
structure mandatory. The structures or organiza-
tions provided are hereinafter sometimes called
the "structure," for convenience, without intend-
ing to limit the niunber of structures or orgeiniza-
tions provided by the Annual Conferences. Unless
a structure is mandated by provisions of the Disci-
pline, no specific form of structure is required.

1707.

Petition Number: 20474-CO-707.1-D;NTX.

Responsibilities of the Annual Conference
Delete ^707.1 and substitute the following text

1 . There shall be a Conference Administrative
Council in each Annual Conference. Its purpose
shall be to help carry out the annual conference's
mission to equip local churches to make disciples
of Jesus Christ and to help connect together local
churches for broader mission and ministry. Its
primary responsibility will be to ahgn the work of
all conference agencies in order to enstu'e that the
conference's mission is faithfulty and effectively
carried out. The Conference Administrative Coim-
cil may organize itself in any way the Annual Con-
ference determines, including teams, committees
and task forces.

2. Membership — The Annual Conference will deter-
mine the size of the Conference Administrative Council.
The Council will elect its own officers. The membership
will consist of the following:

a. the resident Bishop

b. the district superintendents

c. executive conference staff

d. the annual conference Lay Leader

e. the chair of the episcopal committee

f. the chair of the Cotmcil on Finance and
Administration

g. the chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry

h. the chair of the Board of Diaconal Ministry

i. the president of the conference United Meth-
odist Women

j. the president of the conference United Meth-
odist Men

k. the president of the conference youth or-
ganization

1. other members as the Annual Conference
shall determine

11707.

Petition Number: 20755-CO-707.1-D;
HistoricalSociety, the United Methodist Church.

Conference Agencies

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 707.1:

The Annual Conference shall encourage mem-
bers to join the Historical Society of The United

Conferences

193

Methodist Church, whose programs and publica-
tion help keep the connectional principle alive (see
*]I112).

^707.

Petition Number: 20309-CO-707.4-D;WPA

Membership on Boards and Agencies

Amend the first sentence of ^707.4:

4. ...pcraons with handicapping conditions people
with disabilities, and racial and ethnic...

^707.

Petition Number: 21722-CO-707.4-D; Commission on
Pan-Methodist Cooperation.

Annual Conference Agencies

Add a new paragraph at the end of ^ 707.4:

Each annual conference shall have a Commit-
tee of Pan-Methodism to implement cooperative
ventures on the local level. Members of the na-
tional body shall be ex-ofi5cio members with vote.

^726.

Petition Number: 20067-CO-726-D;MOE, MOW.

Flexibility in Annual Conference structure

Amend ^ 726:

In each Annual Conference of the United Methodist
Church there shall be a conference Council on Minis-
tries or alternate structure hereafter referred to as
Conference Council; provided that....

1. Purpose. — ^The purpose of the Aftmial Conference
Council on Mini9tric3, as part of the total mission of the
church, is to facilitate the Church's program life in the
Annual Conference. The Conference council's task....

2. Membership.— The membership of the Annual
Conference Council on Ministries shall may consist of
the presiding bishop;. ..two representatives of the confer-
ence United Methodist Women, one of whom ahrfmay
be the president; two representatives of the conference
United Methodist Men, one of whom shali may be the
president;....

The person or persons serving as members of the
General Council on Ministries shaH may be member (s)
of the Annual Conference Council on Ministries as full
voting member (s).

The following shaB may be members of the council
without vote....

3. Officers. — ^The officers of the council shall may be
a chairperson....

4. [2nd paragraph] The executive committee may
also serve as the Personnel Committee of the eConfer-
ence Council on Ministries.

5. Committees, Task Forces, and Consult-
ations.— ^The council shall appoint or elect a Committee
on Ethnic Local Church Concerns or alternate struc-
ture. In addition, the council may appoint or elect a
Committee on Communication,. ..It may appoint or elect
such other committees,...

a) Committee on Ethnic Local Church Con-
cerns.— ^There shall be organized in each Annual Con-
ference a Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns
or alternate structure. The responsibilities of
Committee on Ethnic Local Chiu-ch Concerns may
be assigned to an existing or newly created multi-
functional agency of the Council that cares for the
functions of and the connectional relationships of
Ethnic Local Church Concerns, conference, dis-
tricts, and local churches. It shall relate to. ..The
committee shall have representation on the Conference
Council on Ministries. It shall develop criteria for use in
evaluating racial/ethnic projects and programs within
the conference and in reporting on its work to the
Conference Council on Ministries.. .It shall may also
include a cabinet representative. The committee's find-
ings will be referred to the appropriate conference
Commission on Religion and Race group responsible
for racial and ethnic inclusiveness. It will cooperate
with the Commission on Religion and Race appropriate
group in its efforts...

b) Committee on Communication. — In each Annual
Conference Council on Ministries, chosen by it...

e) [Second sentence] The committee shall may
consist of.. .Members of the General Board of Publica-
tion shall may be members ex officio. The committee
chairperson shall be a member of the eConference
Council on Ministries...

7.b){l) To serve as the executive officer of the
Annual Conference Council on Ministries.

(4) To serve as a resource person for district pro-
grams and the Annual Conference Council on Ministries
program agencies...

(5) To supervise the Annual Conference Council ©ft
Ministries staff members.

(6) To serve on other Annual Conference agencies
as determined by the Annual Conference, and/or by the
eConference Council on Ministries.

8. Staff. — ^All Annual Conference eCouncil staff may
be employed by, directed by, and amenable to the Aft-
fwal Conference Council on Ministries.

9.a) Between sessions of the Annual Conference,
all Annual Conference program agencies shall cooper-
ate with and be amenable to the Conference Council oft
Ministries of the Annual Conference in matters...

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DCA Advance Edition

10. Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the Afl-
ftttrf Conference Council on Mini3ta"ic3 are:...

^726.

Petition Number: 20367-CO-726-D;NYK

Annual Conference Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726:

In each Annual Conference of TTie United Method-
ist Church there shall be a conference Council on Min-
istries or equivalent strucUire; provided that such
council structure or any component..

^726.

Petition Number: 20430-CO-726-D;NMX.

Conference Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726:

fe-eEach Annual Conference of the United Method
ist Church there shall fee-a provide for the fulfillment
of the purpose, duties and responsibihties of the
conference Council on Ministries assigned by
^726.1- .10, and elsewhere, by structuring itself
as it determines appropriate; provided that such
council structure or organization or any component
thereof may be organized on an area basis. References
to the "Conference Coimcil on Ministries" or to
"the coimcil" in this ^726 and its various sub-
paragraphs, and elsewiiere in the Discipline in ap-

propriate context, shall be construed and inter-
preted to refer to the structure provided pursuant
to this paragraph, whatever it may be named or
called.

^726.

Petition Number: 20475-CO-726-D;NTX.

Annual Conference Council on Ministries
Delete ^726.

^726.

Petition Number: 20490-CO-726-D;NNJ.

Conference Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726:

In each Annual Conference of The United Method-
ist Church there shall be a conference Council on Min-
istries (or the responsibihties outlined below may
be assigned to such other organization as the An-
nual Conference provides pursuant to ^ 707.1);
provided that..

%726.

Petition Number: 20544-CO-726-D;SNJ.

Conference Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 726.

Conferences

195

1726.

Petition Number: 20545-CO-726-D;SNJ.
Program Coordinator
Delete ^ 726 and replace with new text:

a) Program Coordinator. — ^The Annual Confer-
ence shall elect, upon nomination by the Annual
Conference Nominating Committee, in consult-
ation with the Cabinet, a program coordinator. The
coordinator shall be present when the Cabinet
considers matters relating to coordination, imple-
mentation, and administration of the conference
program, and other matters as the Cabinet and
coordinator may determine. The coordinator shall
not be present during the Cabinet discussions on
matters related to the making of appointments and
clergy conference relations. A limit to the term of
service for the coordinator may be set by the An-
nual Conference.

b) Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the
program coordinator shall be but are not limited
to the following:

(1) To be a communication link between the
Annual Conference program agencies and the Ju-
risdictional (where they exist) and General Confer-
ence program agencies.

(2) To facilitate communication among the An-
nual Conference program agencies and the local
churches.

(3) To serve as a resoiu"ce person for district
programs and the Annual Conference program
agencies in their planning, implementation, and
evaluation process.

(4) To reconunend program staffing needs of
the Annual Conference in consultation with the
Cabinet and the conference Council on Finance
and Administration. Insofar as possible, employ-
ees of the conference shall include men, women,
racial and ethnic persons, lay and clergy, at every
level. Ordained ministers on the staff are subject
to being appointed by the presiding bishop.

(5) To supervise the Annual Conference pro-
gram staff.

(6) To serve on other Annual Conference agen-
cies as determined by the Annual Conference.

(7) To serve as a consultant to the conference
Conunittee on Nominations.

1726.

Petition Number: 20566-CO-726-D;WNC.

Eliminate Conference Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 726 and substitute the following text:

The Annual Conference shall develop, admin-
ister, and evaluate the missional life and program
of the Church in the Annual Conference and shall
provide encoiu-agement, coordination, and sup-
port for the conference agencies, districts, and
local churches in their ministries of nurture, out-
reach, and witness in accordance with the mission
of The United Methodist Church.

1726.

Petition Number: 21300-CO-726-D; GBGM.

Committee on Hispanic Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph after % 726.5a:

Committee on Hispanic Ministry. — Each Annual
Conference shall create a Conference Committee
on Hispanic Ministry or its equivalent which will
relate to all conference agencies for the implemen-
tation of the Plan for Hispanic Ministry as it has
been adjusted for the conference. It is recom-
mended that this committee be composed of per-
sons representing local Hispanic ministries as
well as representatives from those districts where
there is a significant Hispanic population. A Dis-
trict Superintendent shall be a member of die
committee in order to provide linkage with the
Cabinet The committee membership shall reflect
the conference diversity. The responsibiUties of
the committee shall be to work with the Confer-
ence Council on Ministries or its equivalent in the
coordination needed for the implementation of the
Plan for Hispanic Ministry. Its function shall be:

1) To assist the Council on Ministries or
equivalent unit to develop a conference plan for
Hispanic ministry.

2) To assist the Council on Ministries or
equivalent unit in the implementation of the Plan
focusing on the components recommended by the
National Hispanic Plan: Planning, Training, Re-
soiu-cing, and Monitoring.

3) To assist the conference in the estab-
lishment of new £aith communities, commu-
nity/outreach ministries, revitalization of
churches and development of new ones.

4) To cooperate with the conference in collabo-
ration with the respective Boards in the recruit-
ment of pastors and diaconal ministers, the
training of Hispanic and non-Hispanic lay mis-
sioners and pastors-mentors, and the estab-

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DCA Advance Edition

lishment of institutes for continuing education and
training for both pastors and laity.

5) To interpret and advocate for justice issues
which need to be recognized and addressed by the
church and by society.

6) To cooperate with the Conference Commit-
tee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns in its efforts
to incorporate racial and ethnic minority concerns
and contributions within the life of the conference.

^726.

Petition Number: 21618-CO-726-D; GCOM.

Annual Conference Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726:

In each Annual Conference of The United Method-
ist Church there shall be a conference Council on Min-
istries or other structure to provide for the
functions of the council and maintain the connec-
tional relationships; provided that such council...

2. Membership. — The membership of the Annual
Conference Council on Ministries shall consist of the
presiding bishop; the at least one district superinten-
dents; rcprc9cntfltivc9 members of conference agen-
cies and commiaaiona described in % ?39 728-741;
conference secretary of global ministries
(^731.3); representatives of other...

[Second paragraph] The person or persons serving
as members of the General Council on Ministries shall
be member (s) of the Annual Conference Council on
Ministries as full voting member (s)r except where
such persons are staff persons of the Annual Con-
ference Council on Ministries. In such cases the
General Coxmcil On Ministries representative
shall have voice, but not vote.

5. Committees, Task Forces, and Consult-
ations.— Tlie council shall appoint a Committee on Eth-
nic Local Church Concerns or other structure to
fulfill these functions and maintain the connec-
tional relationships. In addition, the council...

b) Committee on Hispanic Ministry. — Each annual
conference shall create a Conference Conunittee
on Hispanic Ministry or other structure to fulfill
these ministries and maintain the connectional
relationships. It will relate to all conference eigen-
cies for tiie implementation of the Plan for His-
panic Ministry as it has been adjusted for the
conference. It is recommended that this commit-
tee be composed of persons representing local
Hispanic ministries as well as representatives
fi'om those districts where there is a significant
Hispanic population. A District Superintendent
shall be a member of the committee in order to
provide linkage with the Cabinet The committee
membership shall reflect the conference diversity.

The responsibihties of the committee shall be to
work with the Conference Coimcil on Ministries or
its equivalent in tiie coordination needed for the
implementation of the Plan for Hispanic Ministry.
Its function shall be:

(a) To assist the Council on Ministries or
equivalent imit to develop a conference plan for
Hispanic ministry.

(b) To assist the Council on Ministries or
equivalent unit in the implementation of the Plan
focusing on the components recommended by the
National Hispanic Plan: Planning, Training, Re-
sourcing, and Monitoring.

(c) To assist the conference in tiie estab-
lishment of new faith communities, commu-
nity/outreach ministries, revitalization of
chm-ches and development of new ones.

(d) To cooperate with the conference in col-
laboration with the respective Boards in the re-
cruitment of pastors and diaconal ministers, the
training of Hispanic and non-Hispanic lay mis-
sioners and pastors-mentors, and the estab-
hshment of institutes for continuing education
and training for both pastors and laity.

(e) To interpret and advocate for justice issues
which need to be recognized and addressed by die
church and by society.

7. c) A Council Director may take up to three
consecutive montiis leave from normal respwnsi-
biUties for piuposes of reflection, study and self-
renewal once during every six years of service. The
Personnel Committee of the Conference Coimcil
on Ministries or other appropriate group shall co-
ordinate details pertaining to such leaves in con-
sultation with the bishop.

8. Staff. — ^All Annual Conference council executive
staff may be employed by, shall be directed by; and
amenable to the Annual Conference Council on Minis-
tries. The Coimcil shall elect executive staff, upon
nomination by the personnel committee. Insofar as
possible, employees of the conference shall include
women, men, racial and ethnic persons...

^726.

Petition Number: 20364-CO-726.2-D;NYK

Membership of the Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726.2:

2. Membership. — ^The membership of the Annual
Conference Council on Ministries...two representatives
of the conference youth organisation; two rcprc-
scntativca of the conference United Methodist Women,
one of whom shall be the president; two representatives
of the conference United Methodist Men, one of whom

Conferences

197

shall be the president! two young adulta; the conference
lay leader; one lay person representative from each
district; chairpersons of age-level and family depart-
ments! at least twelve additional persons, consist-
ing of at least one from among each of the
following: conference youth organization, United
Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, young
adults, and such additional persons as the annual con-
ference may determine. Consideration shall be given to
inclusiveness and to lay membership {% 103; ^ 113.).

^726.

Petition Number: 20431-CO-726.2-D;NMX.

Membership

Delete ^ 726.2 and replace with new text:

2. Membership. — ^The membership of the structure
provided shall be determined by the Annual Conference
but shall nevertheless include the presiding bishop and
the district superintendents and should include repre-
sentatives of conference agencies, commissions, and
organizations. Consideration should be given to repre-
sentation of young adults and youth and to participation
by staff of the Annual Conference and by one or more
member(s) of the Council on Finance and Administra-
tion. The structure may be assigned other duties and
responsibilities and may have membership in common
with other structures.

1726.

Petition Number: 20432-CO-726.3-D;NMX.

Officers of Conference Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 726.3 and replace with new text:

3. Officers and Executive Committee. — The struc-
ture shall elect officers and may appoint or elect
an executive committee, which shall include the
bishop.

1726.

Petition Number: 20433-CO-726.4-D;NMX.

Executive Committee of the Conference Council
on Ministries

Delete ^ 726.4.

1726.

Petition Number: 20365-CO-726.5-D;NYK

Committee Task Forces and Consultation

Amend the first sentence of 'n726.5:

5. The council shall appoint a Committee on Ethnic
Local Church Concerns or equivalent structure.

1726.

Petition Number: 20366-CO-726.5-D;NYK

Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns

Amend the first sentence of ^ 726.5a:

5.a) There shall be organized in each Annual Con-
ference a Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns
or equivalent structure.

1726.

Petition Number: 20434-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committees,Task Forces, and Consultations

Renumber current ^ 726.5 as ^ 726.4 and amend as
follows:

&4. Committees, Task Forces, and Consultations. —
The council «hali may appoint a Committee on Ethnic
Local Church Concerns, but in any event the Annual
Conference will assign to a structure the perform-
ance of the functions of that committee assigned
hy'i726.4t(a). In addition, the council... discharging of
its responsibilities. Nothing shall prevent combining
the functions and personnel of committees, task
forces or consultations.

1726.

Petition Number: 20435-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns

Renumber existing ^726.5a; as ^726.4a; and
amend as follows:

B4.a) Committee on Ethnic Local Church Con-
cerns.— ^There shall be organized in each Annual Con-
ferences a Committee — ©n — Ethnic — Local — Church
Concerns. It shall cause the issue of ethnic local
churches to be addressed through a structure
which it determines to be appropriate. The struc-
ture-4t shall relate to all conference agencies... ^fhe
committee shall have representation on the Conference
Council on Ministries. It shall develop criteria for use
in evaluating racial/ethnic projects and programs within
the conference and in reporting on its work to the
structure performing the function of the Council on
Ministries, if that structure is separate from the

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DCA Advance Edition

committee. It la recommended that the committee be
compriacd of one third Iny^vomcn, one-third laymen,
and one third clergy. It is further recommended that two
youth be included and at least one half of the committee
shall be racial/ethnic, where feasible. Consideration
shall be given to representation from each district It
shall also include a cabinet representative. The commit
tee^-fi'indings will be referred to the conference Com-
mission on Religion and Race, if separate from the
committee. It will cooperate with the Commission on
Religion and Race, if separate from the committee,
in its efforts...

^726.

Petition Number: 20436-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committee on Communications

Renumber existing 'g 726.5W as ^ 726.4W and
amend as follows:

B4.b) Committee on Communication. — In each An-
nual Conference Council on Ministries, or within the
structure performing the functions thereof, chosen
by4t and amenable t^, as determined by the Coim-
cil, there may be a Committee on CommunicationT^t
may assist the council in the performance of the respon-
sibilities listed in 11 726.10g-t", and may to perform such
other functions relating to promotion of the pro-
grams of the general church, and of the Jurisdic-
tional, Central, and Annual Conferences,
promotion of benevolences, and other commtini-
cations and public relations functions as are as-
signed to it by tfie council. A full-time conference or area
staff person may be employed as director of communi-
cations to assist the committee in earrjiing out its func
tions. perform such commimication functions as
may be assigned. In the absence of a full-time staff
person, responsibilities in communication shall may be
assigned as a part of the work of a member of the
conference staff, or otherwise provided for.

^726.

Petition Number: 20437-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committee on Planning and Research

Renumber existing 1[ 726.5c) as ^ 72G.Ac) and
amend as follows:

B4:.c) Committee on Planning and Research. — ft
should not be deemed necessary for all members of the
Annual Conferences may provide for the fulfill-
ment of the functions of a Committee on Planning
and Research to be members of the conference council.
by structuring themselves as they deem appropri-
ate. &tje-e©fteidefa#oft-8h©«M-fee-giveft-t^4he-ifte}tt8ie»
in the membership of the committee persons with ex-
pertise in planning and research. Its function shaU bc!
The Annual Conference or the Coimcil may deter-

mine the membership of die structure. If ap-
pointed, the Committee or structure may perform
any or all of the following functions as assigned to it
by the Council:....

^726.

Petition Number: 20438-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committee on Evaluation

Renumber existing ^ 726.5</; as V26Ad) and
amend as follows:

S4.d) Committee on Evaluation. — It should not be
deemed necessary for all members of the Annual Con-
ferences may provide for the fulfillment of the
functions assigned to the Committee on Evaluation
by ^726 Ad) (1) and (2) by structuring themselves
as they deem appropriate, to bc members of the
conference council. Due consideration should bc given
to the inclusion in the membership of committee per-
sons with expertise in program review and evaluation.
Its function shall bc: If appointed, the Committee or
structure may perform either or both of the follow-
ing functions, and others, as assigned to it by the
coimcil or equivalent....

^726.

Petition Number: 20442-CO-726.5-D;NMX.

Committee on Publishing House Liaison

Renumber existing ^ 726.5e^ as % 726.4e^ and
amend as follows:

hA.e) Committee on Publishing House Liai-
son.— There may be organised in each Annual Confer-
ences may provide for the fulfillment of the
functions assigned to a Committee on Publishing
House Liaison by this \72&Ae) by structuring
themselves as they deem appropriate. The commit-
tee shall consist of three members nominated and
elected by the Annual Conference. The committee shall
have lay and clergy members. Members of the General
Board of Publication shall be members ex officio. The
committee chairperson shall bc a member of the Con-
ference Council on Ministries. The committee...

^726.

Petition Number: 20491-CO-726.5-D;NNJ.

Committees, Task Force, and Consultations

Amend f 726.5:

Committees, Task Forces, and Consultations. — ^The
council shall appoint a Committee on Ethnic Local
Church Concerns (or the responsibilities outlined
below may be assigned to such other organization

Conferences

199

as the Annual Conference provides pursuant to ^

707.1). In addition,...

1726.

Petition Number: 20492-CO-726.5-D;BMW, VIR. NEB,
WPA,NNY.

Other Committees and Responsibilities

Delete "D 726.5i, e, and .10^-j.

^726.

Petition Number: 21299-CO-726.5-D; GBGM.

Committees, Task Forces, and Consultations

Amend ^ 726.5:

5. Committees, Task Forces, and Consult-
ations.— ^The council shall appoint a Committee on Eth-
nic Local Church Concerns and a Committee on
Hispanic Ministry.

1726.

Petition Number: 21366-CO-726.5-D; UMCOM.

Committees, Task Forces, and Consultations

Amend the second sentence of ^ 726.5:

In addition, the council may appoint a Committee
on Communication, a Committee on Planning and Re-
search,...

1726.

Petition Number: 21367-CO-726.5-D; UMCOM.
Committee on Communication
Delete 1 726.56.

1726.

Petition Number: 21368-CO-726.5-D; UMCOM.
Committee on Publishing House Liaison
Delete "1 726.5e.

1726.

Petition Number: 20439-CO-726.6-D;NMX.

Age-level and Family Ministries

Renumber existing ^ 726.6 as ^ 726.5 and amend
as follows:

65. Age-Level and Family Ministries. — ^The council
may establish councils or structures for and coordina-
tors of children,...

1726.

Petition Number: 20440-CO-726.7-D;NMX.

Director

Renumber existing ^ 726.7a; as ^ 726.6c; and
amend as follows:

^.a) Director Executive Officer. — ^The council shall
elect, or it or the Annual Conference may provide
for the appointment of, upon nomination by the per-
sonnel committee of the council or its equivalent, in
consultation with the Cabinet, an executive officer who
shall be given such title as the Annual Conference
or the Coimcil may desire, to be Icnowm aa the con
fcrcncc council director. The director executive offi-
cer sMl should be present.. and other matters as the
Cabinet and director the executive officer may deter-
miner, but the executive officer The director shall not
be present ..Alimit to the term of service for the director
executive officer may be set by the Annual Conference.

1726.

Petition Number: 20441-CO-726.-D;NMX.

Responsibilities

Renumber existing ^ 726.7W as ^ 726.6W and
amend as follows:

?6.6; Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the
conference council director executive officer shall be
include, unless decided otherwise by the Annual
Conference or the council or equivalent structure,

but are not limited to the following:...

1726.

Petition Number: 21369-CO-726.10-D; UMCOM.
Responsibilities
Delete 1 726. lOi'.

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DCA Advance Edition

^726.

^747.

Petition Number: 21370-CO-726.10-D; UMCOM.
Responsibilities
Delete % 726.10/!.

^726.

Petition Number: 21371-CO-726.10-D; UMCOM.
Responsibilities
Delete ^726.10/.

^747.

Petition Number: 20068-CO-747-D;MOW, MOE.

Committee on Ministry

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 747:

The puurposes and functions of this committee
may be assigned to an existing or newly created
multifunctional agency of the Conference Coimcil.

^747.

Petition Number: 20310-CO-747-D;WPA

Committee on Ministry to and with persons with
Handicapping Conditions

Amend 1 747:

There may be a Committee on Ministry to and with
Persons with Handicapping Conditions People with
Disabilities in each Annual Conference...

^747.

Petition Number: 20476-CO-747-D;WNC, NTX.

Committee on Ministry To and With Persons
with Handicapping Conditions

Delete ^ 747.

Petition Number: 21472-CO-747-D; NIL & NCJ
Accessibility Advocates Association.

Annual Conference Committees
on Disability Concerns

Delete ^ 747 and replace with new text:

There shall be in each annual conference a
Committee on Disability Concerns.

1. The basic membership of the committee
shall be nominated and elected by established
procedures of the annual conference. Each annual
conference shall determine the number and com-
position of the total membership. Membership
shall include persons with physical disabilities
and persons with mental disabilities.

2. It shall be the responsibility of tiiis commit-
tee:

a. To be aware of the role of persons with
disabilities in ministry, including ordained and
diaconal ministries and local church and aiuiual
conference leadership positions.

b. To advocate for and help develop programs
within the annual conference which meet the
needs of persons with disabiUties.

c. To be informed about current ministries
within the annual conference that are related to
persons with disabilities.

d. To develop w^s to sensitize persons in
leadership positions on issues that affect persons
with disabilities and therefore the entire church.

e. To foster cooperation among ministries
within the annual conference that focus on specific
disabilities (deaf^deafened/hard of hearing, de-
velopment disabilities, mental retardation, mental
illness, visual impairment, physical disabilities,
etc.).

f. To be a resource for local churches who are
attempting to develop ministries which are attitu-
dinally and architecturally accessible.

g. To promote the full inclusion of persons
with disabilities in the life of the local church and
the annual conference.

h. To participate in Jurisdictional Accessibility
Associations in the sharing of knowledge and re-
sotvces.

Conferences

201

TI752.

Petition Number: 20069-CO-752-D;MOW, MOE.

District Council on Ministries

Amend TI 752:

Each district of an Annual Conference may organize
a district Council on Ministries or alternate structure
hereafter referred to as district Council.

1. Purpose. — ^The purpose of the district Council eft
Ministries shall be... the Annual Conference Council on
Ministries or alternate structure, and the general
agencies.. .and to help the Annual Conference Council
on Ministries or alternate structure in the perform-
ance of its functions.

2. Membership. — Each Annual Conference may de-
termine the membership and the method of election of
its district Councils on Ministries.. .It is recommended
that a member of the Annual Conference Council on
Ministries staff be included as a resource person in each
district Council on Ministries.. .The Annual Conference
may ask the District Conferences (^749) to elect the
membership of the district Council on Ministries.

3. Officers. — The officers of the district Council ©ft
Ministries shall be the chairperson. ..The district super-
intendent shall have executive oversight responsibility
for the work of the district Council on Ministries.

4. Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the dis-
trict Council on Ministries may be determined by the
Annual Conference or the district Council on Ministries.

i) To relate the Annual Conference Council on Min-
istries or alternate structure and its staff...

j) To make program and other recommendations to
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries or alter-
nate structure.

n) To elect the lay representative (s) from the dis-
trict to membership on the Annual Conference Council
on Ministries or alternate structure when requested
by the Annual Conference Council on Ministries that
group.

o) ...who shall serve on the district Council on Min-
istries and chair the district...

q) [2nd paragraph] The district Councils on Minisp
fries in an Annual Conference shall cooperate with the
Annual Conference Council on Ministries or alternate
structure so that. .the Annual Conference Council on
Ministries or alternate structure may require...

[Third paragraph] The district Council on Minis-
fries may appoint a district coordinator of communica-
tions to work in cooperation with the district and
conference Councils on Ministries and with the confer-
ence Committee on Communication, if organized. The
district Council on Ministries may create....

5. Finances. — Each Annual Conference shall deter-
mine the method by which its district Councils on Min-
istries shall be financed. It is recommended that an
amount for the general operating expense of the district
Councils on Ministries be included.. .through the budget
of the Annual Council on Ministries or alternate struc-
ture or the appropriate...

^752.

Petition Number: 20194-CO-752-D;BMW.

The District Council

Amend ^ 752:

Each district of an Annual Conference may organize
a district Council on Ministries.

1. Purpose. — ^The purpose of the district Council ©»
Ministries shall be to assist local churches.. .and to help
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries in the
performance of its functions.

2. Membership. — Each Annual Conference may de-
termine the membership and the method of election of
its district Council on Mini3trics...It is recommended
that a member of the Annual Conference Council on
Ministries staff be included as a resource person in each
district Council on Ministries.. .TTie Annual Conference
may ask the District Conferences (^ 749) to elect the
membership of the district Council on Ministries.

3. Officers. — The officers of the district Council ©»
Ministries shall be the chairperson.. .The district super-
intendent shall have executive oversight responsibility
for the work of the district Council on Ministries.

4. Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the dis-
trict Council on Ministries may be determined by the
Annual Conference or the district Council on Minis-

i) To relate the Annual Conference Council on Min-
istries agencies and its staff to local church needs.

j) To make program and other recommendations to
the Annual Conference agencies Council on Ministries.

n) To elect the lay representative (s) from the dis-
trict to membership on the Annual Conference agen-
cies Council on Ministries when requested by the
Annual Conference agencies Council on Ministries.

o) The district superintendent, after consultation
with the chairperson of the conference Board of Global
Ministries or its equivalent and the conference secre-
tary of global ministries, may appoint a district secretary
of global ministries who shall serve on the district Coun-
cil on Ministries and chair the district...

q) [2nd paragraph] The district Councils on Minis-
fries in an Annual Conference shall cooperate with the
Annual Conference Council on Ministries so that a har-

202

DCA Advance Edition

monious...the Annual Conference Council on Miniatrica
agencies may require the district councils to submit
their program plans for approval.

The district Council on Ministries may appoint a
district coordinator... The district Council on Ministries
may create....

5. Finances. — Each Annual Conference shall deter-
mine the method by which its district Councils on Min-
istries shall be financed. It is recommended that an
amount for the general operating expense of the district
Councils on Ministries be included in the Annual Con-
ference budget. As a general rule, major program expen-
ditures for any district should be made through the
budget of the Annual Conference Council on Ministries
or the appropriate Annual Conference program board
agency.

^752.

Petition Number: 20567-CO-752-D;WNC.

Optional District Council

Delete ^ 752 and substitute new text

Each district of an Annual Conference may
oi^anize a District Council.

^752.

Petition Number: 20311-CO-752.2-D;WPA

Membership of the District CouncU on Ministries

Amend the next to the last sentence of "J 752.2:

Membership shall be chosen,. ..persons with handi-
capping conditions people with disabilities, and racial
and ethnic...

^804.

Petition Number: 20411-CO-804.2-D;NMX.

Accountability of Receipts and Expenditures of Funds
by all General Agencies

Amend % 804 by numbering the existing para-
graphs as .1 and .3 and inserting new text as .2:

2. All the general agencies of the Church, in-
cluding coimcils, boards, commissions, and com-
mittees constituted by the General Conference,
shall report their stewardship of the trust and
confidence reposed and placed in diem by the
Church, and by the people of the Church, in a
format designed by the General Council on Minis-
tries. The report, wiiether in print, video, audio,
or combined, shall disclose how the trust and
confidence was measured. A quadrennial report
of such accoimting shall be included in the report
of die General Council on Ministries as an addi-
tion to the evaluation required by ^802.3.

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DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 21036-CO-NonDis-O; NYK

Enable Appointed Pastors to Vote for
Jurisdictional and General Conference Delegates

Whereas, anyone appointed as pastor to a local
church bears all the responsibilities of an ordained elder
in that local church;

Whereas, 50% of the charges in the Hudson West
District and 41.5% of the charges in the Hudson North
District are served by pastors who are disenfranchised
in Jurisdictional and General Conference elections;

Whereas, 33.3% of the churches in the five boroughs
of New York City with fewer than 200 members are
served by pastors who are disenfranchised in Jurisdic-
tional and General Conference elections;

Whereas, justice demands an equal voice for small
membership churches;

Whereas, <p^ 38, 413.3 and 419.3 of The Book of
Discipline restrict the franchise to members in full con-
nection and laity;

Whereas, it is demoralizing to be unable to partici-
pate in these critical matters of representation;

Whereas, General Conference enacts legislation
concerning all categories of ministry, general and or-
dained, and laity members in full connection are repre-
sented while local pastors, associate members, and pro-
bationers who are appointed to churches are not;

Be it resolved, that General Conference enable
United Methodist pastors who are under appointment,
including probationers, associate members and li-
censed local pastors who have completed one year of
service in a local church and have completed one year
in the course of study program or its equivalent, to vote
for clergy delegates to Jurisdictional and General Con-
ference.

Petition Number: 21125-CO-NonDis-0$; BMW.

Appoint a Task Force to Rewrite Sections

of The Book of Discipline

We petition the General Conference to appoint a
task force and to authorize the task force to rewrite all
Discipline sections on Annual Conference structure to
specify function but not form, and present the results to
the next General Conference.

Petition Number: 20230-CO-NonDis-O;WYO.

Voting Rights of Retired Clergy Members

Whereas, there are suggestions to reduce the size
of Annual Conferences, including removing the right of
retired clergy members to vote at Annual Conference
sessions;

Whereas, we support the right of retired clergy
members to vote at Annual Conference sessions;

Be it resolved, that the right of retired clergy mem-
bers to vote at Annual Conference sessions be contin-
ued.

Petition Number: 20231-CO-NonDis-O;BMW.

Responsibility of Annual Conference Staff
Persons

We petition the General Conference to amend all
sections of the Discipline that require specific Annual
Conference staff persons (use of "shall") to reflect the
responsibilities that must be fulfilled but not dictate the
person or persons carrying out the function.

Petition Number: 20232-CO-NonDis-O$;SGA, NTX.

Change in Content of The Book of Discipline

We petition the 1996 General Conference to switch
the order of Part III and Part IV in The Book of Discipline.
Under this proposal, the content of Part IV (The Minis-
try of All Christians) would appear before Part III (The
Social Principles) .

Petition Number: 20233-CO-NonDis-O$;NWT.

Revise The Book of Discipline

Whereas, %f 101-2628 of the Book of Discipline
contain language that is duplicative, unnecessary, and
ambiguous;

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference
take the following steps:

1. Authorize a committee to prepare a revised ver-
sion of The Book of Discipline.

2. Request the said committee to present its revised
version of The Book of Discipline to the General Confer-
ence in the year 2000.

Conferences

204

Petition Number: 20249-CO-NonDis-O;NEB.

Index to The Book of Discipline to Show
the Membership/Lay Participation

Whereas:

1. Membership in The United Methodist Church
has been on a general decline.

2. Worship attendance and lay participation have a
high correlation.

3. Active members generally share more of their
resources, including financial support, with their
church.

4. As the need for clergy increases, greater reliance
will need to be placed on lay participation.

5. Neither lay participation nor attendance is even
indexed in The Book of Discipline.

Therefore, be it resolved, that The Book of Discipline
of The United Methodist Church be revised to incorporate
the following changes:

Index of Discipline — this reference to be added:

Attendance— ^^ 230, 235, 253e

Lay Participation — See Ministry of the Laity

Membership See Church Membership

Implemented by: Editors of The Book of Discipline.

Petition Number: 20264-CO-NonDis-O;EPA

Approach Legislation on "JI 71.F and AU Matters
at General Conference with Prayer and Openess

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The
United Methodist Church petitions the 1996 General
Conference to approach legislation on ^ 7IF and all
matters at the 1996 General Conference with prayer and
openness to God's Spirit.

Petition Number: 20304-CO-NonDis-O;WPA, GBCS.

Implementing the "People First" Language

Whereas, the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church rewrote the 1992 Discipline OT2521,
2533.6 and 2544.4c) requiring the elimination of dis-
crimination in both physical and attitudinal barriers; and

Whereas, American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohib-
its discrimination against people with disabilities in all
areas including descriptive language, changing "the
Handicapped" to "people with disabilities," "individuals
with disabilities," and "the disabled"; and

Whereas, the state laws of many states have adopted
for all agencies, boards, or commissions the "people
first" language when referring to people with disabili-
ties; and

AVhereas, this language is more respectful to the
dignity of the individual and does not describe the medi-
cal malady, and the goal of inclusiveness should begin
in recognizing that individuals with disabilities are "peo-
ple first" with rights, aspirations and talents possessed
by all of us; and

Whereas, empowerment, inclusiveness, and heal-
ing begins with the way we refer to ourselves and each
other;

Therefore, be it resolved, that all church docu-
ments, agencies, boards or commissions, and local
churches will use "people first" language; and

Be it further resolved, that the wording in The Book
of Discipline be changed, and that anywhere the phrase
"Mentally, Physically, and Psychologically Handicap-
ping Conditions" appears it be changed to "individuals
with disabilities," or "people with disabilities," where
applicable.

Petition Number: 20541-CO-NonDis-O$;KSW, KSE,
SCJT.F. on Proposed KC Episcopal Area.

The Jurisdictional System of Organization

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference
authorize the appointment of a task force which shall
examine the current jurisdictional system in the United
States, develop a plan to improve this system and its
boundaries by providing for effective, unified ministry
in metropolitan areas, and/or propose an alternate sys-
tem for fulfilling the mission of The United Methodist
Church. Any plan should consider enabling the appoint-
ment of episcopal leadership across regional lines. The
task force shall be an inclusive group appointed by the
Council of Bishops and shall consist of one lay and one
clergy member from each Jurisdiction, two bishops, and
five persons selected for inclusiveness. The task force
shall present a proposal to the General Conference of
2000 AD.

Petition Number: 20542-CO-NonDis-O$;KSE, SCJT.F.
on Proposed K. C. Episcopal Area.

MetropoUtan-Based Episcopal Areas

Whereas, "at the turn of the century, 39.7% of the
population lived in urban areas and 60.3% resided in rural
areas, in 1990, 75.2% of the population resided in urban
areas and 24.8% lived in rural areas." (General Board of
Global Ministi-ies Bulletin, 1993); and

Whereas, 98.2% of the U. S. population now lives
within 50 miles of a city; and

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Whereas, the disciplinary formula for the creation
of a new episcopal area limits the possibility of the
placement of a resident bishop in every metropolitan
area; and

Whereas, the population of Greater Kansas City is
1,566,000, making it the 25th largest metropolitan area
in the nation, and yet this area which encompasses two
annual conferences does not have a resident bishop; and

Whereas, the Kansas City Episcopal Area Task
Force of the South Central Jurisdiction (established by
the 1992 South Central Jurisdictional Conference to
explore the viability of a Kansas City Episcopal Area)
found that the United Methodist population of Kansas
and Missouri was inadequate to sustain three episcopal
areas; and

Whereas, it is essential to provide viable, visible,
responsive, cohesive ministry to congregations in a
growing cultural, racial and ethnically diverse popula-
tion In urban areas; and

Whereas, state lines artificially fragment services,
diffuse comprehensive planning for congregational de-
velopment/redevelopment, and frustrate the design of
a misslonal strategy for responding to emerging urban
needs;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church authorize
the appointment of a task force which shall examine
Paragraph 731.5J of The Book of Discipline, the current
jurisdictional system, the present boundaries of the epis-
copal areas and the assignment of the bishops in the
United States, and the impact on urban areas that cross
state and jurisdictional lines. This task force shall be
appointed by the Council of Bishops and shall consist of
one lay and one clergy member from each Jurisdiction,
two bishops, and five persons selected for inclusiveness.
The task force shall report to the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church in 2000 AD.

Petition Number: 21646-CO-NonDis-O; GCOM.

Persons with Disabilities

In all instances where they appear in The Book of
Discipline, change phrases with wording that includes
"mentally, physically, and psychologically handicapping
conditions" or "persons with handicapping condi-
tion (s)" to "individuals with disabilities" or as appropri-
ate, to "people with disabilities."

This will be changed in the following paragraphs
and others: %1 72, 76, 250, 251, 259, 260, 263, 306, 414,
439, 628, 707. 729, 730, 731, 735, 740, 747, 752, 757, 759,
805, 815, 1209, 1210, 1221, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1515, 2519,
2521, 2533, 2544, 2628.

The General Conference Instructs the editor of The
Book of Discipline, 1996 and The Book of Resolutions to
make these changes and adjust other language for con-
sistency.

Petition Number: 21673-CO-NonDis-O; NIL and NCJ
Accessibility Associations.

Jurisdictional Accessibility Advocates
Association

Whereas, the Social Principles of The United Meth-
odist Church affirm the commitment of the Church to
the rights of persons with disabilities {% 72G, Rights of
Persons With Handicapping Conditions); and

Whereas, society is becoming increasingly sensi-
tive and aware of the rights of persons with disabilities;
and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has con-
tinued to recognize the rights of persons with disabilities
through the adoption of resolutions by recent General
Conferences, the establishment of programs, and the
creation of agencies and other bodies which focus on
ministry with persons with disabilities; and

Whereas, despite the exemption of religious organi-
zations and private clubs from the Americans with Dis-
abilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the 1992 General Confer-
ence adopted resolutions agreeing that The United
Methodist Church will voluntarily comply with the ADA;
and

Whereas, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (ADA) has been described as the most Important
piece of civil rights legislation since the Civil Rights Act
of 1964; and

Whereas, Annual Conference Committees on Dis-
ability Concerns need resourcing and networking with
such committees in other conferences such as has
proven beneficial in the North Central Jurisdiction; and

Whereas, the 1992 Discipline (^ 630) says that "In
each jurisdiction there may be jurisdictional program
agencies related to the general program agencies and
the appropriate Annual Conference program agencies."

Therefore, there shall be added in this section of the
Discipline a new paragraph which states: There shall be
created In each Jurisdiction an Accessibility Advocates
Association to share knowledge and resources about
disability concerns. Membership shall Include repre-
sentative members from each of the Annual Conference
Committees on Disability Concerns in their Jurisdiction
(or from Divisions on Health and Welfare Ministries
where Disability Concerns committees have not yet
been formed).

Conferences

206

Petition Number: 20772-CO-NonDis-O$;WVA

General Commission on Inclusiveness
of Persons with Handicapping Conditions

Whereas, the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church has taken previous actions toward
being inclusive of all persons for whom God has demon-
strated love and care through Christ and the Church in
the Social Principles and by promoting programs for
sensitizing and encouraging the Church at all levels of
organization to serve the needs of persons with handi-
capping conditions; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has estab-
lished a tradition of inclusion and outreach to all persons
through Commissions on Religion and Race, the Status
and Role of Women, and a Commission on Aging in the
West Virginia Annual Conference, among others; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church through
various boards and agencies, such as Global Ministries
and Discipleship, have promoted programs inde-
pendently for persons with handicapping conditions;
and

Whereas, there are over six hundred members of
the clergy in addition to thousands of lay persons with
handicapping conditions within The United Methodist
Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the proposed com-
mission initiate a course of study of programs of inclu-
sion already at work on the Annual Conference and local
levels in The United Methodist Church and in other
denominations. Programs determined to be of merit
would then be promoted and administered through the
proposed commission to all levels of The United Meth-
odist Church; and

Be it further resolved, that this commission instruct
the General and Local Church in the strategic incorpo-
ration and utilization of persons with handicapping con-
ditions. This shall be accomplished through the devel-
opment of comparable commission on the Annual
Conference level so that projects may be specifically
geared to the needs of those with handicapping condi-
tions already within the Church and those that may be
potentially included within the religious community,
and so that these projects may be a concerted effort by
the General and Local Church to this end; and

Be it further resolved, that the aforementioned com-
mission is necessary to make church members aware of

the need to accept, include, and respond with Christian
love to the special needs of persons with handicapping
conditions. This commission shall therefore be called
The General Commission on the Inclusiveness of Per-
sons with Handicapping Conditions.

Petition Number: 20870-CO-NonDis-O; United Meth-
odist Appalachian Development Committee.

A Day at General Conference to Address Central
Conference Issues

The United Methodist Appalachian Development
Committee petitions the Commission on the General
Conference for 1996 to provide for a means of address-
ing issues and concerns important to the ministries and
mission of the Central Conferences and to schedule a
time in the plenary sessions of the Conference to ad-
dress thoroughly such issues and concerns.

Petition Number: 20871-CO-NonDis-O; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, EPA

Representation of Diaconal Ministers among

those elected to General and Jurisdictional

Conferences

Whereas, all Christians are called to ministry wher-
ever Christ would have them serve (1992 Discipline, ^^
10&-107);and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church recog-
nizes two forms of representational ministry within the
body of Christ: ordained clergy and diaconal ministers
(1992 Discipline, ^ 12, 108-110); and

Whereas, the Discipline provides for representation
of both laity and ordained clergy to the General and
Jurisdictional Conferences of The United Methodist
Church (1992 Discipline, 1^ 12, 602, and 614); and

Whereas, diaconal ministers, as well as ordained
clergy and laity, may be called and have the gifts to serve
as delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Confer-
ences;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference provide structures that encourage propor-
tional representation of diaconal ministers as delegates
to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences of The
United Methodist Church.

DCA Advance Edition

Discipleship

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

Report of The General Board of Discipleship, 1993-1996

Introduction

The General Board of Discipleship observed its
twenty-fourth anniversary in 1996. Acting on the
recommendations of the Structure Study Committee,
the 1972 General Conference established the General
Board of Discipleship to serve in a number of areas of
major importance to the local church.

Among all the general agencies of TTie United
Methodist Church, the General Board of Discipleship
was the one given the major responsibility for the
support of receiving, nurturing, caring, and sending
ministries of congregations. Responsible for providing
for focused and integrated ministries in congregations
and annual conferences, the Board has enhanced the
ministries of lay persons and pastors as they have been
in service to their members and to their communities
for the past twenty-four years.

The work of the General Board of Discipleship is
particularly guided by Part IV of The Book of Discipline,
"The Ministry of All Christians," (especially "n^
101-107). Of particular significance are the following
words from ^ 104: 'The heart of Christian ministry is
Christ's ministry of outreaching love. Christian ministry
is the expression of the mind and mission of Christ by a
community of Christians that demonstrates a common
life of gratitude and devotion, witness and service,
celebration and discipleship."

Within this broad context for ministry in The United
Methodist Church, the major directive given by the
General Conference for the General Board of
Discipleship is found in its statement of purpose, % 1201,
The Book of Discipline. 1992. It reads:

"Purpose. 1. There shall be a General Board of
Discipleship, the purpose of which is found within the
expression of the total mission of the Church outlined
in the objectives of mission. Its primary purpose shall be
to assist Annual Conferences, districts, and local
churches of all membership sizes in their efforts to win
persons to Jesus Christ as his disciples and to help these
persons to grow in their understanding of God that they
may respond in faith and love, to the end that they may

know who they are and what their human situation
means, increasingly identifying themselves as children
of God and members of the Christian community, to live
in the Spirit of God in every relationship, to fulfill their
common discipleship in the world, and to abide in
Christian hope.

2. The board shall use its resources to enhance the
meaning of membership as defined in ^"J 211-215 which
emphasizes the importance of the identification of
church membership with discipleship to Jesus Christ.
The board shall work with persons and through
structures, such as districts and Annual Conferences, to
lead and assist local churches in becoming communities
of growing Christians, celebrating and communicating
the redeeming and reconciling love of God as revealed
in Jesus Christ to persons of every age, racial and ethnic
background, and social condition, and to advocate and
encourage the development of new congregations."

In the course of the 1993-1996 quadrennium the
staff and members of the General Board of Discipleship
have been engaged in an ongoing discussion of the
vision, mission and core processes of the Board. These
have been developed in the light of understanding the
call to be disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and of our distinctive Wesleyan practice of the Christian
faith. The vision, purpose and core processes of the
Board also have been shaped by qualify concepts and
principles.

One of the major consequences of this discussion
has been the shaping and statement of the primary task
of the local congregation. Also developed is an
articulation of the core process or primary task of the
Board in its work of assisting local congregations and
their leaders to achieve their primary task. This core
process of the Board, briefly stated, is to 1) listen to the
needs of those whom we serve, 2) receive requests for
resources, 3) research these requests and assess the
abilify of the agency to respond, 4) plan for responses to
the requests, 5) produce materials and training
opportunities, 6) market resources, 7) provide training
to support the resources, and 8) evaluate the use of
resources in congregations to constantly improve those
resources.

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DCA Advance Edition

In order to accomplish its mission, the Board has
developed major guiding concepts for its current activity
and future planning. In summary these are:

1. The General Board of Discipleship provides
quality resources for the many aspects of ministry of the
Church and for the spiritual growth and nurture of the
individual Christian. These resources help church
leaders build systems that enable every congregation to
fulfill its primary task. That task as described in ^ 244,
The Book of Discipline, includes: "...reaching out and
receiving with joy all who will respond; encouraging
people in their relationship with God and inviting them
to commitment to God's love in Jesus Christ; providing
opportunities for them to seek strengthening and
spiritual formation; and supporting them to live lovingly
and justly in the power of the Holy Spirit as faithful
disciples."

2. The Board is committed to assisting the Church
to mature in the Wesleyan spirit of holiness. The Board
provides motivation and resources to assist the Church
at every level to participate in God's continuing
redemption through Jesus Christ.

3. The Board is committed to presenting a confident
witness to the Christian faith. The Board believes that it
is to state clearly and confidendy the core of Christ's
message of grace and salvation.

4. The Board is committed to working in and
through the whole of The United Methodist Church to
engender a climate of renewal. The Board will use its
resources to foster a climate of hope and renewal in the
lives of individual Christians, congregations, and the
denomination.

The General Board of Discipleship carries the major
responsibility for supporting the ministries of
congregations. No other general agency is assigned this
task. The Board has sensed the yearning of pastors and
members for evangelistic outreach to the community in
the name of Christ, for Bible study and spiritual growth
and development, for fellowship and caring ministries,
and for training and guidance for service in the local
community and the world. In addition, the Board is
committed to helping leaders improve their ministry
processes and systems in annual conferences and
congregations.

The administrative functions of the Board are
divided into five units:

1. The Office of the General Secretary and general
administration;

2. The Office of Financial Services;

3. The Office of Human Resources;

4. Discipleship Resources;

5. Building Services.

In addition, there are five ministry units of the
Board, focusing on primary groups that are served by
the Board: laity, congregational leaders, laity leaders,
and annual conference leaders. These five units are
devoted to the development and delivery of resources
and services for individual members, congregations,
districts, and annual conferences. These units and their
primary work are:

1. Spiritual Formation (The Upper Room) provides
spiritual formation resources for all laity and
congregational leaders.

2. Laity in Ministry provides resources and training
support for leaders in Christian Education and
Age-Level Ministries, Ministry of the Laity, Covenant
Discipleship, United Methodist Men, Ethnic Local
Church Concerns, and Family Ministries.

3. Congregational Leadership provides resources
and training support for pastors and congregational laity
leaders in Evangelism, Stewardship, and Worship.

4. Quality Improvement Office provides resources
and training support for conference leaders who seek to
improve the ministry processes and systems in their
area.

5. Church School Publications provides curriculum
resources to support the learning arenas for children,
youth, and adults.

The work of each of these units, along with that of
Discipleship Resources, for the 1993-96 quadrennium is
briefly summarized in the following sections.

Spiritual Formation (The Upper Room)

The General Conference has given responsibility to
the General Board of Discipleship "to interpret and
communicate the biblical and theological basis for the
devotional life which takes seriously both personal and
corporate worship and Christian involvement in the
worid" (^ 1215.1). To tiiat end. The Upper Room
provides resources both media-based and experiential
to help persons grow in their relationship with God.

Guided by a vision of a network of persons and
congregations who are seeking God, who are building
a vision of new life in Christ, and who are nurturing one
another by sharing their experience of God's love and
guidance, the staff of The Upper Room have expanded
their work into several new areas of interest during the
1993-1996 quadrennium.

In conjunction with the entire General Board of
Discipleship, The Upper Room is implementing a new
system for supporting church leaders with resources for
spiritual formation in the congregation. The new system
has three components:

1. A network of leaders, congregations, and
conferences who choose to collaborate with The Upper

Discipleship

209

Room to build knowledge and equip leadership for
spiritual formation in the church;

2. A new series of resources for church leadership
entitled "Pathways in Spiritual Growth: Resources for
Congregations and Leadership," which will include
books and other media for leaders and small groups in
the church; and

3. Comprehensive support to the church through
conferences, training, and consultations aimed at
supporting church leaders who desire to grow as
spiritual leaders.

The Walk to Emmaus, which began in 1978, has
grown dramatically from 140 "Emmaus communities" in
5 countries in 1991 to 320 communities in 12 countries
in 1995. Emmaus groups are active in most annual
conferences. Chrysalis, the high-school and college-age
expression of Emmaus, has expanded to 125 active
groups in 4 countries since its beginning in 1984.

The Academy for Spiritual Formation continues to
grow. Academies 10 and 11 are underway in
Burlingame, California, and Camp Sumatanga,
Alabama. With the conclusion of these academies, 600
participants will have completed the two-year academy.
Other academies are continually in planning. Five-day
Academies are expanding as well. Approximately 3,100
people have participated in 69 of these academies
through April, 1996. One noteworthy development is the
interest shown by other denominations in launching
their own academies through The Upper Room.
Southern Baptists are currently making plans to sponsor
two Five-day Academies and a Two-year Academy in the
futiire.

In 1994 The Upper Room initiated the Network of
Spiritual Discernment Churches. The initial goal was to
identify 25 churches that wanted to move toward
spiritual discernment and consensus decision making
as an alternative to the adversarial system of Roberts'
Rules of Order. As of June 1, 1995, there were more than
300 churches in the spiritual discernment network.
'Teaching Churches" have begun to teach their people
about spiritual discernment and consensus and have
begun to implement this new way of being the church.
"Inquiring Churches" are interested in discernment and
are learning from the 'Teaching Churches," but have
not yet begun implementation. The Upper Room
circulates a newsletter to share learnings from the
'Teaching Churches."

On March 1, 1995, in conjunction with the 60th
anniversary of the publication of The Upper Room
magazine, the International Center for Christian
Spirituality was officially opened. The center functions
through three avenues:

1. the located center,

2. the traveling center, and

3. the global network.

The located center is in the House of Prayer and
Compassion in Nashville, Tennessee. It includes the
center's offices as well as space for guided retreats and
three daily prayer services. The traveling center is a
team of persons who consult in spiritual growth and
guidance and lead refreats. The global network is an
information system that includes names of people,
places of retreat, and resources to help Christian
leaders. The center is also sponsoring a Doctor of
Ministry program in spirituality in conjunction with
Wesley Theological Seminary.

Other program ministries of The Upper Room
continue to evolve. The Upper Room's ministry of
healing and wholeness is expanding beyond the original
focus of the Adventure of Healing and Wholeness,
which was the implementation of a healing and holy
communion ministry in congregations. It is moving
toward a focus on the lifestyle of healing and wholeness.
A Closer Walk with God, a spin-off from the Academy
for Spiritual Formation that focuses on African
American spirituality, is being revitalized and
relaunched in new areas of the US. The Upper Room
prayer ministry continues to grow both in numbers of
calls received (over 9,500 calls per month in 1995),
numbers of local church covenant prayer groups (450) ,
and numbers of church groups becoming short-term
"remote prayer centers" by answering calls as they are
automatically fransferred from Nashville to the site of
the volunteer group (450 in 1995). The Upper Room
Chapel and Museum continue to attract thousands of
visitors each year. The museum has been relocated in a
newly renovated space and includes Christian art and
artifacts from many cultures. The Prayer and Bible
Conference continues to be held at Lake Junaluska in
July each summer. This conference features nationally
known preachers, teachers, and leaders in the area of
Christian spirituality.

In addition to its program ministries, The Upper
Room publishes books. The Upper Room magazine. El
Aposento Alto, Pockets, Alive Now, Weavings, and a
devotional magazine for youth.

Growth of The Upper Room magazine during this
quadrennium reflects our changing world situation.
Polish, Bulgarian, and Estonian language editions have
been introduced in Eastern Europe. The Upper Room
provided meditations and supported their translation
into Russian for a resource tentatively tided Living in
Christ Day by Day, to be circulated in the
Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly the
Soviet Union). First-time publication began in the
Vaiphei language to minister to the Vaiphei tribe in
Myanmar (formerly Burma) and to Vaiphei persons
relocating to India from Myanmar. The first tri-lingual
edition, a Korean/Japanese/English edition, began
publication in 1994. This reflects the world interest in
learning and teaching English and reaches out to a new
audience. The French edition moved from Haiti to
Zurich, Switzerland, beginning with the 1993 issues.

210

DCA Advance Edition

The Upper Room magazine is currently published in
66 editions, in 44 languages, in more than 80 countries.
Circulation in the United States is stable at 2.25 million
copies; worldwide circulation is just under three million
copies of each issue.

Changes in the United States include expanded use
of technology to better serve our readers.

Mailing of the regular and large-print editions is
now being done by remote mailers outside Nashville
(where editorial offices are located) . Subscriptions and
orders for all Upper Room magazines are received by
telephone via toll-fi-ee 800-numbers. The number to call
about personal subscriptions is 1-800-925-6847. The
number for all other orders is 1-800-972-0433.

Daily devotions from The Upper Room magazine are
offered in an automated, telephone dial-in format
through an agreement with Tribune Media Services.
Subscribers to this automated news network can hear
the daily devotions each day in 80 medium-sized
markets such as Cleveland, Ohio; Rochester,
Minnesota; Sacramento, California; Tucson, Arizona;
and Orlando, Florida.

The General Board of Discipleship gave approval
for The Upper Room to explore publishing electronic
products based on The Upper Room magazine and on
Pockets magazine for children. Preliminary testing was
done in late 1994 and early 1995. Staff are continuing
work to develop and refine products for use on personal
computers and in electronic networks, though firm
publication and marketing dates have not been set

The Upper Room continues to participate with the
General Board of Discipleship in investigating other
avenues of electronic communication. We are
cooperating with the United Methodist Publishing
House and United Methodist Communications in
Nashville and with United Methodist agencies in other
cities to explore use of the Internet and electronic
bulletin-board systems to allow more immediate
communication with local churches and individuals.

'De]iveryda.tesior El Aposento Alto in South America
are coordinated with delivery dates within the United
States through a distribution center in Santiago, Chile.
Other distribution centers are Mexico City, Santo
Domingo, Madrid, and Barcelona. El Aposento Alto is
also widely distributed among Hispanic communities in
the US.

Pockets devotional magazine for children ages 6-12
has experienced steady growth since its inception in
1981. Over the past quadrennium circulation reached an
all-time high of more than 99,000. In 1995 another 16
pages, all four-color, were added to the magazine. The
additional pages allowed for joumaling pages, an extra
page for "Pocketsful of Scripture," a four-page pullout in
the center intended for younger readers and more
stories and games.

With its March/April 1995 issue. Alive Now
introduced a refocused and redesigned magazine that
intentionally supports the spiritual lives of small groups
as well as individuals. As in the past, each issue
addresses a contemporary topic as it relates to the
spiritual life. Popular issues over the quadrennium have
dealt with AIDS, baptism, priorities, and addiction. The
January/February 1996 issue marked the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the magazine.

Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life
will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 1996. The journal
seeks to promote informed, committed spiritual growth
by providing resources for spiritual leadership and
exploring how God's life and human lives are being
woven together in the world. Selected articles from
Weavings have been compiled in two books published
by The Upper Room: The Weavings Reader: Living with
God in the World (1993) and Communion, Community,
Commonweal: Resources for Spiritual Leadership (1995) .
Published bi-monthly, Weavings has dealt with a wide
range of themes including failure, anger, gratitude,
listening, commitment, and virtue.

Upper Room Books publishes books and other
resources that offer individuals and faith communities
the possibility and promise of a more intimate,
transforming relationship with God. Its ministry is to
assist people in their journey to spiritual maturity.
"Pathways in Spiritual Growth: Resources for
Congregations and Leadership," previously mentioned,
will offer various books and workbooks to help
congregational leaders and congregations in growing
together in the spiritual life. Upper Room Books
introduced a customized Bible, The Upper Room
Companion Bible, in the Fall of 1995 for users of The
Upper Room magazine. The annually published The
Upper Room Disciplines, which has nurtured spiritual
growth for thirty-six years, continues to be a best seller.
Additionally, Upper Room Books continues to offer a
variety of resources that address the Christian
devotional life and its intersection with daily life.

Laity in Ministry

Guided by the vision of God's people transforming
the world, the Laity in Ministry staff provide resources
and training which equip laity to be in ministry in their
congregations and communities. These resources and
services help leaders in congregations and annual
conferences to focus on the primary task of ministry in
congregations.

The key people addressed through the work of the
Laity in Ministry Unit are elected laity leaders in
congregations, family ministry leaders, teaching
ministry administrators, small group leaders,
community and outreach ministry leaders, age-level and
scouting coordinators. United Methodist Men's leaders,
and leaders in racial ethnic congregations.

Discipleship

211

Christian Education and Age-Level Ministries

Two of the responsibilities given to the General
Board of Discipleship related to Christian education and
Age-Level Ministries are:

"...the development of a clear statement of the
biblical and theological foundations of Christian
education, consistent with the doctrines of The United
Methodist Church and the purpose of the board" (^
1207.1); and

"...to encourage persons to commit themselves to
Christ and membership in his Church; to learn about
and participate in the Christian faith and life, including
study of the Bible, and to develop skills which enable
them to become effectively involved in the ministry of
God's people in tiie worid" (^ 1207.2).

The ministries of Christian education form the
center for learning and faith sharing in the
congregation. These ministries provide opportunities
for people of all ages to be invited into relationship with
God through Jesus Christ, to grow in their faith, and to
practice living their faith in the world. The teaching and
learning community of the congregation is essential to
the development of mature Christians. Teaching and
learning occur in the traditional settings of Sunday
School and in varieties of small groups, which range in
size and style from basic fellowship groups to committed
Covenant Discipleship and Bible study groups. In
addition, teaching and learning take place wherever
people gather-at home, at work, at school, in the
community.

Work teams on small groups, age-level and scouting
coordinators, and teaching ministry administrators
respond to the needs of Christian education and
age-level ministries by supporting congregations in
their efforts to develop a comprehensive educational
ministry with children, youth, and adults. The staff have
developed several basic and fundamental resources.
Examples of these resources are:

Foundations: Shaping the Ministry of Christian
Education in Your Congregation and Foundations:
Training Guides provide foundational materials for the
development of effective Christian education ministries
in congregations.

Planning for Christian Education: A Practical Guide
for Your Congregation provides helps for defining the
purposes and plans for the teaching ministry of
congregations. This important guide helps leaders with
recruitment of teachers and suggestions for ways to
adapt curriculum resources.

Friends in Faith: Mentoring Youth in the Church
builds on the concept of faith partners found in
confirmation materials and extends this image of
mentoring throughout youth ministry.

Tlie First Three Years supports parents and
children's ministry leaders as they seek to provide
ministry to the youngest members of our faith families.
This practical guidebook encourages active ministry
with infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds.

Reality Check involves youth and youth leaders in
the processes needed for development of strong and
vital ministries with youth. This guide builds on the
materials found in the United Methodist Youth
Fellowship Handbook.

Designing a Ministry by, with, and for Older Adults
supports leaders who wish to harness the talents and
energies of older and younger people alike who seek to
be in ministry with those over 65 years of age.

The Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting packet
provides basic information for congregations who seek
to reach out and involve children and youth from the
community in the life of their congregation. This
resource helps congregations connect civic youth-
serving agencies with the faith formation of children and
youth.

In addition to providing resources for age-level and
Christian education leaders, staff work to develop vital
networks that bring leaders fi-om all sizes and locations
of churches together for common support and learning.
These networks are enhanced by knowledge of one
another and by participating in common learning
experiences. As a part of its Christian education and
age-level ministries strategies, the staff has developed a
series of ongoing events that strengthen ministries with
specific leaders across the age-level spectrum.

FOCUS '93 brought together approximately 1200
leaders of children's ministries. This event focused on
the needs of children and provided learning settings in
which children's ministry leaders discovered new
concepts, stretched imaginations and made
commitments for continued ministries with children
through congregations.

FORUM 94 and FORUM 96 provided opportunities
for youth ministry coordinators, directors, and leaders
to learn about youth culture, issues related to youth
ministry, and resources available for the support of
ministry with youth. FAYM (Forum on Adults in Youth
Ministry), an affiliate of the General Board of
Discipleship born during the last quadrennium at
FORUM 92, grew and expanded during this
quadrennium. This affiliate group extends the efforts of
the Board's youth ministry.

Four thousand youth and adult workers with youth
participated in Youth '95. This event, "Building Up the
People of God: Let's Rock," celebrated ministry with
youth, supported the faith formation of youth and adult
workers with youth, and encouraged leaders and youth
to participate in community ministries, to learn about
youth issues and concerns, and to make commitments
to strengthen youth ministry in congregations.

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DCA Advance Edition

TTie National Meeting of Leaders of Single Adults
in 1994 and 1996 brought together hundreds of leaders
of single adults to discover effective processes for
ministry with divorced, widowed, and always single
adults. This quadrennium witnessed the birth of
UMSAL, United Methodist Single Adult Leaders. This
organization extends the efforts of staff in the area of
ministry with United Methodist single adult ministry
leaders.

The Consultation on Older Adult Ministries
gathered annually to address the needs and concerns of
ministry with persons over 65 years of age. Supported
by the Committee on Older Adult Ministries, these
important events provided practical learning for those
who seek to support the faith formation of older adults
through the ministries of the congregation.

The National Camp and Retreat Committee, an
affiliate organization of the General Board of
Discipleship, cosponsored the United Methodist
Camping/Retreat Leaders' Meeting. These meetings in
1993 and 1995 enhanced the ministries of camping and
retreat ministry leaders. Camping leaders received
resources on risk management in camping and retreat
ministries. The staff and the National Camp and Retreat
Committee continued work to plan for the major gift for
camping. This network of camp and retreat leaders
continues to grow annually.

Young adult ministry leaders explored possibilities
for ministry with Persons bom between 1961 and 1981
at Generation X training events across the United States.
These events introduced new videotapes and training
guides, Generation X Manual and Workbook.

In addition to resources and training events, staff
expanded and renewed vital ministries in the areas of
Celebrating Marriage and Laboratory Training Schools.
Materials, course books, manuals, and other supporting
materials were redesigned, and the networks of these
leaders were supported.

Covenant Discipleship and Christian
Formation

TTie General Conference has directed the Board "to
interpret the basics of Christian living in accordance
with the general rule of discipleship: To witness to Jesus
Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through
acts of compassion, faith-sharing, justice, worship and
devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit" (^
1218.1).

When congregations focus on Christian formation
and discipleship, they find Jesus Christ at the center of
their life and work. They find themselves becoming
what Christ intended them to be: signs of the coming
reign of God. Christian formation does not take place
without committed leaders in discipleship-people who
know what it means to waUc with Christ in the world and
who can show others the way. These leaders must be

identified and supported for leadership in the
congregation. The ministries of Covenant Discipleship
and Christian Formation support that identification and
training of leaders through the formation of covenant
discipleship groups and class leaders.

Work teams for small groups and teaching ministry
administrators are responsible for Covenant
Discipleship and Christian Formation ministries. TTiis
significant ministry for developing accountable disciples
continued to grow in size during 1993-96 and is now
found in six countries. During the quadrennium, staff
have maintained several avenues for supporting the
development of covenant discipleship and class leaders.
These include:

Networks for covenant discipleship leaders now
include seven United Methodist seminaries and Divinity
schools, prison ministries, urban ministries, campus
ministries, youth Branch groups, and children's Sprouts
groups. All of these networks meet in various ways, but
all focus on acts of compassion, devotion, worship, and
justice.

Every two years Wesley Seminary and the General
Board of Discipleship offer a Class Leader Institute for
teams from congregations who want to implement class
leader ministries.

In 1996 a Class Leaders training event began at
Scarritt-Bennett Center. This event provides hands-on,
skill development training for class leaders.

Contact Teaching Congregations serve as models
for other churches. Through their example, they
demonstrate the power of ministry found in covenant
discipleship groups.

The basic resources for Covenant Discipleship and
Class Leaders have been reprinted. In addition to these
continuing basic guides, two additional resources were
produced. Fancy Footwork: Discipleship Wesleyan Style,
a two part videotape, enriches the viewers'
understanding of Covenant Discipleship and invites
people to participate in this vital ministry of committed
Christians. Sprouts: Nurturing Children Through
Covenant Discipleship provides children's ministry
leaders with basic information about Covenant
Discipleship and guidance for adapting the covenant
discipleship model for use with children.

Continuing in production, the Covenant Discipleship
Quarterly has expanded its subscription base to 642.
This newsletter provides information and support to
hundreds of covenant discipleship group members and
class leaders. Staff are exploring ways to resource
Spanish-speaking persons and congregations within the
United States and abroad.

Ethnic Local Church Concerns

The General Conference has given the General
Board of Discipleship responsibility "to ensure that

Discipleship

213

ethnic local church concerns shall be an integral part of
the total life of the board, providing guidance,
resourcing and training so that these concerns are
incorporated in all areas of discipleship in the local
church" (^ 1202.12).

Ethnic Local Church Concerns are addressed by a
number of work teams, including the Ethnic Church
Resource and Training Team. This team provides a
coordinated effort of consultation and training that is
tied to key needs of racial ethnic churches and
communities. Consultation at the grass roots level
provides key information in order for staff to build
appropriate training activities. Follow-up evaluation of
training identifies additional concerns that need to be
addressed. As a result, specific resources needed in
racial ethnic communities and churches can be
provided.

In addition, staff related to the Ethnic Church
Resource and Training program have supported the
implementation of ethnic writers conferences for
training of African American, Hispanic, Native
American, and Asian American writers. These writers
conferences have produced effective racial ethnic
writers who are currently working on a variety of
resource development projects.

The staff work with the Ethnic Lx)cal Church
Concerns committee of the Board to provide for the
funding of projects in ethnic minority churches and
groups.

The staff provide consultation and training services
to ethnic church leaders in congregations, annual
conferences and jurisdictions. These training services
focus on basic areas of ministry training, including job
training for various elected positions in congregations.
United Methodist Church structure and support for

leaders who are seeking to improve the functioning of
congregational systems.

Resources developed for ethnic local church
concerns include materials that support the National
Hispanic Plan. (See the description of the Board's
response to General Conference recommendations
toward the end of this report.) Christian Education in
the African-American Church supports teaching and
learning ministries in African American churches. New
resources that address ministry concerns of youth and
adults include specific sections which support ministry
with racial ethnic youth, single adults, and older adults.

Family Ministries

The General Board of Discipleship has been given
responsibility by the General Conference "to encourage
and resource programs in local churches addressed to
the differing needs and aspirations of... families as
centers for the formation of spiritual growth, values, and
vocation consistent with Christian teaching and
practice" (^ 1219.2a).

A work team on family ministries addresses the
varying needs of families in today's society. During this
quadrennium, this team has developed strategies for
ministry with families through the development of
networks of family ministry leaders. A Consultation on
Ministries with Families generated research
information and identified resources needed within the
family ministries network. The consultation was well
received, and participants indicated interest in future
consultations.

Two resources were developed: Family Matters, a
resource designed for family ministry planners,
addresses basic planning concerns for those developing

Breakdown of Ethnic Local Church Proposals Funded to Date

Ethnic Group

Total Funded

Percent

Total Money

Percent

African American

18

40%

$183,655.00

45%

Asian American

10

22%

$ 54,300.00

13%

Hispanic American

8

18%

$ 73,500.00

19%

Native American

9

20%

$ 71,920.00

18%

Pacific Islanders

0

0%

0

0%

l^ulti Ethnic

1

0%

$ 20,000.00

5%

Total

46

100%

$403,375.00

100%

Total

Percent

Total

Percent

Local Church

18

40%

$139,695.00

35%

District

5

12%

$ 12,180.00

03%

Annual Conference

9

20%

$ 63,000.00

16%

Jurisdiction

1

.05%

$ 3,500.00

.01%

Caucus

12

27%

$165,000.00

41%

General Agency

0

0%

0

0%

National

1

.05%

$ 15,000.00

.04%

Other

0

0%

0

0%

Total

46

100%

$403,375.00

100%

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DCA Advance Edition

family ministry efforts. Claiming Our Time with God and
Each Other provides devotional resources for families
and for family ministry leaders. Staff participated with
the Committee on Family Ministries to provide
resources for National Family Week.

Family Ministries Leadership Training Lab was
held in 1995. This gathering of family ministries leaders
focused on establishing and equipping a core of leaders
to assist congregation, church clusters, districts, and
annual conferences in building systems for ministries
with families. The training included lectures, Bible
study, and a variety of seminars. Participants created an
action plan for family ministries in their particular
congregation, district, or annual conference. Potential
resources for family ministry leaders were tested during
the event. These resources will be produced as they are
refined and revised.

Ministry of the Laity

At the direction of the General Conference, the
General Board of Discipleship "shall interpret and
spread through the Church all the rich meanings of the
universal priesthood of believers, of Christian vocation,
and of the ministry of the laity" and shall be responsible
for "training and enabling the laos-the whole body of its
membership-to enter into mission and to minister and
•witness in the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of the
Church" (11216).

Work teams on leadership in the church,
community outreach ministries, and small groups
provide resources and support for the ministry of the
laity. The leadership team has identified a critical need
for partnership between laity and clergy in the
congregation. A pilot project. Partners in Ministry, was
introduced in 1995. The learnings from that pilot are
resulting in new resources that address laity and clergy
partnership for ministry.

Key to the efforts of this project are the roles of the
lay leader and the pastor who form a partnership to
undergird the ministry of the congregation. Specific
attention to helping congregations identify a vision for
ministry that supports the primary task of the
congregation forms the central core of these resources.
In addition, these resources address the development of
interpersonal relationships and leadership skills.

The National Association of Annual Conference Lay
Leaders, an affiliate of the General Board of
Discipleship, meets annually to work with staff in
developing specific resources and support for
congregational lay leaders and pastor/laity teams. This
group worked with staff to design and implement the
development of the laity address to the General
Conference in 1996. This address, "Partners in
Ministry," also supports the work of this team in
resourcing laity leaders.

In 1995 one hundred persons attended a national
conference on lay speaking, the largest such event since
its inception.

During the quadrennium staff also supervised the
revision of most of the lay speaking materials.

LINKS, a newsletter for conference and district lay
leaders and other key leaders in laity ministries,
continues to be mailed three times a year.

The basic set of resources for leaders in the
congregation, Guidelines for Leading Your Church, were
redesigned for the next quadrennium. The General
Board of Discipleship has responsibility for the
development of 22 of the 32 resources in this series.

In addition to the ongoing work of providing
resources for elected leaders in congregations, the staff
developed strategies for emphasizing the ministry of the
Laity for the next quadrennium, 1997-2000.

The community outreach team provides resources
and training related to ministry in daily life. Work
focuses on support for people who seek to be in ministry
in their homes, schools, work places and communities.
Specific work this quadrennium has focused on working
with interagency committees to develop resources for
prison ministries and for AIDS/HIV ministries. Work
with the peace advocate leaders was supported by
articles in LINKS and in conversations with this network
of leaders.

In cooperation with the General Board of Global
Ministries, the small groups work team has provided
annual training for leaders of mission education with
children. In 1995 this training included a consultation
with annual conference leadership interested in
building systems for mission education as a way to
connect faith with daily life. It also included specific help
for leaders of mission education with youth.
Participation in this event doubled that of previous
years. Staff also participate in the development of
mission education resources for persons of all ages.

United Methodist Men

At the direction of the General Conference, the
General Board of Discipleship has been given the
following responsibilities related to United Methodist
Men:

'To provide resources and support services to foster
the development of units of United Methodist Men" d
1223.1); and

'To seek methods for involving men in a growing
relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Church" d
1223.2).

The work of United Methodist Men continues to
expand as ministry with men has become a growing
movement in our culture. The number of chartered

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215

United Methodist Men's groups increased from 9,203 in
1992 to more than 10,000 in 1995.

Through Evangelism, Mission and Spiritual Life
(EMS) gifts, United Methodist Men contributed more
than $400,000.00 during the quadrennium. These funds
support men's ministries on the district, conference,
jurisdictional, and national levels.

Currently, there are 1300 Life Members enrolled.
Funds are deposited with the United Methodist Men's
Foundation. Some of the funds from this program are
used in international United Methodist Men's work to
provide scholarships for racial ethnic and Central
Conference or international persons to participate in
United Methodist Men's events.

Continued support for United Methodist Men's
ministries in Jamaica has occurred throughout the
quadrennium. In 1995 a delegation from the Jamaican
men's organization attended the National Association of
Conference Presidents meeting.

The development of ministry with racial ethnic men
continues to expand. The International Congress for
Men included specific attention to ministry with racial
ethnic men. Two "Black Men in Crisis" conferences
were held during the quadrennium. More than 400
Black men participated in each of these conferences.
Varieties of resources have emerged from these
conferences, including videotapes and articles in
MENSNEWS.

The International Congress for United Methodist
Men was held in July, 1993. Approximately 4500 men
participated in this exciting Congress. The men's fair,
an exhibition of resources and examples of ministry with
men, was an outstanding success. The next
International Congress will be held July 10-13, 1997 at
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Resources to support ministry with men include
MENSNEWS, which is mailed to 29,000 pastors and
other leaders of congregational minisfries with men.
This important news journal contains information about
men's ministries from across the denomination,
provides suggestions for expanding the effectiveness of
ministry with men, includes information about scouting
ministries, and celebrates the ministry of United
Methodist Men. The annual Program Book provides
resources for United Methodist Men's units. The
recendy published resource,/! Transforming Journey for
Men, encourages men to follow the image of Christ in
order to be empowered for God's service.

The Moving Member Program provides a toll-free
telephone service to churches who want to help in the
relocation of members who move. This service of United
Methodist Men assists pastors and church members in
making contact with people as they move to new
communities.

Staff continue to provide consultation services and
learning opportunities to varieties of leaders in the
United Methodist Men's movement. These services
include:

Staff provide fraining support and information to
leaders in the United Methodist Men's ministry at a
variety of men's refreats and conferences.

Conference presidents meet annually as part of the
National Association of Conference Presidents meeting.
This affiliate group of the Board provides effective
networking services between annual conference
presidents.

Twice a year disfrict United Methodist Men's
presidents gather to learn about United Methodist
Men's ministries and to strengthen the network of
leaders of men's ministries at the district level.

The United Methodist Men's Foundation, an
affiliate organization of the Board, provides effective
monetary support for a variety of men 's ministry efforts,
including the funding of the Office of Civic Youth-
Serving Agencies/Scouting beginning in 1996.

The staff of United Methodist Men work with the
Upper Room to provide financial support for the Prayer
Ministry toll-free phone line. In addition. United
Methodist Men supports men who are prayer advocates
in their annual conferences and churches.

The Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/
Scouting continues to expand its efforts to build effective
programs for children and youth. The packet. Civic
Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting, has been expanded
in order to support leaders who wish to develop or
expand Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Camp Fire Boys and
Girls, and 4-H groups within churches and
communities. Currendy, 1.25 million children and youth
are served by the churches involved in this ministry of
scouting and other civic youth serving agencies. The
National Association of United Methodist Scouters, an
affiliate organization of the Board, continues to provide
an effective support to the work of this office.

Adult recognition is very popular and important to
the continued growth of scouting ministry in the
communities served by our churches. About 400 Cross
and Flame or Torch awards are presented each year to
adult leaders. The Bishop's Award of Excellence is
awarded to a froop, pack, or Explorer group that has met
certain requirements. All these awards continue to
support scouting ministries in communities and
congregations. These awards provide an important
connection between scouting ministries and The United
Methodist Church.

Congregational Leadership

As the members and staff of the General Board of
Discipleship have clarified and sharpened the vision,
mission, and core processes of the Board, they have

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DCA Advance Edition

established a new set of working relationships for the
staff. The focus is on serving the needs of a particular
set of persons in the denomination. The staff related to
Congregational Leadership issues have focused on the
resource needs of pastors of local congregations and
designated leaders in the annual conferences, especially
the district superintendents and bishops. The staff also
serve the specific needs of designated leaders in the
subject areas of evangelism, stewardship, and worship.

The Congregational Leadership staff is working on
its new and additional focus of providing resources
related to the spiritual and visioning leadership role of
the pastor in the local congregation. In part this involves
ascertaining the spiritual, professional, and
improvement knowledge that pastors need to be
effective leaders of Christian communities. Major
attention has been given to seven critical issues for
effective leadership:

1. the pastor as a spiritual leader;

2. the pastor as the leader who expresses the vision
for the congregation;

3. the pastor as one who enhances the ministry of
lay persons;

4. the pastor as one who embodies the essential
characteristics of a leader;

5. the pastor as one who is engaged in continuous
growth in professional and improvement knowledge;

6. the pastor as one who is seeking a deeper
understanding of his/her gifts for and creativity in
ministry.

7. the pastor as one who embodies integrity in all
aspects of personal and professional life.

Increased attention to these issues has further
enhanced the work that the Board has been doing in its
traditional subject areas.

Evangelism

The General Conference has given the Board the
responsibility "to set forth an adequate biblical and
theological basis and understanding for the personal,
corporate, and social aspects of evangelism, consistent
with the doctrine and tradition of The United Methodist
Church, and to communicate and interpret the same to
the membership of the Church" (^ 1212.1). The Board
has sought to make as full a response as possible
through a careful husbanding of its personnel and
financial resources.

The evangelism focus of the Board is on sharing the
love of God and the Good News of salvation in Jesus
Christ in the hope of helping individuals come to a new
or renewed commitment to Christ and to become
disciples of Christ in the fullest sense.

The evangelism staff works with leaders in
congregations, districts, and annual conferences in
building knowledge and providing resources for a
comprehensive plan of evangelism ministries. In the
1993-1996 quadrennium, staff have developed resources
and information and provided training and consultations
to shape and support evangelism strategies, especially
for local congregations. The following is a short
synopsis of some of the work of the Board in evangelism
this quadrennium.

1. Vision 2000. This has been a centerpiece of
evangelism ministries for the 1993-1996 quadrennium.
Vision 2000 has been designed to call every United
Methodist congregation to envision its future so that by
the year 2000, congregations will be vital, caring,
sharing, redemptive fellowships in ministry and will
have a major emphasis on outreach and evangelism.
Over 100,000 persons have attended major beginning
conference-wide meetings Oaunch events) in 40 annual
conferences. Vision 2000 includes several basic
elements: a launch event, training events, worship
attendance crusades and clergy seminars.

Two key resources have been developed to support
Vision 2000:

Vision 2000-Planning for Ministry into the Next
Century by Joe Harding and Ralph W. Mohney. In 1996
editions of this book were published in Spanish and
Korean.

Vision 2000: Worship Attendance Crusade Guidehy
Joe Harding.

2. Offering Christ Today Schools of Evangelism.
Since their inception in 1986, forty-five Offering Christ
Today Schools of Evangelism have been held. In the
present quadrennium these schools were redesigned
and updated. The schools offer training in evangelism
skills around the congregation's primary task of
reaching out and receiving persons, relating them to
God, nurturing them in the faith, and sending them out
as disciples. The schools focus on the context for
evangelism, hospitality, faith-sharing, initiation, prayer,
invitational preaching, vision, and leadership. These
three to five day schools are sponsored jointly by an
annual conference, the Board, and the Foundation for
Evangelism (which provides a grant to the Board to
assist in underwriting the costs of the Schools of
Evangelism) .

In addition to the regular Schools of Evangelism, in
the present quadrennium the staff has participated in
the development and staffing of a School of Evangelism
for Native Americans and two Schools of Evangelism for
Koreans.

3. Offering Christ TODAY. During the past
quadrennium, the staff began publishing "Offering
Christ TODAY," a newsletter which is sent without
charge to every pastor and diaconal minister under
appointment. "Offering Christ TO DAY," which has been

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well received, has become the voice for the
Congregational Leadership staff, offering articles on
leadership in evangelism, stewardship, and worship.

4. Faith-Sharing and Witnessing. The book,
Faith-Sharing, by George E. Morris and H. Eddie Fox
has been revised, and a new model for training in
jurisdictions, conferences and local churches has been
developed. This also includes a "Faith-Sharing New
Testament". Training began in 1996 in cooperation with
the World Evangelism Committee of the World
Methodist Council. A process for helping local churches
to become faith-sharing congregations has been
developed, and training for leadership using this model
has been done. A new resource, Tlie Faith-Sharing
Congregation, by Roger K. Swanson and Shirley F.
Clement supports this emphasis.

Related to the above. Sang E. Chun developed a new
design for Personal Evangelism Training for local
churches. This is available in English and Korean.

5. Lav Witness Mission. The Lay Witness Mission
is a strategy for evangelism that encourages lay persons
to share their faith journeys with others. It has been a
model for developing small groups, encouraging
faith-sharing and witnessing, developing new
leadership, and reaching out to unchurched and inactive
persons. Throughout each year of the quadrennium
there have been about 400 Lay Involvement Weekends.
In this quadrennium new resources were developed to
support this activity. These include The Lay Witness
Mission Handbook (revised). Come and See (a study
booklet), Youth and the Lay Witness Mission, Leader's
Guide for Children's Sessions, Pastor's and Local Church
Chairperson's Packet, and Hints for Witnesses.

In 1995 the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
invited the staff to work with them to develop leadership
for the Lay Witness Mission in their denomination.
Training sessions have been held, and the staff is
working with the CME Church leadership to develop a
plan for implementation, for mentoring relationships
and for sharing resources.

6. New Life Mission and Kev Event Celebration.
The New Life Mission is a contemporary strategy for
evangelism that is designed to awaken faith in people
and to mobilize local congregations in ministries of
witness and mission. The Key Event Celebration is also
a model designed for the local church to enable church
members to become disciples. It focuses on celebrating
the historic faith and then sharing this faith with others.
Both of these models involve extended study, prayer
and preparation in the local congregation. They also
involve preaching clinics and leadership training for
pastors. Both of these emphases have an extended
history with the Board. Leadership training resources
were revised, and other resource revisions will be
completed by the end of this quadrennium.

7. New World Mission. This is a person-to-person
ministry available to congregations in alternate years. It

brings Christian leaders and teachers from around the
world to preach and teach in about 75 communities in
the United States. This quadrennium the New World
Mission took place in 1994 and 1996, during which more
than 50 Christian leaders were invited to be missioners
in our midst. They were in more than 150 communities
and ministered to churches with memberships ranging
from 150-3000. They were hosted by individual
churches, clusters of churches, and disfricts. People
re-examined their own discipleship, new leaders were
developed, new and renewed commitments to Christ
and ministry were made, and people gained a new
understanding of our oneness in Christ. The New World
Mission Handbook has been revised, and a new study
booklet. In the Meantime, has been developed.

8. New Congregational Development The staff
have offered assistance to annual conferences, disfricts,
and local churches in planning new churches.

In cooperation with the General Board of Global
Ministries, three specific fraining events were offered
several times throughout the quadrennium. One series
of fraining events focused on fraining for pastors and
spouses involved in the first year of a new church
development. Training was also given for pastors and
spouses who are in the third through sbrth years of a
new church development. In addition, a School for
Congregational Development has been offered annually
for pastors, conference leaders, and disfrict
superintendents who are involved in new church starts,
"restarts," and congregational revitalization and
fransformations.

9. New Print Resources. In addition to resources
afready mentioned, the following were developed in the
present quadrennium:

Collaborating in Ministry by Herb Mather and
Terrence Hayes

Contemporary Worship in the 21st Century: Worship
or Evangelism? by Craig Kennet Miller and Dan
Benedict

Culture Shift by Craig Kennet Miller and Lia
Icaza-WiUetts

Evangelism for a New Century by Bishop Earl G.
Hunt

Congregational Evangelism by Maxie Dunnam

Tried and True by John Ed Mathison

Growing New Churches by Stephen Compton and G.
Steven Sallee

Encounters unth Jesus by Craig Kennet Miller

The staff have also been heavily involved in
developing resources for the National Hispanic Plan.

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Stewardship

Two of the specific responsibilities given by the
General Conference to the Board relating to
stewardship are:

'To interpret the biblical and theological basis for
stewardship through programs, resources, and training
materials consistent with the doctrines of The United
Methodist Church" (^ 1214.1); and

'To create within The United Methodist Church a
deepening commitment to personal and corporate
Christian stewardship which includes the use and
sharing of talents and resources, and the practice of a
Christian life-style" («|I 1214.3).

Christian stewardship is more than money, but it is
not less than money. The stewardship staff assists local
congregations, districts, and annual conferences as they
help persons grow as stewards of their relationships,
their own selves and their possessions. In stewardship
the Board offers resources, consultation, and programs
to encourage the practice of whole-life stewardship as a
spiritual discipline.

1. Consultation with Conference Stewardship
Leaders. The staff has been involved in numerous
consultations with elected (or appointed) stewardship
leaders with annual conferences and other key
members of the conference leadership team. These
consultations have focused on assisting in the design
and development of a multi-year strategy for the
transformation of congregations and individuals
through the window of stewardship. The consultations
are designed to help conference leaders share their own
plan for meeting the needs and lifting the vision for
stewardship in the local churches. "Stewardship
Specialist" training is designed to equip persons to
consult with congregations around issues of financial
stewardship.

2. Stewardship Training Qnnortimities. Several
seminar and training programs have been developed
and are being widely called upon for stewardship
training. These seminars are held on a district, annual
conference or regional basis. They include the
following:

a. "Putting God First: The Tithe: A Seminar for
Risky Christian Stewards" is a one-day event designed
to train and motivate people to lead tithing studies in
congregations.

b. In "Christians and Money" participants explore
the Christian values in money management, identify and
begin to control the power money has in their lives, and
build new values in money management consistent with
their Christian values.

c. "Giving and the Local Congregation" is a seminar
that focuses on new ways for a congregation to expand
its financial base.

d. "Gifts Discovery Training" has as its purpose the
training of a group of persons within an annual
conference to lead "Gifts Discovery Workshops" in local
churches and to help congregations build gift-based
volunteer ministries.

e. "Year-Round Stewardship" emphasizes the faith
foundations and practical means for implementing a
year-round stewardship plan in the congregation.
Teams from congregations create a year-round
stewardship formation plan for their congregation
during this three-day seminar.

f. "Growing in Faithfulness" is a proclamation event
for the local congregation. It is designed to call persons
to greater faithfulness as Christian stewards. A visiting
"Preaching Steward" delivers five stewardship sermons
and leads workshops and seminars during the four-day
mission.

3. Maior Training Events. The stewardship staff,
along with a group of twelve Stewardship Associates
(Adjunct Staff), has provided throughout the
quadrennium a number of significant training events
focused on the wide range of stewardship topics. These
include:

a. "Planned Giving School: A Cutting Edge Fund
Development Conference" was offered in 1994 and 1996.
This is an intensive five-day course that is a
Christian-oriented training in the specialized field of
planned giving.

b. "Convocation on Development" was offered in
1993 and 1995. These convocations offered a wide range
of workshops that provide practical help in the area of
planned giving for lay persons at all levels of interest and
experience.

c. "Stewardship University" is designed for persons
who want to be more effective stewardship leaders
within their congregations. Avariety of classes about the
practical aspects of stewardship leadership are
presented. This was offered in 1993 and 1995.

4. Stewardship in Ethnic Congregations. This
quadrennium the staff has been deeply involved in
developing resources for the National Hispanic Plan,
providing considerable training and consultation with
African-American congregations, and working with the
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

5. "Celebrate Stewardship". This is a one-sheet
practical article on some aspect of stewardship that is
distributed quarterly to forty subscribing annual
conferences. These conferences have the full right to
reproduce and distribute the article as is most
appropriate to each annual conference.

6. New Print Resources. During the present
quadrennium the stewardship staff has produced
several print resources for use by congregations and
individuals. These include:

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219

Choices and Challenges by Dan Dick

Stories for Sharing by Susan Patterson-Sumwalt

Money Isn't/Is Everything by Herb Miller

One on One Stewardship by Dan Dick

Preaching for Giving by Timothy Bagwell

Right On The Money by Brian Bauknight

More Money, New Money, Big Money by Wayne
Barrett

Abingdon Guide to Church Funding (Volume 1) by
Donald W. Joiner and Norma Wimberly

Abingdon Guide to Church Funding (Volume 2) by
Donald W. Joiner and Norma Wimberly

Don 't Shoot the Horse (Til You Know How To Drive
the Tractor) by Herbert Mather

The staff have been engaged also in the
development of resources for the National Hispanic
Plan.

Also produced were a set of audio tapes of a series
of lectures on stewardship by M. Douglas Meeks and a
video of a lecture on "The Giving Cycle" by Thomas C.
Rieke.

Worship

A central responsibility that the General
Conference has assigned to the Board relates to
worship. The Board is "to cultivate the fullest possible
meaning in the corporate worship celebrations of the
Church to the glory of God, including liturgy, preaching,
the Sacraments, music, and related arts. (It) shall
encourage observance of the seasons of the Christian
year, emphasizing the surprising and inspirational
opportunities for glorifying God everywhere in creation
in a profusion of variety" (^ 1213.1).

The worship staff offers information, interpretation,
and ongoing consultation to help pastors and worship
leaders use the full range of worship and preaching
resources. In the past two quadrennia the Board has
been extremely involved in the development and
publication of TTie United Methodist Hymnal and The
United Methodist Book of Worship, as well as many other
resources.

1. The United Methodist Book ofWorshit. The 1992
General Conference adopted The United Methodist Book
of Worship. Published in 1992, it was enthusiastically
received by pastors and worship leaders. Over 68,000
copies have been sold, including more than 47,000
copies of the hardback edition, 14,500 copies of the
Pastor's Pocket Edition, and 6,200 copies of the
accompanisf s edition.

The success of the publication led to a major
demand for training in the use of the resource. A
national workshop for pastors, musicians, and other
worship leaders was held early in the quadrennium.
Subsequently, training events were held in annual
conferences and districts. The worship staff continues
to conduct training and consultations on this significant
resource.

2. Contemporarv Worship. What began as a wave of
requests for information and resources related to
contemporary worship developed into a major work
emphasis for the worship staff. An initial bibliography of
two pages listing books and resources grew into a larger
effort. Contemporary Worship for the 21st Century:
Worship or Evangelism? was written by two staff
members, Daniel Benedict, and Craig Kennet Miller.
This resource asserts that contemporary worship is one
key to evangelical ministry through the church.

Interest in both the topic and the book resulted in
the development of jurisdictional workshops on
contemporary worship. The staff also worked with some
of the Offering Christ Today Schools of Evangelism in
presenting the issues and possibilities of contemporary
worship as a part of an outreach ministry for
congregations. Future resources in contemporary
music are now in the development stage.

3. Resources in Preaching. The staff also focused on
the need for resourcing congregational leaders for vital
and transforming worship. The staff has placed a major
emphasis on excellence in preaching and consultations
with annual conferences in preaching and worship. In
an effort to reach more pastors on the subject of
preaching, the Academy for Preaching evolved from a
national training event to annual consultations to
support their work and programs in preaching. In
cooperation with United Methodist Communications, a
video tape series entitled "Staying Alive in the Pulpit"
was developed. (This is available through EcuFilm.) A
second series will be completed in 1996.

In addition a new resource by Barbara Bate,
Freedom in the Pulpit, is to be published in 1996.

4. Christian Initiation. A series of resources on the
topic of Christian initiation is under development. These
resources are designed to help pastors and
congregations to improve the essential ministries (the
primary task) of the congregation by offering to
accompany seekers on a journey of conversion leading
to baptism and to faithful ministry in daily life. These
resources are currently in the testing phases, with
publication scheduled for 1998.

5. Spanish Language Hvmnal. The staff have been
actively and directly involved in the development of Mil
Voces Para Celebrar, a Spanish language hymnal. This
is to be submitted to the 1996 General Conference for
adoption. Plans are being made for promoting the use
of this resource.

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6. Cooperative Worship Planning. In 1992, The Book
of Discipline was revised to provide for the local church
work area chairperson's participation in cooperative
worship planning with the pastor and other worship
leaders (^262. 11a).

During the quadrennium, the staff has extensively
promoted the process of team worship planning. Pastors
were encouraged to convene worship committees as
planning teams in order to create transforming and vital
worship and to allow for improvement in worship
through this group process. Staff members have
encouraged cooperative planning of worship through
seminars, written resources, and interpreting TTie
United Methodist Hymnal and The United Methodist
Book of Worship as creative tools for worship.

7. Other Resources. In addition to the major
resources cited above, the worship staff have written
widely in the Church and the professional journals
related to worship, preaching, and music. Staff have also
prepared small resource sheets that are circulated in
response to specific needs or inquiries. The staff
respond to many mail and telephone inquiries for
specific resources. They have been directly involved in
the development of resources for the National Hispanic
Plan.

Quality Improvement OfBce

The Quality Improvement Office of the General
Board of Discipleship was formed in 1993 to support the
board's "Quest for Quality." Quest for Quality is the
General Board of Discipleship's effort to assist
congregations, annual conferences, and other
Church-related organizations to build, rebuild, and
improve their systems to deliver quality ministry.

Quest for Quality seminars, coordinated by the
Quality Improvement Office, focus on such concepts as:

•Systems thinking;

•Mission and vision;

•listening to those we serve in the church and
community;

•The primary task of the local congregation and the
annual conference; and

•The vital role of spiritual leaders in transforming
the church.

Quest for Quality seminars call for Church leaders
to move away from a focus on institutions to a focus on
the transformation of people and the world. As a result,
all across the Church, leaders are reaffirming the
primary task of the local congregation (reaching out to
people, receiving them in love, relating them to God,
nurturing them in the faith, and sending them out into
the world) and the primary task of the annual
conference (providing leadership for congregations).

Operating out of its mission to build knowledge for
quality improvement at the General Board of
Discipleship, in annual conferences, and in
congregations, the Quality Improvement Office has
provided the introductory Quest for Quality course- "A
New Way of Thinking"-in more than thirty annual
conferences. Many of those conferences have sought
additional training through follow-up courses offered by
the staff.

In addition to conference-based seminars, the
Quality Improvement Office annually offers two Quest
for Quality events that are open to all interested persons.
General Board of Discipleship staff have also benefited
from the services provided by the Quality Improvement
Office. As of fall 1994, ninety percent of the staff had
received training in the basic Quest for Quality course.
Some seventy percent had received additional training.

Leadership for the Quest for Quality seminars was
enhanced by a fall 1995 training event for persons to lead
"A New Way of Thinking."

Leadership and change was the focus of an eventfor
bishops of The United Methodist Church in January
1996. Sponsored by the Quality Improvement Office, the
event featured nationally known leadership experts
Margaret Wheatley, Peter Block, and John Covington.
Worship services, an integral part of the event, were
coordinated by Bishop Reuben Job and the Rev. Carmen
Gaud.

Resources produced by the Quality Improvement
Office include two training notebooks:

"Quest for Quality: A New Way of Thinking"

"Quest for Quality: Strategies and Skills."

In 1993, Discipleship Resources published Quest for
Quality in the Church: A New Paradigm by Ezra Earl
Jones. The Quality Improvement Office produces the
Board's monthly newsletter, Discipleship Dateline,
which features information about Quest for Quality as
well as information about programs and resources of the
General Board of Discipleship. Included each month
with Discipleship Dateline is Ezra Earl Jones's
thought-provoldng Perspective.

Resources currently in production include two
videos: Quest for Quality: A New Way of Thinking and
Listening to the Customer. Scheduled for release in 1996
is Think About It by Ezra Earl Jones. Staff are also
planning a Spanish-language version of Quest for Quality
in the Church: A New Paradigm.

Staff of the Quality Improvement Office will
continue to provide education and resources in quality
improvement, systems theory, and other disciplines that
will help the church become a learning organization.

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Church School PubUcations

The Department of Church School Publications of
the General Board of Discipleship has as its primary
function providing the local congregations of United
Methodism with educational and fellowship resources
that will assist persons in their growth as Christian
disciples through formal educational and fellowship
opportunities.

The Curriculum Resources Committee, organized
and administered by the General Board of Discipleship,
works with Church School Publications by carefully
reviewing and acting "on the plans constructed and
proposed by the staff of Church School Publications
based upon research, including ideas from the
Curriculum Resources Committee and other persons in
United Methodist educational ministries" (1 1224. 1, The
Book of Discipline) .

In the past quadrennium, Church School
Publications developed curriculum resources to assist
persons of all ages in their growth as Christian disciples.
The following list is illustrative and not exhaustive:

New Invitation: Learning and Living God's Word, a
Bible study for children, ages 3-12, graded on a two year
basis. This resource covers major biblical characters
and events in three years, and allows children to cover
the same basic material at a deeper level as they grow
older. It includes teacher books featuring the new
EasyTeach format, student books, class paks,
cassette/CD's, Assembly Time guide, and quarterly
newsletters for pastors and parents. This new children's
church school curriculum was developed after careful
research, listening to users, and feedback from focus
groups.

Vacation Bible school resources, including Peter
Rock: A Drama of Faith, Beneath The Storytelling Tree,
and Turnabout Paul, have been well received and have
aided congregations in reaching out to children in their
communities.

Follow Me, a new comprehensive program of
Confirmation was developed to encourage and
strengthen confirmation programs in local
congregations. The resource includes a Leader's Kit
with a video, student magazine, and a Handbook for
congregation and parents.

TREK and Bible Lessons for Youth are available for
Sunday study while avariety of short-term resources are
available for Sunday or weekday study:

Three To The Point resources on Aids, Violence and
Religions;

Six Youthsearch volumes developed on the basis of
research: Conflict, Stress and Time, Relationships,
Death, After High School, and a start-up guide.

Biblical Images for Today: Out of the Wilderness and
Party: Invitation to God's Reign.

While we have continued to produce and improve
Adult Bible Studies, Daily Bible Study, and Scriptures for
the Church Seasons, we have added new resources that
take into account the different learning needs of adults
and the different ways adults learn:

Get Acquainted with Your Bible and Get Acquainted
with Your Christian Faith;

Faith Matters for Young Adults and More Faith
Matters for Young Adults;

Lifesearch, twelve volumes related to life issues
confronting adults ages 25-45;

Journey Through the Bible, sbrteen volumes, using
the best of biblical scholarship to lead adult learners
through the entire Bible;

Breaking the Code, video based resource on the
Book of Revelation;

Challenge, sbc volumes to help adult learners
struggle with such social issues as genetic science,
United Nations peacekeeping efforts, and racism.

Church School Publications continues to develop
curriculum resources for Spanish speaking
constituencies: Lecciones Cristianas, quarterly
publication for adults; Lecciones Cristianas para jovenes,
an annual publication for youth; and Aventuras, the new
children's curriculum. In addition, Escuela Biblica de
Vacaciones provides resources to be used in vacation
Bible school for children ages three through grade six.

Church School Publications produces curriculum
resources for Korean speaking constituencies:

Class Meeting Guide, an annual published for use
each week in the class meeting;

Paul series;

Jesus Christ series;

Genesis to Revelation series (Vols. 5-7) ;

Handbook for Korean-American Families:
Improving Communication.

Church School Publications has taken initial steps
at using the latest in electronic technologies:

Faithlink enables adult classes to discuss within two
weeks any major issue or concern that faces our
congregations. It is available by FAX or CompuServe.

Line is the youth version of Faithlink and is available
in the same ways.

Young Adults Online provides a variety of topics for
discussion for campus ministers or leaders of young
adult groups. Available by FAX or CompuServe.

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Church School Publications recognizes tiiat we
cannot produce the resources

to meet every need of local congregations.
Therefore, we have explored the development of
partnerships with others.

Aventuras, the new children's curriculum for
Spanish speaking congregation, while produced by
Church School Publications, is being done in
cooperation with The American Baptist Church, The
Presbyterian Church in the US, and The Disciples of
Christ Church.

The Whole People of God, a lectionary based
curriculum for persons of all ages, is made available to
local congregations in cooperation with Logos
Productions. In addition to having editorial staff input at
the development stage. Church School Publications
develops Vie Denominational Handbook for United
Methodist Churches.

As we move towards the year 2000, Church School
Publications is committed to developing the highest
quality resources by listening carefully to those who
teach and learn using our curriculum resources, by
being faithful to the Scriptures and to the tradition
entrusted to us, and by helping persons and
congregations interpret the faith in ways that aid them
in living their lives faithfully.

Discipleship Resources

As one of the three publishing units of the General
Board of Discipleship, Discipleship Resources
continues in both its ministry and business
responsibilities. In ministry, DR has provided local
church leaders with basic resources to build
discipleship ministries in each congregation. These
ministries focus on winning persons to Jesus Christ,
developing them into full disciples and sending them
into their communities for service. DR continues to be
a self-supporting unit of the Board.

Working with the program units, Discipleship
Resources develops and produces a wide variety of
books, booklets, and manuals for leaders and
participants in congregational ministries. Fifteen to
twenty new tides are added each year. Our present
inventory includes over 180 titles. During the
quadrennium, we have distributed almost 1.9 million
individual products. These cover the full range of
subject areas assigned to the General Board of
Discipleship including Christian Education, Age-Level
and Family Ministries, Ministry of the Laity, Covenant
Discipleship, Ethnic Local Church Concerns, United
Methodist Men, Evangelism, Worship, and
Stewardship.

Some of DR's most popular titles published for the
program units are:

Contemporary Worship for the 21st Century: Worship
or Evangelism ? by Daniel T. Benedict and Craig Kennet

Miller

Covenant Discipleship: Christian Formation through
Mutual Accountability by David Lowes Watson

Don't Shoot the Horse ( Til You Know How to Drive
the Tractor) by Herb Mather

Faith-Sharing: Dynamic Christian Witnessing by
Invitation by George E. Morris and H. Eddie Fox

Foundations: Shaping the Ministry of Christian
Education in Your Congregation

Lay Speaking Ministry: Basic Course 1993-96 by
Jack Gilbert and Nan Zoller

Quest for Quality in the Church: A New Paradigm by
Ezra Earl Jones

United Methodist Member's Handbook by George E.
Koehler

UMYF Handbook

Vision 2000: Planning for Ministry Into the Next
Century by Joe Harding and Ralph Mohney

In late 1992-1993, Discipleship Resources
conducted a study and developed new approaches for
the distribution of our resources, including order entry,
packaging and shipping, and accounts receivable. DR
discovered new cost-effective methods in which to get
our resources into the hands of our customers. Under
the guidance and service of a third-party vendor,
Discipleship Resources is utilizing the most up-to-date
technology related to warehousing, order entry, order
picking, packing, shipping, and the handling of
customer accounts. The relationship with this
third-party vendor has provided increased customer
satisfaction, as well as significant savings for DR

The success of Discipleship Resources during the
present quadrennium and the decisions of management
will provide the foundation for product development,
marketing and distribution for the next quadrennium.
The organization will continue to be an effective vehicle
for delivering products to local congregations who look
to the General Board of Discipleship for help in their
ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ

Response to 1992 General
Conference Referrals:

Our Board's emphasis on the primary task of the
congregation supports the implementation of the
theme, "Celebrate and Witness: God's Grace-Witness
for Jesus Christ" (Calendar items 23 & 214). Leader
training materials and events focus on this theme and
support its use in congregations and annual
conferences. The three special programs have been
supported by our Board in these ways:

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223

Campus ministry: Our staff works with the Campus
Ministry Office of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to support this program. Efforts
include Covenants on Campus, a covenant discipleship
model for college campuses.

Peace with Justice: The work team on community
and outreach ministries have developed resources to
support this program. A specific example of their work
is found in the new prison ministries packet and in the
AIDS/HIV resource for Spanish-speaking faith
communities. In addition, the United Methodist Men's
Division continues to sponsor an annual World Peace &
World Order Congressional Conference in Washington,
DC

Substance Abuse and Related Violence: Church
School Publications has produced the Revival of Hope
curriculum materials, which deal with substance abuse.

Developing Congregations for Deaf Ministries
(Calendar item 33) has addressed issues and ministries
related to deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing persons.
The staff has supported the use of two videos produced
by Church School Publications: 'The Gospel of Mark in
Ainerican Sign Language" and 'That All May
Understand." Also a brochure entitled, "It's Time to
Listen," developed by the National Council of Churches
in Christ Committee on Deaf Ministries has been made
avjdlable for distribution by annual conferences to all
churches.

Church School Publications produced Challenge:
Christian Perspectives on Social Issues, Vol. 6, Health,
which addresses concerns related to genetic science
and health (Calendar item 114).

Church School Publications developed the study
document. The Church Studies Homosexuality, in
response to the Report on the Study of Homosexuality
(Calendar item 190). This document includes a leader's
guide and participant's book.

A Committee on Older Adult Ministries has been
organized and meets annually (Calendar item 198) . The
Committee's recommendations are incorporated into
planning for training support and resource
development. Also, the Committee recommends a
process be developed for certifying church workers
with older adults.

Christian Home month has been celebrated during
the month of May (Calendar item 206) . The quadrennial
theme was "Living as Disciples in our Household."
Specific emphases for each year were: 1993-Nurturing
Christian Growth in the Home; 1994-Extending
Hospitality; 1995-Practicing Stewardship; and
1996-Growing in Love: Learning to Serve. Two new
resources were developed by Board staff: Family
Matters, a congregational planning guide, and Claiming
Our Time with God and Each Other, a family devotional
guide. Church School Publications produced three
resources to support this emphasis: "Parenting," in the

Lifesearch series; Stones of Promise, a video-based
resource celebrating the African-American family;
Invitation Parent Newsletter, to encourage and support
faith discussions and worship in the home.

Staff supported prison ministries through
participation on the Interagency Committee on Prison
Ministry/Prison Reform and the production of a prison
ministries study guide packet in 1995 (Calendar item
208).

A variety of new resources were developed to
support the emphasis on Strengthening the Small
Membership Church (Calendar item 209). Church
School Publications' New Invitation curriculum
introduced materials for the One Room Sunday School
and additional materials for after school programs,
vacation Bible school, and resources for Korean and
Spanish speakers in small membership churches. Staff
of the General Board of Discipleship produced a training
guide for small membership congregations using
Foundations: Shaping the Ministry of Christian
Education in Your Congregation; a videotape. Teaching
Children in the Small Membership Church; a series of
reproducible leaflets on Christian education in small
membership churches; Collaborating in Ministry:
Letters to Laity and Pastors of Smaller Churches; worship
and liturgy resources for use in small membership
churches; and articles related to the needs of small
membership congregations in Leader in the Church
School Today, Interpreter, Circuit Rider, and other
general Church publications. Certification for leaders in
small membership church education continued to be
revised and strengthened. The network of these lab
leaders met for recertification and renewal twice during
the quadrennium. A specific component for small
membership congregations was added to Vision 2000.
The worship staff is giving particular attention to the
music needs of smaller congregations, especially how to
discover, train, and utilize volunteer musicians. A staff
work team relating to pastors of small membership
churches was formed to gather data on and prepare
needed resources. In addition. Guidelines for Leading
Your Church: Administrative Council, 1993-1996
supports the organizational and ministry structure of
most small membership churches. Staff conducted
learning options, workshops, and consultations at
various events during the quadrennium.

Resources and materials to support ministry with
persons and families affected by AIDS/HIV have been
developed in cooperation with the Interagency Task
Force on AIDS (Calendar items 221 & 388). This task
force has recommended that The United Methodist
Church observe December 1 as World AIDS Day, as
established by the World Health Organization. The
General Board of Discipleship voted to support this
recommendation of the Interagency Task Force.
Church School Publications addressed the HIV/ Aids
health issue in Youth!, October, 1992, and "AIDS," in the
To The Point series.

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Education on alcohol and substance abuse
(Calendar item 413) has been addressed by working
with the United Methodist Publishing House in the
development of curriculum, Revival of Hope. Materials
and videotapes are provided for children, youth and
adults. Leadership training models have been created,
tested, and implemented across the Church
connectional system.

A series of referrals were made to the Board
concerning The United Methodist Hymnal (Calendar
item 428). Some wanted additional hymns included;
some wanted hymns or verses deleted; some objected
to language usage or changes. The worship staff
discussed these referrals with staff of the United
Methodist Publishing House. None of the
recommended changes were supported-some on the
basis of the content and some on the basis of the
technical and legal difficulties in changing the published
hymnal.

The development of Black leadership at all levels of
the Church (Calendar item 433) has been supported by
our staff work with funding efforts through the Ethnic
Local Church Concerns Committee. In addition, the
Ethnic Church Resource and Training project has
provided consultation and training support for Black
leadership training. Staff have participated in a number
of training events in congregations, districts and annual
conferences in order to address this concern for
leadership development.

A special committee supported by the Board and
the United Methodist Publishing House was
established to develop a Spanish language hymnal
(Calendar item 438). The hymnal. Mil Voces Para
Celebrar, has been produced and is being submitted to
the 1996 General Conference for approval.

By Water and the Spirit, a study guide on the Report
of the Baptism Study Committee, was made available to
congregations through Church School Publications
(Calendar item 515) . The Baptism Study Committee has
been facilitated by the processing of data from this
church wide study. The Board has provided staff
support for this work. The final report of the Baptism
Study Committee was reviewed by the Board in the fall
of 1995 and has been forwarded to the 1996 General
Conference for action.

Staff have supported the Special Days of the Church
with specific resources for Laity Sunday and Christian
Education Sunday and through training and
consultation (Calendar items 549 & 550) .

Two representatives (one voting member and one
staff person) from the Board have been full members of
the Committee on the Native American Comprehensive
Plan (Calendar item 570). The Committee has
developed a statement for submission to the 1996
General Conference. Native American history/culture
as related to church participation (Calendar item 571)
was addressed by staff as they served as speakers,

lecturers and worship leaders. They specifically
addressed the issue of Native American culture as it
impacts the church and church participation.

The National Hispanic Plan (Calendar item 581) has
been supported by the General Board of Discipleship
through resource development and training in
cooperation with the General Boards of Global
Ministries, Church and Society, and Higher Education
and Ministry. The Board has hosted a number of
consultations with the other program agencies and
Hispanic leaders to design three modules of the
Training Program for Lay Missioners and
Pastors/Mentors: the basic instrumental module, basic
knowledge module, and continuing education module.
The Board has assumed full responsibility for
production of Modules I and II in Spanish and English
language versions. The Board has developed continuing
education module workshops in the areas of
evangelism, stewardship, worship, family, youth,
HIV/AIDS ministry, and spiritual formation. New
resources have been developed: resources for church
school extension, a study guide to selected Psalms, lay
missioners directory and newsletter, youth ministry,
family ministry, a handbook on spiritual formation,
faith-sharing guides, evangelism planning handbooks,
mobilization and interpretation kit for annual
conferences, money management, worship planning
handbook, music for faith communities, the
Spanish-language hymnal, stewardship planning
handbook, and a resource for assisting non-Hispanic
congregations for Hispanic ministries. Other resources
include adaptations of Vision 2000, Foundations for
Christian Education, a resource on the Methodist class
meeting and another on civic youth serving agencies.
Church School Publications developed Aventuras, a new
bilingual (Spanish and English) resource for children,
ages three to eleven, with teacher book, full-color
student books, class pak, and audio cassette with music.

In collaboration with the National Coordinator and
the other program agencies, staff participated in the
training of a core group of national trainers who
provided leadership for six regional training events in
1995 and 1996. Staff have also supported Lay Missioner
training at Perkins School of Theology, the New York
Conference Hispanic School of Theology, and the
Southeastern Jurisdiction Hispanic Institute. In
addition, staff have interpreted the National Plan for
Hispanic Ministries. Staff have developed an
agency-wide committee to support the work of the
National Plan. Staff have hosted a Hispanic writers
conference in order to support the development of
additional resources.

In order to address the Rural Crisis: Special
Concern (Calendar item 583) , staff sent a representative
to the Rural Crisis and Violence meeting in Phoenix. A
resource for small membership churches has been
produced as a result of this meeting. Staff have
addressed this concern in workshops and in continuing

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225

education events for town and country congregational
leaders.

One staff person from the stewardship staff and one
from the evangelism staff have devoted a major portion
of their time to working with Black congregations and
developing special training settings to support
Resourcing Black Churches in Urban Communities
(Calendar item 584).

Basic rural worth has been affirmed by staff who
have led workshops, consultations and continuing
education events (Calendar item 590) . Collaborating in
Ministry by Herb Mather and Terrence Hayes also
addresses this issue.

Encouraging tent building ministries to help small
membership churches has been the work of the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministries. Staff have
supported their efforts in supporting the concept of
pastors who work part time (Calendar item 591).

Rural chaplaincy as a ministry to laity and clergy was
addressed by staff who have worked with the General
Board of Global Ministries to address this item
(Calendar item 632).

Higher Education training and scholarships
(Calendar item 699) is a concern of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry. This resolution has
been distributed to staff of the General Board of
Discipleship for information and action, when
appropriate.

The United Methodist Book of Worship has been
actively marketed and promoted (Calendar item 842).
Training events have been held to facilitate the use of
the book. It has been well received and accepted
throughout the denomination.

Vision 2000 has been accepted in over 40 annual
conferences (Calendar item 869) . Major launch events
have been held in these conferences. Many developed
follow-up training events. Some conferences are now
into their third and fourth years of involvement with
Vision 2000.

Making Evangelism the Number One Priority for
1993-1996 was referred to all of the general agencies
(Calendar item 870) . As is the case with most references
that have a broad reference without specific instruction,
most of the general agencies do not engage in the
specifics of an evangelism priority. The Board's
response in the area of evangelism has been detailed
above. This work, including several new resources,
indicates the additional emphasis given to evangelism
during the quadrennium.

The Upper Room held a Consultation on Spiritual
Direction in The United Methodist Church in February
1995 (Calendar item 871) . Its purpose was to explore the
role of spiritual direction in the Church today and to
begin offering support to those within The United
Methodist Church who are called to the ministry of

spiritual guidance. The consultation, which consisted of
a dialogue among twenty invited leaders, was followed
by a Conference on Spiritual Guidance in the Church in
November 1995. The conference, which was open to all,
focused on the United Methodist heritage of spiritual
guidance, the art of one-on-one direction and spiritual
guidance in the congregation.

Staff have worked to enlist and involve youth in the
life of the church (Calendar item 874). This item has
been addressed by workshops and plenary sessions at
Forum (youth leader training events in 1994 and 1996),
at Youth 95 (an international gathering for youth held in
1995) and in varieties of workshops at the
congregational, district, annual conference, and
jurisdictional levels. This concern is addressed in new
resources, Reality Check, Just the Facts: A Handbook for
United Methodist Youth Ministries, and in curriculum
resources.

The Upper Room is launching a new devotional
magazine for youth with the May/June 1996 issue
(Calendar item 877). Aimed at readers 13-18, it is
designed to help youth grow in faith and explore the
relevancy of the Christian faith for the issues they face
in their daily lives. The magazine, both youth-and
adult-written, contains daily but undated devotions
along with other features.

A Native American School of Evangelism was held
in 1994 with about 600 persons in attendance (Calendar
item 879).

Research projects, training, and resourcing for
Black Family Ministry Consultants who have been
identified and trained through the Black Family
Ministries Project all address the need for resource
development to assist churches in developing programs
of mentoring to strengthen African American family life
(Calendar item 890) . Staff have provided consultation
services. Print resources are being developed.

The Board's Committee on Ethnic Local Church
Concerns has supported the continuation of GCOM
Ethnic Local Church Concerns (Calendar item 970).
This Committee has continued its processes of funding
and evaluation cycles.

Christian education staff support Mission and
Aging of the Global Population (Calendar item 992). A
series of articles on global aging were written and
distributed to local congregations in 1996.

The Joint Committee on Congregational
Development (General Board of Discipleship and the
General Board of Global Ministries) provide training
and orientation to pastors of new congregations and
training for conference leaders in new congregational
development. Many annual conferences have developed
a set of strategies for new congregational development.
The two Boards continue to provide resources and
direction. Strategies and primary funding for the

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building of new churches essentially reside in the
annual conferences (Calendar item 994).

The Ethnic Church Resource and Training program
has provided Resources and Pastoral Support to
Cultivate Black Church Growth (Calendar item 1107).
Staff provide consultation teams who listen to the
concerns of participants. Specific training follows as
tactical teams respond with workshops and
consultations.

Continue to Support and Strengthen Ethnic
Minority Local Churches in the 1992-1996 quadrennium
(Calendar item 1115) has been accomplished through
the Ethnic Local Church Concerns funding cycle
process and through the Ethnic Church Resource and
Training program. Staff have provided varieties of
workshops, consultations, and referral services for
ethnic churches across the denomination.

Evaluation of the General Agencies Effectiveness in
Strengthening Black Churches from 1972-1993 has
been supported by staff participation on the GCOM
committee (Calendar items 1116 & 1413). The
committee will report to the General Conference.

Resources for congregational study of Native
American Culture and Traditions have been developed
(Calendar item 1411). Voices: Native American Hymns
and Worship, Vie Good Mind, and Flight of the Eagles
have been produced by Church School Publications.
These resources have been recommended and
supported by General Board of Discipleship staff.

Care Giving Teams for AIDS victims and families in
churches (Calendar item 1527) has been addressed by
the creation of a data bank which has supplied data to
leaders in congregations. Videotapes that depict the
diversity of people with AIDS are promoted. Resources
are provided for those inquiring about information and
education about HIV/AIDS.

The impacts of environmental racism (Calendar
item 1528) are recognized by the Board's staff. When
pertinent, staff provide information and consultation
related to appropriate action by congregations, districts,
or annual conference.

Literacy, the Right to Learn: A Basic Human Right
(Calendar item 1538) has been addressed by the
development of a file of resources on literacy and ways
churches can start literacy programs. Materials are
supplied to those requesting them. This issue is
addressed in workshops and speeches dealing with
justice issues needing to be addressed by the church.

The concern related to accessibility of handicapped
persons to parsonages and churches has been written
into the Guidelines for Leading Your Church: Trustees
(Calendar item 1549) . This is the resource prepared at
the beginning of each quadrennium for persons serving
as local church trustees.

The Church's Response to Changing Rural Issues
(Calendar item 1554) has been addressed by leadership
in workshops and training events for leaders in small
membership churches. A national convocation on this
issue is being considered.

Membership in Clubs or Organizations Practicing
Exclusiveness (Calendar item 1561) has been
addressed by providing a study guide, "When Hate
Groups Come to Town," as requested. This issue is
addressed in presentations and workshops dealing with
justice issues and the church.

The concern related to local church annual
accessibility audit has been written into the Guidelines
for Leading Your Church: Trustees (Calendar item;
1731).

Call to Bishops to Undergird Cooperative Parish
Ministries (Calendar item 1732) has been addressed by
the officers of the Small Membership Church Task
Force meeting with a committee of the Council of
Bishops. This issue formed a great deal of the
fi-amework of that conversation with the Bishops.

Recruitment and Development of a Plan for local
Black pastors has been addressed by staff as they
support the work of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry in their efforts to recruit and
provide resources for Black pastors (Calendar item
1855).

Conclusion

The General Board of Discipleship has responded
to God's call for service. Thf Hoard has responded to
the directives of the General Conference. The Board has
communicated the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Board
pledges that it will continue in this discipleship and
service.

The Board believes that the spirit and power of God
is resident in United Methodist members and
congregations. This power must be released,
transformed and transmitted. Through the remainder of
this decade, it is the intention of the Board to thoroughly
explore and respond to the potential for transforming
leadership and congregational ministries. It is the
sincere hope of the Board that this decade will see
throughout The United Methodist Church a major
outpouring of interest in and energy for a ministry that,
on the one hand, will transform the Church itself and,
on the other hand, will transform the world which it

David J. Lawson, President

Ezra Earl Jones, General Secretary

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227

By Water and the Spirit:
A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism

A Report of the Baptism Study Committee

Petition Number: 21464-DI-NonDis-O; GBOD

Contemporary United Methodism is attempting to
recover and revitalize its understanding of baptism. To
do this, we must look to our heritage as Methodists and
Evangelical United Brethren and, indeed, to the
foundations of Christian tradition. Throughout our
history, baptism has been viewed in diverse and even
contradictory ways. An enriched understanding of
baptism, restoring the Wesleyan blend of sacramental
and evangelical aspects, will enable United Methodists
to participate in the sacrament with renewed
appreciation for this gift of God's grace.

Within the Methodist tradition, baptism has long
been a subject of much concern, even controversy. John
Wesley retained the sacramental theology which he
received from his Anglican heritage. He taught that in
baptism a child was cleansed of the guilt of original sin,
initiated into the covenant with God, admitted into the
church, made an heir of the divine kingdom, and
spiritually born anew. He said that while baptism was
neither essential to nor sufficient for salvation, it was the
"ordinary means" that God designated for applying the
benefits of the work of Christ in human lives.

On the other hand, although he affirmed the
regenerating grace of infant baptism, he also insisted
upon the necessity of adult conversion for those who
have fallen from grace. A person who matures into moral
accountability must respond to God's grace in
repentance and faith. Without personal decision and
commitment to Christ, the baptismal gift is rendered
ineffective.

Baptism for Wesley, therefore, was a part of the
lifelong process of salvation. He saw spiritual rebirth as
a twofold experience in the normal process of Christian
development — to be received through baptism in
infancy and through commitment to Christ later in life.
Salvation included both God's initiating activity of grace
and a willing human response.

In its development in the United States, Methodism
was unable to maintain this Wesleyan balance of
sacramental and evangelical emphases. Access to the
sacraments was limited during the late eighteenth and
early nineteenth centuries when the Methodist
movement was largely under the leadership of
laypersons who were not authorized to administer them.
On the American frontier where human ability and
action were stressed, the revivalistic call for individual
decision-making, though important, was subject to

exaggeration. The sacramental teachings of Wesley
tended to be ignored. In this setting, while infant
baptism continued not only to be practiced, but also to
be vigorously defended, its significance became
weakened and ambiguous.

Later toward the end of the nineteenth century, the
theological views of much of Methodism were
influenced by a new set of ideas which had become
dominant in American culture. These ideas included
optimism about the progressive improvement of
humankind and confidence in the social benefits of
scientific discovery, technology, and education.
Assumptions of original sin gave way before the
assertion that human nature was essentially unspoiled.
In this intellectual milieu, the old evangelical insistence
upon conversion and spiritual rebirth seemed quaint
and unnecessary.

Thus the creative Wesleyan synthesis of
sacramentalism and evangelicalism was torn asunder
and both its elements devalued. As a result, infant
baptism was variously interpreted and often reduced to
a ceremony of dedication. Adult baptism was sometimes
interpreted as a profession of faith and public
acknowledgment of God's grace, but was more often
viewed simply as an act of joining the church. By the
middle of the twentieth century, Methodism in general
had ceased to understand baptism as authentically
sacramental. Rather than an act of divine grace, it was
seen as an expression of human choice.

Baptism was also a subject of concern and
controversy in the Evangelical and United Brethren
traditions that were brought together in 1946 in The
Evangelical United Brethren Church. Their early
pietistic revivalism, based upon belief in the availability
of divine grace and the freedom of human choice,
emphasized bringing people to salvation through
Christian experience. In the late nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, both Evangelical and United
Brethren theologians stressed the importance of
baptism as integral to the proclamation of the gospel, as
a rite initiating persons into the covenant community
(paralleling circumcision) , and as a sign of the new birth,
that gracious divine act by which persons are redeemed
from sin and reconciled to God. The former Evangelical
Church consistentiy favored the baptism of infants. The
United Brethren provided for the baptism of both infants
and adults. Following the union of 1946, The Evangelical
United Brethren Church adopted a ritual that included
services of baptism for infants and adults, and also a
newly created service for the dedication of infants that

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had little precedent in official rituals of either of the
former churches.

The 1960-64 revision of The Methodist Hymnal,
including rituals, gave denominational leaders an
opportunity to begin to recover the sacramental nature
of baptism in contemporary Methodism. The General
Commission on Worship sounded this note quite
explicitly in its introduction to the new ritual in 1964:

In revising the Order for the Administration of
Baptism, the Commission on Worship has endeavored to
keep in mind that baptism is a sacrament, and to restore
it to the Evangelical-Methodist concept set forth in our
Articles of Religion.. ..Due recognition was taken of the
critical reexamination of the theology of the Sacrament of
Baptism which is currently taking place in ecumenical
circles, and of its theological content and implications.

The commission provided a brief historical
perspective demonstrating that the understanding of
baptism as a sacrament had been weakened, if not
discarded altogether, over the years. Many in the
Church regarded baptism, both of infants and adults, as
a dedication rather than as a sacrament. The
commission pointed out that in a dedication we make a
gift of a life to God for God to accept, while in a sacrament
God offers the gift of God's unfailing grace for us to
accept. The 1964 revision of the ritual of the sacrament
of baptism began to restore the rite to its original and
historic meaning as a sacrament.

In the 1989 The United Methodist Hymnal, the
Services of the Baptismal Covenant I, II and IV (taken
from the 1984 official ritual of the denomination as
printed in The Book of Services) continue this effort to
reemphasize the historic significance of baptism. These
rituals, in accenting the reality of sin and of
regeneration, the initiating of divine grace and the
necessity of repentance and faith, are consistent with the
Wesleyan combination of sacramentalism and
evangelicalism.

United Methodism is not alone in the need to
recover the significance of baptism nor in its work to do
so. Other Christian communions are also reclaiming the
importance of this sacrament for Christian faith and life.
To reach the core of the meaning and practice of
baptism, all have found themselves led back through the
life of the church to the Apostolic Age. An ecumenical
convergence has emerged from this effort, as can be
seen in the widely acclaimed document. Baptism,
Eucharist, and Ministry (1982) .

Established by the General Conference of 1988 and
authorized to continue its work by the General
Conference of 1992, the Committee to Study Baptism is
participating in this process by offering a theological and
functional understanding of baptism as embodied in the
ritual of The United Methodist Church. In so doing, the
broad spectrum of resources of Scripture, Christian
tradition, and the Methodist-Evangelical United

Brethren experience has been taken into account. The
growing ecumenical consensus has assisted us in our
thinking.

We Are Saved by God's Grace

The Human Condition. As told in the first chapters
of Genesis, in creation God made human beings in the
image of God — a relationship of intimacy, dependence,
and trust. We are open to the indwelling presence of God
and given freedom to work with God to accomplish the
divine will and purpose for all of creation and history. To
be human as God intended is to have loving fellowship
with God and to reflect the divine nature in our lives as
fully as possible.

Tragically, as Genesis 3 recounts, we are unfaithful
to that relationship. The result is a thorough distortion
of the image of God in us and the degrading of the whole
of creation. Through prideful overreach or denial of our
God-given responsibilities, we exalt our own will, invent
our own values, and rebel against God. Our very being
is dominated by an inherent inclination toward evU
which has traditionally been called original sin. It is a
universal human condition and affects all aspects of life.
Because of our condition of sin, we are separated fi^om
God, alienated from one another, hostile to the natural
world, and even at odds with our own best selves. Sin
may be expressed as errant priorities, as deliberate
wrongdoing, as apathy in the face of need, as
cooperation with oppression and injustice. Evil is cosmic
as well as personal; it afflicts both individuals and the
institutions of our human society. The nature of sin is
represented in Baptismal Covenants I, II and IV in The
United Methodist Hymnal by the phrases "the spiritual
forces of wickedness" and "the evil powers of this
world," as well as "your sin." Before God all persons are
lost, helpless to save themselves, and in need of divine
mercy and forgiveness.

The Divine Initiative of Grace. While we have
turned from God, God has not abandoned us. Instead,
God graciously and continuously seeks to restore us to
that loving relationship for which we were created, to
make us into the persons that God would have us be. To
this end God acts preveniently, that is, before we are
aware of it, reaching out to save humankind. The Old
Testament records the story of God's acts in the history
of the covenant community of Israel to work out the
divine will and purpose. In the New Testament story, we
learn that God came into this sinful world in the person
of Jesus Christ to reveal all that the human mind can
comprehend about who God is and who God would have
us be. Through Christ's death and resurrection, the
power of sin and death was overcome and we are set free
to again be God's own people (1 Peter 2:9) . Since God is
the only initiator and source of grace, all grace is
prevenient in that it precedes and enables any
movement that we can make toward God. Grace brings
us to an awareness of our sinful predicament and of our

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229

inability to save ourselves; grace motivates us to
repentance and gives us the capacity to respond to
divine love. In the words of the baptismal ritual: "All this
is God's gift, offered to us without price" {The United
Methodist Hymnal, page 33) .

The Necessity of Faith for Salvation. Faith is both a
gift of God and a human response to God. It is the ability
and willingness to say "yes" to the divine offer of
salvation. Faith is our awareness of our utter
dependence upon God, the surrender of our selfish
wills, the trusting reliance upon divine mercy. The
candidate for baptism answers "I do" to the question "Do
you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole
trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your
Lord...?" (The United Methodist Hymnal, page 34). Our
personal response of faith requires conversion in which
we turn away from sin and turn instead to God. It entails
a decision to commit our lives to the Lxjrdship of Christ,
an acceptance of the forgiveness of our sins, the death
of our old selves, an entering into a new life of the
Spirit — being bom again Qohn 3:3-5, 2 Corinthians
5: 17) . All persons do not experience this spiritual rebirth
in the same way. For some, there is a singular, radical
moment of conversion. For others, conversion may be
experienced as the dawning and growing realization
that one has been constantly loved by God and has a
personal reliance upon Christ. John Wesley described
his own experience by saying, "I felt my heart strangely
warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for
salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had
taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the
law of sin and death."

The Means by Which God's Grace
Comes to Us

Divine grace is made available and effective in
human lives through a variety of means or "channels,"
as Wesley called them. While God is radically free to
work in many ways, the church has been given by God
the special responsibility and privilege of being the Body
of Christ which carries forth God's purpose of
redeeming the world. Wesley recognized the church
itself as a means of grace — a grace-filled and
grace-sharing community of faithful people. United
Methodism shares with other Protestant communions
the understanding that the proclamation of the Word
through preaching, teaching, and the life of the church
is a primary means of God's grace. The origin and rapid
growth of Methodism as a revival movement occurred
largely through the medium of the proclaimed Gospel.
John Wesley also emphasized the importance of prayer,
fasting, Bible study, and meetings of persons for support
and sharing.

Because God has created and is creating all that is,
physical objects of creation can become the bearers of
divine presence, power, and meaning, and thus become
sacramental means of God's grace. Sacraments are

effective means of God's presence mediated through the
created world. God becoming incarnate in Jesus Christ
is the supreme instance of this kind of divine action.
Wesley viewed the sacraments as crucial means of grace
and affirmed the Anglican teaching that "a sacrament is
an outward sign of inward grace, and a means whereby
we receive the same.'" Combining words, actions, and
physical elements, sacraments are sign-acts which both
express and convey God's grace and love. Baptism and
the Lord's Supper are sacraments that were instituted
or commanded by Christ in the Gospels.

United Methodists believe that these sign-acts are
special means of grace. The ritual action of a sacrament
does not merely point to God's presence in the world,
but also participates in it and becomes a vehicle for
conveying that reality. God's presence in the sacraments
is real, but it must be accepted by human faith if it is to
transform human lives. The sacraments do not convey
grace either magically or irrevocably, but they are
powerful channels through which God has chosen to
make grace available to us. Wesley identified baptism as
the initiatory sacrament by which we enter into the
covenant with God and are admitted as members of
Christ's church. He understood the Lord's Supper as
nourishing and empowering the lives of Christians and
strongly advocated frequent participation in it. The
Wesleyan tradition has continued to practice and
cherish the various means through which divine grace
is made present to us.

Baptism and the Life of Faith

The New Testament records that Jesus was
baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17), and he
commanded his disciples to baptize and teach in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew
28:19). Baptism is grounded in the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ; the grace which baptism
makes available is that of the atonement of Christ which
makes possible our reconciliation with God. Baptism
involves dying to sin, newness of life, union with Christ,
receiving the Holy Spirit, and incorporation into Christ's
church. United Methodists affirm this understanding in
their official documents of faith. Article XVII of the
Articles of Religion (Methodist) calls baptism "a sign of
regeneration or the new birth"; the Confession of Faith
(EUB) states that baptism is "a representation of the
new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian
discipleship."

77je Baptismal Covenant. In both the Old and New
Testament, God enters into covenant relationship with
God's people. A covenant involves promises and
responsibilities of both parties; it is instituted through a
special ceremony and expressed by a distinguishing
sign. By covenant God constituted a servant community
of the people of Israel, promising to be their God and
giving them the Law to make clear how they were to live.
The circumcision of male infants is the sign of this

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covenant (Genesis 17:1-14, Exodus 24:1-12). In the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God fulfilled the
prophecy of a new covenant and called forth the church
as a servant community Qeremiah 31:31-34, 1
Corinthians 11:23-26) . The baptism of infants and adults,
both male and female, is the sign of this covenant.

Therefore, United Methodists identify our ritual for
baptism as 'The Services of the Baptismal Covenant"
(The United Methodist Hymnal, pages 32-54). In baptism
the Church declares that it is bound in covenant to God;
through baptism new persons are initiated into that
covenant The covenant connects God, the community
of faith, and the person being baptized; all three are
essential to the fulfillment of the baptismal covenant.
The faithful grace of God initiates the covenant
relationship and enables the community and the person
to respond with faith.

Baptism by Water and the Holy Spirit. Through the
work of the Holy Spirit — the continuing presence of
Christ on earth — the church is instituted to be the
community of the new covenant. Within this
community, baptism is by water and the Spirit Gohn 3:5,
Acts 2:38) . In God's work of salvation, the mystery of
Christ's death and resurrection is inseparably linked
with the gift of the Holy Spirit given on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2). Likewise, participation in Christ's
death and resurrection is inseparably linked with
receiving the Spirit (Romans 6:1-11, 8:9-14). The Holy
Spirit who is the power of creation (Genesis 1:2) is also
the giver of new life. Working in the lives of people
before, during, and after their baptisms, the Spirit is the
effective agent of salvation. God bestows upon baptized
persons the presence of the Holy Spirit, marks them
with an identifying seal as God's own, and implants in
their hearts the first installment of their inheritance as
sons and daughters of God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). It is
through the Spirit that the life of faith is nourished until
the final deliverance when they will enter into the
fullness of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Since the Apostolic Age, baptism by water and
baptism of the Holy Spirit have been connected (Acts
9:17). Christians are baptized with both, sometimes by
different sign-actions. Water is administered in the
name of the triune God (specified in the ritual as Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit) by an authorized person, and the
Holy Spirit is invoked with the laying on of hands in the
presence of the congregation. Water provides the
central symbolism for baptism. The richness of its
meaning for the Christian community is suggested in
the baptismal liturgy which speaks of the waters of
creation and the flood, the liberation of God's people by
passage through the sea, the gift of water in the
wilderness, and the passage through the Jordan River
to the promised land. In baptism we identify ourselves
with this people of God and join the community's
journey toward God. The use of water in baptism also
symbolizes cleansing from sin, death to old life, and
rising to begin new life in Christ. In United Methodist

tradition, the water of baptism may be administered by
sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. However it is
administered, water should be utilized with enough
generosity to enhance our appreciation of its symbolic
meanings.

The baptismal liturgy includes the biblical symbol
of the anointing with the Holy Spirit — the laying on of
hands with the optional use of oil. This anointing
promises to the baptized person the power to live
faithfully the kind of life that water baptism signifies. In
the early centuries of the church, the laying on of hands
usually followed immediately upon administration of the
water and completed the ritual of membership.
Because the laying on of hands was, in the Western
Church, an act to be performed only by a bishop, it was
later separated from water baptism and came to be
called confirmation. (See page 233.) In confirmation the
Holy Spirit marked the baptized person as God's own
and strengthened him or her for discipleship. In the
worship life of the early church, the water and the
anointing led directly to the celebration of the Lord's
Supper as part of the service of initiation, regardless of
the age of the baptized. The current rituals of the
Baptismal Covenant rejoin these three elements into a
unified service. Together these symbols point to,
anticipate, and offer participation in the life of the
community of faith as it embodies God's presence in the
world.

Baptism as Incorporation into the Body of Christ.
Christ constitutes the church as his Body by the power
of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) . The church
draws new persons into itself as it seeks to remain
faithful to its commission to proclaim and exemplify the
Gospel. Baptism is the sacrament of initiation and
incorporation into the Body of Christ. An infant, child,
or adult who is baptized becomes a member of the
catholic (universal) church, of the denomination, and of
the local congregation. (See page 233.) Therefore,
baptism is a rite of the whole church, which ordinarily
requires the participation of the gathered, worshiping
congregation. In a series of promises within the liturgy
of baptism, the community affirms its own faith and
pledges to act as spiritual mentor and support for the
one who is baptized. Baptism is not merely an
individualistic, private, or domestic occasion. When
unusual but legitimate circumstances prevent a baptism
from taking place in the midst of the gathered
community during its regular worship, every effort
should be made to assemble representatives of the
congregation to participate in the celebration. Later, the
baptism should be recognized in the public assembly of
worship in order that the congregation may make its
appropriate affirmations of commitment and
responsibility.

Baptism brings us into union with Christ, with each
other, and with the church in every time and place.
Through this sign and seal of our common discipleship,
our equality in Christ is made manifest (Galatians

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3:27-28) . We affirm that there is one baptism into Christ,
celebrated as our basic bond of unity in the many
communions that make up the Body of Christ
(Ephesians 4:4-6) . The power of the Spirit in baptism
does not depend upon the mode by which water is
administered, the age or psychological disposition of the
baptized person, or the character of the minister. It is
God's grace that makes the sacrament whole. One
baptism calls the various churches to overcome their
divisions and visibly manifest their unity. Our oneness
in Christ calls for mutual recognition of baptism in these
communions as a means of expressing the unity that
Christ intends (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

Baptism as Forgiveness of Sin. In baptism God offers
and we accept the forgiveness of our sin (Acts 2:38).
With the pardoning of sin which has separated us from
God, we are justified-freed from the guilt and penalty of
sin and restored to right relationship with God. This
reconciliation is made possible through the atonement
of Christ and made real in our lives by the work of the
Holy Spirit. We respond by confessing and repenting of
our sin, and affirming our faith that Jesus Christ has
accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation.
Faith is the necessary condition for justification; in
baptism, that faith is professed. God's forgiveness
makes possible the renewal of our spiritual lives and our
becoming new beings in Christ.

Baptism as New Life. Baptism is the sacramental
sign of new life through and in Christ by the power of
the Holy Spirit. Variously identified as regeneration,
new birth, and being born again, this work of grace
makes us into new spiritual creatures (2 Corinthians
5:17). We die to our old nature which was dominated by
sin and enter into the very life of Christ who transforms
us. Baptism is the means of entry into new life in Christ
Gohn 3:5; Titus 3:5), but new birth may not always
coincide with the moment of the administration of water
or the lajdng on of hands. Our awareness and
acceptance of our redemption by Christ and new life in
him may vary throughout our lives. But, in whatever way
the reality of the new birth is experienced, it carries out
the promises God made to us in our baptism.

Baptism and Holy Living. New birth into life in
Christ, which is signified by baptism, is the beginning
of that process of growth in grace and holiness through
which God brings us into closer relationship with Jesus
Christ, and shapes our lives increasingly into conformity
with the divine will. Sancttfication is a gift of the gracious
presence of the Holy Spirit, a yielding to the Spirit's
power, a deepening of our love for God and neighbor.
Holiness of heart and life, in the Wesleyan tradition,
always involves both personal and social holiness.

Baptism is the doorway to the sanctified life. The
sacrament teaches us to live in the expectation of further
gifts of God's grace. It initiates us into a community of
faith that prays for holiness; it calls us to life lived in
faithfulness to God's gift. Baptized believers and the
community of faith are obligated to manifest to the world

the new redeemed humanity which lives in loving
relationship m\h God and strives to put an end to all
human estrangements. There are no conditions of
human life (including age or intellectual ability, race or
nationality, gender or sexual identity, class or
handicapping conditions) that exclude persons from the
sacrament of baptism. We strive for and look forward to
the reign of God on earth, of which baptism is a sign.
Baptism is fulfilled only when the believer and the
church are wholly conformed to the image of Christ.

Baptism as God's Gift to Persons of Any Age. There
is one baptism as there is one source of salvation — the
gracious love of God. The baptizing of a person, whether
as an infant or an adult, is a sign of God's saving grace.
That grace — experienced by us as initiating, enabling,
and empowering — is the same for all persons. All stand
in need of it and none can be saved without it. The
difference between the baptism of adults and that of
infants is that the Christian faith is consciously being
professed by an adult who is baptized. A baptized infant
comes to profess her or his faith later in life, after having
been nurtured and taught by parent(s) or other
responsible adults and the community of faith. Infant
baptism is the prevailing practice in situations where
children are born to believing parents and brought up
in Christian homes and communities of faith. Adult
baptism is the norm when the church is in a missionary
situation, reaching out to persons in a culture which is
indifferent or hostile to the faith. While the baptism of
infants is appropriate for Christian families, the
increasingly minority status of the church in
contemporary society demands more attention to
evangelizing, nurturing, and baptizing adult converts.

Infant baptism has been the historic practice of the
overwhelming majority of the church throughout the
Christian centuries. While the New Testament contains
no explicit mandate, there is ample evidence for the
baptism of infants in Scripture (Acts 2:38-41, 16:15,33)
and in early Christian doctrine and practice. Infant
baptism rests firmly on the understanding that God
prepares the way of faith before we request or even
know that we need help (prevenient grace). The
sacrament is a powerful expression of the reality that all
persons come before God as no more than helpless
infants, unable to do anything to save ourselves,
dependent upon the grace of our loving God. The
faithful covenant community of the church serves as a
means of grace for those whose lives are impacted by its
ministry. Through the church, God claims infants as
well as adults to be participants in the gracious covenant
of which baptism is the sign. This understanding of the
workings of divine grace also applies to persons who for
reasons of handicapping conditions or other limitations
are unable to answer for themselves the questions of the
baptismal ritual. While we may not be able to
comprehend how God works in their lives, our faith
teaches us that God's grace is sufficient for their needs
and, thus, they are appropriate recipients of baptism.

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The church affirms that children being bom into the
brokenness of the world should receive the cleansing
and renevwng forgiveness of God no less than adults.
The saving grace made available through Christ's
atonement is the only hope of salvation for persons of
any age. In baptism infants enter into a new life in Christ
as children of God and members of the Body of Christ.
The baptism of an infant incorporates him or her into
the community of faith and nurture, including
membership in the local church.

The baptism of infants is properly understood and
valued if the child is loved and nurtured by the faithful
worshiping church and by the child's own family. H a
parent or sponsor (godparent) cannot orwill not nurture
the child in the faith, then baptism is to be postponed
until Christian nurture is available. A child who dies
without being baptized is received into the love and
presence of God because the Spirit has worked in that
child to bestow saving grace. If a child has been baptized
but her or his family or sponsors do not faithfully nurture
the child in the faith, the congregation has a particular
responsibility for incorporating the child into its life.

Understanding the practice as an authentic
expression of how God works in our lives. The United
Methodist Church strongly advocates the baptism of
infants within the faith community: "Because the
redeeming love of God, revealed in Jesus Christ,
extends to all persons and because Jesus explicitly
included the children in his kingdom, the pastor of each
charge shall earnestly exhort all Christian parents or
guardians to present their children to the Lord in
Baptism at an early age" (1992 Book of Discipline, ^ 221) .
We affirm that while thanksgiving to God and dedication
of parents to the task of Christian child-raising are
aspects of infant baptism, the sacrament is primarily a
gift of divine grace. Neither parents nor infants are the
chief actors; baptism is an act of God in and through the
church.

We respect the sincerity of parents who choose not
to have their infants baptized, but we acknowledge that
these views do not coincide with the Wesleyan
understanding of the nature of the sacrament. The
United Methodist Church does not accept either the
idea that only believer's baptism is valid or the notion
that the baptism of infants magically imparts salvation
apart from active personal faith. Pastors are instructed
by The Book of Discipline to explain our teaching clearly
on these matters, so that parent(s) or sponsors might be
free of misunderstandings.

The United Methodist Book of Worship contains "An
Order of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of tiie
Child" (pages 585-87), which may be recommended in
situations where baptism is inappropriate, but parents
wish to take responsibility publicly for the growth of the
child in faith. It should be made clear that this rite is in
no way equivalent to or a substitute for baptism. Neither
is it an act of infant dedication. If the infant has not been

baptized, the sacrament should be administered as soon
as possible after the Order of Thanksgiving.

God's Faithfulness to the Baptismal Covenant. Since
baptism is primarily an act of God in the church, the
sacrament is to be received by an individual only once.
This position is in accord with the historic teaching of
the church universal, originating as early as the second
century and having been recentiy reaffirmed
ecumenically in Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry.

The claim that baptism is unrepeatable rests on the
steadfast faithfulness of God. God's initiative establishes
the covenant of grace into which we are incorporated in
baptism. By misusing our God-given freedom, we may
live in neglect or defiance of that covenant, but we
cannot destroy God's love for us. When we repent and
return to God, the covenant does not need to be remade,
because God has always remained faithful to it. What is
needed is renewal of our commitment and reaffirmation
of our side of the covenant.

God's gift of grace in the baptismal covenant does
not save us apart from our human response of faith.
Baptized persons may have many significant spiritual
experiences, which they will desire to celebrate publicly
in the worship life of the church. Such experiences may
include defining moments of conversion, repentance of
sin, gifts of the Spirit, deepening of commitment,
changes in Christian vocation, important transitions in
the life of discipleship. These occasions call not for
repetition of baptism, but for reaffirmations of baptismal
vows as a witness to the good news that while we may
be unfaithful, God is not. Appropriate services for such
events would be "Confirmation or Reaffirmation of
Faith" (see Baptismal Covenant I in The United
Methodist Hymnal) or "A Celebration of New
Beginnings in Faith" {The United Methodist Book of
Wors/z?/), pages 588-90).

Nurturing Persons in the Life of Faith. If persons are
to be enabled to live faithfully the human side of the
baptismal covenant, Christian nurture is essential.
Christian nurture builds on baptism and is itself a means
of grace. For infant baptism, an early step is instruction
prior to baptism of parent(s) or sponsors in the Gospel
message, the meaning of the sacrament, and the
responsibilities of a Christian home. The pastor has
specific responsibility for this step {The Book of
Discipline, % 439. l.b.). Adults who are candidates for
baptism need careful preparation for receiving this gift
of grace and living out its meaning {The Book of
Discipline, ^216.1.).

After baptism, the faithful church provides the
nurture which makes possible a comprehensive and
lifelong process of growing in grace. The content of this
nurturing will be appropriate to the stages of life and
maturity of faith of individuals. Christian nurture
includes both cognitive learning and spiritual formation.
A crucial goal is the bringing of persons to recognition
of their need for salvation and their acceptance of God's

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233

gift in Jesus Christ. Those experiencing conversion and
commitment to Christ are to profess their faith in a
public ritual. They will need to be guided and supported
throughout their lives of discipleship. Through its
worship life, its Christian education programs, its
spiritual growth emphases, its social action and mission,
its examples of Christian discipleship, and its offering of
the various means of grace, the church strives to shape
persons into the image of Christ. Such nurturing
enables Christians to live out the transforming potential
of the grace of their baptism.

Profession of Christian Faith and Confirmation. The
Christian life is a djmamic process of change and
growth, marked at various points by celebrations in
rituals of the saving grace of Christ. The Holy Spirit
works in the lives of persons prior to their baptism, is at
work in their baptism, and continues to work in their
lives after their baptism. When persons recognize and
accept this activity of the Holy Spirit, they respond with
renewed faith and commitment.

In the early church, baptism, the laying on of hands,
and eucharist were a unified rite of initiation and new
birth for Christians of all ages. During the Middle Ages
in Western Europe, confirmation was separated from
baptism in both time and theology. A misunderstanding
developed of confirmation as completing baptism, with
emphasis upon human vows and initiation into church
membership. John Wesley did not recommend
confirmation to his preachers or to the new Methodist
church in America. Since 1964 in the former Methodist
Church, the first public profession of faith for those
baptized as infants has been called Confirmation. In the
former Evangelical United Brethren Church, there was
no such rite until union with The Methodist Church in
1968. With the restoration of confirmation-as the laying
on of hands-to the current baptismal ritual, it should be
emphasized that confirmation is what the Holy Spirit
does. Confirmation is a divine action, the work of the
Spirit empowering a person "born through water and
the Spirit" to "live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ."

An adult or youth preparing for baptism should be
carefully instructed in its life-transforming significance
and responsibilities. Such a person professes in the
sacrament of baptism his or her faith in Jesus Christ and
commitment to discipleship, is offered the gift of
assurance, and is confirmed by the power of the Holy
Spirit (see Baptismal Covenant I, sections 4, 11, and 12).
No separate ritual of confirmation is needed for the
believing person.

An infant who is baptized cannot make a personal
profession of faith as a part of the sacrament. Therefore,
as the young person is nurtured and matures so as to be
able to respond to God's grace, conscious faith and
intentional commitment are necessary. Such a person
must come to claim the faith of the church proclaimed
in baptism as her or his own faith. Deliberate
preparation for this event focuses on the young person's

self-understanding and appropriation of Christian
doctrines, spiritual disciplines, and life of discipleship.
It is a special time for experiencing divine grace and for
consciously embracing one's Christian vocation as a
part of the priesthood of all believers. Youth who were
not baptized as infants share in the same period of
preparation for profession of Christian faith. For them,
it is nurture for baptism, for becoming members of the
church, and for confirmation.

When persons who were baptized as infants are
ready to profess their Christian faith, they participate in
the service which United Methodism now calls
Confirmation. This occasion is not an entrance into
church membership, for this was accomplished through
baptism. It is the first public affirmation of the grace of
God in one's baptism and the acknowledgment of one's
acceptance of that grace by faith. This moment includes
all the elements of conversion-repentance of sin,
surrender and death of self, trust in the saving grace of
God, new life in Christ, and becoming an instrument of
God's purpose in the world. The profession of Christian
faith, to be celebrated in the midst of the worshiping
congregation, should include the voicing of baptismal
vows as a witness to faith and the opportunity to give
testimony to personal Christian experience.

Confirmation follows profession of the Christian
faith as part of the same service. Confirmation is a
dynamic action of the Holy Spirit that can be repeated.
In confirmation the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is
invoked to provide the one being confirmed with the
power to live in the faith that he or she has professed.
The basic meaning of confirmation is strengthening and
making firm in Christian faith and life. The ritual action
in confirmation is the laying on of hands as the sign of
God's continuing gift of the grace of Pentecost.
Historically, the person being confirmed was also
anointed on the forehead with oil in the shape of a cross
as a mark of the Spirit's work. The ritual of the baptismal
covenant included in The United Methodist Hymnal
makes clear that the first and primary confirming act of
the Holy Spirit is in connection with and immediately
follows baptism.

When a baptized person has professed her or his
Christian faith and has been confirmed, that person
enters more fully into the responsibilities and privileges
of membership in the church. Just as infants are
members of their human families, but are unable to
participate in all aspects of family life, so baptized infants
are members of the church-the family of faith-but are not
yet capable of sharing everything involved in
membership. For this reason, statistics of church
membership are counts of professed/confirmed
members rather than of all baptized members.

Reaffirmation of One's Profession of Christian Faith.
The life of faith which baptized persons live is like a
pilgrimage or journey. On this lifelong journey there are
many challenges, changes, and chances. We engage
life's experiences on our journey of faith as a part of the

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redeeming and sanctifying Body of Christ. Ongoing
Christian nurture teaches, shapes, and strengthens us
to live ever more faithfully as we are open to the Spirit's
revealing more and more of the way and will of God. As
our appreciation of the good news of Jesus Christ
deepens and our commitment to Christ's service
becomes more profound, we seek occasions to
celebrate. Like God's people through the ages, all
Christians need to participate in acts of renewal within
the covenant community. Such an opportunity is offered
in every occasion of baptism when the congregation
remembers and affirms the gracious work of God which
baptism celebrates. Baptismal Covenant IV in The
United Methodist Hymnal is a powerful ritual of
reaffirmation which uses water in ways that remind us
of our baptism. The historic "Covenant Renewal
Service" and "Love Feast" can also be used for this
purpose {The United Methodist Book of Worship, pages
288-94 and 581-84). Reaffirmation of faith is a human
response to God's grace and therefore maybe repeated
at many points in our faith journey.

Baptism in Relation to Other Rites
of the Chiu-ch

The grace of God which claims us in our baptism is
made available to us in many other ways and, especially,
through other rites of the church.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion or
the Eucharist). Through baptism, persons are initiated
into the church; by the Lord's Supper, the church is
sustained in the life of faith. The Services of the
Baptismal Covenant appropriately conclude with Holy
Communion, through which the union of the new
member with the Body of Christ is most fully expressed.
Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which the
community of faith, in the simple act of eating bread and
drinking wine, proclaims and participates in all that God
has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us in
Christ In celebrating the Eucharist, we remember the
grace given to us in our baptism and partake of the
spiritual food necessary for sustaining and fulfilling the
promises of salvation. Because the table at which we
gather belongs to the Lord, it should be open to all who
respond to Christ's love, regardless of age or church
membership. The Wesleyan tradition has always
recognized that Holy Communion may be an occasion
for the reception of converting, justifying, and
sanctifying grace. Unbaptized persons who receive
communion should be counseled and nurtured toward
baptism as soon as possible.

Baptism and Christian Ministry. Through baptism,
God calls and commissions persons to the general
ministry of all Christian believers (see The Book of
Discipline, 1992, ^ 101-7). This ministry, in which we
participate both individually and corporately, is the
activity of discipleship. It is grounded upon the
awareness that we have been called into a new

relationship not only with God, but also with the world.
The task of Christians is to embody the Gospel and the
church in the world. We exercise our calling as
Christians by prayer, by witnessing to the good news of
salvation in Christ, by caring for and serving other
people, and by working toward reconciliation, justice,
and peace in the world. This is the universal priesthood
of all believers.

From within this general ministry of all believers,
God calls and the church authorizes some persons for
the task of representative ministry (see The Book of
Discipline, 1992, ^ 108-10). The vocation of tiiose in
representative ministry includes focusing, modeling,
supervising, shepherding, enabling, and empowering
the general ministry of the church. Their ordination to
Word, Sacrament, and Order or consecration to diaconal
ministries of service, justice, and love is grounded in the
same baptism that commissions the general priesthood
of all believers.

Baptism and Christian Marriage. In the ritual for
marriage, the minister addresses the couple: "I ask you
now, in the presence of God and these people, to declare
your intention to enter into union with one another
through the grace of Jesus Christ, who calls you into
union with himself as acknowledged in your baptism"
(The United Methodist Hymnal, page 865). Marriage is
to be understood as a covenant of love and commitment
with mutual promises and responsibilities. For the
church, the marriage covenant is grounded in the
covenant between God and God's people into which
Christians enter in their baptism. The love and fidelity
which are to characterize Christian marriage will be a
witness to the gospel and the couple are to "Go to serve
God and your neighbor in all that you do."

When ministers officiate at the marriage of a couple
who are not both Christians, the ritual needs to be
altered to protect the integrity of all involved.

Baptism and Christian Funeral. The Christian
Gospel is a message of death and resurrection, that of
Christ and our own. Baptism signifies our dying and
rising with Christ. As death no longer has dominion over
Christ, we believe that if we have died with Christ we
shall also live with him (Romans 6:8-9) . As the liturgy of
the Service of Death and Resurrection proclaims:
"Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ
restored our life. Christ will come again in glory. As in
baptism (Name) put on Christ, so in Christ may (Name)
be clothed with Glory" (TJie United Methodist Hymnal,
page 870).

If the deceased person was never baptized, the ritual
needs to be amended in ways which continue to affirm
the truths of the Gospel, but are appropriate to the
situation.

Committal of the deceased to God and the body to
its final resting place recall the act of baptism and derive
Christian meaning from God's baptismal covenant with

Discipleship

235

us. We acknowledge the reality of death and the pain of
loss, and we give thanks for the life that was lived and
shared with us. We worship in the awareness that our
gathering includes the whole communion of saints,
visible and invisible, and that in Christ the ties of love
unite the living and the dead.

Conclusion

Baptism is a crucial threshold that we cross on our
journey in faith. But there are many others, including
the final transition from death to life eternal. Through
baptism we are incorporated into the ongoing history of
Christ's mission, and we are identified and made
participants in God's new history in Jesus Christ and the
new age that Christ is bringing. We await the final
moment of grace, when Christ comes in victory at the
end of the age to bring all who are in Christ into the glory
of that victory. Baptism has significance in time and
gives meaning to the end of time. In it we have a vision
of a world recreated and humanity transformed and
exalted by God's presence. We are told that in this new
heaven and new earth there will be no temple, for even
our churches and services of worship will have had their
time and ceased to be, in the presence of God, "the first
and the last, the beginning and the end" (Revelation
21-22).

Until that day, we are charged by Christ to "Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,
to the end of the age" (Matthew 28: 19-20) . Baptism is at
the heart of the Gospel of grace and at the core of the
church's mission. When we baptize we say what we
understand as Christians about ourselves and our
community: that we are loved into being by God, lost
because of sin, but redeemed and saved in Jesus Christ
to live new lives in anticipation of his coming again in
glory. Baptism is an expression of God's love for the
world, and the effects of baptism also express God's
grace. As baptized people of God, we therefore respond
with praise and thanksgiving, praying that God's will be
done in our own lives:

"We your people stand before you,
water-washed and Spirit-bom.
By your grace, our lives we offer.
Recreate us; God, transform!"

—Ruth Duck, "Wash, 0 God, Our Sons
and Daughters"

(The United Methodist Hymnal, 605)
Used with permission.

Members of the Baptism Study Committee

Mark Trotter, Chair

Peggy Sewell, Secretary

Dan Benedict

Ole Borgen

SangE. Chun

Dale Dunlap

John Ewing

Gayle Felton

John Gooch

Sharon Hels
Patjelinek
Chuck Kishpaugh
Thomas Langford
Jeanne Audrey Powers
Thomas Salsgiver
Stanley Washington
Gamett Wilder

236

DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^68.

Petition Number: 20048-DI-68-D;DET.

Christian Unity

Amend the first paragraph of ^ 68, "Ecumenical
Commitment":

Christian unity is founded on the theological under-
standing that through faith in Jcaua Christ wo arc made
members in-common of the one Body of Christ God's
action, rather than our own, is ahvays primary. It
is God who creates the reality of Christian unity
through the gracious actions signified and effected
in the sacrament of baptism. Therefore, Christian
unity is not an option; it is a gift to be received by faith
in Jesus Christ and expressed in concrete actions of
love toward God and neighbor.

^68.

Petition Number: 20124-DI-68-D;TEX.

TTie Present Challenge to Theology in the Church

Amend the last sentence of ^ 68, "TTie Present
Challenge to Theology in the Church," p. 83:

We proceed with our theological task, asking that
each local church "do" its own theology during the
next quadrennitun by studying the ramifications of
our doctrinal standards, trusting that the Spirit will
grant us wisdom te as we continue our journey with the
whole people of God.

^68.

Petition Number: 20267-DI-68-D;STX.
Our Theological Task
Retain ^ 68 without change.

^68.

Petition Number: 20268-DI-68-D;NEB.

The Present Challenge to Theology in the Church

Add new text at the end of the fourth paragraph of
^ 68, The Present Challenge to Theology in the
Church":

We regard loyalty to Christ as the binding
chord of love in the church, but we have histori-
calty refixsed to follow the example of churches
that gather aroimd a common confession. We do
not disregard the historic creeds and confessions.

but we have always regarded faith in Christ as more
than public creedal affirmation. We have never had
a teaching office (magisteritmi) in Methodist tradi-
tion to define what United Methodists must beUeve.
Heresy trials have been few and far between. The
Articles of Rehgion have been regarded as theologi-
cal loci for constructive interpretation rather than
final statements of theological truth. Nor do we
regard loyalty to Wesleyan-Methodist tradition as a
need to repristinate (tiiat is, restore in a pure form)
the tiieology of Wesley. We trust to open discussion
between opposing theological parties within the
guidelines of scripture, tradition, reason, and expe-
rience to guide us in reaching theological consen-
sus and setting oiu- course in mission. In this way
we have been able to withstand the tensions of
theological disagreement without the need for
tighter confessional control or tiie heresy hxmts that
often result.

^68.

Petition Number: 21054-DI-68-D; GCCUIC.
Ecumenical Commitment
Amend the first two paragraphs of ^ 68:

Christian unity is founded on the theological under-
standing that through baptism and faith in Jesus
Christ..

United Methodists respond. ..We invest ourselves in
many ways by which mutual recognition of churchca, of
members, of chiu-ches, and of ministries may lead us
to sharing in Holy Communion with all of God'a Chris-
tian people.

^69.

Petition Number: 20234-DI-69-D;WPA, SGA, WMI,
NTK.

Mission Statement

Delete 169.

^69.

Petition Number: 20371-DI-69-D;RKM.
Mission Statement
Amend ^ 69:

Mission is the action of the God of grace.. .calls the
church into being as the instrument of the good news-of

Discipleship

237

grace to for all people of God's kingdoin both present
and coming, i.e., that reign and realm wherein
God's loving will is done on earth as in heaven.

Mission is also...

[Delete second paragraph]

[Third paragraph] ...Jesus Christ uniquely pro-
claimed and embodies God's mission. That mission
Jesus announced at the beginning of his ministry
(Mark 1:14): "The time is fulfilled, and the king-
dom of God has come near; repent, and beUeve
the good news." That kingdom, the realm in which
God's loving will is done on earth as in heaven,
represented by righteousness (loving and just re-
lations with God, with neighbors and with one's
own destiny as a steward of God's good gifts
through creation) and bringing salvation (soteria,
i.e., wholeness) was the single-minded focus of
Jesus in preaching, teaching, healing, and gather-
ing disciples. In the generosity of self-giving, God in
Jesus Christ offers salvation redemption to all people
and invites them to become disciples and go forth as
agents of the kingdom and ministers of reconcili-
ation. The New Testament churches are communities
in mission. The Book of Acts which begins witfi the
risen Christ "appearing to them during forty days
and speaking about the kingdom of God" (Acts
1:3) describes the work of the Holy Spirit in extending
the movement of the kingdom. Paul becomes an apos-
tle for the kingdom to the Gentiles. Other Christians
travel to spread the Good News of the kingdom. Jesus
Christ as Lord of the kingdom is proclaimed: God's
grace abounds!

Mission is witness to the God of grace whose king-
dom has come in Jesus Christ and continues to
extend through the work of the Holy Spirit which
Jesus promised and God granted through the
risen Christ As Paul reminded the early church:
"now the Lord is the Spirit" (2 Cor, 3:1'7). Witness
has four essential dimensions:

1. Proclamation. We proclaim the Gospel, the
Good News of the kingdom. We tell the story of God's
gracious initiative to redeem the world. The imperative
for proclamation is found in the Gospel itself. The
gGood news that the kingdom of God has come with
Jesus cannot be withheld.

2. Evangelism. To proclaim the Gospel of the king-
dom, come and coming, is fundamental; to invite
persons to personal decision for and commitment to
Jesus Christ and his kingdom being is equally funda-
mental...

3. Incorporation. We call persons to be incorporated
into the Body of Christ. The church, as that Body in
the world, continues the mission Jesus as Christ
began. All who are "in Christ" share in the miasion of
Christ's mission of the kingdom.

4. Servanthood. We serve as agents of the king-
dom, of God's liberating and reconciling grace.. .Our
aim is, therefore, to see God's loving will done on
earth as in heaven, i.e., transformed people in a
transformed world.

^278.

Petition Number: 20272-DI-278-D;CNV.

The Lay Speaker's Program

Amend ^ 278 by renaming the Lay Speakers Certi-
fication Program the Lay Ministry Certification Pro-
gram.

^278.

Petition Number: 21466-DI-278-D; Conference Board
of Laity, SIN.

Lay Speaking Ministry

Amend ^ 278:

Lay Speaking Servants. — 1. A lay speaker servant..

2. Lay speakers servants are to serve...

3. Through continued study and training a lay
speaker-servant should prepare...

c) ...or Committee on Lay Speaking Servant..

4. Lay speaker servant training courses.. .by the
conference Committee on Lay Speaking Servants....

5. ...recognized as local church or certified lay
spcolicrs servants.

(In addition, we recommend that the General Board
of Discipleship consider utilizing the submitted logo for
the Lay Servant Program.)

^279.

Petition Number: 20273-DI-279-D;CNV.

Local Church Lay Speaker

Amend ^ 279 by renaming the Lay Speakers Certi-
fication Program the Lay Ministry Certification Pro-
gram.

^279.

Petition Number: 20577-DI-279.1-D;WNC.

Church Council Approval of Lay Speaker
Amend % 279.1c:

\.a) Made application in writing to the appropriate
committee and has been recommended by the pastor

238

DCA Advance Edition

and the Administrative Church Council or Adminiatra
tive Board or the Charge Conference...

^280.

Petition Number: 20251-DI-280-D;NEB.

Membership/Lay participation
Amend ^ 280:

Change all references to Certified Lay Speaker to
some more inclusive descriptive title in order to include
other lay activities.

^280.

Petition Number: 20269-DI-280-D;CNV.

Certified Lay Speaker

Amend ^ 280 by renaming the Lay Speakers Certi-
fication Program the Lay Ministry Certification Pro-
gram.

^280.

Petition Number: 20578-DI-280-D;WNC.
Church Council Approval of Certified Lay Speaker
Amend ^ 280:

l.a) Made application in writing to the appropriate
committee and has been recommended by the pastor
and the Administrative Church Council or Administra
tivc Board or the Charge Conference...

3.c) Been recommended for renewal by the pastor
and the Administrative Church Council or Administra-
tive Board or Charge Conference.

^282.

Petition Number: 20049-DI-282-D;DET, KSE.
Lay Preacher
Amend ^ 282:

1. a) Made application in writing to the appropriate
committee district Committee on Ordained Minis-
try and has been recommended by the pastor and the
Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee of the lo-
cal church where the person holds membership and by
vote of the Administrative Board/Council andT^ the
Charge/Chiu-ch Conference wherein the person holds
church membership.

b) Completed both the basic and advanced Lay
Speaking training courses to be designed by the Gen-
eral Board of Disciplcship or alternate courses to be
designed by the Annual Conference Board of Disci-
pleship in consultation and cooperation with the Cabi-

ftetr and/or any other educational courses recom-
mended by their district Committee on Ordained
Ministry. This is to include...

f) [Delete.]

2. The lay preacher shall continue to serve and
worship in the local church where membership resides
until and unless he/she is appointed assigned to a
church or charge...

a) The lay preacher is to be relicenscd The lay
preacher's license is to be reviewed for renewal
annually by the district Committee on Ordained
Ministry. The lay preacher may be utilized in charges
or churches which arc "left to be supplied" when it is
impractical to serve such congregations with part-time
local pastors or ordained clergy, or as part of an
extended or shared ministiy model (^206.3f)
where it is practical and desirable to do so, at the
discretion of the District Superintendent

b) ...under whom the local church relates to the
connection. The pastor-in-charge shall have re-
sponsibility for the administration of the sacra-
ments (1439. IW.

c) The lay preacher shall preach the Word, provide
a care ministry to the congregation, and be a witness in
the community for the growth and missional thrust of
The United Methodist Church. This assumes an in-
residence ministry and assumes that the lay preacher is
a person whose integrity and witness as a Christian and
as a United Methodist arc established. This ministry...

d) The lay preacher is to serve without with salary
per sc, but and is to be reimbursed for his/her job-re-
lated expenses, but there are to be no professionally
related...

3. [Delete existing text] Lay preachers will be
assigned by the district superintendent after due
consultation with the leadership of the local
church and the pastor-in-charge. It is recom-
mended that this assignment be afiBrmed and cele-
brated in both the lay preacher's home church and
the receiving church.

4. [Delete.]

S4. This category...

^282.

Petition Number: 20877-DI-282-D; NCJ Town &
Country Association Executive Committee.

Lay Preacher

Amend ^ 282:

1. a) Made application in writing to the appropriate
committee district Committee on Ordained Minis-

Discipleship

239

try and has been recommended by the pastor and the
Pastor/Staflf-Parish Relations Committee of the lo-
cal church where the person holds membership and by
vote of the Administrative Board/Council and?^ the
Charge/Church Conference wherein the person holds
church membership.

b) Completed both the basic and advanced Lay
Speaking training courses to be designed by the Gen-
eral Board of Diaciplcahip or alternate couraca to be
designed by the Annual Conference Board of Disci-
pleship in consultation and cooperation with the Cabinet
and/or any other educational courses recom-
mended by their district Committee on Ordained
Ministry. This is to include...

/) [Delete.]

2. ...unless he/she is appointed assigned to a
church or charge...

a) The lay preacher's license is to be relicensed
reviewed for renewal annually by the district Com-
mittee on Ordained Ministry. The lay preacher may
be utilized in charges or churches, which are left "to be
supplied" when it is impractical to serve such congrega-
tions with part-time local pastors or ordained clergy or
as part of an extended or shared ministry model
(^ 206.3/) where it is practical and desirable to do
so, at the discretion of the district superintendent

b) The lay preacher... relates to the connection. The
pastor-in-charge shall have responsibility for the
administration of the sacraments (^ 439. 1&).

c) ...missional thrust of tThe United Methodist
Church. This assumes an in-rcsidcncc ministry and
assumes that the lay preacher is a person whose integ-
rity and witness as a Christian and as a United Methodist
arc established. This ministry...

3. [Delete existing text.] Lay preachers will be
assigned by the district superintendent after due
consultation with the leadership of the local
church and the pastor-in-charge. It is recom-
mended that this assignment be afGrmed and cele-
brated in both the lay preacher's home church and
the receiving church.

4. [Delete.]

54. This category...

^282.

Petition Number: 21382-DI-282-D; GBOD.

Functions and Accountability of a Lay Missioner
Add a new paragraph after % 281:

Lay Missioners are committed lay persons,
mostly volunteers, who are willing to be trained

and work in a ministry team with a pastor-mentor
to develop faith communities, estabUsh community
ministries, develop church school extension pro-
grams and engage in congregational development
All Lay Missioners must be a member ofThe United
Methodist Church for one year and must be certi-
fied by their Annual Conference according to guide-
lines established by the Committee on Hispanic
Ministries of the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
tries. They are accountable to the local congrega-
tion or sponsoring body that established the goals
for the ministry and assigned the ministry team.
The Lay Missioner is accountable to the poUcies
and procediu-es of the Annual Conference where
assigned. The concept of Lay Missioners is theo-
logically based in the ministry of the laity. While Lay
Missioners are engaged in a variety of ministries,
they are not trained to take the place of pastors.

^282.

Petition Number: 21619-DI-282-D; GCOM.
Lay Missioners
Add a new ^ after existing ^ 281:

Lay Missioners are committed lay persons,
mostly volunteers, who are wiUing to be trained
and work in a team with a pastor-mentor to de-
velop faith communities, estabUsh community
ministries, develop church school extension pro-
grams and engage in congregational development
All Lay Missioners must be certified by their An-
nual Conference according to guidelines estab-
lished. They are accountable to their pastor-men-
tor as a member of the ministry team. The ministry
team is accountable to the local congregation or
sponsoring body that established the goals for the
ministry and assigned the ministry team. The Lay
Missioner is accountable to the policies and pro-
cedtu-es of the Annual Conference where as-
signed. The concept of lay missioners is theologi-
cally based in the ministry of the laity. While lay
missioners are engaged in a variety of ministries,
their purpose is to complement, not replace pas-
tors.

^632.

Petition Number: 20579-DI-632-D;WNC.

Eliminate Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 632:

[Second paragraph] There shall be a Jurisdictional
Youth Coordinator who shall be accountable to the
jurisdictional Council on Ministries and the Jurisdic-
tional Youth Ministry Organization.

8. [Delete]

240

DCA Advance Edition

9. [Second sentence] ...and the relationship of the
body to the Annual Conferences and to the jurisdictional
Council on Ministries or equivalent

^632.

Petition Number: 21383-DI-632-D; GBOD, NYMO,
NYMO Steering Committee.

Jurisdictional Youth Ministry Organization
Convocation
Amend ^ 632:

Jurisdictional Youth Ministry Organization Convoca-
tion.— ^There shall be a Jurisdictional Youth Ministry
Organization Convocation to be held at least once
every other year. It is recommended that at least two
members from each Annual Conference be racial/cth-
ftie racial and ethnic minority persons.... provided
that the above categories are cared for and the recom-
mended 50/50 racial/ethnic racial and ethnic minor-
ity representation is observed....

[Third paragraph] A responsibility of the Jurisdic-
tional Youth Ministry Organization shall be to elect
three youth members and one adult member to the
National Youth Ministry Organization Steering Commit-
tee (see ^1307). At least one of the youth shall be a
racial and ethnic minority youth. All youth elected
to the steering committee shall be at the time of
their election entering into the eleventh grade or
tmder or their age shall be sixteen or younger, ft
is strongly recommended that two youth shall be elected
from each jurisdiction, insofar as possible at least one of
whom shall be a racial/ethnic person. Youth shall be
sixteen years of age entering into the eleventh grade or
younger; if not in school their age shall be sixteen or
under at the time of their selection. Nominations shall
come.. As far as possible members of the National Youth
Ministry Organization Steering Committee from each
jurisdiction shall be from four five different Annual
Conferences in that jurisdiction...

3. To promote the establishment and awareness of
racial/ethnic racial and ethnic minority needs,...

^632.

Petition Number: 21384-DI-632-D; GBOD.

Jurisdictional Youth Ministry Organization
Convocation
Amend the fourth sentence of ^ 632:

Each youth shall be a baptized or professing
member (full or preparatory) of The United Methodist
Church.

^729.

Petition Number: 20050-DI-729-D;MOW, MOE.
Flexibility in Annual Conference Structure
Amend ^ 729:

Conference Board ofDiscipleship. — ^The Annual Con-
ferencc.as set forth in %% 1201, 1202. The responsi-
bilities of the Board of Discipleship may be as-
signed to an existing or newly created multi-
functional agency of the Conference Council that
cares for the functions of and the connectional
relationships of The General Board of Disci-
pleship, the Conference, the districts, and the lo-
cal churches. The person or persons serving as mem-
ber(s) of the General Board of Discipleship shall may
be member(s) of the conference Board of Discipleship
or alternate structure and may be granted voting
privileges.

\.e) ...Councils on Ministries or alternate struc-
ture, age-level and family councils coordinators, work
area chairpersons....

A.c) ... Section on Worship, the Conference Council
on Ministries Conference Council, and with....

l.c) ...as members of local church Councils on Min-
istries or alternate structure, Administrative
Boards....

1729.

Petition Number: 20445-DI-729-D;NMX.

Conference Board of Discipleship
Amend % 729:

Conference Board ofDiscipleship. — The Annual Con-
ferences shall provide for the fulfillment of the
purposes, duties and responsibilities shall organiec
assigned to the a Board of Discipleship or equivalent
sti-ucturc diat by ^ 729.1-7 and elsewhere, by
structuring themselves as they deem appropriate.
The Board, or the structure organized, shall pro-
vidc.as set forth in ^^ 1201, 1202. The Annual Con-
ference shall determine the membership of the
structure except as specifically required in this
paragraph. The structure may be assigned other
duties and responsibilities, and it may have mem-
bership in common with other Conference struc-
tures. When the structure sits as the Conference
Board of Discipleship or equivalent, Tthe person or
persons within the Annual Conference who serve
serving as member(s) of the General Board of Disci-
pleship shall be mcmbcr(s) of the conference Board of
Discipleship sit and may be granted voting privileges.
As used in this paragraph and its subparagraphs,
and elsewhere in the Discipline in appropriate con-
text, references to "the General Board of Disci-
pleship," and to "the Board," shall be construed

DJscipleship

241

and interpreted to refer to the structure provided
pursuant to this paragraph, whatever named or
tided.

^729.

Petition Number: 20477-DI-729-D;NTX.

Conference Board of Discipleship
Delete ^ 729.

^729.

Petition Number: 20493-DI-729-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Discipleship
Amend ^ 729:

Conference Board of Discipleship. — The Annual Con-
ference shall organize a Board of Discipleship or equiva-
lent structure (or the responsibilities outlined be-
low may be assigned to such other organization as
die Annual Conference provides pursuant to
^707.1) that shall provide...

^729.

Petition Number: 20580-DI-729-D;WNC.
Eliminate Annual Conference Board of Discipleship
Delete %, 729.

^729.

Petition Number: 21620-DI-729-D; GCOM.
Conference Board of Discipleship
Amend ^ 729:

Conference Board of Discipleship. — The Annual Con-
ference shall organize a Board of Discipleship or equiva-
lent structure that other structure to provide for
these functions and maintain the shall provide for
the connectional relationship...

^729.

Petition Number: 20312-DI-729.1-D;WPA.

General responsibilities of the Conference Board

of Discipleship
Amende 729. k and d:

c) To foster and promote camping experiences for
pcraona wth handicapping conditions people with dis-

abilities including camps specifically designed for pef-
Bona with handicapping conditions people with dis-
abilities, and the participation of persons with handicap-
ping conditions people with disabilities, when
feasible,...

d) To provide training for clergy and laity in minis-
tries with a population with handicapping conditions
people with disabilities, including...

^729.

Petition Number: 21385-DI-729.1-D; GBOD.
General Responsibilities
Amend % 729.1fl:

\.a) To lead and assist the congregations and dis-
tricts in the conference in their efforts to communicate
and celebrate wn persons as disciples of Jesus Christ,
to build up the Christian community, and to celebrate
and communicate the redeeming and reconciling love
of God as revealed in Jesus Christ to persons of every
age, ethnic background, and social condition, to invite
persons to commit their lives to Christ and to his
Church, and to enable persons to live as Christian
disciples in the world.

^729.

Petition Number: 21386-DI-729.1-D; GBOD.
General Responsibilities
Amend ^729.16:

\.b) To foster and promote.. .lay development, spiri-
tual formation and devotional life,...

1729.

Petition Number: 21387-DI-729.1-D; GBOD.
General Responsibilities
Amende 729.1c and rf:

c) To foster and promote camping experiences for
persons with handicapping conditions including camps
specifically designed for persons syith handicapping
conditions, and the participation of persons wth handi-
capping conditions, when feasible, in camps sponsored
by the district and conference.

d) To provide training for clergy and laity in minis-
tries with persons a population with handicapping con-
ditions,...

242

DCA Advance Edition

^729.

Petition Number: 21388-DI-729.2-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Christian Education
and Age Level Ministries
Insert a new sub-point after 729.2ft:

c) To provide training for confirmation leaders
and equip local congregations in confirmation ex-
periences and in the use of approved resources.

^729.

Petition Number: 21389-DI-729.3-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Evangelism
Amend % 729.3:

3. Responsibilities in the Area of Evangelism. — a)
To plan and promote an effective, program of compre-
hensive ministry of evangelism throughout the confer'

c) To provide for the training of clergy and lay
persons in leadership in ministries of evangelism, the
distribution of promotional literature, «ftd the encour-
agement and enlistment of local church participation in
an year round ongoing program ministry of evangel-
ism, and die support of church revitalization and
new church development.

e) To give particular emphasis to the promotion of
programs ministries of evangelism...

1729.

Petition Number: 21390-DI-729.4-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Worship
Amend % 12^ Ac:

c) ...and Avith the conference chapter of fflie Fellow-
ship of United Methodists in Worship, Music; and Other
Worship Arts,...

^729.

Petition Number: 21391-DI-729.6-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Spiritual Formation
Amend ^ 729.6a:

6. Responsibilities in the Area of Devotional Life
Spiritual Formation, a) To promote spiritual forma-
tion and the development of the devotional life through-
out the conference.

1729.

Petition Number: 21392-DI-729.6-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Spiritual Formation
Amend ^ 729.6c:

6. c) To encourage and assist with the distribution
and use of devotional resources for spiritual forma-
tion as provided...

1729.

Petition Number: 21393-DI-729.6-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities in the Area of Devotional life
Renumber ^ 729.6J as ^ 729.7d.

1730.

Petition Number: 20051-DI-730-D;MOW,MOE.
Flexibility in Annual Conference Structure
Amend ^ 730:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — TTiere shall be in
every Annual Conference a conference Board of the
Laity or alternate structure which shall provide for the
ministry of the laity related to the objectives of the
General Board of Discipleship as set forth in ^^1201-
1229. The responsibilities of the Board of Laity may
be assigned to an existing or newly created multi-
functional agency of the Conference Council that
cares for the functions of and the connectional
relationships of The Genial Board of Disci-
pleship, the Conference, tiie districts, and the lo-
cal churches.

2.b) ...in cooperation with the eConference Coimcil
on Ministries.

3. ...the director of the eConference Council «»
Ministries, and the presiding bishop.

1730.

Petition Number: 20494-DI-730-D;NNJ.
Conference Board of Laity
Amend ^ 730:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — ^TTiere shall be in
every Annual Conference a conference Board of the
Laity (or the responsibilities outlined below may be
assigned to such other organization as the Annual
Conference provides pursuant to ^ 707.1) which
shall provide...

Discipleshjp

243

^730.

Petition Number: 20581-DI-730-D;WNC.

Eliminate Annual Conference Board of Laity
Delete ^ 730.

^730.

Petition Number: 20446-DI-730.1-D;NMX.
Conference Board of Laity
Amend ^730.1:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — There shall be in
every Annual Conferences shall provide for the ful-
fillment of the purposes, duties and responsibili-
ties assigned to the a conference Board of the Laity
by THI 730.2-5 and which shall provide for an alter-
native structure for the ministry of the laity related to
the objectives of the General Board of Discipleship as
set forth in ^^ 1201-1229t, by structuring themselves
as they deem appropriate. The Annued Confer-
ences shall determine the membership of the
structure. It may have membership in common
with other structures within the Conference, and
it may be assigned other duties and responsibiU-
ties. As used in this ^ 730 or elsewhere in the
Discipline in appropriate context, references to the
"Conference Board of Laity," or to the "board,"
shall be construed and interpreted to refer to the
structure provided pursuant to this paragraph,
whatever named or tided.

^730.

Petition Number: 21394-DI-730.1-D; GBOD.
Conference Board of Laity
Amend ^730.1:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — ^There shall be in
every Annual Conference a conference Board of the
Laity, or its equivalent, which shall provide...

^730.

Petition Number: 21631-DI-730.1-D; GCOM.
Conference Board of Laity
Amend ^730.1:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — There shall be in
every Annual Conference a coriference Board of the
Laity or other structure to provide for these func-
tions and maintain the connectional relationship.
wWeh It shall provide...

1730.

Petition Number: 20313-DI-730.3-D;WPA

Membership of the Conference Board of Laity
Amend the last sentence of ^ 730.3:

Special attention shall be given to the inclusion of
persons wth handicapping conditiona people with dis-
abilities and racial and ethnic persons.

1730.

Petition Number: 20447-DI-730.4-D;NMX.

Chair of the Conference Board of Laity
Amend the first sentence of ^ 730.4:

4. When the structure sits to perform the pur-
pose of the board as prescribed in ^730.2, provi-
sion should be made for Tthe conference lay leader
to shall chair the board.

1744.

Petition Number: 20495-DI-744-D;NNJ.
United Methodist Men
Amend ^ 744:

I. Name. — In each Annual Conference there shall
be a conference organization named United Methodist
Men (or the responsibilities outlined below may be
assigned to such other organization as the Annual
Conference provides pursuant to ^ 707.1), auxil-
iary to...

1745.

Petition Number: 20496-DI-745-D;NNJ.

Conference Council on Youth Ministry
Amend ^ 745:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a con-
ference Council on Youth Ministry (or the responsi-
bilities outlined below may be assigned to such
other organization as the Ainnual Conference pro-
vides pursuant to ^707.1) composed of...

1745.

Petition Number: 21474-DI-745-D; NYMO.
Annual Conference Councils on Young Adult Ministry
Add a new Rafter ^744:

1. In each Annual Conference diere may be a
conference Cotmcil on Young Adult Ministry. Its
purpose shall be to strengthen the yoimg adult
ministry in the local churches and districts of the

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Annual Conference. For administrative purposes
the council shall be related to the Annual Confer-
ence Council on Ministries.

2. Membership. — ^The membership of the coun-
cil shall be young adults (age 19-30). There shall
be one young adidt elected by each district of the
Conference selected by the District Council on
Ministries. There may also be members at large
nominated by the Conference Nominating Com-
mittee. It is strongly reconunended that the coun-
cil include racial and ethnic minority members
and persons of both genders to insure inclusive-
ness. Those serving on the conference Council on
Young Adult Ministry shall be members of The
United Methodist Church. At least one half of the
members shall be lay persons. Members should
represent the diversity of young adults in the gen-
eral population including college students, work-
ing persons, single and married.

3. Responsibilities. — a) To initiate and support
plans and activities and projects that are of par-
ticular interest to yoxmg adults who are college
students, working persons, single and married.

b) To be an advocate for the free expression of
the convictions of yoimg adults on issues vital to
them.

c) To support and facilitate, where deemed
needed, the formation of young adult caucuses.

d) To cooperate with the boards and agencies
of the Annual Conference, including the Wesley
Foundations, receiving recommendations from
and making recommendations to the same to pro-
vide for the needs of young adtdts in The United
Methodist Church.

e) To recommend to the Annual Conference
Committee on Nominations qualified young adults
for membership on boards and agencies.

f) To participate with the Conference Council
on Ministries in the nomination of the conference
coordinator of young adult ministry, who shall
serve as its advisor.

1745.

Petition Number: 20448-DI-745.1-D;NMX.

Conference Council on Youth Ministry
Amend % 745.1:

1. In each Annual Conferences there shall be-a
provide for the fulfillment of the functions, pur-
poses and responsibilities of the conference Council
on Youth Ministry composed of both youth and adults
as required by this paragraph and by ^745.3, by
structuring themselves as they deem appropriate.

Its purpose shall be to strengthen the youth ministry in
the local churches and districts of the Annual Confer-
ence. As used in this ^745 and elsewhere in the
Discipline in appropriate context, references to the
"conference Coimcil on Youth Ministry," or to the
"council," shall be construed and interpreted to
refer to the structure provided pursuant to this
paragraph, whatever named or tided. When the
structure sits as the Cotmcil on Youth Ministry, it
shall be composed of botii youth and adults. For
administrative purposes the council shall be related to
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries, if tiie
Annual Conference chooses. (See ^ 1311 for the...)

1745.

Petition Number: 20582-DI-745.1-D;WNC.

Relationships of Council on Youth Ministry
Delete the third sentence of ^ 745.1.

1745.

Petition Number: 20952-DI-745.1-D; NEST.

Inclusion of a Council on Young Adult Ministries
in the Annual Conference Structure

Add new ^745:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a
Conference Council of Young Adult Ministry com
posed of both young adults and adults. Its purpose
shall be to strengthen the yoimg adult ministry in
the local churches and districts of the Annual Con-
ference. For administrative ptuposes, the council
shall be related to the Annual Conference Council
on Ministries.

2. Membership. — Shall be comprised of two
Young Adult Representatives from each district
All yoimg adults are welcomed regardless of eth-
nicity, gender, creed, and/or disabilities. Those
serving on the Conference Council on Young Adult
Ministry shall be members of The United Method-
ist Church.

3. Responsibilities — a) To initiate and support
programming, activities, and projects tiiat are of
interest to yoimg adtdts.

b) To support and facilitate the formation of
yotmg adult caucuses.

c) To cooperate witii boards and agencies of
the Annual Conference in the receiving and mak-
ing of recommendations.

d) To recommend to the Annual Conference
Committee on Nominations qualified yoiuig adults
for membership on boards and agencies.

Discipleship

245

e) To peirticipate with the appropriate confer-
ence agencies in the nomination of the conference
coordinator of young adult ministry, who shall
serve as the advisor of the Conference Council on
Young Adult Ministry.

^745.

Petition Number: 20449-DI-745.2-D;NMX.
Membership of Conference Council on Youth Ministry
Amend ^745.2:

2. Membership. — The Annual Conference or the
structure sitting as the conference Council on
Ministries shall determine the membership of the
council, which may be assigned other duties and
responsibiUties and which may have membership
in common with other structures. It is recom-
mended that when the structure sits as the coun-
cil, Nno more than one-third of the membership of the
council shall be adults, one of whom may be the confer-
ence lay leader or his/her representative. It is recom-
mended that the council be composed of 50 percent
racial and ethnic group mcmbcra. (It is suggested that
members at large may be added toward achieving 50/50
ethnic/white membership in a manner to be determined
by the conference Council on Youth Ministry.) Where
ethnic or language conferences overlap nonethnic con-
ferences, provision shall should be made for the inclu-
sion of members of the ethnic or language conferences
and vice-versa. Those serving on the conference Council
on Youth Ministry shall be members (full or prepara-
tory) of The United Methodist Church.

^751.

Petition Number: 20586-DI-751.1-D;WNC.
District Lay Leader
Amend ^ 751:

L [Fourth sentence] The district lay leader is a
member of the District Conference and shall be a mem-
ber of the district Council on Ministries and its executive
committee.

4. The district lay leader may designate persons to
serve as proxy in any of the above groups except the
District Conference, district Council on Ministries, and
the Council on Ministries executive committee.

1751.

Petition Number: 21621-DI-75L4-D; GCOM.

Responsibility of the District Lay Leader
Amend % 751.4:

4. ...and the district Council on Ministries executive
committee.

1757.

Petition Number: 20583-D I-757-D;WNC.

Eliminate District Board of Laity
Delete %, 757.

1757.

Petition Number: 21395-DI-757-D; GBOD.
District Board of Laity
Amend ^ 757:

Each district of an Annual Conference may organize
a district Board of Laity, or its equivalent

1757.

Petition Number: 20314-DI-757.2-D;WPA

Membership of the District Board of Laity
Amend the last sentence of ^ 757.2:

Special attention shall be given to the inclusion of
women, men, youth, young adults, and older persons;
persons with handicapping conditions people with dis-
abilities; and racial and ethnic group persons.

1757.

Petition Number: 21396-DI-757.2-D; GBOD.
District Board of Laity
Amend ^ 757.2:

2. The membership of the board shall include dis-
trict lay leader, associate district lay leader (s), ftft4 dis-
trict director of lay speaking, the district superinten-
dent, and may include...

1758.

Petition Number: 21622-DI-758.2-D; GCOM.
District Committee on Lay Speaking
Amend ^ 758.2:

2. ...an instructor of lay speaking courses, and other
resource persons as desired.

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^762.

Petition Number: 20584-DI-762-D;WNC.
District Youth Council
Amend ^ 762:

3.d) [Delete.]

4. Finances. — Each district Council on Youth Min-
istries, in conaultation with the conference Council on
MiniatricB and the diatrict Council on Miniatrica, shall
determine the method by which it will be financed.

11201.

Petition Number: 21397-DI-1201-D; GBOD.

Purpose of the General Board of Discipleship
Amend ^ 1201:

Purpose. — 1. There shall be a General Board of
Discipleship, the purpose of which is found within the
expression of the total mission of the Church oudincd
in the objcctivca of miaoion. Its primary purpose...

2. The board shall use it resources to enhance the
meaning of membership, as defined in ^^ 211-215,
which emphasizes the importance of the identification
of church membership with discipleship to Jesus Christ.
The board shall work with persona and through atruc
turca, auch aa diatricta and Annual Confcrcncca, to lead
and aaaiat local churchca in becoming communitica of
growing Chriatiana, celebrating and communicating the
redeeming and reconciling love of God aa revealed in
Jcaua Christ to persona of every age, racial and ethnic
background, and aoeial condition, and to advocate and
encourage the development of new congregations. The
board shall seek to enable congregations to cany
out their primary task and shall provide resources
which support grovvlh in Christian discipleship. In
doing its work, the board shall listen to the needs
and requests of the Church, conduct research,
design and produce resources, offer training, and
deliver resources. All of this is to support congre-
gations in their primary task of reaching out and
receiving all who will respond, encouraging people
in their relationship with God and inviting them to
commitment to God's love made known in Jesus
Christ, providing opportunities for them to be nur-
tured and formed in the Christian faith, and sup-
porting them to live lovingly and justly in the
power of the Holy Spirit as faithful disciples. The
board, through all activities, shall lead and assist
congregations in becoming inclusive communities
of growing Christians, celebrating and communi-
cating to persons of every age, racial and ethnic
background, and socied condition the redeeming
and reconciling love of God as revealed in Jesus
Christ

3. [Delete.]

11202.

Petition Number: 21398-DI-1202-D; GBOD.
Responsibilities of the General Board of Discipleship
Amend •][ 1202:

Responsibilities. — ^All the responsibilities assigned
to the units within the board shall be considered to be
the responsibilities of the board. In addition to these, the
board shall have authority to:

1. Te^Provide for special publications...

2. [Delete existing text.] Manage and produce
The Upper Room daily devotional guide and a wide
range of other resources to help people grow in
their relationship with God.

3. [Delete existing text] Provide systems of re-
sources and support to users of resoiu'ces that will
assist people in the historic disciplines of the
Church, i.e.. Christian education, evangelism, lay
ministries, spiritual growth, stewardship, and
worship. These resources will address ministry
concerns across children, youth and adult ages
and family groupings and across programmatic
and administrative functions of the congregation
in order to improve ministry and the quality of
Christian leadership for the ftiture ministry of the
Church.

4. [Delete existing text.] Develop and provide
resources, training and consultation for pastors of
congregations. These resources will focus on
equipping pastors for their spiritual and visioning
leadership role with their congregations.

5. [Delete existing text] Develop and provide
resources, training and consultation for pastors
and congregational leaders as they enhance and
evaluate the ministries of the laity and initiate new
forms of ministry.

6. [Delete existing text] Provide resources and
training that will assist leaders to improve the
quality and effectiveness of the ministries of the
congregations and Annual Conferences.

7. [Delete.]

7S. Te^Plan and administer a comprehensive chil-
dren s and youth ministryies; to enable and strengthen
the ministry with and to children and youth at all levels
of the Church, including the calling together of youth
and adults.

89. ¥e-pProvide representation...

9i9. Te-pRespond to requests and needs for minis-
tries in other lands throughout the world, in consult-
ation with the General Board of Global Ministries and
other Conferences and appropriate agencies.

Discipleship

247

lOtt. Td-eEngage in research,...

1 la. Te-eEnsure that ethnic local church...

^1202.

Petition Number: 20252-DI-1202.1-D;NEB.

Incorporate Membership/Lay Paricipation
Amend ^1202.1:

1. ...for whom the board has primary responsibility
to include "How to increase church worship atten-
dance and lay participation," and provide re-
sources for Alternative Worship services such as
contemporary worship services and music for al-
ternative forms of worship.

^1202.

Petition Number: 20879-DI-1202.10-D; United
Methodist Appalachian Development Committee.

Responsibility of the General Board of Discipleship

Amend ^1202.10:

10. To respond to requests and needs for ministries
in other lands, and within the United States, in con-
sultation with the General Board of Global Ministries
and other agencies, including the Appalachian De-
velopment Committee and U.S./Mexico Bi-Lateral
Mission Advisory Committee.

^1204.

Petition Number: 21399-DI-1204-D; GBOD.
Organization
Amend ^ 1204:

Organization — 1. The board shall consist of the
number of members as defined in % 805.2c of the
general provisions with the addition of these Central
Conference pcraons (one of whom shall be a woman) ;
one bishop or an alternate bishop (1 810.10) , one clergy,
and one layperson, to be elected by the Council of

Bishops. In addition.. .and from the Jurisdictional
Committee on United Methodist Men (^ 635) and tw©
laymen, one of which shall be the president of the
National Association... the elected first vice-president;
and one elected president from a national organiaation
of United Methodist Men of a Central Conference or
conferences who shall be selected by the Commission
on Central Conference Affairs. It shall be organized...

^1204.

Petition Number: 21648-DI-1204-D; GCOM.
Organization of the General Board of Discipleship
Amend 1 1204:

Organization. — 1. The board shall consist of sixly-
six (66) members constituted in accordance with
% 805.3a of the General Provisions, the number of
members as defined in ^ 805 of the general provisions
with the addition of these Central Conference persons
(one of whom shall be a woman); one bishop or an
alternate bishop (II 810.10), one clergy, and one layper-
son, to be elected by the Council of Bishops. In addition
there shall be one la^Tnan from each jurisdiction who
shall be the president of the Jurisdictional Committee of
United Methodist Men or, because of the inability of the
president to serve, another elected by and from the
Jurisdictional Committee on United Methodist Men (11
635) and two laymen, one of which shall be the president
of the National Association of Conference Presidents
United Methodist Men or, because of the inability of the
president to serve, the elected first vice president, and
one elected president from a national organigation of
United Methodist Men of a Central Conference or con-
ferences who shall be selected by the Commission on
Central Conference Affairs. It shall be organized to ac-
complish its work through elected officers as prescribed
in H 808.

The Membership shall be constituted as fol-
lows:

a) Jurisdictional members — Clergy, laywomen
and laymen shall be elected to the board by the
Jurisdictional Conference upon nomination from
the annual conference in accordance with
^805.3b, based on the following formula: North
Central - 7, Northeastern - 8, Soudi Central - 10,
Southeastern - 11 and Western - 3, provided how-
ever that In addition there shall be one layman...

b) Central Conference members — Five Central
Conference members shall be elected to the board
on nomination by the Council of Bishops, accord-
ing to the provisions in % 805.3c, including one

elected president from a national organization of United
Methodist Men of a Central Conference or conferences
who shall be selected by the Commission on Central
Conference Affairs. If not otherwise provided, one
member shall be elected from South Shaba An-
nual Conference.

c) Episcopal members — Eleven (11) episcopal
members, including at least three (3) from the
Central Conferences, shall be named by the Cotm-
cil of Bishops.

d) One member elected by Iglesia Metodista
Aut6noma AfiUada de Puerto Rico.

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DCA Advance Edition

e) Additional members — (1) United Method-
ist— Additional members are nominated by a com-
mittee composed of three persons from each juris-
diction (one clergy, one laywoman and one
layman) elected by the Jurisdictional Conference.
They shall elect up to eight (8) additional mem-
bers to assure inclusivity and expertise. (2) It is
recommended that the board elect at least one of
the additional members without vote, from among
the other churches of the Consultation on Church
Union.

f) TTie membership shall also include the
president of the National Association of Confer-
ence Presidents of United Methodist Men or, be-
cause of the inability of the president to serve, the
elected first vice-president

SI1205.

Petition Number: 20546-DI-1205.5-D;SNJ.
Unit Staff
Amend ^1205.5:

5. ¥mt Elected Staff. — ^The general secretary of
the board and tThe administrative officer of each unit
shall be elected by the board. aft4The administrative
officer of each imit shall sit with the unit and all its
regular committees...

11207.

Petition Number: 21400-DI-1207-D; GBOD.

Christian Education and Age-Level Ministries
Amend 1 1207:

1. [Second sentence] ...consistent with the doc-
trines of The United Methodist Church and the purpose
mission of the board. The board shall devote itself to
studying, supervising, — strengthening, — researching,
evaluating, and extending the educational ministry' of
the Church. The board shall be responsible for the
educational program which is carried on through the
structure adopted for the local church, strengthening
and extending the teaching ministry of the Church
through research; testing new approaches, meth-
ods, and resources; evaluation; and consultation.

2. The total Christian educational program of The
United Methodist Church for use in local churches shall
be developed by the board. The educational program
Through the ministry of Christian education.
United Methodist congregations shall reach out to
all persons as they are; seek to encourage persons
them to commit themselves to Christ and membership
in his Church; provide opportunities for them to
learn about and participate in the Christian faith and life,
including study of the Bible, and to develop skills which
enable them to become effectively involved in the min

istry of grow in faith and to connect that feiith with
their daily lives; and equip them to live as God s

people in the world, ft Opportunities for Christian

education shall include Ae educational emphases and
activities aspects of all the general departments areas
and interests of the denomination,... ft The ministry of
Christian education shall be developed as a compre-
hensive, unified, and coordinated Christian education
program for children,. ..It shall give careful considera-
tion to the needs of all churches, such as small and larger
membership churches, rural and urban settings, eth-
nic populations.

3. [Delete.]

11208.

Petition Number: 21401-DI-1208-D; GBOD.

Education Responsibilities and Standards
Amend \ 1208:

Education Responsibilities and Standards. The

board shall organize as may be necessary for carrying
on the educational ministry throughout the whole life
span of persons. The board shall be responsible for the
following:

1. Formulateifig and interpretinf the educational
philosophy and approach which shall undcrgird and
give coherence to all the educational work of the
Church; of Christian education based on biblical,
theological, and educational foundations as they
relate to the church school and related activities; indi-
vidual or group study; fellowship, education and action
groups for children, youth, and adults (including the
United Methodist Youth Fellowship); related educa-
tional programs... mission studies; preparation for con-
firmation; education for leisure;.. .special Bible study
groups; human relations workshops; confirmation and
church membership training in church membership
responsibilities; continuing education for adults and
educational ministries with older adults.

2. [Delete first paragraph.]

Developiftf educational approaches in a variety of
settings which appeal to persons w4th of different ages,
life-styles, learning needs, and theological perspec-
tives. ftft4

3. Develop educational approaches which will
enable persons of different racial, ethnic, and cultural
groups to appropriate the gospel for their own life situ-
ations.

[Delete remainder of sub-paragraph.]

4. Promote church school extension in a vari-
ety of ways, such as providing resoiu"ces and train-
ing that help persons in sponsoring new chxu"ch
schools, starting new church school classes, and

Discipleship

249

expanding teaching and learning opportunities in
the congregation and community.

5. Provide resources and support services for
pastors, parents, educational leaders, teachers,
and others responsible for teaching and learning
with persons across the life-span at the local
church, district, and conference levels.

6S. Initiating programs of Provide resources and
support services for teacher recruitment, develop-
ment, and training, and retraining in biblical, theologi-
cal, and ethical thinking, as well as in procedures and
methods.

[Delete paragraphs 2-5.]

Working with the colleges.. .in local church Chris-
tian education.

Providing programs of Christian education out-
doors and camping through the training of Annual Con
fercncc camp directors, district camp directors, camp
committee persons, director/managers and managers
of sites. Provideing national camp training events and
assist jurisdictions and Annual Conferences in design-
ing, guiding, and resourcing camp training programs
and outdoor Christian education.

7. Set standards and provide guidance con-
cerning programming, leadership, and grouping
for the various educational settings of the Church,
including the church school.

8. Establish guidelines for the organization
and administration of the church school, for re-
cording and reporting membership and atten-
dance of the chiu"ch school, and for the equip-
ment, arrangement, and design for chiu'ch school
buildings and rooms, with particular attention
given to the needs of persons with handicapping
conditions.

49. Provideing guidance resources and services
related to the training and work of local church direc-
tors, ordained and diaconal ministers, and associates of
Christian education and educational assistants.

10. Develop standards governing all types of
camping in regard to physical facilities, program,
and leadership. To the extent possible, all camps
shall be accessible to persons with hemdicapping
conditions.

11. Cooperate with the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry as they develop
standards for certifying professional ministry ca-
reers as provided in ^1526.2 and promote the
continuing growth of local church staff related to
educational ministries.

12. Provideing resources, models, and training to
support Annual Conferences and local churches as they

help people make decisions related to their general
Christian vocation as well as their specific occupations
or careers. Providing resources developed by the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries and the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry to persons interested
in considering professional church related ministries.

5. [Delete.]

613. The board shall fReview and recommend...

?14. The board shall be responsible for pPromote-
ifif the observance...

8. [Delete.]

^1208.

Petition Number: 21402-DI-1208.1-D; GBOD.
Education Responsibilities
Amend ^1208.1:

1. ...human relations workshops; training in church
membership responsibilities of the baptismal cove-
nant and discipleship; continuing education for adults
and educational ministries with older adults.

^1209.

Petition Number: 21403-DI-1209-D; GBOD.
Educational Standards
Delete ^ 1209.

^1209.

Petition Number: 20315-DI-1209.5-D;WPA
Standards Governing Camping
Amend the last sentence of ^ 1209.5:

To the extent possible, all camps shall be accessible
to persons with handicapping conditions people with
disabilities.

^1210.

Petition Number: 21404-DI-1210-D; GBOD.
Cooperation
Amend ^ 1210:

Cooperation . — The board shall cooperate with other
boards and agencies as follows: 1. The board shall coop-
erate...

2. [Delete.]

32. The board, in cooperation with the General
Board of Global Ministries, shall be responsible for

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DCA Advance Edition

developing a unified program of mission education for
all age groups in the local church, and for developing
aids for use in colleges, universities, and schools of
theology. The board shall cooperate witii the General
Board of Global Ministries in the interest of effective
mission education. The mission education program
shall include provisions for the following:

f) Developing and interpreting models for new ap-
proaches to mission study and educational participation
in mission, including travel and study seminars;

g) [Delete existing text.] Providing information
regarding educational criteria to the staff of the
General Board of Global Ministries for use in cer-
tifying leaders for schools of mission;

43. The board shall have authority to cooperate with
the jurisdictional. Annual Conference, district, and local
church agencies responsible for education, with other
agencies of the Church, defined organizations, and
with ecumenical agencies in cooperative enterprises to
further the cause of Christian education to promote the
ministry of Christian education.

5. [Delete.]

64. The board is authorized to cooperate...

7. [Delete.]

8. [Delete.]

^1210.

Petition Number: 20316-DI-1210.2-D;WPA.
Ministry to Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Amend the last sentence of ^ 1210.2:

Particular emphasis will be given to ministry to
persons with handicapping conditions people with dis-
abilities.

^1211.

Petition Number: 21405-DI-1211-D; GBOD.
Evangelism
Amend \ 1211:

Evangelism. — irThe board shall have general over-
sight of the evangelism ministiies of the Church as
directed by the General Conference. The Christian
evangelism program of The United Methodist Church
shall be developed by the board.

St The board shall share the blessing... throughout
The United Methodist Church worldwide.

3. [Delete.]

^1212.

Petition Number: 21406-DI-1212-D; GBOD.
Evangelism Responsibilities
Amend ^ 1212:

Evangelism Responsibilities. — In response to
God's love in Jesus Christ, the board shall have
general oversight of the evangeUsm ministries of
The United Methodist Church by the envisioning
and developing of resources and by training and
consultation in various settings. The Board shall:

1. Td-sSet forth an adequate biblical...

2. To gGive particular emphasis to the develop-
ment, interpretation and promotion and intcrprcta-
ti©» of comprehensive and practical ministries and pro-
grams of evangelism.. .through any local church will be
cared for and invited and cared for by a United Meth-
odist church.

3. [Delete.]

43.Tfr^Provide1
ing for strategies,...

rresources and train-

64. Te-eCooporate with other program agencies...

65. Te^Provide and encourage research in what
creative congregations of various membership sizes
and settings are doing in effective evangelism...

?6. Te-^Provide resources and services for those
serving as pastors, diaconal ministers, aft4 directors
of evangelism, general evangelists, and other pro-
fessionals in evangelism in local churches, and asso-
ciate and assistant pastors and directors of evangelism.

87. To-sSet minimal standards for elders...

98. ¥e— mMaintain and service...conceming all
forms and phases of evangelism. The name of any
person who has been on the General Military Roll
(^218) for more than eight years and for whom a
ciurent mailing address cannot be obtained shall
be removed fi'om the General Military Roll.

109. Te^=Relate and provide liaison services ...

iilO. ¥e-sSeek mutual cooperation among...

iSl 1. Te-eCommunicate with other agencies...

iS12. ¥e-pParticipate in and cooperate with...

1413. To pProvidc, as needed, consultation with
conferences, districts leaders, local congregations, and
other agencies to develop strategies in evangelism for
outreach, church revitalization grovrth and new con-
gregational development

Discipleship

251

4614. Te-wWork with the General Board of Global
Ministries ...the General Board of Global Ministries
which shall meet at least annually to expedite coopcra
tion between thcoc two boorda in the field of congrcga
tional development of both new congregations as well
09 the rcvitaliaition of cmsting eongregations regularly
for mutual learning, developing strategies for
church extension, and providing resources and
assistance to conferences and districts in the field
of new congregational development and congrega-
tional revitalization.

^1213.

Petition Number: 21407-DI-1213-D; GBOD.
Worship Responsibilities
Amend ^ 1213:

Worship Responsibilities — 1. The board shall: T©
Set forth and interpret the biblical and Aeologicfd
basis for corporate worship through resources,
programs, and training materials consistent with
the doctrines of The United Methodist Church,
and to cultivate the fullest possible meaning in the
corporate worship celebrations of the Church to the
glory of God, including liturgy, preaching, the Sacra-
ments, music, and related arts. The Section on Worship
shall encourage observance of the seasons of the Chris
tian year, cmphasiaing the surprising and inspirational
opportunities for glorifying God everywhere in creation
in a profusion of variety.

2. Te^Develop standards and resources...

3. Te-mMake recommendations... The hymnals of
The United Methodist Church i» are The United Meth-
odist Hymnal (1989) and Mil Voces Para Celebrar: Him-
nario Metodista (1996). The ritual of the Church is that
contained in Cultos Principales de la Iglcsia (1084), TJie
United Methodist Hymnal (1989), aftd The United Meth-
odist Book of Worship (1992), and Mil Voces Para Cele-
brar: Himnario Metodista (1996).

4. To— pPrepare revisions of the Ritual of the
Church...

5. T©-wWork wdth other North American...

6. Te-pPrepare and sponsor the publication...

7. ¥©-f»Maintain a cooperative but not exclusive...

8. Te-ftAdvise the general agencies... the imprint of
The United Methodist Church, including encouraging
use of racial and ethnic worship resources and other
language publications, incorporating sensitivities to lan-
guagc which embodies incorporation of language
which recognizes paragraph 4 (Article IV) of the Con
stitution of The United Methodist Church and serves
the needs ef the several constituencies of the Church.
(See 1 4 of 77ze Book of Discipline.)

9. Te-eCounsel with the editors...

10. T&-pParticipate in and cooperate with...

11. T&-eEncourage in the schools of theology...

12. ¥e-eCounsel with those responsible...

13. To gOive guidance to, provide develop, in
cooperation syith the General Board of Higher Educa
tion and Ministry; performance standards resources
for, and that encourage the continuing growth of those
persons responsible for music leadership in the
local church, i.e., directors, ordained ministers, eft4
associates, ©f music; music assistants; and those vol-
unteering in music others in the local church

related to music and the other worship arts. (See
•JTI 1209.4, 1505.7, 1562.2)

14. Te-eCooperate with ^The Fellowship of United
Methodists in Worship, Music; and Other Worship Arts
and The Order of St LAike...

15. To give guidance to, and dDevelop performance
standards for associates, directors, and ministers of
music,. ..with the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry in the development of standards and
requirements for in their certification of directors,
associates, and ministers of music as provided in ^
1526.2.

^1216.

Petition Number: 21408-DI-1216-D; GBOD.
Ministry of the Laity
Amend ^ 1216 and ^ 1217:

Ministry of the Laity. — ^The board shall interpret and
spread through the Church all the rich meanings of the
universal priesthood of believers, of Christian vocation,
and of the ministry of the laity in daily life.

The United Methodist Church.. .charged with devel-
oping discipleship. To this end, the board shall:

1 1217. Lay Leadership and Ministry Development
Responsibilities. — 1. To hHelp develop an adequate un-
derstanding of the theological and biblical basis for
ministry of the laity.

2. T©-4Develop and interpret ministry of the laity
both within and wthout inside and outside the insti-
tutional Church.

3. T©-pProvide resources; and support services;
and designs for the development. .Committees on
Nominations and Personnel, aft4 those who serve as lay
leaders, and lay members of Annual Conferences and
leaders of related organizations in local chm-ches,
districts, Annual Conferences and jtuisdictions.

252

DCA Advance Edition

4. [Delete existing text] Assist congregations,
districts and Annual Conferences in equipping
persons for leadership in community ministries.

5. ¥e-pProvide resources and suggested plans for
the observance of Laity ©ay Sunday in the local church .

6. Te-pProvide resources and support services for
the lay speaking ministryT; includiftges standards for the
local church lay speaker and certified lay speaker ftn4
dcsigna and resources...

7. Te^Provide support services...

8. Te4Initiate a process of coordination...

9. Encourage ©ordained elders may to select and
train laity lay members with appropriate vyords and
actions to immediately deliver distribute the conse-
crated communion elements as soon as feasible to
sick or homeboimd persons following a service of
Word and Table members confined at home, in a
nursing home, or in a hospital.

^1217.

Petition Number: 21250-DI-1217.9-D; GBHEM.

Leadership and Ministry Development
Responsibilities
Delete ^ 1217.9.

^1218.

Petition Number: 21409-DI-1218-D; GBOD.

Christian Discipleship Formation Responsibilities
Amend f 1218:

Christian Discipleship Formation Responsibili-
ties.— The board shall: 1. T&4Interpret the basics of
Christian living discipleship in accordance with the
general rule of discipleship; To dirough groups that
witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his
teachings through acts of compassion, faith' sharing,
justice, worship, aR4 devotion, faith-sharing, study,
and contemplation, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit

2. Te-^Provide resources, training, and support
services...

3. Te-^Provide resources, training, and support
services for revitalizing the role of Class Leaders
(^269), so that they may interpret the general rule of
discipleship (acts of compassion, faith-sharing, justice,
worship, an4 devotion and faith-sharing) to all church
members, and thereby nurture congregations through
such means of grace as prayer and Bible study in
the privileges and obligations of their discipleship.

4. Provide resources, training, and support
services for leaders in various small groups that
emei^e to meet the needs of people in congrega-
tions.

45. Te-pProvide interpretative resources and train-
ing for the grounding of Covenant Discipleship Groups,
Class Leaders, and other forms of congregational lead'
crship small group leadership, in the richness of the
Methodist Wesleyan tradition.

66. Te-pProvide resources and support services
which link the basic guidelines of the general rule of
discipleship (acts of compassion, faith-sharing, justice,
worship, and devotion) with more particular dimensions
t)i that equip persons for faithful Christian living in
the world, and especially those program areas for which
the General Board of Discipleship has responsibility.

67. To^Provide consultative services to jurisdic-
tions, conferences, and districts, in the introduction and
development of Covenant Discipleship Groups, ftft4
Class Leaders, and small group ministries in congre-
gations.

11219.

Petition Number: 21410-DI-1219-D; GBOD.

Age-Level and Family Ministries

Delete ^ 1219 and replace with new text incorporat-
ing ^^ 1220 and 1222:

Age-Level and Family Ministries. — The board will
provide for an integrated and coordinated ap-
proach in development of resources and service
support for ministries widi children, youth, adults
of ail ages and families. Through its services to
administrative and coordinating leaders the board
will assist congregations and conferences to:

a) Build knowledge for development of minis-
tries which support the primary task of the local
congregation;

b) Provide for the development and nurture of
persons at all age levels and stages of growth; and
families in diverse configurations;

c) Assist individuals and families in spiritual
development and growth;

d) Promote the making and keeping of cove-
nants as foundations for family living.

The board will also engage in research and
testing; consultation and training; and collabora-
tive planning so as to enhance the delivery of re-
sources 2md services to leaders with age-level and
family ministries responsibilities.

DJscJpleship

253

1. Comprehensive Children s Ministries. — ^The
board will assist congregations and conferences in
developing comprehensive ministries for and with
children. Such ministries may include, but not be
limited to:

Sunday School and Vacation Bible School,
weekday ministries for preschool and elementary
ages, fellowship and neighborhood groups, scout-
ing ministries, short term studies and activities
within and outside the church facilities. Minis-
tries should focus on Biblical foundations, prayer
and spiritual formation, community service, per-
sonal worth through Jesus Christ, human sexual-
ity, values. United Methodist studies, creative and
fine Eirts, multicultural awareness, outreach to
others, and celebration of significant moments in
children s lives.

Responsibilities may include such supportive
tasks as: assisting congregations to be advocates
on behalf of children, identifying the needs and
concerns of children, their families and congrega-
tions, assessing the status of ministries with chil-
dren in The United Methodist Church, collecting
and disseminating pertinent data on issues, mod-
els, and programs wiiich inform the leaders in
congregations and church structures to
strengthen the quality of life of children.

2. Comprehensive Youth Ministry. — There shall
be a comprehensive approach to development and
implementation of youtih ministry programming at
all levels of the Church. [Insert the remainder of %
1222 in its entirety.]

3. Comprehensive Adult Ministries. — The board
will assist congregations and conferences in devel-
oping comprehensive ministries by, with, and for
adults. In keeping with the primary task of the
board, adult ministries may include but need not
be limited to: education and ministries with young
adults, middle adults, older adults, and single
adults (i.e., widowed, always single, separated,
and divorced); and, intergenerational programs
involving adults. Such a plan would include bibli-
cal foimdation and study, developmental stages
and tasks of adults, faith development and spiri-
tual formation, and leadership training in various
models of adult educational ministries.

Responsibilities may include such supportive
tasks as: identifying the needs and concerns of
adults (i.e., young adults, middle adults, older
adults, and single adults), assessing the status of
ministries by, with, and for adults in The United
Methodist Church, collecting and disseminating
pertinent data on issues, models, and programs
which inform the leaders in local congregations,
district, conferences, boards, and agencies to
strengthen the quality of faith and life of adults.

4. Comprehensive Family Ministries. — The board
will assist congregations and conferences in devel-
oping comprehensive ministries with families. In
alignment with the primary task, the ministries
may assist families in the following areas: spiritual
formation and development, marital growth min-
istries, parenting, human sexuality, care-giving
and issues affecting the quality of family life. Such
a plan would include: biblical exploration and
study, theological, experiential understandings of
family life, and the evolving patterns of family liv-
ing. Ministries with families will focus on persons
rather than structures.

The board may organize and administer a
Committee on Family life. The Committee will
provide an arena for information sharing, coUabo-
rativety planning, and/or cooperative program-
ming in alignment with the purpose and respon-
sibilities of representative participants. The
Committee will serve as advocates for ministries
with families in all boards and agencies.

Responsibilities may include such supportive
tasks as: identifying the needs and concerns of
families and of congregations, assessing the status
of ministries with families in The United Method-
ist Church, collecting and disseminating pertinent
data on issues, models, and programs which in-
form the work of the boards and agencies to
strengthen the quality of famify life. The commit-
tee will relate to and provide liaison services to
ecumenical and interdenominational agencies in
the area of famify life.

^1219.

Petition Number: 21411-DI-1219-D; GBOD.
Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Add a new paragraph after "J 1218:

Ethnic Local Church Concerns: The board shall
function as an advocate for programs and con-
cerns of ethnic local churches. It shall co-ordinate
efforts to keep the needs of the membership of
ethnic churches uppermost in the minds of its
membership. The board will ensiu-e that adequate
resources — ^fiscal, human and programmatic — are
used to support and encoiu-age the ministries of
the ethnic local churches.

11220.

Petition Number: 21412-DI-1220-D; GBOD.
Committee on Family life
Delete ^ 1220.

254

DCA Advance Edition

^1221.

Petition Number: 20317-DI-1221.4-D;WPA

Membership of the Committee on Older Adult
Ministries,

Amend ^ 1221.4:

4. Membership. The committee... and/or inclusive-
ness (racial/ethnic, handicapping condition disability,
age,...

11222.

Petition Number: 21413-DI-1222-D; GBOD.
Comprehensive Youth Ministry
Move f 1222 to ^ 1219 as amended.

11223.

Petition Number: 20880-DI-1223-D; United Methodist
Men Foundation, Madill, OK.

United Methodist Men

Delete ^ 1223.

11223.

Petition Number: 20881-DI-1223-D; South Georgia
Conference United Methodist Men, SGA.

Men's Division

Amend ^ 1223:

United Methodist Men 's Division. Responsibilities. —
There shall be a United Methodist Men's Division
within the General Board of Discipleship.

1. Purpose. The purpose of tiie United Method-
ist Men's Division shall be to encourage men to
participate responsibly in God's action in and for
the world. This is accomplished through involving
them in evangelism among men and boys, in mis-
sion outreach, and in spiritual growth at the Gen-
eral, jurisdictional, annual conference, district,
and local church levels.

2. Responsibilities. The responsibilities of the
United Methodist Men's Division shall be to have pri-
mary oversight for the coordination and resourcing of
men's work within TTie United Methodist Church.

i3. To provide resources...

24. g) Provide liaison relationships and joint
programming services with specialized interde-
nominational and cooperative programs. This in-
cludes, but is not limited to. United Methodist
Scouters, Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Camp Fire,

United Methodist Men's Foundation, North Ameri-
can Conference Church Men's staff, Lay Witness
Missions, Volunteers in Mission, and other organi-
zations with similar piuposes.

5. Accountability. The United Methodist Men's
Division shall be accountable to the General
Board of Discipleship. The accountability will in-
volve evaluation by the General Board of Disci-
pleship of the Men's Division disciplinary man-
dates.

6. Authority. The United Methodist Men's Divi-
sion shall have the autiiority to make its by-laws
and to regulate its proceedings in harmony with
the charter of the board and with its approval; to
develop and carry out the functions of the board
as described in ^ 1202 as far as they relate to the
work of men; to solicit and accept contributions
and to appropriate funds and budget with and in
harmony with the General Board of Discipleship.

11224.

Petition Number: 21414-DI-1224.2-D; GBOD.
Curriculum Resources Committee
Amend the last sentence of ^ 1224.2:

They shall be for use in a variety of settings,. ..cam-
pus ministries, preparation with parent(s), guard-
ian(s), and sponsor(s) or godparent(s) who are
presenting children to be baptized and confirmatieft
preparation classes preparing youth for their profes-
sion of faith and confirmation.

11301.

Petition Number: 21475-DI-1301-D; NYMO.

National Youth Ministry Organization
Amend ^ 1301:

There shall be a National General Youth Ministry
Organization of The United Methodist Church.

11304.

Petition Number: 21415-DI-1304-D; GBOD.
Structure of the National Youth Ministry Organization
Amend ^ 1304:

Structure. — National Youth Ministry Organization
shall be composed comprised of three basic units:
Convocation, Legislative Assembly, and Steering
Committee.

[Delete (l)-(3).]

Discipleship

255

TI1305.

Petition Number: 21416-DI-1305-D; GBOD.
National Youth Ministry Organi2ation Convocation
Amend ^ 1305:

1. Objectives and responsibilities of the National
Youth Ministry Organization Convocation. — fl;^ The ob-
jectives of the National Youth Ministry Organization
Convocation shall be to provider leadership training;
opportunities for spiritual growth; evangelistic
outreach by and for youth; support for renewal in
the life of the church; strengthened connectional
youth ministry; awareness of the Social Principles
OT 70-76) and TTte Book of Resolutions of The United
Methodist Church; and the context and setting for
the National Youth Ministry Organization Legisla-
tive Assembly.

[Delete (l)-(6).]

b) [Delete.]

2. Participants. — Participation in the National Youth
Ministry Organization Convocation shall be open to?

United Methodist youth as defined in % 264.2,
adult workers in youth ministry, youth members
of general agencies, and National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee members.

[Delete remainder of sub-paragraph.]

3. [Second sentence] The National Youth Ministry
Organisation Convocation site shall rotate among all the
jurisdictions in the follovdng order; Southeastern, North
Central, South Central, Northeastern, and Western.
Every third National Youth Ministry Organization Con-
vocation shall be held at an historically ethnic institution,
insofar as possible.

4. Expenses. — The expenses of participants, other
than those participants listed in Ij 1306.3 shall be ar-
ranged by the individual.

It is strongly recommended... in National Youth
Ministry Organization and in attending the convoca-
tion.

^1306.

Petition Number: 20108-DI-1306-D;TRY.

Voting members of National Youth Ministry

Organization Restrictions
Delete the fourth sentence of ^ 1306.2a.

^1306.

Petition Number: 21417-DI-1306.1-D; GBOD.

National Youth Ministry Organization Legislative

Assembly
Amend ^ 1306:

I. a) Central to the its objectives, ©f the National
Youth Ministry Organization Legislative Assembly shall
be^ provide a forum for the expression of issues
vital to youth, direct the Steering Committee in the
advocacy of these issues, empower youth by sup-
porting and communicating with youth ministry
structures at all levels of the chtu'ch, and support
and fiaciUtate renewal in the Church.

[Delete (l)-(3).]

b) The responsibilities of the National Youth Minis-
try Organization Legislative Assembly shall bet set na-
tional Youth Service Fund monetary goals; set ttie
policy and criteria for the selection of projects and
the distribution of the national portion of the
Youth Service Fund; elect the National Youth Min-
istry Organization Steering Committee in accord-
ance with ^ 1307.2a; initiate and support special
projects which are of particular interest to youth;
make recommendations to appropriate boards
and agencies of The United Methodist Church on
ways to strengthen youth ministry in areas of vital
concern; support and facilitate formation of racial
and ethnic minority youth caucuses in the Annual
Conference, jtuisdictional, and general levels of
the Church; and select the National Youth Minis-
try Organization priority for the next four years.

[Delete (l)-(7).]

2.a) [Second sentence] It is strongly recommended
that at least one of the conference representatives, pref-
erably a youth, shall be a person from one of these few
racial/ethnic five racial and ethnic minority groups:
Pacific and Asian Americans, Black Americans, His-
panic Americans, aft4 Native Americans, and Pacific
Islanders. If the Annual Conference is not represented
by a voting member that represents one of the four
racial/ethnic groups, the adult member will sit on the
floor with voice but no vote. An Annual Conference...

3.b) [Delete last sentence.]

^1306.

Petition Number: 21035-DI-1306.2-D; GCORR

Voting Membership of National Youth Ministry

Organization Steering Committee
Amend ^ 1306.2fl:

a) [Second sentence] It is strongly recommended
that at least one of the conference representatives, pref-

256

DCA Advance Edition

erably a youth, shall be a person from one of these feaf
five racial/ethnic racial-ethnic minority groups: Pa-
cific and Asian Americans, Black Americans, Hispanic
Americans, ftftdNative Americans, and Pacific Island-
ers. If the Annual Conference.. .one of the four ra
cial/cthnic five racial-ethnic minority groups,...

^1306.

Petition Number: 21418-DI-1306.2-D; GBOD.

Voting Members of the National Youth Ministry

Organization Legislative Assembly
Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 1306.2a:

Voting members shall be baptized or professing
members (full or preparatory^ of The United Methodist
Church.

^1306.

Petition Number: 21476-DI-1306.2-D; NYMO.

Membership of the National Youth Ministry
Organization Legislative Assembly
Amend ^ 1306.2a:

2.a) [Third sentence] It is strongly recommended
that at least one of the conference representatives, pref-
erably a youth, shall be a person from one of these few
racial/ethnic five racial and ethnic minority groups:
Pacific and Asian Americans, Black Americans, His-
panic Americans, aR4 Native Americans, and Pacific
Islanders. If the annual conference is not represented
by a voting member that represents one of the four
racial/ethnic groups, the adult member will sit on the
floor with voice but no vote. An Annual Conference...

11307.

Petition Number: 20585-DI-1307-D;WNC.

Membership of National Youth Ministry Organization
Steering Committee
Amend \ 1307.1:

1. ... It is sfrongly recommended that at least one half
of these youth shall be from these racial/ethnic groups:
Pacific and Asian Americana, Black Americans, His
panic Americans, and Native Americans, so elected that
each racial/ethnic group is represented.. ..the Curricu-
lum Resources Committee, the General Council on Min
istrics, the General Commission on Religion and
Race

^1307.

Petition Number: 20964-DI-1307-D; GCORR.

Membership of the National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee

Amend \ 1307:

1. [Second sentence] It is strongly recommended
that at least one-half of these youth shall be from these
racial/ethnic racial-ethnic minority groups: Pacific
and Asian Americans, Black Americans, Hispanic
Americans, eB4 Native Americans, find Pacific Island-
ers, so elected that each racial/ethnic racial-ethnic
minority group is represented.

2.a) [Second sentence] It is sfrongly recommended
that the legislative assembly shall elect members at
large so that all few five racial and ethnic racial-ethnic
minority groups are represented.. .It is sfrongly recom-
mended that if no racial/ethnic racial-ethnic minority
group adult is elected to the National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee, the National Youth
Ministry Organization Legislative Assembly shall elect
a racial/ethnic racial-ethnic minority adult at... Ten
youth (two from each jurisdiction; it is sfrongly recom-
mended that at least one of whom must be a racial/cth-
ftie racial-ethnic minority group member) shall be
elected.. .It is sfrongly recommended that if all four ra-
cial/ethnic five racial-ethnic minority groups are not
represented, the National Youth Ministry Organization
Steering Committee shall elect additional members at
large so that all few five groups are represented...

W(2) The National Youth Ministry Organization
Steering Committee shall fill vacancies to maintain fa-
cial/cthnic racial-ethnic minority representation...

11307.

Petition Number: 21419-DI-1307-D; GBOD, NYMO
Steering Committee.

National Youth Ministry Organization Steering
Committee

Amend \ 1307:

1. Membership.— The National Youth Ministry Or-
ganization Steering Committee shall consist of youth
and adults who are members (full or preparatory) of
The United Methodist Church. All youth elected to
the steering committee shall be at the time of their
election entering into the eleventh grade or under
or their age shall be sixteen or younger. It is
sfrongly recommended that at least one-half of these
youth shall be from these racial/ethnic groups; Pacific
and Asian Americans, racial and ethnic minority
groups: Asian Americans, Black Americans, His-
panic Americans, mt^ Native Americans, and Pacific
Islanders, so elected that each racial/ethnic racial
and ethnic minority group is represented. It is

Discipleship

257

strongly recommended that at least one youth with
a disability be elected. In addition,...a bishop chosen
by the Council of Bishops, «» two elected members
(one youth and one adult); and a staff member related
to youth ministry of the General Board of Discipleship,
a General Board of Discipleship/Church School
Publications youth editor, and one board or staff
elected youth member with voice but not vote, from
each of the three additional program-related gen-
eral agencies (1 803.5), the General Council on
Ministries, the General Commission of Religion
and Race, the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women, and the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns,
each chosen by their respective agencies. All will
serve with voice and vote, following agcncic3 (to be
selected at a regular meeting of the agency) : the General
Board of Church and Society, the General Board of
Global Ministries, the General Board of Higher Educa
tion and Ministry, the General Board of Discipleship, the
Curriculum Resources Committee, the General Council
on Ministries, the General Commission of Religion and
Race, the General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women, and the General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns. Additional board or
staff representatives may be added at the discretion of
the steering committee. All youth elected to the steering
committee shall be at the time of their election entering
into the eleventh grade or under or their age shall be
sixteen or younger.

2. Election. — a) Each jurisdiction shall elect tw©
three youth and one adult worker with youth to the
National Youth Ministry Organization Steering Commit-
tee, with at least one youth being a racial and
ethnic minority youth ( ji 632) at the National Youth
Ministry Organiaation Ixgislativc Assembly. It is
strongly recommended that the legislative assembly
shali elect members at large so that youth with dis-
abilities and all feaf five racial and ethnic minority
groups are represented on the National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee. It is strongly recom-
mended that if no raeial/ethnic racial and ethnic mi-
nority group adult is elected to the National Youth
Ministry Organization Steering Committee, the Na-
tional Youth Ministry Organization Legislative Assem-
bly shall may elect a racial/ethnic racial and ethnic
minority adult at large to be a National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee member. Ten youth
(two from each jurisdiction; it is strongly recommended
that at least one of whom must be a racial/ethnic group
member) shall be elected in the alternate years at the
Jurisdictional Youth Ministry Convocation CH 632) . It is
strongly recommended that if all four raeial/ethnic five
racial and ethnic minority groups are not repre-
sented, the National Youth Ministry Organization Steer-
ing Committee «haH may elect additional members at
large so that all five groups are represented on the
National Youth Ministry Organization Steering Commit

b){2) The National Youth Ministry Organization
Steering Committee shall fill vacancies to maintain fe-
eial/ethnie racial and ethnic minority representation
as required by §2a above...

3. Term. — ^The term for National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee members...

a) Members cannot serve two consecutive terms,?

b) Members and shall begin their term immedi-
ately upon adjournment of the jurisdictional convocation
or National Youth Ministry Organization Legislative As-
sembly at which they were elected and shall conclude
upon the adjournment of the next respective jurisdic-
tional convocation or National Youth Ministry Organiza-
tioft Legislative Assembly.

ft>-W The term for board. ..concludes atthe end of the
National Youth Ministry Organization Steering Commit-
tee meeting...

^1307.

Petition Number: 21420-DI-1307.1-D; GBOD.

Membership of the National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1307.1:

1. Membership. — ^The National Youth Ministry Or-
ganization Steering Committee shall consist of youth
who are baptized or professing members (full or
preparatory) of The United Methodist Church.

^1308.

Petition Number: 21421-DI-1308-D; GBOD.

Staff of the National Youth Ministry Organization
Amend "J 1308:

1. The responsibilities of tThe executive director
shall be provider managerial oversight of the Na-
tional Youth Ministry Organization and sta£F, com-
municate the decisions of the National Youth Min-
istry Organization, communicate the concerns of
youth to the general boards and agencies, and
interpret the actions of the National Youth Minis-
try Organization to The United Methodist Chiu'ch.

[Delete a)-d).]

3. The National Youth Ministry Organization Steer-
ing Committee shall also determine the need for and
responsibilities of additional staff. The National Youth
Ministry Organization Steering Committee shall also
determine the responsibilities of the additional staff
member (s).

258

^1311.

Petition Number: 21477-DI-1311-D; NYMO Steering
Committee.

Project Selection
Amend f 1311:

Project Selection.— The >fational Youth Miniatiy Oi-
gonigation Steering Committee shall constitute a Project

DCA Advance Edition

Review Committee to advise them the ^[ation^l Yuuih
Minioto' Orfeunination Stcci ing CommilLuc in the selec-
tion of projects. The Project Review Committee shall be
composed of five youth from the Nntionol YouUi Miuij.
try OrgantLutiun Steering Committee and two one
adult» who ai=e is an elected members of Tthe United
Methodist Chnrph Imt nnt m-|,|t,cr3 of tlic National
Youth MuiijLf)- Orgaiiii^uaou Steering Committee ©r
related to any general agency. The projects...

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259

DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20107-DI-NonDis-O;CTX, NEB.

AfEum the Council of Bishop's Statement

on A\^sdom and Our Doctrinal Standards

and Theological Task

Whereas, considerable theological/doctrinal fer-
ment exists within The United Methodist Church as
reflected in such events and responses to them as the
Re-Imagining Conference, the call for a confessing
movement within the church, and the Jesus Seminar.
Feelings of alienation and mistrust account for some of
the theological reflection and response to God as re-
vealed in Jesus Christ and witnessed to in scripture,
tradition, experience, and reason. It is clearly a fertile
time for the church. Openness to the stirrings and guid-
ance of the Holy Spirit will result in deeper under-
standing of and commitment to God's nature and action;
and

Whereas, "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theologi-
cal Task" (Part n. The Book of Discipline) provides the
foundation for responding dialogically and faithfully to
current issues. Our theological task "is grounded upon
God's supreme mode of self-revelation — the incarnation
of Jesus Christ" {The Book of Discipline, p. 75)

However, the content of our doctrinal/theological
statement as contained in The Book of Discipline remains
unfamiliar to large numbers of United Methodists. The
relationship between historic doctrine and continuing
theological exploration merits special attention, recog-
nizing that both maintaining doctrinal moorings and
engaging in theological exploration are essential com-
ponents of our Wesleyan tradition; and

Whereas, the biblical wisdom tradition and its use
are receiving considerable attention by biblical scholars
and others within the church. Biblical wisdom merits
serious study and appropriation by those who seek
abiding truth amid transient values, those who search
for expressions of the Divine Presence amid the an-
guished suffering of the innocent, and those who are
disillusioned with unexamined answers. Such quests
are as old as Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Further-
more, the efforts to maintain and reinterpret tradition
while surrounded by diverse cultural values can be
informed by Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon; and

Whereas, scholars generally agree that Woman
Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-33; 8:1-36; 9:1-6) in the literary
context of Israelite Wisdom is a personification of an
attribute of God and not a goddess or a being with
separate existence from God. Woman Wisdom was
never an object of cultic reverence for the Israelites, and
there are no biblical warrants for goddess worship. The

worship of Sophia as a goddess is conti-ary both to the
biblical revelation and our doctrinal standards; and

Whereas, our doctrinal standards commit us to trini-
tarian theology and language. Wisdom initially personi-
fied (Proverbs 1:20-33; 8:1-36; 9:1-6) was later particular-
ized and personified in Judaism as the Torah, whereas
New Testament writers located divine wisdom in the
historical Jesus and the Risen, Glorified Christ. Clearly
wisdom is in the service of Christology in tiie New
Testament. Orthodox traditions tiiat refer to Christ as
"Saint Sophia" carefully maintain continuity with Jesus,
the incarnate One, thereby avoiding docetism and gnos-
ticism; and

Whereas, our doctrinal standards affirm that God is
"everlasting, without body or parts" (Articles of Relig-
ion). Anthropomorphic language, therefore, cannot be
applied literally to God. God is beyond gender, and
language about God always falls short of adequately
revealing the fullness of God. Jesus' normative use of
Father (Abba) for God is an affirmation of God's gender.
Feminine images for the expression of the fiillness of
God have both biblical and historical precedent and
appropriateness; and

Whereas, some feminist theologians draw heavily
upon the wisdom tradition, feminist theology as a whole
cannot be identified simply with the wisdom tradition.
Feminist theology is affirmed within a variety of contem-
porary theological approaches. United Methodist femi-
nist theologians contribute insights, both doctrinal and
exploratory, for understanding the Triune God, the In-
carnation, church, sin, grace, as well as other basic
tenets of the Christian faith; and

Whereas, both the wisdom tradition and our
Wesleyan doctrinal/theological statement require an
attitude of humility before God, respect for one another,
openness to God's revelation from unexpected sources,
and commitment to Jesus Christ as faithful responses to
God. Dialogue, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and
common commitment to the sovereignty of Christ, is
needed in all segments of the church if we are to be
faithful to both the Christian Wisdom Tradition and our
"Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task." Our
Wesleyan heritage commits us to unity in the essentials
of the faith, respect for our differences about non-essen-
tials, and charity in all things;

Therefore, we affirm the response of our bishops as
appropriate and responsible within the bounds of their
authority as reflected in their recommendations in the
Council of Bishops' Report on Biblical Wisdom and
Current Theological Ferment, that

Discipleship

260

(1) Copies of the report of the Task Force on the
Study of Wisdom will be made available to the bishops
for appropriate distribution and use in their areas; and

(2) Whereas, "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theo-
logical Task" represents our doctrinal/theological
grounding and yet remains unfamiliar to large numbers
of United Methodists, both clergy and lay, we recom-
mend that the bishops explore among themselves and
with their Conference leadership creative ways of en-
gaging the doctrinal/theological statement; and

We affirm Part 11 of the 1992 Discipline, "Doctrinal
Standards and Our Theological Task" (^^65-69) and
recommend to the 1996 General Conference that it not
be altered.

Petition Number: 20110-DI-NonDis-O;IWA.

Baptism

We respectfully petition the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church now in session to:

Ensure that any action taken or statement adopted
regarding baptism shall be consistent with these princi-
ples:

1. Baptism is an expression of God's grace and "a
sign of regeneration and new birth." (The Book of Disci-
pline, Articles of Religion, Article XVII, p. 63.)

2. A personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior is essential for all persons, including all
who were baptized as infants.

3. The United Methodist Church should continue
its tradition of infant baptism, recognizing that "Children
of believing parents through baptism become the spe-
cial responsibility of the Church. They should be nur-
tured and led to personal acceptance of Christ, and by
profession of faith confirm their baptism." (The Book of
Discipline, Evangelical United Brethren Church Confes-
sion of Faith, Article VI, p. 67.)

4. Infant baptism confers prepatory membership.
However, baptism alone should not be regarded as
conferring full membership or as a substitute for confir-
mation. The Church should continue to provide training,
including confirmation classes, "that will lead to a per-
sonal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
to an understanding of the Christian faith, and to an
appreciation of the privileges and obligation of church
membership." {The Book of Discipline, ^225, p. 126.)

Petition Number: 20111-DI-NonDis-O$;SNJ, WVA

Baptism Stiidy

The document "By Water and the Spirit, a United
Methodist Understanding of Baptism" shall be given

four more years of study so that a larger representation
of The United Methodist Church may have the opportu-
nity to respond to it; further, that the study document
also be made available in Korean, Spanish, and such
other languages that represent our Central Confer-
ences.

Petition Number: 20154-DI-NonDis-O;NGA

Doctiinal Integrity

We live in an era of spiritual confusion. Speculation
abounds on the existence and nature of God, the mean-
ing of human relations, modes of spirituality, the en-
deavor for justice, the possibilities of peace, and the
ground of hope. The United Methodist Church, given
the opportunity of bearing winsome witness to the en-
during reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ, seems to
share in this confusion.

We affirm the need for theology to take contempo-
rary forms of expression, but find a clear and present
danger of severing ourselves from the apostolic testi-
mony of the Christian faith. "United Methodists share a
common heritage with Christians of every age and na-
tion. This heritage is grounded in the apostolic witness
to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, which is the source
and measure of all valid Christian teaching." (Discipline,
1992, ^ 65, p. 41.) It is the apostolic faith more than the
contemporary experience of persons that defines the
center and circurnference of Christian teaching. While
broadly ecumenical in many areas, we are not indifferent
in matters of doctrine. We affirm with John Wesley that
the Christian is "fixed as the sun in the main branches
of Christian doctrine." (Sermon, Catholic Spirit.)

Therefore, as United Methodists, we again affirm
Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of the world. We again
take as our task the summoning of people to experience
the justifying and sanctifying grace of God and to assist
them in tfieir growth in the knowledge and love of God
within the context of Christian community. In addition
to the primitive faith of the universal church, we endorse
those Wesleyan distinctives which comprise the doc-
trinal standards of United Methodism. We reject at-
tempts at theologizing which mock, repudiate, dismiss,
or essentially alter the gospel by which we have been
saved. On behalf of Christian sisters and brothers who
have been scandalized by efforts which reconstruct the
nature of God, deify personal experience, and deny
Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of the world, we
commit ourselves anew to vigilance in our doctrinal
integrity.

We understand a fi-esh interest in doctrinal integrity
to be essential in renewing our effectiveness. Our doc-
trinal standards define United Methodism as standing
within the broad stream of apostolic Christianify. These
standards are distinguishing characteristics of our iden-
tify. When persons become members of local congrega-
tions they, along with the congregations of which they

261

DCA Advance Edition

are becoming part, affirm the Apostle's Creed as a sum-
mary of doctrine ("Baptismal Covenant I," p. 35, United
Methodist Hymnal)- When persons are ordained within
United Methodism, they covenant to "proclaim the faith
of the Church and no other..." {Book of Worship, 675,
"Order of Service for Ordination of Elders") . The certifi-
cate of ordination attests that each ordinand is "set apart
for the work of an Elder.. .so long as this person contin-
ues to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and adheres
to and teaches the Gospel of our Lord Jesus and the
doctrine of the Church." (Emphasis added.) Episcopal
leaders are given responsibility to "guard, transmit,
teach and proclaim corporately and individually the ap-
ostolic faith..." (^ 514.2). All general agencies of The
United Methodist Church are amenable to the General
Conference (^ 802) and we take this amenability to
extend to an affirmation of the doctrinal perspectives of
the denomination on whose behalf the general agencies
have been created to serve. Some, having made these
commitments in good conscience at one time, may de-
termine that they are no longer able to affirm and uphold
the doctrinal standards of United Methodism. In such
instances, it is a matter of both justice and integrity that
these persons officially withdraw from the covenant of
membership, ordination, consecration, or institutional
leadership rather than attempt to promote a different
gospel under the auspices of the Church. Those whose
teaching and/or leadership demonstrably repudiates
the doctrine of United Methodism and who persistently
refuse to relinquish their privilege of leadership granted
by the people they have been called to serve are subject
to the provisions for removal as already provided in the
Discipline. A lack of accountability in the teaching tasks
of the Church only leads to weakness within and with-
out. Vigilance in doctrine undergirds a vibrant under-
standing of both our identity and the good news to which
we bear witness.

A fresh interest in doctrinal integrity is essential, as
well, to renewed engagement with the cultures of which
United Methodists are part Christian doctrine gener-
ally, and our doctrinal standards in particular, engage in
the great opposites of human experience: law and grace,
sin and forgiveness, guilt and absolution, wrath and
mercy, life and death, God coming to us and our coming
to Christ, obedience and freedom, authority and ac-
countability, curse and blessing, hell and heaven. These
opposites stand within creative balance in our doctrinal
standards. A small mistake in Christian teaching can
lead to huge blunders in human well-being. For the sake
of the world Christ came to save, the Church must take
exceptional care to faithfully communicate the truth in
which we find life eternal and abundant.

Petition Number: 20235-DI-NonDis-O;IWA. EOH,
GBOD, NYMO.

Youtlx/Young Adult Priority of General
Conference for 1997-2000

Whereas, in a survey conducted by Group Publish-
ing it states that 80% of families with children say youth
ministry is a major factor in choosing a church; and

Whereas, in the same survey 57% of families stated
the reason they joined their present church was the
strong youth ministry program; and

Whereas, in a survey conducted by Search Institute
it was found that only a small minority of youth in
Protestant congregations experience a life-transforming
faith that is characterized by a strong relationship with
God (two-thirds of youth have a dormant or undevel-
oped faith) ; and

Whereas, in the same Search Institute survey a
small percentage of youth indicate that they actively
engage their faith through prayer, Bible reading, service
to others, or other spiritual growth activities; and

Whereas, fewer than half of the youth in the Search
Institute survey say their church challenges them to
think, and few have meaningful relationships with adults
in the congregations; and

Whereas, many churches are struggling to maintain
an effective youth program; and

Whereas, one of the ways for the church to turn
these dismal statistics around and make the church a
place where youth want to be is to put a high priority on
ministry with youth;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church include a
Youth A'oung Adult priority in the 1997-2000 Quadren-
nial Emphasis for our United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20250-DI-NonDis-O;NEN.

Baptism and Confirmation: Amend the study
"By Water and the Spirit"

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church asked local churches to study
the document, By Water and the Spirit, and to provide
feedback to the study commission; and

Whereas, several churches in the New England
Annual Conference have seriously studied the docu-
ment. By Water and the Spirit; and

Whereas, the practice of confirmation in the Chris-
tian Church goes back at least to the fourth century; and

Discipleship

262

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has prac-
ticed the rite of confirmation since 1964; and

Whereas, the 1988 United Methodist Hymnal and
the 1992 United Methodist Book of Worship, the liturgical
embodiment and expression of our doctrines, both
make use of the word confirmation with reference to
reception into The United Methodist Church or a par-
ticular congregation of our denomination; and

Whereas, this New England Annual Conference has
advanced a resolution to the 1996 General Conference
urging the passage of covenanting in the Church of
Christ Uniting; and

Whereas, several denominations of the Church of
Christ Uniting practice the rite of confirmation;

Be it resolved, that the General Conference amend
the recommendations of the study on baptism, By Water
and the Spirit, to allow for the use of the term "confirma-
tion" when referring to the "Profession of the Faith into
Which We Were Baptized."

Petition Number: 20266-DI-NonDis-O;NEB.

Resolution for Spiritual Unity
in Human Diversity

Whereas, The United Methodist Church is experi-
encing conflicting expressions of faith and biblical the-
ology; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church incorpo-
rates confessional tradition (i.e., "The Articles of Relig-
ion" and "The Confession of Faith," TTie Book of Disci-
pline, 1992) and inclusive tradition ("The Catholic
Spirit," sermon by John Wesley) ; and

Whereas, TJie Book of Discipline, 1992 (Part II: Doc-
trinal Standards and Our Theological Task) preserves
the inherent tension between doctrinal standards and
theological exploration... [and] involves dialogue, de-
bate, and some conflict." ("Biblical Wisdom and Current
Theological Ferment," Council of Bishops, October 31-
November 4, 1994) ; and

Whereas, maintaining an inclusive spirit about doc-
trinal, theological and language issues serves the
greater purpose of helping people to affirm faith in Jesus
Christ and appropriate the historic confessions of the
Church; and

Whereas, confessing faith in scriptural truth honors
rich diversity in the biblical witness and informs a
deeper understanding of diversity among people of faith;
and

Whereas, "indeed, the body does not consist of one
member but of many... [and] CJod arranged the mem-
bers in the body, each one of them, as he chose.. .The
eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor

again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On
the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be
weaker are indispensable, and those members of the
body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater
honor, and our less respectable members are treated
with greater respect;

Whereas, our more respectable members do not
need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the
greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be
no dissension within the body, but the members may
have the same care for one another." 1 Corinthians
12:14-25, NRSV);

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church reject any spirit that seeks to divide the Body
of Christ (and especially The United Methodist Church)
and that cuts off the confessing and inclusive heritages
by which United Methodists know themselves to be
people of God; and

Be it further resolved, that we affirm our biblical
faith in Jesus Christ and the spiritual gift of unity in
human diversity.

Petition Number: 20369-DI-NonDis-O;NYK

A Call to Reaffirm Hie Centrality of Christ

We invite all members of The United Methodist
Church to participate in study and reflection on "Our
Theological Task" as found in ^68, section 4 of the 1992
Book of Discipline.

We recognize both the church's need for theologi-
cal and doctrinal reinvigoration and the need for a wide
range of ongoing theological exploration.

In issuing this invitation, we affirm our baptismal
covenant to confess faith in and obedience to Jesus
Christ. "A convincing witness to our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ can contribute to the renewal of our faith,
bring persons to that faith, and strengthen the church
as an agent of healing and reconciliation. This witness,
however, cannot fully describe or encompass the mys-
tery of God."

Our invitation comes, because "theology is our ef-
fort to reflect upon God's gracious act in our lives." In
response to the love of Christ and in continued faithful-
ness to Wesleyan tradition, we "seek to give expression
to the mysterious reality of God's presence, peace and
power in the world," and to resist evil, injustice, and
oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.

We affirm all those who would explore new ways of
preaching Jesus Christ, which sets people free fi^om all
forms of evil and equips them for a life of holiness.

We join all who profess the apostolic faith, while
recognizing that no final definition can be given to the
apostolic faith, other than it confesses Jesus Christ. As

263

DCA Advance Edition

the center of our faith and obedience, Jesus Christ
cannot be replaced by creed, tradition or even scripture.
From the beginning, Christian faith has been expressed
in many diverse forms. Indeed, the earliest Christians
were led by the Spirit to the necessity of four equal but
different gospels. Likewise, expressions of faith in our
day do not need to be uniform. The test is whether they
preach Jesus Christ, and none other.

"We are confident in the ultimate unfolding of God's
justice and mercy." In this spirit we encourage all Untied
Methodists to take up our tiieological task.

Petition Number: 20370-DI-NonDis-O;WNY.

Reaffirm our "Doctrinal Standards
and Our Theological Task"

The theological affirmation and principles in Part II
of the present Discipline demonstrate faithfulness to
Christian teaching in the United Methodist tradition.
They provide guidance and encouragement for ongoing
reflection and fresh expression of our faith. This impor-
tant section of the Discipline embodies continuity and
creativity, permanence and vitality. It has served our
denomination well.

Because Part II clearly recognized the grounding of
our faith in the authority of Scripture, and affirms the
importance of tradition, experience and reason in the
process of interpretation:

We call upon the 1996 General Conference to reaf-
firm Part II of the 1992 Book of Discipline by leaving its
provisions unchanged.

Petition Number: 20519-DI-NonDis-O;TRY, NEB, NIL,
WMLNYK

i\ffirming Our Theological Task

God the Creator called John Wesley to address his
generation with an innovative social holiness; God the
Redeemer endowed him with incarnational power to
organize the people of God; God the Holy Spirit gifted
him as a "brand plucked from the burning" to emblazon
God's signature on an entire generation, century and
era. That same holy and triune God calls us to be the
Church in our time, not denying any part of our tradition,
but applying its truths to the issues God has created us
to face, so that our generation can know the redemption
that only God can offer, and the sustaining power that
makes God real in our time.

Some state that our doctrine is defined solely by the
General Rules, The Articles of Religion, The Confession
of Faith, The Standard Sermons of Wesley, and Wesley's
Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament. 77ig Dis-
cipline, however, begins with the ecumenical context of
our United Methodist heritage, reminding us that we are
part of the whole body of Christ. It presents our distinc-

tive United Methodist witness in the light of our com-
mon heritage as Christians. These are as much a part of
our tradition as the teachings of Wesley, Albright, and
Otterbein.

The Discipline affirms that our theological task is
open-ended: critical and constructive, individual and
communal, contextual and incarnational, as well as prac-
tical. We believe that it is transforming and transforma-
tional as well, because Wesley believed in Christian
perfection. That is, every generation must re-think its
faith responses to society's ills. For instance, our
Wesleyan tradition has helped us overcome some of the
18th Century prejudices (which Methodism shared)
against women and Roman Catholics.

The Discipline cites the Wesleyan quadrilateral:
"Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian
faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition,
vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by rea-
son." It points out that there is always a present chal-
lenge to theology in the Church which must not be
ignored or evaded.

How can we do theology (as opposed to just reading,
writing, studying or teaching it) if God's revelation to
Methodism ceased somewhere in the 18th Century?
Wesley's world gave him a historical perspective on the
social ills of his day. He ministered to the poor, the
miners who were victims of the Industrial Revolution,
and other oppressed groups such as women and chil-
dren. If Wesley had accepted the New Testament writ-
ers' tolerance of slavery and sexism at face value, simply
because it was biblical, he never would have become the
theological and ecclesiastical hero that his commitment
to social holiness made him. That is what he meant by
"going on to perfection."

Just so, we are called in our generation to continue
the struggle for the elimination of racism, sexism, clas-
sism, heterosexism, and all forms of spiritual and social
oppression. Paul says we are "new creations in Christ."
In the spirit of Abraham, Hagar, Mary, Wesley, Albright,
and Otterbein and other faithful servants of (jod, we are
called to discern the outward cry of that spirit in our
historical context.

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church affirms its commitment to our
historic standards for understanding the Christian faith
as contained in Parts II, III, and IV of The Book of
Discipline, entitled, "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theo-
logical Task," "Social Principles," and 'The Ministry of
All Christians," respectively. Efforts to lift certain of
these standards, to the exclusion of the rest, constitute
a call for a loyalty oath in The United Methodist Church,
which is not in keeping with the spirit of Our Theological
Task.

Discipleship

264

Petition Number: 20520-DI-NonDis-O;NEB.

Receiving, Endorsing and Implementing the
Bishop's Statement on Wisdom

Whereas, there has been some ferment in the wake
of the Re-Imagining Conference of 1993; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has responded
with sensitivity, courage and love for the Church by
studying the issues raised in this ferment; and

Whereas, their study has resulted in a written state-
ment encouraging local congregations to refamiliarize
themselves with the "Doctrinal Standards and Our
Theological Task" contained in TJie United Methodist
Book of Discipline 1992;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church endorse
the Council of Bishops' Statement on Wisdom; and

Be it further resolved, that the study of the "Doc-
trinal Standards and Our Theological Task" be made a
priority during the next quadrennium.

Petition Number: 20876-DI-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration For Social Action, CPA.

AfSrming Our Theological Task

God the Creator called John Wesley to address his
generation with an innovative social holiness; God the
Redeemer endowed him with incarnational power to
organize the people of God; God the Holy Spirit gifted
him as a "brand plucked from the burning" to emblazon
God's signature on an entire generation, century and
era. That same holy and triune God calls us to be the
Church in our time, not denying any part of our tradition,
but applying its truths to the issues God has created us
to face, so that our generation can know the redemption
that only God can offer, and the sustaining power that
makes God real in our time.

Some state that our doctrine is defined solely by the
General Rules, the Articles of Religion, the Confession
of Faith, the Standard Sermons of Wesley, and Wesley's
Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament. The Dis-
cipline, however, begins with the ecumenical context of
our United Methodist heritage, reminding us that we are
part of the whole body of Christ. It presents our distinc-
tive United Methodist witness in the light of our com-
mon heritage as Christians. These are as much a part of
our tradition as the teachings of Wesley, Albright, and
Otterbein.

The so-called "confessional" approach violates the
Wesleyan spirit of our tradition. The Discipline further
affirms that our theological task is open-ended: critical
and constructive, individual and communal, contextual
and incarnational, as well as practical. We would add that
it is transforming and transformational as well, because

Wesley believed in Christian perfection. That is, every
generation must re-think its faith responses to societ/s
ills. For instance, our Wesleyan tradition has helped us
overcome some of the 18th century prejudices (which
Methodism shared) against women and Roman Catho-
lics.

The Discipline cites the Wesleyan quadrilateral:
"Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian
faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition,
vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by rea-
son." It points out that there is always a present chal-
lenge to theology in the Church which must not be
ignored or evaded.

How can we DO theology (as opposed to just read-
ing, writing, studying or teaching it) if God's revelation
to Methodism ceased somewhere in the 18th century?
Wesley's world gave him an historical perspective on the
social ills of his day. He ministered to the poor, the
miners who were victims of the Industrial Revolution,
and other oppressed groups such as women and chil-
dren. If Wesley had accepted the New Testament writ-
ers' tolerance of slavery and sexism at face value, simply
because it was biblical, he never would have become tiie
theological and ecclesiastical hero that his commitment
to social holiness made him. That is what he meant by
"going on to perfection."

Just so, we are called in our generation to continue
the struggle for the elimination of racism, sexism, clas-
sism, heterosexism, and all forms of spiritual and social
oppression. Paul says we are "new creations in Christ"
In the spirit of Abraham, Mary, Albright and Wesley and
other faithful servants of God, we are called to discern
the outward cry of that spirit in our historical context

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church affirms its commitment to our
historic standards for understanding the Christian faith
as contained in Parts II, III, and IV of The Book of
Discipline, entitied "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theo-
logical Task," "Social Principles," and "The Ministry of
All Christians," respectively. Efforts to lift certain of
these standards, to the exclusion of the rest, constitute
a call for a loyalty oath in The United Methodist Church,
which is not in keeping with the spirit of "Our Theologi-
cal Task."

Petition Number: 21055-DI-NonDis-O; GCCUIC,
GBOD.

Support for the Approval of
"By Water and the Spirit"

Whereas, the 1988 General Conference directed the
Board of Discipleship, along with the Board of Higher
Education and Ministry and the Commission on Chris-
tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, to study the
meaning of the sacrament of baptism as it related to
confirmation and other rites of the Church; and,

265

DCA Advance Edition

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference received
the committee's report entitled "By Water and the
Spirit"; and

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference instructed
the committee, in conjunction with The United Method-
ist Publishing House, to publish the report, "By Water
and the Spirit," along with a study guide and a response
questionnaire; and

Whereas, the committee has received the re-
sponses from a broad cross-section of the Church, evalu-
ated them, and revised the paper with the responses in
mind;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church approve
"By Water and the Spirit" as the official interpretive
statement of the new Services of the Baptismal Covenant
found in the 1989 Hymnal and the 1992 Book of Worship.

And further be it resolved, that "By Water and the
Spirit" be used by Church School Publications and by
the General Board of Discipleship as a guide for teach-
ing about baptism.

And further be it resolved, that it commend this
interpretation of baptism and its relation to confirmation
and other rites of the Church to any entity of the Church
interpreting or administering the sacraments.

And further be it resolved, that "By Water and the
Spirit" be published in The Book of Discipline and be
published in book form with a leader's guide for study.

Petition Number: 21465-DI-NonDis-O; GBOD.

Adoption of tiie Spanish Language Hymnal
Mil Voces Para Celebrar

Whereas, the members and staff of the General
Board of Discipleship and the United Methodist Pub-
lishing House have for many years received requests for
a new Spanish language hymnal.

And Whereas, the 1990 General Council on Minis-
tries Spanish Language Resources Committee unani-
mously adopted the concept of a new Hispanic hymnal.

And Whereas, the 1990 General Conference Com-
mittee to Develop a National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
tries endorsed this as a major component of its proposal.

And Whereas, a United Methodist Publishing
House/General Board of Discipleship task force devel-
oped a proposal for such a hymnal based on findings of
an extensive survey of pastors and members of Hispanic
churches.

And Whereas, the General Board of Discipleship
created a Spanish Language Hymnal Committee at its
1991 Spring meeting.

And Whereas, a Spanish Language Hymnal Com-
mittee was named in July 1991.

And Whereas, The General Board of Discipleship
has provided editorial supervision in accordance with ^
1213. 4 and ^ 1213.8 of The Book of Discipline through
its representatives on the committee and by supplying
staff and/or consultant support to the developmental
process.

And Whereas, % 1213.3 directs that the hymnal shall
be published by the United Methodist Publishing House
who shall be responsible for the employment and super-
vision of a general editor.

And Whereas, the Spanish Language Hymnal Com-
mittee has completed its work of creating a Spanish
language hymnal that includes ritual. Psalter, and other
worship resources.

And Whereas, the United Methodist Publishing
House and the General Board of Discipleship funded the
costs of the work of the Spanish Language Hymnal
Committee, and the United Methodist Publishing
House has produced a new Spanish Language Hymnal
under the title Mil Voces Para Celebrar,

Therefore, the General Board of Discipleship and
the Spanish Language Hymnal Committee move that
the 1996 General Conference adopt Mil Voces Para
Celebrar as an official hymnal of The United Methodist
Church.

Petition Number: 21056-DI-R245-U; GCCUIC.

Ecumenical Interpretations
of Doctrinal Standards

Whereas, the 1970 General Conference...

Whereas, it is common knowledge that the context
of the original Thirty-Nine Articles (1563) and specifi-
caUy Articles XIV, XIX, XXI, XXII, XXIV, XXV, XXVHI,
XXX, XXXI, JeaV XXXIV, were bitterly polemical,...

Therefore, be it hereby resolved, that we declare '4
it our official intent to interpret these Articles in conao-
lance consonance with our best ecumenical insights
and judgment.

And be it further resolved, that this resolution be
printed in its entirety in the i99S 1996 Book of Resolu-
tions and that appropriate reference be noted in The
Book of Discipline to correct the inaccuracies found in
page 30 58, footnote #3, and page 64 62, footnote #5.

Discjpleship

266

Petition Number: 21471-DI-R246-U; GBOD.

Education on Alcohol and Substance Abuse

The General Board of Discipleship recommends
deletion of tiie resolution "Education on Alcohol and
Substance Abuse," page 246 of The Book of Resolutiom.

Petition Number: 21469-DI-R249-U; GBOD.

Enlist and Involve the Youth in the Life
of the Church

The General Board of Discipleship recommends
retaining the resolution "Enlist and Involve the Youth in
the Life of the Church," page 249 in TTie Book of Resolu-
tiom, with the following amendment:

5) That the General Council of Miniotrica plan Lu
recommend youth ministry as be a program emphasis
for tiie 1997-2000 quadrennium.

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DC A Advance Edition

Financial Administration

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE Of THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

NashviUe, Tennessee

Multiply God's Love-

Last Fall every delegate to the 1996 General
Conference received a booklet entitled Multiply
God's Love. It was prepared to help delegates
understand the general funds of the Church and how
they support our shared ministry.

We, as the people of God, can multiply the ways
in which the good news of God's love is spread
throughout a hurting world, both by telling the
story in words and by acts of loving service. One of
the ways the good news of God's love is spread is
through the ministries supported by the general
funds of the Church. Each of those funds has a
budget which allocates monies to specific ministries
and to the persons or agencies who carry them out
on our behalf.

The budget recommendations being presented to
this General Conference by GCFA represent no
overall increase in apportioned funds for the first
two years of the quadrennium, and only very
minimal increases (two percent per year) for 1999
and 2000. In preparing its recommendations the
council listened very carefully to a variety of voices
from across the church. It listened to voices pleading
for increased resources to meet overwhelming needs
around the world. It also listened to voices from
annual conferences and churches seeking to focus
inaeased resources on missional needs in their local
communities.

GCFA believes that both represent legitimate
concerns. It also believes that United Methodists
want to be in mission both locally and globally, and
that we have the resources which will enable us to
respond faithfully to God's call both in our own
communities and, as we pool our resources and
capitalize on the strengths of our "connectedness,"
globally.

As reflected in these recommendations, the total
amount requested through apportioned funding for
1997 is $124,000,000, appro.ximately the same
amount as was requested in the current year.
Overall, United Methodists' funding of connectional
ministries through the apportioned funds has been

increasing by an average of about $3 million per
year for the past five years. However, because the
level of askings has also been rising, receipts
expressed as a percentage of the amount
apportioned has slipped or remained steady.

Ic iS both the hope and the expectation of this
couii.ri! that the Church will continue to respond
with increased dollars to that part of its outreach
which is supported by general apportioned funds.
For every 1% increase in the rate of receipts on a
$124,000,000 asking, nearly $1V4 million in
additional funding for our worldwide missional
efforts will be available. The council believes that
United Methodists will respond to this opportunity
and challenge with enthusiasm and commitment!

*****

The material in the pages whicii follow brings
together all of the General Council on Finance and
Administration's fiscal recom-acn jations, in
summary form and in detail, along with pertinent
background and comparative information from
previous years. It falls into three sections:

• Tables and graphics showing statistical and
financial background data and a summary of
the Council's recommendations for the
apportioned general funds.

• A series of fourteen reports containing
detailed recommendations related to the
various general funds and other matters for
which the Council has responsibility.

• Information which may be of use to
delegates as they consider the Council's
recommendations. There is a table showing
annual conference apportionments for the
several general funds as they would be if the
Council's recommendations are adopted, and
there is a list of GCFA members and staff.

268 DCA Advance Edition

Contents of the Reports
of the General Council on Finance and Administration

Local Church Expenditures and General Church Fimds — An Overview

Some Financial Facts Page 269

Where the Local Church Dollar Goes Page 270

Local Church Expenditures, 1982-1994 Page 271

Where Funds Were Administered Page 272

Connectional Funds Page 274

Benevolence Funds Page 276

General Benevolence Funds Page 278

General Apportioned Funds — ^Apportionments and Receipts, 1981-1994 Page 280

What Our Gifts Enable Us To Do...Together Page 281

Apportionments and Receipts, 1993-1996 Page 284

Summary of Recommendations, 1997-2000 Page 285

Reports to the General Conference

World Service Fund Page 286

Ministerial Education Fund Page 291

Black College Fund Page 293

Africa University Fund Page 294

Episcopal Fund Page 297

General Administration Fund Page 304

Interdenominational Cooperation Fund Page 305

Apportionment Formulas Page 307

Special Sundays with Offerings Page 309

Directives for the Administration of the General Funds Page 311

References from Previous General Conferences Page 313

Budget of the General Council on Finance and Administration Page 320

Other Reports and Recommendations Page 321

Reports and Recommendations Presented With Other General Agencies Page 323

General Fund Apportionments to the Annual Conferences, 1993
Genereil Council on Finance and Administration Personnel, 1992-1996

Financial Administration

269

Some Financial Facts

about

The United Methodist Church

in the USA

From 1985 through 1994, using the grand totals
of expenditures for all purposes reported by
local churches, and adjusting the 1985 totals to
eliminate the effects of inflation as measured
by the Consumer Price Index, the following
financial facts may be of particular interest;

All local church expenditures:

The grand total purchasing power of all

funds spent by local churches increased 6.7 percent.

Funds administered within local churches:

I The purchasing power of all funds administered locally increased 9.7 percent.

Connectional funds, other than the general church:

1 The purchasing power of funds administered by districts,

▼ annual conferences, episcopal areas and jurisdictions decreased 2.2 percent.

(This category includes clergy pension, health insurance and other benefit funds.)

1 The purchasing power of benevolence funds administered by districts,

▼ annual conferences, episcopal areas and jurisdictions decreased 14.4 percent.

General church funds:

w- The purchasing power of general apportioned funds increased 4.0 percent.

tThe purchasing power of World Service and other apportioned
general benevolence funds (Black College, Ministerial Education,
Africa University and Mission Initiatives funds) increased 2.5 percent.

tThe purchasing power of the portion of the World Service
Fund allocated to the general program agencies increased .5 percent.

United Methodist Women:

The purchasing power of connectional contributions reported
by local units of United Methodist Women decreased 18.4 percent.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

270

DCA Advance Edition

Where the
Local Church
Dollar Goes

Jurisdictions,

Areas,

Annual
Conferences
and Districts

General Church

Including United

Methodist Women

1994 statistics

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

Financial Administration

271

Local Church Expenditures, 1982-1994

($ Millions)

1982 1986 1990 1994 Percent

Percent Percent Percent Percent Change,

Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total 1982-1994

Local Church

$1,530.3

79.2%

$1,953.2

79.4%

$2,374.8

80.0%

$2,784.8

81.2%

82.0%

Capital Expenditures

and Debt Liquidation

371.8

19.2%

462.2

18.8%

537.0

18.1%

623.3

18.2%

67.7%

Current Program and

Operating Expenditures

668.7

34.6%

866.3

352%

1,058.3

35.7%

1255.1

36.6%

87.7%

Pastors' and Associates Salaries

356.2

18.4%

451.3

18.3%

539.8

18.2%

617.8

18.0%

73.4%

Pastors' and Associates'

Expense Allowances

97.0

5.0%

118.4

4.8%

171.6

5.8%

202.3

5.9%

108.7%

Benevolences Paid Directly

(not via U. M. channels)

36.7

1.9%

55.1

2.2%

68.0

2.3%

86.3

2.5%

135.4%

Jurisdictional, Area, Annual

Conference, District

297.5

15.4%

384.6

15.6%

449.3

15.1%

489.7

14.3%

64.6%

Clergy Support

156.7

8.1%

203.4

8.3%

2.S2.5

8.5%

281.1

8.2%

79.4%

Connectional Administration

29.0

1.5%

40.8

1.7%

50.2

1.7%

55.6

1.6%

91.6%

Conference Benevolences

48.0

2.5%

60.6

2.5%

72.0

2.4%

76.7

22%

59.7%

Other Jurisdictional, Area,

and Conference Benevolences

63.8

3.3%

79.8

3.2%

74.6

2.5%

76.3

22%

19.6%

General Apportioned Funds

56.3

2.9%

68.6

2.8%

83.5

2.8%

93.4

2.7%

66.0%

Clergy Support

6.2

0.3%

7.8

0.3%

8.9

0.3%

12.5

0.4%

101.7%

Connectional Administration

3.7

0.2%

3.9

0.2%

4.2

0.1%

4.5

0.1%

21.4%

World Service Fund

28.3

1.5%

35.4

1.4%

46.4

1.6%

50.2

1.5%

77.3%

Other Apportioned

General Benevolences

18.1

0.9%

21.6

0.9%

24.0

0.8%

26.2

0.8%

44.8%

Other General Funds

26.7

1.4%

30.5

1.2%

34.4

1.2%

37.0

1.1%

38.3%

General Advance Specials

21.2

1.1%

25.0

1.0%

27.5

0.9%

30.5

0.9%

43.9%

Other General Benevolences

5.5

0.3%

5.5

0.2%

6.9

0.2%

6.5

02%

17.0%

United Methodist Women

20.9

1.1%

23.2

0.9%

25.5

0.9%

25.5

0.7%

21.8%

Total Local Church

Expenditures

$1,931.8

100.0%

$2,460.1

100.0%

$2,967.5

100.0%

$3,430.4

100.0%

77.6%

Consumer Price Index
(1982-84=100)

96.5

109.6

130.7

148.2

53.6%

The table presents data showing changes in the total amounts spent by local churches for all purposes for four selected years (the
second year of each of the last four quadrennia), as reported on the Local Church Report to the Annual Conference. Total dollar
amounts reported, in millions of dollars, are shown in the first column for each year, and the second column for each year shows the
same data as a percentage of all local church expenditures for that year.

The last column shows the percentage by which expenditures in each reporting category have increased during the 1982-1994 time
period, along with a comparable percentage increase for the Consumer Price Index. A comparison of the percentage changes in this
column will show which kinds of expenditures have kept pace with the rate of inflation (as measured by the CPI), and which have not.

272

DCA Advance Edition

I Where Funds Were Administered

198594

This graphic shows trends in the categories of church
organization at which funds were administered. The figures
below are the actual current dollars.

■^5000
million

$

2500
million

2000 J_ mill-
million

"^1500
million

^1000 W
million

^500
million

2784.8
-mill.

Jurisdictions,

conferences,

districts

General church

%

1985 1987 1989 199r-^1995 1994

Viewed from the perspective of where United Methodists'
contributions are administered:

% Current dollars, before the effects of inflation, have increased
at the local church, the general church and throughout the
connectional organization.

9 The largest increase has been in the dollars that remain in
the local church: 55.1 percent from 1985 through 1994.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the next graphic for the above data adjusted for inflation.

Financial Administration

273

^ Where Funds Were Administered

Part II- In 1985 Dollars

1985-94

This graphic, like the previous one, focuses on where funds
were administered, but the figures are adjusted , using the
Consumer Price Index, to show the change in the "purchasing
power" of the dollars administered in each category.

•'SOOO
million

$
2500

million

2000
million

^1500
million

^1000 -^
million

^500
million

Local church

%

t

"1842.8
■mill.

9.7

since 1985

'2021.9
mill.

Jurisdictions,

conferences,

districts

1-2.2

'363.5
■ mill.

1985

General church

t-9.8*

▼ since 1985

355.5
mill.

105 mill

94.7 mill.

995 1994

When the effects of inflation are considered, only the dollars
which have remained in the local church have retained their
purchasing power since 1985.

► Annual conferences have had to cope with both a decline in
purchasing power in the dollars available to them and a rapid
rise in clergy pension and health-care costs.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the previous graphic for the above data in actual dollars.

274

DCA Advance Edition

Connectional Funds

1985-94

This graphic focuses on actual dollars contributed by United
Methodists through their local churches to connectional
causes. It shows trends in three broad categories: benevolences,
clergy support and administrative support.

150.
million

^100 .
million

^50 .
million

293.6

since 1985

Administrative —
Support

»434%

since 1985

1/'

60.1
mill.

1985 1987 1989 1991 1993199?

Looking only at dollars administered beyond the local church:

0 The cost of clergy support, mostly for funding of pensions
and health-care benefits, has increased more than other
categories of connectional funding - slightly more than
administrative costs and twice as much as funding for
benevolence causes.

0 Connectional dollars spent for clergy support surpassed
benevolence dollars for the first time in 1989, and the gap
is still increasing.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the next graphic for the above data adjusted for inflation.

Financial Administration

275

"|Connectional Funds^

Part U- In 1985 Dollars

1985-94

This graphic, like the previous one, relates to funds contributed
to connectional causes. However, the dollars shown here are
adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to show the trend
in the "purchasing power" of the dollar.

500
million

^50.
million

^100 .

million

^50
million

■"203
mill.

Benevolences

-13.5*

since 1985

\

Clergy Support

since 1985

■ sine

"213.2
mill.

'193.4
mill.

Administrative _
Support

•4.1*

since 1985

♦

$43.6
mill.

*41.9
mill.

1985 1987 1989 1991 1995 1994

I Connectional funds for clergy support showed a steady rise
in "purchasing power" from 1985 through 1990, but have
leveled off since. This suggests that those costs may now
be rising at a rate more in line with the rate of inflation.

I Benevolence funds have decreased markedly in "purchasing
power," with the largest decreases occuring in 1987, 1990
and 1992.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the previous graphic for the above data in actual dollars.

276

DCA Advance Edition

i

Benevolence Funds

1985-94

This graphic shows trends in giving to benevolence funds
according to the category of church organization at which
they were administered. Actual dollars spent for
benevolence purposes are shown.

Jurisdictions, conferences
and districts

17.9

since 1985

General church

20.9^^

1995 1994

I Measured in current dollars, unadjusted for the effects
of inflation, funding for benevolence causes has increased
across the church.

I Dollars allocated by local churches in direct response to locally
perceived needs have increased most rapidly - 61.9 percent
from 1985 through 1994.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the next graphic for the above data adjusted for inflation.

Financial Administration

277

^ Benevolence Funds

Part H- In 1985 Dollars

1985-94

This graphic, lil<e the previous one, focuses on benevolence
funds, but the data shown here is adjusted by means of
the Consumer Price Index to show the trend in the "purchasing
power" of the dollar.

Jurisdictions, conferences
and districts

t -14.4''

▼ since 1985

160
million

^20
million

"80
million

*40

million

General church

Local church

4*17.6^

I since 1985

1985 1987 1989 1991 1995 1994

I Measured in terms of purchasing power, only the benevolence
dollars allocated for locally perceived needs have increased
enough to buy more than in 1985 - about one-sixth more
(17.6 percent).

( Dollars pooled by United Methodists to support benevolence
causes through their annual conferences, districts, jurisdictions
and the general church will now buy less than they did in 1985.
I Funding for benevolence and program causes in annual
conferences has been especially hard hit because more
of their dollars have had to go for support of clergy pensions
and health-care benefits.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the previous graphic for the above data in actual dollars.

278

DCA Advance Edition

"I General Benevolence Funds

1985-94

This graphic relates to benevolence funds administered by
the general church. Trends are shown for; payments to the
World Service Fund; payments to all other apportioned
general benevolence funds; contributions to General Advance
Specials; and gifts to other non-apportioned general
benevolence funds. This graphic shows actual dollars
contributed since 1985.

^0

million

World Service

t.49.9

Other general non-
apportioned funds

Other apportioned
general funds

26.2
mill.

$5.6
mill.

$6.5
mill.

1985 1987 1989 1991 1995 1994

Focusing on funds allocated for national (U.S.) and international

ministry and mission:

^ Overall, current dollars for such ministries have increased.

0 The increase in World Service dollars follows a 1984 General Con-
ference action which reaffirmed the key role of that fund as
the church's "first benevolent responsibility" ( Dlsciplin^ar. 912).

0 General Advance Special Gifts fluctuate the most from year to
year since they often reflect response to special appeals or
natural disasters. In 1985, the Advance received the largest
receipts in its history.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the next graphic for the above data adjusted for inflation.

Financial Administration

279

"I General Benevolence Funds

Part II- In 1985 Dollars

1985-94

This graphic, like the previous one, relates to benevolence
funds administered by the general church. The dollars
shown here are adjusted by means of the Consumer
Price Index to show the trend in the "purchasing power"
of the dollar.

^0

million

*50
million

*20

million

*10

million

36.4
mill.

General
Advance
Specials

4-34.4'^

'20.6
mill

Other general non-
apportioned funds

4-16.1*

Other apportioned
general funds

4-7.8*

nao

mill.

$5.6

mill.

mill..

1985 1987

1989 1991 1993 1994

) Among the various funding avenues available for supporting
general church ministries, only the World Service Fund has
grown enough to show an increase in purchasing power
since 1985; however, even in this fund, purchasing power
peaked in 1989 and has declined in the years since, before
showing a small increase in 1994.

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC

See the previous graphic for the above data in actual dollars.

280

DCA Advance Edition

General Apportioned Funds
Apportionments and Receipts, 1981 — 1994

(Annual Averages— $ Millions)

This table shows the relationship to one another of apportionments and receipts on the apportioned general funds for
the past three and one-half quadrennia. Figures for 1981 - 1992 are annual averages. For funds for which the annual conference
retains a share of receipts, the figures include an estimate of those receipts.

Fund

1981 -]
Amount

L984
%of
Total

1985- ]
Amount

1988
%of
Total

1989-1992

%of
Amount Total

1993

%of
Amount Total

1994

%of
Amount Total

World Service
Apportioned
Paid
Percent Paid

$30,497,088

28,638,151

93.9%

43.9%
45.9%

$39,721,500
36,434,396

91.7%

45.6%
47.4%

$52,870,500

46,526,6%

88.0%

50.7%
52.0%

$56,554,000

48,448,497

85.7%

49.7%
50.6%

$58215,000

50,179,868

86.2%

49.7%
51.0%

Ministerial Education
Apportioned
Paid
Percent Paid

16,008,910

13,415,509

83.8%

23.0%
21. .5%

20,102,140

16,721,7.50

83.2%

23.1%
21.7%

23,411,301

18,944,3.56

80.9%

22.4%
21.2%

25256,342

20,051,703

79.4%

222%
21.0%

25,8.32,893

20,540,104

79.5%

22.1%
20.9%

Blacic College
Apportioned
Paid
Percent Paid

6,865,676

5,.589,019

81.4%

9.9%
9.0%

8273,322

6,677252

80.7%

9.5%
8.7%

9,625,000

7,630,857

79.3%

92%
8.5%

10,080,000

7,848,715
77.9%

8.9%

82%

10270,000

7,988290

77.8%

8.8%
8.1%

Africa University
Apportioned
Paid
Percent Paid

2,500,000

2,131,995

85.3%

2.4%
2.4%

2,500,000

2,090,115

83.6%

22%
22%

2,500,000

2,098,972

84.0%

2.1%
2.1%

Episcopal
Apportioned
Paid
Percent Paid

5,820,320

5,675,374

97.5%

8.4%
9.1%

7,432,952

7,125^19

95.9%

8.5%
9.3%

10,792,632

10,005,821

92.7%

10.3%
11.2%

13,315,739

12212,989

91.7%

11.7%
12.8%

13,894317

12,487,657

89.9%

11.9%
12.7%

General Administration
Apportioned 2,945,000
Paid 2,688,811
Percent Paid 91.3%

4.2%
4.3%

3204,750

2,862,196

89.3%

3.7%
3.7%

3,673250

3,098,458

84.4%

3.5%
3.5%

3,912,000

3242,398

82.9%

3.4%
3.4%

4,080,000

3,321,107

81.4%

3.5%
3.4%

Interdenominational
Cooperation

Apportioned

Paid

Percent Paid

1,1.50,000
959,563

83.4%

1.7%
1.5%

1222,050

1,007,938

82.5%

1.4%
1.3%

1,419,000

1,1.58,419

81.6%

1.4%
1.3%

1,403,000

1,125,108

802%

12%
1.2%

1,456,000

1,1.54224

79.3%

12%
12%

Other Apportioned
Funds (1)

Apportioned

Paid

Percent Paid

6,185,552

5360,211

86.7%

8.9%
8.6%

7201,805

6,072,414

84.3%

8.3%
7.9%

850,000

689,135

81.1%

0.7%
0.7%

850,000

704,715

82.9%

0.7%
0.7%

Totals, Apportioned

General Funds
Apportioned $69,472,546 100.0% $87,1.58,518 100.0% $104291,684 100.0% $113,871,081 100.0% $117,098210 100.0%

Paid $62,326,638 100.0% $76,901,164 100.0% $89,496,601 100.0% $95,708,660 100.0% $98,474,937 100.0%

Percent Paid 89.7% 88.2% 85.8% 84.1% 84.1%

(1) Funds included are: Missional Priority and Temporary General Aid Funds, 1981 - 1988; Mission Initiatives Fund, 1993-1994.

Financial Administration

281

What Our Gifts Enable Us To Do.. .Together

APPORTIONED FUNDS

World Service Fund

The World Service Fund provides the basic
financial resources for the core ministries of our
denomination. In most annual conferences, World
Service is listed with conference benevolences-the
key missional efforts in the innmediate area.

Through the World Service Fund, United
Methodists...

Undergird a network of missionaries and others

who serve in the name of Christ and The

United Methodist Church around the world.

Strengthen evangelism efforts, stimulate church

growth, expand Bible studies, and nurture

spiritual development.

Support specific local church work with

children, youth, singles, students, adults, and

older persons.

Enrich our congregational life with worship

resources, leader training, and stewardship

development

Continue nearly 200 years of commitment to

quality college and graduate education.

Provide the means to equip and nurture our
ordained, diaconal, and lay leaders through
education and professional support.
Assure that United Methodists speak and work
to help build a more ethical, just, and humane
world.

Continue a proud tradition of cooperation and
dialogue with other faith traditions through
interdenominational and ecumenical work.

Give our denomination a presence in the mass
media and make new communication
technologies accessible to the church.
Express our commitment to God's reign
through ministries of peace and efforts to build
a church and society that are truly inclusive of
all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, or
gender.

Africa University Fund

Through the Africa University Fund, we...

• Continue the development of the first private
university in sub-Sahara Africa.

• Offer post-secondary education for students
from all of Africa through schools of
agriculture, theology, and management and
business.

Black College Fund

Through the Black College Fund, we...

• Help 10 historically Black colleges and a
medical school to have well-equipped buildings,
solid academic programs, and strong faculties.

• Nurture and encourage students in each new
generation to affirm and celebrate African-
American heritage and culture.

Episcopal Fimd

Through the Episcopal Fund, we...

• Provide salaries, benefits, and expenses for
bishops, the church's spiritual and
administrative leaders worldwide.

General Administration Fxmd

Through the General Administration Fund, we...

• Implement a trustworthy system of
administrative oversight and fiscal
accountability.

• Underwrite the legislative work of the General
Conference.

282

DCA Advance Edition

Fund the work of the Judicial Council to
adjudicate questions of church law.
Maintain United Methodism's official documents
and historical artifacts and designate shrines,
landmarks, and sites.

Participate in the World Methodist Council.
Provide leadership and coordination for
denominational ministry with youth.

Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

Through the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund,
we...

• Enable United Methodists to have an effective
presence in ecumenical arenas such as the
Consultation on Church Union, the National
Council of Churches, and the World Council of
Churches.

• Provide the United Methodist share of the basic
budgets of those organizations which relate to
the ecumenical responsibilities of the Council of
Bishops and of the General Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
(COCU, NCC, WCC).

Ministerial Education Fimd

Through the Ministerial Education Fund, we...

• Enable annual conferences to identify, recruit,
and provide credentials for tomorrow's ordained
and diaconal ministers.

• Provide educational support through funding
for theological schools and continuing
education.

Mission Initiatives Fund

Through the Mission Initiatives Fund, we...

• Develop new ministries on college and
university campuses.

• Respond to drug- and substance-abuse issues.

• Increase our work with Hispanic and Native-
American peoples.

• Expand our ministries with older adults and
the deaf.

Note: 1997-2000 budget proposals include these
ministries in the World Service Fund.

CHURCHWTOE SPECIAL SUNDAYS
WITH OFFERINGS

Six churchwide Special Sundays are designated for
special offerings which emphasize 13 ministries of
our church.

Human Relations Day

Through our gifts on Human Relations Day, we...

• Enable community workers to provide services
such as food banks, job training, building
rehabilitation, and advocacy for the poor and
oppressed.

• Provide community-based mentors and
counselors who work with troubled teenagers.

One Great Hour of Sharing

Through our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing,
we...

• Underwrite the United Methodist Committee on
Relief (UMCOR), which mobilizes a network of
volunteers to address critical needs in times of
disaster, responds to the needs of the hungry,
and resettles refugees.

Native American Awareness Sunday

Through our gifts on Native American Awareness
Sunday, we...

• Help Native-American members to establish
new congregations.

• Provide job training, child care, and cultural
education.

• Make possible scholarships for Native-American
students pursuing church-related vocations.

Peace with Justice Simday

Through our gifts on Peace with Justice Sunday,
we...

• Make possible educational opportunities that
build awareness of issues of world peace and
social justice.

• Fund work to intervene in cycles of spousal
and child abuse and violence among urban
children and youth.

Financial Administration

283

World Communion Smiday

Through our gifts on World Coinmunion Sunday,
we...

• Provide Crusade Scholarships for international
and U.S. racial- and ethnic-minority students to
pursue graduate studies in theology, medicine,
and education.

• Fund scholarships for racial- and ethnic-
minority persons seeking second careers in
church-related vocations.

• Support the Ethnic Scholarship Program for
undergraduate students.

DESIGNATED GIVING

Advance for Christ and His Church

After a congregation has fulfilled its fair-share
support of wider mission commitments as
determined by United Methodism's representative
legislative body, a diverse menu of additional
opportunities for missional involvement is offered
through the Advance for Christ and His Church.
Individuals and congregations may choose from
among more than 1,500 specific, approved mission
projects they wish to support in the United States
and around the world. Because administrative costs
of the Advance are funded by World Service and
other sources, every dollar designated for a
particular Advance project goes to that program.

United Methodist Student Day

Through our gifts on United Methodist Student Day,
we...

• Provide graduate and undergraduate
scholarships and student loans (nearly 3,500 in
1994).

World Service Special Gifts

Through World Service Special Gifts, local
churches and individuals may contribute to
approved projects of World Service agencies which
do not receive Advance funding. Currently two
projects are designated in this way: Africa
University and the Leonard Perryman Scholarship in
communications.

284

DCA Advance Edition

Apportionments and Receipts, 1993 — 1996

The 1992 General Conference adopted a motion directing GCFA to report the amount apportioned and received for each
of the apportioned general funds for the current quadrennium. Apportionments and receipts for 1993 and 1994 are shown
below, along with apportioned amounts for 1995 and 1996. Since the printing deadlines for the Advance DCA fell in
December, receipts information was not yet available for 1995. That information, along with a full report of general agency
receipts, expenditures, and fund balances, will be distributed in a final edition of the Advance DCA, as provided in the Plan
of Organization, to be included in delegates' registration packets at the site of the General Conference.

1993

%

1994

%

1995

1996

Fund

Apportioned

Paid

Paid

Apportioned

Paid

Paid

Apportioned Apportioned

World Service

$56454,000

$48,448,497

85.7%

$58,215,000

$50,179,868

86.2%

$59,928,000

$61,733,000

Percent Change

0.0%

0.1%

2.9%

3.6%

2.9%

3.0%

Ministerial

Education*

25,256,342

20,051,703

79.4%

25,832,893

20,540,104

79.5%

26,459,536

27,035,933

Percent Change

1.8%

2.3%

2.3%

2.4%

2.4%

2.2%

Black CoUege

10,080,000

7,848,715

77.9%

10,270,000

7,988,290

77.8%

10,574,000

10,780,000

Percent Change

0.3%

0.9%

1.9%

1.8%

3.0%

1.9%

Africa University

2,500,000

2,090,115

83.6%

2,500,000

2,098,972

84.0%

2,500,000

2,500,000

Percent Change

0.0%

-0.4%

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

Episcopal

13,315,739

12,212,989

91.7%

13,894,317

12,487,657

89.9%

14342,552

14,836,628

Percent Change

3.2%

4.6%

4.3%

2.2%

3.2%

3.4%

General

Administration

3,912,000

3,242,398

82.9%

4,080,000

3,321,107

81.4%

4,277,000

4,569,000

Percent Change

-0.6%

0.4%

4.3%

2.4%

4.8%

6.8%

Interdenomina-

tional Cooperation

1 1,403,000

1,125,108

80.2%

1,456,000

1,154,224

79.3%

1,512,000

1,601,000

Percent Change

-6.0%

-6.3%

3.8%

2.6%

3.8%

5.9%

Mission Initiatives

850,000

689,135

81.1%

850,000

704,715

82.9%

850,000

850,000

Percent Change

(new fund in 1993)

0.0%

2.3%

0.0%

0.0%

Total $113,871,081 $95,708,660 84.1%
Percent Change 1.5% 1.8%

*Apportionments and receipts for the Ministerial
conferences (25%).

$117,098,210 $98,474,937 84.1% $120,443,088 $123,905,561
2.8% 2.9% 2.9% 2.9%

Education Fund include amounts retained by the annual

Financial Administration

285

Summary of Recommendations, 1997—2000

Fund

Recommended Apportionment
1997 1998 1999 2000

4 times
Total, 1996 Appor— Percent
1997-2000 tionment Change

$254,650,000 $246,932,000 3.1%

108,618,000 108,143,732 0.4%

43,309,000 43,120,000 0.4%

10,000,000 10,000,000 0.0%

62,000,000 59346,512 4.5%

18,466,000 18,276,000 1.0%

6,457,000 6,404,000 0.8%

3,400,000 -100.0%

$503,500,000 $495,622,244 1.6%

Quadrennial Comparisons:

As GCFA considered its general fund recommendations for 1997-2000, it reached a decision to recommend no overall increase in
ipportionments in 1997 or 1998, and a 2% increase for each of the last two years of the quadrennium (1999 and 2000). 1996 thus
)ecame the base to which subsequent years'recommendations were compared. For this reason, the four-year totalfor 1997-2000
s compared with an amount equal to four times the 1996 apportionments. If the 1997-2000 total is compared with the 1993-1996
otal, the percentage increase is 5.9%.

Relocation Costs, General Board of Global Ministries:

GCFA has studied carefully the report of the Site Selection Task Force for the General Board of Global Ministries, with
pecial attention to Section VII, "Relocation Costs." In keeping with the Plan of Organization of the General Conference, that
eport has been referred to a General Conference Legislative Committee, which, in due course, will report its
ecommendation to a plenary session of the Conference. Following plenary action, the report, if adopted, will be referred to
jCFA for its recommendation related to the funding of relocation costs. At that time, GCFA will be prepared to make
ippropriate funding recommendations.

iVorld Service
Percent Change

$62,587,000
1.4%

$62,629,000
0.1%

$63,911,000
2.0%

$65,523,000

2.5%

i/Iinisterial
Education
Percent Change

27,036,000
0.0%

27,036,000
0.0%

27,171,000
0.5%

27,375,000
0.8%

Slack College
Percent Change

10,780,000
0.0%

10,780,000
0.0%

10,834,000
0.5%

10,915,000
0.7%

yrica University
Percent Change

2,500,000
0.0%

2,500,000
0.0%

2,500,000
0.0%

2,500,000
0.0%

episcopal
Percent Change

15,059,000
1.5%

14,945,000
-0.8%

15,802,000
5.7%

16,194,000

2.5%

jeneral

Administration
Percent Change

4,465,000
-2.3%

4,515,000
1.1%

4,657,000
3.1%

4,829,000
3.7%

nterdenomin-
ational Cooperatio
Percent Change

1,573,000

-1.7%

1,595,000

1.4%

1,625,000
1.9%

1,664,000

2.4%

Mission Initiatives

(included in the World Service Fund)

Totals
Percent Change

$124,000,000
0.1%

$124,000,000
0.0%

$126,500,000
2.0%

$129,000,000
2.0%

286

DCA Advance Edition

Report No. 1
WORLD SERVICE FUND

Petition Number: FA-21111

Introduction

When United Methodist congregations pay their
apportioned askings, they participate in God's work
around the worid...and right in their own parish. The
World Service Fund is the heart of our church's ministry
together. Through this Fund you become a partner with
the church's agencies to be in mission and ministry at
home and around the world.

The effects of World Service ministry are making a
difference across the globe. Consider the following
examples:

1. A United Methodist pastor in Illinois has become a
leading anti-gambling activist. With support from the
General Board of Church and Society, he helps annual
conferences and local churches to oppose the spread of
legalized gambling.

2. Congregational teams learn how to create a year-
round stewardship plan in seminars offered by the
General Board of Discipleship. The workshop emphasizes
the faith foundations of stewardship and presents
practical ideas and methods for increasing giving in the
local church.

3. Following the devastating war in Bunmdi, United
Methodists volunteered their services through a program
coordinated by the General Board of Global Ministries.
Professionals in medicine, construction, aviation, and
other fields shared their time and service.

World Service is God's people reaching out in love and
compassion in the name of Christ. It represents a call and
a challenge to each United Methodist As Tfie Book of
Discipline states, the full payment of the World Service
Fund is each congregation's "first benevolent
responsibility" (11912).

General Observations

The General Council on Finance and Administration
views this budget as one which exhibits responsible fiscal
restraint On the one hand, the Council has carefully
reviewed the general funds receipts through 1994 and
recognizes the economic constraints under which many
local congregations and annual conferences are operating.
On the other hand, it also recognizes that significant
ministries may be eliminated, merged, or reduced as a
result of this proposed budget and services offered by
the general agencies to the church-at-large may be
curtailed. The Council, therefore, has offered what it
deems to be both a realistic and feasible challenge for
mission and ministry in the next four years.

World Service Prior Claim

General Council on Ministries. As part of the
total mission of the Church, the General Council on
Ministries facilitates the Church's program life as
determined by the General Conference. Its task is to
encourage, coordinate, and support the general agencies
as they serve on behalf of the denomination {The Book of
Discipline, 111004). The Council receives part of its budget
as a prior claim and part through on-ratio funding from
the World Service Fund. GCOM also administers receipts
from the prior claim line item that is dedicated to the
funding of the Joint Training Events in which annual
conference chairpersons of the various program areas
receive training. These events have been funded
previously through World Service contingency grants.

Interpretation Resources. The Division of Program
and Benevolence Interpretation of United Methodist
Communications uses prior claim funds to provide
resource materials to interpret the World Service Fund
and the ministries it supports.

General Council on Finance and
Administration. The Council is accountable to The
United Methodist Church through the General Conference
for receiving, disbursing, and reporting all general funds.
The Council receives income from an on-ratio allocation
in the General Administration Fund, earnings on invested
funds, and, as needed, prior claims in proportion to each
fund's receipts. Prior claims are charged to all other
general funds except the General Advance and the World
Service Special Gifts funds. This line item is an estimate
of the World Service Fund's share of the Council's
expenses for the quadrennium.

Program Agencies

The World Service Fund provides basic financial
operating resources to four general program boards and
for three general commissions. Allocations were
developed with the General Council on Ministries
following the procedures described in U 906.1b, The Book
of Discipline.

Through the World Service Fund, United Methodists:

• Undergird a network of missionaries and others who
serve in the name of Christ and The United Methodist
Church. (The General Board of Global Ministries)

• Strengthen evangelism efforts, stimulate church
growth, expand Bible studies, and nurture spiritual
development (Tlie General Board of Discipleship)

• Support specific local church work with children,
youth, singles, students, adults, and older persons.
(Tlie General Board of Discipksldp)

Financial Administration

287

Enrich our congregational life with worship resources,
leader training and stewardship development. (The
General Board of Disdpkship)
Continue nearly 200 years of commitment to quality
school, college, and university education. (The General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry)
Provide the means to equip and nurture our ordained,
diaconal and lay leaders through education and
professional support. (The General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry)

Assure that United Methodists speak and work to
help build a more ethical, just, and humane world.
(The General Board of Oturch and Society)
Continue a proud tradition of cooperation and
dialogue with other faith traditions through
interdenominational and ecumenical work. (The
General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns)

Express our commitment to God's reign through
ministries of peace and efforts to build a church and
a society that are truly inclusive of all persons
regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. (The General
Commission on Religion and Race, Tlie General
Commission on the Status and Role of Women)

I believe the vision of the church,
through the general funds that are
offered, allows persons in local churches
to make global impacts...The United
Methodist Church, through the general
funds, is able to go to parts of the world,
to people where no one else is going to
serve them, and provide God's love in
ways that go far beyond anything that
any of us can imagine.

Chad Anglemyer

The total allocated to World Service for the
quadrennium equals an amount that would be produced
by an average annual increase of less than one percent
(1%) compounded yearly. There are certain lines in the
program agency portion of the budget that are restricted
to special use by the administering agency.

HANA Scholarship and Grants are administered
by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
HANA stands for "Hispanic, Asian, and Native
American," and the scholarships and grants made
possible by this fund are used to help United Methodist
persons of Hispanic, Asian, and Native American heritage
prepare themselves to give leadership in The United
Methodist Church, higher education, and their
communities.

Minority Group Self Determination funds are
administered by the General Commission on Religion and

Race. Administration includes developing the guidehnes
for the distribution of the funds, evaluating the proposals
that are submitted for funding, and assigning staff to
monitor each project funded. From these funds, grants are
made primarily to locally planned and administered
projects designed to assist and empower racial/ethnic
minority persons as they seek to realize their potential
and to be in ministry in their communities. Grants are
made consistent with the goals of leadership development,
education, advocacy, and research related to
empowerment and self-determination. Direct
administrative costs are allocated from the grant program
and are monitored by The General Council on Finance
and Administration.

The Mission Initiatives Fund was created as a
separate apportioned fund by the 1992 General
Conference to provide support for certain new or
expanded ministries approved by that Conference. Based
on advice fi-om GCFA that it did not expect to
recommend continuation of the Mission Initiatives Fund,
the General Council on Ministries recommended that
support for these ministries be continued for 1997-2000 by
inclusion in the World Service budgets of the General
Board of Church and Society, the General Board of Global
Ministries, the General Board of Discipleship, and the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

The budgeted support for the quadrennium for the
National Plan for Hispanic Ministries will be: the General
Board of Church and Society, $375,000; the General Board
of Discipleship, $375,000; the General Board of Global
Ministries, $1,675,000; the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, $375,000 within the World
Service allocations to these boards.

The budgeted support for the Native American
Comprehensive Plan will be $1,075,000 within the General
Board of Global Ministries World Service allocation.
Funding for the Committee on Older Adult Ministries will
be cared for in the Board of Discipleship World Service
allocation. The General Board of Global Ministries will
provide funding from within its World Service allocation
for Deaf Ministries and Substance Abuse and Related
Violence. The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry will provide funding from within the World
Service allocation for on-going work in campus ministries.

Other Ministries

Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century funds will be administered by the General
Council on Ministries (GCOM). The 1992 General
Conference directed the GCOM to establish a special
study panel to evaluate the church's effectiveness in
strengthening the Black Church for the period 1973-1993,
to assess the future visioning, and to call for action
related to "Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century." The plan envisions establishing Congregation
Resource Centers chosen from identified vital
congregations for the purpose of working with partner

288

DCA Advance Edition

congregations in training for greater vitality in all aspects

One kind of ministry that is really
exciting to me is "Strengthening the
Black Church for the 21st Centiiry,"
which is a congregation-to-congregation
program that will help to strengthen
black churches.

Karen Collier

of ministry. An inclusive coordinating committee will
guide the work.

United Methodist Communications: General
Services The general services budget of United
Methodist Communications includes production and
distribution of audiovisual resources, public relations,
InfoServ, the news service, and agency administration.

United Methodist Communications:
Telecommunications Telecommunications includes
production of television programs, consultations,
workshops, and cooperative projects with annual
conferences.

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation Services Interpretation services
include the editorial and administrative cost of
interpreting and promoting the general funds of the
church, interpretation field staff, Interpreter magazine,
and other interpretative services.

Pension and Salary Aid Funding for several
salary and pension assistance programs is combined in
this item. The proposed budget for these purposes is:

1997

1998

1999

2000

1997 1998 1999 2000

$1,120,000 $1,231,000 $1,331,000 $1,404,000

Ethnic Minority

Conference Aid
Special Unfunded

Pension Aid 368,000 389,000 412,000 444,000
Temporary General Aid ^0; * 25,000 17,000

Total Salary and
Pension Aid

$1,488,000 $1,620,000 $1,768,000 $1,865,000

Ethnic Minority Conference Aid. Representatives
of the two ethnic minority conferences, the General Board
of Pension and Health Benefits, the General Board of
Global Ministries, and the General Council on Finance
and Administration conducted actuarial and other studies
and agreed on the following recommendations to help
meet salary and pension needs of these conferences.

Pension Aid

Oklahoma Indian
Missionary

Annuity Rate
Rio Grande

Annuity Rate
Salary Aid
Oklahoma Indian

Missionary
Rio Grande

Total

$223,000 $250,000 $254,000 $257,000

(186) (198) (210) (223)

463,000 491,000 520,000 551,000

(240) (250) (260) (270)

116,000 160,000 216,000 243,000
318.000 330.000 341.000 353,000

$1,120,000 $1,231,000 $1,331,000 $1,404,000

Special Unfunded Pension Aid. These budgeted
payments provide pensions for certain persons in a
variety of fields whose pensions were not previously
funded. Allocations are as follows:

1997

1998

1999

2000

General Church Retire-

ment Allowance

$89,000

$89,000

$89,000

$89,000

European Service

68,000

70,000

73,000

75,000

11606.15 payments

20,000

20,000

21,000

24,000

Cuba Service I

95,000

109,000

126,000

146,000

Cuba Service D

37,000

42,000

44,000

51,000

Evangelical United Brethren

Missionaries

59,000

59,000

59,000

59.000

Total $368,000 $389,000 $412000 $444,000

The General Church Retirement AUowance is for former
Evangelical United Brethren general church officers who
are participants in an unfunded pension plaa

The European Service line funds the pensions of
displaced persons who were clergy in Europe and were
brought to the United States after World War II.

y^l 606.1 5 payments cover the pensions of retired clergy
members of missionary conferences. The cost is borne
one-third by the annual conference, one-third by the
General Board of Global Ministries, and one-third by this
fund.

The Cuba Service I line item provides pensions for
Cuban clergy who came to the United States after
autonomy. The pension annuity rate for this service is
$170 in 1997 with 4%, 4.5%, and 5% increases the three
succeeding years.

During the 1988-92 quadrennium the Cuba Service II
line provided funding for pensions for clergy who stayed
in Cuba after autonomy for service in the annual
conference prior to autonomy. Although the money was
allocated by the General (Council on Finance and
Administration (GCFA) for payment through the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBPHB), the
payments were not made because of currency restrictions
between Cuba and the United States. During this
quadrennium, methods for overcoming these restrictions
were discovered and implemented. Payments have been

Financial Administration

289

made throughout this quadrennium and are proposed to
be made in the 1997-2000 quadrennium in the amount of
$174,000.

The Evangelical United Bretliren Missionaries
allocation provides pensions for Evangelical United
Brethren missionaries who had ten or more years service
as missionaries and no funded pension for that term of
service.

The Temporary General Aid Fund. The

Temporary General Aid Fund was created in 1964 to help
provide pension and minimum salary assistance in
conferences which resulted from mergers of geographic
and Central Jurisdiction annual conferences in The
Methodist Church. It was a separate apportioned fund
until 1988, and since then has continued as a line item in
the World Service Fund budget. Allocations to qualifying
annual conferences were to decrease in accordance with
formulas adopted by the 1964 and succeeding General
Conferences. When the apportioned level of salary or
pension assistance dropped below $2,500 per year, that
assistance was to be discontinued. During the 1993-96
quadrennium, that point was reached for all annual
conferences in the salary assistance program. By the end
of 1996, eleven annual conferences wdll remain eligible for
pension assistance.

Because of the complex nature of the formula for
determining salary assistance, the loss of eligibility
occurred earlier than had been anticipated by certain
conferences. One conference which had anticipated
receiving additional support appUed for and received
grants from World Service Contingency funds for salary
assistance in the amount of $35,000 each for 1994 and
1995. As a result of this discontinuation of grants, there
will be an accumulated balance of appro.ximately $245,000
remaining at the end of 1996. These are funds collected
as directed by previous General Conference action as
salary assistance but which could not distributed for that
purpose under the terms of the approved distribution
formula.

The General Council on Finance and Administration
recommends the following:

1. That $70,000 of the remaining estimated balance be
returned to the World Service Contingency fund as

reimbursement for grants made from that fund in 1994
and 1995 for salary assistance, as described above.

2. That the General Conference designate the remaining
balance of approximately $175,000 for Temporary General
Aid Fund pension assistance, to be used as partial
funding toward the $217,000 needed for that purpose
during the 1997-2000 quadrennium. This would reduce
the allocations needed for Temporary General Aid
pension assistance to $25,000 in 1999 and $17,000 in 2000.
By the year 2000 only one conference would be eligible
for pension aid, and it is recommended that the
Temporary General Aid Fund be ended after that year.

We will see what the real vision is
when it comes to deciding what we
want to fund. And what I hope that
vision is going to be is that we want to
fund programs that will reach people,
that will bring Jesus Christ to people,
and that will bring people into this
church.

StanSager

Iglesia Metodista Autonoma Afiliada de
Puerto Rico Block Grant. The Puerto Rico
Conference became an affiliated autonomous church in
1996. Instead of pension and salary support during the
1993-1996 quadrennium they received a block grant to
support their move to autonomy. The same amount for
1997-2000 is being recommended as a block grant.

Project Equality. This organization is a national
interfaith program for affirmative action and equal
employment opportimity. It is used extensively by
general agencies and others to screen vendors, hotels, and
banks with which agencies do business.

Contingency Fund. The Contingency Fund for
World Service provides funding for emerging needs in
World Service agencies that occur during a quadrennium.
The uses of contingency funds have varied from helping
the American Bible Society place Bibles in Russia to
providing the General Council on Ministries funds
($200,000 per year this quadrennium) to allocate to
program agencies for new programs to address
unanticipated needs.

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World Service Fund Budget

Prior Claim:

General Council on Ministries

Joint Training Event

Interpretation Resources

General Council on Finance

and Administration

Total Prior Claim

On-Ratio:

Program Agencies

General Board of Church and Society
General Board of Discipleship ....
General Board of Global Ministries
General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry

HANA Scholarships

General Commission on Christian Unity

and Interreligious Concerns ....
General Commission on Religion

and Race

Minority Group Self Determination
General Commission on the Status

and Role of Women

Total Program Agencies

Other Ministries

General Council on Ministries ....

Strengthening The Black Church
United Methodist Communications

General Services

Telecommunications

Interpretation Services

Pension and Salary Aid

Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico

Block Grant

University/College Fund

Project Equality

Contingency Reserve

Total Other Ministries

Total On-Ratio

Grand Total

1996

Line Item

Comparisons

1997

1998

1999

2000

$960,000
391,000

$960,000
415,000

$960,000
377,000

$969,000
377,000

$978,000
235,000
375,000

1.300.000 (11

1 1.517.000

1.575.000

1.656.000

1.845.000

2,651,000

2,892,000

2,912,000

3,002,000

3,433,000

2,484,998

7,132,118

26,194,327

2,485,000

7,178,000

26,100,000

2,485,000

7,178,000

26,115,000

2,488,000

7,183,000

26,975,000

2,510,000

7,195,000

27,758,000

5,266,557
550,000

5,335,000
550,000

5,335,000
550,000

5,344,000
550,000

5,367,000
550,000

924,000

940,000

950,000

969,000

988,000

835,000
1,200,000

852,000
1,148,000

852,000
1,148,000

871,000
1,149,000

883,000
1,150,000

564.000

574.000

584.000

598.000

615.000

45,151,000

45,162,000

45,197,000

46,127,000

47,016,000

880,000

880,000
325,000

880,000
325,000

889,000
327,000

898,000
339,000

5,430,000
2,920,000
2,760,000
1,886,000

5,430,000
2,920,000
2,760,000
1,488,000

5,430,000
2,920,000
2,760,000
1,620,000

5,485,000
2,945,000
2,782,000
1,768,000

5,540,000
2,975,000
2,810,000
1,865,000

250,000

125,000

35,000

495.000

250,000
50,000
35,000

395,000

250,000
50,000
35,000

250.000

250,000
50,000
36,000

250.000

250,000
50,000
37,000

310.000

14,781,000 14,533,000 14,520,000 14,782,000 15,074,000

59.932.000 59.695.000 59.717.000 60.909.000 62.090.000

$62,583,000 (2) $62,587,000 $62,629,000 $63,911,000 $65,523,000

Notes to World Service Budget

(1) The prior claim for the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), unlike other prior claims, is an
estimate of the charge the Council expects to make against a fund to cover its expenses. The Council carries no
reserves for its own operations, and a large part of its income budget comes from interest income on short term
investments. Since there is no way to anticipate in advance the effect of fluctuations in interest rates on that
portion of GCFA's income, the amounts actually charged against the general fund may vary significantly from
the advance estimates.

As a result, instead of a charge estimated in 1991 to be $1,300,000 for 1996, the present estimate is that
$1,632,000 will be charged against World Service m 1996. The comparable estimate for 1997 is $1,517,000, which
would then be a deaease from 1996. See Report No. 12 for a more detailed GCFA budget

(2) The 1996 hne item comparisons have been adjusted to include the Mission Initiatives Fund.

Financial Administration

291

Report No. 2
MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND

Petition Number: FA-21112

Introducrion

The Ministerial Education Fund was established by
action of the 1968 General Conference as a means of
engaging the total membership of the church in an effort
to equip annual conferences, theological schools, and the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to meet
the need for increased resources for the recruitment and
education of persons for representative ministry. While
the initial focus was on the ordained ministry, programs
which benefit both diaconal and ordained ministers are
now funded. The fund supports local pastor courses of
studies, continuing education, and programs which
strengthen the ministry of every local church.

The General Council on Finance and Administration
strongly believes that the Ministerial Education Fund is
critical to the development of clergy and lay leadership
for our local churches in the coming years. The Council
is concerned about the decUning proportion of persons
coming into annual conference membership who are
United Methodist seminary graduates, about the declining
percentage of denominational financial support for United
Methodist seminary budgets, and about the corresponding
increase in student indebtedness.

It believes that it is essential that United Methodist
seminaries and their faculties play the key role in
developing leadership committed to the connectional
nature of The United Methodist Church and its mission
in the world.

The Coimcil observes that, while only small increases
in the apportioned amount are recommended, each 1%
increase in the percentage of receipts on the
apportionment will result in approximately $165,000 per
year in additional support for the theological schools, and
nearly $70,000 per year in additional funds available to
annual conferences for programs of education and
professional support for persons in representative
ministry. Local churches and annual conferences are
therefore urged to give increased visibility to this fund
and the need it addresses.

Background

The Ministerial Education Fund was first apportioned
in 1970 to the annual conferences as one of the church's
general funds, on the basis of 2 percent of local church
expenditures for all purposes, excluding payments for
benevolences, new buildings, and servicing of debt
Subsequent General Conferences have revised the base,

but the fund continues to be supported by receipts on an
apportionment of 2 percent of certain local church
expenditures. Amounts apportioned during the 1993-96
quadrennium have ranged from nearly $25.3 million in
1993 to just over $27 million in 1996.

During its first three years (1970-72) more than $16-1/2
million, about 67% of the amount apportioned, was
received to support the purposes for which the fund was
established. For the five succeeding quadrennia and for
the first two years of this quadrennium, the record of
support is as follows:

Apportion-

Percent

Years(s)

ments

Receipts

of Goal

1973-76

$39,516,832

$30,854,671

78.1%

1977-80

50,363,288

41,400,261

82.2%

1981-84

64,035,639

53,662,035

83.8%

1985-88

80,408,558

66,886,999

83.2%

1989-92

94,645,205

75,777,427

80.9%

1993

25,256,342

20,051,701

79.4%

1994

25,832,893

20,540,104

79.5%

Apportionment

The council recommends that this fund continue to be
supported by receipts on an apportionment to the annual
conferences, and that the amounts apportioned for the
1997-2000 quadrenium be as follows:

Percent

it'ear

Apportionm ent

Changes

1997

$27,036,000

0.0%

1998

27,036,000

0.0%

1999

27,171,000

0.5%

2000

27.375.000

0.8%

Total

$108,618,000

The Ministerial Education Fund shall be apportioned
as 2% of a base amount consisting of a set percentage of
a two-year average of local church expenditures for
pastors' and associate pastors' base compensation,
pastors' and associate pastors' expense reimbursements
and allowances, other staff compjensation, current
expenses for program, and other current operating
expenses, as reported on the Local Church Report to the
Annual Conference.

The "base amount" is defined as the amount which,
when multiplied by the 2% factor, will yield the
apportioned amount approved by the General Conference.

The "set percentage" is calculated by dividing the "base amount" by the total of the local church expenditures

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listed above.

Other programs that are exciting to me
have to do with higher education: the
Ministerial Education Fund, the Africa
University Fund, and the Black College
Fund. I'm very excited about them,
because I think we're living in a time
when education is very critical to the
life and dreams of the church.

Karen Collier

The base data to be used in calculating the
apportionment for the years 1997-2000 will be that
reported for the following years:

onmec

It Year

Base Years

1997

1993, 1994

1998

1994, 1995

1999
2000

1995, 1996

1996, 1997

The apportionments for the Rio Grande Conference, the
Alaska, Oklahoma Indian, and Red Bird Missionary
Conferences, and the Iglesia Metodista Autonoma Afiliada
de Puerto Rico will be exceptions to the formula and will
be amounts determined by negotiation between the
General Council on Finance and Administration and
representatives of those bodies.

Distribution

Amounts received by the conference treasurer for this
fund shall be distributed as follows:

1. Twenty -five percent shall be retained by the annual

conference which raised it, to be used in its program of
education and professional support for persons in
representative ministry as approved by the annual
conference and administered through its Board of
Ordained Ministry. The boards of Ordained Ministry and
Diaconal Ministry will confer concerning use of the funds,
which will be administered through the conference Board
of Ordained Ministry. Administrative costs of the boards
of Ordained Ministry and Diaconal Ministry shall be a
claim on the conference operating budget (HU 733.2r,
734.3W, 921.1).

2. Seventy-five percent shall be sent by the annual
conference treasurer to the treasurer of the General
Council on Finance and Administration for distribution to
the divisions of Ordained Ministry and Diaconal Ministry
of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
to be administered by its Division of Ordained Ministry
as follows:

a) At least 75 percent of the amount received by the
divisions shall be distributed to the theological schools on
a formula established by the divisions of Ordained
Ministry and Diaconal Ministry after consultation with
the theological schools. All money allocated to the
theological schools shall be used for current operations,
not for physical expansion, but can be used for
improvements to aid persons with handicapping
conditions.

b) The remaining portion of the amount received by
the divisions shall be used for supplemental distributions
to the theological schools and for board use in its
program of ministerial enlistment and development

c) Administrative costs incurred by the divisions in the
administration of this fund shall be a prior claim against
that part of the fund administered by them.

d) Promotion and interpretation of the Ministerial
Education Fund shall be by the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry in cooperation with and with the
assistance of UMCom, the cost being a prior claim against
that portion of the Ministerial Education Fund
administered by the divisions of Ordained and Diaconal
Ministry and within a budget approved by the board and
the General Council on Finance and Administration.

Financial Administration

293

Report No. 3
BLACK COLLEGE FUND

Petition Number: FA-21113

Background

In response to a request from the Commission on the
Black Colleges and the Council of Presidents of the Black
Colleges, the 1972 General Conference established the
Black College Fund as one of the apportioned general
church funds. The objective of the fund is to marshal
financial support for institutions of higher education
which are related to the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church
and which have historically served primarily the
educational needs of black students.

The goal of the fund was originally set at $6,000,000
per year, this amount to be raised by an apportionment
to the annual conferences using the same apportionment
formula as was used for the World Service Fund. The
goal remained unchanged during 1973-1980. By action of
the last four General Conferences, the amounts
apportioned during the years 1981-1996 have increased.

We have to go on believing in our
ministries and the affirmation of human
persons, human relationships, human
concerns. To retain our hope and find
our courage to move forward in the work
of the church is our greatest challenge.
Sally Brown Geis

Response by local churches and annual conferences
has been commendable. A summary of receipts shows
that more than $132 million has been raised since the
fund was established to assist the programs and
ministries of these schools:

Percent

Year(s)

Apportionment

Receipts

of Goal

1973-76

$24,017,186

$17,566,033

73.1%

1977-80

24,000,000

19,021,701

79.3%

1981-84

27,462,705

22,356,074

81.4%

1985-88

33,093,288

26,709,008

80.7%

1989-92

38,500,000

30,523,479

79.3%

1993

10,080,000

7,848,717

77.9%

1994

10,270,000

7,988,290

77.8%

1. That the 1996 General Conference authorize the
continuation of the Black College Fund as one of the
apportioned funds of the church.

2. That the 1997-2000 quadrennial goal for this fund
amount to $43,309,000 derived from a yearly
apportionment as follows:

Annual

Percent

Year

Apportionment

Increase

1997

$10,780,000

0.0%

1998

10,780,000

0.0%

1999

10,834,000

0.5%

2000

10,915.000

0.7%

Total

$43,309,000

Recommendations

With this background in mind, the General Council on
Finance and Administration recommends the following:

These respective amounts are to be apportioned to the
annual conferences by means of the same formula used
for the World Service Fund.

3. That annual conference treasurers remit monthly to
the treasurer of the General Council on Finance and
Administration the amounts received for this fund.

4. That expenses for adminis taxation and promotion of
the Black College Fund be a prior claim against the fund
and within a budget approved by the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry and the General Council
on Finance and Administration.

5. That the ti^easurer of the General Council on
Finance and Administration remit monthly receipts for
this fund to the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry for distribution to the colleges on the formula
recommended by the Council of Presidents of the Black
Colleges and the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry and approved by the General Conference (H
919.1). The formula for distribution is as follows:

a) Five-sixths of the receipts of the fund shall be
distributed to the colleges to assist in supporting their
current operating budgets:

(1) 75 percent of the five-sixths operating portion shall
be shared equally by each college.

(2) 20 percent of the five-sixths operating portion shall
be distinijuted on the basis of enrollment.

(3) The remaining 5 percent of the five-sixths current
operating portion shall be distributed equally to each
college annually for long-range planning, special academic
programs, and meeting challenge grants in complying
with the guidelines for support established by the General
Conference.

b) One-sLxth of the fund receipts shall be set aside for

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DCA Advance Edition

capital improvements, to be distributed by the Division of
Higher Education on the basis of need and matching
funds.

c) Between sessions of the General Conference, the
formula for distribution may be changed upon
recommendation of the Council of Presidents and the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and
with the consent of the General Council on Finance and
Administration (H 919.2).

6. That an annual conference may make additional
direct and/or designated gifts for current expense or
capital funds purposes to one or more of these colleges,
but only after it has met its full Black College Fund
apportionment There may be reasonable exceptions to
this restriction, but such exceptions shall be negotiated
with the Division of Higher Education prior to
implementation.

Report No. 4
AFRICA UNIVERSITY FUND

Petition Number: FA-21114

Background

The 1988 General Conference approved a report of the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
providing for the establishment of a United Methodist
university on the continent of Africa. A site near Old
Mutare, Zimbabwe, had been identified as the first choice
for location of the proposed university, and preliminary
work had been done to establish the feasibility of the
project and to facilitate the planning and implementation
steps which would follow General Conference action. The
General Conference approved the creation of an
apportioned general fund in the amount of $2.5 million
per year. It also recommended that the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry seek approval under 11913
for a World Service Special gifts fund with a goal of $10
million for the 1989-92 quadrennium; World Service
Special gifts fund receipts were to be held and invested
by the board as permanent endovmient funds for the
proposed university.

The 1988 General Conference action also included
provisions related to such matters as approval of a
financial plan for the University, review of the governing
documents of incorporated or unincorporated structures
which might be needed in the University's formation, and
procedures for administering and accounting for general
funds raised in support of the University.

By the time the 1992 General Conference convened,
the Africa University was a reality. A charter had been
granted by the government of Zimbabwe. A financial
plan providing for the initial stages of construction and
the opening and operation of the first two colleges had
been approved. On March 23, 1992, the College of
Theology and the College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources opened to 40 students fi^om Burundi,
Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Zaire, and Zimbabwe.

The 1992 General Conference heard and affirmed
reports on these developments and approved continuation
of both the apportioned Africa University Fund and
efforts to raise permanent endowment funds by means of

Financial Administration

295

World Service Special gifts. Funds raised by means of
these two vehicles through 1994 are as follows:

World Service

Year

Apportionment

Receipts

Special Gift Receipts

1988

..

$112,768

1989

$2,500,000

$2,124,931

508,101

1990

2,500,000

2,197,876

777,038

1991

2,500,000

2,107,615

887,387

1992

2,500,000

2,097,558

1,324,038

1993

2,500.000

2.090,119

885,420

1994

2,500,000

2,098,972

932,669

The Official Opening of the University was celebrated
on April 23, 1994. United Methodists from across Africa
and around the world gathered on the University campus
for the event, and many others shared in its joy and
excitement by means of a videotape of the official
opening and inauguration ceremonies.

I think that Africa University is one of the
very good things--what has happened in
Africa already now with the university, with
the young people who are going there-it is so
fantastic. And I think what is growing up
there is a benefit to the young people there,
and it is a benefit to our church in Africa.
Henning Bjemo

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
and the Africa University Board of Directors continue to
plan aggressively for the future development of the
University. Efforts to increase the level of permanent
endowment funds and to secure funding support from a
variety of sources are also being aggressively pursued.
The permanent endowment funds are fully invested and
managed by the Investment Committee of the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. As of
September, 1995, the market value of the Funds was $7
million.

A College of Management and Administration is
scheduled to be opened in January, 1996, and a College of
Education in August, 1996. A plan is being developed for
opening of a College of Humanities by 2000. As directed
by the 1992 General Conference, the General Council on
Finance and Administration continues to review financial
plans for the University as changing circumstances
require and as plans for additional colleges are developed.

Recommendations

The General Council on Finance and Administration
rejoices with all of those who have worked at the task of
bringing plans for the establishment of the Africa

University to the point of fulfillment. It recognizes that
United Methodist individuals, local churches, annual
conferences, and agencies have provided significant
support for the University during the course of the past
two quadrennia and believes that the University will
continue to enjoy enthusiastic support. The Council
therefore recommends:

1. That the Africa University Fund continue as an
apportioned general fund in the amount of $2,500,000 per
year during the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

2. That the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry continue to seek World Service Special Gifts
under the provisions of 11913 of the 1992 Book of
Disciptine, with a goal of $10,000,000 for the 1997-2000
quadrennium, to be used for permanent endowment funds
for the University. The Council is aware that some
annual conferences have chosen to apportion amounts
beyond the general fund apportionment or to engage in
other efforts in order to raise endowment funds for the
University. Those and similar efforts are applauded, and
annual conferences are encouraged to consider this or
other innovative means of supporting this part of the
University's funding, which is so critical to its long-term
success and stability.

3. That apportionments to the annual conferences be
determined by the same formula used in apportioning the
World Service Fund, and that each annual conference
then apportion the fund to its local churches by a formula
of its choosing (11712).

4. That local churches remit amounts contributed for
the fund to the annual conference treasurer, who shall
remit the amounts received monthly to the treasurer of
the General Council on Finance and Administration.

5. That the General Council on Finance and
Administration remit the net receipts of the fund, after
payment of prior claims for promotion and
administration, to the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry.

6. That the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry administer the funds in accordance with their
current financial plan for the University, as approved by
the General Council on Finance and Administration. It is
understood that the financial plan for the existing colleges
may be amended from time to time, as changing
circumstances may require, by the Africa University
Board of Directors in consultation with the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry. Financial plans for
additional colleges are subject to approval by the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
shall be authorized to disburse funds for the development
and oi^eration of the Africa University and to release such

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funds to the Africa University Board of Directors or such
other stn;ctural units as may be created for that purpose,
provided ihat the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry shall be accountable for such funds to the
General Council on Finance and Administration, and
provided further that no such funds shall be released to
any structural unit whose charter, bylaws, or other
governing documents have not been approved by the
General Council on Finance and Administration as
required by action of previous General Conferences.

7. That permanent endowment funds for the university
be held and invested by the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry. Permanent endowment funds
include the World Service Special Gift receipts and any
other funds which may be raised by the Board and
designated, either by the donor or the Board, for this
purpose. The Board is authorized to disburse income
earned from the permanent endowment funds under the
same terms and conditions as set forth in §6 above. The

Board shall be accountable to the General Council on
Finance and Administration for all permanent endowment
funds raised on behalf of the Africa University.

The provisions of this report shall not limit the
authority of the Africa University Board of Directors to
raise and administer permanent endowment funds and/or
funds for the development and operation of the University
from sources other than those from which contributions
to either the Africa University apportioned fund or the
World Service Special Gifts fund would normally be
sought

8. Adjustments in the provisions of this reprort, except
for the amount of the apportioned fund, may be made by
the General Council on Finance and Adminisfration on
recommendation of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, after consultation with the
Council of Bishops and the General Council on Ministries.

Financial Administration

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Report No. 5
EPISCOPAL FUND

Petition Number.: FA-21 115

The General Council on Finance and Administration
presents to the 1996 General Conference the following
recommendations concerning items in the Episcopal Fund
budget for the 1997-2000 quadrennium, to become
effective at the adjournment of this General Conference.

active relationship shall receive the full salary of the
bishop for the three months immediately following the
month when death occurred, after which the pension of
the surviving spouse (as set forth in Section I,E,5 of this
report) shall take effect

I. Bishops Elected
by Jurisdictional Conferences

A. Salary

1. Amount of Salary. The salary of a bishop newly
elected in 1996 shall begin on September 1, 1996, when
the assignment of the newly elected bishop becomes
effective, at the annual rate established for 1996 by the
General Council on Finance and Administration in
keeping with the formula approved by the 1992 General
Conference.

During the last two quadrennia increases in bishops'
salaries have been related to the percentage increase in
the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). That
formula yielded the following salary amounts: $72,654 for
1993, $75,379 for 1994, $78,771 for 1995, and $80,740 for
1996. The salary increases for the years 1997 through
2000 shall be set by the General Council on Finance and

The vision of the church should be reflected in
the budget in a way that we can see the
commitment of our church with the people.
The Body of Christ has meaning only when it
is committed, and I believe The United
Methodist Church should reflect that
commitment precisely in a budget invested in
service, evangelization, and work with people.
Virgilio Vazquez-Garza

Administration at the percentage increase in the
Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) figure
available each year, as calculated by the General Board
of Pension and Health Benefits.

The General Council on Finance and Administration
will notify each newly elected bishop's salary-paying unit
of the date on which payment of salary from the
Episcopal Fund will begin.

2. Salary Continuance for a Surviving Spouse.

The surviving spouse of a bishop who dies while in the

B. Episcopal Residence

1. The annual conference or conferences constituting
the episcopal area shall be responsible for providing an
episcopal residence in which the bishop shall reside.

2. The cost of providing the episcopal residence shall
be shared proportionately between the Episcopal Fund
and each episcopal area, with 67% of the cost, up to
$19,000 annually, coming from the Episcopal Fund and
33% from the episcopal area.

Expenditures in excess of funds generated by this
formula shall be borne by the episcopal area. The annual
cost of the episcopal residence includes mortgage or lease
payments, utilities, taxes, insurance, and other costs of
maintaining the residence. In addition, a reserve fund of
up to 10% of the value of the residence for maintenance
and/or replacement, may be accumulated. To the extent
that the reserve is less than 10% of residence value, a
provision to fund the reserve can be made in the annual
budget. In any given year, if there are unspent Episcopal
Fund monies and the reserve fund is at 10%, those
unspent monies shall be returned to the Episcopal Fund.

3. Each area shall organize an Episcopal Residence
Committee as provided in 1I736.2-.3 Ifiook of Discipline).

4. The Episcopal Residence Committee shall forward
annually to the General Council on Finance and
Administration, observing deadlines set by the council,
the projected itemized annual cost of the episcopal
residence for the following calendar year. One-twelfth of
the General Council on Finance and Administration-
approved share for the episcopal residence shall be paid
monthly from the Episcopal Fund to the person or office
designated by the Episcopal Residence Committee to
receive the housing payment The council shall require an
annual accounting of actual expenditures.

5. It is the intent of this policy that all bishops shall
use housing provided by the area

C. Office Expense

1. Each active bishop shall receive a grant towards
office expenses in the following maximum amounts:

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1997

$53,500

1998

$54,000

1999

$54,500

2000

$55,000

2. The office expense budget of each bishop shall
consist of the following items of expense:

Support Staff salary
Employee benefits

Occupancy expense (rent, utilities, etc.)
Office supplies
Printing and copying
Equipment maintenance
Professional entertainment and courtesies
Financial audit or review
Postage

Miscellaneous items related to the operation
of the episcopal office

3. Budgets of episcopal office expense shall be subject
to the approval of the General Council on Finance and
Administration annually and shall be submitted on forms
provided by the council.

4. An annual financial statement, prepared on at least
a review basis by a certified public accountant or a public
accountant in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, shall be done annually for each
calendar year. An audit by a certified public accountant
is preferred. The financial statement shall be provided to
the General Council on Finance and Administration by
July 31 of the following year.

5. Purchase of office equipment and furnishings shall
be a reimbursable expense. Requests for purchase shall
be submitted for prior approval on forms provided by the
council. Payment shall be made on submission of an
invoice. A complete inventory of episcopal office
equipment and furnishings shall be maintained and kept
on file with the council.

6. Local and long distance telephone and telegraph
expenses shall be reimbursable on submission of copies
of bills or, if the telephone system is shared, vouchers
from the conference or area office.

D. Moving Expense

Moving expenses of bishops, including retiring bishops,
shall be paid upon the submission of an itemized
statement of expenses with an accompanying copy of the
freight bill, subject to the following restrictions:

1. After August 31, in the year of election or
reassignment, no payment shall be made for a bishop's
travel expenses arising from the failure of the bishop to
move to a newly assigned area. E.xception to this policy
may be considered by the council.

2. The Episcopal Fund shall be responsible for the

payment of only one moving expense incident to the
reassignment of a bishop, the assignment of a newly
elected bishop, or the relocation of a retired bishop to a
permanent retirement residence.

3. Storage expense is not a reimbursable item.

4. If a bishop, upon retirement, accepts an assignment
of churchwide responsibility with direct relationship and
accountability to the Council of Bishops (1I509.1c,[ll), and
if the assignment is such as to require residence at a
specific location, the Episcopal Fund will be responsible
for the payment of moving expenses to that location. In
such case a bishop remains eligible for payment of
moving expenses by the Episcopal Fund to a permanent
retirement residence, if that move occurs within three
years of the time the assignment ends.

5. If a bishop, upon retirement, accepts an assignment
of churchwide responsibility with a general agency or
United Methodist Church-related institution of higher
education (11509.1 c,[2]), moving expenses related to such
an assignment are the responsibility of the agency or
institution, unless the location of the assignment is also
the bishop's permanent retirement residence, in which
case the Episcopal Fund will be responsible for the
moving expense. A bishop whose moving expenses to
such an assignment are paid by the agency or institution
will remain eligible for payment of moving expenses from
the Episcopal Fund to a permanent retirement residence,
if that move occurs within three years of the time the
assignment ends. If the Episcopal Fund pays for moving
expenses related to an assignment to a general agency or
institution, the Fund will not be responsible for any
expenses related to any suljsequent move to a permanent
retirement residence.

E. Pension

1. Initial Pension. The initial pension of a retiring
bishop shall be determined by the following guidehnes
and paid on this basis from the date of retirement
through December 31 in the year of retirement

a. For each year of active episcopal service up to 20
years prior to January 1, 1982, a retiring bishop elected
by a jurisdictional conference shall receive pension at the
annual rate of 1/20 th of 40 percent of the 1996 cash
salary of an active bishop ($80,740).

b. For service years as a participant in the Ministerial
Pension Plan, pension benefits shall be as set forth in the
applicable provisions of that plan.

c. For service years prior to 1982 for which an annual
conference or conferences have pension responsibility,
pension benefits shall be at the respective conference
pension rate(s) prevailing at the time of retirement
Responsibihty for the funding of pension benefits earned
prior to election to the episcopacy, including any

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299

post-retirement adjustments, shall remain with the annual
conference(s), except that, for bishops elected in 1976 or
earlier, the funding of such benefits shall be the
responsibility of the Episcopal Fund.

d. For service years prior to election to the episcopacy
for which there is no annual conference responsibility, but
for which the retiring bishop was a participant in a
pension plan administered by the General B<iar(l of
Pension and Health Benefits other than the Ministerial
Pension Plan, pension iienefits shall be as set forth in the
applicable provisions of that plan. Responsibility for the
funding of those benefits shall likewise be as provided in
that plan, except that for bisho[3S elected in 1976 or
earlier, the responsibility for the funding of such benefits
shall be the responsibility of the Episcopal Fund.

e. For service years prior to election to the episcopacy
during which the retiring bishop was not a participant in
any plan administered by the General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits, pension benefits and the
responsibility for their funding shall be as provided by
the agency, institution, or other salary-paying unit to
which he or she was appointed.

f. If the total pension amount for a retired bishop for
both episcopal service years and for service years under
appointment, as determined under subsection 1 a) - e)
above, is less than minimum amounts established by the
General Conference in the schedule which follows, the
Episcopal Fund will supplement the bishop's pension in
the amount needed to reach the minimum. The minimum
amount for a bishop whose pension is not actuarially
reduced due to early retirement is $20,395 in 1996. This
amount shall be increased in increments as adopted in
Section E,2 of this report for the ensuing years in the
quadrennium.

g. If the bishop elects to retire before age 65 or 40
years of full-time service, and elects to receive pension
payments before age 65, pension for service years
rendered prior to January 1, 1982, shall be actuarially
reduced by the lesser of (i) one-half of 1% per month or
fraction of a month of age less than 65 years attained on
the date the benefit is to commence or (ii) one-half of 1%
per month for each month of difference between the
assumed date at which 40 years of service under
appointment would have been completed and the actual
date the benefit is to commence.

If the bishop qualifies for the minimum pension under
section 1 f) above, the actuarial reducfion determined
under the provisions of this section shall be subtracted
from the minimum pension amount.

h. If a bishop, upon retirement, accepts an assignment
of churchwide responsibility which has teen approved by
the Council of Bishops, up to 95% of the cash salary of
an active bishop (as determined in section I, A of this
report) may be paid for salary and housing, subject to
provisions for payments as designated in (1I509.1c). The
maximum annual amount paid a bishop accepting such

an assignment would therefore be $76,703 in 1996.

2. Cost of Living Increase. All retired bishops shall
receive a 3% annual cost-of-living increase for years of
service as a bishop prior to January 1, 1982, based on the
pension amount of the preceding year.

3. Housing Allowance Exclusion. Housing
allowance exclusion for retired bishops shall be certified
by the General Council on Finance and Administration.
An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments
received by a retired bishop, or 100% of the disability
benefit payments received by a disabled bishop, shall be
certified as a rental/housing allowance respectively for
each retired or disabled bishop of The United Methodist
Church at the time of his or her disability or retirement
This certification shall be made annually by the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

4. Pension Continuance for the Surviving
Spouse. The surviving spouse of a retired bishop shall
receive the full pension of the bishop for the three months
immediately following the month when death occurred,
after which the pension of the surviving spouse shall take
effect as stipulated hereunder.

5. Pension for the Surviving Spouse.

a. Benefits payable from tlie Episcopal Fund. To receive
any benefits as a surviving spouse, the marriage must
have taken place prior to the bishop's retirement.

(i) The pension benefits to the surviving spouse of a
retired bishop shall initially be 70% of the pension
benefits of the retired bishop attributable to service years
prior to January 1, 1982, for which the Episcopal Fund
has responsibility. Thereafter, there shall be a 3% cost of
living increase in the benefit payable for the bishop's
years of episcopal service prior to January 1, 1982.

(ii) The pension benefits to the surviving spouse of an
active bishop shall initially be 70% of the benefits to
which the bishop would have been entitled for episcopal
service years prior to January 1, 1982, for which the
Episcopal Fund has responsibility. Thereafter, there shall
be a 3% annual cost of living increase in the benefit
payable for the bishop's years of episcopal service prior
to January 1, 1982.

b. Benefits payable for service covered by any otlierpbn.
Any surviving spouse benefits for the bishop's years of
service covered by any other plan will lie payable in
accordance with the provisions of those plans.

6. Children of Deceased Bishops. The General
Council on Finance and Administration shall determine
the support of minor-aged children and dependent
children with handicapping conditions who are unable to
provide for their own support.

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n. Bishops Elected by the
Central Conferences

A. Episcopal Area Budgets
and Audit Reports

1. In compliance with 11638.4 of The Book of Discipline,
the General Council on Finance and Administration shall
receive from each Central Conference, on forms furnished
by the council, an annual budget of estimated receipts on
apportionment of the Episcopal Fund and expenses for
each episcopal office. The budget shall include salaries,
housing allowances, and office expense, as recommended
by the respective central conference or its committee on
episcopacy.

2. After reviewing the recommended budget of
estimated receipts and expenses, the council shall
establish the budget and determine what amounts from
the Episcopal Fund are required for the support of the
episcopacy in each central conference and shall send such
remittances to the bishops and/or to the treasurers
administering the funds of the episcopal offices.

3. An annual financial statement, prepared on at least
a review basis by a certified public accountant or a public
accountant in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, shall be done annually for each
calendar year. An audit by a certified public accountant
or comparable professional is preferred. The financial
statement, accompanied by an English translation, shall
be provided to the General Council on Finance and
Administration by July 31 of the following year.

B. Salary and Housing Allowance

The salary and housing allowance of each bishop shall
be recommended by the respective central conference or
its committee on episcopacy and included in the episcopal
area budget (Section II, A above) in accordance with
11638.4 of The Book of Discipline.

An amount equal to at least 3% of the cash salary plus
housing shall be deducted from the salary of each bishop
elected by a Central Conference and credited to the
bishop's personal account in the Bishop's Reserve Pension
Fund. A bishop may choose to increase this percentage.

C. Office Expense

1. The office expense budget of each bishop shall
include the cost of the items listed in Section 1,C,2 of this
report plus the estimated cost of telephone and telegraph
service. The amount of such expenses shall be included
in the episcopal area budget (Section II,A above), in
accordance with 11638.4 of The Book of Discipline.

2. Purchase of office equipment and furnishings shall
be a reimbursable expense, and request for purchase shall
be submitted for prior approval on forms provided by the
council. Payment shall be made on submission of an
invoice. A complete inventory of episcopal office
equipment and furnishings purchased through the
Episcopal Fund shall be maintained and kept on file with
the council

D. Emergency Contingency Fund

The General Council on Finance and Administration
shall provide assistance for the replacement or repair of
episcopal residences and episcopal offices desfroyed or
damaged by conditions of war or civil unrest in the
Central Conferences. In consultation with the staff of the
General Board of Global Ministries, priorities will be
determined to respond to needs which may include some
funding through that board.

E. Pensions

1. The General Council on Finance and Administration
shall determine the sum to be paid for the support of an
ordained minister who, having been elected by a central
conference to serve as a bishop for one or more terms or
for life, shall have reached the time of retirement Where
term episcopacy has been established, the pension
provided shall be paid only after a minister elected as a
bishop by a central conference shall have reached the age
of retirement as set by the respective central conference
for its bishops or shall have been retired for physical
disability.

2. If the bishop is retired before age 65 or 40 years of
full-time service and elects to receive pension payments
before age 65, pension for service years rendered prior to
January 1, 1982, shall be actuarially reduced by the lesser
of (i) 1/2 of 1 % per month or fraction of a month of age
less than 65 years attained on the date the benefit is to
commence, or (ii) 1/2 of 1 % per month for each month of
difference between the assumed date at which 40 years of
service under appointment would have been completed
and the actual date the benefit is to commence. If the
bishop elects to receive an actuarially reduced pension
under this section, the General Council on Finance and
Administration shall determine the sum which would
have been paid to a bishop under similar circumstances
who had reached the age of 65, and the actuarial
reductions specified in §2(i) or §2(ii) above shall be
applied to that amount.

3. The General Council on Finance and Administration
shall determine the sum to be paid the surviving spouse
of a deceased central conference bishop who had served
as a bishop for one or more terms or for hfe.

4. To receive benefits as a surviving spouse, the

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marriage must have taken place prior to the liishop's
retirement.

5. A review of pensions of retired central conference
bishops and surviving spouses of central conference
bishops shall be made annually.

in. Travel Expense

1. The cost of each active bishop's official travel, in
accordance with episcopal travel policy guidelines, shall
be paid upon the presentation of an itemized monthly
expense statement filed on a form provided by the
council. The supporting data required by the General
Council on Finance and Administration are the customer's
copy(ies) of the airline ticket, car rental bill(s), and
receipted hotel/motel bill(s). Receipts or daily logs are
acceptable documentation for meals and minor
miscellaneous expenses. Central conference bishops may
request an advance for area travel to be reimbursed by
submission of monthly travel expense vouchers.

2. Air travel is normally by the most economical coach
fare available. For international travel involving a
one-way trip in excess of 3,000 miles, the most economical
business class or excursion fare may be used.

3. The travel expense of bishops to meetings of the
Council of Bishops, the College of Bishops, and authorized
committee meetings of the Council of Bishoi3s shall be
paid.

4. Travel expense to annual, semiannual, or executive
committee meetings of United Methodist general agencies
to which the bishop is assigned by the Council of Bishops
or the General Conference shall be charged to the
Episcopal Fund. Expenses of travel to committee or task
force meetings of a general agency or for other
agency-related purposes shall be charged to that agency.

5. Travel expenses for international travel or global
visitation as authorized by the Council of Bishops are
paid from the Episcopal Fund on the submission of an
expense report accompanied by required supporting
documents. After it has determined the travel schedule of
its members on international travel or global visitation,
the Council of Bishops shall certify such authorized travel
to the General Council on Finance and Administration to
qualify incurred expenses for payment from the Episcopal
Fund.

6. If in connection with travel paid from the Episcopal
Fund, a bishop wishes to travel elsewhere for work for
which expenses are not chargeable to the Episcopal Fund
under provisions of this report arrangements for
reimbursements for expenses related to the extended stay
or additional travel should be made with the agencies
involved.

7. Authorized travel of bishops to meetings of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA,
the World Council of Churches, and the Consultation on
Church Union shall be charged to the travel fund of the
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund.

8. Travel expenses of bishops who are members of the
executive committee of the World Methodist Council may
be charged to the Episcopal Fund to attend meetings of
the executive committee.

9. For bishops elected by jurisdictional conferences,
travel expenses to jurisdictional meetings of committees,
commissions, or task forces to which the bishop is
assigned by the Jurisdictional Conference or the College
of Bishops may be charged to the Episcopal Fund. For
bishops elected by central conferences, travel expenses to
central conference meetings of committees, commissions,
or task forces to which the bishop is assigned by the
Central Conference or the College of Bishops may be
charged to the Episcopal Fund.

10. Expenses of travel to seminaries within continental
boundaries to counsel with students from within the area
or for recruitment purposes shall be charged to the
Episcopal Fund as area travel.

11. Travel to boards of trustees or directors' meetings
of United Methodist-related colleges, seminaries, or
institutions may be charged to the Episcopal Fund only
when membership in such bodies is effected by action of
the General Conference, Jurisdictional Conference, Council
of Bishops, College of Bishops, or an annual conference or
conferences of the episcopal area. Expenses of travel to
meetings of such boards of trustees or directors in which
membership is by virtue of election by the board of
trustees or directors of the institution are not to be
charged to the Episcopal Fund.

12. Travel expenses for addresses and lectures for
which an honorarium is received are not to be charged to
the Episcopal Fund.

13. Mileage rates or other reimbursement for the costs
of travel by car shall be determined by the General
Council on Finance and Administration. When the round
trip distance outside the episcopal area exceeds 1,000
miles for any one round trip, the cost of transportation
shall be paid either on the actual mileage or at the most
economical air fare available, whichever is the lesser
amount.

14. In the case of the death of a bishop, a bishop's
spouse, or a widow or widower of a bishop, the following
persons shall JDe eligible to attend the memorial service at
the expense of the Episcopal Fund:

a. All members of the College of Bishops, active or
retired, to which the bishop belonged.

b. The president of the Council of Bishops, or a
representative designated by the president.

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c. Bishops who are participants in the memorial
service.

d. A bishop who is officially designated by a College of
Bishops to represent it

15. The surviving spouse of a bishop shall be entitled
to the payment of expenses to attend the bishop's
memorial service held at the Council of Bishops' meeting.

16. Expenses of ti-avel to meetings of learned and
fraternal societies, commuting expenses between residence
and office, and gifts are not to be charged to the
Episcopal Fund.

17. The travel expense of the spouse of a bishop shall
not be charged to the Episcopal Fund except as specified
above. In emergency situations, the travel expense of a
spouse and minor children may be charged to the
Episcopal Fund when approved by the president or
secretary of the Council of Bishops and the general
secretary of the General Council on Finance and
Administration.

IV. Renewal Leave

The Book of Discipline provides that every bishop in
the active relationship shaU take periodic leaves from the
regular responsibilities of the episcopacy for purposes of
reflection, study, and self-renewal (11511.1).

1. A renewal leave of a bishop shall first be approved
by the College of Bishops and reported to the Council of
Bishops. The secretary of the Council of Bishops will
certify to the General Council on Finance and
Administration the approved list of bishops to be on
renewal leave.

2. During the period of a renewal leave, the following
financial arrangements shall be in effect:

a Cash salary will continue.

b. Reimbursable episcopal travel expenses will not be
paid during renewal leave unless authorized by the
Council of Bishops and approved by the general seaetary
of the General Council on Finance and Administration.

c. Reimbursement from the Episcopal Fund, supported
by necessary documentation, shall be:

(1) Up to $3,000 for transportation, tuition, and housing
for bishops elected by jurisdictional conferences.

(2) For central conference bishops, the total
transportation cost to and from the site of the renewal
leave will be reimbursed within the usual guidelines for
episcopal expense and up to $2,000 may be paid for
actual expenses of tuition and housing.

d. Meals during renewal leave are not considered a
reimbursable expense.

e. Compensation or honoraria received for any activity

during renewal leave shall be deducted from (1) or (2)
above.

f. Expenses incurred in providing temporary episcopal
supervision by a bishop from a nearby episcopal area
during the absence of a bishop on renewal leave shall be
reimbursed.

3. It is recommended that renewal leave not be taken
in the same year as the bishop's scheduled global
visitation.

V. Budget for the Secretary
of the Coiincil of Bishops

The General Council on Finance and Administration
may authorize, upon certification of need by the Council
of Bishops, a budget to provide for secretarial assistance
and other expenses incurred by the Secretary of the
Council of Bishops in the performance of the duties of
this office. Such budget is subject to the approval of the
General Council on Finance and Administration.

VI, Increase or Decrease
During Quadrenniiun

If, in the judgment of the General Council on Finance
and Administration, economic conditions are such as to
require increasing or decreasing the amounts authorized
in this report, the council is authorized to make such
adjustments by a three-fourths majority of its total voting
membership.

Vn. Apportionment for the
Episcopal Fund

The annual apportionment for the Episcopal Fund
during the 1997-2000 quadrennium shall be equal to an
amount not less than 2.0% nor more than 3.5% of the
total cash salaries paid pastors and associate pastors
serving pastoral charges in jurisdictional and central
conferences in the most recent complete year as reported
to the annual conference {The Book of Discipline, 11925).

The apportionment for calendar 1997 shall be at a rate
of 2.44 % of such salaries as reported for calendar 1994.
For subsequent years in the quadrennium, the General
Council on Finance and Administration is authorized to
increase or decrease the rate of apportionment as may
become necessary or advisable, providing that the rate
shall not be increased above 3.5%. The 1997-2000
Episcopal Fund recommendations are based on the
current number of episcopal areas. If additional episcopal
areas are created, the General Council on Finance and
Adminish^ation may need to increase the apportioned
amounts in 1998 and subsequent years.

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303

Vin. Provisions of
The Book of Discipline

All paragraph references to Tlie Book of Discipline as
contained in this report are to the 1992 edition. It is
understood that, during the 1997-2000 quadrennium, these

will be considered as references to paragraphs of
comparable content in the 1996 Book of Discipline. The
General Council on Finance and Administration is
directed to alter the provisions of this report to conform
to any changes in The Book of Discipline or other relevant
legislation that may be adopted by the 1996 General
Conference.

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Report No. 6
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUND

Petition Number: FA-21116

It is the purpose of The General Administration Fund
(H 917) to finance those general church activities which
are specifically administrative as contrasted with
programmatic missional, or ecumenical.

Explanation of Items in the Budget

1. Interpretation Resources (U 1906.11-.13). United
Methodist Communications is allocated the designated
sum for the cost of resources used in promoting the
General Administration Fund.

2. The General Commission on Archives and
History (HH 1801-1812). The purpose of this commission
is to gather, preserve, hold title to, and disseminate
materials on the history of The United Methodist Church
and its antecedents.

3. Historic Shrines, Landmarks, and Sites (H

1812). The supervision of historic shrines, landmarks, and
sites is part of the responsibility assigned the General
Commission on Archives and History, and the funds
budgeted for this purpose are administered by the
commission.

4. General Conference (lH 601-611). The expense
of the General Conference is a major item in the budget.
The amount budgeted provides for all administrative
costs of the session, including travel and per diem of
delegates, cost of the offices of the secretary and business

manager of the General Conference, expenses of the
Commission on the General Conference, and publishing
the Daily Christian Advocate and the Journal oi the

conference sessions.

5. The Judicial Council (HH 2601-2621). H 917.3
provides that the expenses of the Judicial Council will be
paid from the General Administration Fund.

6. The World Methodist Council (H 2401). The
council is a significant channel for United Methodist
relationships with other Methodist bodies and with
autonomous and united churches formerly part of The
United Methodist Church or its predecessor
denominations.

7. The General Council on Finance and
Administration (H 906.1 d). The Council reports to and
is amenable to the General Conference and is resfx)nsible
for receiving and distributing general church funds. A
portion of the Council's expenses are charged to the
General Administration Fund as provided in ^ 906.1d
and Report No. 12.

8. National Youth Ministry Organization (Till
1301-1311). This allocation underwrites the administrative
expenses of the National Youth Ministry Organization.

9. The Contingency Reserve. This item is
established to provide for unforeseen or emergency
situations which fall within the scope of general
administration.

Prior Claim:

Interpretation Resources

On-Ratio:

General Council on Finance

and Administration
General Commission on Archives

and History
Historic Shrines, Landmarks, and Sites
General Conference
World Methodist Council
Judicial Council

National Youth Ministry Organization
Contingency Reserve

Total

General Administration Fund Budget

1996 1997 1998 1999
$ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ 15,000

2,238,000 2,169,000 2,200,000 2,303,000

2000
$ 15,000

2,415,000

738,000

750,000

762,000

774,000

787,000

30,000

30,000

30,000

31,000

31,000

810,000

810,000

810,000

826,000

843,000

361,000

366,000

372,000

379,000

385,000

59,000

44,000

42,000

42,000

62,000

153,000

156,000

159,000

162,000

166,000

165,000

125,000

125,000

125.000

125,000

$4,569,000

$4,465,000

$4,515^000

$4,657,000

$4,829,000

Financial Administration

305

Report No. 7
INTERDENOMINATIONAL COOPERATION FUND

Petition Number: FA-21117

The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund provides
basic support for ecumenical agencies through which The
United Methodist Church participates in God's mission in
cooperation with other Christian communions. The fund
is recommended to the General Conference by the General
Council on Finance and Administration after considering
recommendations developed by the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns in
consultation with the Council of Bishops (H 918.1).

General agencies may participate in the budgets of the
cognate divisions and departments of the National Council
of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the World Council
of Churches, and other interdenominational ecumenical
activities.

Explanation of Items in the Budget

Interpretation /Jesowrces (Para 1906.11 -.13). United
Methodist Communications is allocated the designated
sum for the cost of resources in promoting the
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund.

General Council on Finance and
Administration. The Council reports to and is
amenable to the General Conference and is responsible for
receiving and distributing general church funds. A
portion of the Council's expenses are charged to the
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund as provided in
1I906.1d and Report No. 12.

The National Council of the Churches of Christ
in the U.S.A. This council comprises thirty-three
member denominations and communions in the United
States representing forty-two million Christians. The
allocation provides for United Methodist participation in
the basic budget of the Council.

The World Council of Churches. The council,
founded in 1948, includes 330 member communions
throughout the world representing 450 million Christians.
The allocation provides for United Methodist participation
in the basic budget of the Council.

Consultation on Church Union Nine
denominations are joined together in the Consultation to
seek ways toward greater visible unity among them.
Presently, the Consultation seeks a covenant among its
member churches involving issues such as mutual
recognition of each other's churches, members, clergy, and
shared eucharistic fellowship. The allocation provides for
United Methodist participation in the basic budget.

Ecumenical Representative Travel. The travel
expenses for United Methodist representatives named in
advance by the General Conference, the Council of
Bishops, or the General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns are paid from the
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund (f 918.2). Costs are
paid for travel to the General Board and, as approved by
the general secretary of the General Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, other units
of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
U.S.A.; the Central Conmiittee and other units of the
World Council of Churches, including its executive
committee and periodic assembly; plenary, executive
committee, and special meetings of the Consultation on
Church Union, United Methodist participation in
concordat relationships and other ecumenical activities
and bodies.

Expenses are paid in accordance with guidelines
adopted by the General Council on Finance and
Administration and shall be limited to round-trip coach
airfare and/or other necessary surface transportation from
the place of residence of the representative to the place of
the meeting, plus food and lodging expense at the
meeting. Attendance during three-fourths of the agenda
of a meeting shall be required for reimbursement of
meeting expenses. Travel expenses shall be paid when
approved by the general secretary of the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns, his or her designee, or by the general seaetary
of the General Council on Finance and Administration.

Special Ecumenical Needs. Funds will be allocated
from the Special Ecumenical Needs line item for the
United Methodist commitment for costs of the World
Council of Churches Assembly, including travel and
related expenses for Christians from third world
countries. Funds may be allocated for other special
ecumenical needs. Allocations shall be made by the
General Council on Finance and Administration after
receiving the recommendations of the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns.

Contingency Reserve. This item is established to
provide for unforeseen or emergency situations which fall
within the scope of the Fund and is allocated by the
General Council on Finance and Administi'ation after
receiving recommendations from the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

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Interdenominational Cooperation Fund Budget

Prior Claims:

Interpretation Resources
General Council on Finance
and Administration

Total Prior Claims

On-Ratio:

National Council of Churches
World Council of Churches
Consultation on Church Union
Approved Travel
Special Ecumenical Needs
Contingency Reserve

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

47,000 i

i 46,000

$ 47,000

$ 49,000

$ 51,000

32,000

34.000

36.000

37,000

42.000

79.000

80,000

83,000

86,000

93,000

764,000

774,000

781,000

797,000

817,000

402,000

413,000

424,000

434,000

445,000

47,000

47,000

47,000

47,000

47,000

174,000

135,000

135,000

135,000

135,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

41,000

42,000

95.000

84.000

85,000

85.000

85.000

Total On-Ratio

1,522,000 1,493,000 1,512,000 1,539,000 1,571,000

Grand Total

$1.601.000 $1.573.000 $1.595.000 $1.625.000 $1.664.000

Financial Administration

307

Report No. 8
APPORTIONMENT FORMULAS

Petition Number: FA-2U8

This report is concerned with the method by which
provisions of the reports dealing with the World Service,
Black College, Africa University, General Administration,
and Interdenominational Cooperation funds are to be
funded. The approved budgets for these funds are to be
apportioned separately among the several annual
conferences in an equitable fashion so that all annual
conferences and their respective local churches will have
full opportunity to be involved financially in the total
mission of the church.

The 1992 Book of Discipline provides that the GCFA
shall recommend the formulas by which all
apportionments to the annual conferences shall be
determined, subject to the approval of the General
Conference (H 906.1c).

1. The World Service Fund. To insure that the
total missional objectives of the World Service program
will be fully realized, annual conferences shall be
apportioned the World Service goal according to the
formula which follows, and it is e.xpected that local
churches will undertake to pay World Service and
Conference Benevolence apportionments in full before
undertaking Advance special or other benevolent
commitments.

The 1997 World Service Fund goal of $62,587,000
shall be apportioned to the several annual conferences on
"decimals" derived from the following factors:

a. One-third, or $20,862,333, on the basis of the
average lay church membership for the two reporting
periods ending December 31, 1993, and December 31,
1994, as recorded in the General Minutes of the Annual
Conferences of The United Methodist Church.

(1) The average lay membership for the above-
mentioned years in the 64 annual conferences whose
apportionments are determined by the formula is
8,548,726.5.

(2) The "decimal" for this one-third of the total
apportionment is determined by dividing one-third of the
amount to be apportioned on formula by the average
membership, after taking into account the figures for
those annual and missionary conferences which are
exceptions to the formula (see Section c below). The
resulting decimal is 2.436072437.

b. Two-thirds, or $41,724,667, on the basis of non-
building, non-benevolence expenditures (i.e., the total paid
for all purposes minus payments for indebtedness,
buildings, improvements, and benevolences), based on the
average figures for the years mentioned in (a) above. For
the purposes of this apportionment formula, amounts paid

for benevolences are understood as local church
expenditiires recorded as benevolences in the General
Minutes. These are: a) amounts remitted to annual
conference treasurers and United Methodist connectional
agencies, except those which are to be classified as clergy
support or connectional administration on the Local
Church Report to the Annual Conference, consistent with
definitions found in H 711.1-.2; and b) amounts classified
on the Local Church Report to the Annual Conference as
"benevolences paid directly by local church."

(1) The average non -building, non-benevolence
expenditures for the above-mentioned years in the annual
conferences whose apportionments are determined by the
formula is $2,035,210,079.

(2) The "decimal" for this two-thirds of the total
apportionment is determined by dividing two-thirds of the
amount to be apportioned on formula by the non-building,
non-benevolence figure, again after taking into account
the figures for conferences which are exceptions to the
formula (see Section c below). The resulting decimal is
.020465029841.

The two resulting "decimals" are then applied to the
appropriate figures for each annual conference, using the
figures as shown in the 1994 and 1995 editions of the
General Minutes of the Annual Conferences.

c. The Iglesia Metodista Autonoma Afiliada de Puerto
Rico, Rio Grande Annual Conference and the Alaska,
Oklahoma Indian, and Red Bird missionary conferences
shall be exceptions to the above formula, and GCFA is
authorized to negotiate general fund apportionments with
the representatives of those annual and missionary
conferences in amounts deemed equitable by the Council,
the conferences, and the affiliated autonomous church
involved.

d. For the years 1998, 1999, and 2000, the amounts
approved by the General Conference as the total of the
World Service Fund for those years shall be apportioned
to the several annual conferences on decimals determined
by means of the procedure specified above. The decimals
for those apportionment years will be calculated using
average membership and average local church non-
building, non -benevolence expenditures for base years
according to the following schedule:

Apportionment Year

1998
1999
2000

Base Years

1994, 1995

1995, 1996

1996, 1997

2. The Black College, Africa University,

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General Administration, and Interdenom inational
Cooperation Funds. The respective amounts approved
by the General Conference as goals for these funds shall
be apportioned to the annual conferences by means of the
same formula as is used for apportioning the World
Service Fund.

a One-third of the goal approved for each of these
funds for each year of the quadrennium shall be
apportioned in the manner described in §la and Id of this
report

b. Two-thirds of the goal approved for each of these
funds for each year of the quadrennium shall be
apportioned in the maimer described in §lb and Id of
this report.

c. The apportionments for these funds to the Alaska,
Oklahoma Indian, and Red Bird missionary conferences,
the Rio Grande Annual Conference, and the Iglesia

Metodista Autonoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico shall be
amounts determined by the Council in negotiation with
them.

3. The Ministerial Education and Episcopal
Funds. The formulas to be used in determining
apportionments for these funds shall be as described in
the reports deaUng with those funds, except that the
apportionments for the funds to the Alaska, Oklahoma
Indian, and Red Bird missionary conferences, the Rio
Grande Annual Conference, and the Iglesia Metodista
Autonoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico shall be amounts
determined by the Council in negotiation with them.

4. In adopting this report, the General Conference
authorizes GCFA to make such changes in the language
and definitions in this report as other General Conference
actions or changed circumstances may require, while
preserving as much as possible their substance and
content.

Financial Administration

309

Report No. 9
SPECIAL SUNDAYS WITH OFFERINGS

Petition Number: FA-2ni9

Sundays with General Church Offerings

The 1992 Book of Discip^ne designates six Special
Sundays in connection with which offerings for general
church purposes are to be received (HH 274, 275). For the
1997-2000 quadrennium, six general church special
Sunday offerings shall be received in accordance with the
following provisions as directed by the 1996 General
Conference.

1. Human Relations Day. Human Relations Day
shall be observed with an offering, preferably on the
Sunday before the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s
birthday. This Sunday occurs during Epiphany, the
season of manifesting God's light to the world. Human
Relations Day calls the Church to recognize the right of
all God's children to realize their potential as human
beings in relationship with each other. The purpose of
the day is to further the development of better human
relations.

The offering receipts will be allocated after payment of
prior claims and administered as follows:

a) Community Developers Program: 57 percent
(administered by the General Board of Global Ministries).

b) United Methodist Voluntary Services Program: 33
percent (administered by the General Board of Global
Ministries).

c) Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program: 10 percent
(administered by the General Board of Church and
Society).

2. One Great Hour of Sharing. One Great Hour of
Sharing shall be observed with an offering, preferably on
the fourth Sunday of Lent. Lent is the season of
repentance, self-examination, and awareness of the hurts
of the peoples of the world. One Great Hour of Sharing
calls the Church to share the goodness of Ufe with those
who hurt The observance shall be under the general
supervision of the General Commission on
Communication. Insofar as possible, the planning and
promotion of the One Great Hour of Sharing shall be
done cooperatively with other denominations through the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
The United Methodist receipts shall be administered l^y
the United Methodist Committee on Relief Department of
the General Board of Global Ministries. Net receipts from
the offering, after payment of prior claims, shall te
remitted by the treasurer of the General Council on
Finance and Administration to the General Board of
Global Ministries.

3. Native Americsm Awareness Sunday. Native
American Awareness Sunday shall be observed with an
offering, preferably on the third Sunday of Easter. This
Sunday serves to remind the Church of the gifts and
contributions made by Native Americans to our society.
The observance of Native American Awareness Sunday
will be under the general supervision of the General
Board of Global Ministries.

a) The Annual Conference treasurer shall retain 50
percent of the receipts for the developing and
strengthening of Native American ministries within the
annual conference, to be administered by the annual
conference Committee on Native American Ministry.
Should there be no Native American Ministries mthin the
annual conference, the annual conference treasurer shall
remit this 50 percent to the General Council on Finance
and Administration.

b) The annual conference treasurer shall report gross
receipts and remit the remaining 50 or 100 percent of the
receipts, as applicable, to the General Council on Finance
and Administration.

c) After payment of prior claims, the treasurer of the
General Council on Finance and Administration shall
distribute the funds as follows: 1) 50 percent to the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to
provide supplementary scholarships for Native Americans
attending United Methodist schools of theology, and 2)
the remaining 50 percent to the General Board of Global
Ministries to expand the number of target cities in their
Native American Urban Initiative.

4. Peace with Justice Sunday. Peace with Justice
Sunday shall be observed with an offering, preferably on
the Second Sunday of Pentecost. Pentecost celebrates the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit calling for God's shalom.
Peace with Justice witnesses to God's demand for a
faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. The
observance of Peace with Justice Sunday shall be under
the general supervision of the General Board of Church
and Society.

a) The annual conference treasurer shall retain 50
percent of the receipts for Peace with Justice Ministries in
the annual conference, to be administered by the annual
conference Board of Church and Society or equivalent
structure.

b) The annual conference treasurer shall remit the
remaining 50 percent of the receipts to the General
Council on Finance and Administration. Net receipts from
the general church share of the offering, after payment of
prior claims, shall te remitted by the treasurer of the

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General Council on Finance and Administration to the
General Board of Church and Society.

5. World Communion Sunday. World Communion
Sunday shall be observed with an offering, preferably on
the first Sunday of October. World Communion Sunday
calls the Church to be the catholic inclusive Church. In
connection with World Communion Sunday there shall be
a churchwide appeal conducted by the General
Commission on Communication in accord with the
following directives: Each local church shall be requested
to remit as provided in H 916.8 all the communion
offering received on World Communion Sunday and such
portion of the communion offering received at other
observances of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper as the
local church may designate.

I think that the General Conference can
challenge us to move the laity, the people in
the pews, to meet the challenge of a hurting
world. 1 believe there are people out there
hurting, and that our response is there, but
still the hurts are way out in front of the
response.

Marilyn Loyd

Over one-half of the offering receipts must go to
ministries beyond the United States of America. The
receipts shall be divided after payment of prior claims as
follows:

a) Fifty percent (50%) for Crusade Scholarships, to be
administered by the Crusade Scholarship Committee of
the General Board of Global Ministries;

b) Thirty-five percent (35%) for the Ethnic
Scholarship Program; and

c) Fifteen percent (15%) for the Ethnic In-Service
Training Program; the last two to be administered Ijy the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

6. United Methodist Student Day. United
Methodist Student Day shall be observed with an
offering, preferably on the last Sunday in November, or
another Sunday appropriate to the local church. United
Methodist Student Day calls the Church to support
students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with
knowledge. The offering receipts support the United
Methodist Scholarships and the United Methodist Student
Loan Fund. Net receipts from the offering, after payment
of prior claims, shall be remitted by the ti-easurer of the
General Council on Finance and Administration to the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Directives

The following directives shall apply to each of the six
general church special Sunday offerings:

1. Promotion of all authorized general church special
Sunday offerings shall be by United Methodist
Communications in consultation with the administering
agencies. Expenses of promotion for each offering shall be
a prior claim in an amount determined in the manner
described in section 8, Report No. 10.

2. Receipts from all authorized general church special
Sunday offerings shall be remitted promptiy by the local
church treasurer to the annual conference treasurer, who
shall remit monthly to the b-easurer of the General
Council on Finance and Administration. Local churches
shall report the amount of the offerings in the manner
indicated on the Local Church Report to the Annual
Conference. In the case of Native American Awareness
and Peace with Justice Sunday offerings, the annual
conference treasurer shall divide the receipts as described
in sections 3 and 4 (above) of tiiis report

Sundays with Offerings

Authorized for Use

Within the Annual Conference

The 1992 Book of Discipline authorizes offerings in
connection with three special Sundays for which the
offering receipts are to be retained for use within the
annual conference. The authorization for these offerings
shall be continued in accordance with the following
provisions:

1. Golden Cross Sunday. Golden Cross Sunday
shall be oteerved annually on the first Sunday in May.
If the annual conference so directs, an offering may be
received for the work of health and welfare ministiies in
the annual conference. Local church treasurers shall remit
the receipts of the offering to the annual conference
treasurer, and receipts will be acknowledged in
accordance with the procedure of the annual conference.
Local churches shall report the amount of the offering in
the manner indicated on the Local Church Report to the
Annual Conference (H 277.2).

2. Christian Education Sunday. Christian
Education Sunday will be observed annually on a date
determined by the annual conference. If the annual
conference so directs, an offering may be received for the
work of Christian education within the annual conference.
Local church treasurers shall remit the receipts of the
offering to the annual conference treasurer, and receipts
will be acknowledged in accordance with the procedure
of the annual conference. Local churches shall report the
amount of the offering in the manner indicated in the
Local Church Report to the Annual Conference (H 277.1).

Financial Administration

311

3. Rural Life Sunday. Rural Life Sunday shall be
observed on a date to be determined by the annual
conference. Rural Life Sunday shall call the Church to
celebrate the rural heritage of The United Methodist
Church and to recognize the ongoing crisis cx-curring in
rural areas of the nation and world today. If the annual
conference so directs, an offering may be received for the
work of ministries in town and rural areas within the
conference such as: rural chaplaincy, ministries with
African-American farmers, development of cooperative

parish ministries, and/or strengthening the nurture,
outreach, and/or witness of congregations in town and
rural areas. Local church treasurers shall remit the
receipts of the offering to the annual conference treasurer,
and receipts shall be acknowledged in accordance with
the procedure of the annual conference. Local churches
shall report the amount of the offering in the manner
indicated on the Local Church Report to the Annual
Conference (H 277.3).

Report No. 10

DIRECTIVES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION

OF THE GENERAL FUNDS

Petition Number: FA-2n20

1. Authority to Adjust Prior Claim Budgets.

GCFA is authorized to adjust the budgets of prior claim
items as emergencies, changing conditions, or the
responsibilities placed upon the general agencies by the
General Conference may require.

2. Prior Claims. Prior claims in any of the general
funds shall be paid as expended within the limits of the
approved budgets.

3. On-Ratio Allocations. All allocations from the
general funds of The United Methodist Church shall be
paid on ratio of net receipts after payment of prior claims.

4. Validity of Claims. The General Council on
Finance and Administration shall be authorized to
determine the validity of claims in all matters involving
the World Service Fund, the Episcopal Fund, the General
Administration Fund, the Interdenominational Cooperation
Fund, the Africa University Fund, World Service Special
gifts, the Advance, the Special Sundays offerings, or any
other general fund, where these are not specifically set
forth or determined by the General Conference.

5. Conformity With Other General Conference
Actions. The General Council on Finance and
Administration is granted authority to make such
editorial changes in its reports as may be needed to bring
them into conformity with the approved general fund
budget amounts and totals and any other applicable
actions of the 1996 General Conference.

6. General Council on Finance and

Administration Expenses. General fund allocations to
the General Council on Finance and Administration fall
into two categories, as provided in 11906.1 d) of The Book
of Discipline. 1) an on-ratio line item in the General
Administration Fund budget; and 2) prior claim amounts
in each of the other funds, proportionate to their
estimated receipts. The budget of the council is presented
in its Report No. 12.

7. Travel Expense and Meeting Policy for
Special Committees Responsible Directly to
General Conference. Any special committee, study
group, special commission, or any other group created by
the General Conference with direct responsibility to
General Conference (rather than to a general agency
[11801.2] of The United Methodist Church) shall be subject
to the internal travel and expense reporting requirements
of GCFA. If the committee, study group, special
commission or other group is not directly responsible to
a general agency, it shall consult with GCFA before
planning or arranging any meeting.

8. United Methodist Communications. UMCom,
through its Division of Program and Benevolence
Interpretation, provides resources to promote and
interpret the general church funds. For the coming
quadrennium UMCom has developed a new strategy
which differentiates between "promotion" and
"interpretation."

Promotion is aimed at individual United Methodists and

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seeks to foster an understanding of how giving of one's
financial resources is an integral part of the Christian life.
It will focus on shared ministries that change lives. Print,
video, and computer-delivered resources will help United
Methodists see their mission outreach, understand how
their diverse ministries make a difference in human lives,
and see how the local church benefits from their shared
outreach.

Interpretation will be aimed at the leadership of local
congregations, will provide specific information about
church funds, and will encourage leaders to be faithful in
remitting funds to conference and general church
benevolent causes. UMCom will provide resources in a
variety of media to be used by pastors and local church
volunteers, conference staff, their own field staff, and staff
of other general church agencies.

Resources and support for both the "promotion" and
the "interpretation" function are funded from receipts on
an on-ratio line item in the World Service Fund budget
entitled "Interpretation Services." This includes the cost
of promotional staff, services, general resources such as
Interpreter, and administration and overhead.

The cost of promotional resources related to a
particular fund or group of funds is covered by a prior
claim line item in the budget of the respective funds.

The prior claim amounts budgeted in each fund are
recommended following consultation between UMCom
and those general agencies responsible for administering
the receipts of the respective general funds. For 1997-
2000, the proposed prior claim line items total $6,105,000,
a 2% quadrennium to quadrennium increase.

The prior claims for promotion shown in the various
fund budgets are estimated amounts. The actual amounts
to be budgeted in each fund are recommended annually
by UMCom after agreement by the agency responsible for
administering the fund receipts. This recommendation is
then subject to annual approval by GCFA. In 1997-2000,
as in past quadrennia, one resource item may interpret or
promote several funds. In such cases, UMCom is
authorized to allocate costs for such items among the
funds included in particular resources.

The schedule of amounts authorized for program and
benevolence interpretation resources for the 1997-2000
quadrennium is shown in the table below.

No promotional funds are taken from General Advance
Special gifts or World Service Special gifts. The cost of
promoting these funds is borne entirely by the
administering agencies or from other funds approved by
the General Conference.

Program and Benevolence Interpretation Budget

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Prior claims for interpretation resources:

World Service

$391,000

$415,000

$377,000

$377,000

$375,000

Ministerial Education

77,000

66,000

65,000

77,000

63,000

Black College

86,000

72,000

73,000

91,000

77,000

Africa University

84,000

96,000

96,000

121,000

102,000

Episcopal

7,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

General Administration

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

Interdenominational Cooperation

47,000

46,000

47,000

49,000

51,000

Human Relations Day

130,000

135,000

135,000

135,000

135,000

One Great Hour of Sharing

273,000

238,000

238,000

238,000

237,000

Native American Awareness Sunday

102,000

103,000

103,000

102,000

102,000

Peace with Justice Sunday

97,000

96,000

96,000

96,000

96,000

World Communion Sunday

140,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

United Methodist Student Day

86,000

105.000

105,000

105,000

105.000

Total Prior Claims

1,535,000

1,538,000

1,501,000

1,557,000

1,509,000

Allocation for interpretation resources

for Special Gifts:

The Advance (paid by

participating agencies)

410,000

457,000

388,000

407,000

338,000

Interpretation services:

World Service (on-ratio)

2.760,000

2.760.000

2.760,000

2,782.000

2.810.000

Total

$4,705,000

$4,755,000

$4,649,000

$4,746,000

$4,657,000

Financial Administration

313

Report No. 11
REFERENCES FROM PREVIOUS GENERAL CONFERENCES

Petition Number: FA-2n21

This report contains responses to fourteen matters
referred to GCFA by previous General Conferences, as
follows:

1. Unfinished Business of the 1992 General

Conference.

2. Cost of Study Commissions and Special Task

Forces.

3. Number and Expenses of General Agency

Personnel at 1992 General Conference.

4. Resolution on Investment Ethics.

5. Proportional Payments for Pastoral Support

6. Central Ordering System.

7. Cost Analysis of Special Sunday Offerings.

8. Environmental Justice for a Sustainable Future.

9. Zimbabwe Annual Conference Pension Fund Recjuest.

10. Monitoring of Use of United Methodist Insignia and

Name.

11. Administrative and Judicial Procedures Manual.

12. Telecommunications.

13. Annual Accessibility Audit.

14. Study on Strengthening the Small Membership

Church.

1. Unfinished Business of the 1992 General
Conference. The 1992 General Conference adopted a
motion directing "that any unfinished business of the
General Conference be referred to the Council of
Bishops, the General Council on Ministries, and the
General Council on Finance and Administration."

GCFA, in consultation with the Council of Bishops
and the General Council on Ministries, has reviewed the
General Conference record, as recorded in the Daily
Christian Advocate. In the course of the concluding
plenary session, the General Conference adopted a
series of omnibus motions which effectively took action
on or referred all of the calendar items on its agenda.
As a result, the General Conference reached
adjournment having completed its business, leaving no
"unfinished business" to te referred to the three
councils.

2. Costs of Study Commissions and Special
Task Forces. The 1992 General Conference
established a Site Selection Task Force to select a new
headquarters site for the General Board of Global
Ministries. This task force consisted of thirteen
members, sbc of whose participation was to be funded
from the General Administration Fund Contingency
Reserve. The other seven (three from GBGM and two
each from GCFA and GCOM) were to he funded within
the budgets of those agencies. Staff services by GCOM
and GCFA were provided within the budgets of those
councils.

Projected through December, 1995, the costs funded
through the General Administration Fund Contingency
Reserve will be approximately $375,000. This includes
travel and meeting expenses for six members and
consultant fees. The costs funded by the three agencies
during this same period will be approximately $112,000,
primarily for travel and meeting costs for their
meml)ers and staff.

Other study commissions created by the 1992
General Conference, such as the Study of the Ministry
and the Baptism Study, were assigned to an agency
and funded within the budget of that agency.

Looking forward to the 1997-2000
quadrennium, as a service to the General Conference,
GCFA offers the following cost estimates to assist
delegates in estimating meeting costs of special study
commissions or task forces which may be created by
the 1996 General Conference.

• Average round-trip air travel costs to a centrally
located city in the United States (21-day advance
purchase with Saturday night stay):

• From a U. S. departiire point $ 300

• From a departure point in Africa $3,800

• From a departure point in Europe $ 800

• From a departure point in the Philippines $1,500

• Hotel, meals, and miscellaneous costs:

$130 per day, per participant

314

DCA Advance Edition

As an example, using these cost estimates, the
meeting costs per meeting for a study commission
composed of twelve members (nine from the U. S. and
one each from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines), for
a three-day meeting, would be calculated as follows:

Travel costs:

9 x$300

$3,800 + $800 + $1,500

Hotel, meals, and miscellaneous:
12 X $130 X 3 (three days)

$2,700
6.100

$13,480

Thus, if such a study commission met five times in
the course of the quadrennium, the meeting costs would
be $67,400 (5 x $13,480). In addition, for some Ontral
Conference participants, there may be additional travel
time, with corresponding costs, due to flight constraints
and local conditions within the country of origin.

Additional costs (such as postage, printing/copying,
fax/telephone) would be in addition to the meeting
costs.

3. Number and Expenses of General Agency
Personnel at 1992 General Conference. The

thirteen general agencies paid expenses totalUng
$195,926 for 148 staff and agency members to attend
the 1992 General Conference as follows;

General Board of

Church and Society
General Board of Discipleship
General Board of

Global Ministries
General Board of Higher

Education and Ministry
General Council on Ministries
General Coimcil on Finance

and Administration
General Commission on the

Status and Role of Women
General Commission on

Archives and History
General Commission on

Christian Unity and

Interreligious Concerns
General Commission on

Communication
General Commission on

Religion and Race
General Board of Pension

and Health Benefits
United Methodist Publishing

House

Expenses for all staff members who worked for the
Secretary of General Conference, the Treasurer of the
General Conference, and for the production of the Daily
Christian Advocate were paid as part of General
Conference expenses from the General Administration
Fund.

9 persons
12 persons

$ 9.788
13,768

39 persons

53,000

24 persons
10 persons

24,661
15,091

9 persons

15,547

3 persons

4,528

2 persons

2,119

5 persons

6,315

5 persons

6,600

6 persons

8,620

24 persons

35,889

0 persons

-0-

4. Resolution on Investment Ethics. As

adopted by the 1992 General Conference, the
"Resolution on Investment Ethics" [The Book of
Resolutions, page 427) includes the request that "GCFA
... pubUsh the listing of the top 100 DOD contractors
annually." The General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits maintains a list of the top 100 Department of
Defense contractors. GCFA receives a copy of this
listing and stands ready to share it with any United
Methodist agency, institution, conference, local church,
or other interested party requesting it.

5. Proportional Payments for Pastoral
Support. Calendar No. 450, Committee on Financial
Administration Report No. 26, was referred by the 1992
General Conference to the General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits and the General Council on Finance
and Administration. The report was in response to a
petition seeking to amend 11737.4 by substitutmg
"church(es)" for "clergy" as the entities which would be
deemed in default on payments for pension and
benefits programs, in the event that the disciplinary
requirements for proportional payment on clergy
support programs were not met

GCFA has conferred with representatives of the
board on this matter and has concluded that this is a
pension-related matter, and that it would therefore not
be appropriate for GCFA to express a judgment about
it.

6. Central Ordering System. GCFA has worked
with the General Council on Ministries and The United
Methodist Publishing House in developing a response
to this referral and supports the report of the General
Council on Ministries on this subject.

7. Cost Analysis of Special Sunday Offerings.

The 1992 General Conference adopted a motion asking
that the General Council on Finance and Administration
prepare a cost analysis showing the expense/receipts
ratio for each Special Sunday Offering. The followring
chart indicates that the cost of promotion and
interpretation varies widely, and can be as Uttle as
seven cents and as much as twenty-seven cents of
every dollar contributed. In contrast, the amount spent
for promotion and interpretation of the apportioned
general funds averaged seven-tenths of a cent per
dollar received on apportionment in 1993 and 1994.
Promotion expense refers to United Methodist
Communications e.xpense and Administrative expense
refers to General Council on Finance and
Administration administrative charges.

Financial Administration

315

Report on Special Sunday Offerings

Human Relations Day

Receipts

Administrative expense
Promotion expense

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

One Great Hour of Sharing

Receipts

Administrative expense
Promotion expense

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

World Communion

Receipts

Administrative expense
Promotion expense

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1,133,742 1,098,453 1.001.935

24,376 23,217 20,559

134,000 134,000 134,000

1994

560,965

12,061

125,000

608,423

12,859

124,000

526,476

10,803

124,000

510,372

13,276

124,000

498,823

13,426

140,000

480,881

12,572

141,000

2.2
22.3

2.1
20.4

2.0
23.5

2.6
24.2

2.6
28.1

2.6
29.3

2,782,501

59,825

233,000

3,342,188

70,639

240,000

2,888,560

59,270

247,000

3,206,783

83,413

255,000

3,083,075

82,979

231,000

3,001,575

78,471

214,000

2.2
8.4

2.1
7.2

2.0
8.5

2.6
7.9

2.6
7.4

2.6
7.1

953,720 955,722 1,036,243

24,808 25,723 27,091

134,000 140,000 140,000

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

2.2
11.8

2.1
12.2

2.0
13.3

2.6
14.0

2.6
14.6

2.6
13.5

United Methodist Student Day

Receipts

Administrative expense
Promotion expense

532,815
11,456
95,000

575,095
12,155
95,000

441,372

9,057
95,000

492,306
12,806
95,000

453,253

12,199

108,000

465,175
12,161
85,000

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

2.2
17.8

2.1
16.5

2.0
21.5

2.6
19.2

2.6
23.8

2.6
18.2

Peace with Justice (1)

Receipts

Administrative expense
Promotion expense

269,724

2,900

75,000

283.550

2,996

74,000

342.890

3.518

74,000

328,650

4,274

75,000

350.030

4,710

92,000

296,120

3,871

80,000

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

1.1
27.8

1.1

26.1

1.0
21.6

1.3
22.8

1.3
26.3

1.3

27.0

Native American Awareness Sunday (1)

Receipts 254,002
Administrative expense 2,730
Promotion expense 76,000

447,622

4,730
78,000

582,134

5,972

78,000

484,166

6,297

78,000

534,364

7,191

103,000

566,108

7,400

101,000

Administration as percent
Promotion as percent

1.1

29.9

1.1
17.4

1.0
13.4

1.3
16.1

1.3
19.3

1.3
17.8

(1) Annual conferences may retain 50% of receipts; the receipts shown are estimates based on the amount remitted
to the general church.

316

DCA Advance Edition

8. Environmental Justice for a Sustainable
Future. By action on Calendar No. 1350, Committee on
Church and Society Report No. 146, the 1992 General
Conference adopted a resolution entitled, "Environmental
Justice for a Sustainable Future." Included in it was a
recommendation calling upon the General Qiuncil on
Finance and Administration to assist the church in its
effort to be ecologically responsible for its own use of
resources by collecting statistics on local churches' and
general agencies' use of energy, water, paper, and
recycling to monitor the progress of the church in these
aspects of stewardship."

As an agency, GCFA seeks to model the
environmental stewardship lifted up in the resolution and
encourages general agencies, annual conferences, districts,
and local churches to do likewise. However, it does not
have either the resources or the ability to collect and
analyze statistics from local churches on their individual
efforts. We can, however, report first-hand evidence of
effective environmental stewardship programs at work in
individual congregations as our meml:)ers and staff visit
across the denomination.

Each of the general agencies which own their
buildings are continually monitoring the heating, coobng,
and ventilation systems to ensure they are energy
efficient. WTiere financially feasible, modifications have
been made and energy reduction procedures have been
effected.

Use of paper by the general agencies has been greatly
reduced with the introduction of electronic mail, data
processing, and storage. The general agencies are
presendy expanding computerization which will further
reduce reliance on paper. At the same time, the general
agencies have moved to extensive use of double-sided
printing to reduce paper consumption. Several agencies
have reported that investigations into use of recycled
paper have shown that the cost is still prohibitive for
some uses. In addition, the general agencies participate in
active recycling programs. As an example, the agencies
headquartered in Evanston actively encourage recycling
of aluminum cans and paper in their offices. Proceeds
from the sale of recycled materials are contributed
annually to a charitable or benevolence cause.

9. Zimbabwe Annual Conference Pension Fund
Request. By action on Calendar No. 945, Committee on
Financial Administration Report No. 223, the 1992
General Conference referred to the General Council on
Finance and Administration a petition from the
Zimbabwe Annual Conference requesting a grant of U. S.
$300,000. The petition stated the Conference's intention to
invest the funds, with the interest to "be used to improve
the pension of our retired pastors who worked for many

years under a non-contributory scheme."

The General Council on Finance and Administration
has considered this request The Council is sympathetic
to the need for increasing the level of pension support for
pastors in annual conferences in the Central Conferences.
However, it also recognizes that to grant a request from
one such conference would set a precedent which would
likely lead to similar requests from a number of
conferences. The Council is not prepared to recommend
either a funding source for such requests, which could
easily reach several milhon dollars, or a uniform basis for
evaluating them. For those reasons, it recommends that
the request be denied.

10. Monitoring of Use of United Methodist
Insignia and Name. The 1992 General Conference
adopted Report No. 9 of the GCOM, which included the
following recommendation:

"3. That GCOM, UMCom, and GCFA develop a
training kit for unofficial groups about legal
implications of their use of both the name and
insignia of the denomination. The kit will be
distributed to unofficial groups that relate to the
four program boards, as well as to other groups
and organizations identified as using the name
and insignia of The United Methodist Church."

"4. That during the 1993-96 quadrennium, GCOM
review with UMCom and GCFA the possibility of
amending 112502 to provide responsibility for
monitoring and enforcing 112502.

In response, GCFA and UMCom, in cooperation with
GCOM, have developed a training kit for official and
unofficial groups within the denomination about the legal
implications of the use of the Cross and Flame insignia.
The kit includes guidelines for use of the Cross and
Flame insignia, a brochure entitied, "A Mark Known the
World Over," camera ready art of the insignia, and an
application for permission to use it. In addition, GCFA
and UMCom are submitting legislation to the 1996
General Conference to transfer responsibility for
protecting the name and insignia to GCFA. This
resjMnsibility will be handled directly by the GCFA legal
department, which is responsible already for protecting
the legal interests of the denomination.

The issues related to monitoring the use of the name
of the denomination and enforcing 112502 are more
complex than those related to the use of the insignia.
112502 seeks to restrict the use of the words "Methodist"
and "United Methodist" by business firms or
organizations to "corporations or other business units
created for the administration of work undertaken directiy

Financial Administration

317

by The United Methodist Church."

Among the issues which need to be addressed are
ecumenical relationships and legal concerns. The word
"Methodist" occurs in the name of a large number of
churches which share our Wesleyan heritage, toth in the
United States and worldwide. Seeking to restrict use of
the word "Methodist" to enterprises directly related to
only one of those churches, The United Methodist Church,
would be neither desirable nor feasible.

From a legal perspective, GCFA, annua! conference
chancellors, and others struggle with the issue of how to
define "corporations or other business units created for
the administration of work undertaken directly by
The United Methodist Church" (emphasis added). It
is clearly desirable to seek to prevent entities with no
relationship to any Methodist or United Methodist body
from claiming or implying such a relationship. However,
some agencies, institutions, and groups that use the
words "Methodist" or "United Methodist" in their name
are in varying ways related to the denomination and its
agencies and conferences but probably are not
undertaking work directly for the denomination. These
relationships run the gamut of possibilities, from outright
ownership and/or direct amenability, to United Methodist
membership on boards of directors, to historical
participation by predecessor bodies in their founding,
with almost every imaginable gradation along the way.
United Methodist financial support for such agencies and
institutions ranges from total to none.

How to define the degree of relationship which
justifies legitimate use of Methodist terminology, while at
the same time minimizing the risk of legal liability for
actions of these entities is a question to which there is no
easy answer. GCFA continues to study the issue, but is
not prepared to make a specific recommendation at this
time.

11. Administrative and Judicial Procedures
Manual. The 1992 General Conference adopted a report
of the Task Force to Study Chapter Eight of Tfe Book of
Disciptine, asking that GCFA and GBHEM prepare an
"Administrative and Judicial Procedures Manual."

GCFA in consultation with GBHEM, has developed
and distributed the Administrative and Judicial
Procedures Manual. The purpose of the manual is to
assist those charged with the application and
interpretation of the denomination's administrative and
judicial processes. Approximately 1,200 copies have been
distributed free of charge to bishops, district
superintendents, chairpersons of boards of ordained
ministry, Judicial Council members, annual conference
chancellors and others. GCFA is exploring the need for
and feasibility of translating the manual into Spanish and
Korean and notes that the Discipline is available only in

English. It is anticipated that the manual will be updated
and disseminated again following the 1996 General
Conference and then again at least on a quadrennial
basis. Feedback on the manual has been very positive.

12. Telecommunications. In its action to adopt
Calendar No. 1001, the 1992 General Conference approved
recommendations that; 1) asked "UMCom, GCOM, GCFA
and The United Methodist Publishing House [to] continue
to coordinate efforts related to telecommunications," and
2) stated that "GCFA is encouraged to continue its efforts
with regard to Computer Information Standards."

Responding to the call from General Conference, an
interagency task force, working with a
telecommunications consultant, developed a request for
proposals from the major providers of long distance
telephone service to combine the service at a reduced rate.
Proposals were received from the three (3) major
providers of long distance service.

After careful evaluation, AT&T was selected to be the
provider of service. A comprehensive contract was
negotiated, with GCFA and The United Methodist
Publishing House representing the general agencies in the
talks. Contract discussions resulted in the general
agencies securing the largest discount offered by AT&T
to any of its users, and the agreement included the
opportunity to include all United Methodist entities in the
program. It was determined that oversight of the program
and the AT&T contract would be the responsibility of
GCFA, and that The United Methodist Publishing House
would provide day-to-day administration of the program
for participants.

The contract start date was June 1, 1995. During the
first five (5) months of the program, a total of 212 United
Methodist entities enrolled in the plan.

General agencies participating in the program are
GCFA, UMPH, GBPHB, GCCUIC, GCORR, GCSRW,
GBCS, and GCOM. GBHEM and UMCom participate for
calUng card and inbound 800 service only, and, at the
time this report was prepared, GBOD was participating
for inbound 800 usage only. Long distance service for
GBHEM, UMCom, and GBOD will be included in July,
1996, when existing contracts expire.

In addition, the Methodist Theological School in Ohio,
four (4) annual conferences, 38 districts, and 153 local
churches are presently included in the program. Two
agencies - GBGM and GCAH - are not participating
because they are tied into long distance plans offered by
the site where they are located.

Savings realized by the long distance agreement are
substantial. For example, during the first four (4) months
of the program. The United Methodist Publishing House
realized savings of $45,556, and GBOPHB experienced a
cost reduction of $8,504.

318

DCA Advance Edition

At the conclusion of the first year of the program, the
following cost savings are anticipated:

UMPH $114,372

GBPHB 42,282

GBCS 16,544

GCFA 4,241

GCSRW 1,218

GCOM 7,952

GCORR 1,623

GCCUIC 3,960

GBHEM 700

UMCom 10,813

GBOD 10.080

Total First Year Savings $213,785

Because of the growth of the program and its success
in the initial months, GCFA and The United Methodist
Publishing House have notified AT&T of the desire to
revisit terms of the agreement in order to negotiate even
greater savings.

Based on the terms and conditions of the initial
contract, anticipated savings for the new quadrennium
are:

UMPH

$457,488

GBPHB

169,128

GBCS

66,176

GCFA

16,964

GCSRW

4,872

GCOM

31,808

GCORR

6,492

GCCUIC

15,840

GBHEM, GBOD, UMCom

358.720

Total Projected Savings

$1,127,488

At the same time, local churches in the program are
realizing an average savings of more than $50.00 per
month in their long distance charges. Based on a
projected participation level among local churches of 1,000
congregations during the new quadrennium, anticipated
savings amount to $2,400,000 for local churches.

GCFA is also providing leadership in the development
and maintenance of computer information standards.
Responsibility for the process and recommended
standards rests with the Computer Information Systems
Committee (CISCo), which includes representatives from
annual conferences, districts, and local churches, as well
as all general agencies.

Version 1.0 of The United Methodist Computer
Information Standards was published in May 1992.
Version 1.1, produced in September 1992, was primarily
an editorial correction of the first document Version 2.0
was made available in April 1994 and includes extensive
reworking of the legal and operations guidelines and
incorporates the finance guidelines, which previously
existed as a separate piece.

With the advent and increasing use of the Internet and
its subsequent modification of information and processing
standards, CISCo is scheduled to conduct another
intensive review of the computer information standards
in early 1996.

13. Annual Accessibility Audit. By action on
Calendar No. 1731, Committee on Global Ministries Report
No. 74, the 1992 General Conference adopted a resolution
calling for "all United Methodist churches (to) conduct an
annual audit of their facilities to determine what barriers
impede full participation of persons with handicapping
conditions." The resolution included the directive that
"the Accessibility Audit for Oiurclies, available from the
Service Center, ...be used in filling out the annual
church/charge conference reports."

GCFA's Committee on Official Forms and Records
included the following question in the "Annual Report of
Trustees" form: "Has an annual accessibility audit for
churches been conducted? (Attach report.)"

14. Study on Strengthening the Small
Membership Church. The report of the Study on
Strengthening the Small Membership Church included
two recommendations referred to GCFA. The
recommendations and the responses to them are as
follows:

"1. That GCFA design and provide Charge Conference
forms and statistical report forms which will incorporate
the basic organization structure for churches with small
membership."

With regard to Charge Conference forms, to the extent
that church size and organization structure are factors in
the design of the forms, the Administrative Council option
and other organizational options available to small
membership churches have been fully reflected in the
forms since the 1981-1984 quadrennium, when the
General Conference first approved alternate organizational
patterns. Among the forms currently included in the
Charge Conference Record System, only the "Minutes of
the Charge/Church Conference" makes references to
organizational structure, and those references are to both
organizational options defined in Tiie Book of Discipline.

Financial Administration

319

Statistical report forms (Local Church Report to the
Annual Conference) contain no items which refer to the
local church's organizational structure.

"2. That GCFA list every local church by name in the
General Minutes."

With respect to the recommendation that every local
church be listed individually in the General Minutes, some
background information is in order. The listing of clergy
appointments by pastoral charges is a practice which pre-
dates the formation of The United Methodist Church by
a number of years, in both the Yearbook of The
Evangelical United Brethren Church and the General
Minutes of The Methodist Church. In the EUB Yearbook
statistics were printed as conference totals only. In the
Methodist General Minutes statistics were by pastoral
charge, and that practice was continued in The United
Methodist Church.

As GCFA considered the possibility of listing each
local church by name in the General Minutes, there
seemed to be three options: including each local church's
name in the appointment listings, including a separate
line of statistics for each local church, or both. It was
determined that adding a line to the appointment listings
for each local church with a name different from the
pastoral charge name would add approximately forty
pages to the General Minutes; a similar change in the
statistical sections would add approximately another 120
pages.

Consultations with the printer yielded two pieces of
information. First, adding pages increases printing costs
at the rate of approximately $35 per page. Some computer
programming costs would also be required to effect a
change. Because of the low volume of sales distributions,
printing costs for the General Minutes are not fully
recovered even now, and, while some price increase
relating to the additional information might be justified,
it is likely that any change would increase the amount by
which printing costs are subsidized from general church
funds.

Secondly, the printer advised us that the present size
of the book (more than 1350 pages) is the maximum that
can be sustained using the present method of binding. If
the size of the book were to be inaeased, either a less
durable paper stock would need to be used, or a more
expensive type of binding would be necessary, or the
book would have to be split into two volumes. Since the
General Minutes is used primarily for reference purposes,
the first option would not be wise. Either of the other two
options would increase the cost of printing, binding, and
distribution to a much greater extent than the $35 per
page.

With this information in hand, GCFA offers the
following observations:

1. Appointment listings typically appear in annual
conference journals with a full listing of individual church
names comprising each pastoral charge.

2. The computerized listings maintained by GCFA for
mailing purposes include the name and, where available,
separate mailing addresses for each individual church.
Authorized agencies and officers requesting mailing labels
from these files have the option of requesting separate
labels for individual churches.

3. Statistical data in annual conference journals is
usually printed for each individual local church.

4. The same statistical data, taken from the annual
"Local Church Report to the Annual Conference," is
recorded and stored on electronic media by GCFA in full
detail for each individual local church. Annual
conferences, church agencies, and others who need access
to that data for research or planning purposes may
request that data, and GCFA will make it available to
them.

Considering the additional cost involved in increasing
the size of the book and the fact that the information is
readily available electronically, in other ways, or from
other sources, GCFA recommends that the requested
change in church listings not be implemented in the
General Minutes.

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DCA Advance Edition

Report No. 12
BUDGET OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL
ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Petition Number: FA-21122

The 1996 operating budget of the General Council on Finance and Administration is $5,288,000. Projected budgets,
dollar, and percentage changes from previous years are:

1997
1998
1999
2000

Total

Budget

$4,960,000
$5,140,000
$5,380,000
$5.831.000

$21,311,000

Dollar Increase
or (Decrease)

($328,000)
$180,000
$240,000
$451.000

$543,000

These projections conform to the typical pattern of the
Gjuncil's quadrennial budgets, with the largest increase
needed in the year in which a General Conference is held
and a decrease falUng in the first year of a new
quadrennium. Using the 1996 budget as a base
($5,288,000) the projected quadrennial total of $21,311,000
equals an amount that would be produced by annual
increases of 0%, 0%, 1%, 1% for the four years of the
quadrennium (calculated as follows: $5,288,000 +
$5,288,000 + $5,341,000 + $5,394,000 = $21,311,000).

% Increase
or (Decrease)

(6.20%)
3.63%
4.67%
8.38%

The Council receives income from an on-ratio
allocation in the General Administration Fund, earnings
on invested funds, and, as needed, prior claims charged
to all other general funds except the General Advance
Fund and the World Service Special Gifts Fund. The
prior claim charges to the other general funds are
allocated based on each fund's receipts as a percentage of
the total receipts of the other general funds. The projected
income from each source is:

1997

1998

1999

2000

Projected Investment Earnings and

Miscellaneous income

$300,000

$300,000

$300,000

$300,000

Estimated On-Ratio Allocation from the

General Administration Fund

1,811,000

1,881,000

1,970,000

2,065,000

Estimated Prior Claim Charges

to other General Funds:

World Service

1,517,000

1,575,000

1,656,000

1,845,000

Episcopal

372,000

387,000

406,000

453,000

Interdenominational Cooperation

34,000

36,000

37,000

42,000

Ministerial Education

459,000

477,000

.501,000

559,000

Black College

238,000

247000

260,000

290,000

Africa University

63,000

65,000

68,000

76,000

Human Relations Day

14,000

15,000

16,000

17,000

One Great Hour of Sharing

89,000

93,000

98,000

109,000

World Communion Day

31,000

32,000

34,000

38,000

Native American Awareness

9,000

9,000

9,000

10,000

Student Day

14,000

14,000

15,000

17,000

Youth Service

4,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

Peace with Justice

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

Total Proposed Budget

$4,960,000

$5,140,000

$5,380,000

$5,831,000

The 0)uncil operates within an annual budget approved by the Council. Approved annual budgets may vary from
the budgets projected for the quadrennium. The Council maintains no operating reserves.

Financial Administration

321

Report No. 13
OTHER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Petition Number; FA-21 123

Recommendation Regarding

Proposals Involving Expenditures

of Unbudgeted Funds

The General Council on Finance and Administration
recommends referral of the following to the Committee on
Plan of Organization and Rules of Order:

Amend Plan of Organization IX (Proposals Involving
Expenditures of Unbudgeted Funds) by substituting the
following for the language of the present Section IX:

A. Petitions submitted to the General Conference and
containing proposals which would require funding
from general church funds shall be sul)ject to the
provisions of 11608.4.

B. Legislative committee reports recommending
concurrence with proposals which would require
funding from general church funds shall state
whether such funding is already included in budgets
being recommended to the General Conference by the
General Council on Finance and Administration.
When an amendment is proposed to a legislative
committee report, if the amendment would require
funding from general church funds lx>yond what is
included in budgets being recommended to the
General Conference by the General Council on
Finance and Administration, the person proposing the
amendment shall include in it a statement setting
forth the estimated cost of the proposal and a
proposed source of funding.

C. If a legislative committee report recommends
concurrence with any proposed action which involves
expenditure of funds not included in a Ijudget being
recommended by the General Council on Finance and
Adminisfration, it shall include a statement setting
forth the estimated cost of the proposal and a
proposed source of funding. General Conference action
on such a report shall proceed as follows:

(1) The General Conference shall first take a
preliminary action on the report, indicating its
approval or disapproval in principle.

(2) If the preliminary action is for ai^proval, the
report shall then be referred to the General

Council on Finance and Adminisfration or its
executive committee for advice and
recommendation before final action is taken.

(3) The General Council on Finance and
Administration or its executive committee shall
report to the General Conference its
recommendation for approval or disapproval.
Along with its recommendation it shall provide
the following information: (a) its estimate of the
cost of implementing the proposal; (b) its
recommendation as to the source of funding, if
the proposal is adopted; and (c) a statement
explaining how the adoption of the proposal will
affect the general fund budget recommendations
previously presented.

(4) The General Conference will then take final
action on the report and on the recommendations
of the General Council on Finance and
Administration.

Request for a Judicial Council Decision
on tlie Constitutionality of Newly
Adopted Legislation Regarding

Adjustments or Revisions in

Annual Conference Budgets

The General Council on Finance and Adminisfration
has recommended amendments to HH 710.7, 711, and
716.1a)(2); the purjMse of the proposed changes is to
establish guidelines and a process whereby annual
conferences may take specific actions allowing for
adjustments or revisions in conference budgets between
annual conference sessions. The Council has also
recommended that, if approved, these amendments
become effective upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference.

The Council recommends that, if any of the proposed
amendments or similar proposals are adopted, the General
Conference seek a Judicial Council decision, under the
provisions of 1I1I2609 and 2616, as to their
constitutionality, meaning, application or effect, and that
if possible, the Judicial Qiuncil report its decision to the
1996 Genera! &)nference l)efore its adjournment

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Recommendation Regarding a

Proposed Amendment to the Resolution

Submitted by GCSRW entitled "Sexual

Abuse Within the Ministerial

Relationship and Sexual Harassment

Within The United Methodist Church"

GCFA recommends the following amendment to the
resolution, in the section headed "Policies and
Procedures":

(a) A clear statement of assurance of prompt and
equitable fair process, concern for safeguarding the
confidential nature of the process, protection of
potential victims, and intolerance of retahation.

Study of Connectional
Ministry Funding Patterns

The General Council on Finance and Administration
wishes to report to the 1996 General Conference its
intention to conduct during the 1997-2000 quadrennium,
a study of a broad range of issues related to the manner
in which connectional ministries are funded in The United
Methodist Church. Topics to be studied will include, but
not necessarilty be limited to: 1) the apportionment
system as a funding mechanism, and 2) a general fund
structure which can be communicated most effectively.

It is GCFA's intent that the study be conducted by a
task force which, in addition to GCFA voting members,
will include persons representing local churches and
annual conferences, the Council of Bishops, the General
Council on Ministries, and United Methodist
Communications. In addition, as members are selected,
GCFA will assure that there is appropriate representation
of racial/ethnic minority persons, lay persons, women, and
youth and/or young adults.

Based on the work of the task force, GCFA will
report its findings and recommendations to the 2000
General Conference.

GCFA is reporting its plans for such a study as a
response to two observations:

1. GCFA is aware that there has been widespread
discussion across the denomination regarding the
effectiveness and suitability of the apportionment system
as presently constituted as a means of securing funds to
support the connectional ministry and mission of the
Church.

2. It has been suggested that the present general
funds structure (consisting of eight apportioned funds, six
special Sunday offering funds, general Advance special
gifts. World Service special gifts, the Youth Service Fund,
and special appeals) is regarded by some as of such
complexity as to inhibit understanding and support for
connectional ministries.

Financial Administration

323

Report No. 14

REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED WITH OTHER GENERAL AGENCIES

Petition Number: FA-21124

Report on General Agency Headquarters/Staff Location

(A Joint Report of the General Council on Ministries and

the General Council on Finance and Administration)

Background and Mandate

The General Conference has assigned the responsibility
for reviewing the location of staff and the headquarters
of general agencies jointly to the General Council on
Finance and Administration (GCFA) and the General
Council on Ministries (GCOM). Identical legislation in Tlie
Book of Discipline, 11907.2 and 1006.26 reads:

To act in concert ... to establish a procedure for making
a quadrennial review initiating proposals and/or
responding to proposals by the general agencies
regarding the location of headquarters and staff and
report the same to the General Conference."

Procedure

A joint committee of three memters from each agency
was appointed as follows:

GCFA

Ms. Lenora Thompson, Eastern Pennsylvania

Conference (Chair)
Rev. Noah Reid, III, Eastern Pennsylvania

Conference
Dr. J. Edsel White, Pacific Northwest Conference
Mr. Gary Bowen, Staff

GCOM

Ms. Clelia Hendrix, South Carolina Conference

Dr. Walter Kimbrough, North Georgia

Conference
Rev. Timothy Russell, Central Texas Conference
Mr. Don Hayashi, Staff

The Committee met early in the quadrennium and
assessed the report made to the General Conference in
1992, along with the GCFA report which lists statistical
information on headquarters location as required by
11907.3 of Tlw Book of Discipline. Early on it was decided

to gather information on the General Board of Global
Ministries (GBGM) for comparative purposes but not to
express any opinion on its headquarters or staff location.
The 1992 General Conference had already authorized a
task force to study the feasibility of moving GBGM to
another location, and it was felt that any work by this
committee in that area would not be helpful to the
General Conference.

The committee was also aware of various structure
studies being carried out during the quadrennium and
how they might affect agency headquarters location.
These included the Ministry Study and Global Nature of
the Church by the Council of Bishops, and the
Connectional Issues Study by GCOM. Until the General
Conference acts on these studies, this committee feels it
would be irresponsible to recommend any moves or
consolidations of general agencies.

In order to prepare this report, the committee surveyed
the agencies, requested pictures of the buildings, and
inquired after some health/environmental issues in the
workplace.

Results of Agency Survey

General Board of Church and Society. (Washington,
D.C.)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• Mandate involves social and civic righteousness.
A primary way of achieving this is through
advocacy on national legislation, and this is
done most effectively in Washington, DC.

• The Board work approach is through coalitions,
and this is done most efficiendy on Capitol Hill.

• A physical presence on Capitol Hill is a
powerful symbol of the witness of our
denomination.

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DCA Advance Edition

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• If the Board were relocated, more money would
be required to fulfill its mission. This would be
due to two factors: 1) The Board mission
requires work in Washington, DC, and if we
were not located there, travel expenses would be
increased. 2) Rental income is derived from the
building for the annual agency budget and that
would have to be replaced if it were in another
location.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• Most of the primary systems in the Church and
Society building are past their useful life
expectancy. They have been well maintained,
and continue to function, but not at optimum
efficiency. The Trustees are studying various
renovation options and expect to make a
recommendation to the Board in October 1995.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The Board has four staff in New York City in
the Church Center for The United Nations. The
rent in 1993 was $17,036, and the 1994 rent is
$18,075.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffmg between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• There has been no remodeling since 1984. The
Board does not anticipate any staffing changes
that would affect our space needs between now
and the year 2000. The Board projects a
continuation of the current staff size.

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• The Board offices are on major city l:)us routes,
and are located within easy walking distances
of two WMATA Metro stops.

9. Other information.

• No statistics on sick days.

• Building is smoke free. Smoking allowed
outside on grounds.

• Day to day management of building is in the
hands of the Associate General Secretary for
Finance and Administration and a property
management firm.

• Policy decisions around the building are made
by the Trustees Committee within the agency
board of directors.

10. Renovation plans. The headquarters of the
Board is in one building, while an attached building
houses both apartments and offices that are rented
out. The General Board of Church and Society Board
of Trustees has been in discussion this quadrennium
over the condition of their headquarters building,
and as a result, hired a consultant who reported to
the trustees in October of 1994.

The buildings are in sound structural condition
and have been well maintained. However, the
building systems (heat, telephone and electrical) are
reaching the end of their useful life and will require
sulDStantial upgrade or replacement within ten years.
Furthermore, the buildings do not comply with
current standards for fire/life-safety, access for the
disabled, fresh air ventilation, and other building
codes. The headquarters building is almost twice the
size that would be allowed under current zoning,
plus it contributes to the historic character of the
Capitol Hill Historical District. These two factors
substantially eliminate any potential for demolition
and redevelopment on the site. At this point the
Board has accepted the report of the consultant and
examined the options offered

(a) Full renovation of both buildings to office
use. (estimated cost $10,522,000)

(b) Renovation of both buildings, one for office
use and one for residential use. ($10,176,000)

(c) Renovate only the office building and
provide enhanced maintenance for
apartment building. ($4,083,000)

(d) Renovation for code compliance
only. ($3,158,000)

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• Thirty -eight parking spaces are a part of
the property.

8. What pub he transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• Several blocks from the building is a WMATA
Metro stop for the line (Blue Line) that goes to
Washington National Airiwrt.

The decision of the Board in October, 1995 was to
completely renovate the office building and provide
enhanced maintenance for the apartment building
side. The Board voted pursuant to all DiscipRne
provisions and subject to GCFA/GCOM concurrence
to:

(a) Proceed with design develoi)ment,
regulatory review, and permit issuance
jihases, with funding to conic from liuilding
income u]) to ,S1.50.(X)().

Financial Administration

325

(b) Form a capital campaign committee to raise
funding for the renovation.

(c) Contract with a developer, architect, and
other consultants as necessary.

General Board of Discipleship. (Nashville, Tennessee)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• The location is central for the membership of
the denomination in the United States.

• Travel to and from Nashville is convenient (due
to a major hub of American Airlines), and the
cost of living is modest.

• The headquarters properties are in excellent
condition. The Board, established here by
General Conference, has been here for many
years, and has served the interest of the
denomination well.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• After the period of adjustment for the move,
there would probably be no long term
consequences. However, it probably would not
be possible to recover the investment in the
present properties, and most of the support staff
and many of the professional staff would not
move. One would also lose the long term
identity of place, particularly The Upper Room
Chapel. The ability to function in the United
Methodist Center complex has enabled us to
make effective use of Scarritt and to be in active
contact with other UM Nashville agencies.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation Ijecomes
necessary?

• The useful life of the building is estimated at
another 60 to 80 years. Major renovations will
not be required for another 20 years, as a major
restoration of the building was completed in
1992.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The Board does not have staff deployed outside
of Nashville. Most of the Board's staff are
located in the Denman building, and some are in
the United Methodist Publishing House building
(at no cost).

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

The Kern Building was completely renovated in
1990. We do not anticiiiate that the total number
of staff housed in the Kern building will change
significantly in the next sbc years. The space
presently available will be adequate for the
future needs of the staff through 2000.
The Denman building marks the completion in
1994 of the renovation of the entire building.
This renovation was begun in 1984.

What public transportation is
your present headquarters site?
• Bus, taxi, and hmo.

available to

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• The Kern Building property includes a ground
level, gate-secured lot which the two boards
jointly own with 143 parking spaces.

8. What public transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• Limo service and taxi.

9. Other information:

• No statistics available on sick days taken by
employees.

• The building is smoke free, the grounds are not.

• Day to day management is by a chief operations
officer.

• The Quest Steering Team makes policy
decisions for the building.

General Board of Global Ministries. (New York,
New York)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• The mission agency of the church is constantly
resourced and energized by the changing and
diverse populations of the city. Daily, the Board
is reminded of the task before the church. New
York City is a major port of entry for new
populations. The diversity of the workforce and
communities helps to contextualize the Board's
work.

• The organization of the first mission agency of
our church was in this city. The confluence of
international eml^assies and the UN makes
normal connections with churches overseas
easier due to the availability of assistance from
these units.

• New York, as a gateway city for all world cities,
makes it less costly for international travel (no
connections necessary). Airjjorts also operate
until midnight, making return trips possible
after late meetings around the nation and the
world.

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DCA Advance Edition

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• Inability to remain easily in contact
internationally.

• Potential loss of highly diverse
workforce.

• Potential loss of low-cost office space.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• 100 years

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• Denver, CO - $4,495
Naperville, IL - $14,212
Atlanta, GA - $593,586

Ft. Lauderdale, FL - $5,732
Dallas, TX - $10,049
Albany, NY ■ $6,787
Dasher, PA - $8,170
AshevUle, NC - $7,615
Half Moon Bay, CA - $10,179
Knoxville, TN - $50,000
Washington, D. C. - $19,554
Cain, NY - $171,420

• Atlanta, GA, Syracuse, NY, Nashville, TN,
Dayton, OH, Naperville, IL, San Francisco, CA,
Dallas, TX, for a total of $21,387.

• Plymouth, MA, Lakeland, FL, Pinelas Park, FL,
Bowling Green, KY, Federalsburg, MD,
Lynchburg, VA and Detroit, MI, Elk Grove, CA,
Salisbury, MD, Summerville, AL.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• There has been no remodeling since January 1,
1992.

• We anticipate an increase of 7 full-time staff.

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• Subway, buses, etc.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• Indoor parking

8. What public transportation is there to the nearest
airi)ort?

• Bus, limos, and taxi.

9. Other Information:

• No statistics available on number of sick days
by employees.

• The Global Ministries section of the Interchurch
Center does not allow smoking. Tenants in the
building do have the right to designate smoking
areas in their own space.

• The Interchurch Center is managed on a day to
day basis by the President and Executive
Director. The General Services Director of the
General Board of Global Ministries serves as
liaison with the Interchurch Center staff as well
as faciUties manager for Global Ministries.

• PoUcy decisions for the Interchurch Center are
made by the Board of Trustees.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

(Nashville, Tennessee)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• Location is central for membership of the
denomination in the United States. Travel to
and fi'om Nashville is convenient (due to
American Airlines hub) and the cost of living is
modest.

• The property is in excellent condition. The
Board has had an estabUshed location here for
many years. This location was established by
the General Conference and has served the
interests of the denomination and the Board
well

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• After the period of adjustment for the move,
there would probably be no long-term
consequences. However, it probably would not
be possible to recover the investment in the
present property, and most of the support staff
would not move. The ability to function in the
United Methodist Center complex has enabled
us to make effective use of the Scarritt-Bennett
Center and to be in active contact with other
UM Nashville agencies and the UM Publishing
House.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• The useful Ufe of the building is estimated at
another 60 to 80 years. Major renovations will
not he recjuired for another 20 years, as a major
restoration of the building was comiiicied in
1990.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of tin- hcadciuarlcrs
building? What is the operating cost of eacii iMcilily'

• The Board does not have staff deployed nulsidc
of Nashville.

Financial Administration

327

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be l^etween now and the year
2000?

• The Kern Building was completely renovated in
1990. The Board does not antic ijiate that the
total number of staff housed in the Kern
Building will change significantly in the next
six years. The space presentiy available will be
adequate for the future needs of the staff
through 2000.

What public transportation is
your present headquarters site?
• City bus, taxi and limo service.

available to

What parking is available at your headquarters?
• The Kern Building property includes a ground

level, gate-secured lot which the two boards

(Higher Education and Discipleship) own jointly.

This is immediately adjacent to the building,

with 143 parking spaces.

What public transportation i

nearest airport?

• Limo and taxi are available.

there to the

9. Other information:

• No statistics available on sick days
taken by employees.

• The building is smoke free, the grounds are not.

• Day-to-day administration is by the
Administrative Associate.

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

(Evanston, Illinois)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• Location - A major metropolitan location
providing a diverse blend of highly qualified
staff, a midwest location central to the
denomination, and major air transportation
center.

• Investment • Recent major remodeling of two
office buildings provides an ideal, customized
configuration for all operations with space for
growth.

• Morale - Staff connections in the community are
broad and deep due to long term stability of the
organization.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• Major costs and serious negative consequences
due to abandoning staff and property.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities i)efore material renovation becomes
necessary?

• 1200 Davis Street - Major systems are presently
undergoing gradual overhaul because they are
at end of their normal design lifespans. Lifespan
45 years.

• 1201 Davis Street - 30 years

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each
facihty?

• The Board does not have staff deployed
elsewhere.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• 1201 Davis Street was completely renovated in
1991 and 1992. The combination of 1200 Davis
Street and 1201 Davis Street provide adequate
space for the foreseeable future. Employment on
1/1/94 was 271 full and part-time employees. In
recent years, growth has averaged about 9%
per year.

What public transportation is

your present headquarters site?

• Bus, train, rapid transit, and taxi

available to

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• Approximately 200 on-site parking
spaces.

8. What public transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• Taxi, rapid transit, and bus.

9. Other information:

• Average number of sick days per staff
member for 1994 was 7.88 days.

• Buildings are smoke free, but smoking is
allowed in the sidewalk area

• Property is managed day to day by a building
manager.

• Policy decisions are made by a Board of
Managers for the 1200 Davis building and by
the building manager in consultation with the
General Secretary.

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DCA Advance Edition

General Commission on Archives and History.

(Madison, New Jersey)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• Facility built as archives and history research
center.

• Accessible to researchers by air, train,
and bus.

• Located on university/theological school
campus.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• There would be a need to build a facility
appropriate for a research library and archives.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• 20 - 25 years.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The Commission does not have staff
deployed elsewhere.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• There has been no remodeling.

• No major staff changes are contemplated
which would affect space.

• Staff size should remain about present
strength.

6. What public transportation is availaljle to
your present headquarters site?

• Airport (Newark) is 30 minutes. Bus to/from
New York City is 200 yards from Center.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• University parking lots are within one city block
of the Center.

8. What public transportation is there to the

nearest airport?

• Train/bus through Newark. Cab or limo
from Drew University campus.

9. Other information:

• In 1994 there were 4.33 sick days per employee.

• The building is smoke free.

• Drew University supervises the day to day
management of the building.

• Drew University makes the policy decisions, but
consults the general secretary.

General Commission on Religion and Race.

(Washington D. C.)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• The Commission, along with the General Board
of Church and Society, provides a national-level
United Methodist presence on Capitol Hill in
Washington, D.C. To this extent the
Commission participates in the denomination's
"...witness... to whole persons and their social
contexts. The wholeness of grace entails justice,
mercy and forgiveness. ..transformed people in
a transformed world." (1169, The Book of
Discipline, 1992.)

• This Commission and the General Board of
Church and Society share the responsibility for
helping the denomination address a common
sin, racism. Pro.ximity to the Board enables the
sharing of resources and facilitates respect for
the distinction of our respective roles. The
Commission's responsibility is to work within
the denomination, while the Board's
responsibility is to help the denomination be
more effective within society.

• The cost for the space and services utilized in
the United Methodist Building is less than the
prevailing commercial building rate in the area
Also, the space and logistics required to support
this office are not easily met by local churches.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• Relocation apart from the General Board of
Church and Society would increase the need for
intentionality about coordination and
relationships with the General Board of Church
and Society. Current working relations would
require new and different levels of intentionality
and technology to maintain integrity.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• The major system change needed is increased
electrical power to fulfill more efficiendy the
requirements of the numerous computer systems
in the building.

• At this time, the major structural change
desired would require removal of "load-bearing"

Financial Administration

329

walls to permit rearrangement of office space.

• The electrical system problem is the main
impediment to effective functioning in the
building. Unless there is a significant increase in
the number of staff persons, and if the electrical
problem is addressed, the useful life of the
building for this agency extends to the end of
the century, at least.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The Commission does not have staff
deployed elsewhere.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• No remodeling since January 1, 1992.

• One additional staff person, para-professional
level, is projected for the research, statistics, and
writing function.

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• Metro bus system, metro subway system,
and taxi are available.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• This office rents two parking spaces. Access to
additional parking spaces is desired but
impossible to find.

8. What public transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• Subway or taxi.

9. • No statistics on sick days.

• Smoke free office

• Day-to-day management is in the hands of the
Board of Church and Society as the Commission
leases from the Board.

General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women. (Evanston, Illinois)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• Access to CHare International Airj^ort.

• Shared office and building resources with GCFA
and GBOPHB.

• Member of GCFA staff serves as GCSRW
treasurer.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• GCSRW operates on a very "lean" budget.
Access to shared resources with larger agencies
and travel options of a large international
airport assist the Commission in providing
resources churchwide.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• 45 years.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The commission has no staff deployed
elsewhere.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• No headquarters remodeling since January 1,
1992.

• No changes will affect space needs.

• No changes in current staff size.

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• Chicago Transit Authority, Regional
Transportation Authority, and bus.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• An outside parking lot for 74, plus 2
reserved parking spots.

8. What public transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• Taxi, limo, and rapid transit

9. • No statistics on employee sick days.

• The office is smoke free.

• The Commission rents from GCFA where
management is performed by a building
manager.

General Council on Finance and Administration.

(Evanston, Illinois)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• Historically, Evanston is a United Methodist
community, with Garrett-Evangelical Seminary,

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DCA Advance Edition

United Methodist agencies, and many United
Methodist churches in Chicago.

• Convenient to O'Hare International
Airport and many conference centers.

• The surrounding area facilitates obtaining a
multi-racial and ethnic workforce.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• It would be a tremendous expense to the Church
to move the Council's headquarters - (high
relocation costs, new furniture, probable higher
rent/mortgage at any new locations, and high
costs for certain staff transfers).

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• 45 years.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• Nashville, TN $477,834

• Washington, DC $115,899

• Daytoa OH $19,051

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing ijetween now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• Building portion housing GCFA operations had
a major renovation during 1993. A new MIS
work area was purchased to accommodate a
staff of 9, in addition to relocation and
remodelling of our lunchroom. The Council
does not anticipate any staffing changes, and
our staff size should be approximately the same
or smaller through the year 2000. Additional
space is not anticipated to be necessary.

6. What public transportation is available to your
present headquarters site?

• Buses, elevated-subway (train), and Metra
(train).

7. What parking is available at your headquarters?

• Underground parking for 34 and an outside
parking lot for 74.

8. What public transportation to the nearest airport?

• Bus, taxi, and limo are readily available.

9. Other information:

• There were 5.45 sick days taken in 1994 per

employee.

• The building and grounds up to the sidewalk
are smoke free.

• Management is by a building manager shared
with the General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits.

• The Board of Managers, made up of staff from
GCFA and GBOPHB, makes policy decisions.

General Council on Ministries. (Dayton, Ohio)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• The current location of the Council's
headquarters may not be the only location from
which to operate, but it does serve the Council's
work extremely well, and there does not seem to
be another location which would be better.

• Historical: The building which houses the
General Council on Ministries (GCOM), and to
which they hold title, was the former
headquarters location for the Evangelical United
Brethren Church. At the time of merger in 1968
an agreement was reached that at least one
agency would be housed in the 601 W.
Riverview property. Inasmuch as most of the
general agencies resulting in the merger already
had their own headquarters facilities, it seemed
logical and appropriate to house the new
Program Council (predecessor to the GCOM) in
Dayton. The Program Council was a concept |
which came into the new denomination mainly |
from the former Evangelical United Brethren
Church. The present GCOM is the successor
organization to the Program Council and came
into being in 1972.

• Economics: The building has been free of debt
since 1976. Maintenance costs are low and
income toward the cost of maintaining the
building is generated through the rental of
space to other United Methodist agencies, as
well as a regional office of the United Church of
Christ and a coalition of the religious
community in Dayton, namely the Greater
Dayton Christian Council The building has
never been nor is it now on the tax rolls of
Dayton.

• The location of the headquarters in the middle
of the United States has resulted in economies
of travel for the members and staff. Holding
some meetings of the Council in Dayton is
facilitated l^y the availability of the total staff
and office resources of the Council. The
building also serves as a center for United
Methodist and interdenominational meetings,
both on a regional and national level.

2. What are the imjjlications for your mission and

Financial Administration

331

ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• If the headquarters were relocated, it would
involve an extremely high cost without a
comparable benefit to the Council, plus it would
likely result in loss of a very competent staff
which supports the Council's work.

What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• The building is maintained on an ongoing basis.
A schedule is maintained for painting, repairs,
etc. Major renovation/repairs in next 1-3 years -
replacement of boiler system and restoration of
limestone exterior of the building.

Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• Wheaton, Maryland. Works out of home. No
additional costs that would not be the normal
costs of a staff person in Dayton headcjuarters.

Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• No remodeling - staffing should remain at 20.

What public transportation is available to your
present headquarters site?

• City bus and taxi.

What parking is available at your headquarters?

• 125 plus parking spaces in two adjacent parking
lots owned by GCOM.

What public transportation is there to the nearest
airport?

• Taxi.

Other information:

• There were 2.5 sick days taken in 1994 per
employee.

• The building and grounds are smoke free.

• The Director of Council Operations in
consultation with the General Secretary is
responsible for day-to-day operations.

• There is a Building Advisory Council which can
advise the General Secretary and the Director of
Council Operations in the establishment of
policy.

National Youth Ministry Organization. (Nashville,
Tennessee)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• Proximity to staff and resources of General
Board of Discipleship, which has primary
responsibility for youth ministry.

• Proximity to staff and resources of the United
Methodist Publishing House.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• None, if other youth staff were similarly
relocated.

3. What is current life of facility?

• NYMO rents from Discipleship; see
"Discipleship" section.

4. Where is staff deployed out of headquarters
building?

• None

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000.

• Anticipate no change in space needs. Project
staff to remain at two full-time exempt staff and
one part-time support staff.

6. What public transportation is available to your
present headquarters site?

• Bus, taxi, and limo.

7. What parking is available at your headquarters?

• The Kern Building property includes a

ground-level gate-secured lot that the two
boards own jointly with 143 parking spaces.

8. What public transportation is there to the nearest
airport?

• Limo service and taxi.

9. Other information:

• No statistics available on sick days taken by
employees.

• The building is smoke free, the grounds are not

• Day-to-day management is by a chief operations
officer.

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DCA Advance Edition

• The Quest Steering Team makes policy decisions
for the building.

United Methodist Communications. (Nashville,
Tennessee)

1. Why is your current location most advantageous to
your agency's mission?

• UMCom is adjacent to three other key UM
agencies.

• Investment in housing and especially the
production studio.

• UMCom has access to a major communication hub
with a large talent base.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• It would be a substantial drain on the
Commission's resources; loss of our talent base.
Nashville has a low cost of living index.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• The current long range plan forecasts no major
renovation in the next ten years. A new roof is
planned within the next five years. The facility is
kept in good condition with regular maintenance.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• New York • $30,406; Washington, DC and
Evanston, IL - $14,172; Phoenix, AZ and Dayton,
OH and Kansas City, MO and Midland Park, NJ -

$25,147. (Note: in 1995, the Evanston office was
closed.)

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be between now and the year
2000?

• Yes, minor remodeling. There is no anticipation
of any future changes in staffing that would
increase space needs. Staff size is projected to be
similar to the number we presently have or
smaller.

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• Metro bus and taxi.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• Parking in the front and rear of the
building.

8. What public transportation is there to the

nearest airport?

• Metro bus and taxi.

9. Other information:

• There were 10.5 sick days per employee for 1994.

• The building is smoke free, but the grounds are
not

• The day-to-day management of the building is by
the Director of Operations.

• Policies for the building are set by the Treasurer
with approval by the executive staff.

General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns. (New York, New York)

1. Why is your current location most
advantageous to your agency's mission?

• Headquarters of almost every ecumenically active
denomination is in New York City or nearby.

• The headquarters for the National Council of
Churches and the U. S. Conference of the World
Council of Churches is in New York City.

• Headquarters of primary interreligious contacts
are in New York City.

2. What are the implications for your mission and
ministry if your headquarters were relocated?

• The daily administration of ecumenical and
interreligious policy often requires daily or weekly
availability for interchange of information and
gathering for the discussion of issues. Staff
relationships of both informal and formal
character with counterparts and constituencies in
other church and interreligious bodies is
imperative for a Commission with our global,
advocacy, and relational functions. A New York
area location is crucial for the Commission's work.

3. What do you estimate to be the useful life of the
current facilities before material renovation becomes
necessary?

• Three to five years before material renovation
necessary.

4. Where is staff deployed outside of the headquarters
building? What is the operating cost of each facility?

• The Commission has no staff deployed

elsewhere.

5. Has your headquarters undergone remodeling since
January 1, 1992? Are you anticipating any future
changes in staffing between now and the year 2000
which will affect your space needs? What do you
project staff size to be behveen now and the year
2000?

• Not Applicable.

Financial Administration

333

6. What public transportation is available to
your present headquarters site?

• New York City subway and bus lines.

7. What parking is available at your
headquarters?

• Limited parking available in garage.

8. What public transportation is there to the
nearest airport?

• New bus line to LaGuardia. At this time,
efficiency and reUability unknown. No public
transport available to Newark Airport or to JFK
Airport.

9. Other information:

• There were 6.86 sick days taken per
employee in 1994.

• The buildings and grounds are smoke free.

• GCCUIC rents from the General Board of Global
Ministries. Management and policy decisions are
made by them (see GBGM section).

Recommendations

It is the recommendation of the General Council on
Finance and Administration (GCFA) and the General
Council on Ministries (GCOM) that the location of the
headquarters buildings and staff of the general agencies
of The United Methodist Church remain at their current
locations for another quadrennium. The two Councils
make no recommendation concerning the General Board
of Global Ministries' headquarters and staff location,
because the 1992 General Conference voted to move the
Board and has appointed a relocation task force to
recommend a location and to report back the costs of
such move.

The joint committee from GCOM and GCFA found
no compeUing reasons under the present structure of The
United Methodist Church for any of the general agencies
examined by this committee to alter the site of their
headquarters and staff. The current properties are well
maintained, located to the advantage of the agencies'
mission and ministry and are safe and appropriate for
their staff Only die General Board of Church and
Society headquarters building is in need of major
renovation, and that Board has taken action as described
in their section of this report to upgrade their facilities.
The joint committee supports the action taken by the
Board in their efforts to renovate the headciuarters
building to bring it to the same level as other
headquarters buildings of The United Methodist Church.

Reports Submitted and Printed by Other
General Agencies

The General Council on Finance and Administration
has joined in the devekjpment of certain reports and
recommendations being presented and printed as a part
of the reports of other general agencies. They are as
follows:

Evaluation of the Churches' Center for
Theology and Public Policy. An evaluation
committee drawn from the membership of GCFA and
GCOM visited the Churches' Center for Theology and
Public Policy, located on the campus of Wesley
Theological Seminary in Washington, D. C, and evaluated
its work. GCFA joins GCOM in the report of the
evaluation of the Center, which is printed along with
other GCOM reports.

World Service Special Gifts Program. GCFA
supports the report and recommendation on the
continuation of the World Service Special Gifts program,
which is printed along with other GCOM reports.

Crisis in the Cities. GCFA joins the Council of
Bishops and the General Council on Ministries in support
of the Joint Report entitled, "Crisis in the Cities." The
report is printed with other GCOM reports.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program. GCFA joins
with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits in
recommendations for changes in the Staff Retirement
Benefit Program. The proposed changes have been
submitted by that Board and are printed as a part of its
report.

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
Investment Authority. The General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits is proposing revisions in the
legislation governing its work. The Board is including
new language in a revised paragraph related to its
authority to invest conference and other church unit
funds. The new language would authorize the Board to
"receive, hold, manage, administer, and invest and
reinvest" endowment funds or other funds for church
units other than those which hold funds for pension and
benefit purposes.

The new language would be permissive, allowing a
variety of church units, by mutual consent with the
Board to place funds with the Board for investment
management purposes.

GCFA supports the proposal change and recommends
that it be adopted by the General Conference.

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DCA Advance Edition

General Fund Apportionments to Annual Conferences, 1997

The table which follows shows tentative 1997 annual conference apportionments for seven recommended apportioned general
funds, as they would be if the foregoing recommendations of the General Council on Finance and Administration are approved by
the General Conference.

Five funds (World Service, Black College, Africa University, General Administration, and Interdenominational Cooperation) are
apportioned on the formula described in detail in Report No. 8.

The Episcopal Fund and the Ministerial Education Fund are apportioned as percentages of specified base figures, as described in
the reports on those funds. Because of the apportionment method, the actual amount apportioned for the Episcopal Fund varies slightly
from the estimate found in the "Summary of Recommendations, 1997-2000" earlier in this report.

The final column is provided to assist delegates in estimating the approximate effect of a $1,000,000 change in the fund total of any
fund apportioned by means of the World Service Fund Formula.

Jurisdiction/

World Ministerial

Black

Africa

Episcopal

Adminis-

inational Apportioned

Conference

Service

Education

College

University

Fund

tration (

"ooperation

Share

North Central

Central Illinois

$1,011,923

$435,413

$174294

$40,421

$297,687

$72,191

$25,433

$16,197

Dakotas

337,486

140,253

58,129

13,481

97,101

24,076

8,482

6,593

Detroit

991,827

467,628

170,832

39,617

276,620

70,758

24,928

14,684

East Ohio

1,401,249

600,728

241,352

55,972

359,562

99,966

35218

22,429

Iowa

1,164,879

433283

200,639

46,530

410,495

83,103

29277

18,645

Minnesota

869,594

396,481

149,779

34,735

207,634

62,037

21,855

13,919

North Indiana

1,116,265

.543,231

192266

44,589

304,839

79,635

28,055

17,867

Northern Illinois

1,023,824

453,592

176,344

40,896

233,745

73,040

25,732

16^87

South Indiana

1,096,739

499,838

188,903

43,809

319,362

78242

27,564

17,555

Southern Illinois

429,181

194,302

73,922

17,143

137,480

30,618

10,787

6,870

West Michigan

738,320

353,626

127,168

29,492

209,912

52,672

18,556

11,818

West Ohio

2,166,835

939,929

373216

86,553

.531,120

154,584

54,459

34,683

Wisconsin

824,412

355,543

141,997

32,931

218,452

58,814

20,720

13,196

North Central Totals

13,172,534

5,813,847

2268,841

.526,169

3,604,009

939,736

331,066

210,843

Northeastern

Baltimore- Washington

1,555,859

659,194

267,982

62,148

375239

110,996

39,103

24,903

Central Pennsylvania

1,137,125

462,069

195,859

45,422

322,689

81,123

28,579

18201

Eastern Pennsylvania

1,182,677

538,941

203,705

47241

272283

84,373

29,724

18,930

New England

864,245

375,396

148,858

34,522

240,343

61,656

21,721

13,833

New York

1,116,913

488,756

192,377

44,614

283,307

79,681

28,071

17,877

North Central

New York

549,911

206,996

94,717

21,966

138,415

39231

13,821

8,802

Northern New Jersey

506,288

247,687

87203

20223

140,105

36,119

12,725

8,104

Peninsula-Delaware

571,892

216,815

98,503

22,844

140,848

40,799

14,373

9,154

Southern New Jersey

669,7 L3

309,952

115,352

26,751

177,875

47,778

16,832

10,719

Troy

402,918

L59,604

69,399

16,094

101,842

28,745

10,127

6,449

West Virginia

834,883

340,525

143,800

33,349

251,804

59,561

20,983

13,363

Western New York

457,889

193,430

78,867

18290

120,057

32,666

11,508

7329

Western Pennsylvania

1,315,158

523,039

226,523

52,533

319,388

93,824

33,054

21,051

Wyoming

379,244

136,036

65,321

15,149

95251

27,056

9,531

6,070

Northeastern Totals

11,544,715

4,858,440

1,988,466

461,146

2,979,446

823,608

290,1.52

184,785

South Central

Central Texas

911,692

370,345

157,030

36,417

171,148

65,041

22,914

14,593

Kansas East

535,254

224,821

92,192

21,380

122,180

38,185

13,453

8,567

Kansas West

697,868

298,489

120201

27,876

174,931

49,786

17,539

11,170

Little Rock

511,703

225248

88,136

20,440

102,847

36,505

12,861

8,190

Louisiana

922,677

397,647

158,922

36,856

190,420

65,824

23,190

14,768

Missouri East

596,162

257,831

102,683

23,813

141,797

42,531

14,983

9,542

Missouri West

779,916

327,635

134,333

31,153

156,158

55,640

19,602

12,483

Nebraska

694,367

281,961

119,598

27,736

180,714

49,537

17,451

11,114

New Mexico

393,607

176,929

67,795

15,722

84,028

28,080

9,893

6300

Financial Administration

335

K

General 1

Interdenom-

$1,000,000

^P Jurisdiction/

World 1

Ministerial

Black

Africa

Episcopal

Adminis-

inational i

Apportioned

Conference

Service

Education

CollcKC

University

Fund

tration 1

Cooperation

Share

North Arkansas

576,516

245,474

99,299

23,029

121246

41,129

14,490

9228

North Texas

1,106,735

480,499

190,624

44208

187,026

78,955

27,816

17,715

Northwest Texas

602,085

274,192

103,703

24,050

117,731

42,953

15,132

9,637

Oklahoma

1,489,704

564,387

256,587

59,505

279249

106277

37,441

23,844

Oklahoma Indian

Missionary

4,908

1,041

845

196

743

350

123

0

Rio Grande

56,379

18,140

9,711

2252

15,588

4,022

1,417

0

Southwest Texas

917,571

425,069

158,043

36,652

189,629

65,460

23,061

14,687

Texas

2,022,227

868,947

348,309

80,777

364,947

144267

50,825

32368

South Central Totals

12,819,371

5,438,655

2,208,011

512,062

2,600,382

914,542

322,191

204206

Southeastern

Alabama-West Florida

1,078256

478,610

185,719

43,070

252267

76,924

27,100

17259

Florida

2,430,479

1,037,214

418,626

97,084

468,506

173,392

61,085

38,903

Holston

134,259

523,660

212,589

49,302

346,062

88,053

31,021

19,756

Kentucky

499,749

198,672

86,077

19,962

125,394

35,653

12,560

7,999

Louisville

537,393

223,348

92,561

21,466

131,896

38,338

13,506

8,602

Memphis

769,688

352,147

132,571

30,745

144,407

54,910

19345

12,320

Mississippi

1,258,831

521,765

216,821

50283

294,962

89,806

31,638

20,149

North Alabama

1,256,105

552,512

216,352

50,174

291,615

89,612

31,570

20,105

North Carolina

1,396,435

556,993

240,522

55,780

350,087

99,623

35,097

22352

North Georgia

2,118,350

929,323

364,865

84,616

444275

151,125

53241

33,907

Red Bird Missionary

3,110

1,159

536

124

971

222

78

0

South Carolina

1,637,680

677,660

282,074

65,416

414,300

1 16,833

41,160

26213

South Georgia

1,090,925

480,140

187,901

43,576

292,909

77,827

27,418

17,461

Tennessee

804,641

345,708

138,592

32,141

180,370

57,404

20223

12,879

Virginia

2,369,016

985,260

408,040

94,629

568,364

169,007

59,540

37,919

Western

North Carolina

2,090,902

913,380

360,138

83,520

541,888

149,166

52,551

33,467

Southeastern Totals 20,575,819 8,777,551 3,543,984 821,888 4,848273 1,467,895

517,133

329291

Western

Alaska Missionary
California -Nevada
California -Pacific
Desert Southwest
Oregon -Idaho
Pacific Northwest
Rocky Mountain
Yellowstone

333 16
908,522
1,407,768
455,870
377,990
561,511
573,816
142,443

15,553
440,836
731,517
215,489
177,919
251,330
246,870

62237

5,738
156,484
242,474
78,519
65,105
96,715
98,834
24,534

1,331
36290
56233
18210
15,099
22,429
22,921

5,690

9214
212,861
306271
95,474
86359
127,884
137,974
43388

2377
64,815
100,431
32,522
26,966
40,059
40,936
10,162

837
22,834
35,381
11,457

9,500
14,112
14,422

3580

0

14,542
22,533
7297
6,050
8,988
9,185
2280

Western Totals

4,461236 2,141,751

768,403

178203 1,019,425

318268

112,123

70,875

Summary

North Central
Northeastern
South Central
Southeastern
Western
Puerto Rico

$13,172,534 $5,813,847 $2,268,841

11,544,715 4,858,440 1,988,466

12,819,371 5,438,655 2208,011

20,575,819 8,777,551 3,543,984

4,461236 2,141,751 768,403

13,325 5,756 2295

$526,169

$3,604,009

$939,736

$331,066

$210,843

461,146

2,979,446

823,608

290,152

184,785

512,062

2,600382

914,542

322,191

204206

821,888

4,848273

1,467,895

517,133

329291

178203

1,019,425

318268

112,123

70,875

532

3209

951

335

0

Total Apportioned $62,587,000 $27,036,000 $10,780,000 $2,500,000 $15,054,744 $4,465,000 $1,573,000 $1,000,000

336

DCA Advance Edition

General Council on Finance and Administration
Personnel, 1992-1996

Officers

Bishop Edwin C. Boulton President

Bishop Richard C. Looney Vice President

Eunice N. Sato Recording Secretary

Clifford Droke General Secretary and Treasurer (1992-1995)

Sandra Kelley Lackore General Seaetary (1996- )

Members*

Bishops Ex-Officio Members

Edwin C. Boulton ^ .,

Tf' h H C I Councils

Sandra Kelley Lackore, General Secretary (General Council
on Finance and Administration)
Jurisdictional Representatives C. David Lundquist (General Council on Ministries)

North Central: Ttnnrds

Ellen ABrubaker (19^West Midiigan) ^^^^ ^ Boigegrain (General Board of Pension

, ,y , ■ r, . Lnooiir . r\i.-\ Thom White Wfc//Ffl«e« (General Board of CJiurch and Society)

? S L^''(S8' (1988-West Ohio) ^^^^^^ ^ P^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ mih<yd\^t Publishing House)

Jos^A. 'Rosa (1992-Sern Illinois) Roger W. Ireson (General Board of Higher Education & Ministry)

■' Ezra Earl Jones (General Board of Uisapleship)

M^>^u f ■ Randolph W. Nugent (General Board of Global Ministries)

Larry G. Johnson (1992-West Virginia) Commissions

^"' ^v^TZT'^nZiT''^ ^w"'^''""/'\ Secretariat: Stephame Amm Hixon. Cecelia M. Long
£«^^ W M<z«^«M1992-Baltinnore-Washmgton) j^,^^^^^, Commission on the Status and Role of Women)

Tracy R^Mernck (1992.W^tern Pennsylvania) ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ General Commission on Christian Unity and
Shirley Parns (1988-New York) 1 t 1' ' Co )

Afea/i W /?««/ 777 (1992-Eastern Pennsylvania) „ , t}%, ,i^ , r- d i- • jd \

^ ' ' Barbara R. Thompson (General Commission on Religion and Race)

<i^ tu r t I- -^"'^■^ Weidman (United Methodist Communications)

. " T^ n,'^, '^ ,,««„x. , , , C/wz-fc Fripove«, /?; (General Commission on Archives and
Aaron D. Black, Sr (1992-Nebraska) Historv) '

Nancy M. Carruth (1988-Louisiana) „ „

Marilynn Loyd (1992-Little Rock) ^'^" ^

H. Weldon Macke (1992-Missouri-East) ^I'ff'^^ ^°''^- General Secretary and Treasurer (1992-1995)

Stanley C. Sager (1992-New Mexico) Sandra Kelley Lackore, General Secretary and Treasurer

Virgilio Vazquez-Carza (1992 -Southwest Texas) ?/"„ . ^ ^

Gary K. Bowen, Associate General Secretary,

Southeastern- Division of Financial Services

Mary Ellen Bullard (1992-Alabama-West Florida) B^th Taylor, Controller and Internal Auditor

Karen Y. CoRier (1988-Tennessee) Kristin K. Brunner, Assistant Controller

£ La«rm:« ZM (1992-North Alabama) Linda Cholak, Risk Manager

Cashar W, Evans, Jr. (1992-North Carolina) Cynthia E, Haralson. Director, Department of Records

Frank H.Furman, Jr. (1988-Florida) Nasir Kahn, Systems Analyst

Harriet D Williams (1993-North Alabama) R°ef ■"• ^ruse. Manager, GCFA Support Services,

Business Manager, General Cxmference

Western- Mary L. Logan, General Counsel

Thomas S. Bentley, Jr (1993-Desert Southwest) pail E^Long, Manager, Management Information Systems

J. Melvin Brawn, Jr. (1994-California-Nevada) Lmas P Lukas, Assistant Manager, Management
Sally Brown Geis (1988-Rocky Mountain) Information Systems

David Orendorff (1992-Yellowstone) Da"'e' A- Nielsen. Director, Department of Statistics

Eunice N. Sato (1992-California-Pacific) Elizabeth T Okayama Assistant General Seaetary.

/ Edsel White (1992-Pacific Northwest) , ,Sect'0" °" .fPiscopal Services

■" John L 6chrewer, Assistant General beaetary.

Members-at-Large ^ Section on Records and Statistics

Chad R Anglemyer (1992-Nebraska) Kathi Stewart. Manager, Technical Services

Henning Bjerno'(1992-Denmark) David Ulr^h Associate General Counsel

Joseph E. Heyward (1992-South Carolina) f/^'i^ ^*°f Associate Risk Manager

Barbara D Shaffer (1988-Alaska) W C. Hawkins, Comptroller, Nashville Service Center

Lee B. Sheaffer (1992-Virginia) Brent Smith, Assistant Comptroller, Nashville Service Center

Lenora Thompson (1992-Eastern Pennsylvania) Rhonda Manous EDP Manager Nashville Service Center

William F White (1991 -Wisconsin) C'a^«n« Waldroff, Controller, Washington DC Service Center

Stephen F. Brimigion, Assistant General Treasurer,
Youth Member ^^"^ ^°^^ Service Center

Amihan Robin Valdez (1992-Iowa) ^'^ '■ Conrad, Assistant General Treasurer, Dayton Service Center

*The following persons served as members of the council for part of the quadrennium: Raul B. Alegria, Roger L. Burgess, Elsie Crickard,
Qifford Droke, Martha W Gerald, Roger F Kruse./awps E Parker, Forrest C Stitk

Financial Administration

337

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Report One: Overview

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
is a service business for and within The United Method-
ist Church. The General Board serves The United Meth-
odist Church by administering benefit programs for
those who dedicate themselves to the ministry of the
Church. Benefits are provided for ordained clergy, lay
workers and families of clergy and lay workers. All
programs, services and policies administered by the
General Board are focused on the well-being of the
participants.

Programs

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
administers the pension and benefit (welfare) plans
adopted by the General Conference for The United
Methodist Church. The Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP)
and Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) are de-
signed to provide pension and protection benefits for all
United Methodist clergy.

The Staff Retirement Benefits Program (SRBP)
generally provides pension coverage for lay employees
of the general agencies of The United Methodist
Church. The Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund
(CPBF) is maintained for lay employees of local
churches and other institutions of The United Method-
ist Church.

The Basic Protection Plan (BPP) provides death
and disability coverage for lay employees that is similar
to CPP. Some annual conferences use BPP to supple-
ment the death benefit and disability coverages pro-
vided through CPP for clergy.

Beginning in 1998, voluntary personal contributions
will be available through a new Personal Investment
Plan (PIP) , if approved by the 1996 General Conference.
PIP will accept either pre- or after-tax contributions.

The Hospitalization and Medical Expense Program
(HMEP) , a part of which is called HealthFlex, provides
health-related benefits to some of the denominational
lay and clergy. At the close of 1995, 14 annual confer-
ences participated in Health Flex for clergy and lay
employees, including coverage against losses that re-
sulted from hospital confinement, medical treatment
and dental treatment.

Benefit Levels and Unfunded Liability

The implementation of the Ministerial Pension Plan
(MPP) in 1982 assured that no new unfunded pension
liability would be created for clergy service rendered

after 1981. MPP is a defined contribution pension plan
wherein the pension liability for current service is fully
funded in the year that service is rendered. MPP, cou-
pled with the provisions of the Comprehensive Protec-
tion Plan (CPP), credits to participants' MPP Church
Accounts an amount at least equal to a predetermined
percentage of the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion, subject to the annual account addition limits of
section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. The contribu-
tion percentage rate is either 11% or 12% of a participant's
plan compensation, as determined by the annual confer-
ence. Pension for service in a conference prior to 1982
is determined by multiplying a participant's years of
service with pension credit by that conference's past
service pension rate. It is the recommended goal that
each annual conference establish a past service pension
rate equivalent to 1% of the average salary of the confer-
ence. In so doing, the conference assures that the pen-
sions for retired clergy keep pace with the compensation
of active clergy. Chart I reflects the progress confer-
ences have made since 1982 toward providing pensions
that keep pace with the salaries of active clergy. Not only
have the past service pension rates continued to in-
crease, but they are also approaching the recommended
goal of a rate equal to 1% of the average salary of the
conference.

As conferences improve their pension rates related
to pre-1982 service, the total service liability of the de-
nomination continues to increase. However, confer-
ences are making progress in funding this liability. As
shovra in Chart II, the total unfunded liability of all
conferences has dropped steadily in recent years, while
the percent funded has increased each year. The funded
rate equivalent has also increased each year. The im-
provement in the funded rate equivalent is the result of
efforts on the part of conferences in raising funds to
support their pension rates through apportionments and
special campaigns and through the favorable invest-
ment experience of the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits. When the Ministerial Pension Plan was
approved in 1980, the General Conference mandated
that there be no unfunded pension liability by the end of
the year 2021.

The Investment Program

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
is charged with the responsibility to receive and dis-
burse pension funds and to invest these funds for the
benefit of the clergy and lay persons who serve the
church. In so doing, the General Board acts as a trustee
for conferences, clergy and lay persons whose funds are

338

DCA Advance Edition

Chart 1

Denominational

Denominational

Percent of

Year

Average Compensation

Average Pension Rate

1%Goal

1983

$18,263

$153.84

84.24%

1984

19,416

167.23

86.13

1985

20,726

183.75

88.66

1986

21,940

199.28

90.83

1987

23,449

213.07

90.87

1988

24,690

226.01

91.53

1989

25,783

239.56

92.91

1990

27,040

253.07

93.59

1991

28,508

267.84

93.95

1992

30,132

284.11

94.29

1993

31,520

299.04

94.87

1994

33,017

313.53

94.96

1995

34,832

330.26

94.82

1996

36,062

345.58
Chart II

95.83

Unfunded Liability

Funded Rate

Year

(in millions)

Percent Funded

Equivalent

1982

$723.8

44.29%

$62.86

1983

650.6

49.12

75.57

1984

643.1

52.51

87.81

1985

652.7

54.09

99.39

1986

670.6

56.05

1 1 1 .70

1987

669.7

59.66

127.12

1988

653.6

62.92

142.20

1989

607.9

66.34

158.92

1990

572.6

69.41

175.66

1991

571.9

70.86

189.79

1992

551.1

73.11

207.71

1993

519.8

75.60

226.07

1994

487.2

77.48

242.92

1995

472.7

78.59

259.55

entrusted to it. The growth in the market value of total
assets designated for pension and benefit programs of
the church over the last quadrennium is demonstrated
in Chart III.

Under the supervision of the General Board and its
Investment Committee, the assets are invested in a
variety of investment vehicles utilizing professional in-
vestment managers. Prudent stewardship is accom-
plished through diversification, careful allocation of
assets and regular monitoring of the portfolios.

Fiduciary and Social Responsibility

It is the primary responsibility of the General Board
of Pension and Health Benefits to provide pensions and
other benefits for those who dedicate themselves to the
ministry of the Church. In so doing, the General Board
is charged to manage the assets entrusted to it solely in
the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the
fund. This trust is taken very seriously.

The General Board invests the assets entrusted to
it in keeping with the Statement of Social Principles and
the Investment Guidelines of The United Methodist
Church, within the General Board's fiduciary duty. All

Financial Administration

339

investments are screened for compliance with the Gen-
eral Board's investment policy.

The General Board is an active and responsible
shareholder. It votes its own proxies, enters into dia-
logue with corporations on issues of concern, files share-
holder resolutions when appropriate and will consider
divestment in cases of impasse. The General Board has
allocated $150 million to investments in support of low
and moderate income housing; such investments meet
both financial and social criteria established by the Gen-
eral Board.

Chart III

Total Assets at Market

End of Year

(in thousands)

1991

4,809,557

1992

5,132,971

1993

5,748,535

1994

5,721 ,986

1995 (as of 9/30)

7,005,038

As an investor within The United Methodist Church
whose primary focus is its participants, the General
Board affirms its dual charge of fiduciary and social
responsibility.

Participant Directed Retirement
Investment Opportunities

Each of the pension plans administered by the Gen-
eral Board currently provides an opportunity for the
participant to elect to have his or her personal or salary-
reduction contributions invested in the Diversified Fund
and/or one or more of four Special Funds. The Diversi-
fied Fund is a balanced fund having a stated rate of
interest with the possibility of special distributions re-
sulting from favorable investment experience. The four
Special Funds are variable funds where the investment
performance is marked to market; therefore, the value
of a participant's account varies (up or down) with the
investment performance of the Special Fund(s) invest-
ment portfolio (s). Each participant is given an opportu-
nity to make an investment election on a quarterly basis.

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
will petition the 1996 General Conference to create a
new, separate plan for personal and salary-reduction
contributions, effective January 1, 1998. If adopted, new
investment funds will be created as investment options
for the new Personal Investment Plan.

Diversified Fund

For many years, the Diversified Fund has been the
basic investment portfolio of The United Methodist pen-

sion fund. This fund utilizes a multimanager investment
philosophy. As a "balanced fund," it is made up of invest-
ments in common stocks, government and corporate
bonds, real estate, guaranteed investment contracts and
short-term investments. The fund has a regular, stated
rate of interest determined by the General Board annu-
ally. It is the policy of the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits to distribute additional interest credits
to accounts in the Diversified Fund when the reserve
position is considered adequate and market conditions
have been favorable. The total annual interest credit to
accounts in the Diversified Fund during the last quad-
rennium is shown in Chart IV.

The schedule also reflects the dollar amounts dis-
tributed to accounts in the Diversified Fund in excess of
the stated rate. These "special distributions" translate
into greater benefits for individual participants and an
acceleration in achieving the goal of fully funding the
past service pension liability. Since 1979, approximately
$2 billion has been credited as Special Distribution
amounts.

Specied Funds

Four Special Funds currendy are available for indi-
vidual participants to select for the purpose of investing
either personal or salary-reduction contributions. Each
of the Special Funds has a distinct investment approach.
These funds were established initially wath a unit value
of $10 each. Throughout the year, on a weekly basis, a
unit value is calculated for each fund based on the
market value of the underlying assets. The unit value of
each of the funds may vary up or down depending on
market conditions. As contributions earmarked for one
of the Special Funds are received, the number of units
purchased by these contributions is dependent upon the
current unit value.

Special Fund I is a fixed-income type fund contain-
ing securities such as bonds and mortgages.

Special Fund II is concentrated in equity-type secu-
rities such as common stocks. At least 80% of the fund
will be invested in equity at all times.

Special Fund III is concentrated in short-term, fixed-
income investments that mature in 13 months or less.
These include securities such as United States Treasury
obligations, corporate commercial paper and certificates
of deposit

Special Fund IV is a balanced fund of fixed-income
securities, equity-type securities and short-term securi-
ties. The fund is invested in companies with no direct
investment or employees in South Africa or in banks that
do not lend to the South African public sector. The 1996
General Conference will be petitioned to remove the
South Africa restriction, effective July 1, 1996. In addi-
tion, the fund is military-free and government-fi-ee (ex-
cept for student loans, farm loans and government-
backed mortgage securities of the U.S. Government).

340

DCA Advance Edition

Chart IV
Diversified Fund Performance

Year

Total Interest Rate

Special Distribution

Credited

Amount
(in thousands)

1992

8.0%

56,499

1993

10.0%

134,907

1994

6.5%

0

1995

17.68%

525,000*

* Approximation; at the time this report was
submitted, the exact amount of the special distribution
was unknown.

The equity investments in Special Fund IV also reflect a
positive approach to the evaluation of social issues.
Companies are screened on social as well as financial
criteria, and businesses are sought that strive to en-
hance the quality of life.

The Special Fund Performance chart (Chart V) re-
flects the history of the Special Funds over the last
quadrennium.

Cost of Operations of The General
Board of Pension and Healtii Benefits

which to operate. The cost of operating the General
Board is paid from the investment income of the assets
it manages and administrative fees. Continual effort is
given to improving operating efficiencies in the context
of good stewardship and fiduciary responsibility.

Annual operating costs during the last quadren-
nium were as follows:

Year

Operating Costs

% of Assets
(in thousands)

1991

$16,944

.35

1992

19,766

.39

1993

22,844

.40

1994

23.473

.41

1995*

24,398

.35

* Annualized as of 9/30/95

Future Issues

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
has identified a number of benefit-related issues requir-
ing further study. These include unfunded liabilities,
dropped contributions, plan design and educational
needs. It is the General Board's intention to research
and discuss these issues during the next quadrennium.

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
receives no general church apportioned funds with

Chart V

Special Fund Performance

Year

Special Fund 1

Special Fund II

Special Fund III

Special Fund IV'

1992

5.58%

8.60%

2.22%

7.55%

1993

8.07%

9.80%

2.18%

4.52%

1994

-2.62%

1.85%

3.44%

-3.87%

1995***

11.85%

32.38%

4.82%

19.56%

* Special Fund III came Into existence on January 1 , 1985.

** Special Fund IV came into existence on January 1 , 1989.

*** The rates shown for 1 995 are based on the investment experience only through November 24, 1 995.

Financial Administration

341

Board Members

Bishop Clay Lee, President
Knoxville, Tennessee

Bishop Bruce Blake, Vice-President
Dallas, Texas

James Pennell, Secretary
St. Simons Island, Georgia

Kay F. Alhury
Thomas R. Boiler
Kermit L Braswell
Jo Anne Campney
Anne Chin
May C. Chun
DightW. Crain
Alvin B. Deer
R. Conrad Doenges
John W. English
Cyndy Gam
Anna W. Haase
Luther W. Henry Sr.
Gilbert A. Hernandez
Joel E. Huffman
Olin B. Isenhour
William C. Kirkwood
Grady G. Knowles
James McCormack
Nancy McMullin
Mary Miller
Sarah Miller
Carl Nord
Doris Brown Paul
M. Harry Piper
Eddie Self
Louise S. Shaeffer
Lillian U. Sloan
Herbert R. Smith
Victor L Smith
Samuel Velez-Irizarry
Quillian S. Yancey

Baltimore, Maryland

Billings, Montana

Raleigh, North Carolina

Des Moines, Iowa

Berkeley, California

Honolulu, Hawaii

Natick, Massachusetts

Concho, Oklahoma

Austin, Texas

Summit, New Jersey

Columbus, Ohio

Los Angeles, California

Fort Worth, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Phoenbc, Arizona

Eden, North Carolina

Garden City, New York

Oakland, California

Westerville, Ohio

Ballwin, Missouri

Indianapolis, Indiana

Montrose, Pennsylvania

Wichita, Kansas

Atlanta, Georgia

Flint, Michigan

Decatur, Alabama

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Wichita Falls, Texas

Louisville, Kentucky

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Lakeland, Florida

italic type denotes clergypersons

Non-Voting Board Officers

Barbara A Boigegrain, General Secretary

F. Gale Whitson-Schmidt, Treasurer

Michele B. Bush, Assistant Recording Secretary

In addition to the Board members, there are 16 at-large
members of various committees of the Board.

Investment Managers

ANB Investment Management Co.

Chicago, Illinois

Brown Capital Management, Inc.

Baltimore, Maryland

Capital Guardian Trust Co.

Los Angeles, California

Chicago Equity Fund

Chicago, Illinois

CIGNA Investment Management

Hartford, Connecticut

Columbus Circle Investors

Stamford, Connecticut

Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc.

Columbus, Ohio

Community Investment Corporation

Chicago, Illinois

Delaware Investment Advisers, Inc.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Enterprise Social Investment Corporation

Columbia, Maryland

Fidelity Management Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

Florida Housing Tax Credit Fund, Ltd.

Miami, Florida

Franklin Research & Development Corporation

Boston, Massachusetts

Heitman/JMB Advisory Corporation

Chicago, Illinois

342

DCA Advance Edition

Hotchkis and Wiley

Los Angeles, California

Housing Investments, Inc.

Boston, Massachusetts

E^VESCO MM, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

lincoln Capital Management Co.

Chicago, Illinois

Local Initiatives Managed Assets Corporation

New York, New York

Low Income Housing Fund

San Francisco, California

Mellon Bond Associates

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

NWQ Investment Management Co.

Los Angeles, California

Neighborhood Housing Services of America, Inc.

Oakland, California

Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management

Houston, Texas

Oechsle International Advisors

Boston, Massachusetts

Provident Investment Counsel

Pasadena, California

RCM Capital Management

San Francisco, California

Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.

New York, New York

Seix Investment Advisors, Inc.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

Sit Investment Associates, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Smith Graham & Company

Houston, Texas

Valenzuela Capital Management, Inc.
New York, New York
Zevenbergen Capital Inc.
Seattle, Washington

Independent Auditors

KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP
Chicago, Illlinois

Investment Consultant

James K Hotchkiss
Chicago, Illlinois

Actuarial Consultant

Hewitt Associates
Lincolnshire, Illinois

Medical Consultant

Thomas B. Longabaugh, M.D.
Northbrook, Illinois

Custodian Bank

Mellon Bank, N A
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Commercial Banks

Connecticut National Bank
Hartford, Connecticut
NBD Bank Evanston, NA
Evanston, Illinois
The Northern Trust Company
Chicago, Illinois
Seaway National Bank
Chicago, Illinois

Financial Administration

343

Report Two: Changes in Response to Local Law Changes

"Only the General Conference has authority to cre-
ate, establish, revise, amend, terminate or continue.. .the
various pension plans of The United Methodist
Church." This is a direct quote from Judicial Council
Decision 481. The decision further states that changes
in federal or state law may make some changes in plan
provisions necessary between sessions of the General
Conference. Accordingly, the General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits may amend the plans it administers
to bring the plans into compliance with federal or state
statutes. As indicated below, the General Board of Pen-
sion and Health Benefits has made several changes to
the various pension plans in order to comply with federal
law. The dates the changes were approved by the board
and the effective dates of the changes are indicated.

Changes to the Ministerial Pension Plan
Effective January 1, 1993
(Adopted March 24, 1994)

5.12 Direct Rollover.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the
contrary that would otherwise limit a distributee's elec-
tion under this Section, a "distributee" may elect, at the
time and in the manner prescribed by the Board, to have
any portion of an "eligible rollover distribution" paid
directly to an "eligible retirement plan" specified by the
distributee in a "direct rollover."

b. For purposes of this Section the following defini-
tions shall apply:

(1) An "eligible rollover distribution" is any distribu-
tion of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of
the distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribu-
tion does not include any distribution that is one of a
series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less
frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expec-
tancy) of the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life
expectancies) of the distributee and the distributee's
designated beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten
years or more; any distribution to the extent such distri-
bution is required under Code section 401 (a) (9) ; and the
portion of any distribution that is not includible in gross
income.

(2) An "eligible retirement plan" is an individual
retirement account described in Code section 408(a) , an
individual retirement annuity described in Code section
408(b), or an annuity arrangement described in Code
section 403(b), that accepts the distributee's eligible
rollover distribution. However, in the case of an eligible
rollover distribution to the surviving spouse, an eligible
retirement plan is an individual retirement account or
individual retirement annuity.

(3) A "distributee" includes a Participant or Termi-
nated Participant. In addition, the Participant's or Termi-
nated Participant's surviving spouse and the Par-

ticipant's or Terminated Participant's spouse or former
spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified
domestic relations order, as defined in Code section
4 14 (p) , are distributees with regard to the interest of the
spouse or former spouse.

(4) A "direct rollover" is a payment by the Plan to
the eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee.

Similar amendments were made to the Staff Retire-
ment Benefits Program and the Cumulative Pension and
Benefit Fund.

Changes to the Ministerial Pension Plan
Effective January 1, 1994
(Adopted March 24, 1994)

2.12 "Compensation" shall mean, in a Plan Year,
for a Participant who has not retired under the provi-
sions of TJie Book of Discipline the sum of the following:

a. cash salary received from Plan Sponsor-related
sources;

b....

For Plan Years beginning after December 31, 1988,
and before January 1, 1994, Compensation in excess of
$200,000 shall be disregarded. For Plan years beginning
after December 31, 1993, the cash salary from Plan
Sponsor-related sources in excess of $150,000 shall be
disregarded. Such amount shall be adjusted at the same
time and in such manner as permitted under Code
section 415(d).

Changes to the Cumulative Pension

and Benefit Fund

Effective January 1, 1994

(Adopted Marh 24, 1994)

2.08 "Compensation" shall mean all compensa-
tion for the Plan Year paid or payable in cash or in kind
by the Employer for personal services, as reportable on
the Employee's Federal Income Tax Withholding State-
ment (Form W-2), and.. .For Plan Years beginning after
December 31, 1988, and before January 1, 1994, Com-
pensation in excess of $200,000 shall be disregarded.
For Plan Years beginning after December 31, 1993, the
amount reported on Form W-2 as wages, tips, and other
compensation in excess of $150,000 shall be disre-
garded. Such amount shall be adjusted at the same time
and in such manner as permitted under Code section
415(d).

A similar amendment was made in the Staff Retire-
ment Benefit Program.

344

DCA Advance Edition

Changes to the Ministerial Pension Plan
Effective November 16, 1995
(Adopted November 16, 1995)

f. All contributions for the Plan Year must be depos-
ited with the Plan no later than June 15 of the following
Plan Year.

Similar amendments were made in the Cumulative
Pension and Benefit Fund and the Staff Retirement Bene-
fit Program.

Learning to Live

ON SOLID GROUND

Where Resident Aliens Live: Exercises for Christian Practice

by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon

This no-nonsense, to-the-pomt sequel to the best-selling Resident Aliens tells
how to transform a church into a gathering of "resident aliens." Hauerwas and
Willimon assess our world and its culture, analyzing what is required in order
to retain a Christian stance within that culture. They offer basic habits or
practices which Christians possess within their congregations that save them
from being consumed by their own desires.

Topics discussed include crucial disciplines and practices of the
"resident alien," how to resist "managers," how to resist the
temptation of consumerism, how to sustain a distinctive Christian
vision, and how to engage the world without running from it.

Stanley Hauerwas and
William H. Willimon

@ Cokesbury

ISBN 0-687-01605-3. Paper, $12.95

Published by /-) ./-■

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CALL OR VISIT YOUR COKESBURY STORE
ORDER toll" FREE: 1-800-672-178';)

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Financial Administration

345

General Board of Publication

Report of the Chairperson

William S. Deel

The General Board of Publication has the responsi-
bility of providing direction to The United Methodist
Publishing House in its publishing and distribution serv-
ices for The United Methodist Church and the ecumeni-
cal community. In discharging this responsibility, the
full Board meets twice a year and the Executive Com-
mittee meets four times. Work of the Board is accom-
plished through four standing committees: Product
Development, Sales and Service, Human Resources/
Affirmative Action, Public, Church, and Board Relations,
and Finance. This committee structure corresponds
with the management system of The United Methodist
Publishing House and has served to provide effective
participation from members of this Board. There is also
a special Long Range Planning Committee and a special
committee on Information Technology.

Members of the Board have given countless hours
to the work of the Board, reflecting their dedication to
God and God's church. There has been exceptional
cooperation from the President and Publisher and the
Executive Staff of the Publishing House and the officers
and committees of the Board in sharing information and
responding to guidance and direction from the Board.

In this quadrennium, specific issues embodjang the
Board's mission have been: review of criteria and priori-
ties for missional opportunities; annual review of man-
agement's strategic plans; review of new developments
likely to impact missional and business direction; peri-
odic review of the Board's vision statement; and review
of guidelines for the reserve fund.

This quadrennium has been eventful in the Board's
service to the Church in a number of areas. The Board
followed through on mandates from the 1992 General
Conference: to provide study resources related to the
study of baptism and homosexuality with the publication
of "By Water and the Spirit" and 'The Church Studies
Homosexuality."

Continued development and expansion of Disciple
Bible Study has occurred with the introduction of the
second Disciple component Into the Word, Into the
World and the revision of Disciple, Becoming Disciples
Through Bible Study. The third component of Disciple,
based on the prophets and Paul, will be published prior
to the end of the quadrennium.

Disciple continues to provide great potential for
changes in the life of the Church and is and will continue

to be a major area of emphasis for the Board and The
United Methodist Publishing House staff.

Through the Circuit Rider Award, the Board has
continued this quadrennium to recognize annually an
individual or individuals who have made highly signifi-
cant contributions to membership and attendance
growth in a United Methodist church and/or Sunday
school. Now in its ninth year, this program is an attempt
on behalf of the Board to strengthen growth of the
Church through recognition of successes and encom-
passes large or small churches, inner-city churches, and
rural churches.

A commitment was fulfilled by the Board to develop
a library collection for Africa University's Faculty
(college) of Theology. The Publishing House also pro-
vided expertise in the start-up of the library through
professional consultation on the selection of the
University's librarian, consultation with the building and
grounds committee to plan permanent library facilities,
worked on plans for the library's operation and speci-
fications for grant proposals, and provided on-site
assistance in cataloging and stocking of the library.

This quadrennium, based on research and response
to the Church, the Publishing House and the General
Board of Discipleship agreed on a comprehensive ap-
proach to curriculum resource development. This
"Comprehensive Approach" is an expansion of a joint
commitment to quality and is covered in greater detail
in the Editor of Church School Publication's report.

The "Comprehensive Approach" expresses our
commitment to strategic planning that focuses on users,
marginal users, and potential users of our curriculum
resources. It is also an expression of our commitment to
quality and to the processes that result in quality. New
resources were published this quadrennium at all age
levels reflecting this comprehensive approach.

Included in this broad spectrum of resources was
New Invitation, a complete new system of resources that
will provide a core curriculum for use in children's
ministries for 1994 to 2000. New Invitation features a
completely new format and design for teachers and a
greater variety of teaching methods and activities appro-
priate for each age level. Included also in the New Invi-
tation system is One-Room Sunday School, an innovative
set of comprehensive Bible study resources for smaller
churches.

Support to the church in Russia was provided with
translation of Finding Your Way through the Bible, New
Life In Jesus Christ, Conversing with God by Ripski, The
Bible by Good and Keller and John Wesley's Message
Today by Weems. In addition, at its fall meeting in 1994,

346

DCA Advance Edition

the Board voted to donate time and materials valued at
$50,000 to the Methodist Church in Estonia, one of the
Baltic states freed from Soviet domination in 1991. This
grant was designated to assist the church in starting and
developing a publishing program for its constituents.

Representatives from the Publishing House and the
Baltic Methodist Publishing House met in Tallin and
Nashville to develop a plan for the Board's support in
this missionary effort. This assistance will include these
provisions: (1) underwriting the publication of the Free
Church Hymnal, a joint project of the Methodist, Baptist,
and Pentecostal churches in Estonia; (2) donation at
cost of any Abingdon book in print to the seminary
library in Estonia; (3) desktop publishing equipment
and training to the Methodist Church in Estonia to use
in their publishing program; (4) assistance over three
years with specific publishing projects related to
semin-ary texts, Bible study and curriculum,
Methodism, evan-gelism, spiritual growth, and
discipleship; and (5) non-exclusive rights to any
Abingdon or Cokesbury title will be offered to their
publishing committee for translation into Estonian and
Russian for distribution in Estonia.

The Publishing House continues the important
work of subsidizing products for the church which are
needed but cannot produce enough revenue to cover
expenses. Annually, more than $500,000 is devoted to
publishing racial/ethnic/ special needs resources such
as the Spanish language hymnal presently being devel-
oped for publication in 1996. Also included are missional
projects such as ^e Angola Hymnal, a hymnbook in four
languages, 50,000 of which were provided in coopera-
tion with the Board of Global Ministries to replace those
destroyed in civil war.

This subsidy program also provides support for new
church starts and churches experiencing disaster with
quantities of offered official resources, supplies, hym-
nals, pew bibles, bulletins, offering envelopes, free cur-
riculum resources, and reduced costs for equipment and
furnishings.

Resources related to Wesley and the Methodist
tradition, including the Wesley Works Project, are also
supported by the Board in this manner.

During the quadrennium, the Board has supported
staff of the Publishing House in the development of a
video project about John Wesley, the founder of
Methodism, for release in 1996. John Wells, a London
playwright, actor, and son of an Anglican cleric, wrote
the first draft of the script for a feature length production
on the life of Wesley in mid-1990. A number of General
Board of Publication members. United Methodist
Publishing House staff and several Wesley historians
have been involved in the script development. The
Publishing House cooperated in producing "A Brand
From the Burning" by tiie Royal Shakespeare Company
in January of 1995. The Board feels this drama will play

a major role in helping United Methodist rediscover
their roots and form our mission for the 21st Century.

This quadrennium the House, in cooperation with
the Council of Bishops and Bishop Robert Spain, has
supported a continuing education seminar program
focusing on the practical day-to-day needs of clergy and
laity at the local level. Called "Focus on Ministry
Seminars for Church Leaders", the seminars were built
around six modules: Rekindling the Gift, Recovering the
Primary Task, Reclaiming the Work Place, Resourcing
the Pulpit, Revisioning for a New Day, and Reflecting on
the Role of the Pastor. Seminars are held at the district
level, the closest point of contact for clergy. This
program through July 1995 has reached more than 2,337
persons covering 79 districts and 31 conferences coast
to coast

The Board celebrates with the staff the publication
of the new Book of Worship and The New Interpreter's
Bible, the most significant commentary in the Publish-
ing House's last 40 years.

As required by the Discipline, the salaries of the
President and Publisher and the Executive Staff are
included in this report. Robert K Feaster, President and
Publisher, $185,100; Larry L Wallace, Vice-President
Finance and Administration/Treasurer, $110,050; Neil
Alexander, Vice-President, Publishing Division, Book
Editor /Editorial Director, $91,026; Stephen C. Tippens,
Vice-President, Human Resources, $86,572; Marc
Lewis, Vice-President, Product Management, $93,292;
Donald G. Sherrod, Vice-President Sales, $93,292;
Patricia G. Correll, Vice-President, Customer and Dis-
tribution Services, $85,639; Louis Jordan, Vice-Pres-
ident, Information Technology, $85,639; and Duane A
Ewers, Editor of Church School Publications, $78,069.

The United Methodist Publishing House continues
to remain financially sound, facilities have been im-
proved to provide for at least the next ten years and
training has been provided for the staff and employees
to enable the House to continue its ministry effectively
into its third century as it serves The United Methodist
Church, the larger Christian community, and all seekers
by providing quality services and resources that help
them know and serve God.

Report of the President and Publisher

Robert K. Feaster

In this third and final quadrennium of my tenure as
President and Publisher of The United Methodist
Publishing House, our efforts have been focused on
designing new systems, planning strategically for the
future, developing our st^, and assuring optimum use
of the Publishing House's financial, physical, and human
resources in carrying out the responsibilities assigned
to it by the Discipline and the General Conference of The

Financial Administration

347

United Methodist Church. These efforts could not have
been successful without the strong support and
guidance of The General Board of Publication, and I
must begin this report with a sincere expression of my
appreciation for their dedicated work in support of our
publishing and distribution ministry to The United
Methodist Church.

In this quadrennium, "Mission 300: Our Commit-
ment to Quality," was introduced as the focus for our
third century of business. A long-term approach to total
quality management, Mission 300 represents a manage-
ment style based on knowing the customers' needs,
requirements, and expectations.

Mission 300 has been guided by the executive staff
as a steering committee, along with a resource team of
six persons who received in-depth training in continu-
ous quality management. All executive staff members
were included in five-day training events led by W.
Edwards Deming. More than 700 of our employees have
completed training sessions led by our resource team.
Sbcty management and staff have received more exten-
sive training at Belmont University's Center for Quality
and Professionalism.

Divisional and departmental natural management
teams and interdivisional project teams have devoted
extensive time to process analysis, developing mission
statements related to their tasks, consensus decision-
making, and implementing new Mission 300 practices
devoted to total quality management principles and con-
tinuous improvements in processes.

Producing resources that meet the needs of United
Methodists is the heart of our work. In the most recent
year of this quadrennium, more than 1,400 new re-
sources were produced, including 166 new books, 531
new supply items, 114 new music resources, 464 new
curriculum resources, and a host of other print and
non-print media, audio and video cassettes, computer
software, Newscope, Circuit Rider, etc. And, in our Dis-
tribution Center in Nashville and Cokesbury stores
across the nation, more than 11,000 different items are
maintained in inventory to serve customer needs.

Today's business environment continues to de-
mand better management information systems for more
effective customer service and total quality improve-
ment. The Publishing House has continued to allocate
major financial resources to systems development, hard-
ware and software capital improvements, and employee
training.

An Information Technology Division was created to
take advantage of new and emerging technology. This
new unit, in cooperation with other divisions, has em-
barked on an aggressive schedule for development of
systems in four major areas: (1) marketing data-
bases, (2) financial information, (3) stock location and
inventory control, and (4) royalty payment and intellec-
tual properties management. All of these projects are

being developed as applications for networked PC's
rather than the UMPH mainframe computer. This sig-
nifies a fundamental shift in systems development
strategies for the Publishing House and will enable us
to move into a new era with information technology that
can support strategic marketing, financial, and product
development decisions.

In addition, many other technological develop-
ments have occurred throughout the Publishing House
in this quadrennium, including installation of design
work stations for our layout and design staff, pre-press
output devices for our production staff, product costing
systems, inventory valuation methods, and scheduling
systems for management staff.

Efforts to simplify and complement related work in
the production of print resources led to merging the
general and curriculum product development functions
into a single Publishing Division. This restructured
Division now includes the General Publications Depart-
ment, Church School Publications Department, Art and
Design Department, Publishing Production Depart-
ment, and the combined Publishing Operations
Department.

A Curriculum Sales Department was created to
achieve maximum exposure of curriculum resources
through direct sales calls, telesales, and field sales
events in cooperation with annual conferences, district,
and local church staff.

Attention has been given to the continued growth
of the Cokesbury Booktable Ministry program, which
provides books for sale at volunteer-run displays in local
churches. This program has more than doubled this
quadrennium to over 1,600 participating churches.

Major attention has continued to be placed on
Cokesbury stores. A consulting study of the retail store
system resulted in recommendations for operational
improvements. In response to customers, we have ex-
panded selections of gifts, cards, music, children's
books, and books for laity.

The Baltimore, Canton, San Antonio, and Raleigh
stores have been remodeled and expanded. To make
stores more accessible to customers, seven stores (Rich-
mond, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia/King of Prussia,
Birmingham, Memphis, and Park Ridge) were relocated
in renovated or new structures.

During the quadrennium Cokesbury opened new
stores in Lexington, Kentucky; Blackstone, Virginia;
Phoenbc, Arizona; Sacramento, California; Leesburg,
Florida; and Seattle/Kirkland, Washington. The Day-
ton, Ohio store was closed.

The number of stores on seminary campuses has
increased from sixteen to twenty-two with additions at
the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary (Episco-
pal), Alexandria, VA; Lancaster Theological Seminary

348

DCA Advance Edition

(UCC) , SL Paul, Minnesota; Beeson School of Theology
(Southern Baptist), Birmingham, Alabama; Louisville
Theological Seminary (Presbyterian), Louisville, Ken-
tucky; and New York Theological Seminary (Non-de-
nominational), New York, New York. The Lutheran
Theological Seminary (Lutheran), Columbia, South
Carolina, was closed.

Cokesbury's retail chain now consists of 43 full-line,
22 seminary, and one summer store. Cokesbury is one
of America's ten largest bookstore chains.

Cokesbury also continued to expand its service to
the ecumenical community by becoming the official
retail distributor for the American Baptist Church and
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Total customer care and satisfaction is the ultimate
goal of the Publishing House's customer service and
distribution unit. In Nashville more than 50 customer
service representatives and 100 distribution center staff
work to receive and ship orders to individuals and
churches. The number of WATS line calls Cokesbury
receives annually has grown from 436,000 to 524,000
this quadrennium, an increase of 20.2%.

The addition of an 800-fax number for customer
orders, an 800-TDD (telecommunications device for the
deaf) number for the hearing-impaired, and the addition
of a Korean-speaking customer service representative
have enhanced the services offered customers. Pres-
ently, all Spanish-speaking customers are offered an
800-number that goes directly into the San Antonio
Cokesbury store where sales staff speak Spanish.

A customer survey conducted in 1994 showed that
98% of the respondents rated our customer service rep-
resentatives' knowledge, delivery timeliness, order ac-
curacy, packaging and shipping, and product quality as
excellent or good, affirming a continuing emphasis on
quality and service through Mission 300 and employee
training.

While the report of the Book Editor/Editorial Direc-
tor reviews the Publishing House's publishing program
more fully, a number of important projects deserve men-
tion.

There has been exceptional interest and acceptance
of the new Book of Worship. First year sales exceeded
42,000 units and the total has now grown to more than
65,000 units. Sales of the pastor's pocket edition exceed
12,000 units.

The New Interpreter's Bible, the most significant
commentary publication in the last 40 years, has re-
ceived high acclaim and recognition. Subscriptions
number more than 20,000 for the complete set of 12
volumes, while sales for Volume I and Volume VIII, the
first two volumes published, number more than 25,000
each.

During this quadrennium the Publishing House has
continued its partnership with the Wesley Works Board
to assure publication of TJie Bicentennial Edition ofThe
Works of John Wesley wath the release of Volumes 22, 23,
and in the fall of 1996, Volume 24 {Journal and Diaries
VII 1 786-1 791) , which will include an index to all seven
of the Journal and Diaries collections. This major effort
to provide superior critical editions of the Wesley corpus
began in 1984. To date 15 of a projected 35 volumes have
been published and remain in print and we are commit-
ted to completing the project.

By fall 1997, Volume 8 (Worship and Prayer) will be
published, with other volumes to follow as the work of
the editors is completed. TJie Sermons of John Wesley:
Electronic Edition is now being prepared and will be
available in CD-ROM format in 1996. A CD-ROM format
of The Journal and Diaries of John Wesley: Electronic
Edition is scheduled for release in the fall of 1997.

We have tried to listen and respond to the expressed
need for biblically based resources that have meaning
for the lives of users. This is reflected not only in the
New Invitation resources for children introduced in
1994, but in new adult resources such as Journey
Through the Bible, the Life Search series, and a number
of other new titles for youth and adults.

A new emphasis on music resources for the Church
has resulted in a number of publications, including
Church Music for Children, a comprehensive program of
resources that includes everything needed for music
and education for children's choirs.

FaithLink, a weekly discussion guide on major
contemporary issues utilizing United Methodist official
resources, is available by fax and CompuServe.

LinC (Living in Christ); Youth Connecting Faith and
Life is a new short-deadline resource for youth. Each
issue contains background information, program re-
sources, and student pages. Student pages review cur-
rent movies, music, and television programs. They also
provide for student feedback by mail, fax, or e-mail.
LinC is available by fax and CompuServe.

Young Adults on Line, provides a variety of topics for
young adult discussion groups on campus or in congre-
gations, available by fax and CompuServe.

Follow Me, the new confirmation resource, has had
positive response from clergy. Follow Me focuses on
commitment and discipleship and is designed to excite
youth about being United Methodist, to encourage
youth to be active and thinking, to help youth live their
faith, to involve the congregation, to make it easy to
organize for the leader, and to be relatively low in cost
to the church.

The new Dimensions for Living imprint of books
designed especially for lay persons was successfully

Financial Administration

349

launched. Sales of this new line have grown to more than
$1,000,000 annually in three years.

Disciple Bible Study is now produced in four lan-
guages— Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, and Ger-
man— and is used in Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong,
Malaysia, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand,
Germany, and Canada.

As of July 1995, more than 18,000 persons have
trained to lead Disciple groups, and more than 6,200
churches have enrolled in the Disciple program. More
than 350,000 persons have participated in Disciple I,
Disciple, Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study and
more than 75,000 have been involved in Disciple II, Into
The Word. Into The World.

Special attention continues to be devoted toward
creating resources for racial/ethnic audiences. In the
last four years. The United Methodist Publishing House
has published 16 new resources for the Hispanic com-
munity. They include: Mil Voces Para Celebrar, a hymnal
featuring traditional hymns from various Latin Ameri-
can countries and cultures. Hymns were selected by an
editorial committee of United Methodists from the U.S.
and Puerto Rico. In addition to the hymns, Mil Voces
Para Celebrar offers various services such as Marriage,
Communion, and Baptism, Psalters, and special prayers.
Aventuras: Aprender y VivirLa Palabra de Dios, the first
of its kind, is Spanish-English children's Sunday School
material developed after extensive consultations and
provides resources for teachers of children ages 3-5, 6-8,
and 9-11. El Cambio de Pablo, Vacation Bible School
resources for children , describes the changes in Paul's
life that led him to serve and love God. Discipulado, the
Spanish version of Disciple, was developed with the
editorial help of well-known leaders in the Hispanic
United Methodist Church such as Dr. Justo Gonzalez
and Dr. Carmen Gaud. El Libro de la Disciplina, the
Spanish version of Tlie Book of Discipline, presents the
constitution, doctrines, social principles, and the func-
tions of The United Methodist Church.

Nine new resources for the Korean community
were published including: The Book of Discipline 1992,
The Jesus Christ Series, a study of the life of Jesus Christ
for adults; The Paul Series, a study of the life of Paul for
adults, translated and contextualized for Korean audi-
ences; and Disciple, translated with the help of key
leaders in the Korean United Methodist Church.

Eighteen new resources were published for the
African-American community including: Stones of Prom-
ise, a resource on African-American family heritage and
values, consisting of a 120-minute video and a leader's
guide, and the 25th Anniversary ofBMCR, a commemo-
rative book celebrating the rich 25 year history of Black
Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR).

A new resource was also published for the Native-
American community this quadrennium — Eagle Flights.
It is the first curriculum designed especially for Native-

American youth and adults and consists of a student
book and a leader's guide.

Marketing efforts and special services directed to
our racial/ethnic audiences included: Recursos en
Espaiiol 1993-1994, the second joint-agency Spanish
catalog which displayed many obvious improvements
over the previous (1991-1992) catalog and was mailed to
all Spanish-speaking United Methodist churches in the
U.S. and Puerto Rico and some churches in other Latin
countries. Recursos en Espaiiol 1995-1996, the third
joint-agency Spanish catalog, offered an increased re-
source selection featuring more books by Hispanic
authors. Aventuras brochure, a colorful brochure di-
rected to churches of all denominations throughout the
U.S. and Puerto Rico. Mil Voces Para Celebrar Sampler,
a 32-page sampler that featured some of the hymns and
psalters of the Mil Voces Para Celebrar was distributed
and used by United Methodist Annual Conferences in
the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Tlie Korean Catalog 1995-97
was Cokesbury's first Korean-language catalog ever! It
offers Bibles, Bible reference materials, curriculum, Bi-
ble studies, books, paraments, apparel, bulletins, and
more. Cokesbury also produced its first-ever catalog for
the African-American audience that offered books, Bi-
bles, educational resources, apparel, and gifts. Cokes-
bury has added a bilingual, Korean- speaking Customer
Service Representative to its team to provide better
service to the Korean market.

The Publishing House's production of elecfronic
software has dramatically increased. The Abingdon
Preaching Annual (and \hQ Abingdon Women's Preach-
ing Annual, Volume I) to Christian Weddings, The Com-
plete Ministry Audit, and ih^Abingdon Clergy Income Tax
Guide are all available on floppy disks. Many UMC
leaders have expressed their pleasure with the useful-
ness of the software edition of The 1992 Book of Disci-
pline. Volumes I and VIII of The New Interpreter's Bible
are available on CD Rom, with additional volumes and
related reference material to be added annually through
the year 2,000. Other electronic products developed and
offered during the quadrennium include FaithLink and
YouthLinC (weekly discussion group guides for adults
and youth delivered by FAX); the CD version of The
United Methodist Hymnal, videos for Disciple Bible
Study and scores of other videos, along with over fifty
audio cassettes.

Cokesbury Online, a private forum on CompuServe
for The United Methodist Church and other Cokesbury
customers, was launched by The Publishing House late
in the quadrennium. This forum has three primary ob-
jectives: facilitating communications and information
sharing between members and denominational offices;
serving as a new channel for communicating with cus-
tomers; and creating a new distribution channel for
resources and services.

A new on-demand publishing program has recendy
been implemented. The program, operating under the

350 DCA Advance Edition

imprint of Parthenon Press, is designed for quick turn- headquarters building in Nashville has been completed

around short-run publishing. It will offer reprints of along with the installation of modular partitions and

out-of-print books needed for research in academic set- furniture on all levels. Space in the former printing plant

tings and the service of assembling and printing custom has been renovated for office space, and a new elevator

textbooks for in-classroom use. was installed providing wheelchair access from the roof

parking lot. We have been active in meeting Americans

In this quadrennium considerable attention has with Disabilities Act regulations in the office building

been given to upgrading office facilities at the Publishing and in Cokesbury stores.
House. Internal renovation of the 201 8th Avenue, South

CONDENSED COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEETS

THE UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE

JULY

JULY

INCREASE

ASSETS

31,1995

31,1991

(DECREASE)

CURRENT

CASH

$

1 ,602,846

$ 327,100

$ 1 ,275,746

IMPREST FUNDS

314,870

201,282

113,588

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

203,053

178,292

24,761

ACCRUED INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS

96,961

272,874

(175,913)

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-NET

12,660,939

9,882,552

2,778,387

NOTES RECEIVABLE-INSTALLMENTS CURRENTLY DUE 1 ,290,263

22,058

1 ,268,205

INVENTORIES

25,814,872

20,887,519

4,927,353

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

NOTES RECEIVABLE - NET

1,323,993

1,351,248

(27,255)

43,307,797

33,122,925

10,184,872

1,091,733

1,456,910

(365,177)

LONG TERM INVESTMENTS

20,727,374

22,474,510

(1,747,136)

OTHER ASSETS

1,194,865

606,257

588,608

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT-NET

35,319,261

36,484,807

(1,165,546)

CAPITAL LEASES - EQUIPMENT - NET

112,099

-

112,099

DEFERRED CHARGES TO OPERATIONS
TOTAL

LIABILITIES

912.446

256.536

655.910

?

102.665.575

$ 94.401.945

$ 8.263.630

CURRENT

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

$

9,496,007

$ 6,921,926

$ 2,574,081

NOTES PAYABLE

1,500,000

1,000,000

500,000

ACCRUED LOSS FROM PLANT CLOSING

-

987,276

(987,276)

ACCRUED TERMINATION COSTS

262,844

472,579

(209,735)

REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

1,262,378

-

1 ,262,378

ACCRUED PENSION & POST RETIREMENT LIABILITIES

4,080,246

1,736,375

2,343,871

ACCRUED PAYROLLS, ROYALTIES, TAXES, ETC.
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

SPECIAL TERMINATION BENEFITS

3,352,435

1,673,454

1 ,678,981

19,953,910

12.791,610

7,162,300

62,243

563,264

(501,021)

ACCRUED POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

19,003,865

-

19,003,865

DEFERRED REVENUE

110,243

1,045,015

(934,772)

CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION - LONG TERM

84,31 1

-

84,311

SPECIAL RESERVE FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPEMENT

6,000,000

(6,000,000)

CAPITAL

TOTAL

63,451,003

74,002,056

(10,551,053)

_L-

102.665.575

$ 94.401.945

S 8.263.630

Financial Administration 35i

CONDENSED COMPARATIVE OPERATING STATEMENTS

THE UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE

AUGUST 1,1991-JULY 31,1995

1392

1993

1994

1995

TOTAL

NET SALES-PRODUCTS i
SEMINAR FEES, SPECIAL
SALES/COMMISSIONS, ETC.

TOTAL REVENUE

i 85.588,651
1,213,830

$ 89,843,702
1,486,429

$ 90,990,841
1 ,620,796

$ 97,341,087
1,182,020

$

363,764,281
5,503,075

86,802,481

91,330,131

92,611,637

98,523,107

369,267,356

COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD
GROSS OPERATING REVENUE

40,819,033

41,449,081

42,017,034

45,632,851

169,917,999

E 45,983,448

49,881,050

50,594,603

52,890,256

199,349,357

EXPENSES

NET OPERATING REVENUE

46,545,845

46,677,222

49,356,123

52,747,234

195,326,424

(562,397)

3,203,828

1 ,238,480

143,022

4,022,933

OTHER REVENUE-NET
INVESTMENT REVENUE-NET

NET REVENUE FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS

(69,252)
1 ,664,965

(934,855)
3,073,226

(1,334,443)
1 ,444,234

747,413
1,825,879

(1,591,137)
8,008,304

1,033,316

5,342,199

1 ,348,271

2,716,314

10,440,100

SEVERANCE
SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION

NET REVENUE-BEFORE
FAS 106 CHARGES

1 ,655,349
8,791

115,147
186,580

-

141,550
132,908

1,912,046
328,279

(630,824)

5,040,472

1,348,271

2,441 ,856

8,199,775

FAS 106 CHARGES (NOTE A)
NET REVENUE $_
NOTE A

.

(19,768,200)

-

(19,768,200)

(630,824.00)

$ 5,040,472.00

$ (18,419,929.00)

$ 2,441,856.00

$ (1

1 ,568,425.00)

FAS 1 06 CHARGES REFLECTS THE IMMEDIATE RECOGNITION OF THE LIABILITY OF MEDICAL COSTS FOR
EMPLOYEES UPON THEIR RETIREMENT. EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1 , 1993 THE UMPH ELECTED TO RECORD ALL
PREVIOUS YEARS ACCUMULATED LIABILITY.

The Park Ridge property, the 825 Sixth Avenue A contract was also negotiated with a single travel

South building which formerly housed Cokesbury dis- agency for use by the four agencies in Nashville, result-

tribution and the paper warehouse, the Dallas Samuel ing in potential savings of $220,000 annually.
Boulevard, and the old Cokesbury store location in

Richmond have all been sold. Work force reduction in some areas combined with

expansion in other areas, principally in Cokesbury retail

Land was purchased and new Cokesbury stores store operations, produced a net reduction in full-time

were built in Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Richmond. and part-time employees from 1,080 in 1991 to 1,043 in

1995. Part-time employees comprised 18.6% of the work

Working in cooperation with the General Council force in 1995 compared with 16.4% five years ago.
on Finance and Administration, a three-year contract

with AT&T was negotiated resulting in considerable Racial/ethnic representation in the work force has

savings on telephone bills to the Church. The contract remained relatively constant, ranging from 24% in 1991

provides for savings for local churches, seminaries, an- to 23.4% in 1995. Twenty-two percent of all racial/ethnic

nual conferences, and general Church agencies on long employees were employed in the three higher level job

distancecharges. As of May 1995, nine agencies, three categories of Officials-Managers, Professionals, and

seminaries, and one annual conference began a relation- Technicians at the close of the 1995 fiscal year,
ship expected to save $211,000 in the first year of the v i i mcc ■

contract GCFA is the contracting agency and The Pub- Female representation m die highest level Official-

lishing House is the administrator of the system. Manager job category has increased substantially over

the five-year period, from under 14% to 18%. At the close

352

DCA Advance Edition

of FY 1995, female representation as a percent of all
employees in the Official-Manager category stood at
56%.

An Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, com-
prised of a representative group of employees in the
Nashville location, continues to monitor affirmative ac-
tion progress and recommend strategies to strengthen
the Publishing House's efforts to achieve goals.

The Publishing House has participated in the
INROADS program since its introduction to the
Nashville business community more than fifteen years
ago. The Publishing House has sponsored as many as
six racial/ethnic youth for summer internships with the
intention of offering full-time employment upon com-
pletion of their college education. The program has
produced six employees, four of whom are presently
serving in management positions within the company.
INROADS has become the Publishing House's most
productive source of high-potential racial/ethnic em-
ployees.

The Publishing House has continued the Merit
Scholarship Program during the quadrennium, contrib-
uting as much as $10,000 per year in scholarship aid to
racial/ethnic students in United Methodist- related col-
leges and universities. The program is designed to en-
courage high potential racial/ethnic persons to
seriously consider employment with the Publishing
House upon completion of their academic training.
Scholarship recipients are selected with the assistance
of the Office of Loans and Scholarships of the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Two graduates
of the program are presently working at the Publishing
House.

The Publishing House has attempted to serve
world-wide Methodist publishing interests by providing
training to a number of people from other countries.
Internships of one to six months duration have been
provided for publishing managers from Ghana, Brazil,
Estonia, and Tonga. Workshops sponsored by the
Publishing House have included persons from eight
different nations.

Tlie Publishing House participated in an advisory
panel of representatives of all United Methodist general
boards and agencies working with the General Board of
Pensions and Health Benefits in the further develop-
ment of the UMCARE managed health care plan ap-
proved by the General Conference in 1992. When the
Judicial Council ruled the plan unconstitutional, the
Publishing House proceeded to develop its own man-
aged care plan which was implemented in July 1993.
CIGNA Health Plans was selected as plan administrator,
ending a 65 year relationship with the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company as group insurance carrier. Metro-
politan continues to administer the Publishing House's
fully funded employee pension plan. The Publishing
House has been able to contain health care cost in-

creases at an average 5. 1% for the past five years through
careful plan design and education of employees in effi-
cient use of the plan.

Since 1983, $16 million has been allocated as our
contribution to the ministerial pension fund.

Conclusion

As the quadrennium and my tenure close. The
United Methodist Publishing House stands committed
to support TTie United Methodist Church and the
greater Christian community and their needs for the
future.

During my tenure, capital expenditures of more
than $50 million have been invested in equipment, new
and improved buildings, and in systems development.
These investments place the Publishing House in a solid
financial position for the future and an era of ever in-
creasing customer demands. Great needs for Christian
resources exist in our Church and society. I'm glad to
report the United Methodist Publishing House stands
ready with a vision for the future to meet these needs.

Report of the Book Editor/Editorial
Director

Neil M. Alexander

John Wesley wrote: "It cannot be that the people
should grow in grace unless they give themselves to read-
ing. " The legacy of more than two hundred years of
vigorous publishing to encourage and resource the peo-
ple's faith and witness causes us to reassert our commit-
ment to an ambitious publishing ministry.

To publish is to make public ideas and information,
research findings and prescriptions, judgments and as-
sertions, advice and questions, analyses and aspirations.
Our publications provide the media by which idea and
opinion leaders, scholars and advocates, pioneers and
spiritual guides, inquiring and discerning counselors
are able to connect with people seeking insight,
encouragement, and help for living as disciples of Jesus
Christ.

We know that most of the audiences we reach see
only a portion of the hundreds of publications produced
each year (in 1995 alone the number of new items
reached nearly 1,400 tides) , and we are mindful that our
times, like earlier days, are marked by disputes over
everything from methods and conclusions in biblical
interpretation to what constitutes the most faithful and
effective teaching, evangelism, leadership, and mission
by congregations and the connectional church.

We approach our work with profound respect for
those we serve, honoring their ability and freedom to

Financial Administration

353

engage our products critically, exercising judgment and
discernment in evaluating the merit and utility of the
materials provided, hi preparing official products and
curriculum resources, we take special care to collabo-
rate with persons equipped and authorized to help us
fully reflect the consensus of The United Methodist
Church as documented in its Book of Discipline and
through the policies of its sanctioned agencies.

Church school publications are fashioned to sup-
port and encourage Christian faith development for per-
sons of all ages. Over 2,000 new titles will have been
published by the end of the quadrennium. In 1993 we
published Follow Me, the UMC's official confirmation
course helping youth grow as disciples of Jesus Christ,
and Get Acquainted with Your Bible, one of many titles
specifically prepared for young adults. A completely new
and comprehensive Bible-based curriculum for children
was released in 1994 under the series title. New Invita-
tion. That same year the highly acclaimed Vacation
Bible School program, Beneath the Storytelling Tree:
Parables Jesus Told was introduced. In 1995 two new
weekly resources available by telefax and online elec-
tronic transmission appeared under the titles FaithLink
(contemporary issues for adults) and LinC: Living in
Christ (discussion materials for youth). Plans for 1996
include oHering Lifegivers: A Practical Guide to Connect-
ing with Youth in a Challenging World, and Come Follow
Jesus, a new Vacation Bible School program. For a sum-
mary of curriculum-related activities and results over
the quadrennium, please refer to the report of the editor
of church school publications found on pages 221-222 in
the General Board of Discipleship report.

In our general publishing work (under the imprints
of Abingdon Press, Din cnsions for Living, and The
United Methodist Publishing House) we offer a mde
range of print and other media resources. The Book of
Discipline was provided in English, Korean, and Span-
ish, and lite United Methodist Book of Worship was
completed.

During this quadrennium we will publish more than
500 new books, plus hundreds of supply items, program
aids, and audio-visual, music, and electronic media re-
sources. We have endeavored to assure the availability
of scholarly works in Methodist and Wesleyan studies
(by the end of 1996 nine new titles in the Kingswood
Books collection will be released), invested in a long-
term effort to provide a critical collection of The Works
of John Wesley, introduced TTte New Interpreter's Bible (a
major new commentary bringing the best of current
scholarship to preachers and teachers), and we have
worked with the General Board of Discipleship to com-
pile what we trust will become the denomination's offi-
cial Spanish-language hymnal, Mil Voces Para Celebrar.

We are encouraged by the response to our aca-
demic publishing program. Highlights during the quad-
rennium include books in biblical studies such as The
Quest for the Messiah: The History, Literature and Theol-

ogy of the J ohannine Community hy ]ohn Painter (1993);
A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms by J.
Clinton McCann, Jr. (1993); Hellenistic Commentary to
the New Testament, edited by Eugene Boring, Klaus
Berger, and Carsten Colpe (1995); volumes addressing
church history, such as Spirituality and Social Respon-
sibility, edited by Rosemary Keller (1993) ; In Her Words:
Women's Writings in the History of Christian Thought,
edited by Amy Oden (1994); Church History: An Essen-
tial Guide by Justo L. Gonzalez {X99&) , Wesley and the
People Called Methodists by Richard P. Heitzenrater
(1995); works in theology, such as The Transforming
Power o/Grcce by Thomas C. Oden (1993); The Disabled
God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability by Nancy
L Eiesland (1994), and in 1996 A New Handbook of
Christian Theologians by Donald W. Musser and Joseph
L. Price.

Other academic titles of note mcXu^ie African Ameri-
can Christian Worship by Melva Wilson Costen (1993) ;
Unleashing the Scriptures: Freeing the Bible from Captiv-
ity to America by Stanley Hauerwas (1993), Worship as
Theology: Foretaste of Glory Divine by Don E. Sailers
(1994) ; Using Scripture in Pastoral Counseling by Ed-
ward P. Wimberly (1994) ; The Image of God: A Theology
for Pastoral Care and Counseling by Leroy T. Howe
(1995); and, due in 1996, Faithful Change: The Personal
and Public Challenges of Postmodern Life by James W.
Fowler.

Resources for pastors and other church profession-
als represent a major emphasis in our publishing pro-
gram. Titles produced this quadrennium include the
following resources in congregational studies: Market-
ing for Congregations (1992), Leading the Congregation
(1994) , and Managing the Congregation (1996) by Nor-
man Shawchuck and Roger Heuser, The Church Confi-
dent by Leander E. Keck (1993); FaithQuakes by
Leonard Sweet (1994); Dancing with Dinosaurs by Wil-
liam Easum (1994) , Hard-Living People and Mainstream
Christians by Tex Sample (1993) ; and Church for the
Unchurched by George G. Hunter III (1996) . New works
by Lyle E. Schaller continue to be used and discussed
by pastors and other church leaders. His most recent
book is Tlie New Reformation: Tomorrow Arrived Yester-
day (1995).

To assist pastors in sermon preparation and plan-
ning worship we have offered the twelve-volume set,
Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary by Marion
Soards, Thomas Dozeman, and Kendall McCabe (1992-
1995) , which is available in print and electronic editions;
The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible, edited by Mi-
chael E. Williams (1991-ff.); >1 Community of Joy: How
to Create Contemporary Worship by Timothy Wright
(1994); and The Practice of Preaching by Paul Scott
Wilson (1995) . In addition, we initiated an annual alma-
nac for good stewards, The Abingdon Guide to Funding
Ministry (1995-ff), edited by Norma Wimberley and
Donald W. Joiner.

354

DCA Advance Edition

To support Christian educators we have published
The Teaching Church by Eugene C. Roehlkepartain
(1993), Educating Christians by Jack L Seymour, Mar-
garet Ann Grain, and Joseph V. Crockett (1993) ; Educat-
ing Congregations by Charles R. Foster (1994) ; Teaching
Godly Play by Jerome Berryman (1995), and five vol-
umes in our series for adult workers with youth, Essen-
tials for Christian Youth!

During the quadrennium we developed ministry
helps reflecting the contributions of African American
authors in the areas of preaching (Henry H. Mitchell,
Emil M. Thomas) , worship (Melva Wilson Costen) , pas-
toral care (Ed Wimberly) , church growth (Carlyle Field-
ing Stewart III), and Christian education (Anne Streaty
Wimberly) . We also offered professional resources for
pastors featuring women authors: Worshiping Womenhy
Heather Murray Elkins (1994) ; Leading Women by Carol
E. Becker (1995), and The Abingdon Women's Preaching
Annual, edited by Jana Childers and Lucy Rose
(1996-ff).

We have published scores of materials for laity and
clergy covering a wide spectrum of subjects and inter-
ests. These include the revised edition of Disciple: Be-
coming Disciples Through Bible Study, and two
subsequent in-depth studies in the Disciple family: Into
the Word, Into the World (1991) and Remember Who You
Are (1996).

Anew line of books under the Dimensions for Living
imprint has been launched and well received by readers
of inspirational and devotional material. The most popu-
lar tides in the DFL selections include the Everyday
Prayers series (1993-96), Don't Put a Period Where God
Put a Comma by Nell W. Mohney (1993) ; If Experience
Is Such a Good Teacher, Why Do I Keep Repeating the
Course? by J. Ellsworth Kalas (1994); and When Grief
Breaks Your Heart hy ]amesW. Moore (1995).

Abingdon Press titles for general audiences have
included Truth and Tradition, edited by Neal Fisher
(1995), TTje Search for Meaning hyWiWiam H. Willimon
and Thomas H. and Magdelana R. Naylor (1994); This
Is Christianity by Maxie Dunnam (1994); Love Letters
from Cell 92 by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria von
Wedemeyer (1995); Leslie Weatherhead's The Will of
God: A Workbook by Rebecca Laird (1995) ; and Memo-
ries ofGodhy Roberta C. Bondi (1995).

To help children strengthen their familiarity with
God, Jesus, and the Bible, we publish books for younger
readers. Examples from this quadrennium include A
Friend for Zacchaeus, Joseph the Dreamer, and The Good
Neighbor (1993); David's Adventure with the Giant and
Daniel's Adventure with the Lions (1994); 77ze Turnabout
Paul Storybook by Michael E. Williams, The Grumpy
Shepherd by Paddie Devon, and If I Had Lived in Jesus'
Time by Peter Graystone (1995), and My Own Book of
Prayers compiled by Mary Batchelor(1996).

Our efforts in music publishing have been ex-
panded. Categories of publications include anthems
(Hymnal Anthems for the Church Fear); helps for music
leaders (TJie United Methodist Music and Worship Plan-
ner; How Does Your Choir Grow.''); children's and youth
choir resources (Church Music for Children curriculum;
Sing for Joy: Songs and Activities for Elementary Chil-
dren); UM Hymnal-related materials (Music Supplement
II; The United Methodist Hymnal Compact Disc Edition);
and worship aids (Come Celebrate: A Guide for Planning
Contemporary Worship).

Spanish-language materials that have been added to
our list include^t;e«^Mras, a bilingual children's curricu-
lum; a Spanish edition of Disciple: Becoming Disciples
Through Bible Study; and the adult study resource Lec-
tiones Christianas.

Korean-language materials include the annual Ko-
rean Class Meeting study guide, a Korean edition of
Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study; Get
Acquainted with Your Bible; and Journey Through the
Bible.

Magazines and journals also have a place in our
comprehensive publishing program. New designs and
editorial content for Circuit Rider and Mature Years
magazines have been well received. Through coopera-
tive efforts with the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry we publish Quarterly Review, a journal of
theological resources for ministry; with the Mexican
American Program at Perkins School of Theology we
produce Apuntes, a journal of theological reflections
from the Hispanic perspective. And the creation and
distribution of many new offerings in CD-ROM, compact
disc, audio cassette, and vide;- formats represent atten-
tion to audiences desiring non-print resources.

When word reaches us that a particular publication
is "the best we have read in a long time, " or is received as
"a breath of fresh air bringing confidence and vision.. .for
a church committed to a gospel true enough to make a
difference, and a mission compassionate enough to serve
people in need," we take heart When a laywoman de-
clares that Disciple Bible study has "saved" her local
church, when a UM seminary professor affirms that our
books are among the best and most useful in the forma-
tion of future pastors, when a substitute teacher tells one
of our editors that he found the New Invitation lesson
plans for children's Sunday school rich with content and
fun to use, we are reminded that the development of
quality resources can have far-reaching significance.

Because we believe with John Wesley that "it cannot
be that the people should grow in grace unless they give
themselves to reading" and that "a reading people will
always be a knowing people," 'we are vigorous advocates
for the continuation of a vibrant and expansive publish-
ing ministry in behalf of the people called Methodists
and the world they serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

Financial Administration

355

General Board of Publication Members

Council of Bishops

Bishop George W. Bashore
Bishop Judith Craig
North Central Jurisdiction

Philip H. Carver

Jane Hurtt

Thomas A. Letzler

Benis Lutz

William A. McCartney

Myron F. McCoy

Ray B. Porter

Calvin T. Word
Northeastern Jurisdiction

James A. Batten

Robert M. Daugherty

William S. Deel (Chairperson)

Stephen E. Drachler

Richard F. Gross

Ellis B. Johnson

Julita R Navarro

Jack W. Plowman
South Central Jurisdiction

L Ray Branton

Jerry Heare

Lucinda S. Holmes

Thalia F. Matherson

W. Clark Randall

Dennis H. Scheer

Hiram Smith

Charles W. Williams

Mars, PA
Columbus, OH

Cedar Falls, lA

Clarksburg , OH

Stow, OH

Ashville, OH

Delaware, OH

Chicago, IL

Lebanon, IL

Indianapolis, IN

Portsmouth, NH

Valley Forge, PA

Huntington, WV

Harrisburg, PA

Lewiston, ME

Newton, MA

Hato Key, PR

Pittsburgh, PA

Dallas, TX

Austin, TX

Enid, OK

Dallas. TX

Shawnee Mission, KS

Wichita, KS

DeLeon, TX

Houston, TX

Southeastern Jurisdiction

Bill 0. Beverage
Anne C. Dalton
0. E. Dillon
A. Bob Dixon
James S. Gadsden
Jean Henderson
James W. Holsinger, Jr.
Harold G. Hunter
F. Belton Joyner, Jr.
Joe W. Kilpatrick
Francisco Montes, Jr.
Joe E. Fennel, Jr.
Western Jurisdiction

Tuscaloosa, AL

Pensacola, FL

Kemersville, NC

Thomasville, GA

Columbia, SC

Cleveland, TN

Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY

Raleigh, NC

Tucker, GA

Miami, FL

Brentwood, TN

Wayne T. Gruen (Secretary) Olympia, WA

Beverly J. Shamana (Vice-Chairperson)

Pasadena, CA
Additional Members

Minerva G. Carcano
Ellen H. Casey
Yvonne C. Ferris
Taylor Harjo, Jr.
Juanita T. Henderson
Michael J. McConnell
W. Randolph Smith
Donald W. Tanselle
Porter J. Womeldorff
Suk-Chong Yu

Albuquerque, NM

Hope, RI

Central City, NE

Morris, OK

Charlotte, NC

Brookline, MA

Houston, TX

Indianapolis, IN

Decatur, IL

San Francisco, CA

356

DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

J708.

Petition Number: 20497-FA-708-D;NNJ.
Conference Council on Finance and Administration
Amend ^ 708:

In each Annual Conference there shall be a confer-
ence Council on Finance and Administration (or the
responsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides pursuant to ^707. 1), hereinafter called the
council.

^708.

Petition Number: 21623-FA-708-D; GCOM.
Conference Council on Finance and Administration
Amend ^ 708:

In each Annual Conference there shall be a confer-
ence Council on Finance and Administration, hereinaf-
ter called the council or other structure to provide
for the functions of this ministry and maintain the
connectional relationships (^ 707. 1) .

^709.

Petition Number: 20716-FA-709.2-D;EOH.

Membership on Annual Conference Council on

Finance and Administration
Amend the third sentence of ^ 709.2a:

Churches of less than two hundred members foof
shall be represented...

^709.

Petition Number: 21559-FA-709.2-D; GCFA, GCOM.

Membership of the Annual Conference Council on
Finance and Administration
Amend ^ 709.2c:

2. a) [Second sentence] Persons shall be nominated
for membership in a manner determined by the confer-
ence, in accordance with ^f 113, 707.3, and 707.4.
Churches of less than two hundred members may be
represented on the conference Council on Finance and
Administration at least as high aa the proportion of their
total membership in the conference membership.

^709.

Petition Number: 20192-FA-709.2-D;BMW.

Membership of Conference Finance and
Administration
Add a new sub-point after ^ 709.26(5):

...Council on Ministries, without voter; (6) the di-
rector of communications or another repre-
sentative of the Conunission on Communications,
without vote.

^709.

Petition Number: 20587-FA-709.2-D;WNC.

Annual Conference Council on Finance and

Administration

Amend ^ 709:

2.b) (3) the presiding bishop, without vote; and (4)
a district superintendent chosen by the Cabinet, without
vote; and (5) the conference council director or another
representative of the conference Council on Ministries,
without vote.

^710.

Petition Number: 21560-FA-710.1-D; GCFA.

Responsibilities of the Annual Conference Council on
Finance and Administration

Insert a new sentence at the end of ^ 710.1:

The council may recommend, and the annual
conference may adopt, policies and procedures
whereby allocations included in a budget ap-
proved by the conference may be adjusted or re-
vised between sessions of the conference, pro-
vided that the minimum conditions set forth in
petition #21563 are met.

[The provisions of this paragraph shall take effect
immediately upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference. If this or similar legislation is adopted, it is
recommended that the General Conference request a
Judicial Council decision as to its constitutionality,
meaning, application, and effect, and that, if possible, the
Judicial Council report its decision to the 1996 General
Conference before its adjournment.]

7. a) [Delete.]

Financial Administration

357

^710.

PeUtlon Number: 20717-FA-710.3-D;KEN.

Requests rather than Apportionments
Amend ^ 710.3:

3. To recommend to the Annual Conference for its
action and decision the methods or formulas by which
apportionments — t© connectional requests from
churches, charges...

that the minimum conditions set forth in petition
#21563 are met.

[The provisions of this paragraph shall take effect
immediately upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference. If this or similar legislation is adopted, it is
recommended that the General Conference request a
Judicial Council decision as to its constitutionality,
meaning, application, and effect, and that, if possible, the
Judicial Council report its decision to the 1996 General
Conference before its adjournment.]

^710.

Petition Number: 20193-FA-710.4-D;BMW.

Responsibility of Conference Finance and
Administration

Amend ^ 710.4:

4. To consult and cooperate with the Committee
Commission on Communication in providing district
superintendents, pastors, and appropriate officers of the
local churches and charge conferences with interpretive
aidsor other materials to which ¥fill assist in gaining...

^710.

Petition Number: 21561-FA-710.7-D; GCFA
Relationships
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 710.7:

These recommendations may include policies
and procedures whereby allocations included in
an approved budget may be adjusted or revised
between sessions of the Annual Conference (see
petition #21563).

[The provisions of this paragraph shall take effect
immediately upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference. If this or similar legislation is adopted, it is
recommended that the General Conference request a
Judicial Council decision as to its constitutionality,
meaning, application, and effect, and that, if possible, the
Judicial Council report its decision to the 1996 General
Conference before its adjournment.]

^711.

Petition Number: 21562-FA-711-D; GCFA GCOM.

Budgets

Insert a new second sentence in the introductory
paragraph of ^711:

As a part of its action on such budgets, the
Annual Conference may establish policies and
procedures whereby allocations included in an
approved budget may be adjusted or revised be-
tween sessions of the annual conference, provided

^711.

Petition Number: 20588-FA-711.1-D;WNC.

Annual Conference Budgeting Procedures
Amend ^ 711:

l.e) It shall recommend to the Annual Conference
an amount determined in consultation with the Commis-
sion on Equitable Compensation to be used for compli-
ance with the approved schedule of equitable base com-
pensation for pastors (^[722. 3) meeting the needs of
the conference for pastoral salary supplements in
missional situations.

3. World Service and Conference Benevolences
Budget. — a) In preparing the conference benevolences
budget the council, working together with the confer-
ence Council on Ministries as provided in ']I711.3b, shall
make diligent effort...Basingitsjudgment of needs upon
the information secured, and in consultation with the
resident bishop, the council shall recommend. ..i^tef
receiving the recommendations of the conference Coun-
cil on Ministries, the The council, in consultation
with the resident bishop, shall also recom-
mend.. .Stieh-f=ee©ftH«ettdatt©f»-8h©ttW-f=efleet-affee-
mcnt with the conference Council on Ministries on
program agency allocations as specified below.

b) The Council on Finance and Administration and
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries shall work
together to establish and follow a procedure which shall
preserve the following principles! (1) It is the responsi-
bility...It is likewise the responsibility of the council to
study the budget requests for any agencies or causes to
be included in the conference benevolences budget
other than the conference program agencies, including
the requests of the conference Council on Ministries,
and to give...

(2) [Delete.]

(3) [Delete.]

c) [Third sentence] Administrative expenses which
are directly related to the program, mission, and benevo-
lent causes of conference program agencies, including
the expenses of the conference Council on Ministries,
may also be included...

358

DCA Advance Edition

4M^. General Church Funds: The council, on receiv-
ing from the treasurer of the General Council on Finance
and Administration a statement of the amounts appor-
tioned that Annual Conference for World Service gen-
eral church funds for the support of general agen-
cies, councils, and commissions, shall combine the
total World Service apportionment, without reduction
for the quadrcnnium, and the approved conference bc'
ncvolcncca budget (TI711.3a). The sum of these two
amounts shall be knowTi as World Service and Confer
cncc Benevolences. The World Service and Conference
Benevolences budget thus established shall include a
statement of the percentage for World Service and the
percentage for conference benevolences. (Sec also
ijyifl.) recommend to the Annual Conference the
amount of each such apportionment which the
Annual Conference will accept for apportionment
to the local chiu-ches, with the exception of the
Episcopal Fund and funds for conducting the Gen-
eral Conference, which shall be apportioned with-
out reduction, and the Annual Conference shall
act to adopt or amend those recommendations as
a part of the business of its annual session. These
apportionments shall not be combined together,
nor shall they be combined with conference be-
nevolences in the apportionments to local congre-
gations.

^711.

Petition Number: 20125-FA-711.3-D;NWT.
World Service apportionments
Amend ^ 711.3:

3. World Service and Conference Benevolences
Budget.

1711.

Petition Number: 20126-FA-711.3-D;NWT.

Separate World Service Apportionments
Delete % lllM.

budget thus established shall include a statement of the
percentage for World Service and the percentage for
conference benevolences. (See a/so 'J712.) If the Coim-
cil, on its initiative or at the direction of the Annual
Conference, does not combine World Service with
Conference Benevolences, the two shall stand
separately within the budget

1711.

Petition Number: 20718-FA-711.3-D;KEN.

The Separation of World Service and Conference
Benevolence into two separate line items
Amend % niM.

3. d) World Service Benevolences. The council,
on receiving from the treasurer of the General councU
on Finance and Administration a statement of the
amount apportioned that Annual Conference for World
Service, shall apportion combine the total World Serv-
ice apportionment, without reduction for the quadrcn-
nium, and the approved conference benevolences
budget (711.3a) the World Service apportionment
in a manner to be determined by the Annued Con-
ference. This apportionment shall be known as
World Service. The sum of these two amounts shall be
known as World Service and Conference Benevolences.
The World Service and Conference Benevolences
budget thus established shall include a statement of the
percentage for World Service and the percentage for
conference benevolences. {See also 11712.)

1711.

Petition Number: 2075(>-FA-711.3-D;FLA.

World Service and Conference Benevolences
Amend % 711.3:

3. World Service and Conference Benevolences
Budget. — a)...

d) [Delete.]

1711.

Petition Number: 20412-FA-711.3-D;NMX.

World Service and Conference Benevolence
Amende 71 1.3^;:

i.d) The council,. ..for World Service, shall may
combine the total World Service apportionment, without
reduction for the quadrennium, and the approved con-
ference benevolences budget (^711.3a), diough the
two amounts need not be combined. If combined,
¥the sum of these two amounts shall be known as World
Service and Conference Benevolences?, andTthe com-
bined World Service and Conference Benevolences

1711.

Petition Number: 21563-FA-711.5-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Budget Revisions
Add a new subparagraph following % 711.4:

Budget Revisions. — The Annual Conference, by
specific action, may establish policies and proce-
dures whereby specific allocations included in an
approved budget may be adjusted or revised be-
tween sessions of the Annual Conference, pro-
vided that at least the following minimum condi-
tions are met:

Financial Administration

359

a) Authorization to make adjustments or revi-
sions under the conditions set forth in this para-
graph, along with any related conditions, policies,
and procedures which the Annual Conference may
wish to establish, shall have been adopted at the
same Annual Conference session during which
the budget was approved.

b) No adjustment or revision shall result in a
change in the total amount apportioned to the
local churches or districts of the conference, nor
shall it result in a change in the amount appor-
tioned for each of the major budget categories set
forth in ^ 71 1.1 -.3 (clergy support, administra-
tion. World Service and Conference Benevo-
lences).

c) Amounts approved by the Annual Confer-
ence for support of general church funds, other
duly authorized jurisdictional or episcopal area
fiinds, or institutions to which the conference con-
tributes budgeted support are not subject to ad-
justment or revision.

d) Adjustments or revisions in allocations
shall require considtation (as described in ^ 818)
with the conference agency or agencies responsi-
ble for administering the funds or whose budget
is affected, and may be made only with the ap-
proval of the bishop and by a majority vote of the
conference Council on Finance and Administra-
tion and, if allocations in the conference benevo-
lences budget are aflfected, by a majority vote of
the conference Council on Ministries. The confer-
ence treasurer must have written documentation
of each of the required approvals before any pro-
posed adjustment or revision may be imple-
mented.

e) Any adjustments or revisions approved un-
der die provisions of this paragraph shall be re-
ported by the conference Council on Finance and
Administration to the next session of the Annual
Conference and shall be recorded in the confer-
ence journal.

[The provisions of this paragraph shall take effect
immediately upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference. If this or similar legislation is adopted, it is
recommended that the General Conference request a
Judicial Council decision as to its constitutionality,
meaning, application, and effect, and that, if possible, the
Judicial Council report its decision to the 1996 General
Conference before its adjournment.]

1712.

Petition Number: 20127-FA-712-D;NWT.

World Service Apportionments
Amend the first sentence of "D 712:

...budgeted amounts for clergy support, administra-
tion, Wofld-Sefvieeaft^ Conference Benevolences,...

1712.

Petition Number: 20413-FA-712-D;NMX.
Apportionments
Amend ^712:

Apportionments. — ^The council shall recom-
mend...World Service and Conference Benevolences
(the latter two either combined or separately, as
determined pursuant to ^71 1.3^, and other appor-
tioned causes ...

1712.

Petition Number: 20589-FA-712-D;WNC.

Annual Conference Apportionment Procedures
Amend ^712:

Apportionments. — ^The council shall recommend to
the Annual Conference for its action and determination
the methods or formulas by which the approved budg-
eted amounts for clergy support, administration. World
Service general church agency funds, and Cconfer-
ence Bbenevolences, and other apportioned causes...

1. The council,. ..shall apportion the same in the
amoimts approved by the Annual Conference to the
several districts, charges, or churches by whatever
method the conference may direct, but without rcduc
tioft; provided, however, that the Episcopal Fimd
and ftmds for conducting the General Conference
shall be apportioned without reduction.

4. [Delete.]

1712.

Petition Number: 20128-FA-712.1-D;NWT.

An Option Regarding Apportionments
Amend ^712.1:

1. ...by whatever method the conference may direct;
but without reduction.

360

DCA Advance Edition

^712.

Petition Nu.nber: 20129-FA-712.4-D;NWT.

World Service and Conference Benevolence
Amend ^ 712.4:

4.The World Service and Conference Benevolences
apportionment...

^712.

Petition Number: 20414-FA-712.4-D;NMX.

Conference Benevolences Apportionments
Amend ^ 712.4:

4. The World Service and the Conference Benevo-
lences apportionments to the churches or charges of the
conference, whether separate or combined, and

whether made by the conference....

1714.

Petition Number: 20372-FA-714.2-D;KSW.
Annual Audit Reports
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 714.2:

The Conference Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration at its discretion may accept reviewed
or compUed reports in lieu of audited reports.

1714.

Petition Number: 21564-FA-714.2-D; GCFA.

Authority and Responsibility of the Annual
Conference Council on Finance and Administration
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 714.2:

To require and review at least annually, in
such detail as it may direct, audited reports of all
funds received or administered by districts or dis-
trict agencies, including funds held or adminis-
tered by treasurers or officers other than the con-
ference treasurer. Based on its review of such
audits, the council may make such recommenda-
tions to the Annual Conference as it deems appro-
priate.

1716.

Petition Number: 21625-FA-716-D; GCOM.

Conference Treasurer/Director
of Administrative Services
Amend ^ 716:

Conference Treasurer/ Director of Administrative
Services. — Each Annual Conference, on nomination of
its Council on Finance and Administration in consult-
ation with the bishop, shall at the first session. ..If a
vacancy should occur during the quadrennium, the
council in consultation with the bishop shall fill the
vacancy...

1716.

Petition Number: 20130-FA-716.1-D;NWT.
Conference Benevolence Fund
Amend ^716.1:

l.a) (1) Local church treasurers shall remit monthly
to the conference treasurer all amounts contributed in
each local church for (a) the World Service and Confer-
ence Benevolences fund; (b) all other funds...

1716.

Petition Number: 20131-FA-716.1-D;NWT.

World Service and Conference benevolence
Amend ^716.1:

l.a) (2) The treasurer shall each month divide the
total amount received from local churches for World
Service and Conference Benevolences, setting aside the
proper amount for World Service and the proper amount
for conference benevolences, according to the ratio of
each established by the Annual Conference in the total
World Service and Conference Benevolences budget
(11711.3c). The treasurer shall, from the share funds
received for conference benevolences....

1716.

Petition Number: 20415-FA-716.1-D;N]VIX.

Responsibility of a Local Church Treasurer
Amende 716. Ifl(l):

l.a) (1) Local church treasurers shall remit monthly
to the conference treasurer all amounts contributed in
each local church for (a) the World Service and the
Conference Benevolence funds, either separately or
combined, as appropriate;

Financial Administration

361

^716.

Petition Number: 20590-FA-716.1-D;WNC.
Duties of Treasurers
Amend ^ 716.1:

l.a) (1) Local church treasurers shall remit monthly
to the conference treasurer all amounts contributed in
each local church for (a) the World Service and Confer
cncc Benevolences fund; (b) all other funds authorised
by the General Conference and apportioned to the An
nual Conferences by the General Council on Finance
and Administration; (c) all other jurisdictional, Annual
Conference, and district funds or causes apportioned in
accordance with 11 712, unlcas otherwise directed by the
Annual Conference all apportioned funds autfior-
ized by the General Conference, Jurisdictional
Conference, and, Annual Conference and ap-
proved by the Charge Conference for payment; (4
b) special Sunday offerings (H 274) ; (t c) special appeals
OT 711.5, 911.4); (fd) Advance special gifts (1I914);-(f^
World Service special gifts (^013); (k e) Youth Service
Fund (H 1310); and (if) all other general, jurisdictional.
Annual Conference, and district funds not otherwise
directed.

(2) The treasurer shall each month divide the total
amount received from local churches for World Service
and Conference Benevolences, setting aside the proper
amount for World Service and the proper amount for
conference benevolences, according to the ratio of each
established by the Annual Conference in the total World
Service and Conference Benevolences budget — (^
711.3e). The treasurer shall, from the share amount
received for conference benevolences,. ..The treasurer
shall remit each month to the treasurer of the General
Council on Finance and Administration the total share
received during the month for World Service. When the
share so designated for World Service general pro-
gram agencies, commissions, and funds during a
year exceeds the amount apportioned to the Annual
Conference, the entire share contributed for World
Service said causes shall be remitted...

(5) The conference treasurer shall remit.. .the Mis-
sional Priority Fund, World Service special gifts, Ad-
vance special gifts,...

remittances to the treasurers of such agencies or causes
according to the rightful share and proportion of each
(H 711.3a), or in accordance with any revisions or
adjustments in the budget approved under the
provisions of [new subparagraph in ^711 — page
10 of GCFA petitions). The monthly credit or remit-
tance to each agency or cause may be either on ratio,
reflecting its proportionate share of the total conference
benevolences budget, or according to a payment sched-
ule approved...

[The provisions of this paragraph shall take effect
immediately upon adjournment of the 1996 General
Conference. If this or similar legislation is adopted, it is
recommended that the General Conference request a
Judicial Council decision as to its constitutionality,
meaning, application, and effect, and that, if possible, the
Judicial Council report its decision to the 1996 General
Conference before its adjournment.]

^717.

Petition Number: 20536-FA-717-D; Cabinet of the
West Virginia Annual Conference, WVA.

Clergy Support

Add new text at the end of % 1\T.

1 . An Annual Conference may at any regular
session adopt a plan for the equalizing of salary
support of its active itinerants, local pastors, and
others serving in full-time ministry. The plan shall
be put into effect after it has been ratified by two-
thirds of those voting members of the Annual Con-
ference.

2. An Annual Conference Salary Plan may al-
low for living costs, number of dependents, years
of education, years of service, number of churches
being served, and other such variants as the An-
nual Conference may approve.

3. The plan may allow for the payment of cash
salaries and other benefits by the Treasiu^er of the
Annual Conference with the total cost of these
payments distributed as an apportionment to the
pastoral charges by a method to be determined
and approved by the Annual Conference.

^716.

Petition Number: 21565-FA-716.1-D; GCFA.

Conference Treasurer/Director
of Administrative Services
Amend the second sentence of ^ 716. la (2):

1. a) (2) ...The treasurer shall, from the share re-
ceived for conference benevolences, credit monthly the
accounts of the several agencies or causes included in
the conference benevolences budget or make monthly

^722.

Petition Number: 20498-FA-722-D;NNJ.

Commission on Equitable Salary
Amend % 722:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a
Commission on Equitable Compensation (or the re-
sponsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides piu-suant to ^707.1) composed of...

362

DCA Advance Edition

^722.

Petition Number: 20591-FA-722-D;WNC.
Equitable Compensation
Amend ^722:

2. (2) administering funds to be used m for base
compensation supplementation in missional support
situations, including a determination, in regular
consultation with the Cabinet, of the appointments
in the conference which are to be so designated;
and (3)...

3. The commission shall carefully study the needs
for additional support in missional support situ-
ations within the conference and the sources of in-
come, and shall recommend annually to the conference
for its action a schedule of minimum base compensation
for all full-time pnstora or those clergy members of the
Annual Conference appointed and less than full-time
pastors serving to a local church such appointments,
subject to such rules...

6. ...the schedule of minimum base compensation
and base compensation supplements for the pastors
serving missional support appointments, as

adopted by the conference.

8. The Equitable Compensation Fund, secured as
described in §6, shall be used to provide each pastor
serving a missional support appointment who re-
ceives less than the minimum base compensation.. ./)ro-
vided that no member in good standing who is appointed
to a pastoral charge defined as a missional support
appointment is denied the minimum base compensa-
tion (^441).

^722.

Petition Number: 21626-FA-722-D; GCOM.
Equitable Compensation
Amend ^ 722:

Equitable Compensation. — 1. There shall be in each
Annual Conference a Commission on Equitable Com-
pensation or other structure to provide for these
functions and maintain the connectional relation-
ships. It shall be composed of an equal number...

8. [Second sentence] An Annual Conference may
set a maximum amount to be used in attaining such
minimum base compensation in any given case, and it
may set its own policy regarding the nimiber of
years for which a pastoral charge is eligible to
receive equitable base compensation funds, pro-
vided that no member...

11. [Delete last paragraph.]

^722.

Petition Number: 21566-FA-722.8-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Equitable Compensation
Amend the second sentence of ^ 722.8:

An Annual Conference may set a maximum amount
to be used in attaining such minimum base compensa-
tion in any given case, and it may set its own policy
regarding the number of years for which a pastor
is eligible to receive equitable base compensation
funds, provided that no member...

^722.

Petition Number: 21567-FA-722.11-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Equitable Compensation
Delete the last sentence of ^ 722.11:

^722.

Petition Number: 20499-FA-722.12-D;WVA.
Shared Salary Plan Option
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of % 722:

12. a) An annual conference at any regular
session may adopt by 2/3 vote a plan for stand-
ardizing emd sharing the cost of salary of its active
itinerant clergy under appointment

b) The standard salary plan may allow for dif-
ferences in years of service, educational levels,
number of dependents, travel, or other variables
such as actuad differences in living costs, as the
annual conference may approve.

c) The amounts due from the pastoral charges
on apportionment shall be paid to a conference
treasury established for that purpose, and all
standard salaries due shall be paid from that
treasury. The standard salary provided for each
minister under the plem shall constitute his/her
entire salary.

d) The Conference Coiuicil on Finance and
Administration shall administer the standard sal-
ary plan and the Director of Administrative Serv-
ices shall be responsible for collecting and dis-
bursing the funds.

e) An £mnual conference which has elected to
pay its salaries according to a standard salary plan
as herein provided may terminate the plan by a
2/3 vote of the annual conference at any regular
session.

f) If adopted by an annual conference, this
plan would replace the authority granted in ^
248.13, 257.3(f), and 722.4.

Financial Adnninistration

363

^722.

Petition Number: 20836-FA-722.12-D; Methodist
Federation For Social Action, CPA.

Shared Salary Plan Option

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 722.11:

a) An annual conference at any regular session
may adopt by 2/3 vote a plan for standardizing
and sharing the cost of salary of its active itinerant
clergy under appointment The plan shall be put
into effect after it has been ratified by at least 2/3
of the charge conferences within the annual con-
ference. The district superintendents shall certify
the results of the charge conference actions to the
annual conference secretary.

b) The standard salary plan may allow for dif-
ferences in years of service, educational levels,
number of dependents, or other variables such as
actual differences in living costs, as the annual
conference may approve.

c) The conference Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall estimate the amount necessary
to provide such ministerial support as may be
required by the schedule adopted, which amount
shall be distributed as an apportionment to the
districts or pastoral charges by a method deter-
mined by the conference.

d) The amounts due from the pastoral charges
on apportionment shall be paid to a conference
treasury established for that piupose, and all
standard salaries due shall be paid from that
treasury. The standard salary provided for each
minister under the plan shall constitute his/her
entire salary.

e) The conference Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall administer the standard salary
plan and shall be responsible for collecting and
disbursing the funds.

f) An annual conference which has elected to
pay its salaries according to a standard salary plan
as herein provided may terminate the plan by a
2/3 vote of the annual conference at any regular
session.

^723.

Petition Number: 20013-FA-723-D;DET.

Basic Salary Plan-Option for Annual Conference

Add a new ^ after ^ 722 and renumber as appropri-
ate:

Basic Salary Plan — An Annual Conference may
by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular session

adopt a basic salary plan for the support of its active
itinerants and local pastors.

1. The Basic Salary Plan shall provide a Salary
Schedule for the support of all active clergy and
include a plan for its implementation and funding.
It may take into account factors such as training,
experience, amount of responsibility, financial
need and differences in costs of living. On recom-
mendation of the conference Commission on
Equitable Salaries, the Basic Salary Schedule may
be changed from time to time by a majority vote of
the annual conference.

2. In consultation with the Commission on
Equitable Salaries, the Conference on Finance
and Administration shall estimate the amount
needed to provide such clergy support as may be
required by the Schedule and shall propose to the
Annual Conference a method by which all or part
of the amount shall be apportioned to the districts
or pastoral charges.

3. The conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall provide a means for the col-
lection and the distribution of funds according to
the provisions of the Basic Salary Plan and Sched-
ule. The basic salary provided for each clergy shall
constitute his/her entire salary.

^723.

Petition Number: 20373-FA-723-D;NYK, NIL.
Shared Salary Plan Option
Insert a new f after ^ 722:

1. An annual conference at any regular ses-
sion may adopt by 2/3 vote for a plan for stand-
ardizing and sharing the cost of salary of its active
itinerant clergy under appointment The plan shall
be put into effect after it has been ratified by at
least 2/3 of the charge conferences within the
annual conference. The district superintendents
shall certify the results of the charge conference
actions to the annual conference secretary.

2. The standard salary plan may allow for dif-
ferences in years of service, educational levels,
number of dependents or other variables such as
actual differences in living costs, as the annual
conference may approve.

3. The Conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall estimate the amount neces-
sary to provide such ministerial support as may be
required by the schedule adopted, which amount
shall be distributed as an apportionment to the
districts or pastoral charges by a method deter-
mined by the conference.

364

DCA Advance Edition

4. The amounts due from the pastoral charges
on apportionment shall be paid to a conference
treasxuy established for that purpose, and all
standard salaries due shall be paid from that
treasury. The standard salary provided for each
minister tmder the plan shall constitute his/her
entire salary.

5. The Conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall administer the standard sal-
ary plan and shall be responsible for collecting
and disbxu-sing the funds.

6. An annual conference which has elected to
pay its salaries, according to a standard salary
plan as herein provided, may terminate the plan
by a 2/3 vote of the annual conference at any
regular session.

^723.

Petition Number: 20882-FA-723-D; NCJ Town &
Country & Urban Network Committees.

Basic Salary Plan

Add a new Rafter ^722:

Basic Salary Plan ^An Annual Conference

may by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular
session adopt a basic salary plan for the support
of its active itinerants and local pastors.

1 . The Basic Salary Plan shall provide a Salary
Schedule for the support of all active clergy and
include a plan for its implementation and funding.
It may take into account factors such as training,
experience, amount of responsibility, financial
need, and differences in costs of living. On recom-
mendation of the conference Commission on
Eqmtable Salaries, tiie Basic Salary Schedule may
be changed from time to time by a majority vote of
the annual conference.

2. In consultation with the Commission on
Equitable Salaries, the conference Council on Fi-
nance and Administration shall estimate the
amoimt needed to provide such clergy support as
may be required by die Schedule and shall pro-
pose to the annual conference a method by which
all or part of the amoxmt shall be apportioned to
the districts or pastoral charges.

3. The conference Coimcil on Finance and
Administration shall provide a means for the col-
lection and the distribution of funds according to
the provisions of tiie Basic Salary Plan and Sched-
ule. The basic salary provided for each clergy shall
constitute his/her entire salary.

^724.

Petition Number: 21568-FA-724-D; GCFA

Pastors' Expenses and Allowances
Delete existing ^ 724 and replace with new text;

Pastors' Expenses and Allowances. — Local
chiu-ches shall report to the Annual Conference,
in the manner indicated on the Annual Conference
report form, expenditures for the following piu"-
poses: 1) amounts reimbursed to pastors for ex-
penses incurred by them in the fiilfillment of their
professional responsibilities; (2) amounts paid to
or for pastors as allowances (including housing
allowance) in addition to base compensation. Lo-
cal churches are encouraged to consider guide-
lines provided by the Annual Conference and/or
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion in setting and reporting the amounts of such
allowances and reimbursements.

^725.

Petition Number: 21251-FA-725-D; GBHEM.

Required Information from Clergy Members
Appointed Beyond the Local Church

Delete f 725.

^736.

Petition Number: 21627-FA-736.2-D; GCOM.
Episcopal Residence Committee
Amend ^ 736:

2. In each episcopal area in the Jurisdictional Con-
ferences there shall be an Episcopal Residence Commit-
tee or other structure to piovide for this function
and maintain the connectional relationship. The

committee shall be composed of the following persons:

a) The chairperson president, or hia/hcr desig-
nate,...

b) The president, or his/her designate,...

c) The president chairperson, or his/her desig-
nate,...

^737.

Petition Number: 20500-FA-737-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Pensions
Amend <]I737:

1. Authorization. — ^There shall be organized in each
Annual Conference a conference board, auxiliary to the
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, to be

Financial Administration

365

known as the conference Board of Pensions, hereinafter
called the board (or the responsibilities outlined
below may be assigned to such other organization
as the Annual Conference provides pursuant to
^707.1), which shall have charge...

^737.

Petition Number: 21628-FA-737-D; GCOM.
Conference Board of Pensions
Amend ^ 737:

1. Authorization. — ^There shall be organized in each
Annual Conference a conference board or other struc-
ture to provide for these functions and maintain
the connectional relationships. It shall be auxil-
iary...

2. a) It is recommended that the board be com-
posed of not less than twelve members not indebted to
pension and benefit funds, plans, and programs in ac-
cordance with % 719; one third laywomen,...

other times when vaconcica occur, and a district super-
intendent appointed from time to time by the bishop to
represent the Cabinet. Unless and until other members
arc elected, the chairperson and registrar of the Board
of Ordained Ministry and the chairperson and secretary
of the confcrcnec Board of Pensions, or others dcsig
nated by them, shall be authoriaed to represent their
respective boards. The committee shall organiec at the
beginning of each quadrcnnium by the election of a
chairperson and a secretary. The duties...

^746.

Petition Number: 20501-FA-746-D;NNJ.

Conference Joint Committee on Disability
Amend 1 746:

There shall be a Joint Committee on Disability in
each Annual Conference (or the responsibilities out-
lined below may be assigned to such other organi-
zation as the Annual Conference provides ptu-su-
ant to ^707.1).

^737.

Petition Number: 20014-FA-737.4-D;MNN.
Propositional payment
Delete ^ 737.4.

1746.

Petition Number: 20450-FA-746-D;NMX.
Joint Committee on Disability
Amend ^ 746:

There shall be a Annual Conferences shall pro-
vide for the fulfillment of the piuposes and duties
assigned to the Joint Committee on Disability in each
Annual Conference, by ^^746.fl-€, and elsewhere,
by structuring themselves as they deem appropri-
ate. The Annual Conference shall determine the
membership of the structure to which the duties
and purposes are assigned. The structure may be
assigned other duties and responsibilities and
may have membership in common with other
structures. As used in this paragraph, and else-
where in the Discipline in appropriate context, ref-
erences to the "Joint Committee on Disability," or
to die "committee," shall be construed and inter-
preted to refer to the structure provided pursuant
to this paragraph, whatever named or tided. It shall
be composed of a minimum of two representatives each
Since its duties include ministry and service to
disabled clergy, representation from the Board of
Ordained Ministry and the conference Board of Pen-
sionsr is encouraged, who may be elected by those
boards at the beginning of each quadrcnnium and at

1746.

Petition Number: 21629-FA-746-D; GCOM.
Joint Committee on Disability
Amend ^ 746:

There shall be a Joint Committee on Disability or
other structure to provide for these functions in
each Annual Conference.

1904.

Petition Number: 20592-FA-904-D;WNC.

Amenability of General Council on Finance and
Administration

Amend ^ 904:

Amenability. — ^The council shall report to and be
amenable to the General Conference, and it shall coop-
erate with the General Council on Ministries Council
of Bishops in the compilation of budgets for general
program agencies, commissions, and funds partici-
pating in World Service Funds, as defined in 11006.1.

1905.

Petition Number: 20593-FA-905-D;WNC.

Organization of General Council on Finance and
Administration

Amend II 905.1 and 4:

1. Membership. — ^The members of the council shall
be elected quadrennially by the General Conference as

366

DCA Advance Edition

follows: three bishops, nominated by the Council of
Bishops; six persons from each jurisdiction, nominated
by the bishops of that jurisdiction; nine members at
large, at least one of whom shall not be over thirty years
of age at the time of election, and most of whom shall be
elected for special sldlls; and one youth under the age
of eighteen at the time of election. It is recommended
that attention be given to ensuring adequate reprc'
sentation of racial and ethnic groups, with at least two of
the at-largc members to be racial and ethnic persons,
vfith consideration being given to the selection of mem-
bers of the Central Conferences. It is further recom-
mended that, in the membership from each of the juris
dictions and the at-largc members, one-third be clergy
in full connection, one third be laymen, and one third be
laywomen. The at-large members and the youth mcm^
ber shall be nominated by the Council of Bishops with-
out reference to jurisdictions, and twenty-eight per-
sons elected by the Jurisdictional Conferences on
a ratio providing for an equitable distribution
among die various jurisdictions, based on the
combined clergy and laity memberships thereof as
determined by the secretary of the General Con-
ference, provided that no jiuisdiction shall be
represented by fewer than two members. The
general secretaries., .or, in the event of a vacancy among
the youth, episcopal, or at-largc members,...

4. c) [Third sentence] ...the director of the Depart-
ment of Statistics, a staff representative of the General
Council on Ministries, a representative...

d) ...one of whom shall serve as chairperson, tw©
representatives from the General Council on Ministries,
and one representative....

^905.

Petition Number: 21569-FA-905.1-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Organization
Delete existing ^ 905.1 and replace with new text

Organization. — 1. Membership, a) The votingmem-
bers of the Council shall be elected quadrennially
by the General Conference, and shall consist of
forty persons nominated as follows:

(1) three bishops, nominated by the Coimcil
of Bishops;

(2) six persons from each jurisdiction, nomi-
nated by the bishops of that jurisdiction;

(3) one person from an annual conference in
the Central Conferences, nominated by the Coxin-
cil of Bishops; and

(4) six members at large, at least one of wiiom
shall be a youth under the age of eighteen and at
least one of whom shall not be over thirty years of
age at the time of election, and most of whom shall

be elected for special sldlls. The members at large
shall be nominated by the Council of Bishops with-
out reference to jurisdictions.

b) It is recommended that attention be given
to ensuring adequate representation of racial and
ethnic groups, with at least two of the at-large
members to be racial and ethnic persons. It is
further recommended that, in the membership
from each of the jurisdictions and the at-large
members, one-third be clergy in full connection,
one-third be laymen, and one-third be laywomen.

c) The general secretaries who serve as the
chief executive officers of the general agencies and
the publisher of The United Methodist Chiu"ch
shall be members of the council but without vote.

d) The voting members, including bishops,
shall not be eligible for membership on, or em-
ployment by, any other general agency of The
United Methodist Church (1 801.2), exceptwhere
The Book of Discipline specifically provides for such
interagency representation. Members shall also
be guided by such conflict of interest policies and
provisions as may from time to time be adopted by
the General Conference or by the council itself.

e) Members shall serve until their successors
are elected and qualified.

f) Vacancies occmring between sessions of the
General Conference shall be filled by the coimcil
on nomination of the College of Bishops of the
jurisdiction concerned (see ^ 812), if the vacancy
is among members chosen to represent a jiuisdic-
tion, or, in the event of a vacancy among the epis-
copal. Central Conference, or at-large members,
on nomination of the Council of Bishops.

The provisions of §§la, lb related to the
number of members shall become effective in re-
lation to members nominated and elected for serv-
ice beginning in the year 2000. During tiie 1996-
2000 quadrennium, vacancies occurring between
sessions of the General Conference in the at-lai^e
membership shall not be filled unless the vacancy
results in there being fewer them six at-large mem-
bers. All other provisions of the paragraph shall
take effect immediately upon adjournment of the
1996 General Conference.

^905.

Petition Number: 21570-FA-905.4-D; GCFA.
Committee on Audit and Review
Amend ^ 905.4ft:

4. b) Committee on Audit and Review. — The execu-
tive committee of the council shall appoint ..., whose
duty it shall be to review audits of all treasuries receiving

Financial Administration

367

general church funds (see petition #21584), includ-
ing the funds of the council, and related policies with
financial implications. Not included are the audits of
tlie General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
and the General Board of Publication. In any mat-
ter of possible or potential financial impropriety
reported to the committee by the auditors, the
committee chair shall immediately inform the
president and general secretary of the General
Council on Finance and Administration and the
president and general secretary of the applicable
agency. The committee shall report its findings...

^905.

Petition Number: 21571-FA-905.5-D; GCFA.

Staff

Delete the last sentence of ^ 905.5 and replace with
the following new text:

The general secretary shall be the chief admin-
istrative officer of the council.

^906.

Petition Number: 20594-FA-906-D;WNC.

Fiscal Responsibilities of General Council on Finance
and Administration
Amend ^I 906:

Fiscal Responsibilities. — ^All moneys contributed by
a local church to the World Service Fund general eigen-
cies, commissions, and funds, including World Serv-
ice apccial gifts and Advance special gifts

1. It shall submit to each quadrennial session of the
General Conference, for its action and determination,
budgets of expense for its own operation; the World
Service Fund funds for support of the general pro-
gram agencies, commissions, and funds; the Gen-
eral Administration Fund, the Episcopal Fund,....

b) In the case of the World Service Fund funds for
support of the general program agencies, commis-
sions, and funds, the General Council on Finance and
Administration and the General Council on Ministries
Cotmcil of Bishops shall proceed...

(1) The General Council on Ministries Council of
Bishops shall, in consultation with....

(2) The General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration shall then establish and communicate to the
General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops the
total sum proposed for distribution from the World Scrv
ice Fund among support of each of the general pro-
gram agencies, commissions, and funds.

(3) The General Council on Ministries Council of
Bishops, after reviewing both the program priorities
and the total funds available to each of the general
program agencies, shall recommend to the General
Council on Finance and Administration the amount of
the annual World Service allocation to be allocated to
each of those agencies, commissions, and fundsr
within the total sum proposed by the General Council
on Finance and Administration for distribution among
9uch agencies.

(4) Only when the General Council on Finance and
Administration and the General Council on Ministries
Council of Bishops agree on the allocations to the
several general program agencies, commissions, and
funds shall these allocations be included in the World
Service budget program agency support budgets to
be recommended...

(5) The General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration shall establish the total sum to be recommended
to the General Conference for the annual budget of the
World Service Fund support of the general program
agencies, commissions, and funds.

(6) Before the beginning of each year the General
Council on Finance and Administration shall determine
and communicate to the General Council on Ministries
Council of Bishops the sum available at that time from
World Service contingency funds to meet requests for
additional funding from the general program agencies.
The General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops
shall be authorized to approve allocations to the general
program agencies for additional program funding up to
the limit so established. No money shall be allocated by
the General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops
fi-om this source...

(7) The General Council on Ministries Council of
Bishops shall receive....

2.a) The World Service Fund support fund for
each of the general program agencies, commis-
sions, and funds, including World Service special gifts
ftn4 Advance special gifts

3. To perform the accounting and reporting func-
tions for the General Council on Ministries, the agencies
accountable to it (11803.5), the Council of Bishops and
any administrative general agencies....

7. . . .to take such action as is necessary to encourage
United Methodists to provide for their continued partici-
pation in World Service, in support of one or more of
the World Service general agencies,...

11. To make recommendations to the General Con-
ference, in consultation with the General Council on
Ministries and the Council of Bishops

368

DCA Advance Edition

^906.

Petition Number: 20271-FA-906.1-D;EOH.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^906.1:

1. It shall submit to each quadrennial session of the
General Conference, for its action and determination,
budgets of expense anticipated income and pro-
posed expenditures for its own operation,...

b)(2) Based on its budget of anticipated in-
come and giving careful consideration to the finan-
cial needs of the annual conferences £md local
chiu"ches, tThe General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration...

(5) Based on its budget of anticipated income
and giving careful consideration to the needs of
the general funds, the annual conferences, and
the local chiirches, tThe General Council on Finance
and Administration...

^906.

Petition Number: 20416-FA-906.1-D;NMX.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amende 906.1:

1. It shall submit to each quadrennial session.. .and
such other general funds as the General Conference
may establish, all subject to the upper limit or "cap"
OT15.15, 910.1), if any, imposed by the General
Conference on the budgets for general funds in the
aggregate. It shall also...

^906.

Petition Number: 21572-FA-906.3-D; GCFA.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend the second sentence of ^ 906.3:

In the interest of sound fiscal management, the
council will ensure that expenditures of agencies receiv-
ing general church funds (see petition #21584) do
not exceed receipts and available reserves, and this
within an approved budget...

^906.

Petition Number: 21573-FA-906.4-D; GCFA.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^ 906.4:

4. It shall require all agencies receiving general
church funds (see petition #21584) to follow uniform
accounting classifications.. .It shall select the auditing

firm for these annual audits based on a recommen-
dation by the Committee on Audit and Review have
authority to pass on the acceptability' of any auditing firm
proposed by an agency. It shall also require....

^906.

Petition Number: 21574-FA-906.5-D; GCFA.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^ 906.5:

5. To establish policy governing the functions of
banking, payroll, accounting, and budget control for all
agencies receiving general church funds (see petition
#21584). The council may ...

^906.

Petition Number: 21575-FA-906.6-D; GCFA.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^ 906.6:

6. To develop investment policies for, suggest in-
vestment counselors for, and review, at the council's
discretion but on at least an annual basis, the perform-
ance of all invested funds of all agencies receiving gen-
eral church funds (see petition #21584).

^906.

Petition Number: 21576-FA-906.10-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^ 906.10:

10. To approve plans for financing all international
or national conferences and convocations to be held
under the auspices or sponsorship of any general
agency receiving general church funds (see peti-
tion #21584) of the Church.

^906.

Petition Number: 20015-FA-906.12-D;WIS.
Correcting Language which Classifies Lesbians and

Gay Persons
Amend ^906.12:

12. The council shall be responsible for ensuring
that no board, agency, committee, commission, or coun-
cil shall give United Methodist funds to any "gay" caucus
or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the
acceptance of homosexuality... This restriction shall not
limit the church's ministry in response to the HIV epi-
demic, nor shall this restriction Umit the Church's
research, study and discussion of any issues of
human sexuality.

Financial Administration

369

TI906.

Petition Number: 20182-FA-906.12-D;SIL. NGA, EOH.
HOL

Current Wording on Homosexuality

Retain ^ 906.12 without change.

^906.

Petition Number: 20206-FA-906.12-D;MNN, NIL.

Fair and Inclusive Treatment of Persons of
Homosexual Orientation

Delete ^ 906.12.

^906.

Petition Number: 21478-FA-906.12-D; NYMO.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Delete "n 906.12.

1906.

Petition Number: 21588-FA-906.12-D; SIN.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Retain ^ 906.2 without change.

1907.

Petition Number: 21577-FA-907-D; GCFA

Other Administrative Responsibilities
Add a new sub-paragraph after "J 907.4:

To supervise the use of the official United
Metiiodist insignia and preserve the integrity of its
design, in cooperation with the General Commis-
sion on Communication. It shall maintain appro-
priate registration to protect the insignia on behalf
of the denomination. The insignia may be used by
any official United Methodist agency, including
local churches, to identify United Methodist work,
program, and materials. In order to preserve the
integrity of its design, the insignia should not be
altered or modified by those official United Meth-
odist organizations that use it Any commercial
use of the design must be explicidy authorized in
writing by an appropriate officer of the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

The provisions of this paragraph shall become
effective at the conclusion of the 1996 General
Conference.

1907.

Petition Number: 20595-FA-907.1-D;WNC.

Administrative Responsibilities of General Council on
Finance and Administration
Amend ^907:

1. [Fourth sentence] In the case of such proposed
action by a general program agency, it shall solicit and
consider the recommendation of the Council on Minia
ta=ie8 of Bishops.

2. To act in concert with the General Council on
Ministries Council of Bishops to establish....

1907.

Petition Number: 21372-FA-907.5-D; UMCOM.
Other Administrative Responsibilities
Insert a new f 907.5:

To supervise the use of official United Meth-
odist insignia and preserve the integrity of its de-
sign, in cooperation with General Conmiission on
Communication. It shall maintain appropriate reg-
istration to protect insignia on behalf of the de-
nomination. The insignia may be used by any offi-
cial United Methodist agency, including local
churches, to identify United Methodist work, pro-
gram, and materials. In order to preserve the in-
tegrity of its design, the insignia should not be
altered or modified by those official United Meth-
odist organizations that use it. Any commercial
use of the design must be explicitiy authorized in
writing by an appropriate Officer of The General
Council on Finance and Administration.

^907.5 shall be effective at the conclusion of
the 1996 General Conference.

1907.

Petition Number: 21578-FA-907.7-D; GCFA

Other Administrative Responsibilities
Amend ^ 907.7:

a) To advise and consult with general agencies
receiving general church funds (see petition #21584)
about the ownership, lease, and use of electronic data
processing or electronic word processing.

b) When a general agency receiving general church
funds (see petition #21584) proposes to purchase ...

370

DCA Advance Edition

^907.

Petition Number: 21579-FA-907.8-D; GCFA.

Other Administrative Responsibilities
Amend 1 907.8:

8. a) (2) be authorized to gather from all general
agencies, at such intervals as it may determine, informa-
tion regarding salary remuneration and pay equity
and the number of agency employees and staff and the
salary paid each such employee or staff member; salary
information shall be collected by job classification or title

b) (1) prepare quadrennially, review annually, and
recommend to the council an appropriate salarj'^ sched-
ule, based on responsibilities, for exempt executive staff
personnel of the councils, boards, and commissions
represented on the committee; (2) develop and recom-
mend to the council a schedule of benefits for an em-
ployee benefit program for agency personnel of agen-
cies represented on the committee and any changes
required thereto from time to time; ftft4 (3) receive from
agencies and institutions receiving general church
funds (see petition #21584) statements regarding
their compliance with the policy stated in ^ 911.1; and
(4) receive from all general agencies information
necessary to evaluate pay equify. Based on these
statements ...

^907.

Petition Number: 21581-FA-907.14-D; GCFA
Other Administrative Responsibilities
Amend 1907.14:

14. To provide guidance and consultation in the
work for continuing education of church secretaries,
including establishment of professional standards, train-
ing and certification programs, and sponsorship of a
professional association of United Methodist church
secretaries to provide assistance to the Profes-
sional Association of United Methodist Church
Secretaries.

^907.

Petition Number: 21582-FA-907.15-D; GCFA.
Other Administrative Responsibilities
Amend ^ 907.15:

15. To sponsor a provide guidance and consult-
ation to the National Association of Commissions on
Equitable Compensation of The United Methodist
Church. Under the sponsorship of the council, the The
association... The council, in its sponsorship role, may
provide such staff...

^907.

Petition Number: 21580-FA-907.13-D; GCFA.
Other Administrative Responsibilities
Amend ^ 907.13:

13. To provide guidance.. .associate church busi-
ness administrators, and sponsorship of an association
of United Methodist church business administrators ;
and to provide assistance to the United Methodist
Association of Chiu-ch Business Administrators.

1908.

Petition Number: 20596-FA-908-D;WNC.

General Program Agency Funds
Amend 1 908:

...and to the conference treasurer a statement of the
apportionments to the conference for the World Service
Fund support of the general program agencies,
commissions, and funds, the General Administration
Fund, the Episcopal Fund,....

1907.

Petition Number: 20756-FA-907.14-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

Membership of the Historical Society of the United
Methodist Church
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 907.14:

These ti-aining and certification programs
should encom-age membership in the Historical
Society of The United Methodist Church, whose
programs and publications help keep the connec-
tional principle alive (see f 112).

1909.

Petition Number: 21583-FA-909-D; GCFA
Responsibilities of the Treasurer
Amend the last sentence of ^ 909:

The books of the treasurer shall be audited annually
by a certified public accountant selected approved by
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion upon recommendation by the Committee on
Audit and Review (^ 905.46).

Financial Administration

371

1910.

Petition Number: 20417-FA-910-D;NMX.

Definition of "General Funds."
Amend TI 910:

Definition of "General Funds"; providing for a "cap"
on the same. — 1. The terms "general funds"... by the
preceding General Conference for that particular fund.

2. The General Conference may adopt an up-
per limit, or "cap", on the budgets of expense, in
the aggregate, for the general church funds iden-
tified in ^906.1, for budgeting purposes. If
adopted, the cap shall apply to the budgets of
expense which tiie General Council on Finance
and Administration is obliged to submit to the
next General Conference following that in which
the cap is adopted. The budgets of expense, in the
aggregate, submitted by the General Council on
Finance and Administration for the quadrennium
will not exceed the prescribed cap.

3. The upper limit, or cap, imposed upon the
General Council on Finfmce and Administration
for the budgets of the general church funds
^906.1) to be submitted to the General Confer-
ence meeting in the year 2000 is
$450,000,000.00.

1910.

Petition Number: 20597-FA-910-D;WNC.
Definition of General Funds
Amend ^ 910:

Definition of "General Funds. "—The terms "general
fund(s)" and "general church fund(s)," wherever they
appear in the Book of Discipline, refer to: the World
Service Fund support funds for general program
agencies, commissions, and funds, including WofW
Service special gifts and Advance special gifts; the Gen-
eral Administration Fund; the Episcopal Fund;....

1910.

Petition Number: 21584-FA-910-D; GCFA
Definition of "General Funds"
Add a new sub-paragraph following existing ^910. 1:

The terms "agency(ies) receiving general
church funds" and "treasury(ies) receiving gen-
eral church funds," as used in n 901-932 of The
Book of Discipline, refer to agencies whose opera-
tional or administrative budgets are directly sup-
ported, in whole or in part, by allocations fi^om one
or more general church funds. For the purposes
of 11 901-932, the General Board of Pension and

Health Benefits and the General Board of Publica-
tion shall be deemed not to be agencies or treasur-
ies whose operational or administrative budgets
are directly supported, in whole or in part, by allo-
cations from one or more general church funds.

1911.

Petition Number: 20598-FA-911-D;WNC.

General Policies of General Council on Finance
and Administration

Amend 1911:

2. ...in cooperation with and on recommendation of
the General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops,
it may withhold approval....

4. [Second sentence] All such appeals shall be re-
viewed by the General Council on Ministries Council
of Bishops and its actions.. ."Special appeal" shall be
understood to mean any appeal other than the general
appeal for support of the World Service program as
represented in the World Service budget apportioned
funds for the general program agencies, commis-
sions, and fimds. "Churchwide appeal" shall be....

5. [Delete.]

6. [Last sentence] No agency shall solicit or culti-
vate gifts for any cause or project which has not been
approved for support through World Service Special
gifts (1013), general Advance special gifts (1 914); or a
special appeal (1 911.4).

1911.

Petition Number: 21585-FA-911.1-D; GCFA
General Policies
Amend 1911.1:

1. The General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion is authorized to withhold approval of a portion or all
of the budget of any agency or church-related institution
receiving general church funds (see petition #21584)
until such agency ...

1911.

Petition Number: 21586-FA-911.2-D; GCFA
General Policies
Amend 1 911.2:

2. It may withhold approval of any item or items in
the budget or budgets receiving general church funds
(see petition #21584) which in its judgment repre-
sent ...

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DCA Advance Edition

^911.

Petition Number: 21587-FA-911.3-D; GCFA.
General Policies
Amend ^911.3:

3. An agency of The United Methodist Church re-
ceiving general church funds (see petition
#21584) proposing to borrow funds for a period in
excess of twelve months or in an amount in excess of 25
percent of its annual budget or ©fte five hundred thou-
sand dollars,...

^911.

Petition Number: 20016-FA-911.5-D;NWT.

Annual Conference apportionments
Delete ^ 911.5 and substitute the following text:

5. An Annual Conference or a charge or local
church shall have the right to accept all or any
portion of any apportionment approved by a Gen-
eral Conference.

1911.

Petition Number: 20418-FA-911.5-D;NMX.
General Policies
Amend ^911.5:

5. The apportionments for all apportioned general
church funds, as approved by the General Conference,
shall not be subject to reduction cither by the Annual
Conference or by the charge or local church.

Support of the General Program Agencies of the
Church. — Support of the general program agencies,
commissions, and funds is basic in the financial
program of The United Methodist Chiwch. The
Annual Conferences and local churches/charges
have the right to revise the apportiomnents for
such £igencies, commissions, and funds. Closely
related to that right is the responsibility to support
the general program agencies, commissions, and
funds as one of the benevolent responsibilities of
the church.

1. The General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall recommend to each quadren-
nial session of the General Conference the amotmt
of the quadrennial and annual apportioned budg-
ets of each of the general program agencies, com-
missions, and funds and the method by wWch
they shall be apportioned to the Annuzd Confer-
ences. It shall be the responsibility of the council
to facilitate sound fiscal and administrative poU-
cies and practices within and among the general
agencies of the Church.

2. No general program agency, commission,
or fund shall spend over 10% (ten percent) of its
budget to solicit apportioned funds or special gifts
from individual donors or special groups, unless
approval is first secxu-ed fi-om the General Council
on Finance and Administration.

1913.

Petition Number: 20600-FA-913-D;WNC.

Eliminate World Service Special Gifts
Delete % 913.

1912.

Petition Number: 20419-FA-912-D;NMX.
The World Service Fund
Amend % 912:

The World Service Fund. — ^The World Service Fund
is one of the basics in the financial program.. .Payment
in full of these apportionments by local churches and
Annual Conferences is should be made one of the first
benevolent — rcsponsibilitji' responsibilities of the
church.

1912.

Petition Number: 20599-FA-912-D;WNC.

Support of the General Program Agencies of the

Church
Delete ^ 912 and replace with new text:

1913.

Petition Number: 20017-FA-913.4-D;NWT.

World Service/Conference benvolence
Amend 1913.4:

4. Churches and individuals shall give priority to the
support of World Service and Conference Bcncvolcncca
and other apportioned funds.

1913.

Petition Number: 20420-FA-913.4-D;NMX.

Support of World Service and Conference
Benevolence
Amend ^ 913.4:

4. Churches and individuals shall should give a
high priority to the support of World Service, an4 Con-
ference Benevolences, and other apportioned funds.

Financial Administration

373

...World Service, and Special gifts shall not be raised as
a part of a fund apportioned by an Annual Conference.

^916.

Petition Number: 20601-FA-916.1-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend ^916.1:

1. [Second sentence] ...upon recommendation of
the General Council on Finance and Administration
after consultation with the General Council on Minis-
fe=ies Council of Bishops.

^918.

Petition Number: 20018-FA-918.2-D;WNC, NIL,
GCCUIC, The Council of Bishops.

The Church of Christ Uniting in the
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

Amend the second sentence of ^ 918.2:

Such organizations shall include the Consultation
on Church Union and the Church of Christ Uniting,

National Council of the Churches of Christ...

1921.

Petition Number: 20374-FA-921-D;NYK

To Specify Spiritual Growth among the Purposes of
the Ministerial Education Fund

Amend the last sentence of ^ 921:

The maximum amount possible from this fund shall
go directly for programs and services in theological
education, the enlistment, continuing education, and
spiritual growth of ordained and diaconal ministers,
and the courses of study.

1921.

Petition Number: 20793-FA-921.1-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, SCA

The Ministerial Education Fund

Amend the second sentence of ^ 921.1:

The Boards of Ordained Ministry and Diaconal Min-
istry wiH shall confer...

1922.

Petition Number: 20171-FA-922-D;NGA
Missional Priority Fund
Amend the second sentence of ^ 922:

The council, following consultation with the Gen-
cral Council on Miniatrica and the Council of Bishops,
shall recommend...

1922.

Petition Number: 20602-FA-922-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 922:

[Second sentence] The council, following consult-
ation with the General Council on Ministries and the
Council of Bishops,. ..Receipts shall be administered by
an agency or agencies designated by the General Con-
ference upon recommendation of the General Council
on Ministries Council of Bishops and the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

1931.

Petition Number: 20019-FA-931-D;WYO.
Shared Salary Plan
Add new text at the end of ^ 931:

1. An annual conference at any regular ses-
sion may adopt by 2/3 vote a plan for standard-
izing and sharing the cost of salary of its active
itinerant clergy under appointment The plan shall
be put into effect after it has been ratified by at
least 2/3 of the charge conferences within the
annual conference. The district superintendents
shall certify the results of the charge conference
actions to the annual conference secretary.

2. The standard salary plan may allow for dif-
ferences in years of service, educational levels,
number of dependents or other variables such as
actual differences in living costs, as the annual
conference may approve.

3. The Conference Council of Finance and Ad-
ministration shall estimate the amount necessary
to provide such ministerial support as may be
required by the schedule adopted, which amount
shall be distributed as an apportionment to the
districts or pastoral charges by a method deter-
mined by the conference.

4. The amounts due from the pastoral charges
on appointment shall be paid to a conference
treasury established for that piupose, and all
standard salaries due shall be paid from that
treasury. The standard salary provided for each
minister under the plan shall constitute his/her
entire salary.

5. The Conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall administer the standeu'd sal-
ary plan and shall be responsible for collecting
and disbursing the funds.

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DCA Advance Edition

6. An annual conference which has elected to
pay its salaries, according to a Standard Salary
Plan as herein provided, may terminate the plan
by a majority vote of those voting at the annual
conference at any regular session.

^1601.

Petition Number: 21481-FA-1601-D; GBPHB.
Name
Delete ^ 1601 and replace with new text

Name. 1. a) There shall be a General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United Meth-
odist Church, hereinafter called the General
Board, having the general supervision and ad-
ministration of the support, relief, and assistance
and pensioning of clergy of this denomination, lay
workers of the various units of the church, and
their families.

b) The General Board shall be the successor
to the General Board of Pensions of The United
Methodist Church, the Board of Pensions of The
Evangelical United Brethren Church, and the
General Board of Pensions of the Methodist
Church.

2. The General Board shall have authority to
establish, maintain, and discontinue the location
of its headquarters office and such auxiliary of-
fices as it shall deem proper and advisable.

3. The General Board shall report to and be
amenable to the General Conference.

4. The effective date of this paragraph will be
at the close of the 1996 General Conference.

11602.

Petition Number: 21482-FA-1602-D; GBPHB.
Membership
Delete ^ 1602 and replace with new text

1. Membership, a) The membership of the Gen-
eral Board shall be composed of two bishops,
elected by the Coxmcil of Bishops; three members
from each jurisdiction, elected by the respective
Jiuisdictional Conferences; six members, with not
more than two from the same jiuisdiction, elected
by the General Conference on nomination of the
Council of Bishops; and eight additional members
for the purpose of bringing to the General Board
special knowledge or background, not more than
two from the same jurisdiction, nominated and
elected by the General Board in such manner as
it shall provide in its bylaws.

b) The aforementioned electing bodies shall
give consideration during the nominating process
to equitable representation consistent witii Para-
graph 815 herein.

c) The general secretary of the General Board
shall be an ex officio member thereof, without
vote.

d) The terms of all members so elected shall
be four years, to take effect at the first meeting of
the General Board following the General Confer-
ence, hereinafter referred to as the Organizational
Meeting.

(1) Members shall serve dixring the terms for
which they are elected and until their successors
shall have been elected and qualified.

(2) Other paragraphs of the Discipline notwifli-
standing, members of the General Board may
serve a maximum of three consecutive terms.

(3) In case a vacancy occurs between regular
sessions of the Jurisdictional Conferences for any
cause, the General Board shall fill the vacancy for
the imexpired term from that jurisdiction in the
representation of which the vacancy occiu"s, ex-
cept in the case of members elected by the Gen-
eral Conference or the General Board where such
vacancies would be filled by the General Board in
the memner prescribed by its bylaws without re-
gard to geographic or jiuisdictional repre-
sentation.

2. Officers, a) The General Board shall elect
from its membership at its Organizational Meeting
a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a recording
secretary wliose duties shall be prescribed in its
bylaws.

b) The General Board shall elect quadrenni-
ally at its Organizational Meeting a general secre-
tary, who shall be the chief executive officer of the
Genereil Board.

c) Other offices that are deemed desirable and
in the best interest of the General Board for car-
rying out its piuposes may be created by the Gen-
eral Board, and persons may be elected or ap-
pointed to fill such offices.

d) A vacancy in any of these offices shall be
filled by the General Board for tiie remainder of
the imexpired term in a manner prescribed in its
by-laws.

3. Meetings. The General Board shall hold at
least one meeting in each calendar year.

a) The place and time of all meetings shall be
designated by the General Board, but if it fails to

Financial Administration

375

do so, then the time and place shall be designated
by the chairperson.

b) It shall convene at such other times on call
of the chairperson, on written request by one-fifth
of its members, or on written request by a majority
of its executive committee.

c) A majority of the members of the General
Board shall constitute a quorum.

4. Committees. The General Board shall estab-
lish the following committees:

a) Executive Committee. An executive committee
shall be elected by the General Board from its
membership. During the periods between the
meetings of the General Board, its business and
affairs shall be managed by the executive commit-
tee.

b) Committee on Audit and Review. A committee
on audit and review shall be elected by the Gen-
eral Board. At least one-hedf of the members of
this committee shall not be members of the Gen-
eral Board. The committee on audit and review
shall be responsible for reviewing the financial
audits and related policies of the General Board
and its constituent legal entities.

c) Committee on Appeals. A committee on ap-
peals shall be elected by the General Board. The
committee on appeals shall hear appeals from peir-
ticipants in the funds, plans, and programs ad-
ministered by the General Board. Decisions of the
committee on appeals shall be final and not re-
viewed by the full General Board.

d) Other Committees. The General Board shall
have the authority to establish from time to time
such other standing committees or special com-
mittees as provided by its bylaws.

e) Committee Membership. The General Board
shall elect the membership of its standing commit-
tees in accordance with its bylaws. The member-
ship of any special committees shall be selected in
accordance with the resolution establishing such
special committee.

f) Committee Members-at-Large. The General
Board shall have the authority to elect additional
members to its committees, not to exceed a major-
ity of the committee membership, for the purpose
of bringing to those committees special knowledge
or background. These committee members-at-
large shall have full voice and vote on the commit-
tee, but shall have voice, but not voting privileges,
on the General Board.

5. The effective date of this paretgraph will be
at the close of the 1996 General Conference.

^1602.

Petition Number: 20603-FA-1602.1-D;WNC.

Membership of General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits

Amend ^1602. la:

l.a) The board shall be composed of two bishops,
elected by the Council of Bishops;fettf twenty members
from each juriadiction, elected by the respective Juris-
dictional Conferences from the Annual Conference
nominations on a ratio providing for an equitable
distribution among the various jurisdictions,
based on the combined clergy and laity member-
ships thereof as determined by the secretary of the
General Conference, provided that no jiuisdiction
shall be represented by fewer than two such mem-
bers; six members,....

[Second paragraph, last sentence] The effective
date of this paragraph will be at the close of the 4993
1996 General Conference.

^1603.

Petition Number: 21483-FA-1603-D; GBPHB.
Legal Entities
Delete ^ 1603 and replace with new text:

Legal Entities 1 . Subject to the continuing con-
trol and direction of the General Conference of
The United Methodist Chiu"ch as set forth from
time to time in the Discipline, the General Board is
authorized and empowered to cause the opera-
tions of The General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits to be carried on and the general authori-
zations defined in ^ 1604 to be achieved in such
manner, through or by means of such agencies or
instrumentalities, and by use of such procedures
as the General Board may from time to time deter-
mine to be necessary, advisable, or appropriate,
with full power and authority in the premises to
take all such action and to do all such other acts
and things as may be required or found to be
advisable. In particular, and without limiting the
genereility of tiie foregoing, the General Board is
authorized and empowered, for the purposes of
this paragraph:

a) To use, manage, operate, and otherwise
utilize all property and assets of every kind, char-
acter, and description of any corporation(s) cre-
ated by the General Board pixrsuant to ^ 1603.2
below, as well as all income from such property
and assets and the avails thereof, all with liability
or obligation to account for such property and
assets, the use thereof, the income therefrom, and
avails thereof, only to the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church.

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DCA Advance Edition

b) To cause a corporation(s) created by the
General Board pursuant to 1 1603.2 to take all
such action and to do all such things as the Gen-
eral Board may deem necessary or advisable to
carry out the intent and purposes of this para-
graph. The governing body of said corporation(s)
from time to time shall take all action which the
General Board deems necessary or advisable to
cany out the intent and purpose of this paragraph,
uunless local law would require such governing
bodies to make independent decisions with re-
spect to particular actions.

2. The General Board is authorized and em-
powered in its discretion at any time it may deem
such action to be desirable or convenient to create
corporations or other legal entities through which
it shall fulfill its responsibilities described hereun-
der.

a) The General Boeu-d is authorized and em-
powered in its discretion to cause its general ad-
ministrative operations to be conducted through a
corporation, the name of which shall be The Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Chiu-ch, Incorporated in Illi-
nois.

b) The General BocU^d is authorized and em-
powered in its discretion to cause its general trust
operations to be conducted through a corporation,
the name of which shall be The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United Meth-
odist Church, Incorporated in Missoxui.

c) The Board of Pensions of The Evangelical
United Brethren Church, which is incorporated
under the laws of the State of Ohio in that name,
and the Board of Pensions of The Methodist
Church, which is incorporated under the laws of
the State of Illinois in that name, and the Board of
Pensions of The Methodist Church, which is in-
corporated under the laws of the State of Maryland
in tiiat name, and the Board of Pensions of The
Methodist Chiu"ch, which is incorporated under
the laws of the State of Missoiui in that name, may
be continued at the General Board's discretion,
subject to the direction, supervision, and control
of the General Board of Pension and Health Bene-
fits of The United Methodist Church, but with their
corporate names changed to and to be known as
The Board of Pensions of The United Methodist
Church, Incorporated in Ohio, and The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Chiu-ch, Incorporated in Illi-
nois, and The Board of Pensions of The United
Methodist Church, Incorporated in Maryland, aaid
The General Board of Pension and Health Bene-
fits of The United Methodist Church, Incorporated
in Missoiui, respectively, or other names as deter-
mined by the General Board.

d) If the General Board creates and directs
more than one legal entity, it is authorized and
empowered at its discretion at any time it may
deem such action desirable or convenient to take
action in the name of said legal entities to sxuren-
der the charter or charters of one or several or all
of said legal entities or to merge, consolidate, or
afGliate such corporations, or any of them, in com-
pliance with appropriate state or federal laws.

e) The governing bodies of such legal entities
shall be determined by the General Boeird in con-
formance with applicable local law. A majority of
the members of the governing bodies shall be
elected fi-om the membership of the General
Board.

f) The legal entities created under this para-
graph are agencies or instrumentalities through
which the denomination known as The United
Methodist Church provides benefits, investment
services, and other services outfined in ^ 1604
below in the name of the General Board of Pen-
sion and Health Benefits.

3. The effective date of this paragraph will be
at the close of the 1996 General Conference.

1[1604.

Petition Number: 21484-FA-1604-D; GBPHB.
Authorizations
Delete ^ 1604 and replace with new text:

Authorizations. The General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits is authorized and empowered
to provide administrative, trust, and investment
support to The United Methodist Chiu*ch and its
constituent boards, agencies, conferences, organi-
zations, and other institutions in their efforts to
provide support, relief, assistance and pension,
welfare, and other benefits for clergy of this de-
nomination, lay workers of the various units of the
church, and their families. In particular, and with-
out limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
General Board, directly or through any entity cre-
ated by it, is authorized and empowered:

1. To operate, manage, and administer the
mandatory benefit funds, plans, and programs es-
tablished by the General Conference: a) The Min-
isterial Pension Plan; b) The Staff Retirement
Benefits Program; and c) The Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan. The provisions of these mandatory
benefit programs shall be incorporated by refer-
ence into the Discipline and shall have the full force
of law as if printed in the Discipline. No proposal
shall be made to the General Conference wiiich
changes a benefit presently in effect without first
securing through the General Board of Pension

Financial Administration

377

and Health Benefits an actuarial opinion concern-
ing die cost and other related aspects of the pro-
posed change.

2. To create, amend, operate, manage, admin-
ister, and terminate non-mandatory relief, assis-
tance, and benefit funds, plans, and programs for
interested conferences, local churches, boards,
agencies, institutions, and other affiliated units of
The United Methodist Church.

3. To continue the operation, management,
and administration of relief, assistance, and bene-
fit funds, plans, and programs created prior to
1981, including, but not limited to, The Lay Pen-
sion Plan; Joint Contributory Annuity Fund; Staff
Pension Fund; The Pension Plan for Lay Employ-
ees; Lay Employees Pension Fimd; Bishops Re-
serve Pension and Benefit Fund, in consultation
with the General Council on Finemce and Admini-
stration; The Chaplains Supplemental Pension
Grant Fimd, in consultation with the Division of
Chaplains and Related Ministries; The Printing
EstabUshment of The United Bretiu-en in Christ
Fund; Retirement Allowance for Bishops, General
Church Officers, and Staff Personnel Plan of the
former Evangelical United Brethren Church, with
funds to be provided by the General Council on
Finance and Administration; Temporary General
Aid Fund, in consultation with the General Com-
mission on ReUgion and Race, as determined by
the General Conference, with funds to be provided
by the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration.

4. To make reports to the General Conference
with respect to the support, relief, assistance, and
pension, welfare, and other benefits for clergy of
this denomination, lay workers of the various
units of the Church, and their famihes.

5. To adopt rules, regulations and poUcies for
the administration of the relief, assistance, and
benefit funds, plans, and programs which the
General Board administers, in all matters not spe-
cifically covered by General Conference legislation
or by reasonable imphcation, and to prescribe
such forms and records as are needed for the
administration of such funds, plans, and pro-
grams.

6. To prepare and publish benefit summeuies,
manuals, and other publications or media related
to the funds, plans, and programs administered by
the General Board.

7. To compile and maintain complete service
records of clergy members in full connection, as-
sociate members, and probationary members,
and of local pastors whose service may be related
to potential annuity claims of the annual confer-
ences of The United Methodist Church situated

within the boundaries of the United States and
Puerto Rico. Such service records shall be based
on answers to the Business of the Annual Confer-
ence questions as pubHshed in the journals of the
annuad conferences situated within the boundaries
of the United States and Puerto Rico and in the
General Minutes of The United Methodist Church,
or in comparable publications of either or both of
the uniting churches, and fi-om information pro-
vided by annual conference boards of pensions.
The conference boards of pensions shall be respon-
sible for providing census data when requested by
the General Board on participants and their fami-
lies including, but not limited to, such data as birth-
dates, marriage dates, divorce dates, and dates of
death.

8. To administer a clearinghouse for the allo-
cation of pension responsibility among the annual
conferences situated within the boundaries of the
United States and Puerto Rico, in accordance with
the principle of divided annuity responsibility, and
for the collection and distribution of pension
funds related to such responsibility.

a) For each beneficiary involved in the opera-
tion of the clearinghouse the General Board shall
determine the division of responsibility on ac-
count of approved service rendered.

b) The General Board shall have authority to
determine the pension responsibiUty of each an-
nual conference, in accordance with the principle
of divided annuity responsibility, and to collect
fi'om each annual conference, as determined on
the basis of their respective pension programs, the
amount required by the clearinghouse to provide
the pension benefits related thereto. Each annual
conference shall provide funds to meet its annuity
responsibility to beneficiaries of other annual con-
ferences on the same basis as it provides pension
payments for beneficiaries related directiy to it-
self.

c) The General Board is authorized and em-
powered to make all the rules concerning details
that may be necessary to the operation of the clear-
inghouse.

9. On request of an annual conference or con-
ference organization or agency of The United
Methodist Church, to receive therefi"om dis-
tributable and reserve pension fimds and to make
the periodic pension payments to the beneficiaries
of such annual conference, conference organiza-
tion, board, or agency, in accordance with a sched-
ule of distribution wiiich shall be provided for the
guidance of the General Board in making such
payments. The General Board shall report annu-
ally the details of transactions under this provi-
sion. The General Board shall be entided to re-
cover die cost of performing such services.

378

DCA Advance Edition

10. To administer the Chartered Fund for the
benefit of all the annual and provisional annual
conferences in The United Metiiodist Chiu-ch, the
boundaries of which are within the United States,
its territorial and insular possessions, and Cuba,
unless the General Conference shall order other-
wise. Once a year the net earnings of the fund,
after provision for depreciation, shall be divided
equally among such annual and provisional an-
nual conferences in accordance with the restric-
tive rule contained in 51 20.

1 1. To order and direct that the income from
the General Endowment Fund for Conference
Claimants (formerly known as the General Endow-
ment Fund for Superannuates of The Methodist
Episcopal Church, South) held by The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Church, Incorporated in Mis-
souri, shall be distributed on account of service of
conference claimants rendered in an annual con-
ference of The United Methodist Chm-ch; pro-
vided, however, that such distribution shall be
restricted to annual conferences which, directly or
through their predecessor annual conferences,
participated in raising this fund, in proportion to
the number of approved years of annui^ respon-
sibility of each annual conference as shall be de-
termined by the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits.

12. To distribute on the basis it determines
the appropriations from the net earnings of the
publishing interests which are contributed to the
pension programs of The United Methodist
Chm-ch, and of the several annual conferences.

13. To create such legal entities in order to
obtain, accept, receive, manage, and administer
any and all assets or property, absolute or in trust,
for the purpose of providing for, aiding in, and
contributing to the support, relief, assistance and
pension, welfare, and other benefits for clergy of
this denomination, lay workers of the veuious
units of the church, and their families and for
other piuposes stated in the trust instrument.

14. To discharge its fiduciary duties with re-
spect to a benefit fund, plan, or program solely in
the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits
to participants and their beneficiaries and defray-
ing reasonable expenses of administering the
plem, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence
under the circumstances then prevailing that a
prudent person acting in a like capacity and famil-
iar with such matters would use in the conduct of
an enterprise of a like character and with Uke
fiims.

15. To receive, hold, manage, merge, consoU-
date, administer, invest, and reinvest all connec-

tional relief, support, and benefit funds. The Gen-
eral Board is encotu-aged to invest in institutions,
companies, corporations, or funds which make a
positive contribution toward the realization of the
goals oudined in the Social Principles of the
Church, subject to other provisions of the Discipline,
and with due regard to any and all special con-
tracts, agreements, and laws applicable thereto.
Among the tools the General Board may use are
shareholder advocacy, selective divestment, and
advocacy of corporate disinvestment from certain
countries or fields of business.

16. To receive, hold, manage, administer, and
invest and reinvest, by and through its constituent
corporations, endowment funds or other funds of
an annual conference, local church, board,
agency, or other unit affiliated with The United
Methodist Church which have been designated for
the funding of relief, support, or benefit funds,
plans, or programs, and endowment funds or
other funds of such imits not so designated. The
General Board is encoiu-aged to invest in institu-
tions, companies, corporations, or funds which
make a positive contribution toward the realiza-
tion of the goals outlined in the Social Principles
of the Church; provided, however, that at no time
shall any part of the principal of the endowment
funds be appropriated by tiie General Board for
any other purpose. The General Board shall annu-
ally provide to such units an accounting of such
funds.

17. To receive any gift, devise, or bequest
made or intended for beneficiaries of The United
Methodist Church, being the legal successor to
and vested with the legal title to any and all such
gifts, devises, and bequests. If the language or
terms of any gift, devise, or bequest are inexact or
ambiguous, the General Board shall dispose of or
administer the same in the manner deemed most
equitable according to the apparent intent of the
donor as determined by the General Board after
careful inquiry into the circumstances in connec-
tion with the making of such gift, devise, or be-
quest, and after granting full opportunity to all
interested parties to be heard, after due and timely
written notice of the time and place of hearing.
Such notice shall be mailed to each and all inter-
ested parties through their respectively known
representatives, at their last known addresses.

18. To collect, receive, and administer such
gifts, devises, and bequests, and other funds as
may be specifically designated to any constituent
corporation of the General Board by donors, sub-
ject to the rules, regulations, and poUcies of the
General Board with respect thereto. All undesig-
nated gifts, devises, bequests, and donations shall
be collected, received, and administered under
the direction of the General Board.

Financial Administration

379

19. To charge the various trusts, funds, plans,
and programs for which it is responsible an ad-
ministrative fee for its general services and to
charge reasonable and appropriate transactional
fees for specific services provided to a unit of the
Church or to a participant or beneficiary. The Gen-
eral Boeu-d shall not use for operational or admin-
istrative purposes monies allocated fi-om any of
the general church funds of The United Methodist
Church.

20. To cause its operations to be carried on
and the objectives defined above to be achieved in
such manner by use of such procedures as the
General Board may fi-om time to time determine
to be necessary, advisable, or appropriate, with
full power and authority in the premises to take all
such action and to do all such other acts and
things as may be required or found to be advis-
able.

2 1 . The effective date of this paragraph will be
at the close of the 1996 General Conference.

^1604.

Petition Number: 20604-FA-1604.8-D;WNC.

Funding of General Board of Pension and Health

Benefits

Amend ^ 1604:

8. The board shall not use for operational or admin-
istrative purposes funds raised for the World Service
budget support of the general program agencies,
commissions, and funds of The United Methodist
Church.

15. Pension for service approved for pension credit
by an agency of The United Methodist Church receiving
financial support fi-om the World Service Fund support
funds for general program agencies, commis-
sions, and funds, the General Administration Fund

^1605.

Petition Number: 21485-FA-1605-D; GBPHB.
Permanent Funds
Delete ^ 1605 and replace with new text:

Pension for service approved for pension
credit by an agency of The United Methodist
Church receiving financial support fi-om the World
Service Fund, the General Administration Fund,
the Episcopal Fund, or any authorized general
benevolent or administrative fiind shall be pro-
vided by the employing agency in uniformity with
that provided by other agencies under one of the
pension funds, plans, or programs administered
by the General Board of Pension and Health Bene-

fits of The United Methodist Church; provided,
however, that where service has been rendered in
two or more agencies, the total pension benefit shall
be calculated as if all such service had been with
one agency and the final agency shall provide any
additional pension benefits necessary to accom-
plish this; furthermore, such agency may not make
any arrangement with a life insurance company or
any other entity for the purchase of annuities for the
benefit of individual effective or retired employees
or take any steps to nullify, in whole or in part, the
pension plans or program of The United Methodist
Church by making contracts with outside parties.

11606.

Petition Number: 21486-FA-1606.1-D; GBPHB.
Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities
Amend ^ 1606:

1. ...regulations of the pension and benefit funds,
plans, and programs of The United Methodist Church.

2. a) Service rendered prior to January 1, 1982, by
an ordained minister a clergyperson or local pastor in
The United Methodist Church,...

b) Pension for full-time service rendered by an or-
dained minister a clergyperson or local pastor in The
United Methodist Chwc\\...provided, however, that the
pension of a clergyperson member whose membership
was terminated...

c) Pensions earned by bishops (elected by a Juris-
dictional Conference) , ordained ministers and other
clergy, and local pastors, and protection benefits for
such bishops, ordained ministers, and eligible local pa»
tofs and other clergy in The United Methodist
Church...

3. a) By an ordained minister a clergyperson who
is a probationary member... (1) as pastor, associate or
assistant pastor, or other ordained minister clergyper-
son in a pastoral charge;... (4) as a student appointed to
attend school, but only if the ordained minister cler-
gyperson serves subsequently.. .and provided further,
that, if a clergyperson member is again appointed to
attend school aifter having served under appointment for
six consecutive years as aft ordained minister a clergy
member in full connection. ..three additional years un-
der appointment to attend school if the ordained minis
tef clergyperson serves subsequently with pension
credit in an Annual Conference... (5) as an ordained
minister a clergyperson on sabbatical leave,... (6) asa»
ordained minister a clergyperson on disability leave...

4. a) Normal Conditions. — ^The normal conditions
required of a clergyperson member or a local pastor for
full pension credit shall be:

380

DCA Advance Edition

d) Service as a chaplain on full-time duty prior to
December 31, 1046 January 1, 1947, which previous
legislation...

e) ...allocated to the conference or conferences in
which the ordained minister clergy member shall first
thereafter render...

g) ...pension credit may be granted to a clergy mem-
ber in fill] connection, probationary member or
associate member of the conference on account of...

i) In the event of retirement under ^ 452.26, the
actuarially — reduced pension or subsequent pen-
sion...shall be determined by multiplying reducing the
pension (years times rate) by a percentage factor; such
percentage factor shall be the greater of 100 percent
minua the lesser of (1) one-half percent per month or
fraction of a month of age less than sixty-five years
attained on the date the actuarially reduced pension is
to commence (or the date of such annuity rate increase) ,
or (2) 100 percent minus one-half percent per month for
each montih of difference between the assumed date at
which pension payments would have been permitted by
retirement under \ 452.2c by completion of forty years
of service under appointment would have been com-
pleted and the actual date the actuarially reduced pen-
sion or annuity rate increase is to commence under ^
452.2ft. Effective at the close...

5. a) {2) ...or a combination thereof, in one Annual
Conference and has been recognized by an Annual
Conference as a retired local pastor.

b) ...who has attained the age of voluntary retire-
ment for a conference clergy member and who has been
retired by the denomination, providing the ordained
minister is not receiving a pension for the same period
of service from another denomination. {See also §3c
above.)

6. The Annual Conference, on recommendation of
the conference Board of Pensions, shall have the power
to revise, correct, or adjust an ordained minister's a
clergyperson's record of pension credit as set forth in
the minister's his or her service record.

7. [Second sentence] Such annuity rate shall be
determined each year wthout restriction, other than
that contained in 11 1606.2i>, but it may remain the
same or be increased without restriction. It is rec-
ommended that such rate be not less than 1 percent of
the average compensation of the conference as com-
puted by the General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits. However in no case may the annuity rate
be less than eight-tenths of one percent of the
average compensation of the conference. The annu-
ity rate for approved service of local pastors shall also be
determined by the conference each year and may shall
be the same as the rate for service of conference clergy
members in full connection, probationary mem-
bers and associate members, but it shall be no less

than ' 75 percent of that rate. A successor conference
resulting from a merger involving a former Central
Jurisdictional Conference shall establish for all for
whom it has pension responsibility the same rate for past
service of conference clergy members in full connec-
tion, probationary members and associate mem-
bers in the CentralJurisdiction...ll. -(^ An Annual Con-
ference may not make any arrangement with a life
insurance company for the purchase of annuities for the
benefit of individual effective or retired ministers clergy
or take any steps...

(b) [Delete.]

12. d){X) Prior to January 1, 1982, a conference
subject to the laws of the state in which it is incorporated
shall have power to require from its clergy members and
local pastors who are serving with pension credit...

(b) ...as the ground of any special or additional
annuity claim of a member clergyperson against the
conference; neither shall it prevent disallowance of a
member's clergyperson's annuity claim by conference
action.

(c) The conference may fix a financial penalty for
failure of the member clergyperson to pay.

(d) ...after hearing has been given to the member
clergyperson, in case such hearing is requested.

(e) Ordained ministers Clergy entering a confer-
ence...the annual contribution required from a cler-
gyperson member of the conference or a local pastor
shall not exceed an amount equal to 3 percent of the
ordained minister's clergyperson's or local pastor's
support.

(2) If an ordained minister a clergyperson is par-
ticipating in one of the pension funds, plans, or programs
administered by the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits, the minister that individual shall not
be required...

12. e) ...Retired Ministers Day, in honor of the
retired ordained ministers clergy, their spouses, and the
surviving spouses of ordained ministers clergy in rec-
ognition...

13. A conference Board of Pensions may make spe-
cial grants to clergy members or former clergy mem
befs and to local pastors or former local pastors of an
Annual Conference...

14. a) A former clergy member in full connection,
probationary member or associate member of an

Annual Conference... following the date the former mtn-
istef clergyperson attains age sixty-two, based on the
years of service approved for pension credit. Such for-
mer ordained minister's clergyperson's pension shall
be based on all years of service with pension credit if the
former minister clergyperson had twenty or more such
years....

Financial Administration

381

b) A former clergy member in full connection,
probationary member or associate member of an

Annual Conference.. .pension beginning the first day of
any month coinciding with or following the date the
former minister clergyperson attains age sixty-two...

c) Effective at the close of the 1976 General Confer-
ence, former clergy members in full connection, pro-
bationary members, and associate members of the

Annual Conference...

d) Clergy members in full connection, proba-
tionary members and associate members in an An-
nual Conference...

16. a) An ordained minister A clergyperson who
has been granted the retired relation. ..Such minister
clergyperson shall notify...

b) In the event of the death of such ordained minia
tef clergyperson prior to the annuity starting date.. .of
the ordained ministcr'a clergyperson's formula bene-
fit...

20. ...responsibility to enroll ordained ministcra
clergy and local pastoro of the Annual Conference...

11606.

Petition Number: 20884-FA-1606.2-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, SCA.

Annual Conference Administration

Amend ^ 1606.2c:

2.c) Pensions earned by bishops (elected by a Juris-
dictional Conference), ordained ministers, diaconal
ministers, and local pastors, and protection benefits for
such bishops, ordained ministers, diaconal ministers,
and eligible local pastors...

11606.

Petition Number: 21422-FA-1606.3-D; GBOD.

Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities of the Annual
Conference
Amende 1606.3a (3):

3.0^(3) under appointment. .or to community
church, or as a conference-approved general evangel-
ist; ...

11606.

Petition Number: 20885-FA-1606.20-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, SCA.

Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities of Annual
Conference

Amend ^ 1606.20:

20. ...responsibility to enroll ordained ministers,
diaconal ministers, and local pastors...

11702.

Petition Number: 20605-FA-1702-D;WNC.

Organization of General Board of Publication
Amend ^[1702:

Organization. — ^The General Board of Publication,
hereinafter called the board, shall consist of up to fifty
forty members, ...Thirty eight Twenty-eight members
shall be elected...

11702.

Petition Number: 20774-FA-1702-D; GBPB.
Reduction in size of the General Board of Publication
Amend ^1702:

Organization. — The General Board of Publication,
hereinafter called the board, shall consist of up to fifty
thirty-seven members, including two bishops selected
by the Council of Bishops. A maximum of teft five of
these members shall be elected by the board,.. .Thiffy-
cight Thirty members shall be elected by the Jurisdic-
tional Conferences.. .At least tw© one young adult«, at
the time of theif election, shall be elected each quadren-
nium...

This legislation shall become effective at the
close of the 1996 General Conference.

11702.

Petition Number: 21630-FA-1702-D; GCOM.

Organization of the General Board of Publication
Amend ^ 1702:

Organization. — 1. The General Board of Publica-
tion, hereinafter called the board, shall consist of up to
fiffy thirty-eight members as follows:, including

a) Episcopal members.— TWo bishops selected by
the Council of Bishops.

b) Jurisdictional members.— Thirty (30) members
elected by the Jurisdictional Conferences based
on the following formula: North Central — 6,

382

DCA Advance Edition

Northeastern — 6, South Central — 8, Southeast-
em — 8 and Western — 2; provided that no jurisdic-
tion shall be represented by fewer than two mem-
bers.

c. Additional members — A maximum of ten of
thcac Five additional members shall be elected by the
board,...Thirty-cight members shall be elected by the
Jurisdictional Conferences on a ratio providing for an
equitable distribution among the various jurisdictions,
based on the memberships thereof; provided that no
jurisdiction shall be represented by fewer than two
members. It is recommended that persons elected by
each jurisdiction be inclusive of women and ethnic
groups — ^Asian American, Black American, Hispanic
American, Native American, and Pacific Islanders.
Membership on the board shall be equally divided, as
far as practicable, bct>v"ccn ordained ministers and lay
persons. Other paragraphs of the Discipline notwith-
standing, membership shall also be by classes based on
term of office for one, two, or three quadrcnniums,
attention being given to the principle of rotation so that,
as far as practicable, one third of the membership shall
be elected each quadrennium. The principle of rota
tion is also applicable to the executive committee

d) Central Conference members — One Central
Conference member elected by the Council of
Bishops.

e. At least two One young adults, at the time oftheir
election, shall be elected each quadrennium.

It shall be the duty of the secretory of the General
Conference to inform the various jurisdictional secretar-
ies of the number of members to be elected from their
jurisdictions, the ratio of such representation being com-
puted on the basis of the latest official membership
statistics avaOablc.

f. Membership on the board shall be equally
divided, as far as practicable, between ordained
ministers and lay persons.

g. Other paragraphs of the Discipline notwith-
standing, membership shall also be by classes
based on term of office for one, two, or three
quadrenniiuns, attention being given to the prin-
ciple of rotation so that, as far as practicable,
one-third of the membership shall be elected each
quadrennium. The principle of rotation is also
applicable to the executive committee.

h. In case a vacancy occurs between sessions of the
Jurisdictional Conferences for any cause, the board shall
fill the vacancy for the unexpired term from that juris-
diction in the representation of which the vacancy oc-
curs, except in the case of members elected by the board
where such vacancies would be filled by the board in the
prescribed manner without regard to geographic or
jurisdictional relationship.

i. The publisher of The United Methodist Church
(^ 1714) shall be an ex officio member of the board
without vote.

^1706.

Petition Number: 20775-FA-1706-D; GBPB.

Reduction in size of the Executive Committee of the
General Board of Publication
Amend fUOd:

[Second sentence] The board shall elect from its
membership an executive committee of siirtccn eleven
members,. ..Not more than fear three members of the
executive committee shall be from any one jurisdiction...

This legislation shall become effective at the
close of the 1996 General Conference.

^1707.

Petition Number: 20776-FA-1707-D; GBPB.

Reduction in the number of members required to call
a meeting of the Executive Committee
Amend ^ 1707:

[TTiird sentence] Special meetings may be called by
the chairperson on his or her own initiative and shall be
called on the written request of fivefoixr members of the
executive committee...

This legislation shall become effective at the
close of the 1996 General Conference.

^1737.

Petition Number: 20606-FA-1737-D;WNC.

Ehmination General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 1737:

[Last sentence] TTie board president and publisher
shall consult with the general program agencies, the
General Commission on Communication, and the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries Couuncil of Bishops with
regard to...

^2501.

Petition Number: 20020-FA-2501-D;SGA NTX.
Property used as Fulfilling the Mission of the Church
Insert the following preface before ^ 2501:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^ 101). Property of the United
Methodist Church is to be used for the glory of
God in fulfilling the mission.

Financial Administration

383

12503.

Petition Number: 21589-FA-2503-D; GCFA.
Trust Clauses in Deeds
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2503.4:

When property is acquired from another
United Methodist entity or organization, whether
it is to be used as a place of divine worship, par-
sonage, or other use, all written instruments by
which such premises are held or hereafter ac-
quired shall contain the following trust clause:

In trtist, that said premises shall be held, kept, main-
tained, and disposed of for the benefit of The United
Methodist Church and subject to the usages and the Disci-
pline of The United Methodist Church.

^2503.

Petition Number: 21590-FA-2503.5-D; GCFA.
Trust Clauses in Deeds
Amend ^ 2503.5, the first sentence:

However, the absence of a trust clause stipulated in
§§ 1, 2, 3, ©F 4, or (see petition #21589) above in
deeds and conveyances previously executed...

12512.

Petition Number: 21591-FA-2512-D; GCFA.
The Methodist Corporation
Delete ^2512.

12519.

Petition Number: 20318-FA-2519-D;WPA.

Board of Church Location and Building
Amend the third sentence of ^ 2519:

It is recommended...andpcr9on9 with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities.

12520.

Petition Number: 21057-FA-2520.1-D; GCCUIC.

Local Church Building Sites and Plans

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 2520.1:

The Board shall consult with other Christian
churches in the community where building sites
are being considered.

12521.

Petition Number: 20319-FA-2521-D;WPA.

Approval of construction, purchase, or remodeling
plans for local churches
Amend the last sentence of "J 2521.1:

The design for renovation shall provide for equal
access to persons wth handicapping conditions people
with disabilities where readily achievable and finan-
cially feasible.

12554.

Petition Number: 21301-FA-2554-D; GBGM.

Trustees of Church Institutions

Add a new sentence after the second sentence of ^
2554:

Such trustees shall reflect in their corporate
body the diversity of the entire United Methodist
Church.

384

DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20002-FA-NonDis-O$;DAK, DET,
NAL, CPA, NNY, WNY, KEN.

1997-2000 Apportioned General Funds

Whereas, the membership of The United Methodist
Church continues to decline despite all efforts to the
contrary; and

Whereas, the general Church budget continues to
increase despite all efforts to the contrary; and

Whereas, it is clearly not possible for a declining
membership to continue indefinitely to support a grow-
ing bureaucracy;

Therefore, be it resolved that there be a zero per-
cent (0%) increase in the Apportioned General Funds for
the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

Petition Number: 20012-FA-NonDis-O$;CTX.

Continue Funding the area of Abuse and/or
Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol

Whereas, the abuse and/or misuse of drugs and
alcohol continue to ravage and destroy the lives of per-
sons of all ages; and

Whereas, we must continue to seek to redeem the
lives of those who would be otherwise lost; and

Whereas, through the joint efforts of the General
Board of Church and Society and the General Board of
Global Ministries, our denomination has made signifi-
cant progress in the development of instructional and
programmatic materials;

Be it hereby resolved, that the General Conference
continue the funding of this area of need as one of the
priorities of The United Methodist Church for another
quadrennium.

considerably less than that (e.g., half that amount for a
minister serving half-time); and

Whereas, there are ministers serving full-time who
are paying a lesser amount for CPP participation than
that required of those ministers serving less than full-
time under appointment because the base for contribu-
tions of these full-time ministers is less than the DAC;
and

Whereas, there is thus a situation of grave injustice
created when the less than full-time minister is required
to pay more for the same coverage than is being paid by
many full-time ministers;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference remove this injustice by eliminating the
DAC as the base for figuring the contributions to be
made for CPP coverage by less than full-time ministers,
and replace it with either 60% of the DAC or the usual
salary base of the minister, whichever is greater.

Petition Number: 20514-FA-NonDis-O$;FIA

1997-2000 Budget for General Funds

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference
limit the total of the 1997-2000 budget for general funds
of the church to the total projected income for 1993-1996.

Petition Number: 20521-FA-NonDis-O$;TEX.

General Council on Finance and Administration

Be it resolved, that the General Conference create
a task force that shall evaluate our present system of
gathering connectional funds and make recommenda-
tions to the 2000 General Conference for the creation of
a new approach that remains consistent with the connec-
tional nature of our denomination and that will serve our
church's ministry into the future.

Petition Number: 20270-FA-NonDis-O;NEB.

Comprehensive Protection Plan Contributions

Whereas, less than full-time ministers "who are full
members, associate members or probationary mem-
bers" may participate in the Comprehensive Protection
Plan (CPP) of the General Board of Pensions and Health
Benefits of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, such ministers are required by Church
Law to make contributions on the basis of 4.4% of the
Denominational Average Compensation (which was
$30,017 for 1994) , even though their base salary may be

Petition Number: 20713-FA-NonDis-O;NNY.

Disabled Pastors

Whereas, the Christian church has a long history of
caring for widows, orphans, and those who are unable
to provide for themselves; and

Whereas, our disabled pastors are currently receiv-
ing 40% of the Denominational Average Compensation
(DAC). [The DAC for 1995 is $34,832. 40% of the DAC
is $13,932.80]; and

Financial Administration

385

Whereas, although the majority of United Method-
ist pastors on disability are receiving Social Security
Disability benefits as well, there are United Methodist
pastors not receiving Social Security Disability who are
attempting to live on $13,932.80 per year; and

Whereas, the tests for Social Security Disability are
far more stringent than required by private disability
providers and require inability to do any work, not just
the work for which they are trained; and

Whereas, the disability payments of many, if not the
majority of, businesses are provided at 60% of a person's
annual salary; and

Whereas, our need to be fiscally responsible must
not be at the expense of our disabled pastors; and

Whereas, for the few pastors who are not receiving
Social Security Disability income, a percentage increase
would mean the difference between poverty level in-
come and surviving more adequately;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence consider avenues for increasing the current disabil-
ity benefits of 40% of the DAC.

Petition Number: 20714-FA-NonDis-O;SCA.

Ministerial Pension Plan Doctunent

Amend the Ministerial Pension Plan:

E.Ol Retirement Benefits

b. Upon retirement at or after age 63 years or upon
retirement at or after the completion of 35 appoint-
mcnt years on or after.. .the Personal Contribu-
tions Annuity. However, a Participant may
elect to postpone his/her retirement until
the Late Retirement Date at which time,
upon application, the Participant shall re-
ceive a monthly retirement equal to the sum
of the following:

(1) the greater of

(A) such Participant's Service Annuity; or

(B) the actuarial equivalent of the Formula
Benefit payable at the Normal Retire-
ment Date; and

(2) if any, the Personal Contributions Annu-
ity.

B.03 Late Retirement Date shall mean the first
day of the month coinciding with or following
the date the Participant retires at any confer-
ence session after the conference session
held in the year in which the Participant
turns age 65 on or before July 1 .

Petition Number: 20715-FA-NonDis-O;NIL.

Voluntary Conversion Program fi"om MRPF to
MPP

Whereas, the 1995 session of the Northern Illinois
Conference has acted to conduct a major capital stew-
ardship campaign to respond to the unfunded liability of
those with service under the Ministers Reserve Pension
Fund (MRPF);

And whereas, this liability increases each year with
increases in the benefit level;

And whereas, the number of active clergy and lay
participants with service years before 1982 under the
MRPF is limited and our liability can be defined using
actuarial tables;

And whereas, other conferences find themselves in
the same situation;

And whereas, changes in Supplement One of the
Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) administered by the
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits can only
be made with General Conference action;

Now therefore, be it resolved, that the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits be directed to
create and implement a voluntary program to permit
participants with service under the MRPF to convert
their MPP Supplemental One Benefit defined benefit
into an MPP defined contribution benefit; provided con-
sent to such conversion is granted by the Annual Con-
ference responsible for such service upon recommenda-
tion of such conference's Board of Pensions.

Petition Number: 20773-FA-NonDis-O; GBPB.

Change Name of General Board of Publication

Whereas, the General Board of Publication is com-
monly referred to as The United Methodist Publishing
House; and

Whereas, the General Board of Publication is only
responsible for the work of the United Methodist Pub-
lishing House; and

Whereas, misinterpretation of the work of the Gen-
eral Board of Publication occurs frequentiy in that mem-
bers of The United Methodist Church expect the Gen-
eral Board of Publication to have oversight of all United
Methodist publishing; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church is a global
body with publishing interests located in a variety of
locations around the world; and

Whereas, there is a significant possibility of a glob-
ally structured United Methodist Church in the future;

386

DCA Advance Edition

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of
Publication be renamed The United Methodist Publish-
ing House in order to bring The Book of Discipline into
conformity with the terms commonly used throughout
The United Methodist Church, to help prevent misinter-
pretation of The United Methodist Publishing House
functions, and to allow for future global organization of
United Methodist publishing interests. All references to
the General Board of Publication within The Book of
Discipline, including but not limited to the title of Section
X, ^^ 1701, 1702, and 1719.4 shall be changed to The
United Methodist Publishing House. The Board of Di-
rectors of The United Methodist Publishing House shall
be known as the Board of The United Methodist Pub-
lishing House. This change in name shall be effective
upon the close of the 1996 General Conference.

Petition Number: 20791-FA-NonDis-O; Council on Fi-
nance and Administration, AFL

Level Funding in the Total Apportioned Budget

Because the apportioned items to the local
churches in our annual conference are paid in at consid-
erably less than one hundred percent, the Alabama-
West Florida Annual Conference is having to operate
many of our programs and agencies at level funding, and
others slightly above level funding.

Our conference has no control over apportioned
askings from the General Conference. When local
churches do not pay these items, or when the churches
pay only part of the asking, our conference must pay the
total apportioned askings to the general Church. This
leaves the annual conference with less money to operate
our programs. This has hampered us in several areas,
but especially in the area of planting and developing new
congregations.

We, therefore, meeting in session on March 7, 1995,
call upon the members of the General Conference, meet-
ing in 1996, to seek for level funding in the total appor-
tioned budget to be sent to the churches during the
upcoming quadrennium.

Petition Number: 20953-FA-NonDis-O;NIN.

Continuation of Enrollment

in the Comprehensive Protection Plan

as a Student Local Pastor

Whereas, persons who are serving as full-time local
pastors are eligible to participate in the Comprehensive
Protection Plan; and.

Whereas, persons who have completed half their
seminary work and are made probationary members of
an Annual Conference are permitted to be enrolled in
the Comprehensive Protection Plan while still in school.

if the Annual Conference agrees to such enrollment
under the Special rules, paragraph 3.2(h) ; and.

Whereas, persons who are full-time local pastors
may need to reduce their service to less than full time in
order to complete their first half of seminary work; and.

Whereas, the Staff Rules and Regulations Commit-
tee interpretation of paragraph 3.2(h) excludes from
participation in the Comprehensive Protection Plan for-
mer full-time local pastors who are assigned part-time;
Now be it resolved, that paragraph 3.2(h) of the Com-
prehensive Protection Plan be amended as follows:

(h) A person described in subsection 3.1(a) Qi) (in-
cluding one who is granted a leave of absence) or
3.1(a) (iii) who is otherwise eligible to be an Active
Participant under subsection 3.1 (a) , except for receiving
less than the equivalent of the applicable Plan Compen-
sation or is appointed less than full time, may, in special
situations participate in the Plan under special arrange-
ments with the General Board regarding contributions
and benefits. Such special arrangements may in-
clude persons who have been participants but
have been reclassified as Student Local Pastors in
order to pursue their theological education. Such
special arrangements shall include all Comprehensive
Protection Plan benefit coverages except the Ministerial
Pension Plan church account pensions supplement as
provided in Comprehensive Protection Plan subsection
5.5.

Petition Number: 21037-FA-NonDis-O$;NYK

Task Force to Study Salary Equalization
for Pastors

Whereas, the General Conference has required the
creation of a Commission on Equitable Compensation
in each of the several annual conferences; and

Whereas, this mandate is spelled out in the Disci-
pline of The United Methodist Church (^722); and

Whereas, an examination of the journals of the
several conferences discloses wide discrepancies in pas-
tor compensation; and

Whereas, these discrepancies have resulted in seri-
ous conversations among clergy persons concerning
qualifications, personal worth, dignity, and respect; and

Whereas, all of these have begun to adversely affect
clergy morale;

Be it therefore resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of 1996 give due consideration to the concept of
salary equalization for pastors under full-time appoint-
ment.

Financial Administration

387

Be it therefore resolved, that a task force of the 1996
General Conference be formed to study this matter and
due consideration be given to the system of salary
equalization already in place as per bishops and district
superintendents and missionaries; and

Be it further resolved, that a report of said task force
be presented to the General Conference at its meeting
in the year 2000.

Be it further resolved, that this task force be com-
posed of seven (7) persons: one from the Council of
Bishops, one from the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry, two (2) from GCFA, and three (3)
at-large;

Be it finally resolved, that funding for this study be
provided by GCFA.

Petition Number: 21493-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Basic Protection Plan

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends the following plan document for the Basic
Protection Plan be substituted for the current plan docu-
ment, effective January 1, 1997. This document is a
restatement of the current plan provisions with the ex-
ception of the major changes highlighted below.

• Distinctions have been made between the Board as
administrator and the Board as trustee.

• Beneficiary provisions have been revised.

• The definition of compensation has been revised.

• Clergy members serving less than three-quarter
time have been included as a category eligible for
participation in the death and disability programs.

• Nondiscrimination provisions have been revised to
require compliance with Section 79(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code.

• Open enrollment has been provided for eligible
clergy and lay employees who experience a "change
in family status" during a plan year.

• The Social Security definition of disability has been
removed and disability will be determined in
accordance with the occupational definition
currently contained in the plan document.

• Disability provisions were also revised to note such
benefits will terminate (1) at age 65 if a participant
becomes disabled on or before age 60, (2) upon the
fifth anniversary of disability if a participant
becomes disabled after age 60, or (3) on the June
30th following a disabled clergyperson's 70th
birthday.

• The disability benefit amounts which may be
adopted by plan sponsors have been revised.

• The active participant death benefit has been
revised by including three options which may be
adopted by plan sponsors for their lay and/or clergy
participants.

• The death benefit payable upon the death of a
retired participant, spouse, or child has been

revised.

• A provision was added to note Illinois law governs
the terms of the plan, except where preempted by
federal law.

• A provision was added requiring disputes between
a plan sponsor and the Board to be settled through
the use of a mediation/binding arbitration process.

Basic Protection Plan
Article I The Plan

1.01 The Plan. The General Conference of The
United Methodist Church previously estab-
lished a protection plan for the benefit of
eligible persons which was known as the Ba-
sic Protection Plan (hereinafter referred to
as the "Plan"). In addition to the Plan, the
Death Benefit Program and the Death Bene-
fit Program Plus (hereinafter collectively re-
ferred to as the "Prior Plans") had been
estabUshed as protection plans for the bene-
fit of certain eligible persons. The Prior
Plans were merged into the Plan which was
amended and restated effective January 1,
1993. Effective January 1, 1997, tiie Plan is
hereby amended and restated.

1.02 Nature of Plan. This Plan is a church plan as
that term is defined xmder section 414(e) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and section 3(33) of the Em-
ployee Retirement Income Seciuity Act of
1974, as amended.

Article II Definitions

Each word and phrase defined in this Article
II shall have the following meaning whenever such
word or phrase is capitalized and used herein,
unless a different meaning is clearly required by
the context of the Plan. The definition of any term
herein in the singular may also include the pliu'al.

2.01 Active Participant A Participant who meets
the requirements of Section 3.02a below.

2.02 Administrator. The Administrator shall
mean The General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits of The United Methodist

388

DCA Advance Edition

Church, Incorporated in Illinois, and any suc-
cessors.

2.03 Adoption Agreement An Adoption Agree-
ment shall be executed by a Plan Sponsor in
accordance with Article X.

2.04 Age. The age at the last birthday, except as
otherwise noted in Section 5.05 and Section
6.09.

2.05 Book of Discipline. The body of church law
as estabUshed by the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church, as amended
from time to time.

2.06 Clergyperson or Clergy. A bishop of The
United Methodist Church, a clergy member
of a Conference, including full, probationary,
and associate members, and a full-time local
pastor of The United Methodist Church who
is under episcoped appointment to a charge
which is located in a Conference.

2.07 Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended from time to time.

2.08 Compensation. The sum of the following
amoimts paid to the Participemt by his/her
Salary-Paying Unit and/or Plan Sponsor in
the most recent twelve-month period:

a. the taxable cash salary received by the Par-
ticipant from the Salary-Paying Unit, but not
including the cash value of taxable fringe
benefits;

b. the housing allowance, if any, determined in
accordance with the provisions of the Minis-
terial Pension Plan Section 2.11 or the Cu-
mulative Pension and Benefit Fund Section
2.12, as amended from time to time; and

c. any elective deferrals with respect to employ-
ment with the Plan Sponsor and/or S^ary-
Paying Unit: (i) to a plan qualiSed under
Code section 125; or (ii) to a tax-sheltered
annuity described in Code section 403(b).

In the event a Participant has less than twelve
(12) months of Compensation at the date of bene-
fit determination under Section 5.04 or Section
6.03, the Compensation at such date of determi-
nation shall be emnualized. For a Participant who
is disabled within the terms of Article V, Compen-
sation shall be the amount in effect imder the
terms of this Section 2.08 as of the date such
Participant was determined to be disabled in ac-
cordance with Section 5.03.

2.09 Conference. For the purpose of this Plan and
the Programs thereunder, the term "Confer-

ence" shedl include Annual Conferences, Pro-
visional Conferences and Missionary Confer-
ences which are described in the Book of Dis-
cipline and which are located in
Jxuisdictional Conferences.

2.10 Denominational Average Compensation. The
avereige annual Compensation of Clergy ap-
pointed to charges located in Conferences,
as determined each year by the Administra-
tor.

2.11 Employee. A person who is described as an
employee of a church in Code sections
414(e)(3) and/or 7701(a)(20), who is a
Clergyperson serving The United Methodist
Chiu-ch, or who is a common-law employee
of a Salary-Paying Unit.

2.12 ERISA. The Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended from time
to time.

2.13 General Agency. A general agency of The
United Methodist Church as defined in the

Book of Discipline.

2.14 Hour of Service.

a. Each hour for which an Employee is paid, or
entided to payment, for the performance of
duties for the Salary-Paying Unit and/or
Plan Sponsor. TTiese horn's shall be credited
to the Employee for the computation period
in which the duties are performed; and

b. Each hour for which an Employee is paid, or
entitled to payment, by the Salary-Paying
Unit and/or Plan Sponsor on account of a
period of time diuing which no duties are
performed (irrespective of whether the em-
ployment relationship has terminated) due
to vacation, hohday, illness, incapacity (in-
cluding disability), layoff, jury duty, military
duty or leave of absence. No more than 501
Hoiu-s of Service shall be credited under this
paragraph for any single continuous period
(whether or not such period occurs in a sin-
gle computation period); and

c. Each hoiu* for which back pay, irrespective
of mitigation of damages, is either awarded
or agreed to by the Salary-Paying Unit
and/or Plan Sponsor. The same Hours of
Service shall not be credited both under
paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), as the case
may be, and under this paragraph (3). These
hours shall be credited to the Employee for
the computation period or periods to which
the award or agreement or payment is made.

Financial Administration

389

Hours of Service will be credited for employ-
ment with other Salary-Paying Units and/or Plan
Sponsors of The United Methodist Church.

2.15 Normal Retirement Age. The Normal Retire-
ment Age applicable to a Participant who is
a Clergyperson identified in Section
3.02b(l)(A) is defined in Tlte Book of Disci-
pline. The Normal Retirement Age applicable
to a Participant who is a lay Employee is
defined in Section 3.02b(l)(B)(iii).

2.16 Participant Any Employee who has become
eligible to participate and enrolled in the
Plan in accordance with Article III.

2.17 Period of Coverage. The Plan Year, except
that it may be a fi-action of a Plan Year for a
Participant who becomes eligible to enroll in
the Plan after January 1 of a Plan Year. In
those instances, the Period of Coverage is
the remainder of the Plan Year.

2.18 Plan. The Basic Protection Plan is a plan of
The United Methodist Church which is com-
prised of a Disability Program and a Death
Benefit Program.

2.19 Plan Sponsor. An entity described below
\^ich has completed an Adoption Agree-
ment which has been accepted by the Ad-
ministrator and which is participating in a
pension program administered by the Ad-
ministrator:

a. the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration if the Participant is a bishop;

b. the Conference if the Peirticipant is a local
pastor or a member in full connection, pro-
bationary member, or associate member, ex-
cept if he/she is appointed pursuant to Para-
graphs 443.1a(2), (3), or (4), 443.16, or
443. Irf of the Book of Discipline;

c. the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration if the Participant is an Employee of
a General Agency which has a voting repre-
sentative on the Committee on Personnel
PoUcies and Practices which is a committee
of the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration;

d. the Saleuy-Paying Unit if the Participant is
classified in a category not described above.

2.20 Plem Year. The twelve-month period ending
on December 31 of each calendar year.

2.21 Program. Any of the benefit plans offered to
Plan Sponsors and/or Participants hereun-
der, which include, but are not limited to,

the DisabiUty Program under Article V and
the Death Benefit Program under Article VI.

2.22 Retired Participant A Participant who meets
the requirements of Section 3.02b below.

2.23 Salary-Paying Unit One of the following
units which is associated with The United
Methodist Church and located in the United
States:

a. the General Conference;

b. a General Agency of The United Methodist
Church;

c. a Jurisdictional Conference;

d. a Conference located in a Jurisdictional Con-
ference;

e. a Conference boeu'd, agency, or commission
located in a Jiuisdictional Conference;

f. a local church located in a Conference; or

g. any other organization located in a Jurisdic-
tional Conference which is eligible to partici-
pate in a church plan in accordance with the
provisions of ERISA.

2.24 Trustee. The Trustee shall mean The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Church, Incorporated in
Missoiui, and any successors.

2.25 Year of Service. The completion of at least
1,000 Hom-s of Service during the Plan
Year.

Article III Eligibility

3.01 General Rule. An Employee shall be eligible
to participate in this Plan if the Employee
meets the requirements of either Sections
3.02, 3.03, 3.04 or 3.05 below, and if
he/she is not excluded from participation in
accordance with the provisions of Section
3.06.

3.02 Eligibility Requirements. Each Employee of
the Plan Sponsor shall be required to meet
the following requirements for eligibility:

a. In order to be considered an Active Partici-
pant, the Employee must meet all of the
following requirements:

(1) One of the following service require-
ments which has been selected by the
Plan Sponsor:

390

DCA Advance Edition

(A) No minimum service shall be reqtiired
of an Employee in order for the Em-
ployee to be eligible to be enrolled in the
Plan.

(B) A service requirement shall be imposed
with such requirement being at least one
month, but no more than 24 months.

(2) One of the following Age requirements
which has been selected by the Plan
Sponsor:

(A) No minimum Age shall be required of an
Employee in order for the Employee to
participate in the Plan.

(B) An Age requirement shall be imposed
with such requirement being at least 18
years of Age, but no more than 21 years
of Age.

(3) Be an Employee as defined below:

(A) For a Clergyperson, a bishop or a mem-
ber in full connection, probationary
member, or associate member of a Con-
ference who is under episcopal appoint-
ment and who is serving the appoint-
ment at least three-quarters time or a
fixll-time local pastor who is imder epis-
copal appointment or a person who has
been granted a disability leave pursuant
to Paragraph 451 of the Book of Discipline
and wiio was enrolled in the Plan at the
time he/she became disabled.

(B) For a lay Employee, a person who is
actively employed and is normally
scheduled to work at least 30 hours or
more per week or who became disabled
while an Active Participant in this Plan.

(C) For a Clergyperson, a member in fixll
connection, probationary member, or
associate member of a Conference who
is under episcopal appointment and who
is serving less than three-quarters time.

b. In order to be considered a Retired Partici-
pant, the Employee must be ehgible to re-
ceive a benefit from a pension program ad-
ministered by the Administrator and meet
all of the following requirements:

(1) The Employee must have been retired in
accordance with the requirements which
have been selected by the Plan Sponsor
in the Adoption Agreement:

(A) For a Clergyperson, a person who has
retired (or recognized as being retired)
in accordance with

(i) Paragraphs 509.1, 509.2, or 509.3 of

the Book of Discipline;

(ii) Paragraphs 452.1, 452.2b, or 452.2c of

the Book of Discipline;

(iii) Paragraph 452.2a of the Book of Disci-
pline;

(iv) Paragraph 452.3 of tiie Book ofDiscipline;
or

(v) Paragraph 410.5 of the Book ofDiscipline.

(B) For a lay Employee (other than a lay
Employee of a General Agency), a per-
son who has retired in accordance with
the retirement policy of the Salary-Pay-
ing Unit fi"om which he/she has retired:

(i) An early retirement age shedl be selected
by the Salary-Paying Unit in its Adoption
Agreement

(ii) Said early retirement age shall be the age
of the Employee in the year in which the
later of two events occtir: (a) the year in
which the Employee attains age ''x," or
(b) the year in which the Employee has
at least "y" Years of Service with the
denomination, where "x" is a number
between 55 and 65, inclusively, and
where "y" is a nimiber between 0 and
20, inclusively.

(iii) The Normal Retirement Age shall be the
year in which the later of two events oc-
cxu": (a) the year in which the Employee
attains age 65, or (b) the year in which
the Employee has five Years of Service
with the denomination.

(C) For a lay Employee of a General Agency,
a person who has retired in accordance
with paragraph 814.3 of the Book ofDis-
cipline.

(2) An Employee must have participated in
the Plan for at least five years inmiedi-
ately prior to being eligible to participate
as a Retired Participant If a Plan Spon-
sor has covered its Employees under the
Plan for less than five years, an Em-
ployee wlio is em-olled by such Plan
Sponsor as of the effective date of such
Plan Sponsor's adoption of Plan cover-
age may become eligible to participate as
a Retired Participant upon meeting the

Financial Administration

391

requirements of Section 3.02b(l); pro-
vided, such Plan Sponsor elects to cover
Employees in the categories noted in Sec-
tion 3.02b(l).

(3) An Employee must continuously partici-
pate in the Plan after attaining the status
of Retired Participant

3.03 Nondiscrimination. A Plan Sponsor who
elects coverage under the Death Benefit Pro-
gram shall enroll a sufScient number of Em-
ployees to meet the nondiscrimination re-
quirements of Code Section 79(d).

3.04 Proof of Insurability. An Employee must
show proof of insurability at the time he/she
is eligible to enroll for Plan coverage. For the
purpose of this Plan, an Employee shall
meet this proof of insurability requirement
an executed enrollment form is filed with the
Administrator within 60 days of the last to
occur of the following:

a. the effective date of the Adoption Agreement
which has been completed by the Plan Spon-
sor;

b. the date on which the Employee becomes
eligible to participate in the Plan in accord-
ance with Section 3.02 above;

c. the date on which the Employee experiences
a change in family status due to his/her mar-
riage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a
Child (as defined in Section 6.05) of the
Employee, the death of the Employee's
Spouse or Child, or the termination or com-
mencement of employment of the Em-
ployee's Spouse; or

d. the first day of the month immediately fol-
lowing the approval of the Administrator of
the individual's participation based upon
the completion (at the expense of the Plan
Sponsor, the Salary-Paying Unit, or Em-
ployee) of a medical examination indicating
a condition of good health acceptable to the
Administrator. Such a medical examination
shall be required in the event the Employee
does not file an enrollment form pursuemt to
Sections 3.04a, b, or c above.

3.05 Effective Date of Participation. An Employee
who initially becomes eligible to participate
pursuant to Section 3.02 shall become a
Participant in the Plan on the first day of the
month following the Administrator's receipt
and acceptance of such Employee's exe-
cuted enrollment form; provided the terms
of Section 3.04 have been satisfied. An Em-
ployee who experiences a change in family

status pursuant to Section 3.04c during a
Plan Year shall become a Plan Participant on
the following January 1 ; provided the terms of
Section 3.04 have been satisfied. An Em-
ployee who has met the terms of Section
3.04a shall have his/her coverage renewed as
of the effective date of his/her Plan Sponsor's
annual Adoption Agreement.

3.06 Special Rules. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary,

a. For a Plan Sponsor with seven or more Em-
ployees eligible to participate pursuant to
Section 3.02a(3), such Plan Sponsor and its
Employees may not participate in the Plan if
the Plan Sponsor does not enroll at least
seventy percent of those Employees who are
eligible to peuHcipate in a Program.

(1) A Plan Sponsor may enroll clergy only,
lay employees only, or both.

(2) For the piupose of the seventy percent
rule, a Plan Sponsor must enroll at least
seventy percent of eligible active Em-
ployees and at least seventy percent of
eligible retired Employees if coverage is
elected for retired Employees.

b. For a Plan Sponsor with less than seven
Employees eligible to participate pursuant
to Section 3.02a(3), such Plan Sponsor and
its Employees may not participate in the
Plan if the Plan Sponsor does not enroll its
Employees in accordance with the following
schedule:

Total Number
of Eligible Employees
6
5
4
3

Number of Employees
Required to be Enrolled

4

3

3

2

(1) A Plan Sponsor may enroll clergy only,
lay employees only, or both.

(2) The schedule of required enrollment
noted above must be applied separately
to eligible active Employees and eligible
retired Employees if coverage is elected
for retired Employees.

c. The Administrator shall determine the eligi-
bility of each Employee for participation
based upon information furnished by the
Plan Sponsor. Such determination shall be
conclusive and binding upon all persons, as
long as the same is made pursuant to the
Plan and the Adoption Agreement

392

DCA Advance Edition

d. The Administrator may reject any Adoption
Agreement, or terminate the participation of
a Piiin Sponsor at the end of any Plan Year,
in accordance with criteria established by
the Administrator.

e. Transition Rule. Notwithstanding anything
in this Article to the contrary, any person
who is enrolled in the Plan or a Prior Plan
as of December 31, 1992, shall continue to
be eligible to continue his/her participation
in the Plan provided that his/her Plan Spon-
sor enrolls him/her as of January 1, 1993,
and said person is continuously enrolled
thereafter.

Article rV Contributions

4.01 Premium Contributions. The Administrator
shall charge the Plan Sponsor, or at the re-
quest of the Plan Sponsor, the Salary-Paying
Unit, for the premiums for the Programs for
which the Employee is enrolled.

a. Said contributions shall be payable in annual
installments. However, a Plan Sponsor may
elect to pay the premium in quarterly or
monthly installments. Less than annual in-
stallments shall include a reasonable fi-
nance charge which shall be determined by
the Administrator and communicated to the
Plan Sponsor at the time of renewal.

b. A Plan Sponsor may elect in the Adoption
Agreement to have the Participant contrib-
ute towards the cost of the premium by re-
quiring a certain percentage of the premium
be paid by the Employee. However, the pre-
mium shall be collected by the Plan Sponsor
(or Salary-Paying Unit) and shall be for-
warded to the Administrator on the same
basis as the Plan Sponsor premium.

c. Said premium shall be established by the
Administrator in accordance with rules and
regulations as may be established by the
Administrator from time to time.

4.02 Protection Benefit Trust. Premium contri-
butions made pursuant to Section 4.01 shall
be credited as of the date of receipt by the
Plan to the Protection Benefit Trust.

4.03 Delinquent Contributions. In the event the
premium contributions required in Section
4.01 on behalf of any person are:

a. more than thirty days in arrears, the partici-
pation of, and the benefits related to any
such person under the Plan shall be sus-
pended until arrangements have been made

for the resumption of contributions satisfac-
tory to the Administrator;

b. more than ninety days in arrears, the partici-
pation of, and die benefits related thereto,
shall be terminated. Such terminated Par-
ticipant shall have the right to re-enroll if
he/she meets the proof of insurability re-
quirement described in Section 3.04d
herein.

Article V Disability Program

5.01 In General. A Plan Sponsor who has adopted
this Plan may elect to enroll its Employees
in a Disability Program option which may be
established by the Administrator in accord-
ance with this Plan.

5.02 Eligibility, Enrollment and Termination. An
Active Participant whose Plan Sponsor has
enrolled said Active Participant in this Pro-
gram shall receive benefits under this Pro-
gram in accordance with the provisions of
this Article and this Plan. Enrollment and
termination of participation under the Plan
shall constitute enrollment and termination
of participation under this Program.

5.03 Disability Benefits.

a. Eligibility for Benefits.

(1) By Reason of Illness. In the event an
Active Participant who has been an Ac-
tive Participant in this Program for at
least six months becomes disabled (as
defined in Section 5.03b) by reason of
illness, such Active Participant shall be
entitled to a disability benefit under this
Program.

(2) By Reason of Accident In the event an
Active Participant becomes disabled (as
defined in Section 5.03b) by reason of
an accident, the Active Participant shall
be entitied to a disability benefit under
this Program.

b. Definition of Disability. An Active Partici-
pant will be considered disabled for the pur-
poses of this Program as of the date the
Administrator determines on the basis of
medical evidence that such Active Partici-
pant was unable to perform the usual and
customary duties of his/her employment by
reason of bodily injury, disease, or mental or
emotional disease or disorder which will
prestunably last for at least six continuous
months, exclusive of any disability resulting
from (A) service in the armed forces of any
country, (B) warfare, (C) intentionally self-

Financial Administration

393

inflicted injury, or (D) participation in any
criminal or unlawful act.

After having received benefit payments for
twenty-four months, the Active Participant shall
be considered disabled only if such Active Partici-
pant is unable to engage in any occupation for
which such Active Participant is reasonably quali-
fied by training, education, experience, or age. In
order to continue disability benefit payments after
twenty-four months, an Active Participant will be
required to submit medical evidence of such dis-
ability to the Administrator in accordance with
Subsection c below.

c. Application for Benefit. An Active Partici-
pant shall complete an application for bene-
fit form provided by the Administrator. The
Administrator shall require medical evi-
dence of initial and continuing disability, in-
cluding, but not limited to, a requirement
that the Active Participant submit to medical
examination at the request of the Adminis-
trator. The Program shall pay all reasonable
medical fees, as determined by the Admin-
istrator, for any examinations requested
more fi-equentiy than annually. Documenta-
tion fi-om the Social Security Administration
shall constitute medical evidence for the
purposes of this Section 5.03c. Medical evi-
dence must be received by the Administra-
tor within 90 days of an Administrator re-
quest for such information, otherwise
disability benefits will be denied for initial
disability and terminated. Determinations
as to disability made by the Administrator
shall be made in accordance with the proce-
diu'es set forth in Section 7.01.

d. Commencement of Benefit

(1) For an Active Participant, payment of
benefits shall begin retroactive to the
first day of the month following the date
of disability as determined by the Ad-
ministrator.

(2) No disability benefits shall be payable
for any period of time when the Active
Participant is still receiving a salary from
his/her Salary-Paying Unit Notwith-
standing the foregoing, a Participant
who is actively enrolled in a rehabilita-
tion program approved by the Adminis-
trator may be entitied to receive a por-
tion of his/her disability benefits even
though he/she may be receiving a salary
fi-om an employer.

(3) Even if the Active Participant is other-
wise eligible to receive disability bene-

fits, no disability benefit shall be ap-
proved on a retroactive basis for any pe-
riod of time in excess of 365 days fi-om the
date the payment of disability benefits is
approved by the Administrator.

e. Termination of Benefits. Disability benefits
will be payable under the Program until the
eeu-liest of one of the events noted below.

(1) Upon the death of the Active Participant,
disability benefits shall terminate.

(2) If the Administrator determines that an
Active Participant is no longer disabled,
based on medical evidence, disability
benefits will terminate. The Participant
will assume the cost of providing the Ad-
ministrator with such medical evidence
in accordance with the procedures es-
tablished under Section 5.03c.

(3) If the Active Participant fails to submit
medical evidence of continuing disabil-
ity within 90 days of a request from the
Administrator for such information pur-
suant to Section 5.03c, disability bene-
fits will be terminated in accordance
with the procedures set forth in Section
7.01.

(4) If an Active Participant becomes dis-
abled in accordance with the terms of
Section 5.03b on or before age 60, dis-
ability benefits will terminate upon the
attainment of age 65.

(5) If an Active Participant becomes dis-
abled in accordance with the terms of
Section 5.03b after age 60, disability
benefits will terminate after five years.

(6) Upon the Jxme 30th following his/her
70th birthday, the disability benefits of a
Clergyperson will terminate.

5.04 Amount of Disability Benefit The Plan Spon-
sor shall indicate in the Adoption Agreement
the amount of the benefit coverage to be
payable hereunder. This amoimt shall be
stated as a percentage of an Active Partici-
pant's Compensation in effect as of the date
on which the Active Participant became dis-
abled.

a. Options Available For Active Participants
Who Are Clergypersons. For those Active
Participants who are Clergypersons, a Plan
Sponsor may elect one of the following bene-
fit options:

394

DCA Advance Edition

(1) 10% of the greater of Compensation or
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion;

(2) 60% of the greater of Compensation or
of the Denominational Average Compen-
sation less any disability benefits re-
ceived under die Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan and fi-om the Social Security
Administration of the United States; or

(3) 70% of the greater of Compensation or
of the Denominational Average Compen-
sation less any disability benefits re-
ceived under die Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan and from the Social Security
Administration.

b. Options Available For Active Participants
Who Are Lay Employees. For those Active
Participants who are lay Employees, a Plan
Sponsor may elect one of the following bene-
fit options:

(1) 40% of Compensation;

(2) 60% of Compensation less any disability
benefits received from the Social Secu-
rity Administration; or

(3) 70% of Compensation less any disability
benefits received from the Social Secu-
rity Administration.

5.05 Premiums. A premium for each Program
option shall be established by the Adminis-
trator in accordance with insurance industry
standards taking into consideration certain
factors including, but not limited to, age and
compensation of the Participant, amount of
exposure, and mortality tables. For the pur-
poses of tliis Section 5.05, the term "age" as
used herein shall mean the Participant's age
as of the birthday nearest the premium effec-
tive date; and the term "compensation" as
used herein shall mean the same as that
defined in Section 2.08, except compensa-
tion for the purposes of this Section 5.05 will
be an amount paid to the Participant for the
year period nearest the prospective pre-
mium effective date.

5.06 Rules and Regulations. The Administrator
shall establish all necessary rules, regula-
tions, and procedures for the proper admini-
stration of this Program.

Article VI Death Benefit Program

6.01 In General. A Plan Sponsor who has adopted
this Plan may elect to enroll its Employees
in a Death Benefit Program option which

may be established by the Administrator in
accordance with this Plan.

6.02 Eligibility, Enrollment and Termination. A
Participant whose Plan Sponsor has en-
rolled said Participant in this Program shall
receive benefits under this Program in ac-
cordance with the provisions of this Article
and this Plan. Enrollment and termination of
participation under the Plan shall constitute
enrollment and termination of participation
under this Program.

6.03 Participant Death Benefit Options. In the
event of the death of a Participant, the Bene-
ficiary (as defined in Section 6.08) of such
Participant shall be entided to a deadi bene-
fit in an amount determined pursuant to Sec-
tion 6.03 herein:

a. Active Participant. A Plan Sponsor may elect
to provide its Active Participants with cover-
age according to one of the following op-
tions:

(1) Option 1. Active Participants (eligible to
participate pursuant to Section
3.02a(3)(A), (B), or (C)) may be pro-
vided with coverage according to one of
the following:

(A) One of the following amounts: $10,000
or $25,000.

(B) One of the following percentages of
Compensation: 100%, 150%,or 200%.
The benefit under this option shall be
payable in amounts which are whole
multiples of $10,000. Accordingly, the
benefit shall be rounded to the next
highest $10,000. The maximum benefit
payable hereunder shall be $200,000.

(2) Option 2. Active Participants (eligible to
participate pursuemt to Sections
3.02a(3)(A) or (C)) may be provided
with coverage equal to the greater of
150% of the Denominational Average
Compensation or 150% of Compensa-
tion, minus his/her death benefit pro-
vided under Section 5.03(d) of the Com-
prehensive Protection Plan.

(3) Option 3. Active Participants (eligible to
participate pursuant to Section
3.02a(3)(A), (B), or (C)) may be pro-
vided with coverage based on the De-
nominational Average Compensation
multiplied by the percentage (noted im-
der either Schedide A, B, or C below, as
applicable) which corresponds to the
Participant's Age at his/her death. For

Financial Administration

395

Active Participants covered pursuant to
Sections 3. 02a(3)(A) or (C), a Plan Spon-
sor shall elect either Schedule (A) or (B)
below; whereas, for Active Participants
covered pursuant to Section
3,02a(3)(B), a Plan Sponsor shall select
either Schedule (B) or (C) below.

Age

Schedule A

Schedule B

Schedule C

46

75.0%

150%

300%

47

72.5%

145%

290%

48

70.0%

140%

280%

49

67.5%

135%

270%

50

65.0%

130%

260%

51

62.5%

125%

250%

52

60.0%

120%

240%

53

57.5%

115%

230%

54

55.0%

110%

220%

55

52.5%

105%

210%

56

50.0%

100%

200%

57

47.5%

95%

190%

58

45.0%

90%

180%

59

42.5%

85%

170%

60

40.0%

80%

160%

61

37.5%

75%

150%

62

35.0%

70%

140%

63

32.5%

65%

130%

64

30.0%

60%

120%

65

27.5%

55%

110%

66

25.0%

50%

100%

67

22.5%

45%

90%

68.to 20.0%
retirement

40%

80%

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no benefit pro-
vided under Option 3 shaU exceed $200,000.

b. Retired Participant. A Plan Sponsor may
elect to provide its Retired Participants
death benefit coverage as follows:

(1) For a Retired Participant who was a Cler-
gyperson prior to retirement: $5,000.

(2) For a Retired Participant who was a lay
Employee prior to retirement either
30% of the Denominational Average
Compensation or $5,000.

6.04 Spouse Death Benefit Option. A Plan Spon-
sor may elect to provide one of the following
death benefit options which would be pay-
able to an Active Participant upon the death
of his/her Spouse: (1) $5,000 for an Active
Participant covered pursuant to Sections
3.02a(3)(A) or (C), or (2) 20% of tiie De-
nominational Average Compensation or
$5,000 for an Active Participant covered

pursuant to Section 3.02a(3)(B). For the pur-
pose of this section, the term "Spouse" shall
mean the person to whom the Active Partici-
pant is married in accordance with the law of
the jurisdiction in which the Active Partici-
pant resides.

6.05 Child Death Benefit Option. A Plan Sponsor
may elect to provide one of the following
death benefit options which would be pay-
able to an Active Participant upon the death
of a Child of the Active Participant (1)
$5,000 for an Active Participant covered
pursuant to Sections 3.02a(3)(A) or (C), or
(2) 10% of the Denominational Average
Compensation or $5,000 for an Active Par-
ticipant covered piu-suant to Section
3.02a(3)(B). For the purposes of this Sec-
tion, the term "Child" means a natural or
legally adopted child of a Participant who, at
the time of his/her death, was under the age
of 19 years (or under the age of 24 years if
he/she was a full-time student at an accred-
ited school).

6.06 Payment of Benefits. The benefits payable
under any of the Program options shaU be
paid to the beneficiary in a single sum.

6.07 Application for Benefit.

a. The benefits payable pursuant to this Pro-
gram shall be paid only after application for
payment has been made to the Administra-
tor in such form approved by the Adminis-
trator.

b. The Administrator may require such proper
proof of death and such evidence of the right
of any person to receive payment of a benefit
on account of the death of a Participant,
Spouse, or Child as the Administrator may
deem appropriate. The Administrator's de-
termination of death and of the right of any
person to receive payment shall be conclu-
sive.

c. Application for benefits payable imder this
Article must be made within two years after
the death which gives rise to the benefit. In
the case of a benefit payable to a person with
a legal disability, said beneficiary must apply
for benefits within two years of the removal
of the legal disability.

d. If a beneficiary fails to make an application
for benefit within the time period required
in Section 6.07c above, the Administrator
shall consider such a failure as a refusal to
accept the benefit and shall notify the next
secondary beneficieuy as to his/her eligibil-
ity to receive a benefit. Such determination

396

DCA Advance Edition

shall be made only after a sixty-day period
commencing on the date on which the Admin-
istrator sends a certified letter to the benefi-
ciary at his/her last known address.

6,08 Designation of Beneficiary.

a. Each Participant may designate, in such
form as required by the Administrator, a
Beneficiary who is to receive the Participan-
t's interest in the Plan in the event of the
Participant's death. In the event a Partici-
pant's designated primary Beneficiary is not
available (for any reason such as one noted
below in this Section 6.08) as of the Partici-
pant's death, the death benefit under Article
VI hereof shall be paid to a Participant's
designated contingent Beneficiary. The des-
ignation of a Beneficiary shall not be effec-
tive for any purpose unless and until it has
been filed by the Participant with the Admin-
istrator during the Participant's lifetime.

b. A Participant may, from time to time, in such
form as required by the Administrator, dur-
ing the Participant's lifetime, change the
Beneficieiry. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Beneficiary of a married Participant
shall automaticiilly be deemed to be his/her
spouse, and a Participant may not designate
another person as primary or contingent
Beneficiary without the written consent of
the spouse on a form required by the Admin-
istrator. If the spouse is legally incompetent
to give consent, the spouse's legal guardian,
even if such guardian is the Participant, may
give consent. Such consent shall not be re-
quired if it is established to the satisfaction
of the Administrator that the required con-
sent cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located, or
due to other relevant facts and circum-
stances. A former spouse's waiver shall not
be binding on the new spouse.

c. A Participant may designate multiple bene-
ficiaries who will divide any benefit payable
tmder Article VI in equal shares. Any elec-
tion made by a Peirticipant and consented to
by his/her spouse may be revoked by the
Participant in writing without the consent of
the spouse, provided such revocation is filed
by a form provided by the Administrator and
filed with the Administrator diuing the Par-
ticipant's lifetime.

d. A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficieuy designation in favor of the Par-
ticipant's spouse made prior to the divorce.
Until such time as a new designation of
Beneficiary is filed with the Administrator in

accordance with the provisions of this Sec-
tion, benefits will be payable as if the former
spouse had predeceased the Participant.

e. In the event a Participant shall not designate
a Beneficiary in the manner heretofore
stated, or if for any reason such designation
shall be legally ineffective, or if such Benefi-
ciary predeceases the Participant, then the
Beneficiary shall be deemed to be the estate
of the deceased Participant.

6.09 Premiums. A premium for each Program
option shall be established by the Adminis-
trator in accordemce with insurance industry
standards taking into consideration certain
factors including, but not limited to, the iige
and compensation of the Participant,
amoimt of exposure, and mortality tables.
For the purposes of this Section 6.09, the
term "age" as used herein shall mean the
Participant's age as of the birthday nearest
the premium effective date; and the term
"compensation" as used herein shall mean
the same as that defined in Section 2.08
except compensation for the purposes of this
Section 6.09 will be an amount paid to the
Participant for the year period nearest the
prospective premium effective date.

6.10 Rules and Regulations. The Administrator
shall estabUsh all necessary rules, regula-
tions, and procedures for the proper admini-
stration of this Program.

6.11 Protection of Benefits fi-om Prior Plans.

a. Any person who as of December 31, 1992,
had paid-up death benefit coverage as a Re-
tired Participant in the Basic Protection
Plan shall thereafter continue to have the
same death benefit coverage at no additional
cost to the Retired Participant or his/her
Plan Sponsor.

b. Any person who as of December 31, 1992,
had death benefit coverage from the former
Death Benefit Program or the Death Benefit
Program Plus shall thereafter continue to
have the same death benefit coverage, pro-
vided his/her Plan Sponsor continues to
make the required premium contributions
in the amount to be established by the Ad-
ministrator.

Article VII Administration of the Plan

7.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The
primary responsibihty of the Administrator
is to administer the Plan for the exclusive
benefit of the Participants and their Benefi-
ciaries, subject to the terms of the Plan. The

Financial Administration

397

Administrator shall administer the Plan in
accordance with its terms and shall have the
power and discretion to construe the terms of
the Plan and to determine all questions aris-
ing in connection with the administration, in-
terpretation, and application of the Plan. Any
such determination by the Administrator
shall be conclusive and binding upon all per-
sons. The Administrator, in addition to all
powers and authorities under common law,
statutory authority, including the Act, and
other provisions of the Plan, shall have the
following powers and authorities, to be exer-
cised in the Administrator's sole discretion:

a. To establish procedures, correct any defect,
supply any information, or reconcile any in-
consistency in such manner and to such ex-
tent as shall be deemed necessary or advis-
able to carry out the purpose of the Plan;

b. To determine all questions relating to the
eligibility of Employees to participate or re-
main a Participant hereunder and to receive
benefits under the Plan;

c. To compute, certify, and direct the Trustee
with respect to the amount and the kind of
benefits to which any Participant shall be
entitled hereunder;

d. In its sole discretion, to construe and inter-
pret the Plan and make administrative rules
in accordance therewith, and to resolve or
otherwise decide matters not specificalty
covered by the terms and provisions of the
Plan;

e. To maintain all necessary records for the
administration of the Plan;

f. To interpret the provisions of the Plan and
make and publish such rules for regulation
of the Plan as are consistent with the terms
hereof;

g. To file, or cause to be filed, all such annual
reports, returns, schedules, descriptions, fi-
nancial statements and other statements as
may be required by any federal or state stat-
ute, agency, or audiority;

h. To obtain fi-om the Plan Sponsors and Em-
ployees such information as shall be neces-
sary to the proper administration of the
Plan;

i. To specify actuarial assumptions and meth-
ods for use in determining contributions and
benefits under the Plan.

j. To assist any Participant regarding his/her
rights, benefits or elections available under
the Plan.

7.02 Records and Reports. The Administrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and other data that may be necessary
for proper administration of the Plan and
shall be responsible for supplying all infor-
mation and reports to appropriate govern-
ment entities. Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as required by law.

7.03 Duties of the Plan Sponsor. The Plan Spon-
sor shall assume the following duties with
respect to the Plan:

a. To enroll employees, as applicable;

b. To maintain records of a Participant's Com-
pensation;

c. To remit contributions to the Trustee;

d. To provide the Administrator with the statis-
tical data and other statistical information
satisfactory to the Administrator within a
reasonable time after a request by the Ad-
ministrator sufficient to enable the Adminis-
trator to discharge its duties under the Plan;

e. To register with and report to government
agencies, as appropriate;

f. To property notify Employees of their rights
and obligations under the Plan.

7.04 Fees and Expenses. All expenses incurred
by the Administrator and Trustee in connec-
tion with the administration of this Plan shall
be paid by the Plan.

a. The Trustee has the authority to determine
administrative and expense charges and the
methods for applying such charges.

b. The Trustee is authorized to deduct from the
Plan's reserves, funds, contributions,
and/or earnings thereon, the expenses and
fees necessary or appropriate to the admini-
stration of the Plan, including an allocable
share of the Administrator's operating ex-
penses.

c. The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing non-
routine reports and services for Plan Spon-
sors and for Participants and to require the
Plan Sponsor or Participant to pay for such
non-routine reports and service.

398

DCA Advance Edition

7.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimbiu-se the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses inciured by the Administrator
or the Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
counsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, siunmons or oflier
similar pleading by the Internal Revenue
Service or by any other party, including the
parties to marital litigation, in litigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a parfy, or is a party only by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiduciary in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant

7.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,
actuarial emd other services as it may require
in carrying out the provisions of this Plan.
The Administrator may rely on any certifi-
cate, notice or direction, oral or written, piu--
porting to have been signed or communi-
cated on behalf of the Plan Sponsor,
Participant, or others which the Administra-
tor believes to have been signed or commu-
nicated by persons authorized to act on be-
half of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or
others, as applicable. The Administrator
may request instructions in writing fi-om the
Plan Sponsor, Participant or others, as ap-
plicable, on other matters, and may rely and
act thereon. The Administrator may not be
held responsible for any loss caused by its
acting upon any notice, direction or certifica-
tion of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or oth-
ers, which the Administrator reasonably be-
lieves to be genuine and commiuiicated by
an authorized person.

7.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
under the Plan shall be filed with the Admin-
istrator on forms supplied by the Adminis-
trator. Written notice of the disposition of a
claim shall be furnished to the Plan Sponsor
and to the claimant within 45 days ajfter all
required forms and materials related to the
application therefor are filed.

7.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
under the Plan is wholly or partially denied,
the claimant shall be given notice in writing,
within a reasonable period of time after re-
ceipt of the claim by the Plan, written in a

manner calculated to be understood by the
claimant, setting forth the following informa-
tion:

a. the specific reasons for such denied;

b. specific reference to pertinent Plan provi-
sions on which the denial is based;

c. a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to
perfect the claim and an explanation of why
such material or information is necessary;
and

d. an explanation of the Plan's appeals proce-
diu-es.

A "reasonable time" for such notice shall not
exceed 45 days after die filing of tiie original claim
or 45 days after the request for or submission of
any additional data or documents requested by
the Administrator, or, if special circumstances re-
quire an extension of time, written notice of the
extension shall be furnished to the claimant and
an additional 90 days will be considered reason-
able.

7.09 Appeals fi-om Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereimder, the Par-
ticipant shall have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procediu"es:

a. Intermediary Appeal Procediu-e. The Ad-
ministrator shall establish an intermediary
appeals procedure containing no more than
a three-level process.

b. Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermediary appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final and not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermediary process has
been completed and if the Participant's
claim is still fully or partially denied, the
claimant shall be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
Appeals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with the Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days after such notice has
been received by the claimant.

Financial Administration

399

(A) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed
by the claimant.

(B) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(C) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the Appeals
Committee at its next meeting, unless
special circumstances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeals Commit-
tee.

(D) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting documents must be filed
with the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the
Appeals Committee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee af-
ter that time can or will be considered by
the Appeals Committee except by its
leave and discretion.

(E) The claimant, his or her duly authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Plan Sponsor, may request permission
to appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence with re-
spect to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the Appeals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personal appearance must be borne by
the Claimant or the Plan Sponsor.

(F) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting fi'om an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to
the pertinent Plan provisions on which
the decision is based, and such written
notice shall be mailed to the claimant by
the staff of the Administrator within 15
days following the action by the Appeals
Committee.

7.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law with
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
and conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
imless and until such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an

Appeal as set forth in Sections 7.07 to 7.09 of
this Plan.

7. 1 1 Limitation of Liability. All benefits hereunder
are contingent upon, and payable solely
fi-om, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment results
of the Trustee. No financial obligations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assumed by the
Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Plan attributable to a Partici-
pant have been transferred to a trust as pro-
vided in Section 8.02c, all benefits to which
the Participant is entitied under this Plan
shall be provided only out of such trust and
only to the extent the trust is adequate there-
for. The members of the Administrator shall
not personally be responsible or otherwise
liable for the payment of any benefits here-
under.

Article VIII Trustee

8.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Section VII:

a. To invest, manage and control the Plan as-
sets;

b. At the direction of the Administrator, to pay
benefits required under the Plan to be paid
to Participants, or, in the event of tiieir
death, to tiieir Beneficiaries;

c. To maintain records of receipts and dis-
bursements and furnish to the Administra-
tor for each Plan Year a written annual re-
port.

8.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the Trus-
tee.

a. The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the
assets of the Plan to keep the assets of the
Plan invested without distinction between
principal and income and in such seciuities
or property, real or personal, wherever situ-
ated, as the Trustee shall deem advisable,
including, but not limited to, stocks, com-
mon or preferred, bonds and other evi-
dences of indebtedness or ownership, and
real estate or any interest therein. The Trus-
tee shall at all times in making investments
of the assets of the Plan consider, among
other factors, the short and long-term finan-
cial needs of the Plan on the basis of infor-
mation furnished by the Plan Sponsor. In
making such investments, the Trustee shall

400

DCA Advance Edition

not be restricted to securities or other prop-
erty of the chiiracter expressly authorized by
the apphcable law for trust investments; how-
ever, the Trustee shall give due regard to any
limitations imposed by the Code or ERISA-

b. The Trustee may employ a bank or trust
company pursuant to the terms of its usual
and customary bank agency agreement, un-
der which the duties of such bank or trust
company shall be of a custodial, clerical and
record-keeping nature.

c. The Trustee may create a trust to hold and
invest all or any part of the assets of the
Plan. The Trustee shall have the right to
determine the form and substance of each
trust agreement under which any part of the
assets of the Plan is held, subject only to the
requirement that they are not inconsistent
widi the terms of the Plan.

8.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Trustee's sole
discretion:

a. To purchase, or subscribe for, any seciuities
or other property and to retain the same. In
conjunction with the purchase of seciuities,
margin accounts may be opened and main-
tained.

b. To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, grant
options to piwchase, or otherwise dispose of
any securities or other property held by the
Trustee, by private contract or at public auc-
tion. No person dealing with the Trustee
shall be bound to see to the appUcation of
the piu^chase money or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any such
sale or other disposition, with or without
advertisement.

c. To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
seciuities; to give general or special proxies
or powers of attorney with or without power
of substitution; to exercise any conversion
privileges, subscription rights or other op-
tions, and to make any payments incidental
thereto; to oppose, or to consent to, or oth-
erwise participate in, corporate reorganiza-
tions or other changes affecting corporate
securities, and to delegate discretionary
powers, and to pay any assessment or
charges in connection therewith; and gener-
ally to exercise any of the powers of an owner

with respect to stocks, bonds, securities, or
other property;

d. To cause any securities or other property to
be registered in the Trustee's own name or
in the name of one or more of the Trustee's
nominees, and to hold any investments in
bearer form, but the books and records of
the Trustee shall at all times show that all
such investments are part of the assets of the
Plan;

e. To borrow or raise money for the piuposes
of the Plan in such amount, and upon such
terms and conditions, as the Trustee shall
deem advisable; and for emy sum so bor-
rowed, to issue a promissory note as Trus-
tee, and to secure the repayment thereof by
pledging all, or any part, of the assets of the
Plan; and no person lending money to the
Trustee shall be bound to see to the appUca-
tion of the money lent or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any bor-
rowing;

f. To keep such portion of the assets of the Plan

in cash or cash balances as the Trustee may,
from time to time, deem to be in the best
interests of the Plan, without liability for in-
terest thereon;

g. To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any securities
or other property received or acquired as
trustee hereunder, \diether or not such se-
curities or other property would normally be
purchased as investments hereunder;

h. To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any and all documents of tremsfer emd con-
veyance and any and all other instruments
that may be necessary or appropriate to
cany out the powers herein granted;

i. To settle, compromise, or submit to arbitra-
tion any claims, debts, or damages due or
owing to or from the Plan, to commence or
defend suits or legal or administrative pro-
ceedings, and to represent the Plan in all
suits and legal and administrative proceed-
ings;

j. To employ suitable agents and counsel and
to pay their reasonable expenses and com-
pensation, and such agent or counsel may or
may not be agent or counsel for the Plan
Sponsor;

k. To invest in Treasury Bills and other forms
of United States government obligations;

Financial Administration

401

1. To sell, purchase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and pur-
chased through a national securities ex-
change registered under the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended, or, if the
options are not traded on a national securi-
ties exchange, are guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange;

m. To deposit monies in federally insiu'ed sav-
ings accounts or certificates of deposit in
banks or savings and loan associations;

n. To pool all or any of the assets of the Plan,
from time to time, with assets belonging to
any other employee benefit plan created by
a unit of The United Methodist Church or an
affiliated unit of The United Methodist
Chiu-ch, and to commingle such assets and
make joint or common investments and
carry joint accounts on behalf of this Plan
and such other trust or trusts, allocating
undivided sheu'es or interests in such invest-
ments or accounts or any pooled assets of
the two or more trusts in accordance with
their respective interests.

o. To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not specifi-
cally mentioned herein, as the Trustee may
deem necessary to carry out the purposes of
the Plan.

8.04 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with
another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a controlled group.

8.05 Valuation. Participants' Accounts shall be
credited with interests at a rate to be deter-
mined by the Trustee. Any excess of the ac-
tual investment experience, including unre-
alized appreciation over the interest credited
to accounts in a Plan Year, shall be credited
to an investment reserve account from which
the Trustee may withdraw funds in succeed-
ing years in order to stabilize the rate of
interest credited to Accounts from year to
year.

8.06 Funding Through Insurance Confracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Participant or a Participant's Beneficiary
from assets held by the Trustee, enter into a
contract (or contracts) or an agreement (or
agreements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (from such as-
sets) of one or more insurance contracts
which provide benefits which are substan-
tially the actuarial equivalent of those pro-

vided for such Participant or Beneficiary un-
der the Plan.

Article IX Amendment and Termination

9.01 Amendment of the Plan. The General Con-
ference hereby authorizes the Administrator
to amend prospectively or retroactively any
or all provisions of this Plan or the Adoption
Agreement at any time by written instrument
identified as an amendment of the Plan ef-
fective as of a specified date.

9.02 Termination of Plan. This Plan may be ter-
minated in whole or in part at any time by
the General Conference.

9.03 Preservation of Rights. No amendment shall,
without written consent of the Administrator
or Trustee, deprive the Administrator of any
of its exemptions and immunities; nor shall
such amendment change the duties, respon-
sibilities, rights, or privileges of any Admin-
istrator or Trustee or the provisions of any
contract. If any amendment by the Plan
Sponsor afiects the rights, duties, responsi-
bilities, or obligations of the Administrator
or Trustee hereunder, such amendment may
be made only with the consent of the Admin-
istrator or Trustee.

Article X Adoption of Plan

10.01 Adoption by a Plan Sponsor. The Plan
Sponsors described in Section 2.19 may
adopt this Plan by completing an Adoption
Agreement on an annual basis, effective for
a Plan Year. A Plan Sponsor may adopt the
Plan after the commencement of the Plan
Year, with participation in the Plan effective
as of the first day of the month following the
receipt of an executed Adoption Agreement
by the Administrator and ending as of the
last day of the Plan Year.

10.02 Adoption Agreement The Administrator
shall issue an Adoption Agreement to be exe-
cuted by a Plan Sponsor. The Adoption
Agreement shall allow the Plan Sponsor to
make elections in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Plan. Any amendment made to
an Adoption Agreement by a Plan Sponsor
must become effective as of the next follow-
ing January 1 .

10.03 Program Election. A Plan Sponsor may
elect to participate in the Disability Program
described in Article V, in the Death Benefit
Program described in Article VI, or both.

10.04 Premium Obligation. By signing an Adop-
tion Agreement, the Plan Sponsor is obli-

I

402

DCA Advance Edition

gated to participate in the Plan for the remain-
der of the Plan Year and to pay the full cost of
the premium therexmder. The premium for a
Plan Sponsor adopting the Plan after the com-
mencement of the Plan Year shall be prorated
based on the nxmiber of months remaining in
the Plan Year.

Article XI Miscellaneous

11.01 Distribution for Minor Beneficiary. In the
event a distribution is to be made to a minor,
the Administrator may direct that such dis-
tribution be paid to the legal guardian, or if
none, to a parent of such Beneficiary or a
responsible adult with whom the Beneficiary
maintains his/her residence, or to the custo-
dian for such Beneficiary under the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if
such is permitted by the laws of the state in
which said Beneficiary resides. Such a pay-
ment to the legal guardian, custodian or par-
ent of a minor Beneficiary shall fully dis-
charge the Administrator, Plan Sponsor, and
Plan from further liability on account
thereof.

11.02 Unclaimed Benefit The failure of a benefi-
ciary to properly claim a benefit due hereun-
der during the stated time period, or if no
time period is stated, within two years of
being eligible to receive the benefit, shall
cause the benefit to be considered to have
been refused and forfeited and shall cause
the benefit to be paid to the secondary bene-
ficiary or default beneficiary in accordance
with the Plan. If the last default beneficiary
does not claim the benefit within a two-year
period commencing with the date on which
he/she became eligible to receive the bene-
fit, the benefit shall be considered to be re-
fused and forfeited by said beneficiary. After
the last two-year period has expired, the Ad-
ministrator shall send a certified letter to the
last known address of the last default bene-
ficiary indicating that the beneficiary has 60
days to claim such benefit. Failure to claim
the benefit within the 60-day time period
shall cause the benefit to be forfeited. Such
forfeited amounts shall be added to the re-
serves of the Plan. However, any such for-
feited amount will be reinstated and become
payable if a claim is made by the estate of the
Participant or beneficiary. The Administra-
tor shall prescribe uniform and nondiscrimi-
natory niles for carrying out this provision.

11.03 Funding. The obUgations of the Plan Spon-
sors and/or Salary-Paying Units under this
Plan may be funded through contributions to
a trust or otherwise but need not be except

to the extent required by law. Nothing con-
tained in the Plan shall give a Participant any
right, tide, or interest in any property of the
Plan Sponsors and/or Salary-Paying Units.

11.04 Tides and Headings. The tides and head-
ings of the Articles and Sections of this in-
strument are placed herein for convenience
of reference only, and in the case of any
conflicts, the text of this instrument, rather
than the titles or headings, shall control.

1 1.05 Number. Wherever used herein, the singu-
leu- shall include the plured and the plural
shall include the singular, except where the
context requires otherwise.

11.06 Construction. The Plan and each of its pro-
visions shall be construed and their validity
determined by the laws of the State of Illi-
nois, other than its laws respecting choice of
law, to the extent such laws are not preemp-
ted by any federal law.

1 1.07 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Plan Sponsor shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Administrator, Trustee,
Participants, any employee, and any other
person or persons to whom the Plan Spon-
sor, Trustee or Administrator have delegated
fiduciary or other duties under the Plan,
against any emd aU claims, losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities arising fi'om any act
or failure to act that constitutes or is alleged
to constitute a breach of such person's re-
sponsibilities in connection with the Plan
under any applicable law, unless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or willful failure to act.

1 1 .08 Continuation of Benefits Not Guaranteed.
Nothing contained in this Plan, nor in the
descriptions of tiie Program options offered
hereimder, shall be construed to guarantee
the continuation of benefits beyond the cur-
rent Period of Coverage in which a Partici-
pant is participating. Any and all specific
Program options may be created, amended
or terminated by the Administrator in its sole
discretion.

11.09 Pooling of Assets and Claims. The Admin-
istrator, at its own discretion, may pool the
assets and claims of this Plan with the assets
and claims of other welfare benefit programs
administered by the Administrator in ac-
cordance with rules and regulations adopted
by the Administrator.

11.10 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dispute
arises out of or related to the relationship
between a Plan Sponsor and the Administra-

Financial Administration

403

tor, the parties agree first to try in good faith
to settle the dispute by mediation through the
American Arbitration Association, or another
mediation/arbitration service mutually
agreed upon by the parties, before resorting
to arbitration. Thereafter, any remaining un-
resolved controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to the relationship between the Plan
Sponsor and the Administrator shall be set-
tled by binding arbitration through the Ameri-
can Arbitration Association, or the other me-
diation/arbitration service which had been
mutually agreed upon by the parties.

a. The site of the mediation and/or arbitration
shall be in a city mutually agreed to by the
parties which is not located within the
boundaries of the Plan Sponsor.

b. The laws of the State of Illinois shall apply in
situations where federal law is not applica-
ble. The applicable rules of the selected
service shall apply. If the service allows the
parties to choose the number of arbitrators,
unless another member is mutually agreed
to, any arbitration hereunder shall be before
at least three arbitrators, and the award of
the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall
be final, and judgment upon the award ren-
dered may be entered in any court, state or
federal, having jurisdiction.

c. The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equally by the parties. The fees and
costs of arbitration shall be allocated to the
parties by the arbitrators.

11.11 Non-Alienation of Benefits. No benefits
payable at any time under the Plan shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale,
transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or encumbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or
otherwise encumber such benefit, whether
presently or thereafter payable, shall be
void. No benefit nor the fund under the Plan
shall in any manner be liable for, or subject
to the debts or liabilities of, any Active Par-
ticipant, Retired Participant or other person
entitied to any benefit

Petition Number: 21494-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Comprehensive Protection Plan

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends that the following plan document for the
Comprehensive Protection Plan be substituted for the
current plan document, effective January 1, 1997. This
document is a restatement of the current plan provisions

with the exception of the major changes highlighted
below.

• Distinctions have been made between the Board as
administrator and the Board as trustee.

• Beneficiary provisions have been revised.

• The definition of compensation has been revised.

• The death benefit payable upon the death of a
retired participant has been revised to equal 30% of
the * Denominational Average Compensation.

• The benefits payable upon the death of a spouse,
child, and surviving spouse have been increased.

• A revision was made to the child's death benefit
whereby a participant will receive a benefit equal to
10% of the Denominational Average Compensation
in the event of the death of his/her child.

• A provision was added to note Illinois law will
govern the terms of the plan, except where
preempted by federal law.

• A provision was added requiring disputes between
a plan sponsor and the Board to be settled through
the use of a mediation/binding arbitration process.

Comprehensive Protection Plan
Article I The Plan

1.01 The Plan. The General Conference of The
United Methodist Chxu-ch hereby previously
established a protection plan for die benefit
of participating clergy and their beneficiar-
ies, effective as of January 1, 1982, which
was known as the Comprehensive Protection
Plan (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan").
Effective January 1, 1997, the Plan is
hereby amended and restated.

1.02 Applicability. The provisions set forth in this
Plan are applicable only to those persons
associated with a Jurisdictional Conference
or the Puerto Rico Methodist Church who
meet the requirements for participation on
or after January 1, 1982.

Article II Definitions

Each word and phrase defined in this Article
II shaU have the following meaning whenever such
word or phrase is capitalized and used herein,
unless a different meaning is clearly required by
the context of the Plan. The definition of any term
herein in the singular may also include the plural.

2.01 "Active Participant" shall mean a Partici-
pant, other than a Retired Participant, who
meets the eligibility requirements and who

404

DCA Advance Edition

is enrolled in the Plan pursuant to the terms
of Article III hereof.

2.02 "Administrator" shall mean The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Chtirch, Incorporated in
Illinois, and any successors.

2.03 "Adoption Agreement" shall mean the agree-
ment executed by a Plzm Sponsor in accord-
ance with Article X.

2.04 "Age" shall mean the age of the Participant
at the last birthday, except as otherwise
noted herein.

2.05 "Beneficiary" shall mean the person(s) des-
ignated as set forth in Sections 9.04 or 9.05
who is receiving, or entided to receive, a
deceased Active Participant's, a Retired Par-
ticipant's, or a Surviving Spouse's residual
interest in the Plan which is nonforfeitable
upon, and payable in the event of, such Ac-
tive Participant's, Retired Participant's, or
Surviving Spouse's death.

2.06 "Book of Discipline" shall mean the body of
chtu-ch law as established by the General
Conference of The United Methodist
Church, as amended fi-om time to time.

2.07 "Church" shall mean any local chiu-ch, con-
ference, board, agency, commission, organi-
zation, or unit eligible to participate in a
"church plan," as defined under the Em-
ployee Retirement Income Sectirity Act of
1974, as amended jfrom time to time.

2.08 "Clergy or Clergyperson" shall mean a per-
son who is a bishop, a clergy member in full
connection, probationary member or associ-
ate member of a Conference, or a full-time
local pastor (as these terms are described in
either Chapter Three or Four of the Book of
Discipline) .

2.09 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.

2.10 "Conference" shall mean the following enti-
ties: (1) within a Jurisdictional Conference:
Annual Conference, Provisional Conference
or Missionary Conference; or (2) the Puerto
Rico Methodist Church.

2.11 "Conference Average Compensation" shall
mean the average annual compensation of
Clergy serving a Conference, as determined
each year by the Administrator.

2.12 "Conference Board and Conference Board of
Pensions" shall mean the Board of Pensions
of a Conference.

2.13 "Contribution Base" shall mean the Active
Participant's Plan Compensation for a Plan
Year, not to exceed the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation.

2.14 "Denominational Average Compensation"
shall mean the average annual compensa-
tion of Clergy in The United Methodist
Church, as determined each year by the Ad-
ministrator.

2.15 "Participant" shall mean a Clergyperson who
has become eUgible to participate and been
enrolled in the Plan pursuant to Article III.

2.16 "Plan" shall mean the Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan which is a plan of The United
Methodist Church and which is comprised
of a Death Benefit Program and Disability
Benefit Program.

2.17 "Plan Compensation" shall mean for an Ac-
tive Participant the sum of the following
amoimts paid by his/her Salary-Paying Unit
or Plan Sponsor for a Plan Year:

(a) taxable cash salary received from Plan
Sponsor-related sources, but not includ-
ing the cash value of taxable fiinge bene-
fits;

(b) housing allowance if any, determined in
accordance with the provisions of the
Ministerial Pension Plan Section 2.12,
as amended from time to time; and

(c) contributions made pursuant to a salary-
reduction agreement witii respect to em-
ployment with the Church: (i) to a plan
qualified imder Section 125 of the Code,
or (ii) to a tax-sheltered annuity de-
scribed in Section 403(b) of the Code.

2.18 "Plan Sponsor" shall mean an entity de-
scribed below:

(a) the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration if the Participant is a
bishop;

(b) the Conference if the Participant is a
local pastor or a clergy member in full
connection, probationary member, or
associate member, except if the clergy
member is appointed in accordance with
paragraphs 443.1a(2), (3), or (4),
443.1b, or 443.1d of the Book of Disci-
pline;

Financial Administration

405

(c) the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration if the Participant is ap-
pointed to serve a general agency which
has a voting representative on the Com-
mittee on Personnel Policies and Prac-
tices which is a committee of the General
Council on Finance and Administration;
or

(d) the Salary-Paying Unit if the Participant
is classified in a category not described
above.

2.19 "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year.

2.20 "Program" shall mean any of the benefit
plans provided to Plan Sponsors and/or Par-
ticipants hereunder, which include, but are
not limited to the Disability Benefit Program
under Section 5.04 and the Death Benefit
Program under Section 5.03.

2.21 "Retired Participant" shall mean any person
who meets the requirements of Section
3.01(d) hereof.

2.22 "Salary-Paying Unit" shall mean one of the
following units associated with The United
Methodist Church:

(a) General Conference;

(b) a general agency of The United Method-
ist Chiu"ch;

(c) a Jiuisdictional Conference;

(d) a Conference;

(e) a Conference board, agency, or commis-
sion;

(f) a local church located in a Conference;

(g) any other organization located in a Jiuis-
dictional Conference which is eUgible to
participate in a church plan in accord-
ance with applicable federal law; or

(h) any other entity to which a Clergyperson
under episcopal appointment is ap-
pointed.

2.23 "Surviving Spouse" shall mean the widow or
widower of a deceased Active Participant or
Retired Participant who was married to the
Participant on the date of the Participant's
death.

2.24 "Trustee" shall mean The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Chxu-ch, Incorporated in Mis-
souri, and any successors.

Article III Participation
3.01 General Rule.

(a) Effective January 1, 1985, a person shall
be an Active Participant in this Plan if on
such date the person is eligible to par-
ticipate in a church plan, as defined un-
der federal law, and is:

(1) a bishop of The United Methodist
Church elected by a Jurisdictional Con-
ference;

(2) a bishop of the Puerto Rico Methodist
Church;

(3) a clergy member in full connection, pro-
bationary member, or associate member
of a Conference under full-time episco-
pal appointment;

(4) a full-time local pastor of The United
Methodist Church or the Puerto Rico
Methodist Church under episcopal ap-
pointment; or

(5) a Clergyperson of another denomination
and appointed to a charge of a United
MethoiUst Chiu-ch or the Puerto Rico
Methodist Church if such person is not
participating in a similar program of the
denomination to which such person be-
longs; provided that such a person in
(3), (4) or (5) is receiving Plan Compen-
sation at least equivalent to 60% of the
applicable Conference Average Compen-
sation or 60% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation, whichever is less.
Provided further that the Church contri-
butions required under this Plan on
such person's behalf are not delinquent
under Section 4.04 hereof, and that
such person has satisfied the equivalent
of either a certificate of good health or
other tests as provided for in paragraph
414.4 of the 1992 Book of Discipline.

(b) After January 1, 1982, a person shaU
become an Active Participant in this
Plan on the date of an assignment or
appointment that meets the conditions
of paragraph (a) above.

(c) A person who becomes an Active Partici-
pant shall continue to be an Active Par-
ticipant until such person no longer
meets the foregoing conditions of this
Article III or becomes a Retired Partici-
pant.

406

DCA Advance Edition

(d) A person shall be a Retired Participant
in this Plan if the individual:

(1) was an Active Participant in this Plan on
and after January 1, 1987, and diuing
such period of participation retired and
was eligible to receive a benefit on the
date of retirement from the Church Ac-
count under the Ministerial Pension
Plan, provided such person had been an
Active Participant in this Plan for the two
consecutive years immediately preced-
ing such retirement;

(2) was an Active Participant in this Plan
prior to January 1, 1987, and diuing
such period of participation retired and
entered into an anniuty under the Min-
isterial Pension Plan;

(3) was receiving an annuity benefit on
January 1, 1982, from a Conference and
such person had Itunp-sum death bene-
fit coverage from any such Conference
on December 31, 1981. In the event a
Conference did not have a death benefit
plan on December 31, 1981, a person
shall be a Retired Participant in this
Plan on January 1, 1982, if on such date
the person was receiving an annuity
benefit fi^om a Conference and such per-
son received pension credit fi"om any
such Conference in the year the person
entered into an annuity; or

(4) is a bishop elected by a Jmisdictional
Conference who retired prior to January
1, 1982.

3.02 E«xceptions.

(a) A person described in Section
3.01(a)(3) who has received an appoint-
ment to one of the following categories
may participate in this Plan only if the
Conference Board of Pensions makes
special arrangements with the Adminis-
trator to enroll that category in accord-
ance with Section 3.03: sabbatical leave;
family leave; attend school as probation-
ary members; attend school after having
served under appointment other than to
attend school as full or associate mem-
bers; disability leave not approved for
benefits from CPP; leave of absence; ap-
pointed to less than full-time service.

(b) A person who has been an Active Partici-
pant and who is receiving disability
benefits under this Plan shall continue
as an Active Participant only for the pe-
riod during which such disability bene-

fits are paid. Church contributions under
Section 4.01 hereof shall not be required
to be made by a Plan Sponsor on behalf of
such a person during the period of dis-
ability.

(c) A person described in Section
3.01(a)(3), (4) or (5) who is otherwise
eligible to be an Active Participant under
Section 3.01(a), except for receiving
less than the eqxiivalent of the apphcable
Plan Compensation may participate in
the Plan if the Conference Board of Pen-
sions makes special arrangements with
the Administrator to enroll persons in
this category in accordance with Section
3.03.

(d) A person described in Section 3.01(a)
(2), (3), (4) or (5) who is serving the
Puerto Rico Methodist Church shall par-
ticipate under special arrangements
with the Administrator in accordance
with Section 3.03. However, the special
arrangements for those Participants who
were enrolled in this Plan on December
31, 1992, shall include, for a period of
eight years thereafter, the benefits pay-
able under Section 5.05.

(e) A person described in Section
3.01(a)(3) who has received an appoint-
ment beyond the local church to a Sal-
ary-Paying Unit for which the Confer-
ence does not assume enrollment
responsibility may be an Active Partici-
pant in the Plan onfy if his/her Salary-
Paying Unit agrees to enroll such person
in the Plan. If the individual is otherwise
eligible to be an Active Participant under
Section 3.01(a), except for receiving
less than the equivalent of the applicable
Plan Compensation, such individual
may participate in the Plan if the Salary-
Paying Unit makes special arrange-
ments with the Administrator to enroll
persons in this category in accordance
with Section 3.03.

3.03 Special Arrangements.

(a) A person described in Section 3.02(a) or
(c) may participate in the Plan under
special arrangements between the Con-
ference Board of Pensions and the Ad-
ministrator regarding contributions and
benefits. Such person must be enrolled
and begin participation within 90 days of
the later to occur of (1) the date the
Participant entered the category or (2)
the date the Conference Board of Pen-

Financial Administration

407

sions first makes the arrangements to
cover the category.

(b) Special arrangements shall include all
Comprehensive Protection Plan benefit
coverages except the Ministerial Pen-
sion Plan Church Account pension sup-
plement as provided in Comprehensive
Protection Plan Section 5.05.

Article IV Church Contributions

4.01 Church Contributions.

(a) Effective January 1, 1982, the annual
Church contribution on behalf of an Ac-
tive Participant shall be equal to 4.4% of
such Active Participant's Contribution
Base.

(b) One-twelfth of the annual Church contri-
bution shall be payable to the Plan each
month.

4.02 Source of Contributions. Except as provided
in (g) below, the obligation to make the
Church contribution on behalf of an Active
Participant shall fall upon, and be restricted
to, the applicable unit as follows.

(a) The local church if the Active Participant
is serving a local church.

(b) The applicable Conference if the Active
Participant is a district superintendent
or a Conference stafif member.

(c) The General Coimcil on Finance and Ad-
ministration from the Episcopal Fund if
the Active Participant is a bishop.

(d) The appUcable general board or agency
if the Active Participant is on the payroll
of a board or agency.

(e) The applicable Conference or local
church if the Active Participant is ap-
pointed to sabbatical leave or to attend
school as provided in Section 3.02(a).

(f) The Active Participant's Saliuy-Paying
Unit if the Active Participant is other
than described in paragraphs (a)
through (e).

(g) The applicable Conference in the case of
Active Participants in (a) and (b) above,
or the applicable unit in the case of Ac-
tive Participants in (c), (d), (e), or (f)
above, may annually elect to require
each Active Participant in that Confer-
ence or unit to contribute an amount up
to 1% of such Active Participant's Con-

tribution Base. (Such contribution shall
be counted toward meeting the required
Church contribution under Section
4.01(a).)

(h) A Conference may annually elect to have
the contributions under die provisions
of Sections 4.02(a), (b) and (e) contrib-
uted monthly to the Plan through such
Conference pursuant to a system of col-
lection determined by the Conference.
The amount so required for each Active
Participant shall be credited to the Plan
monthly and the Conference charged ac-
cordingly.

4.03 Protection Benefit Trust Church contribu-
tions pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be cred-
ited, as of the date of receipt by the Plan, to
the Protection Benefit Trust Said Trust shall
be maintained and invested by the Trustee
to provide for the benefits and the expenses
of administration hereunder such that the
Trust is for the exclusive benefit of the Par-
ticipants of the Plan and their Beneficiaries.

4.04 Delinquent Contributions.

(a) In the event the Church contributions
required in this Article IV on behalf of
any person are more than 180 days in
arrears, the participation of, and the
benefits related to, any such person un-
der this Plan shall be suspended until
arremgements have been made for the
resumption of contributions satisfactory
to the Administrator.

If the death of a Participant occurs
within the first 180 days of participation
and the Salary-Paying Unit has fiiiled to
make any Church contributions on be-
half of such Participant, all Plan benefits
will be withheld until the required con-
tributions are paid.

(b) When the participation of, and the bene-
fits related to, any person under this
Plan have been suspended due to an
arrearage of more than 180 days, the
suspension shall remain in effect until
(1) Church contributions for six months
at the ciurent rate have been paid, (2)
the current month's contribution has
been paid, and (3) evidence of good
health has been established by the Par-
ticipemt Such evidence of good health
will be established by the submission of
a medical report which demonstrates to
the Administrator that the individual is
then in a state of good health. Following

408

DCA Advance Edition

any such reinstatement after any such
suspension, a new 180-day waiting pe-
riod, as provided for in Section 5.04(a),
shall become effective before the Active
Participant will be eligible to receive dis-
ability benefits.

Article V Protection Benefits

5.01 Minimum Surviving Spouse Annuity Bene-
fits.

(a) The Survivmg Spouse of an Active Par-
ticipant who dies prior to entering into
an aimuity xmder the Ministerial Pen-
sion Plan shall be entitled to a single-life
annuity in an annual amoimt equal to (1)
less (2), where

(1) is 20% of the Denominational Average
Compensation in effect on the date of the
Active Participant's death, and

(2) is the annuity benefit (calculated as a
single-life annuity increasing 2% annu-
ally, regardless of the annuity form actu-
ally paid) payable from the Ministerial
Pension Plan and from all other Chiu-ch-
related sources including pension bene-
fits for service prior to January 1, 1982,
except Social Security benefits.

(3) Effective January 1, 1989, the amount
of the benefit payable tmder (a) to per-
sons receiving such benefits on that date
shall be based upon an amoxmt at least
equal to 20% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation for 1989 less (2)
above.

(b) The amount of any benefit payable under
paragraph (a) above shall be increased
by 2% on July 1 of each year through
1988, provided the benefit was in effect
on the previous December 31. Effective
January 1, 1990, this percentage in-
crease shall be 3% on the anniversary
date of the first payment of benefits.

(c) Any benefit payable under this Section
5.01 shall cease upon the remarriage of
the Stuviving Spouse. The benefit shall
be reinstated effective the first day of the
month following receipt by the Adminis-
trator of evidence that such remarriage
has dissolved either by death or legal
process.

5.02 Stuviving Children Benefits.

(a) In the event of the death of an Active
Participant or a Retired Participant, the

surviving natural and adopted children of
such Active Participant or Retired Par-
ticipant shall be entided to benefits under
this Section 5.02 provided that, in the
case of adopted children of a Retired Par-
ticipant, the date of legal adoption must
have preceded the date of the Retired Par-
ticipant's retirement

(b) Any child under age 18 years who is
entitied to benefits under paragraph (a)
above shall receive, in monthly install-
ments, an atamal benefit of 10% of the
Denominational Average Compensation
in effect on the date of the Active Partici-
pant's or Retired Participant's death.

(c) Any child age 18 years but under age 25
years wlio is entitied to benefits under
paragraph (a) above shall receive an an-
nual educational benefit equal to 20% of
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion in effect on the later to occxu- of the
date of death of the Active Participant or
Retired Participant or the date such
child attains age 18 years.

(1) One-half of such benefit is payable for
each year diuing attendance as a full-
time student at a secondary school and,
in addition, for each year (not to exceed
four years) diuing attendance as a full-
time student at a standard school or col-
lege beyond the secondary school level.
The annual benefit shall be payable in
monthly installments.

(2) One-half of such benefit is payable for
each academic year (not to exceed foiu-
years) that the child is in full-time atten-
dance at a standard school or college
beyond the secondary level up to age 25
years. If such child completes the secon-
dary education level and enrolls in an
institution of higher education prior to
attaining age 18 years, the educational
benefit may be effective at the time of
such enrollment and shall be based on
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion in effect on the date of such enroll-
ment The annual benefit shall be pro-
rated in equal installments, not to
exceed fom- per academic year, as re-
quested in writing by the child.

(3) Satisfactory certificate of enrollment and
attendimce in school or college shedl be
provided periodically as may be re-
quired by the Administrator in order for
an educational benefit to be paid.

Financial Administration

409

(d) The amount of any benefit payable under
this Section 5.02 shall be increased by
2% on July 1 of each year through 1988,
provided the benefit was in effect on the
previous December 31. Effective Janu-
ary 1, 1990, this percentage increase
shall be 3% on the anniversary date of
the first payment of benefits. Effective
January 1, 1989, the amount of the
benefits payable under Sections 5.02(b)
and 5.02(c) to persons receiving such
benefits on that date shall be based upon
the Denominational Averj^e Compensa-
tion for 1989.

5.03 Death Benefits.

(a) In the event of the death of an Active
Participant or a Retired Participant,
death benefits shall be payable in ac-
cordance with the provisions of this Sec-
tion 5.03.

(b) Active Participants who are receiving
disability benefit payments in accord-
ance widi Section 5.04 shall continue to
be eligible for the death benefit coverage
set forth in this Section 5.03.

(c) An Active Participant who ceases to be
an Active Participant for any reason
other than retirement shall continue to
be eligible for the death benefit coverage
for a period of thirty-one days following
the date on which participation was ter-
minated.

(d) Upon the death of an Active Participant
or a Retired Participant eligible for death
benefit coverage hereunder, a benefit
shall be paid, based upon:

(1) the Age of the Active Participant at the
time of death;

(2) whetiier the person is an Active Partici-
pant or a Retired Participant at the time
of death;

(3) the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion in effect at the time of the death of
the Active Participant or Retired Partici-
pant; and

(4) the following table of percentages of the
Denominational Average Compensation
payable as a benefit:

Age at

Age at

Deatii

%of

Deatii

%of

(Years)

DAC

(Years)

DAC

under 47

150%

60

80%

47

145%

61

75%

48

140%

62

70%

49

135%

63

65%

50

130%

64

60%

51

125%

65

55%

52

120%

66

51%

53

115%

67

47%

54

110%

68

44%

55

105%

69

41%

56

100%

70

38%

57

95%

Retired

58

90%

at any

59

85%

age

30%

(e) The benefit shall be paid to the Benefici-
ary of the Active Participant under this
Plan in twelve equal monthly install-
ments. A benefit payable due to the
death of a Retired Participant shall be
paid in a single-sum for the full amount
of the benefit, both as provided in sub-
section (h) below. Any benefit payable to
the estate of a deceased Participant shall
be made in a single-sum for the full
amount of the benefit.

(f) Upon the death of the spouse of an Active

Participant or a Retired Participant eli-
gible for death benefit coverage hereun-
der, a single-sum spouse death benefit
equal to 20% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation shall be pziid to the
Active Participant or Retired Partici-
pant

(g) Upon the death of a Siuviving Spouse of
a deceased Active Participant or Retired
Participant, a Surviving Spouse who is
receiving a pension benefit from a Con-
ference on December 31, 1981, or a
Surviving Spouse of a bishop elected by
a Jiuisdictional Conference or the
Puerto Rico Methodist Chiu-ch, a single-
sum Surviving Spouse death benefit
equal to 15% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation shall be paid, as
provided in Section (h) below.

(h) Any benefit specified in Sections (e) and
(g) above shall be paid to a Beneficiary
or Beneficiaries as described in Sections
9.04 and 9.05, as applicable.

410

DCA Advance Edition

(i) Upon the death of a Child of an Active
Participant or Retired Participant who
is, or was at the time of his/her death,
eligible for death benefit coverage here-
under, and upon the receipt of a death
certificate:

(1) if the Participant siuvives the Child, a
single-sum death benefit equal to 10% of
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion shall be paid to the Active Partici-
pant or Retired Participant; or

(2) if the Participant predeceases the Child,
a single-sum death benefit equal to 10%
of the Denominational Average Compen-
sation shall be paid, in the order stated,
to:

(i) the Surviving Spouse of the deceased Ac-
tive or Retired Participant if he/she was
the guardian of the Child at the time of
the Child's death or if the deceased
Child was dependent upon the Surviving
Spouse;

(ii) the guardian of the deceased Child, if
any; or

(iii) the person paying the funeral expenses
of the deceased Child.

(j) For purposes of Section 5.03(i) above,
the term "Child" shall mean a person
who is a natural or legally adopted child
of an Active Participant or Retired Par-
ticipant and who, at the time of his/her
death satisfies one of the following:

(1) was under age 19;

(2) was dependent upon the Active or Re-
tired Participant or upon the Surviving
Spouse of the Active or Retired Partici-
pant due to the mental or physical dis-
ability that existed prior to age 19; or

(3) was receiving a Studying Child Benefit
in accordance with Section 5.02.

5.04 Disability Benefits.

(a) Eligibility. An Active Participant who be-
comes disabled as defined in paragraph
(b) below shall be entitied to a disability
benefit under this Section 5.04 under
the following conditions:

(1) If the disability results from sickness:

(i) the Active Participant must have been an
Active Participant for at least 180 days
before the disability occurred; and

(ii) no disability benefit shall be payable in
the event the Active Participant becomes
disabled as the result of any pre-existing
conditions within the two-year period
since becoming an Active Participant. A
pre-existing condition is any condition of
health or sickness for which the Active
Participant received medical treatment
or consultation within 365 days prior to
the date the person became an Active
Participant and then is the condition
which is the basis for a claim for disabil-
ity benefits under the Plan. No condition
will be considered pre-existing if the dis-
ability begins after the end of the two-
yeeir period.

(2) If the disability results from an accident,
disability benefits shall be payable from
the date of the disability (without regard
to the passage of 180 days as provided
in Section (1) above).

(3) No disability benefits shall be payable
for any period of time when the Active
Participant is still receiving a salary from
his/her Salary-Paying Unit

(4) Even if the Active Participant is other-
wise eligible to receive disabiUty bene-
fits, no disability benefit shall be ap-
proved on a retroactive basis for any
period of time in excess of 365 days
from the date the payment of disability
benefits is approved.

(5) Section 5.04(a) above becomes effective
at the close of the 1988 General Confer-

(b) Definition of Disability. An Active Par-
ticipant will be considered disabled for
piuposes of the Plan as of the date the
Administrator determines on the basis
of medical evidence that such Active
Participant was unable to perform the
usual and customary duties of a United
Methodist Clergyperson by reason of a
bodily injmy, disease, or mental or emo-
tional disease or disorder which will pre-
sumably last for at least six continuous
months, exclusive of any disability re-
sulting from:

(1) service in the armed forces of any coun-
try;

(2) warfare;

(3) intentionally self-inflicted injiuy; or

Financial Administration

411

(4) participation in any criminal or unlawful
act.

After having received benefit payments
for 24 months, the Active Participant
shall be considered disabled only if such
Active Participant is unable to engage in
substantially all of the usual and custom-
ary duties pertaining to any employment
for remuneration or profit in such occu-
pation for which such Active Participant
is reasonably qualified by training, edu-
cation, or experience. The Administrator
shall have the responsibility for deter-
mining whether an Active Participant
has incurred a disability and, before ap-
proving payment of any disability bene-
fit, may require medical proof of such
disability including, but not limited to, a
requirement that the Active Participant
submit to medical examination at the re-
quest of the Administrator. The Plan
shall pay all reasonable medical fees, as
determined by the Administrator, for
any medical examinations requested
more frequently than annually.

(c) Amoimt of Disability Benefit The Ad-
ministrator shall have the full authority
to grant disability benefits to an Active
Participant under this Plan as follows:

(1) An annual disability benefit, payable in
monthly installments, shall be made
from the Protection Benefit Trust to the
Active Participant in an amount equal to
40% of the Denominational Average
Compensation in effect on the date of
first payment

(2) An annual allocation fi'om the Protection
Benefit Trust, made in monthly install-
ments, shall be credited to the Active
Participant's Church Account in the
Ministerial Pension Plan in an amount
equal to 12% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation in effect on the date
of first payment.

(3) The amount of the benefit payable in
accordance with (1) and (2) shall be in-
creased by 2% on July 1 of each year
through 1988, provided the benefit was
in effect on the previous December 31.
Effective January 1, 1990, this percent-
age increase shall be 3% on the anniver-
sary date of the first payment of the dis-
ability benefit and annually thereafter,
provided the benefit was in effect on the
previous December 31. Effective Janu-
ary 1, 1989, the amount of the benefit

payable under (1) and (2) to persons re-
ceiving disability benefits on that date
shall be based upon the Denominational
Average Compensation for 1989.

(4) The date of first payment is the date on
which disability benefit payments are
first made effective.

(5) Payment of disability benefits shall begin
on the first day of the month following
the determination of disability by the Ad-
ministrator under the provisions of peira-
graph (b) above.

(6) In the event the commencement and/or
discontinuance of disability benefit pay-
ments hereunder occurs other than on
January 1 of the Plan Year, the amount
of the disability benefit shall be prorated
based upon the number of days of dis-
ability during the Plan Year.

(d) Discontinuance of Disability Benefits.
An Active Participant's disability benefit
will be payable piu'suant to paragraph
(c) above, subject to the following:

(1) If an Active Participant refuses to submit
to a medical examination as requested
by the Administrator for the purpose of
verifying the continuance of disability,
the disability benefits otherwise payable
shall be suspended for the duration of
the refusal to submit to such examina-
tion. Such suspension shall become ef-
fective ninety days following the date of
the written request for the medical ex-
amination, provided that if the duration
of such refusal exceeds twelve calendar
months, the Active Participant's rights
to disability benefits shall cease. If an
adequate medical examination report is
submitted to the Administrator within
the nine-month period following the ef-
fective date of suspension and such re-
port verifies the continuance of disabil-
ity, disability benefit payments shall be
reinstated, provided, however, that ret-
roactive payments to the date of suspen-
sion shall be at the discretion of the Ad-
ministrator.

(2) If the Administrator determines that
such Active Participant is no longer dis-
abled, payment of all disability benefits
shall cease irrespective of the period
that has elapsed since the Active Partici-
pant first became disabled.

(3) If the basis for disability benefits is men-
tal or emotional disease or disorder, all

412

DCA Advance Edition

such benefits shall cease after five years
of benefit payments unless, in the judg-
ment of the Administrator, such individ-
ual requires, and is receiving, continuous
substantial supervision, medical or oth-
erwise, wliich, at the discretion of the Ad-
ministrator, will constitute sufGcient
grounds for the continuation of benefits.

(4) The amount of the disability benefit pay-
able under this Section 5.04 shall be
reduced on a dollar-for-dollar ratio when
the gross income of the Active Partici-
pant from the sources specified below
exceeds the smaller of (i) the Plan Com-
pensation of the Active Participant at the
time the disability occurred, adjusted
annually by the percentage change in the
Denominational Average Compensation,
or (ii) three-fourths of the Denomina-
tional Average Compensation in effect
dtiring the period for which disability
benefits are approved. The sources of
gross income to be considered in mak-
ing this calculation are those resulting
from earned income of the Plan Partici-
pant or payments received by the Plan
Participant which, by their natiwe, are
designed to be a substitute for earned
income for the Plan Participant, and are
limited to (i) compensation for services,
including fees, commissions, and simi-
lar items, and gross income derived
from a business, as provided in section
61(a) of the Code, (ii) compensation
payments received from Worker's Com-
pensation Insiu-ance in respect to lost
earnings, (iii) payments received from
any branch of the United States Armed
Forces or any other agency of the United
States Government, excluding Social Se-
curity, or from any State of the United
States, in respect to disability, and (iv)
disability benefits payable under the
Comprehensive Protection Plan of The
United Methodist Chiu-ch. To enable the
Administrator to make this calculation,
the Active Participant shall supply, on
an Earnings Test Form furnished by the
Administrator, all relevant financial data
requested. An Active Participant who
fails, without good cause, to furnish
such information as requested by the
Administrator may have his/her disabil-
ity benefit payments suspended until
he/she has supplied the required data.
The payment of rehabilitation benefits,
under Section (e) below, may, at the dis-
cretion of the Administrator, be in lieu
of, or in addition to, disability benefits as

provided in Section 5.04. Payment of re-
habilitation benefits will not cause a re-
duction of disability benefits with respect
to the limits imposed under this Section.

(5) In the event such an Active Participant
becomes disabled prior to age 60 and
such person is receiving disability bene-
fits in the Conference year in which such
person attains ^e 65 and disability con-
tinues, then such benefits will terminate
on June 30 next following such person's
65th birthday anniversary (if the final
day of the regular session of such per-
son's Conference falls in the month of
May or June, otherwise the end of the
month in which the closing day of such
Conference session occurs).

(6) In the event such an Active Participant
becomes disabled after age 60 years and
disability continues, then such benefits
will terminate on the earlier to occiu" of
(i) June 30 following the end of a five-
year period from the date of disability (if
the final day of the regular session of
such person's Conference falls in May or
June, otherwise the end of the month
next following the end of such five-year
period in which the closing day of such
Conference session occurs); or (ii) June
30 following such person's 70th birth-
day anniversary (if the final day of the
regular session of such person's Confer-
ence falls in May or June, otherwise the
end of the month in which the closing
day of such Conference session occurs).

(7) All disability benefits shall cease upon
the death of the Active Participant.

(e) Rehabilitation Benefits. The Administra-
tor is authorized to allocate reasonable
amounts, as it deems appropriate, (not
to exceed two-thirds of tiie Denomina-
tional Average Compensation) on behalf
of a disabled Active Participant when, in
the judgment of the Administrator, it is
presumed that such allocation could:

(1) result in the qualification of the Active
Participant to engage in an occupation
which can be expected to provide com-
pensation commensurate with the De-
nominational Average Compensation; or

(2) result in the return of such Active Par-
ticipant to the duties performed prior to
the occurrence of the disability.

Allocation of such amounts shall not dis-
qualify the Active Participant for contin-

Financial Administration

413

ued disability benefits if following such
allocation the Active Participant contin-
ues to be unable to engage in any occu-
pation for remuneration or profit as de-
fined in paragraph (b) above. If a
disabled Active Participant engages in
any employment or occupation while re-
ceiving disability benefits and, in the
judgement of the Administrator, such
employment or occupation could be ex-
pected to result in the rehabilitation of
the Active Participant, such disability
benefits may be continued in whole or in
part and the Administrator may waive
annually any compliance with an earn-
ings test.

(f) The Administrator shall have full author-
ity to determine application procedures,
eligibility for benefits, amounts of bene-
fits, the commencement or discontinu-
ance dates of any benefit payments, and
the development of an earnings test. The
Administrator, in the exercise of such
authority, shall follow the provisions of
this Section 5.04 and principles consis-
tent with the Book of Discipline.

5.05 Pension Supplement. In the event an Active
Peirticipant in this Plan is an Active Partici-
pant in the Ministerial Pension Plan and the
Church contribution under such pension
plan to such Active Participant's Church Ac-
count is based upon a Contribution Base
less than the Denominational Average Com-
pensation, an allocation shall be made from
this Plan to such Active Participant's Church
Account in the Ministerial Pension Plan suf-
ficient to make the total allocation to such
account equivalent to the Church contribu-
tion such Active Participant would have re-
ceived under Section 4.02 of the Ministerial
Pension Plan had the Active Participant's
Contribution Base been the Denominational
Average Compensation. Any such allocation
will be suspended if:

(a) the Church contributions to this Plan are
more than 180 days in arrears;

(b) the Active Participant becomes a Retired
Participant or a Vested former Partici-
pant in the Ministerial Pension Plan;

(c) the Active Participant is disabled as set
forth in Section 5.04; or

(d) the Active Participant is appointed as set
forth in Sections 3.02 (a), (c), or (e).

If the Church contribution to the Active
Participant's Church Account under the

Ministerial Pension Plan is based on less
than a full month of Plan participation,
then the amount of the allocation from
this Plan shall be prorated based upon
the number of days of participation dur-
ing the month covered by such Church
contribution. Notwithstanding the fore-
going, any contributions made hereun-
der which are allocated to an Active
Piirticipanf s Church Account under the
Ministerial Pension Plan shall be subject
to the terms of Code Section 415 as
applied to the Ministerial Pension Plan.

Article VI Trustee

6.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Section VII:

(a) To invest, manage and control the Plan
assets;

(b) At the direction of the Administrator, to
pay benefits required under the Plan to
be paid to Participants, or, in the event
of their deaths, to their Beneficiaries;

(c) To maintain records of receipts and dis-
bursements and furnish to the Adminis-
trator for each Plan Year a written an-
nual report;

(d) To invest the assets of the trust for the
exclusive purpose of providing benefits
to Participants and Beneficiaries and de-
fraying reasonable expenses of the Plan.
Such investing shall be done in accord-
ance with investment policies that reflect
the Social Principles of The United
Methodist Church.

6.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the
Trustee.

(a) The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the
assets of the Plan to keep the assets of
the Plan invested without distinction be-
tween principal and income and in such
securities or property, real or personal,
wherever situated, as the Trustee shall
deem advisable, including, but not lim-
ited to, stocks, common or preferred,
bonds and other evidences of indebted-
ness or ownership, and real estate or any
interest therein. The Trustee shall at all
times in making investments of the as-
sets of the Plan consider, among other
factors, the short and long-term financial
needs of the Plan on the basis of infor-
mation furnished by the Plan Sponsor.

414

DCA Advance Edition

In making such investments, the Trustee
shall not be restricted to securities or
other property of the character expressly
authorized by the applicable law for trust
investments; however, the Trustee shall
give due regard to any limitations im-
posed by the Code or the Employee Re-
tirement Income Security Act.

(b) The Trustee may employ a bank or trust
company pursuant to the terms of its
usual and customary bank agency agree-
ment, under which the duties of such
bank or trust company shall be of a cus-
todial, clerical and record-keeping na-
ture.

(c) The Trustee may create a trust to hold
and invest all or any part of the assets of
the Plan. The Trustee shall have the
right to determine the form and sub-
stance of each trust agreement under
which any part of the assets of the Plan
is held, subject only to the requirement
that they are not inconsistent with the
terms of the Plan.

6.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Trustee's sole
discretion:

(a) To purchase, or subscribe for, any secu-
rities or other property and to retain the
same. In conjunction with the purchase
of securities, margin accounts may be
opened and maintained;

(b) To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, grant
options to purchase, or otherwise dis-
pose of any seciuities or other property
held by the Trustee, by private contract
or at public auction. No person dealing
with the Trustee shall be bound to see to
the application of the purchase money or
to inquire into the validity, expediency,
or propriety of any such sale or other
disposition, with or without advertise-
ment;

(c) To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
securities; to give general or special
proxies or powers of attorney with or
without power of substitution; to exer-
cise any conversion privileges, subscrip-
tion ri^ts or other options, and to make
any payments incidental thereto; to op-
pose, or to consent to, or otherwise par-

ticipate in, corporate reorganizations or
other changes affecting corporate securi-
ties, and to delegate discretionary pow-
ers, and to pay any assessments or
charges in connection therewith; and
generally to exercise any of the powers of
an owner with respect to stocks, bonds,
securities, or other property;

(d) To cause any securities or other property
to be registered in the Trustee's own
name or in the name of one or more of
the Trustee's nominees, and to hold any
investments in bearer form, but the
books and records of the Trustee shall at
all times show that all such investments
are part of the assets of the Plan;

(e) To borrow or raise money for the pur-
poses of the Plan in such amount, and
upon such terms and conditions, as the
Trustee shall deem advisable; and for
any sum so borrowed, to issue a prom-
issory note as Trustee, and to secure the
repayment thereof by pledging all, or any
part, of the assets of the Plan; and no
person lending money to the Trustee
shall be bound to see to the application
of the money lent or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any
borrowing;

(f) To keep such portion of the assets of the

Plan in cash or cash balances as the
Trustee may, from time to time, deem to
be in the best interests of the Plan, with-
out liability for interest thereon;

(g) To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any securi-
ties or other property received or ac-
quired as trustee hereunder, whether or
not such securities or other property
would normally be purchased as invest-
ments hereunder;

(h) To make, execute, acknowledge, and de-
liver any and all documents of transfer
and conveyance and any and all other
instruments that may be necessary or
appropriate to carry out the powers
herein granted;

(i) To settle, compromise, or submit to arbi-
tration any claims, debts, or damages
due or owing to or from the Plan, to
commence or defend suits or legal or
administrative proceedings, and to rep-
resent the Plan in all suits and legal and
administrative proceedings;

Financial Administration

415

(j) To employ suitable agents and counsel
and to pay their reasonable expenses
and compensation, and such agent or
counsel may or may not be agent or
counsel for the Plan Sponsor;

(k) To invest in Treasury Bills and other
forms of United States government obli-
gations;

(I) To sell, purchase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and
purchased through a national securities
exchange registered under the Securi-
ties Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or, if the options are not traded on a
national securities exchange, are guar-
anteed by a member firm of the New
York Stock Exchange;

(m) To deposit monies in federally insured
savings accounts or certificates of de-
posit in banks or savings and loan asso-
ciations;

(n) To pool all or any of the assets of the
Plan, fi-om time to time, with assets be-
longing to any other employee benefit
plan created by a unit of The United
Methodist Church or an affiliated unit of
The United Methodist Church, and to
commingle such assets and make joint
or common investments and cany joint
accounts on behalf of this Plan and such
other trust or trusts, allocating undi-
vided shares or interests in such invest-
ments or accounts or any pooled assets
of the two or more trusts in accordance
with their respective interests.

(o) To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not spe-
cifically mentioned herein, as the Trus-
tee may deem necessary to carry out the
purposes of the Plan.

6.04 Valuation. Participants' Accounts shall be
credited with interest at a rate to be deter-
mined by the Trustee. Any excess of the ac-
tual investment experience, including unre-
alized appreciation over the interest credited
to accounts in a Plan Year, shall be credited
to an investment reserve account from which
the Trustee may withdraw funds in succeed-
ing years in order to stabilize the rate of
interest credited to Accounts fi"om year to
year.

6.05 Funding Through Insm-ance Contracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Participant or a Pairticipanfs Beneficiary
from assets held by the Trustee, enter into a

contract (or contracts) or an agreement (or
agreements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (from such as-
sets) of one or more insurance confracts
which provide benefits which are substan-
tially the actuarial equivalent of those pro-
vided for such Participant or Beneficiary un-
der the Plan.

6.06 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with
another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a confroUed group.

Article VII Administration

7.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator.
The primary responsibility of the Adminis-
frator is to administer the Plan for the exclu-
sive benefit of the Participants and their
Beneficiaries, subject to the terms of the
Plan. The Administrator shall administer the
Plan in accordance with its terms and shall
have the power and discretion to construe
the terms of the Plan and to determine all
questions arising in connection with the ad-
ministration, interpretation, and application
of the Plan. Any such determination by the
Administrator shall be conclusive and bind-
ing upon all persons. The Administrator, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Administrator's
sole discretion:

(a) To establish procedures, correct any de-
fect, supply any information, or recon-
cile any inconsistency in such manner
and to such extent as shall be deemed
necessary or advisable to carry out the
purpose of the Plan;

(b) To determine all questions relating to the
eligibility of Clergypersons to participate
or remain a Participant hereunder and
to receive benefits under the Plan;

(c) To compute, certify, and direct the Trus-
tee with respect to the amount and the
kind of benefits to which any Participant
shall be entitied hereunder;

(d) In its sole discretion, to construe and
interpret the Plan and make administra-
tive rules in accordance therewith, and
to resolve or otherwise decide matters
not specifically covered by the terms and
provisions of the Plan;

416

DCA Advance Edition

(e) To maintain all necessary records for the
administration of the Plan;

(f) To interpret the provisions of the Plan
and make and publish such rules for
regulation of the Plan as are consistent
with the terms hereof;

(g) To file, or cause to be filed, all such
annual reports, returns, schedules, de-
scriptions, financial statements and
other statements as may be reqixired by
any federal or state statute, agency, or
authority;

(h) To obtain fi-om the Plan Sponsors and
Clergypersons such information as shall
be necessary to the proper administra-
tion of the Plan;

(i) To specify actuarial assumptions and
methods for use in determining contri-
butions and benefits under the Plan.

(j)To assist any Participant regarding
his/her rights, benefits or elections
available imder the Plan.

7.02 Records and Reports. The Administrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and other data that may be necessary
for proper administration of the Plan and
shall be responsible for supplying all infor-
mation and reports to appropriate govern-
ment entities, Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as required by law.

7.03 Duties of the Plan Sponsor. The Plan Spon-
sor shall assume the following duties with
respect to the Plan:

(a) To enroll Clergypersons, as applicable;

(b) To maintain records of a Participant's
Compensation;

(c) To remit contributions to the Trustee;

(d) To provide the Administrator with the
statistical data and other statistical infor-
mation satisfactory to the Administrator
within a reasonable time after a request
by the Administrator sufficient to enable
the Administrator to discharge its duties
under the Plan;

(e) To register with and report to govern-
ment agencies, as appropriate;

(f) To properly notify Clergypersons of their

ri^ts and obligations under the Plan;

7.04 Fees and Expenses. All expenses inciured
by the Administrator and Trustee in connec-
tion with the administration of this Plan shall
be paid by the Plan.

(a) The Trustee has the authority to deter-
mine administrative and expense
charges and the methods for applying
such charges.

(b) The Trustee is authorized to deduct fi-om
the Plan's reserves, funds, contribu-
tions, and/or earnings thereon, the ex-
penses and fees necessary or appropri-
ate to the administration of the Plan,
including an allocable share of the Ad-
ministrator's operating expenses.

(c) The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing
non-routine reports and services for
Plan Sponsors and Participants £md to
require the Plan Sponsor or Participant
to pay for such non-routine reports and
service.

7.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimburse the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses incurred by the Administrator
or Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
counsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, summons or other
similar pleading by the Internal Revenue
Service or by any other party in litigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a party, or is a party only by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiduciary in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant.

7.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,
actuarial and other services as it may require
in carrying out the provisions of this Plan.
The Administrator may rely on any certifi-
cate, notice or direction, oral or written, pur-
porting to have been signed or communi-
cated on behalf of the Plan Sponsor,
Participant, or others which the Administra-
tor believes to have been signed or commu-
nicated by persons authorized to act on be-
half of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or
others, as applicable. The Administrator

Financial Administration

417

may request instructions in writing from the
Plan Sponsor, Participant or others, as appli-
cable, on other matters, and may rely and act
thereon. The Administrator may not be held
responsible for any loss caused by its acting
upon any notice, direction or certification of
the Plan Sponsor, Participant or others,
which the Administrator reasonably believes
to be genuine and communicated by an
authorized person.

7.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
under the Plan shall be filed with the Admin-
istrator on forms supplied by the Adminis-
trator. Written notice of the disposition of a
claim shall be furnished to the Plan Sponsor
and to the claimant within 45 days after all
required forms and materials related to the
application therefor are filed.

7.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
under the Plan is wholly or partially denied,
the claimant shall be given notice in writing,
within a reasonable period of time after re-
ceipt of the claim by the Plan, written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the
claimant, setting forth the following informa-
tion:

(a) the specific reasons for such denial;

(b) specific reference to pertinent Plan pro-
visions on which the denial is based;

(c) a description of any additional material
or information necessary for the claim-
ant to perfec die claim and an explana-
tion of why such material or information
is necessary; and

(d) an explanation of the Plan's appeals pro-
cedures.

A "reasonable time" for such notice
shall not exceed 45 days after the filing
of the original claim or 45 days after the
request for or submission of any addi-
tional data or documents requested by
the Administrator, or, if special circum-
stances require an extension of time,
written notice of the extension shall be
furnished to the claimant and an addi-
tional 90 days will be considered rea-
sonable.

7.09. Appeals from Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereunder, the Par-
ticipant shall have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procedures:

(a) Intermediary Appeal Procedure. The
Administrator shall establish an inter-

mediary appeals procedure containing
no more than a three-level process.

(b) Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermediary appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final and not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermediary process has
been completed and if the Participant's
claim is still fully or partially denied, the
claimant shall be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
Appeals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with the Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days after such notice has
been received by the claimant,

(i) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed by
the claimant.

(ii) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(iii) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the Appeals
Committee at its next meeting, unless
special circumstances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeals Commit-
tee.

(iv) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting documents must be filed
with the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the
Appeals Committee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee af-
ter that time can or will be considered by
the Appeals Committee except by its
leave and discretion.

(v) The claimant, his or her duly authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Plan Sponsor, may request permission
to appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence with re-

418

DCA Advance Edition

sped to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the Appeals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personal appearance must be borne by
the claimant or the Plan Sponsor.

(vi) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting from an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to
the pertinent Plan provisions on wliich
the decision is based, and such written
notice shall be mailed to the claimant by
the staff of the Administrator within 15
days following the action by the Appeals
Committee.

7.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law with
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
and conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
unless and until such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an
Appeal as set forth in Sections 7.07 to 7.09
of this Plan.

7.11 limitation of Liabihty. All benefits hereun-
der are contingent upon, and payable solely
from, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment results
of the Trustee. No financial obligations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assumed by the
Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Plan attributable to a Partici-
pant's accounts have been transferred to a
trust as provided in Section 6.02(c), all
benefits to which the Participant is entitied
under this Plan shall be provided only out of
such trust and only to the extent the trust is
adequate therefor. The members of the Ad-
ministrator shall not personally be responsi-
ble or otherwise liable for the payment of any
benefits hereunder.

Article VIII Amendment and Termination

8.01 Amendment of the Plan. The General Con-
ference may amend any or all provisions of
this Plan at any time by written instrument
identified as an amendment of the Plan ef-
fective as of a specified date. However, the
Administrator is authorized to amend any or
all provisions of this Plan at any time by such
written instrument in order to conform the
Plan to any applicable law and/or regtda-
tions promulgated thereunder.

8.02 Termination of die Plan. The General Con-
ference shall have the right to terminate the
Plan at any time in a manner and to the
extent not inconsistent with the Book of Disci-
pline. Upon termination of the Plan, the ac-
counts of Participants shall be nonforfeitable
and either distributed outright or held for
distribution in accordance with the terms of
the Plan. The assets remaining in the Plan
after aU obligations of the Plan have been
satisfied shall be distributed pursuant to ac-
tion by the General Conference.

Article IX Miscellaneous

9.01 Non-Alienation of Benefits. No benefits pay-
able at any time under the Plan shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale,
transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or enctunbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or
otherwise encxunber such benefit, whether
presently or thereafter payable, shall be
void. No benefit nor the fund under the Plan
shall in any manner be liable for, or subject
to the debts or liabiUties of, any Active Par-
ticipant, Retired Participant or other person
entitied to any benefit.

9.02 Unclaimed Benefits. If an Active Participant,
Retired Participant or Beneficiary fails to
claim a benefit to which the Active Partici-
pant, Retired Participant or Beneficiary is
entitied, and if such Participant's or Benefi-
ciary's whereabouts are unknown to the Ad-
ministrator after the Administrator has sent
a registered letter to the last-known address
and has made inquiry of the last-known ap-
plicable imit of the Church, the Administra-
tor may terminate benefit payments as the
Administrator deems appropriate, fully dis-
charging the Plan and the Administrator of
all liability with respect thereto.

9.03 Relinquishment of Benefits. An Active Par-
ticipant, Retired Participant or Beneficiary
may voluntarily relinquish in writing, for not
more than a year at a time, all or any part of
benefit payments that are in pay status.
Benefit payments that are relinquished shall
not thereafter be recoverable by the Active
Participant, Retired Participant or Benefici-
ary.

9.04 Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant
may designate, in such form as required by
the Administrator, a Beneficiary who is to
receive the Participant's interest in the Plan
in the event of the Participant's death, but
the designation of a Beneficiary shall not be
effective for any purpose unless and until it

Financial Administration

419

has been filed by the Participant with the Ad-
ministrator during the Participant's lifetime.

Each Participant may designate, in such
form as required by the Administrator, a
primary and contingent Beneficiary who is to
receive the Participant's interest in the Plan
in the event of the Participant's death. In the
event a Participant's designated primary
Beneficiary is not available (for any reason
such as one noted below in this Section
9.04) as of the Participant's death, the death
benefit hereunder shall be paid to a Partici-
pant's designated contingent Beneficiary.
The designation of a Beneficiary shall not be
effective for any purpose unless and until it
has been filed by the Participant with the
Administrator diuing the Participant's life-
time.

A Peirticipant may, fi-om time to time, in
such form as required by the Administrator,
during the Participant's lifetime, change the
Beneficiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Beneficiary of a married Participant
shall automatically be deemed to be his/her
spouse, and a Participant may not designate
another person as primary or contingent
Beneficiary without the written consent of
the spouse on a form required by the Admin-
istrator. If the spouse is legally incompetent
to give consent, the spouse's legal guardian,
even if such guardian is the Participant, may
give consent Such consent shall not be re-
quired if it is established to the satisfaction
of the Administrator that the required con-
sent cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located, or
due to other relevant facts and circum-
stances. A former spouse's waiver shall not
be binding on a new spouse.

A Participant may designate multiple Bene-
ficiaries who will divide any benefit payable
under Section 5.03 in equal shares. Any
election made by a Participant and con-
sented to by his/her spouse may be revoked
by the Participant in writing without the con-
sent of the spouse, provided such revocation
is filed by a form provided by the Adminis-
trator and filed with the Administrator dur-
ing the Participant's lifetime.

A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficiary designation in favor of the Par-
ticipant's spouse made prior to the divorce.
Until such time as a new designation of
Beneficiary is filed with the Administrator in
accordance with the provisions of this Sec-
tion, benefits will be payable as if the former
spouse had predeceased the Participant.

In the event a Participant shall not designate
a Beneficiary in the manner heretofore
stated, or if for any reason such designation
shall be legally ineffective, or if such Benefi-
ciary predeceases the Participant, then the
Beneficiary shall be deemed to be the estate
of the deceased Participant

9.05 Surviving Spouse Beneficiary Designation.
Each Surviving Spouse as provided in Sec-
tion 5.03(g) may designate, in such form as
required by the Administrator, a Beneficiary
who is to receive the Surviving Spouse's in-
terest in the Plan in the event of the Surviv-
ing Spouse's death, but the designation of a
Beneficiary shall not be effective for any pur-
pose unless and until it has been filed by the
Surviving Spouse with the Administrator
during the Surviving Spouse's lifetime in
such form as required by the Administrator.

Each Surviving Spouse may designate, in
such form as required by the Administrator,
a primary and contingent Beneficiary who is
to receive the Surviving Spouse's interest in
the Plan in the event of the Surviving
Spouse's death. In the event a Surviving
Spouse's designated primary Beneficiary is
not available (for any reason such as one
noted below in this Section 9.05) as of the
Surviving Spouse's death, the death benefit
under Section 5.03(g) hereof shall be paid
to the Surviving Spouse's designated contin-
gent Beneficiary. The designation of Benefi-
ciary shall not be effective for any purpose
unless and until it has been filed by the
Sxu\iving Spouse with the Administrator
during the Siuviving Spouse's lifetime.

A Surviving Spouse may, from time to time,
in such form as required by the Administra-
tor, during the Surviving Spouse's lifetime,
change the Beneficiary. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Beneficiary of a Surviving
Spouse shall automatically be deemed to be
his/her spouse, and a Surviving Spouse may
not designate another person as a primary
or contingent Beneficiary without the written
consent of the spouse on a form required by
the Administrator. If the spouse is legalty
incompetent to give consent, the spouse's
legal guardian, even if such guardian is the
Surviving Spouse, may give consent Such
consent shall not be required if it is estab-
lished to the satisfaction of the Administra-
tor that the required consent cannot be ob-
tained because there is no spouse, the
spouse cannot be located, or due to other
relevant facts and circumstances. A former
spouse's waiver shall not be binding on a
new spouse.

420

DCA Advance Edition

A Surviving Spouse may designate multiple
Beneficiaries who will divide any benefit
payable under Section 5.03(g) in equal
shares. Any election made by a Surviving
Spouse and consented to by his/her spouse
may be revoked by the Surviving Spouse in
writing without the consent of the spouse,
provided such revocation is filed by a form
provided by the Administrator and filed with
the Administrator dtuing the Surviving
Spouse's lifetime.

A Surviving Spouse's divorce shall revoke
any Beneficiary designation in favor of the
Surviving Spouse's spouse made prior to the
divorce. Until such time as a new designa-
tion is filed with the Administrator in accord-
ance with the provisions of this Section,
benefits will be payable as if the former
spouse had predeceased the Siuviving
Spouse.

In the event a Siu%iving Spouse shall not
designate a Beneficiary in the manner here-
tofore stated, or if for any reason such des-
ignation shall be legally ineffective, or if such
Beneficiary predeceases the Surviving
Spouse, tiien the Beneficiary shall be
deemed to be the estate of the deceased
Surviving Spouse.

9.06 Construction. The Plan and each of its pro-
visions shall be construed and their validity
determined by the laws of the State of Illi-
nois, other than its laws respecting choice of
law, to the extent such laws are not preemp-
ted by any federal law.

9.07 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Plan Sponsor shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Administrator, Trustee,
Participants, any employee, and any other
person or persons to whom the Plan Spon-
sor, Trustee or Administrator has delegated
fiduciary or other duties under the Plan,
against any and all claims, losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities arising from any act
or failure to act that constitutes or is alleged
to constitute a breach of such person's re-
sponsibiUties in connection with the Plan
under any appUcable law, xmless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or willful failure to act.

9.08 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dispute
euises out of or related to the relationship
between the Plan Sponsor and the Adminis-
trator or Trustee, the parties agree first to try
in good faith to settie the dispute by media-
tion through the American Arbitration Asso-
ciation, or another mediation/arbitration

service mutualfy agreed upon by the parties,
before resorting to arbitration. Thereafter,
any remaining unresolved controversy or
claim arising out of or relating to the relation-
ship between tiie Plan Sponsor and the Ad-
ministrator or Trustee shall be settled by
binding arbitration through the American Ar-
bitration Association, or the otiier media-
tion/arbitration service which had been mu-
tually agreed upon by the parties.

(a) The site of the mediation and/or arbitra-
tion shall be in a city mutually agreed to
by the parties which is not located within
the boundaries of the Plan Sponsor.

(b) The laws of the State of Illinois shall
appfy in situations where federal law is
not applicable. The applicable rules of
the selected service shall apply. If the
service allows the parties to choose the
number of arbitrators, unless another
number is mutualfy agreed to, any arbi-
tration hereunder shall be before at least
three arbitrators, and the award of the
arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall
be final, and judgment upon the award
rendered may be entered in any court,
state or federal, having jurisdiction.

(c) The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equalfy by the parties. The fees
and costs of arbitration shall be allo-
cated to the parties by the arbitrators.

9.09 Tides and Headings. The tides and headings
of the Articles and Sections of this instru-
ment are placed herein for convenience of
reference onty, and in the case of any con-
flicts, the text of this instrument, rather than
the tides or headings, shall control.

9.10 Number. Wherever used herein, the singular
shall include the pliu'al and the plural shall
include the singular, except where the con-
text requires otherwise.

Article X Adoption Agreement

10.01 A Plan Sponsor shall annualfy complete an
Adoption Agreement in which the Plan
Sponsor shall indicate the various elections
which it is required to make pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan.

10.02 The Adoption Agreement shall be in a form
prescribed by the Administrator.

10.03 The Adoption Agreement shall not become
effective until it is accepted by the Adminis-
trator.

Financial Administration

421

10.04 If a Plan Sponsor fails to complete a new
Adoption Agreement for the next Plan Year
at least thirty days prior to the beginning of
the next Plan Year, and:

(a) if the Plan Sponsor is one described in
Section 2.18(a), (b), or (c) herein, the
current Adoption Agreement will remain
in force for the next Plan Year.

(b) if tiie Plan Sponsor is one described in
Section 2.18(d) herein, the current
Adoption Agreement would remain in
force until sixty days after such time as
a new Adoption Agreement is accepted
by the Administrator.

Article XI Prior Plan Benefits

11.01 Amendment of Prior Plan. Effective as of
January 1, 1982, this Article XI shall super-
sede and replace the provisions of the Min-
isters Reserve Pension Fund relating to the
Disability and Survivor Benefit Fund with
respect to all persons who, on December 3 1 ,
1981, were receiving or are entitied to re-
ceive future benefits from the Disability and
Survivor Benefit Fund of the Ministers Re-
serve Pension Fund (hereinafter referred to
as the Prior Plan).

11.02 Transfer of Assets. The assets of the Prior
Plan shall be transferred to this Plan as soon
as administratively feasible after January 1,
1982.

11.03 Disability Benefits.

(a) All persons who, as of December 31,
1981, were receiving a disability benefit
under the Prior Plan, effective Jemuary
1, 1982, shall be entitied to an annual
disability benefit, payable in monthly in-
stallments, equal to 40% of the Denomi-
national Average Compensation in effect
as of January 1, 1982.

(b) In addition, all such persons shall have
credited to a Church Account estab-
lished on their behalf under the Ministe-
rial Pension Plan an annual amount
equal to 12% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation in effect as of Janu-
ary 1, 1982. Such amount shall be cred-
ited, commencing January 1, 1982, in
monthly installments.

(c) The amount of the benefit payable in
accordance with (a) and (b) shall be in-
creased by 2% on July 1 of each year
through 1988. Effective January 1,
1990, this percentage increase shall be

3% on the anniversary date of the first
payment of the disability benefit and an-
nually thereafter, provided the benefit
was in effect on the previous December
31. Effective January 1, 1989, tiie
amount of the benefit payable under (a)
and (b) to persons receiving disability
benefits on tiiat date shall be based upon
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion for 1989.

(d) Payment of the disability benefits set
forth in this Section 11.03 shall be sub-
ject to the provisions of Section 5.04(d),
(e) and (f) of this Plan.

11.04 Surviving Spouse Benefits. All Siu\dving
Spouses who, as of December 31, 1981,
were receiving Surviving Spouse benefits
from the Prior Plan shall thereafter continue
to receive such benefits from this Plan.

All Surviving Spouses who, as of December
31, 1981, were receiving Surviving Spouse
benefits from the Prior Plan shall be entitied
to a minimum single-life annuity in an an-
nual amount equal to (a) less (b), where,

(a) is 20% of the Denominational Average
Compensation in effect on January 1,
1982; and

(b) is the annuity benefits (calculated on a
single-life basis, regardless of the annu-
ity form actually paid) otherwise payable
from this Plan and from all other
Church-related sources, except Social
Security benefits.

(c) Effective January 1 , 1989, the amount of
the benefit payable under this Section
10.04 to persons receiving such bene-
fits on that date shall be based upon an
amount at least equal to 20% of tfie De-
nominational Average Compensation for
1989 less (b) above.

(d) The amount determined above shall be
increased by 2% on July 1 of each year,
provided the benefit was in effect on the
previous December 31. Effective Janu-
ary 1, 1990, this percentage increase
shall be 3% on the anniversary date of
the first payment of benefits.

(e) A Surviving Spouse who had remarried
prior to December 31, 1981, and who
was not receiving a Surviving Spouse
benefit on that date will be eligible for
benefits in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above at the
time of the dissolution of the marriage or
upon attainment of age 65 years. Upon

422

DCA Advance Edition

the death of such Surviving Spouse, a
Surviving Spouse death benefit shall be
payable in accordance with Section
5.03(g), provided that the Surviving
Spouse was receiving a Surviving Spouse
monthly benefit at the time of death.

11.05 Surviving Children Benefits. All surviving
children of deceased former members of the
Prior Plan who, as of December 31, 1981,
were receiving or could in the future receive
siuviving children benefits imder the Prior
Plan shall, effective January 1, 1982, be en-
titled to the following benefits from this Plan:

(a) Any such surviving child imder age 18
years shall receive in monthly install-
ments an annual benefit of 10% of the
Denominational Average Compensation
in effect as of January 1, 1982.

(b) Any such surviving child age 18 years
but under age 25 years shall receive an
annual educational benefit equal to 10%
of the Denominational Average Compen-
sation in effect on the later to occur of
Januaty 1, 1982, or the date such child
attains age 18 years. Such benefit is pay-
able for each year during attendance as
a full-time student at a secondary school
and, in addition, for each year not to
exceed four years during attendance as
a full-time student at a standard school
or college beyond the secondary school
level. The annual benefit shall be pay-
able in monthly installments.

(c) Satisfactory certificate of enrollment and
attendance in school or college shall be
provided periodically as may be re-
quired by the Administrator in order for
an educational benefit to be paid.

(d) The amount of any benefit payable under
this Section 1 1.05 shall be increased by
2% on July 1 of each year, provided the
benefit was in effect on the previous De-
cember 31. Effective January 1, 1990,
this percentage increase shall be 3% on
the anniversary date of the first payment
of benefits. Effective January 1, 1989,
the amount of the benefits payable under
Sections 11.05(a) and 11.05(b) to per-
sons receiving such benefits on that date
shall be based upon the Denominational
Average Compensation for 1989.

Petition Number: 21495-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Cmnulative Pension and Benefit Fund

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends that (1) the following plan document for
the Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund be substi-
tuted for the current plan document as of January 1,
1998, and (2) the employee account be transferred to the
Personal Investment Plan as of January 1, 1998. This
document is a restatement of the current plan provisions
with the exception of the major changes highlighted
below.

• The definition of compensation has been changed
to allow plan sponsors to choose between two
different definitions: one that includes only base pay
and the other that includes base pay, overtime pay,
bonuses and severance pay.

• The definition of Early Retirement Date has been
changed so that plan sponsors can choose a service
requirement for early retirement that is between 0
and 20 years.

• A section was added that allows a plan sponsor to
choose whether (1) to extend coverage to all
employees or (2) to limit coverage to employees
that are regularly scheduled to work at least 20
hours per week and those that actually work 1,000
or more hours during the Plan Year.

• All references to employee contributions and
accounts have been removed except for a provision
that allows a plan sponsor to require employees to
contribute to the Personal Investment Plan as a
condition of participation in CPBF.

• A provision was added that, in the event of a
participant's divorce, would void any beneficiary
designation made prior to the divorce in favor of the
spouse. The spouse would be treated as is he/she
had predeceased the participant.

• Distinctions have been made between the Board as
administrator and the Board as trustee.

• A provision was added that allows the Board to pay
a participant a single sum pajmient in lieu of an
annuity if the amount of the annuity payment is less
than a minimum amount determined by the Board.

• A refusal of benefit provision was added that allows
a beneficiary to refuse all of the payment to which
he/she might otherwise be entitled. In the event of
a refusal, benefits will be paid as if this beneficiary
had predeceased the participant.

• A provision was added to permit the Board will be
to pay a relative, friend or legal representative of an
individual who is entitled to receive a benefit but is
incapable of handling his/her own financial affairs.

Financial Administration

423

The payment is to be used exclusively for the
benefit of the incapacitated individual.

• A provision was added that explains what will
happen to unclaimed benefit payments if at the time
of the required beginning date for payment there is
no current mailing address on file with the Board.

• A provision was added that outlines the duties and
responsibilities of plan sponsors.

• A provision was added that allows the administrator
to charge users directly for non-routine services
provided to participants or plan sponsors.

• A provision was added that allows the Board to
amend the plan as needed.

• Provisions were added that allow plan sponsors
either to merge their former pension programs into
CPBF or to leave CPBF and merge the value of their
employee's accounts into another plan not
administered by the Board.

• The plan clarifies the provisions of the plan are to
be construed under Illinois law, unless preempted
by federal law.

• A provision was added that requires disputes
between a plan sponsor and the Board to be settled
through the use of a mediation/binding arbitration
process.

Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund
Article I The Plan

1.01 The Plan. The General Conference of The
United Methodist Chiu-ch had previously
authorized the establishment of the Cumula-
tive Pension and Benefit Fund in or about
August 1972. Effective as of January 1,
1998, the General Conference hereby
amends and restates the Cumulative Pen-
sion and Benefit Fund (hereinafter referred
to as the "Plan") for the exclusive benefit of
the Eligible Employees and their Beneficiar-
ies in accordance with the terms and condi-
tions set forth in the Plan. The Adoption
Agreements to the Plan, as in effect from
time to time, are a part of the Plan.

1.02 Type of Plan. The Plan is intended to meet
the requirements of a "church plan" as that
term is defined in section 414(e) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and shall be administered piu'suant to the
retirement income account provisions of
section 403(b)(9) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.

Article II Identification and Definitions

Whenever used in the Plan, the following
terms shall have the respective meanings set forth
below, unless otherwise expressly provided
herein. When the defined meaning is intended,
the term is capitalized. The identification of the
adopting Plan Sponsor, as well as certain variable
definitions, are set forth in the Adoption Agree-
ment.

2.01 "Account" shjdl mean the account main-
tained for each Participant in the books and
records of the Plan for the pmpose of record-
ing contributions made to the Plan by the
Plan Sponsor on behalf of a Participant piu'-
suant to Section 4.01, adjusted for earnings
and losses allocated thereto.

2.02 "Act" shall meem the Employee Retirement
Income Seciuity Act of 1974, as it may be
amended fi'om time to time.

2.03 "Administrator" shall mean The Board of
Pensions of The United Methodist Church,
Incorporated in Illinois and any successors.

2.04 "Adoption Agreement" shall mean the agree-
ment adopted by a Plan Sponsor in accord-
ance with the provisions set forth in Article
XI.

2.05 "Age" of a person shall mean the age at the
last birthday.

2.06 "Anniversary Date" shedl mean January 1 of
each succeeding year.

2.07 "Annuity Starting Date" shall mean the first
day of the month for which an amount is
payable as an annuity or, in the case of a
benefit not payable in the form of an annuity,
the first day of the month coinciding with or
following the completion of all events which
entitle the Participant to such benefit In the
case of a deferred annuity, the Annuity Start-
ing Date shall be the date on which the an-
nuity payments are scheduled to commence.

2.08 "Beneficiary" shall mean the person(s)
(natural or otherwise), other than a Contin-
gent Annuitant, designated as set forth in
Section 5.02d, who is receiving, or entitled
to receive, a deceased Participant's (or an-
nuity-certain payee's) residual interest in
this Plan which is nonforfeitable upon, and
payable in the event of, such Participant's or
payee's death.

2.09 "Break in Service" shall mean the cessation
of crediting Hours of Service when the em-
ployee:

424

DCA Advance Edition

a. resigns;

b. is discharged;

c. foils to report for work within the period
required under the law pertaining to veter-
ans' reemployment rights after the employee
is released from military service with the
armed forces of the United States, in which
case the Employee's Break in Service shall
be deemed to have occurred on the first day
of his/her authorized leave of absence for
such military duty;

d. is on an authorized leave of absence and fails
to return to employment, in which case
his/her Break in Service shall be deemed to
have occurred on the first day of his/her
authorized leave of absence; or

e. retires or dies.

2.10 "Church" shall mean an organization de-
scribed in Code Section 3121(w)(3)(A) and
Treasiuy regulations thereimder, and gener-
ally shall refer to a church, a convention or
association of churches, or an elementary or
secondary school which is controlled, oper-
ated, or principally supported by a church or
a convention or association of churches.

2.11 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended or replaced from
time to time.

2.12 "Compensation" shall mean one of the fol-
lowing as specified by the Plan Sponsor in
the Adoption Agreement:

a. Election A: The suum of the following paid in
cash or in kind for personal services by the
Plan Sponsor:

(1) Cash salary including overtime pay, bo-
nuses and severance pay;

(2) Housing allowance or when lodging or
similar accommodation is provided, a
stun equivalent to the reasonable value
of such accommodation; and

(3) Salary-reduction contributions with re-
spect to employment with the Plan Spon-

(A) to a plan qualified under section 125 of
the Code; or

(B) to a tax-sheltered annuity described in
section 403(b) of the Code.

b. Election B: The sum of the following paid in
cash or in kind for personal services by the
Plan Sponsor:

(1) Base pay, not including such items as
overtime pay, bonuses, and severance
pay;

(2) Housing allowance or when lodging or
similar accommodation is provided, a
sum equivalent to the reasonable value
of such accommodation; and

(3) Salary-reduction contributions with re-
spect to employment with the Plan Spon-

(A) to a plan qualified under section 125 of
the Code; or

(B) to a tax-sheltered annuity described in
section 403(b) of the Code.

For Plan Years beginning after December 31,
1988, and before January 1, 1994, Compensa-
tion in excess of $200,000 shall be disregarded.
For Plan Years beginning after December 31,
1993, the amount reported on the Employee's
Federal Income Tax Withholding Statement (Form
W-2) as wages, tips, and other compensation in
excess of $150,000 shall be disregarded. Such
amount shall be adjusted at the same time and in
such manner as permitted under Code section
415(d).

2.13 "Contingent Annuitant" shedl mean the per-
son who, with a Participant, is the one upon
the continuation of whose life the amount
and/or duration of the pension benefit under
this Plan depends.

2.14 "Contingent Annuity" shall mean an annuity
for the life of the Participant with a survivor
annuity for the life of his/her Contingent An-
nuitant which is not less than one-half, or
greater than, the amount of the annuity pay-
able during the joint lives of the Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant. The Con-
tingent Annuity will be the amount of benefit
which can be purchased with the Participan-
t's account balance. Unless elected otihier-
wise by the Participant with spousal con-
sent, the percentage of the Contingent
Annuity will be 70%,

2.15 "Disability" shall mean the inability to en-
gage in any substantial gainful activity by
reason of any medically determinable physi-
cal or mental impairment that can be ex-
pected to result in death or which has lasted
or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months as deter-

Financial Administration

425

mined by the Administrator. The permanence
and degree of such impairment shall be sup-
ported by medical evidence.

2.16 "Early Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month (prior to Normal Retire-
ment Date) coinciding with or following the
date on which a Participant or Former Par-
ticipant attains the Early Retirement Age in-
dicated in the Adoption Agreement Said
Early Retirement Age shall be the age of the
Participant in the year in which the later of
two events occurs: (i) the year in which the
Participant attains age "x" or (ii) the year in
which the Participant has at least "y" Years
of Service with the denomination, where "x"
is a number between 55 and 65, inclusively,
and where "y" is a number between 0 and
20, inclusively. A Participant shall become
fully Vested upon satisfying this requirement
if still employed at his/her Early Retirement
Age. A Former Participant who terminates
employment after satisfying the service re-
quirement for eeirly retirement and who
thereafter reaches the age requirement con-
tained herein shall be entitled to receive
his/her benefits under this Plan.

2.17 "Effective Date" shall mean January 1,
1998.

2.18 "Eligible Employee" shall mean an Em-
ployee wlio meets the requirements of Arti-
cle III for participation in the Plan.

2.19 "Employee" shall mean any person who is
currentfy employed by the Plan Sponsor, but
excludes any person who is employed as or
through an independent contractor.

2.20 "Entry Date" shall mean the date upon which
an Eligible Employee becomes a Participant,
and initially shall be the Effective Date and
subsequently shall be determined in accord-
ance with the choice made by the Plan Spon-
sor in the Adoption Agreement pursuant to
Section 3.04 herein.

2.21 "Excess Aggregate Contributions" shall
mean, with respect to any Plan Year, the
excess of the aggregate amount of the Re-
quired Employee Contribution made pursu-
ant to Section 3.03, Plan Sponsor contribu-
tions made pursuant to Section 4.01,
voluntary personal or salary-reduction con-
tributions made to the Personal Investment
Plan administered by the Administrator and
any qualified non-elective contributions
taken into accoiuit ptu'suant to Section
12.03 on behalf of Highfy Compensated Par-
ticipants for such Plan Year, over the maxi-

mum amount of such contributions permit-
ted under the limitations of Section 12.02.

2.22 "Forfeiture" shall mean that portion of a
Participant's Account that is not Vested, and
occurs on the earlier of:

a. the distribution of the entire Vested portion
of a Participant's Account; or

b. the last day of the Plan Year in which the
Participant incurs five (5) consecutive One-
Year Breaks in Service.

"Forfeiture" shall also mean amounts in ac-
cordance with Section 3.09 which were er-
roneously contributed on behalf of ineligi-
ble persons.

2.23 Former Participant" shall mean a person
who has been a Participant, but who has
ceased to be a Participant for any reason.

2.24 415 Compensation" shall mean compensa-
tion as determined by Code section 415 and
the Regulations promulgated theretmder.

2.25 Highfy Compensated Participant" shall
mean any Participant who performed serv-
ices for the Plan Sponsor during the "deter-
mination year" and is in one or more of the
following groups:

a. Employees who received 415 Compensation
during the "look-back year" fi'om the Plan
Sponsor in excess of $75,000;

b. Employees who received 415 Compensation
diuing the "look-back year" fi'om the Plan
Sponsor in excess of $50,000 and were in
the "top paid group" of Employees for the
Plan Year;

c. Employees wiio dtuing the "look-back year"
were oflScers of the Plan Sponsor (as tiiat
term is defined within the meaning of the
Regulations imder Code section 416) and
received 415 Compensation during the
"look-back year" from the Plan Sponsor
greater than 50% of the limit in effect under
Code section 41 5(b)(1)(A) for any such Plan
Year, The number of officers shall be limited
to the lesser of (i) 50 employees; or (ii) the
greater of 3 employees or 10% of all employ-
ees. If the Plan Sponsor does not have at
least one officer whose annual 415 Compen-
sation is in excess of 50% of the Code sec-
tion 415(b)(1)(A) Umit, then the highest
paid officer of the Plan Sponsor will be
treated as a Highfy Compensated Partici-
pant

426

DCA Advance Edition

d. Employees who are in the group consisting
of the 100 Employees paid the greatest 415
Compensation during the "determination
year" and are also described in Section
2.25a, b, or c above when these paragraphs
are modified to substitute "determination
year" for "look-back year."

For purposes of this Section, no Participant
shall be considered an officer, person wliose prin-
cipal duties consist in supervising the work of
otiier employees, or Highly Compensated Partici-
pant if such Participant during the "determination
yeeu^' or the "look-back year" received compensa-
tion from the Plan Sponsor of less than $50,000
(adjusted at the same time and in such manner as
permitted under Code section 415(d)).

The "determination year" shall be the Plan
Year for which testing is being performed, and the
"look-back year" shall be the immediately preced-
ing twelve-month period.

A Participant in the "top paid group" shall be
an Employee who is in the group consisting of the
top 20% die Employees when ranked on the basis
of 415 Compensation paid diuing such year.

For piuposes of this Section, the determina-
tion of 415 Compensation shall be based only on
415 Compensation which is actually paid and, in
the case of Plan Sponsor contributions made pur-
suant to a salary-reduction agreement, without re-
gard to Code section 403(b). Additionally, the
dollar threshold amounts specified in Section
2.25a and Section 2.25b above shall be adjusted
at such time and in such manner as is provided in
Regulations. In the case of such an adjustment,
the dollar limits which shall be applied are those
for the calendar year in which the "determination
year" and the "look-back year" begins.

2.26 "Hours of Service" shall mean:

a. each horn* for which an Employee is paid, or
entitied to payment, for the performance of
duties for the Plan Sponsor. These horn's
shall be credited to the Employee for the
computation period in which the duties are
performed;

b. each hoiu" for which an Employee is paid, or
entitied to payment, by the Plan Sponsor on
account of a period of time during which no
duties are performed (irrespective of
whether the employment relationship has
terminated) due to vacation, holiday, illness,
incapacity (including disability), layoff, jury
duty, military duty or leave of absence. No
more than 501 Hoiu-s of Service shall be
credited under this paragraph for any single
continuous period (\diether or not such pe-

riod occurs in a single computation period);
and

c. each hotu* for which back pay, irrespective
of mitigation of damages, is either awarded
or agreed to by the Plan Sponsor. The same
Hours of Service shall not be credited both
imder paragraph (a) or paragraph (b), as the
case may be, and imder this paragraph (c).
These hours shall be credited to the Em-
ployee for the computation period or periods
to which the award or agreement or payment
is made.

Hours of Service will be credited for employ-
ment with other Plan Sponsors.

Solely for purposes of determining whether a
break in service, as defined in Section 2.31, for
participation and vesting ptuposes has occurred
in a computation period, an individual who is ab-
sent from work for maternity or paternity reasons
shall receive credit for the Hours of Service \%1iich
would otherwise have been credited to such indi-
vidual but for such absence, or in any case in
which such hours cannot be determined, 8 hotirs
of service per day of such absence. For purposes
of this paragraph, an absence fi'om work for ma-
ternity or paternity reasons shall mean an absence

(1) by reason of the pregnancy of the individual,

(2) by reason of a birth of a child of the individual,

(3) by reason of the placement of a child with the
individual in connection with the adoption of such
child by such individual, or (4) for purposes of
caring for such child for a period beginning imme-
diately following such birth or placement The
Horn's of Service credited under this paragraph
shall be credited (1) in the computation period in
which the absence begins if the crediting is neces-
sary to prevent a break in service in that period,
or (2) in all other cases, in the following computa-
tion period.

2.27 "Late Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month coinciding with or next
following a Participant's actual retirement
date after having reached his/her Normal
Retirement Date.

2.28 "Month of Service" shall mean any month
during which the Employee performs at least
one Hour of Service.

2.29 "Non-Highly Compensated Participant"
shall mean any Participant who is not a
Highly Compensated Participant

2.30 "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean the
first day of the month coinciding with or next
following the later of (i) the date a Participant
attains age 65, or (ii) the fifth (5th) anniver-

Financial Administration

427

sary of the date a Participant commenced par-
ticipation in the Plan.

2.31 "One-Year Break in Service" for vesting pur-
poses shall mean, for Plan Sponsors who
adopt the Hours of Service requirement set
forth in Sections 3.02b or 3.02c, amy Plan
Year in which a Participant has not com-
pleted more than 500 Hours of Service. For
vesting purposes for Plan Sponsors who
adopt the Hoiu"s of Service requirement set
forth in Section 3.02a, a One-Year Break in
Service shall mean a Plan Year in which a
Participant has not completed one Hour of
Service. For eligibility purposes, One-Year
Break in Service shall mean the applicable
computation period of 12 consecutive
months during which the Employee fails to
accrue a Month of Service.

2.32 "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Em-
ployee v^o has become a participating Em-
ployee as provided for in Article HI of this
Plan.

2.33 "Plan" shall mean this instrument, including
all amendments thereto, and the Adoption
Agreement submitted by each Plan Sponsor
and accepted by the Administrator.

2.34 "Plan Sponsor" shall mean an eligible em-
ployer which is identified in the Adoption
Agreement and which shall be one of the
following units associated with The United
Methodist Church or Autonomous Affiliated
Churches in the United States of America or
Puerto Rico:

a. a local church;

b. an Annual, Provisional or Missionaty Con-
ference;

c. a Conference board, agency or commission;
or

d. any other ot^anization eligible to participate
in a church plan in accordance with the Em-
ployee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 as amended from time to time.

2.35 "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year.

2.36 "Qualified Chxirch-ControUed Organization"
shall mean an organization described in
Code section 3121(w)(3)(B) and Treasury
regulations thereunder, and generally shall
refer to any church-controlled, tax-exempt
organization described in Code section
501(c)(3), other than an organization which:

a. Offers goods, services, or facilities for sale,
other than on an incidental basis, to the
general pubHc, other than goods, services,
or facilities which are sold at a nominal
charge which is substantially less than the
cost of providing such goods, services, or
facilities; and

b. Normally receives more than 25% of its sup-
port from either (1) governmental sources
or (2) receipts from admissions, sales of
merchandise, performance of services, or
furnishing of facilities, in activities which are
not unrelated trades of businesses, or both.

2.37 "Regulation" shall mean the Income Tax
Regulations as promulgated by the Secretary
of the Treasmy or his/her delegate, and as
amended from time to time.

2.38 "Required Employee Contributions" shall
mean contributions made by the Participant
as a condition of participation in the Plan in
accordance with Section 3.04.

2.39 "Service" shall mean employment with the
Plan Sponsor named in the Adoption Agree-
ment or any other unit associated with the
denomination known as The United Method-
ist Church. Where the Plan Sponsor main-
tains a plan of a predecessor employer, serv-
ice for such predecessor employer shall be
treated as service of the Plan Sponsor.

2.40 "Terminated Participant" shall mean a per-
son who has been a Participant, but whose
employment has been terminated other than
by death. Disability, or retirement.

2.41 "Trustee" shall mean The Board of Pensions
of The United Methodist Church, Incorpo-
rated in Missoiui and any successors.

2.42 "Vested" shall mean the nonforfeitable por-
tion of any accoimt maintained on behalf of
a Participant

2.43 "Year of Service" for vesting purposes for
Plan Sponsors who adopt the Hour of Serv-
ice requirement set forfli in Sections 3.02b
or 3.02c shall mean a Plan Year diuing
which the Participant has completed at least
1,000 Hours of Service. A Year of Service for
vesting purposes for Plan Sponsors who
adopt the Hour of Service requirement set
forth in Section 3.02a shall mean a Plan
Year during which the Participant has com-
pleted one Hour of Service.

428

DCA Advance Edition

Article III Eligibility for Participation

3.01 Conditions of Eligibility. Each Employee of
the Plan Sponsor shall become a Participant
in the Plan on the Entry Date upon satisfac-
tion of the requirements for eligibility set
forth in the Adoption Agreement

a. The Plan Sponsor shall use the Adoption
Agreement to elect one of the following Serv-
ice reqixirements:

(1) no minimum Service shall be reqxiired
of an Employee in order for the Em-
ployee to participate in the Plan; or

(2) a Service requirement shall be imposed
with such reqturement being at least one
month of Service, but no more than 24
months of Service.

In the event an Employee with previous
Service incurs a One-Year Break in Serv-
ice, the employee shall be considered a
new Employee for eligibility purposes re-
lated to any Service requirement im-
posed by the current Plan Sponsor.

b. The Plan Sponsor shall use the Adoption
Agreement to elect one of the following age
requirements:

(1) no minimum Age shall be required of an
Employee in order for the Employee to
participate in the Plan; or

(2) an Age reqturement shall be imposed
with such requirement being at least 18
years of age, but no more than 21 years
of age.

If any Employee was a Participant in the Plan
prior to any amendment to the Adoption Agree-
ment which woixld alter the service and age re-
quirements, said Employee shall continue to par-
ticipate in the Plan.

3.02 Hoiu-s of Service Requirement The Plan
Sponsor shall use the Adoption Agreement
to elect one of the following Hours of Service
requirements for Employees who meet the
eligibility reqxurements of Section 3.01:

a. One Hour of Service per Plan Year shall be
required in order to receive a contribution
piu'suant to Article IV.

b. 1000 Hours of Service per Plan Year shall
be required in order to receive a contribu-
tion pursuant to Article IV. In addition, Em-
ployees who are normally scheduled to work

20 hours per week are eligible to receive a
contribution pursuant to Article IV.

c. 1000 Hours of Service per Plan Year shall
be required in order to receive a contribu-
tion piu-suant to Article IV. In addition. Eli-
gible Employees who are normally sched-
uled to work 20 hom-s per week are eligible
to receive a contribution pursuant to Article
IV. However, a person who normally works
for a period of less than six months during a
Plan Year shall be excluded.

3.03 Application for Participation. Each Eligible
Employee who desires to become a Partici-
pant shall make application for participation
in the Plan in such form as may be required
by the Administrator and agree to the terms
hereof and the Adoption Agreement Upon
the acceptance of any benefits imder this
Plan, such Employee shall automatically be
deemed to have made application and shall
be boimd by the terms and conditions of the
Plan and all amendments thereto.

3.04 Reqiured Employee Contributions. As a con-
dition of a Participant's participation in the
Plan, a Plan Sponsor may require that the
Participant make Required Employee Con-
tributions to the Personal Investment Plan
administered by the Administrator, limited
to not more than the lesser of (i) 50% of the
Plan Sponsor's contribution rate elected
pursuant to Section 4.01 herein or (ii) 4% of
Compensation.

a. This Required Employee Contributions
stipulation shall be satisfied when:

(1) the Participant agrees to have contribu-
tions made to the Personal Investment
Plan by payroll deduction in monthly in-
stallments and credited upon receipt to
the Participant's Personal Account as
tax paid; or

(2) when the Participant and Plan Sponsor
enter into a salary-reduction agreement
whereby it is agreed that the Plan Spon-
sor shall contribute to the Salary-Reduc-
tion Accoimt of the Personal Investment
Plan.

b. The Plan Sponsor may advance the contri-
bution of each Participant to the Trustee as
a part of the emioimt contributed whenever
a payment is due, and each Participant
agrees to repay such advance and authorizes
the Plan Sponsor to recover such advance by
payroll deductions from his/her compensa-
tion, or otherwise.

Financial Administration

429

c. Should a Participant discontinue his/her Re-
quired Employee Contributions to the Per-
sonal Investment Plan while remaining an
Employee, no further contribution shall be
made to this Plan by the Plan Sponsor on
his/her behalf until tiie Participant resumes
making the Required Employee Contribu-
tions.

3.05 Effective Date of Participation. An Eligible
Employee shall become a Participant in ac-
cordance with one of the following options
selected by the Plan Sponsor in the Adoption
Agreement:

a. an Eligible Employee shall become a Partici-
pant effective as of the first day of the Plan
Year in which such Employee met the eligi-
biUty requirements of Section 3.01; or

b. an Eligible Employee shall become a Partici-
pant effective as of the first day of the month
coinciding with or next following the date on
which such Employee met the eligibility re-
quirements of Section 3.01 provided such
Employee was still employed as of such date
(or if not employed on such date, as of the
date of rehire if a One-Year Break in Service
has not occurred); or

c. an Eligible Employee shall become a Partici-
pant effective as of the earlier of January 1
of the Plan Year or July 1 of the Plan Year
coinciding with or next following the date
such Employee met the eligibility require-
ments of Section 3.01, provided said Em-
ployee was employed as of such date (or if
not employed on such date, as of the date of
rehire iif a One-Year Break in Service has not
occiured).

3.06 Determination of Eligibility. Upon receipt of
enroUment information fi^om the Plan Spon-
sor, the Administrator shall accept such in-
formation as evidence of eligibility for par-
ticipation in the Plan. However, the
Administrator may from time to time audit
such information or obtain additional infor-
mation which might result in a determina-
tion of ineligibility for any particular Partici-
pant The Administrator shall have final
authority to determine the eligibility of any
Employee and such determination shall be
conclusive and binding upon all persons, as
long as the determination is made pursuant
to the provisions of the Plan and the Adop-
tion Agreement.

3.07 Termination of Eligibility.

a. In the event a Participant shall go from a
classification of an EUgible Employee to an

ineligible Employee, such Former Partici-
pant shall continue to vest in his/her interest
in the Plan for each Year of Service completed
while a noneligible Employee, until such time
as his/her Account shall be forfeited or dis-
tributed pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

b. In the event a Participant is no longer a
member of an eligible class of Employees
and becomes ineligible to participate, but
has not incxured a One-Year Break in Serv-
ice, such Employee will participate immedi-
ately upon returning to an eligible class of
Employees. If such Participant incurs a
One-Year Break in Service, eUgibility will be
determined under the break in service rules
of the Plan.

3.08 Omission of Eligible Employee. If, in any
Plan Year, any Employee who should be in-
cluded as a Participant in the Plan is errone-
ously omitted and discovery of such omis-
sion is not made until after a contribution by
his/her Plan Sponsor for the year has been
made, the Plan Sponsor shall make a sub-
sequent contribution subject to the Annual
Account Addition limits of Sections 4.02 and
4.03 with respect to the omitted Employee
in the amotuit which the said Plan Sponsor
would have contributed with respect to
him/her had he/she not been omitted.

3.09 Inclusion of Ineligible Employee. If, in any
Plan Year, any person who should not have
been included as a Participant in the Plan is
erroneously included and discovery of such
incorrect inclusion is not made until after a
contribution for the year has been made, the
Plan Sponsor shall not be entitied to recover
the contribution made with respect to the
ineligible person. In such event, the amount
contributed with respect to the ineUgible
person shall constitute a Forfeiture for the
Plan Year in which the discovery is made.

3.10 Election Not to Participate. An Employee
may, subject to the approval of the Plan
Sponsor, elect voluntarily not to participate
in the Plan by written notice to the Plan
Sponsor and the Administrator in such form
as required by the Administrator.

Article IV Contributions and Forfeitures

4.01 Contributions. Each Plan Year the Plan
Sponsor shall contribute to the Plan an
amount equal to the percentage of a Partici-
pant's Compensation specified in the Adop-
tion Agreement.

430

DCA Advance Edition

a. The minimum percentage which the Plan
Sponsor may choose shall be 4% of a Partici-
pant's Compensation.

b. The maximum percentage which the Plan
Sponsor may choose shall be 20% of a Par-
ticipant's Compensation.

c. One-twelfth of the aimual Plan Sponsor con-
tribution shall be payable to the Plan each
month.

d. All Plan Sponsor contributions for the Plan
Year must be deposited with the Plan no
later than June 15 of the following Plan
Year.

e. The Administrator shall establish and main-
tain an Accoimt in the name of each Partici-
pant to which the Administrator shall credit
all amounts allocated to each Participant as
set forth herein.

f. The Plan Sponsor shall provide the Adminis-

trator with all information required by the
Administrator to make a proper allocation of
the Plan Sponsor's contribution for each
Plan Yectf.

g. Within a reasonable period of time after the
date of receipt by the Administrator of such
information, the Administrator shall allocate
such contribution to each Participant's ac-
count in accordance with this Section 4.01.

h. As of each Anniversary Date any eunounts
which became Forfeitures since the last An-
niversary Date shall first be made available
to reinstate previously forfeited accoimt bal-
ances of Former Participants, if any, in ac-
cordance with Section 5.04.

i. The remaining Forfeitures, if any, shall be
used to reduce the contribution of the Plan
Sponsor hereunder for the Plan Year imme-
diately after the Plan Year in which such
Forfeitures occtu-.

j. All amounts which are contributed by the
Plan Sponsor to the Plan shall be irrevoca-
ble contributions to the Plan except that any
contribution made by the Plan Sponsor be-
cause of a mistake of fact, shall be returned
to the Plan Sponsor upon request within one
year after the Plan Sponsor has reported and
documented such mistake to the Adminis-
trator.

4.02 Annual Account Addition. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the maximum Annual Accoimt
Addition which may be credited to a Partici-
pant's accounts for any "limitation year"

shall be equal to or less than the amount
determined in accordance with Section 4.03
below.

a. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.03, Annual Account Addition
means the sum credited to a Participant's
accounts for any "limitation year" of:

(1) contributions made by the Plan Sponsor
on behalf of the Participant to this Plan
and to any other pension program; and

(2) contributions made to the Personal Ac-
count pursuant to the provisions of the
Personal Investment Plan administered
by the Administrator for limitation years
beginning after December 31, 1986;
and

(3) forfeitures.

b. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.03, Annual Account Addition does
not include:

(1) rollover contributions made pursuant to
the provisions of the Personal Invest-
ment Plan administered by the Adminis-
trator, and

(2) repayments of distributions received by
an Employee pursuant to Section 5.04.

c. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.03, the "limitation year" shall be
the Plan Year.

d. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.03, if a Participant participates in
more them one plan maintained by the Plan
Sponsor, this Plan shall be considered the
primary plan of the Plem Sponsor in deter-
mining the Annual Account Addition.

4.03 Maximum Annual Account Addition.

a. General limitation. Notwithstanding any
provision herein to the contrary (other than
Sections 4.03c and 4.03d) for any Plan Year
the Annual Account Addition with respect to
a Participemt shall not exceed the lesser of:

(1) $30,000 or if greater, one-quarter of the
dollar limitation in effect under Code
section 415(b)(1)(A); or

(2) 25% of the Participant's 415 Compensa-
tion for such Plan Year.

b. Exclusion Allowance. The amounts contrib-
uted by the Plan Sponsor on behalf of a
Participant shall be excluded from the gross

Financial Administration

431

income of the Participant for the Plan Year to
the extent that the aggregate of such amounts
does not exceed the Exclusion Allowance for
such Plan Year.

(1) The Exclusion Allowance for any Partici-
pant for the Plan Year is an amount
equal to the excess, if any of:

(A) the amount determined by multiplying
20% of the Participant's includible com-
pensation by the number of years of
service, less

(B) the aggregate of the amounts contrib-
uted by the Salary-Paying Unit on behalf
of the Participant and excludable from
the gross income of the Participant for
any prior Plan Year.

(2) In the case of a Participant who makes
an election under Section 4.03c below
to have the provisions of Section
4.03c(3) apply, the exclusion allowance
for any such Participant for the taxable
year is the amount which could be con-
tributed under subsection 4.03a by
his/her Salary-Paying Unit

(3) For ptuposes of this subsection, all
years of service by a Participant as an
"employee of a church" (as that term is
defined in Code section 414(e)(3)(B))
shall be considered as years of service
for one Plan Sponsor, and all amounts
contributed hereunder by such organi-
zation during such years for the Partici-
pant shall be considered to have been
contributed by one Plan Sponsor.

(4) The amount determined under Section
4.03b(l) shall not be less than the
lesser of:

(A) $3,000; or

(B) the includible compensation of such
Participant

This paragraph shall not apply to a Participant
in a Plan Year when such Participant has an ad-
justed gross income for such Plan Year which
exceeds $17,000.

c. Annual Accoimt Addition Election. A Par-
ticipant may make an irrevocable election to
have one of the following three Annual Ac-
count Addition elections apply to increase
his/her Annual Account Addition. Not more
than one election may be made under para-
graph (1) below. A Participant who elects to
have the provisions of paragraph (1), (2), or

(3) of this subsection apply to him/her may
not elect to have any other paragraph of this
subsection apply to him/her. Such election
shall be made in accordance with the provi-
sions of Regulations prescribed by the Secre-
tary of the Treasury.

(1) In the case of amounts contributed for
the year in which occurs a Participant's
separation from service, at the election
of the Participant there is substituted for
the amount specified in Section
4.03a(2) the amount of the exclusion
allowance which would be determined
under Code section 403(b)(2) (without
regard to this section) for the Participan-
t's taxable year in which such separation
occurs if the Participant's years of serv-
ice were computed only by taking into
account his/her service for the Plan
Sponsor (as determined for ptuposes of
subsection 4.03b) diuing the period of
years (not exceeding ten) ending on the
date of such separation.

(2) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
there is substituted for the amount
specified in paragraph 4.03a(2) the
least of:

(A) 25% of the Participant's includible com-
pensation (as defined in Code section
403(b)(3)) plus $4,000;

(B) the amoiuit of the Exclusion Allowance
determined for the year imder para-
graph 4.03b(l); or

(C) $15,000.

(3) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
the provisions of Section 4.03a shall ap-
ply, instead of Section 4.03b.

d. Certain contributions by church plans not
treated as exceeding limits.

(1) Alternative Exclusion Allowance. Any
contribution or addition with respect to
any Participant, when expressed as an
Annual Account Addition, which is alloc-
able piu-suant to the application of Sec-
tion 4.03b(4) above to such Participant
for such year, shall be treated as not
exceeding the limitations of Section
4.03a.

(2) Contributions not in excess of $40,000
($10,000 per year).

432

DCA Advance Edition

(A) General. Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of this Plan, at the election of a
Participant, Annual Account Additions
hereto with respect to such Participant,
when expressed as an Annual Account
Addition to such Participant's account,
shall be treated as not exceeding the
limitation of Section 4.03a if such An-
nual Account Addition is not in excess of
$10,000.

(B) $40,000 aggregate Umitation. The total
amount of additions with respect to any
Participant which may be taken into ac-
coimt for piuposes of this paragraph for
all years may not exceed $40,000.

(C) No election if Section 4.03c(l) election
made. No election may be made under
this subparagraph for any year if an elec-
tion is made imder Section 4.03c(l) for
such year.

Article V Determination and Distribution of
Benefits

5.01 Determination of Benefits Upon Retirement.
Every Participant may terminate his/her em-
ployment with the Plan Sponsor and retire
for the piuposes hereof on his/her Normal
Retirement Date or Early Retirement Date.

a. Upon such Normal Retirement Date or Early
Retirement Date, all amoimts credited to
such Participant's Account shall become
distributable.

b. However, a Participant may pos^one the
termination of his/her employment with the
Plan Sponsor to a later date, in which event
the participation of such Participant in the
Plan, including the right to receive alloca-
tions pursuant to Section 4.01, shall con-
tinue until the Participant's Late Retirement
Date.

c. Upon a Participant's retirement date, or as
soon thereafter as is practicable, the Admin-
istrator shall direct the Trustee to distribute
all amoimts credited to such Participant's
Account in accordance with Section 5.05
and Section 5.07.

5.02 Determination of Benefits Upon Death.

a. Up>on the death of a Participant before
his/her retirement date or before a Partici-
pant's Annuity Starting Date, all amounts
credited to such Participant's Account shaU
become fully Vested and shall be distributed
in accordance with the provisions of Section
5.06 and 5.07.

b. Upon the death of a Former Participant or
Terminated Participant before his/her hav-
ing received a benefit from the Plan, the
Administrator shall direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.06 and Section 5.07 any remain-
ing amounts credited to the Account of a
deceased Former or Terminated Participant
to such Former or Terminated Participant's
Beneficiary.

c. The Administrator may require such proper
proof of death and such evidence of the right
of any person to receive payment of the value
of the Account of a deceased Participant or
Former Participant or Terminated Partici-
pant as the Administrator may deem appro-
priate. The Administrator's determination of
death and of the right of any person to re-
ceive payment shall be conclusive.

d. Unless otherwise elected in the manner pre-
scribed below, the Beneficiary of the death
benefit shall be the Participant's spouse.

(1) Except, however, the Participant may
designate a Beneficiary other than
his/her spouse if:

(A) the spouse consents in writing, wit-
nessed by a Plan Sponsor representative
or notary public, to the designation of
another Beneficiary; or

(B) the Participant is legally separated or
has been abandoned (within the mean-
ing of local law) and the Participant has
a court order to such effect (and there is
no "Qualified Domestic Relations Or-
der" as defined in Code section 414(p)
which provides otherwise); or

(C) the Participant has no spouse; or

(D) the spouse cannot be located.

(2) In such event, the designation of a Bene-
ficiary shall be made in such form as is
satisfactory to the Administrator and
must be received by the Administrator
during the Participant's lifetime.

(3) A Participant may at any time revoke
his/her designation of Beneficiary or
change his/her Beneficiary by filing writ-
ten notice (in such form as may be re-
quired by the Administrator) of such
revocation or change witii the Adminis-
trator. However, the Participant's
spouse must again consent in writing in
accordance with the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.02d(l)(A) to any change in Bene-

Financial Administration

433

ficiary unless the original consent ex-
pressly permits such changes by the Par-
ticipant without the requirement of fur-
ther consent by the spouse.

(4) A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficiary designation in favor of the
Participant's spouse made prior to the
divorce. Until such time as a new desig-
nation of Beneficiary is filed with the
Board in accordance with the provisions
of this Section, benefits will be payable
as if the former spouse had predeceased
the Beneficiary.

(5) In the event no valid designation of
Beneficiary exists at the time of the Par-
ticipant's death and there in no surviving
spouse, the death benefit shall be pay-
able to his/her estate.

5.03 Determination of Benefits in Event of Dis-
ability. In the event of a Participant's Disabil-
ity prior to his/her retirement date or other
termination of his/her employment, all
amounts credited to such Participant's Ac-
count shall be fixlly Vested.

a. In the event of a Participant's Disability, the
Administrator, in accordance with the provi-
sions of Section 5.05 and Section 5.07,
shall direct the Trustee to distribute to such
Participant all amounts credited to such
Participant's Account as though he/she had
retired.

b. However, if the i^lan Sponsor elects to con-
tinue to contribute to tiie Plan on beheilf of
such a Participant based upon the Partici-
pant's Compensation at the time of becom-
ing disabled, such distribution shall be post-
poned until ninety days after the Plan
Sponsor discontinues such additional con-
tributions.

5.04 Determination of Benefits Upon Termination
of Employment

a. In the event a Participant terminates em-
ployment with the Plan Sponsor for any rea-
son otiier than death, Disability, or retire-
ment, the Vested portion of a Participant's
Account shall remain in a separate accotmt
for the Terminated Participant until such
time as a distribution is made to the Termi-
nated Participant

(1) Distribution of the funds due to a Termi-
nated Participant shall be made on the
occurrence of the Participant's death or
Early, Normal, or Late Retirement.

(2) However, at the election of the Partici-
pant, the Administrator shall direct the
Trustee to cause the entire Vested por-
tion of the Terminated Participant's Ac-
count to be payable to such Terminated
Participant after a Break in Service of
twelve consecutive months. Any distri-
bution under this paragraph shall be
made in a manner which is consistent
with and satisfies the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.05.

(3) If the value of a Terminated Participant's
Vested benefit derived from the Account
does not exceed $3,500 and has never
exceeded $3,500 at the time of any prior
distribution, the Administrator shall di-
rect the Trustee to cause the entire
Vested benefit to be paid to such Partici-
pant in a single lump sum.

b. The Vested portion of any Participant's Em-
ployer Accoimt shall be a percentage of the
total amount credited to his/her Employer
Account determined on a basis of the Par-
ticipant's number of Years of Service accord-
ing to one of the following schedules elected
by the Plan Sponsor in the Adoption Agree-
ment;

Vesting Schedules

(1) 100% full and immediate vesting upon
entry into the Plan.

(2) Three-Year Cliff Vesting.

Years of Service

Percentage

less than 3

0%

3 or more

100%

(3) Five-Year Graded Vesting.

Years of Service

Percentage

less than 1

0%

1 but less than 2

20%

2 but less than 3

40%

3 but less than 4

60%

4 but less than 5

80%

5 or more

100%

c. In the event of an amendment to the Plan
affecting the Vesting Schedules, a Partici-
pant with at least three (3) Years of Service
as of the expiration date of the election pe-
riod described below may elect to have
his/her nonforfeitable percentage computed
under the Plan without regard to an amend-
ment of the vesting schedtde.

434

DCA Advance Edition

(1) If a Participant fails to make such an
election, such Participant shall be sub-
ject to the new vesting schedule.

(2) The Participant's election period shall
commence on the adoption date of the
amendment and shall end 60 days after
the latest of:

(A) the adoption date of the amendment;

(B) the eflfective date of the amendment; or

(C) the date the Participant receives written
notice of the amendment from the Plan
Sponsor or the Board.

d. For the purposes of this Plan, a Year of
Service with a Plan Sponsor who is eligible
to participate in this Plan as a Plan Sponsor
shall be considered a Year of Service with
the Plan Sponsor in accordance with the
following rules:

(1) If emy Former Participant shall be reem-
ployed by the Plan Sponsor or by an-
other Plan Sponsor which is eligible to
participate in this Plan before a One-
Year Break in Service occurs, he/she
shall continue to participate in the Plan
in the same manner as if such termina-
tion had not occurred.

(2) If any Former Participant shall be reem-
ployed by the Plan Sponsor or by em-
other Plan Sponsor which is eligible to
participate in this Plan before five (5)
consecutive One-Year Breaks in Service,
and such Former Participant had re-
ceived a distribution of his/her entire
Vested interest prior to his/her reem-
ployment, his/her forfeited account
shall be reinstated only if he/she repays
the full amount distributed to him/her
before the earlier of five (5) years after
the first date on which the Participant
subsequentiy is reemployed by the Plan
Sponsor or any other such employer or
the close of the first period of five (5)
consecutive One-Year Breaks in Service
conmiencing after the distribution.

(A) In the event the Former Participant does
repay the fidl amount distributed to
him/her, the undistributed portion of
the Participant's Account must be re-
stored in fiiU, unadjusted by any gains or
losses occmring subsequent to the An-
niversary Date or other valuation date
coinciding with or preceding his/her ter-
mination.

(B) The source of such reinstatement shall
first be any Forfeitures occurring during
the year.

(C) If such source is insufficient, then the
Plan Sponsor shall contribute an
amount which is sufficient to restore any
such forfeited accotuits.

(3) If any Former Participant is reemployed
after a One-Year Break in Service has
occurred, Years of Service shall include
Years of Service prior to his/her One-
Year Break in Service subject to the fol-
lowing rules:

(A) If a Former Participant has a One-Year
Break in Service, his/her pre-break and
post-break service shall be used for
computing Years of Service for eligibility
and for vesting pmposes only after
he/she has been employed for one (1)
Year of Service following the date of
his/her reemployment with the Plan
Sponsor.

(B) Any Former Participant wlio under the
Plan does not have a nonforfeitable right
to any interest in the Plan resulting from
contributions shall lose credits other-
wise allowable under (A) above if
his/her consecutive One-Year Breaks in
Service equal to or exceed the greater of
(i) five (5) or (ii) the aggregate number
of his/her pre-break Years of Service.

(C) After five (5) consecutive One-Year
Breaks in Service, a Former Participan-
t's Vested Accoimt balance attributable
to pre-break service shall not be in-
creased as a result of post-break service.

(D) Ka Former Participemtwho has not had
his/her Years of Service before a One-
Year Break in Service disregarded pur-
suant to (B) above completes one (1)
Year of Service for eligibility purposes
following his/her reemployment with the
Plan Sponsor, he/she shall participate
in the Plan retroactively from his/her
date of reemployment.

(E) If a Former Participant who has not had
his/her Year of Service before a One-
Year Break in Service disregarded pur-
suant to (B) above completes one (1)
Year of Service for eligibility purposes
following his/her reemployment with the
Plan Sponsor (a One-Year Break in Serv-
ice previously occiured, but employ-
ment had not terminated), he/she shall
participate in the Plan retroactively from

Financial Administration

435

his/her reemployment commencement
date.

5.05Distribution of Benefits For Any Reason Ex-
cept Death.

a. (1) Unless otherwise elected as provided in
Section 5.05a(3) below, a Participant who is
married on the Annuity Starting Date and
who does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of all of his/her
benefits in the form of a Contingent Annuity
with his/her spouse as Contingent Annui-
tant

(A) Such Contingent Annuity benefits follow-
ing the Participant's death shall con-
tinue to the spouse (determined as of the
Annuity Starting Date) during the
spouse's lifetime at a rate equal to 70%
of the rate at which such benefits were
payable to the Participant.

(B) This 70% Contingent Annuity shall be
considered the designated qualified
Contingent Annuity and automatic form
of payment for the purposes of this Plan.

(2) Unless otherwise elected as provided
below, a Participant who is not married
on the Annuity Starting Date and who
does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of his/her
benefit in the form of a life annuity.

(A) Such unmarried Participant, however,
may elect in writing to waive the life an-
nuity and elect to receive his/her benefit
in accordance with Section 5.05b below.

(B) The election must comply with the pro-
visions of this Section as if it were an
election to waive the Contingent Annuity
by a married Participant, but without the
spousal consent requirement.

(3) Any election to waive the Contingent An-
nuity must be made by the Participant in
writing during the election period and be
consented to by the Participant's
spouse.

(A) If the spouse is legally incompetent to
give consent, the spouse's legal guard-
ian, even if such guardiem is the Partici-
pant, may give consent.

(B) Such election shall designate a Benefici-
ary (or a form of benefits) that may not
be changed without spousal consent
(unless the consent of the spouse ex-
pressly permits designations by the Par-

ticipant without the requirement of fur-
ther consent by the spouse).

(C) Such spouse's consent shall be irrevoca-
ble and must acknowledge the effect of
such election and be witnessed by a Plan
Sponsor representative or a notary pub-
Uc.

(D) Such consent shall not be required if it
is established to the satisfaction of the
Administrator that the required consent
cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located or
other circumstances that may be pre-
scribed by Regulations.

(E) The election made by the Participant
and consented to by his/her spouse may
be revoked by the Participant in writing
without the consent of the spouse at any
time during the election period.

(i) The number of revocations shall not be
limited.

(ii) Any new election must comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.

(F) A former spouse's waiver shall not be
binding on a new spouse.

(4) The election period to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity shall be the 90-day period
ending on the Annuity Starting Date.

(5) With regard to the election, the Admin-
istrator shall provide to the Participant
no less than 30 days and no more than
90 days before the Annuity Starting Date
a written explanation of:

(A) the terms and conditions of the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(B) the Participant's right to make, and the
effect of, an election to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(C) the right of the Participant's spouse to
consent to any election to waive the Con-
tingent Annuity;

(D) the right of the Participant to revoke
such election, and the effect of such
revocation.

b. In the event a married Participant duly
elects pursuant to Section 5.05a(3) above
not to receive his/her benefit in the form of
a Contingent Annuity, or if such Participant
is not married, in the form of a life annuity,
the Administrator, pursuant to the election

436

DCA Advance Edition

of the Participant, shall direct the Trustee to
distribute to a Participant or to a Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant any
amount to which he/she is entided under the
Plan in one or more of the following methods
determined and limited by rules and regula-
tions of the Administrator:

(1) purchase of or providing an annuity.
However, such anntiity may not be in
any form that will provide for payments
over a period extending beyond either
the life of the Participant (or the lives of
the Participant and his/her designated
Contingent Annuitant) or the life expec-
tancy of the Participant (or the life ex-
pectancy of the Participant and his/her
designated Contingent Annuitant).

(2) payments over a period certain in
monthly or annual cash installments.
The period over which such payment is
to be made shall not extend beyond the
Participant's life expectancy (or the life
expectancy of the Participant and
his/her designated Contingent Annui-
tant).

(3) one or more annual partial lump-sum
payments elected by the Participant in
accordance with the rules established by
the Administrator prior to the required
beginning date specified in Section
5.05e herein and prior to annuitizing the
remaining Account balance in accord-
ance with other provisions of this Sec-
tion.

(4) one limip-stmi payment in cash.

c. If the Participant is married at the time
he/she makes an election pursuant to Sec-
tion 5.05b above, such election shall not be
valid without the consent of the Participant's
spouse given in accordance with the proce-
dures stated in Section 5.05a(3).

d. If the present value of the Participant's Ac-
coimt is equal to or less than $3,500, the
Administrator may direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute the fiill amount to the Participant
without the consent of the Participant or
his/her spouse.

e. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, the distribution of a Participan-
t's benefits shall be made in accordance with
the following requirements:

(1) The entire interest of a Participant shall
be distributed:

(A) no later than the required beginning
date described in Section 5.05e(2); or

(B) beginning no later than the required be-
ginning date over:

(i) the life of the Participant;

(ii) the lives of the Participant and a desig-
nated Contingent Annuitant;

(iii) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Participant; or

(iv) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancies of the Participant and a
designated Contingent Annuitant.

(2) The term "required beginning date" is
defined for the purposes of this subsec-
tion as April 1 of the calendar year fol-
lowing the calendar year in which the
Participant reaches age 70-1/2. How-
ever if the Participant's Plan Sponsor is
a Church or a Qualified Church-Control-
led Organization, the "required begin-
ning date" is the later of:

(A) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant reaches age 70-1/2; or

(B) the i^ril 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in \^ich the Partici-
pant retires.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall
not apply to the value of a Participant's
Account b£dance(s) valued as of Decem-
ber 31, 1986, exclusive of subsequent
earnings.

5.06 Distribution of Benefits upon Death.

a. In the event of the death of a Vested Partici-
pant prior to the Annuity Starting Date,
his/her Accoimt shall be paid to the Partici-
pant's Beneficiary subject to the require-
ments of Section 5.06b below.

b. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, distributions upon the death of
a Participant shall be made in accordance
with the following reqtiirements and shall
otherwise comply with Code section
401(a)(9) and the Regulations thereunder.

(1) If the Participant's surviving spouse is
the Beneficiary, the Account shall be
paid according to one of the distribution
options described in Section 5.05b as
elected by the sxuviving spouse, but in
no case shall any distribution provide for

Financial Administration

437

payments over a period extending beyond
either the life of the surviving spouse or
the life expectancy of the surviving
spouse. Distributions to the surviving
spouse Beneficiary must commence on
or before the later of:

(A) December 31 of the calendar year imme-
diately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died; or

(B) December 31 of the calendar year in
which the Participant would have at-
tained age 70-1/2.

(C) If no election is made prior to the re-
quired beginning date described in Sec-
tion 5.05b(l), the benefit shall be paid
in the form of a single life annuity.

(2) If the Participant's Beneficiary is not the
siu\dving spouse, the Participant's Ac-
count shall be distributed to his/her
Beneficiary:

(A) by December 31 of the calendar year in
which the fifth anniversary of the Partici-
pant's date of death occurs; or

(B) over the life of such designated Benefi-
ciary (or over a period not extending be-
yond the life expectancy of such desig-
nated Beneficiary) provided such
distribution begins not later than De-
cember 31 of the calendar year immedi-
ately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died.

(i) For purposes of Section 5.06b(2), the
election by a designated Beneficiary to
be excepted from the 5-year distribution
requirement must be made not later
than December 31 of the calendar year
following the calendar year of the Partici-
pant's death.

(ii) An election by a designated Beneficiary
must be in writing and shall be irrevoca-
ble as of the last day of the election pe-
riod stated herein.

(iii) In the absence of an election by the
Participant or a designated Beneficiary,
the 5-year distribution requirement
shall apply.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.06b(l) or Section 5.06b(2), if tfie
present value of a deceased Participan-
t's Accoimt is equal to or less than
$3,500 at the time of his/her death, the
Administrator may direct the Trustee to

distribute the full amount to the Partici-
pant's Beneficiary without the consent of
the Beneficiary.

(4) If the distribution of a Participant's Ac-
count had begun and the Participant
dies before his/her entire interest has
been distributed to him/her, the remain-
ing portion of such interest shall be dis-
tributed at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution selected pursu-
ant to Section 5.05 as of his/her date of
death.

5.07 Benefit Increases. The amount of any
monthly annuity benefit payable under Sec-
tions 5.05 or 5.06 shall be determined ac-
tuarially on the basis of the account value
such that the amount shall be increased by
2%, or remain the same or be increased by
3% or 4% or 5%, if so elected by the Partici-
pant at the time of application, or the Bene-
ficiary at the time benefits commence, as
applicable, under Sections 5.05 and 5.06.
These increases shall occiu- on each anniver-
sary of the Annuity Starting Date.

5.08 Single Sum Payment of Benefits. Notwith-
standing any provision of this Plan to the
contrary, if the amount payable as a monthly
annuity to the Participant or Beneficiaty
from all plans administered by the Adminis-
trator is less than the minimum amount es-
tablished by the Trustee from time to time,
the Administrator may, in its absolute dis-
cretion, require the vested amounts in the
Participant's Account to be paid to the Par-
ticipant or Beneficiary in a single sum. A
single sum payment provided for under this
subsection may be made to the Participant
at any time following termination of employ-
ment and prior to the commencement of pay-
ment of benefits under another form of pay-
ment

5.09 Direct Rollover.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to
the contrary that would otherwise limit a
distributee's election under this Section, a
"distributee" may elect, at the time and in
the manner prescribed by the Administra-
tor, to have any portion of an "eligible roll-
over distribution" paid directly to an "eligi-
ble retirement plan" specilBed by the
distributee in a "direct rollover."

b. For piuposes of this Section the following
definitions shall apply:

(1) An "eligible rollover distribution" is any
distribution of all or any portion of the

438

DCA Advance Edition

balance to the credit of the distributee,
except that an eligible rollover distribu-
tion does not include any distribution
that is one of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments (not less fre-
quentiy than annually) made for the Ufe
(or life expectancy) of the distributee or
the joint lives (or joint life expectancies)
of the distributee and the distributee's
designated beneficiary, or for a specified
period often years or more; any distribu-
tion to the extent such distribution is re-
quired under Code section 401(a)(9);
and the portion of any distribution that is
not includible in gross income.

(2) An "eligible retirement plan" is an indi-
vidual retirement account described in
Code section 408(a), an individual re-
tirement annuity described in Code sec-
tion 408(b), or an annuity arrangement
described in Code section 403(b), that
accepts the distributee's eligible rollover
distribution. However, in the case of an
eligible rollover distribution to the siu--
viving spouse, an eligible retirement
plan is an individual retirement account
or individueil retirement annuity.

(3) A "distributee" includes a Participant or
Terminated Participant In addition, the
Participant's or Terminated Participan-
t's surviving spouse and the Participan-
t's or Terminated Participant's spouse
or former spouse who is the alternate
payee xmder a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, as defined in Code section
414(p), are distributees with regard to
the interest of the spouse or former
spouse.

(4) A "direct rollover" is a payment by the
Plan to the eligible retirement plan
specified by the distributee.

5.10 Relinquishment of Benefits. A Participant or
Beneficiary who is receiving benefit pay-
ments from this Plan may relinquish all or a
portion of the benefits payable after the re-
linquishment is made. Unless the relin-
quishment by its terms was made irrevoca-
ble, he/she may revoke such relinquishment
with respect to benefits that become payable
after the revocation of the relinquishment.
Amounts not used to pay benefits because of
the relinquishment shall remain in the ap-
propriate fund for payment of benefits gen-
erally.

5.11 Refusal of Benefit The Beneficiary has the
right to refuse or disclaim a benefit which

he/she is otherwise entitied to receive. The
refusal must be of the entire benefit The effect
of such refusal is to treat the Beneficiary as if
he/she had predeceased the Participant

5.12 Distribution for Minor Beneficiary. In the
event a distribution is to be made to a minor,
the Administrator may direct that such dis-
tribution be paid to the legal guardian, or if
none, to a parent of such Beneficiary or a
responsible adult with whom the Beneficiary
maintains his/her residence, or to the custo-
dian for such Beneficiary under the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if
such is permitted by the laws of the state in
which said Beneficiary resides. Such a pay-
ment to the legal guardian, custodian or par-
ent of a minor Beneficiary shall fully dis-
charge the Administrator, Trustee, Plan
Sponsor, emd Plan fi-om further liability on
account thereof.

5.13 Facility of Payment Whenever in tiie Admin-
istrator's opinion a person entitied to receive
any payment of a benefit under the Plan is
under a legal disability or is incapacitated in
any way so as to be unable to manage such
person's financial affairs, the Administrator
may direct the Trustee to make payments
directly to the person, to the person's legal
representative, or to a relative or friend of
the person to be used exclusively for such
person's benefit, or apply any such payment
for the benefit of the person in such manner
as the Administrator deems advisable. The
decision of the Administrator, in each case,
shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon
all persons ever interested hereimder. The
Administrator shall not be obligated to see to
the proper apphcation or expenditure of any
payment so made. Any benefit payment (or
installment thereof) made in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection shall
completely discharge the obhgation for mak-
ing such payment under the Plan.

5.14 Notification of MaiUng Address. Each Par-
ticipant and other person entitled to benefits
heretmder shall from time to time file with
the Administrator, in a form acceptable to
the Administrator, such person's mailing ad-
dress and change of mailing address. Any
check representing any payment due here-
imder, and any communication forwarded to
a Participant or Beneficiary at the last known
address as indicated by tiie records of the
Administrator shall constitute adequate pay-
ment to such person and be binding on such
person for all purposes of the Plan. The Ad-
ministrator shall not be under any obligation

Financial Administration

439

to search for or ascertain the whereabouts of
any such person.

5.15 Application for Benefits. The benefits pay-
able hereunder to Participants and Benefici-
aries shall not become payable until such
individuals have made application to the Ad-
ministrator for such benefits. However, not-
withstanding this provision, a Participant or
alternate payee shall be deemed to have
made application for benefits on the "re-
quired beginning date" as described in Sec-
tion 5.05e(2) if on that date the current mail-
ing address of the Participant or alternate
payee is on file with the Administrator. A
Participant's Beneficiiuy shall be deemed to
have made application for benefits on the
date benefit payments are required to com-
mence in accordance with Section 5.06b(l)
and Section 5.06b(2) if on that date the cur-
rent mailing address of the Beneficiary is on
file with the Administrator.

5.16 Unclaimed Benefit.

a. If a Participant fails to properly claim a
benefit due hereunder prior to the "required
beginning date," as defined in Section
5.05e(2), and there is no current mailing
address on file with the Administrator, the
Administrator shall send a certified letter to
the last known address of the Participant
indicating that the Participant has 60 days
to claim such benefit If the Participant fails
to claim the benefit within the 60-day pe-
riod, the Participant shall be deemed, in
accordance with rules and regulations
adopted by the Administrator, to have relin-
quished any benefit that may be payable to
the Participant.

b. The failure of a Beneficiary to properly claim
a benefit due hereunder during the stated
time period, or if no time period is stated,
then within two years of being eligible to
receive the benefit, shall cause the benefit to
be considered to have been refused and for-
feited and shall cause the benefit to be paid
to the secondary Beneficiary or default
Beneficiary in accordance with the Plan. If
the last default Beneficiary does not claim
the benefit within a two-year period com-
mencing with the date on which he/she be-
came eligible to receive the benefit, the
benefit shall be considered to be refused
and forfeited by said Beneficiary. After the
last two-year period has expired, the Admin-
istrator shall send a certified letter to the last
known address of the last default Benefici-
ary indicating that the Beneficiary has 60
days to claim such benefit. Failiu'e to claim

the benefit within the 60-day time period
shall cause the benefit to be forfeited. Such
forfeited amounts shall be added to the re-
serves of the Plan. However, any such for-
feited amount will be reinstated and become
payable if a claim is made by the estate of the
Participant or Beneficiary. The Administra-
tor shall prescribe uniform and nondiscrimi-
natory rules for carrying out this provision.

5.17 limitations of Benefits and Distributions. All
rights and benefits, including elections, pro-
vided to a Participant in this Plan shall be
subject to the rights afforded to any "alter-
nate payee" under a "qualified domestic re-
lations order," Furthermore, a distribution
to an "alternate payee" shall be permitted if
such distribution is authorized by a "quali-
fied domestic relations order," even tf the
affected Peirticipant has not reached the
"earliest retirement age" under the Plan. For
the purposes of this Section, the terms "al-
ternate payee," "qualified domestic relations
order," and "earliest retirement age" shall
have the meaning set forth imder Code sec-
tion 414(p).

Article VI Trustee

6.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Section VII:

a. To invest, manage and control the Plan as-
sets;

b. At the direction of the Administrator, to pay
benefits required under the Plan to be paid
to Participants, or, in the event of tiheir
death, to tiheir Beneficiaries;

c. To maintain records of receipts and dis-
bursements and furnish to the Administra-
tor for each Plan Year a written annual re-
port;

d. To invest the assets of the trust for the ex-
clusive purpose of providing benefits to Par-
ticipants and Beneficiaries and defraying
reasonable expenses of the Plan. Such in-
vesting shall be done in accordance with
investment policies that reflect the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church.

6.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the
Trustee.

a. The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the
assets of the Plem to keep the assets of the
Plan invested without distinction between
principal and income and in such seciuities

440

DCA Advance Edition

or property, real or personal, wherever situ-
ated, as the Trustee shall deem advisable,
including, but not limited to, stocks, common
or preferred, bonds and other evidences of
indebtedness or ownership, and real estate
or any interest therein. The Trustee shedl at
all times in making investments of the assets
of the Plan consider, among other factors, the
short and long-term financial needs of the
Plan on the basis of information furnished by
the Plan Sponsor. In making such invest-
ments, the Trustee shall not be restricted to
securities or other property of the character
expressly authorized by the applicable law for
trust investments; however, the Trustee shall
give due regard to any limitations imposed by
the Code or the Act

b. The Trustee may employ a bank or trust
company pursuant to the terms of its usual
and customary bank agency agreement, un-
der which the duties of such bank or trust
company shall be of a custodial, clerical and
record-keeping nature.

c. The Trustee may create a trust to hold and
invest all or any part of the assets of the
Plan. The Trustee shall have the right to
determine the form and substance of each
trust agreement under which any part of the
assets of the Plan is held, subject only to the
requirement that they are not inconsistent
widi the terms of the Plan.

6.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Trustee's sole
discretion:

a. To purchase, or subscribe for, any securities
or other property and to retain the same. In
conjunction with the purchase of securities,
margin accounts may be opened and main-
tained;

b. To sell, exchange, convey, tremsfer, grant
options to piu-chase, or otherwise dispose of
any secmities or other property held by the
Trustee, by private contract or at public auc-
tion. No person dealing with the Trustee
shall be bound to see to the application of
the purchase money or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any such
sale or other disposition, with or without
advertisement;

c. To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
securities; to give general or special proxies

or powers of attorney with or without power
of substitution; to exercise any conversion
privileges, subscription rights or other op-
tions, and to make any payments incidental
thereto; to oppose, or to consent to, or other-
wise participate in, corporate reorganizations
or other changes affecting corporate securi-
ties, and to delegate discretionary powers,
and to pay any assessments or charges in
connection therewith; and generally to exer-
cise any of the powers of an owner with re-
spect to stocks, bonds, securities, or other
property;

d. To cause any securities or other property to
be registered in the Trustee's own name or
in the name of one or more of the Trustee's
nominees, and to hold any investments in
bearer form, but the books and records of
the Trustee shall at all times show that all
such investments are part of the assets of the
Plan;

e. To borrow or raise money for the purposes
of the Plan in such amount, and upon such
terms and conditions, as the Trustee shall
deem advisable; and for any sum so bor-
rowed, to issue a promissory note as Trus-
tee, and to secure the repayment thereof by
pledging all, or any part, of the assets of the
Plan; and no person lending money to the
Trustee shall be bound to see to the applica-
tion of the money lent or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any bor-
rowing;

f. To keep such portion of the assets of the Plan

in cash or cash balances as the Trustee may,
fi"om time to time, deem to be in the best
interests of the Plan, without liability for in-
terest thereon;

g. To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any securities
or other property received or acquired as
trustee hereunder, whether or not such se-
curities or other property would normally be
purchased as investments hereimder;

h. To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any and all docimients of transfer and con-
veyance and any and all other instruments
that may be necessary or appropriate to
carry out the powers herein granted;

i. To setde, compromise, or submit to arbitra-
tion any claims, debts, or damages due or
owing to or from the Plan, to commence or
defend suits or legal or administrative pro-
ceedings, and to represent the Plan in all

Financial Administration

441

suits and legal and administrative proceed-
ings;

j. To employ suitable agents and counsel and
to pay their reasonable expenses and com-
pensation, and such agent or counsel may or
may not be agent or counsel for the Plan
Sponsor;

k. To invest in Treasiuy Bills and other forms
of United States government obligations;

1. To sell, purchase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and pur-
chased through a national securities ex-
change registered under the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended, or, if the
options are not traded on a national securi-
ties exchange, eu^e guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange;

m. To deposit monies in federally insured sav-
ings accounts or certificates of deposit in
banks or savings and loan associations;

n. To pool all or any of the assets of the Plan,
fi-om time to time, with assets belonging to
any other employee benefit plan created by
a unit of The United Methodist Chtu-ch or an
afBliated unit of The United Methodist
Church, and to commingle such assets and
make joint or common investments and
carry joint accounts on behalf of this Plan
and such other trust or trusts, allocating
undivided shares or interests in such invest-
ments or accounts or any pooled assets of
the two or more trusts in accordance with
their respective interests.

o. To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not specifi-
cally mentioned herein, as the Trustee may
deem necessary to carry out the purposes of
the Plan.

6.04 Valuation. Participants' Accounts shall be
credited with interest at a rate to be deter-
mined by the Trustee. Any excess of the ac-
tual investment experience, including unre-
alized appreciation over the interest credited
to accounts in a Plan Year, shall be credited
to an investment reserve account from which
the Trustee may withdraw funds in succeed-
ing years in order to stabilize the rate of
interest credited to Accounts from year to
year.

6.05 Funding Through Insurance Contracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Participant or a Participant's Beneficiary
fi-om assets held by the Trustee, enter into a
contract (or contracts) or an agreement (or

agreements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (fi-om such as-
sets) of one or more insurance contracts
which provide benefits which are substan-
tially the actuarial equivalent of those pro-
vided for such Participant or Beneficiary un-
der the Plan.

6.06 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with
another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a controlled group.

Article VII Administration

7.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The
primary responsibility of the Administrator
is to administer the Plan for the exclusive
benefit of the Participants and their Benefi-
ciaries, subject to the terms of the Plan. The
Administrator shall administer the Plan in
accordance with its terms and shfdl have the
power and discretion to construe the terms
of the Plan and to determine all questions
euising in connection with the administra-
tion, interpretation, and application of the
Plan. Any such determination by the Admin-
istrator shall be conclusive and binding
upon all persons. The Administrator, in ad-
dition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Administrator's
sole discretion:

a. To establish procedures, correct any defect,
supply any information, or reconcile any in-
consistency in such manner and to such ex-
tent as shall be deemed necessary or advis-
able to carry out the purpose of the Plan;

b. To determine all questions relating to the
eligibility of Employees to participate or re-
main a Participant hereunder and to receive
benefits under the Plan;

c. To compute, certify, and direct the Trustee
with respect to the amount and the kind of
benefits to which any Participant shall be
entitied hereunder;

d. In its sole discretion, to construe and inter-
pret the Plan and make administrative rules
in accordance therewith, and to resolve or
otherwise decide matters not specifically
covered by the terms and provisions of the
Plan;

e. To maintain all necessary records for the
administration of the Plan;

442

DCA Advance Edition

f. To interpret the provisions of the Plan and
make and publish such rules for regulation
of the Plan as are consistent with the terms
hereof;

g. To file, or cause to be filed, all such annual
reports, returns, schedules, descriptions, fi-
nancial statements and other statements as
may be required by any federal or state stat-
ute, agency, or authority;

h. To obtain fi-om the Plan Sponsors and Em-
ployees such information as shall be neces-
sary to the proper administration of the
Plan;

i. To specify actuarial assumptions and meth-
ods for use in determining contributions and
benefits under the Plan.

j. To assist any Participant regarding his/her
rights, benefits or elections available under
the Plan.

7.02 Records and Reports. The Administrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and other data that may be necessary
for proper administration of the Plan and
shall be responsible for supplying all infor-
mation and reports to appropriate govern-
ment entities. Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as required by law.

7.03 Duties of the Plan Sponsor. The Plan Spon-
sor shall assume the following duties with
respect to the Plan:

a. To enroll employees, as applicable;

b. To maintain records of a Participant's Serv-
ice;

c. To maintain records of a Participemfs Com-
pensation;

d. To remit contributions to the Trustee;

e. To provide the Administrator with the statis-
tical data and other statistical information
satisfactory to the Administrator within a
reasonable time after a request by the Ad-
ministrator sufficient to enable the Adminis-
trator to discharge its duties under the Plan;

f. To register with and report to government
agencies, as appropriate;

g. To properly notify employees of their rights
and obligations tuider the Plan;

h. To provide the Administrator with prompt
notice of termination of a Participant's em-

ployment and, upon request, verification of a
Participemf s vested percentage.

7.04 Fees and Expenses. All expenses incurred
by the Administrator and Trustee in connec-
tion with the administration of this Plan shall
be paid by the Plan.

a. The Trustee has the authority to determine
administrative and expense charges and the
methods for applying such chaises.

b. The Trustee is authorized to deduct from the
Plan's reserves, funds, contributions,
and/or earnings thereon, the expenses and
fees necessary or appropriate to the admini-
stration of the Plan, including an allocable
share of the Administrator's operating ex-
penses.

c. The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing non-
routine reports and services for Plan Spon-
sors and Participants and to require the
Plan Sponsor or Participant to pay for such
non-routine reports and service.

7.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimbxu'se the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses inciured by the Administrator
or the Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
counsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, summons or other
similar pleading by the Internal Revenue
Service or by any other party, including the
parties to marital litigation, in litigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a party, or is a party onfy by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiduciary in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant.

7.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,
actuarial and other services as it may require
in carrying out the provisions of this Plan.
The Administrator may rely on any certifi-
cate, notice or direction, oral or written, pur-
porting to have been signed or commiuii-
cated on behalf of the Plan Sponsor,
Participant, or others which the Administra-
tor believes to have been signed or commu-
nicated by persons authorized to act on be-

Financial Administration

443

half of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or oth-
ers, as applicable. The Administrator may re-
quest instructions in writing from the Plan
Sponsor, Participant or others, as applicable,
on other matters, and may rely and act
thereon. The Administrator may not be held
responsible for any loss caused by its acting
upon any notice, direction or certification of
the Plan Sponsor, Participant or others,
A^ich the Administrator reasonably believes
to be genuine and communicated by an
authorized person.

7.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
under the Plan shall be filed with the Admin-
istrator on forms supplied by the Adminis-
trator. Written notice of the disposition of a
claim shall be furnished to the Plan Sponsor
and to the claimant within 45 days aifter all
required forms and materials related to the
application therefor are filed.

7.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
under the Plan is wholly or partially denied,
the claimant shall be given notice in writing,
within a reasonable period of time after re-
ceipt of the cleiim by the Plan, written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the
claimant, setting forth the following informa-
tion:

a. the specific reasons for such denial;

b. specific reference to pertinent Plan provi-
sions on which the denial is based;

c. a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to
perfect the claim and an explanation of why
such material or information is necessary;
and

d. an explanation of the Plan's appeals proce-
dures.

A "reasonable time" for such notice shall not
exceed 45 days after the filing of the original
claim or 45 days after the request for or
submission of any additional data or docu-
ments requested by the Administrator, or, if
special circumstances require an extension
of time, written notice of the extension shall
be furnished to the claimant and an addi-
tional 90 days will be considered reason-
able.

7.09 Appeals from Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereunder, the Par-
ticipant shall have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procedures:

a. Intermedieuy Appeal Procedure. The Ad-
ministrator shall establish an intermediary
appeals procedure containing no more than
a tiiree-level process.

b. Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermediary appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final and not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermediary process has
been completed and if the Peirticipanfs
claim is still fully or partially denied, the
claimant shall be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
Appeals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with the Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days aft«r such notice has
been received by the claimant

(A) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed
by the claimant.

(B) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(C) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the Appeals
Committee at its next meeting, unless
special circxunstances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeals Commit-
tee.

(D) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting documents must be filed
with the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the
Appeals Committee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee af-
ter that time can or will be considered by
the Appeals Committee except by its
leave and discretion.

(E) The claimant, his or her duly authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Plan Sponsor, may request permission

444

DCA Advance Edition

to appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence with re-
spect to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the Appeals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personal appearance must be borne by
the claimant or the Plan Sponsor.

(F) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting from an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to
the pertinent Plan provisions on which
the decision is based, and such written
notice shall be mailed to the claimant by
the staff of the Administrator within 15
days following the action by the Appeeds
Committee.

7.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law with
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
and conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
unless and until such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an
Appeal as set forth in Sections 7.07 to 7.09
of this Plan.

7. 1 1 Basis of Determination of Amoxmt of Benefit
The amount of any monthly benefit provided
for under Article V which is to be based upon
the Participant's account(s) in the Plan shall
be the actuarial equivalent of such ac-
count(s), determined on the basis of the
mortality table and rate of interest adopted
by the Administrator for such purpose. Upon
an account being converted to an annuity,
the account shall be closed and the annuity
shall become an obligation of the appropri-
ate fund.

7. 12 Limitation of liability. All benefits hereunder
are contingent upon, and payable solely
from, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment results
of the Trustee. No financial obligations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assumed by the
Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Plan attributable to a Partici-
pant's accounts have been transferred to a
trust as provided in Section 6.02c, all bene-
fits to which the Participant is entided under
this Plan shall be provided only out of such
trust and only to the extent the trust is ade-
quate therefor. The members of the Admin-
istrator shall not personally be responsible

or otherwise liable for the payment of any
benefits hereunder.

Article VIII Right to Alter, Amend or Revoke

8.01 The General Conference hereby authorizes
the Administrator to amend prospectively or
retroactively any or all provisions of this Plan
or the Adoption Agreement at any time by
written instrument identified as an amend-
ment of the Plan effective as of a specified
date.

8.02 The Plan Sponsor shall have the right to
amend any elective provisions of its Adop-
tion Agreement at any time, with em effective
date no earlier than the first day of the cur-
rent Plan Year, to any extent that it may
deem advisable without the consent of any
Participant or any Beneficiary.

8.03 No amendment to the Plan shall decrease a
Participant's Account balance or eliminate
an optional form of distribution. Further-
more, no amendment to the Plan shaU have
the effect of decreasing a Participant's
Vested interest determined without regard to
such amendment as of the later of the date
such amendment is adopted or the date it
becomes effective.

8.04 No amendment shall, without written con-
sent of the Administrator or Trustee, deprive
the Administrator or Trustee of any of its
exemptions and immunities; nor shall such
amendment change the duties, responsibili-
ties, rights, or privileges of any Administra-
tor or Trustee or the provisions of any con-
tract. If any amendment by the Plan Sponsor
affects the rights, duties, responsibilities, or
obligations of the Administrator or Trustee
hereunder, such amendment may be made
only with the consent of the Administrator or
Trustee.

Article IX Termination of Plan

9.01 Plan Merger or Consolidation.

a. In the event a Plan Sponsor wishes to merge
the value of its Participant's Accounts with
or to any other Code section 403(b) plan,
the assets held under the Plem allocable to
such Participants shall be transferred to
such other fund only if:

(1) The Trustee agrees to such merger;

(2) Each Participant would receive a benefit
immediately after the merger which is
equal to or greater than the benefit such
Participant would have been entitied to

Financial Administration

445

receive immediately before such merger,
consolidation or transfer if the plan had
then terminated; and

(3) Resolutions of the Board of Trustees or
Directors of the Plan Sponsor and the
Board of Trustees or Directors of any
new or successor employer of all af-
fected Participants shall authorize such
transfer of assets; provided, the resolu-
tions of any such new or successor em-
ployer shall include an assumption of all
liabilities related to such Participant's
inclusion in such new or successor plan.

b. The Administrator shall direct the Trustee to
transfer the aggregate of the value of the
Participants' Accounts held by the Trustee
for the benefit of the Plan Sponsor and its
Participants to the funding agency specified
by the Plan Sponsor within six montiis after
the effective date of such consolidation or
merger.

c. Notwithstanding Sections 9.01a and 9.01b,
the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may
elect to continue the benefits in pay status
under the Plan and require that the actuarial
equivalent value of assets, as determined by
the Administrator in accordance with annu-
ity tables in use by the Administrator, re-
main with the Trustee for the payment of
such benefits.

d. The Administrator may require a release and
indemnity agreement from the Plan Sponsor
before any assets held by the Trustee are
distributed as provided in this subsection.

e. Any distribution of assets made under this
subsection may be made in whole or in part
in cash, secxuities, nontransferable annuity
contracts, or such other form as the Trustee
in its sole discretion shall determine so long
as no discrimination in value results.

9.02 Termination of Plan Participation by the Par-
ticipating Plan Sponsor. Upon written notice
to die Administrator ninety (90) days in ad-
vance of the date of such event, a Plan Spon-
. sor may terminate participation in the Plan
as established with the Administrator. As a
condition precedent to its right to terminate
participation in the Plan, the Plan Sponsor
shall provide written notice of its intent to its
Participants thirty (30) days in advance of
such written notice to the Administrator, and
shall provide to the Administrator evidence
of such written notice to the affected Partici-
pants. In the event of such termination of
participation in the Plan by the Plan Spon-

sor, the Accounts of the Participants shall
remain with the Trustee. Each affected Par-
ticipant shall have a 100% Vested interest in
his/her Account in accordance with the terms
of the Plan as then in effect. The former par-
ticipating Plan Sponsor shall provide timely
notice to the Administrator concerning a Par-
ticipant's eligibility to receive benefits under
the terms of the Plan. The Trustee shall have
the responsibility to make distributions of
benefits to the Participants in accordance
with the terms of the Plan as if the Plan had,
as then in effect, continued in effect

9.03 Termination of Plan by the General Confer-
ence. The General Conference shall have the
right to terminate the Plan at any time in a
manner and to the extent not inconsistent
with TTie Book of Discipline. Upon termination
of the Plan, the Accounts of Participants
shall be nonforfeitable and either distributed
outright or held for distribution in accord-
ance with the terms of the Plan. The assets
remaining in the Plan after all obligations of
the Plan have been satisfied shall be distrib-
uted pursuant to action by the General Con-
ference.

Article X Adoption

10.01 This Plan may be adopted by any Plan
Sponsor described in Section 2.34 herein,
with the consent of the Administrator.

10.02 An adopting Plan Sponsor must complete
an Adoption Agreement which must be ac-
ceptable to the Administrator. The effective
date of the Adoption Agreement cannot be
any earlier than the first day of the current
Plan Year.

10.03 The Adoption Agreement shall be in the
form prescribed by the Administrator.

10.04 With the consent of the Trustee, an adopt-
ing Plan Sponsor may merge its former Code
section 403(b) plan into the Cumulative
Pension and Benefit Fund. The assets of the
merged plan shall be transferred to the Trus-
tee in the manner prescribed by the Trustee.
This Plan shall be the stu-viving plan and all
provisions of the Plan and all rules, regula-
tions, interpretations of the Plan shall be
applied to and control the provisions of the
former plan.

Article XI Miscellaneous

11.01 Rules and Forms. The Administrator shall
have the authority and responsibility to:

446

DCA Advance Edition

a. adopt rules, regulations and policies for the
administration of this Plan, in all matters not
specifically covered by General Conference
legislation or by reasonable implication;

b. prescribe such forms and records as are
needed for the administration of the Plan.

11.02 Non-alienation of Benefits. No benefits pay-
able at any time under the Plan shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale,
transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or encumbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or
otherwise encimiber such benefit, whether
presently or thereafter payable, shall be
void. Except as provided in Section 11.04
hereof, no benefit nor any fund under the
Plan shall in any manner be Uable for, or
subject to, the debts or liabilities of any Par-
ticipant or other person entitied to any bene-
fit

11.03 Non-reversion. The Plan Sponsor shall
have no right, titie, or interest in the contri-
butions made to the Plan, and no part of the
funds shall revert to the Plan Sponsor, ex-
cept tiiat:

a. upon termination of the Plan and the alloca-
tion and distribution of the funds as pro-
vided in Articles IV and V hereof, any mo-
nies remaining because of an erroneous
actuarial computation after the satisfaction
of all fixed and contingent liabilities under
the Plan may revert to the appUcable Plzin
Sponsor; and

b. if a contribution is made to the Plan by the
Plan Sponsor by a mistake of fact, then such
contribution shall be returned to the Plan
Sponsor upon request within one year after
the Plan Sponsor has reported and docu-
mented such mistake to the Administrator.

11.04 Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The
provisions of section 11.02 notwithstand-
ing, all or part of a Participant's Vested bene-
fits arising under this Plan may be trans-
ferred to one or more "alternate payees" on
the basis of a "qualified domestic relations
order," as those terms are defined in Section
414(p) of the Code, provided that (1) the
Participant makes an assignment of benefits
pursuant to the order, and the alternate
payee accepts said assignment, on the forms
provided by the Administrator; (2) said or-
der was issued by a court having jurisdiction
over the Administrator; or (3) said order was
entered by any other court if the Administra-
tor, in its sole discretion, determines that

the order is likely to be entered by a court
having jurisdiction over the Administrator.

a. When appropriate, the Administrator shall
provide a Participant involved in marital liti-
gation with information regarding the nature
and value of the Participant's benefits and
shall assist the Participant and the court in
interpreting that information.

b. The Administrator shall establish a written
procedure to determine the qualified status
of domestic relations orders and to adminis-
ter distributions under such qualified or-
ders. Such procedm-e shall provide that dur-
ing the period in which a determination is
being made with respect to the qualified
status of an order received by the Adminis-
trator and for thirty days thereafter, (1) the
Administrator will direct the Trustee to seg-
regate and separately account for any sums
payable to the Participant which the order
requires to be paid to the alternate payee;
and (2) the Participant will be prohibited
from electing to set up an annuity or to re-
ceive any other distribution which would
compromise the rights granted to the alter-
nate payee by the order, without the alter-
nate payee's written consent.

c. Neither the alternate payee nor any person
claiming through the alternate payee shall
have the right (1) to transfer benefits to an-
other alternate payee; or (2) to receive bene-
fits in the form of a joint and survivor annuity
with respect to the alternate payee and any
subsequent spouse.

(1) In all other respects, the benefits trans-
ferred pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order shall be administered in
accordance with the provisions of this
Plan, and the alternate payee shall have
all the rights and duties of a fully vested
Terminated Participant with respect
thereto.

(2) With respect to benefits transferred to an
alternate payee pursuant to this section,
the alternate payee shall have all of the
rights of a Terminated Participant, to the
exclusion of cuiy claim thereto on the
part of the Participant

d. A subpoena or other instrument of judi-
cial process (1) which is directed to the
Administrator, its constituent corpora-
tions, or its officers or employees, (2)
which appears on its £ace to be issued in
the coua-se of marital Utigation to which
a Participant is a party, and (3) which

Financial Administration

447

seeks information regarding the natiire
or value of the Participant's pension
benefits, may be honored by the Admin-
istrator, in its sole discretion, without in-
terposing any defense on the grounds of
technical or jurisdictional defect.

e. Costs incurred by the Administrator in
the process culminating in the transfer
of benefits pursuant to a qualified do-
mestic relations order, including but not
limited to attorney's fees, litigation ex-
penses, and a reasonable charge for
services provided by the Administrator,
shall be charged against the benefits of
the Participant and the alternate payee
in equal shares unless a different <Uvi-
sion of said costs is provided in the or-
der.

11.05 Construction. The Plan and each of its pro-
visions shall be construed and their validity
determined by the laws of the State of Illi-
nois, other than its laws respecting choice of
law, to the extent such laws are not preemp-
ted by any federal law.

1 1.06 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Plan Sponsor shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Administrator, Trustee,
Participants, any employee, and any other
person or persons to whom the Plan Spon-
sor, Trustee or Administrator has delegated
fiduciary or other duties under the Plan,
against any and all claims, losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities arising from any act
or failure to act that constitutes or is alleged
to constitute a breach of such person's re-
sponsibilities in connection with the Plan
under any applicable law, unless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or willful failure to act

11.07 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dis-
pute arises out of or related to the relation-
ship between the Plan Sponsor and the Ad-
ministrator or Trustee, the parties agree first
to try in good faith to settie the dispute by
mediation through the American Arbitration
Association, or another mediation/arbitra-
tion service mutually agreed upon by the
parties, before resorting to arbitration.
Thereafter, any remaining unresolved con-
troversy or claim arising out of or relating to
the relationship between the Plan Sponsor
and the Administrator or Trustee shall be
setded by binding arbitration through the
American Arbitration Association, or the
other mediation/arbitration service which
had been mutually agreed upon by the par-
ties.

a. The site of the mediation and/or arbitration
shall be in a city mutually agreed to by the
peuties which is not located within the
boundaries of the Plan Sponsor.

b. The laws of the State of Illinois shall apply in
situations where federal law is not applica-
ble. The applicable rules of the selected
service shall apply. If the service allows the
parties to choose the number of arbitrators,
unless another number is mutually agreed
to, any arbitration hereunder shall be before
at least three arbitrators, and the award of
the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall
be final, and judgment upon the award ren-
dered may be entered in any court, state or
federal, having jurisdiction.

c. The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equally by the parties. The fees and
costs of arbitration shall be allocated to the
parties by the arbitrators.

11.08 Tides and Headings. The tides and head-
ings of the Articles and Sections of this in-
strument are placed herein for convenience
of reference only, and in the case of any
conflicts, the text of this instrument, rather
than the tides or headings, shall control.

11.09 Number. Wherever used herein, the singu-
lar shall include the plural and the plural
shall include the singular, except where the
context requires otherwise.

Article XII Special Provisions

12.01 Special Rules for Certain Plan Sponsors.
The provisions by the Plan shall be modified
as follows for certain Plan Sponsors not de-
scribed in Code section 403(b)(12)(B):

a. the Plem Sponsor's plan must satisfy the
requirements of Code section 401(a)(3) (re-
lating to minimum participation standards)
and Code section 401(a)(6) as in effect on
September 1, 1974;

b. the contributions or benefits provided under
the plan must not discriminate in favor of
Highfy Compensated Employees. For pur-
poses of this paragraph, there shall be ex-
cluded from consideration Employees de-
scribed in Code section 410(b)(3)(A) and
(C);

c. the Plan Sponsor's plan must satisfy the
requirements of Code section 401(a)(5);

d. the Plan Sponsor may not elect the vesting
provision contained in Section 5.04b(2);

448

DCA Advance Edition

e. the Plan Sponsor must satisfy the require-
ments of Sections 12.02 and 12,03 below.

12.02 Actual Contribution Percentage Tests For
Certain Plem Sponsors.

a. The "Actual Contribution Percentage" for
Plan Years beginning after December 31,
1988, for the Highly Compensated Partici-
pant group shall not exceed the greater of:

(1) 125% of such percentage for the Non-
Highfy Compensated Participant group;

(2) the lesser of 200% of such percentage
for the Non-Highfy Compensated Par-
ticipant group, or such percentage for
the Non-Highfy Compensated partici-
pant group plus 2 percentage points.
However, to prevent the multiple use of
the alternative method described in this
paragraph and Code section
401(m)(9)(A), any Highfy Compensated
Participant eUgible to make elective de-
ferrals pursuant to any cash or deferred
arrangement maintained by the Plan
Sponsor or an AfBliated Plan Sponsor
and to make Employee contributions or
to receive matching contributions under
this Plan or under any other plan main-
tained by the Plan Sponsor or an Affili-
ated Plan Sponsor shall have his/her ac-
tual contribution ratio reduced pursuemt
to Regulation 1.401(m)-2. The provi-
sions of Code section 401(m) and Regu-
lations 1.401(m)-l(b) and 1.401(m)-2
are incorporated herein by reference.

b. The Administrator shall issue rules and
regulations with respect to this test consis-
tent with Code section 401(m) and the
Regulations thereto.

12.03 Adjustment to Actual Contribution Percent-
age Tests For Certain Plan Sponsors.

a. In the event that, for Plan Years beginning
after December 31, 1988, the "Actual Con-
tribution Percentage" for the Highfy Com-
pensated Participant group exceeds tiie "Ac-
tual Contribution Percentage" for the
Non-Highfy Compensated Participant group
pursuant to Section 12.02a, the Administra-
tor (on or before the fifteenth day of the third
month following the end of the Plan Year,
but in no event later than the close of the
following Plan Year) shall direct the Trustee
to distribute to the Highly Compensated Par-
ticipant having the highest actual contribu-

tion ratio, his/her portion of Excess Aggre-
gate Contributions (and income allocable to
such contributions) imtil either one of the
tests set forth in Section 12.02a is satisfied,
or imtil his/her actual contribution ratio
equals the actual contribution ratio of the
Highfy Compensated Participant having the
second highestactual contribution ratio. This
process shall continue until one of the tests
set forth in Section 12.02a is satisfied. The
distribution and/or Forfeiture of Excess Ag-
gregate Contributions shall be made simiilta-
neousfy from mandatory Employee contribu-
tions and related Plan Sponsor matching
contributions in the following order:

(1) voluntary Employee contributions;

(2) simultaneousfy from mandatory Em-
ployee contributions cmd related Plan
Sponsor matching contributions.

b. Any distribution and/or Forfeiture of the
excess shall be made in accordance with
Code section 401(m) and die Regulations
thereto.

c. Notwithstanding the above, witiiin twelve
months after tiie end of the Plan Year, the
Plan Sponsor may make a qualified non-
elective contribution (as defined in Code
section 401(m)(4)(C)) on behalf of Non-
Highfy Compensated Participants in an
amount sufficient to satisfy one of the tests
set forth in Section 12.03a. Such contribu-
tion shall be allocated to the Account of each
Non-Highfy Compensated Participant in the
same proportion that each Non-Highfy Com-
pensated Participant's Compensation for
the year bears to the total Compensation of
all Non-Highfy Compensated Participants. A
separate account shall be maintained with
respect to such contributions.

d. If during a Plan Year the projected aggregate
amount of contributions to this Plan and to
the Personal Investment Plan administered
by the Administrator to be allocated to all
Highfy Compensated Participants tuider this
Plan and the Personal Investment Plan
would, by virtue of the tests set forth in Sec-
tion 12.08a cause the Plan to fail such tests,
then the Administrator may automaticalfy
reduce proportionatefy or in the order pro-
vided in Section 12.09a each affected Highfy
Compensated Participant's projected share
of such contributions by an amoiuit neces-
sary to satisfy one of Ihe tests set forth in
Section 12.08a.

Financial Administration

449

Petition Number: 21496-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.
Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund-N 5.13

Add new Section 5.13 effective January 1, 1997:

5.13 Transfers Out of the Plan. Subject to limita-
tions imposed by law, all or a portion of a
Participant's Employee Account, excluding
Required Personal Contributions as defined
in Section 4.03, earnings on the Required
Personal Contributions, and amounts re-
quired to be distributed under Section
5.05e, if any, may be transferred directiy to
a Code section 403(b)(1) annuity contract, a
Code section 403(b)(7) custodial account or
a Code section 403(b)(9) retirement income
account upon the request of the Participant,
in accordance with procedures established
by the Board, provided that benefit pay-
ments have not commenced with respect to
such accumulations.

Petition Number: 21497-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Ctmiulative Pension and Benefit Fund-N 6.04

Amend Section 6.04b (4) effective July 1, 1996 as
follows:

(4) Special Fund IV investments selected at the
discretion of the Board which constitute a
balanced fund of fixed-income securities, eq-
uity-type securities, and short-term securi-
ties. Such securities shall be invcatcd in com-
panic9 with no direct investment and/or
employees in South Africa, and/or with
banks that do not lend to the South African
public sector. Further, the The fund shall be
military-free and government-free (except for
student loan, farm loan and government-
backed mortgage securities of the United
States government) .

Petition Number: 21498-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.
Ciuntdative Pension and Benefit Fund-N 12.09

Add the following language effective July 1, 1996:

12.09 Adjustment to Actual Contribution Percent-
age Tests For Certain Plan Sponsors.

c. Notwithstanding the above, within twelve
months after the end of the Plan Year, the
Plan Sponsor may make a qualified non-
elective contribution (as defined in Code
section 401(m)(4)(C)) on behalf of Non-
Highly Compensated Participants in an
amount sufficient to satisfy one of the tests
set forth in Section 12.08a. Such contribu-

tion shall be allocated to the Account of each
Non-Highly Compensated Participant in the
same proportion that each Non-Highly Com-
pensated Participant's Compensation for the
year bears to the total Compensation of all
Non-Highly Compensated Participants. A
separate account shall be maintained with
respect to such contributions.

d. If during a Plan Year the projected aggregate
amount of contributions to this Plan and to
the Personal Investment Plan administered
by the Administrator to be alloacted to all
Highfy Compensated Participants under this
Plan and the Personal Investment Plan
would, by virtue of the tests set forth in Sec-
tion 12.08a cause the Plan to fail such tests,
then the Administrator may automatically
reduce proportionately or in the order pro-
vided in Section 12.09a each affected Highly
Compensated Participant's projected share
of such contributions by an amount neces-
sary to satisfy one of the tests set forth in
Section 12.08a.

Petition Number: 21499-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Ministerial Pension Plan

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends that (1) the following plan document for
the Ministerial Pension Plan be substituted for the cur-
rent plan document as of January 1, 1998, and (2) the
clergy account be transferred to the Personal Invest-
ment Plan as of January 1, 1998. This document is a
restatement of the current plan provisions with the ex-
ception of the major changes highlighted below.

• A provision was added that allows clergy appointed
to less than full-time service and student local
pastors to elect not to participate in MPP.

• A provision was added clarifying that the MPP
contribution rate is 12% of the DAC for persons on
disability leave who have not been approved for
benefits from the Comprehensive Protection Plan.
The amount of these contributions will increase
annually by 3%.

• All references to clergy contributions and accounts
have been removed except for some references in
Supplement One pertaining to conference that
require use of pre-1982 personal contributions to
fund the formula benefit.

• A provision was added that, in the event of a
participant's divorce, would void any beneficiary
designation made prior to the divorce in favor of the
spouse. The spouse would be treated as if he/she
had predeceased the participant.

450

DCA Advance Edition

• Distinctions have been made between the Board as
administrator and the Board as trustee.

• A provision was added that allows the Board to pay
a participant a single sum payment in lieu of an
annuity iJf the amount of the annuity payment is less
than a minimum amount determined by the Board.

• The section dealing with benefits at termination of
employment was changed to clarify that persons
with vested Supplement One benefits cannot have
a lump sum distribution of the balance in their
account even if the balance is less than one-fourth
oftheDAC.

• A provision was added that allows disabled
participants to withdraw up to 25% of their account
balance as a lump sum or as a period certain annuity.

• A refusal of benefit provision was added that allows
a beneficiary to refuse all of the payment to which
he/she might otherwise be entitied. In the event of
a refusal, benefits will be paid as if this beneficiary
had predeceased the participant.

• A provision was added to permit the Board will be
to pay a relative, friend or legal representative of an
individual who is entitied to receive a benefit but is
incapable of handling his/her own financial affairs.
The payment is to be used exclusively for the
benefit of the incapacitated individual.

• A provision was added that explains what vidll
happen to unclaimed benefit payments if at the time
of the required beginning date for payment there is
no current mailing address on file with the Board.

• A provision was added that outiines the duties and
responsibilities of Plan Sponsors.

• A provision was added that allows the administrator
to charge users directly for non-routine services
provided to participants or Plan Sponsors.

• The plan clarifies the provisions of the plan are to
be construed under Illinois law, unless preempted
by federal law.

• A provision was added that requires disputes
between a Plan Sponsor and the Board to be settled
through the use of a mediation/binding arbitration
process.

• The provision relating to Adoption Agreements
completed by conferences and general agencies
was changed so that if a Plan Sponsor fails to
complete a new Adoption Agreement at least thirty
days prior to the beginning of the next Plan Year,
the old Adoption Agreement will continue in force
for the next Plan Year.

• The pension credit provisions of Discipline
paragraph 1606 were added to Supplement One.

• The retirement benefit provisions of Supplement
One were revised to clarify that the spouse of a
participant at retirement (provided the marriage
took place prior to the cessation of service Under
Episcopal Appointment) is the contingent annuitant
of the pre-1982 benefit. In the event of divorce after
retirement, this will assure the former spouse of
receiving continued benefits if the participant
predeceases the former spouse.

• The vesting provisions found in Discipline
paragraph 1606 were added to Supplement One.

• All references related to automatic increases in the
pension rate have been removed from Supplement
One.

• The Supplement One reference to the Adoption
Agreement clarifies that a conference cannot
execute a new Adoption Agreement that would
reduce either the pension rate or the percentage
payable to surviving spouses.

• The Supplement One definition of "Pension Rate"
was changed so that conferences will no longer be
able to elect a lower pension rate for its local pastors
than it provides for its conference clergy members.

Ministerial Pension Plan
Article I The Plan

1.01 The Plan. The General Conference of The
United Methodist '"^narch had previously
authorized the establishment of the Ministe-
rial Pension Plan, effective January 1, 1982.
Effective as of January 1, 1998, the General
Conference hereby amends and restates the
Ministerial Pension Plan (hereinafter re-
ferred to as the "Plan") for the exclusive
benefit of the Eligible Clergy and their Bene-
ficiaries in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in the Plan. In addition,
retirement benefits based on service prior to
January 1, 1982, if any, shall be set forth in
Supplement One to the Plan and shall be
provided by this Plan.

1.02 j^plicability. The provisions of this Plan are
applicable only to those persons associated
with a Jurisdictional Conference or the
Puerto Rico Methodist Chiu-ch who meet the
requirements for participation on or after
January 1, 1982.

1.03 Type of Plan. The Plan is intended to meet
the requirements of a "church plan" as that
term is defined in section 414(e) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Financial Administration

451

and be administered pursuant to the retire-
ment income account provisions of section
403(b)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.

Article II Identification and Definitions

Whenever used in the Plan, the following
terms shall have the respective meanings set forth
below, unless otherwise expressly provided
herein. When the defined meaning is intended,
the term is capitalized.

2.01 "Account" shall mean the account main-
tained for each Participant in the books and
records of the Plan for the purpose of record-
ing contributions made to the Plan by the
Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit on be-
half of a Participant pursuant to Section
4.01, adjusted for earnings and losses allo-
cated thereto.

2.02 "Act" shall mean the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as it may be
amended fi-om time to time.

2.03 "Administrator" shall mean The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Church, Incorporated in
Illinois and any successors.

2.04 "Adoption Agreement" shall mean the agree-
ment adopted by a Plan Sponsor in accord-
ance with the provisions set forth in Article
K.

2.05 "Annuity Starting Date" shall mean the first
day of the month for which an amount is
payable as an annuity or, in the case of a
benefit not payable in the form of an annuity,
the first day of the month coinciding with or
following the completion of all events which
entitie the Participant to such benefit In the
case of a deferred annuity, the Annuity Start-
ing Date shall be the date on which the an-
nuity payments are scheduled to commence.

2.06 "Beneficiarj^' shall mean the person(s)
(natural or otherwise), other than a Contin-
gent Annuitant, designated as set forth in
Section 5.02d, who is receiving, or entitied
to receive, a deceased Participant's (or an-
nuity-certain payee's) residual interest in
this Plan which is nonforfeitable upon, and
payable in the event of, such Peuticipanf s or
payee's death.

2.07 "Book of Discipline" shall mean the body of
church law as established by the General
Conference of The United Methodist
Church, as amended from time to time.

2.08 "Break in Service" shall mean a continuous
period in excess of five months during which
the individual is a Terminated Participant.

2.09 "Clergy" or "Clergyperson" shall mean a per-
son described in Section 3.01(a)(l)-(5).

2.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended or replaced from
time to time.

2.1 1 "Compensation" shall mean, in a Plan Year,
for a Participant who has not retired under
the provisions of the Book of Discipline, the
sum of the following:

a. taxable cash salary received from Plan Spon-
sor-related soiu"ces, but not including sever-
ance pay and the cash value of taxable fiinge
benefits;

b. housing allowance; or when a parsonage is
provided, 25% of the cash salary plus any
sfilary reduction in Section 2.11c below as
the approximate value of that parsonage;
and

c. contributions made pursuant to a seilary-re-
duction agreement with respect to employ-
ment with the Plan Sponsor: (i) to a plan
qualified under section 125 of the Code; or
(ii) to a tax-sheltered annuity described in
section 403(b) of the Code.

Cash salary from Plan Sponsor-related
sources in excess of $150,000 shall be dis-
regarded. Such amount shall be adjusted at
the same time and in such manner as per-
mitted under Code section 415(d).

2.12 "Comprehensive Protection Plan" shall
mean die plan of the same name adminis-
tered for the benefit of United Methodist
clergy by the Adminisfrator.

2.13 "Conference" shall include Annual Confer-
ences, Provisional Conferences and Mis-
sionary Conferences which are described in
the Book of Discipline and which are located in
Jurisdictional Conferences and the Puerto
Rico Methodist Church.

2.14 "Conference Average Compensation" shall
mean the average annual compensation of
Participants related to a specific Conference,
which average shall be determined in ac-
cordance with procedures established by the
Administrator.

2.15 "Contingent Annuitant" shall mean the per-
son who, with a Participant, is the one upon
the continuation of whose life the amount

452

DCA Advance Edition

and/or duration of the pension benefit under
this Plan depends.

2.16 "Contingent Annuity" shall mean an annuity
for the life of the Participant with a survivor
annuity for the life of his/her Contingent An-
nuitant which is not less than one-half, or
greater than, the amount of the annuity pay-
able dtuing the joint lives of the Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant. The Con-
tingent Annuity will be the amount of benefit
which can be piwchased with the Participan-
t's accoimt balance. Unless elected other-
wise by the Participant with spousal con-
sent, the percentage of the Contingent
Annuity will be 70%.

2.17 "Contribution Base" shall mean one of the
following elected by the Plan Sponsor in its
Adoption Agreement

a. a Participant's Compensation not to exceed
the Denominationed Average Compensation;

b. a Participant's Compensation not to exceed
150% of the Denominational Average Com-
pensation; or

c. a Participant's Compensation.

2.18 "Denominational Averjige Compensation"
shall mean the average annual compensa-
tion of Participants determined in accord-
ance with procedm"es established by the Ad-
ministrator.

2.19 "Disabled or Disability" shall mean the in-
ability to engage in any substantial gainful
activity by reason of any medically determin-
able physical or mental impairment \^ich
can be expected to result in death or to be of
long-continued and indefinite dtu-ation. The
permanence and degree of such impairment
shall be supported by medical evidence.

2.20 "Early Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month (prior to Normal Retire-
ment Date) coinciding with or following the
date on which a Participant or Former Par-
ticipant attains the Early Retirement Age.
Said Early Retirement Age shall be deter-
mined in accordance with Paragraph 452.26
of the Book of Discipline. However, if a person
retires in accordance with Paragraph
452.2a or Paragraph 452.3 or is a Termi-
nated Participant, said Early Retirement Age
shall be age 62.

2.21 "Effective Date" shall mean January 1,
1998.

2.22 "Eligible Clergy or Eligible Clergyperson"
shall mean a Clergyperson who meets the
requirements of Article III for participation
in the Plan.

2.23 "Entry Date" shall mean the date upon which
an Eligible Clergyperson becomes a Partici-
pant, and initially shall be the Effective Date
and subsequentiy shall be determined in ac-
cordance with Section 3.03 herein.

2.24 "Former Participemt" shall mean a person
who has been a Participant, but who has
ceased to be a Participant for any reason.

2.25 "415 Compensation" shall mean compensa-
tion as determined by Code section 415 and
the Regulations promulgated theretmder.

2.26 "Late Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month coinciding with or next
following a Participant's actual retirement
date after having reached his/her Normal
Retirement Date.

2.27 "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean the
first day of the month coinciding with the
date specified in Paragraph 452.2c of the

Book of Discipline,

2.28 "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Cler-
gyperson vkiio has become a participating
Clergyperson as provided in Article III of
this Plan.

2.29 "Plan" shall meem this instrument, including
all amendments thereto.

2.30 "Plan Sponsor" shall mean an entity de-
scribed below:

a. the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration if the Participant is a bishop;

b. the Conference if the Participant is a local
pastor or a clergy member, except if the per-
son is appointed in accordance witii para-
graphs 443.1a(2), (3) or (4), 443.16, or
443. Id of the Book of Discipline;

c. the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration if the Participant is appointed to
serve a general agency which has a voting
representative on the Committee on Person-
nel Policies and Practices which is a com-
mittee of the General Council on Finance
and Administration; or

d. the Salary-Paying Unit if the Participant is
classified in a category not described above.

2.31 "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year.

Financial Administration

453

2.32 "Regulation" shall mean the Income Tax
Regulations as promulgated by the Secretary
of the Treasury or his/her delegate, and as
amended from time to time.

2.33 "Salary-Paying Unit" shall mean one of the
following units associated with The United
Methodist Church:

a. the General Conference;

b. a general agency of The United Methodist
Chiu-ch;

c. a Jurisdictional Conference;

d. a Conference;

e. a Conference board, agency, or commission;

f. a local church located in a Conference;

g. any other organization located in a Jurisdic-
tional Conference which is eligible to partici-
pate in a church plan in accordance with
applicable federal law^, or

h. any other entity to wliich a Clergyperson
Under Episcopal Appointment is appointed.

2.34 "Terminated Pjuticipant" shall mean a per-
son who has been a Participant, but whose
Conference relationship has been severed by
such means as honorable location, with-
drawal to unite with smother denomination,
surrender of ministerial credentials, or sur-
render of the local pastor license.

2.35 "Trustee" shall mean The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Chiu"ch, Incorporated in Missouri
and any successors.

2.36 "Under Episcopal Appointment" shall mean
an appointment made by a bishop pursuant
to Sections V and VI of Chapter 3 of the Book
of Discipline or pursuant to rules of the Puerto
Rico Methodist Chiu-ch.

2.37 "Vested" shall mean the portion of a Partici-
pant's benefits under the Plan that are non-
forfeitable.

Article III Eligibility for Participation

3.01 Conditions of Eligibility.

a. A person who meets the enrollment require-
ments of Section 3.02 below shall be a Par-
ticipant in this Plan on January 1, 1982, if
on such date the person is eligible to partici-
pate in a "church plan" and is:

(1) a bishop of The United Methodist
Church elected by a Jurisdictional Con-
ference;

(2) a bishop of the Puerto Rico Methodist
Chxu-ch;

(3) a clergy member in full connection, pro-
bationary member, or associate member
of a Conference Under Episcopal Ap-
pointment;

(4) a local pastor of a Conference Under
Episcopal Appointment and who has
been previously approved by the Board
of Ordained Ministry and classified as
eligible for appointment as full-time,
part-time, or student;

(5) a clergyperson of another denomination
who is Under Episcopal Appointment
within a Conference provided such per-
son is not participating in a pension pro-
gram of the denomination to which such
person belongs.

b. After January 1, 1982, a person who meets
one of the conditions of Section 3.01a above
shall become a Participant in the Plan on the
effective date of participation described in
Section 3.03.

c. A person shall become a Former Participant
on the date on which said person no longer
has £m assignment or appointment that
meets one of the conditions of Section 3.01a
above. This Section 3.01c shall not apply to
those Participants who are granted a disabil-
ity leave pursuant to the Book of Discipline,
provided that either the Comprehensive
Protection Plan makes the required contri-
bution to the Account or the Plan Sponsor
makes the required contribution to tiie Ac-
count

3.02 Enrollment by Plan Sponsor.

a. Required Participation. A Plan Sponsor de-
scribed in Section 2.30a, b, or c herein shall
be required to enroll each of its Eligible
Clergy described in Section 3.01 above ef-
fective on the Entry Date described in Sec-
tion 3.03 below.

b. Elective Participation. A Plem Sponsor de-
scribed in Section 2.30d herein may elect to
enroll its Eligible Clergy by (1) completing
an Adoption Agreement in accordance with
the provisions of Article IX and (2) enrolling
them in such form as may be required by the
Administrator.

454

DCA Advance Edition

c. Effect of Enrollment. An Eligible Clergyper-
son who is enrolled in the Plan shall be
deemed to have agreed to be bound by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and all
amendments thereto.

3.03 Effective Date of Participation.

a. Required Participation. An Eligible Cler-
gyperson serving a Plan Sponsor described
in Section 2.30a, b or c shall become a Par-
ticipant in the Plan effective as of the date on
which he/she was elected as a bishop or the
date on which he/she began Under Episco-
pal Appointment.

b. Elective Participation. An Eligible Clergyper-
son serving a Plan Sponsor described in
Section 2.30d shall become a Participant in
the Plan effective as of the later of the effec-
tive date of the Adoption Agreement or the
date of enrollment by the Plan Sponsor.

3.04 Determination of Eligibility. Upon receipt of
enrollment information from the Plan Spon-
sor, the Administrator shall accept such in-
formation as evidence of eligibility for par-
ticipation in the Plan. However, the
Administrator may from time to time audit
such information or obtain additional infor-
mation which might result in a determina-
tion of ineligibility for any particular partici-
pant The Administrator shall have final
authority to determine the eligibility of any
Clei^yperson and such determination shall
be conclusive and binding upon all persons,
as long as the determination is made pursu-
ant to the provisions of the Plan and the
Adoption Agreement.

3.05 Omission of Eligible Clergyperson. If, in any
Plan Year, any Clergyperson who should be
included as a Participant in the Plan is erro-
neously omitted and discovery of such omis-
sion is not made until after a contribution by
his/her Plan Sponsor for the year has been
made, the Plan Sponsor shall make a sub-
sequent contribution subject to the Annual
Account Addition limits of Sections 4.03 and
4.04 with respect to the omitted Clergyper-
son in the amount which the said Plan Spon-
sor would have contributed with respect to
him/her had he/she not been omitted.

3.06 Inclusion of Ineligible Clergyperson. If, in
any Plan Year, any person who should not
have been included as a Participant in the
Plan is erroneously included and discovery
of such incorrect inclusion is not made until
after a contribution for the year has been
made, the amount contributed with respect

to the ineligible person shall constitute a mis-
take of fact for the Plan Year in which the
discovery is made.

3.07 Election Not to Participate. A Clei^yperson
who is an ordained member who is ap-
pointed to less than full-time service or a
Clergyperson who is a part-time or student
local pastor may, subject to the approval of
the Plan Sponsor, voluntarily elect not to
participate in the Plan by written notice to
the Plan Sponsor and the Administrator in
such form as required by the Administrator.

Article IV Contributions

4.01 Contributions.

a. The Salary-Paying Unit shall contribute, for
each Plan Year, 12% of each Participant's
Contribution Base with the following excep-
tions.

(1) If the Plan Sponsor is a Conference, the
Salary-Paying Unit shall contribute 1 1%
if the then current Pension Rate (as de-
fined in the Supplement One hereto) is
less than 0.9% of the Conference Aver-
age Compensation.

(2) A Conference may annually elect, after
consultation with the Administrator, to
have a contribution rate of 11%.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec-
tion 4.01a(l) and 4.01a(2), if the Con-
ference elects to enroll Clergy on disabil-
ity leave who are not approved for
benefits fi"om the Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan, the Conference shall con-
tribute, for each Plan Year, 12% of the
Denominational Average Compensation
in effect on the date the Participant was
placed on disability leave. The amount of
the contribution shall be increased by
3% annually thereafter on the anniver-
sary of the date the disability leave be-
gan.

b. For Participants enrolled in the Plan in ac-
cordance with Section 3.01a(3), in addition
to the contribution required in Section
4.01a, a Conference may elect to contribute
a build-up to the Account of Participants
who are appointed less than full time. The
amount of such contribution shall be equal
to a percentage of the Denominational Aver-
age Compensation, multiplied by the Confer-
ence contribution rate, less the required
contribution in accordance with Section
4.01a. The percentage of the Denomina-
tional Average Compensation shall be in

Financial Administration

455

25% increments which correspond with the
percentage of full-time service indicated by
the Participant's appointed service.

c. For Participants who do not receive a contri-
bution pursuant to Section 4.01j(4), serving
full-time appointments and who are receiv-
ing Compensation at least equivalent to 60%
of the applicable Conference Average Com-
pensation or 60% of the Denominational Av-
erage Compensation, whichever is less, in
the Puerto Rico Methodist Church, in addi-
tion to the contribution required in Section
4.01a, the Puerto Rico Methodist Church
shall contribute a build-up to the Account of
such Participants in an amount equal to the
Denominational Averse Compensation,
multiplied by the contribution rate of the
Puerto Rico Methodist Church, less the re-
quired contribution in accordance with Sec-
tion 4.01a above.

d. Upon the enrollment of each Participant
pursuant to Article III, it shall be the respon-
sibility of the Salary-Paying Unit to make
contributions from die effective date of par-
ticipation as determined in accordance with
Section 3.03.

e. The annual contribution shall be payable to
the Plan in at least monthly installments.

f. All contributions for the Plan Year must be
deposited with the Plan no later than June
15 of the following Plan Year.

g. The Administrator shall establish and main-
tain an Account in the name of each Partici-
pant to which the Administrator shall credit
all amounts allocated to each such Partici-
pant as set forth herein.

h. The Plsai Sponsor and/or the Salary-Paying
Unit shall provide the Administrator with all
information required by the Administrator
to make a proper allocation of the contribu-
tion to the Account for each Plan Year.

i. Within a reasonable period of time after the
date of receipt by the Administrator of such
information, the Administrator shall allocate
such contribution to each Participant's Ac-
count in accordance with this Section 4.01.

j. The obligation to make the contribution on
behalf of a Participant shall fall upon, and be
restricted to, the applicable Salary-Paying
Unit to which the Participant is appointed,
except for the following circumstances:

(1) The applicable Conference shall be obli-
gated if the Participant is appointed to a

sabbatical leave or to attend school after
having served under appointment as a
Clergyperson in full connection or as an
associate member in a Conference, other
than under appointment to attend school,
provided such Conference elects to make
such required contribution based on the
Participant's annualized Compensation
immediately prior to such leave;

(2) The applicable Conference may elect to
make such required contribution for a
Participant who is granted disability
leave, but who is not approved for dis-
ability benefits under tihe Comprehen-
sive Protection Plan.

(3) The Comprehensive Protection Plan
shall be obligated to make the required
contribution at the applicable rate times
the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion if the Participant has been approved
for disability benefits from the Compre-
hensive Protection Plan in accordance
with the following:

(A) In the event such a Participant becomes
disabled prior to age 60 years and dis-
ability continues, and such person is re-
ceiving disability benefits in the Confer-
ence year in wWch such person attains
age 65 years, then such contributions
may be continued through June 30 next
following such person's 65th birthday
anniversary (if the final day of the regu-
lar session of such person's Conference
falls in the month of May or June, other-
wise to the end of the month in which the
closing day of such Conference session
occurs);

(B) In the event such a Participant becomes
disabled on or after his/her 60th birth-
day anniversary and disability contin-
ues, then such contributions may be
continued tmtil the earlier of (i) June 30
next following the end of a five-year pe-
riod from the date of the first payment of
the disability payment (if the final day of
the regular session of such person's
Conference falls in the month of May or
June, otherwise to the end of the month
in which the closing day of such Confer-
ence session occurs); or (ii) Jiuie 30
next following such person's 70th birth-
day anniversary (if the final day of the
regular session of such person's Confer-
ence falls in the month of May or June,
otherwise to the end of the month in
which the closing day of such Confer-
ence session occurs).

456

DCA Advance Edition

(C) Such disabled person shall be deemed
to retire at the end of the period set forth
i;i (A) or (B) above, as applicable, if at
the end of such period the Participant is
still disabled.

(4) The Plan shall accept contributions from
the Comprehensive Protection Plan for
credit to the Accounts of Participants
whose Compensation is less than the
Denominational Average Compensation.
The amount of such contributions shall
be determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Comprehensive Protec-
tion Plan.

k. A Conference may elect annually to have the
contributions under the provisions of Sec-
tion 4.01a contributed monthly to the Plan
through such Conference pursuant to a sys-
tem of collection determined by the Confer-
ence. The amount so required for each Par-
ticipant shall be credited to such
Participant's Account monthly and the Con-
ference charged accordingly.

1. All amounts which are contributed by the
Plan Sponsor or the Salary-Paying Unit to
the Plan shall be irrevocable contributions
to the Plan except that any contribution
made by the Plan Sponsor or the Salary-Pay-
ing Unit because of a mistake of fact, shall
be returned to the Plan Sponsor or Salary-
Paying Unit within one year after the Plan
Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit has reported
and documented such mistake to the Ad-
ministrator.

4.02 Vesting. Contributions credited to a Partici-
pant's Account shall be fiilly Vested.

4.03 Annual Account Addition. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the maximum Annual Account
Addition which may be credited to a Partici-
pant's accounts for any "limitation year"
shall be equal to or less than the amount
determined in accordance with Section 4.04
below.

a. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, Annual Account Addition
means the sum credited to a Participant's
accounts for any "limitation year" of:

(1) contributions made by the Plan Sponsor
or Salary-Paying Unit to this Plan and to
any other pension program; and

(2) contributions made to the Personal Ac-
count pursuant to the provisions of the
Personal Investment Plan administered

by the Administrator for limitation years
beginning after December 31, 1986.

b. For piuposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, Annual Account Addition does
not include rollover contributions made pur-
suant to the provisions of the Personal In-
vestment Plan administered by the Admin-
istrator.

c. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, the "limitation yeeir" shall be
die Plan Year.

d. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, if a Participant participates in
more than one plan maintained by the Plan
Sponsor, this Plan shall be considered the
primary plan of the Plan Sponsor in deter-
mining the Annual Account Addition.

4.04 Maximum Annual Account Addition.

a. General limitation. Notwithstanding any
provision herein to the contrary (other than
Sections 4.04c and 4.04d) for any Plan Year
the Annual Account Addition with respect to
a Participant shall not exceed the lesser of:

(1) $30,000 or if greater, one-quarter of the
dollar limitation in effect under Code
section 415(b)(1)(A); or

(2) 25% of the Participant's 415 Compensa-
tion for such Plan Year.

b. Exclusion Allowance. The amounts contrib-
uted by the Plan Sponsor on beheilf of a
Participant shall be excluded from the gross
income of the Participant for the Plan Year
to the extent that the aggregate of such
amounts does not exceed the Exclusion Al-
lowance for such Plan Year.

(1) The Exclusion Allowance for any Partici-
pant for the Plan Year is an amoimt
equal to the excess, if any of:

(A) the amount determined by multiplying
20% of the Participant's includable com-
pensation by the number of years of
service, less

(B) the aggregate of the amounts contrib-
uted by the Salary-Paying Unit on behalf
of the Piirticipant and excludable from
the gross income of the Participant for
any prior Plan Year.

(2) In the case of a Participant who makes
an election under Section 4.04c below
to have the provisions of Section

Financial Administration

457

4.04c(3) apply, the Exclusion Allowance
for any such Participant for the taxable
year is the amount which could be con-
tributed under Section 4.04a by his/her
Salary-Paying Unit

(3) For purposes of this Section 4.04b, all
years of service by a Participant as an
"employee of a church" (as that term is
defined in Code section 414(e)(3)(B))
shall be considered as years of service
for one employer, and all amounts con-
tributed hereunder by such organization
during such years for the Participant
shall be considered to have been con-
tributed by one employer.

(4) The amount determined under Section
4.04b(l) shall not be less than the
lesser of:

(A) $3,000; or

(B) the includable compensation of such
Participant

This paragraph shall not apply to a Par-
ticipant in a Plan Year when such Par-
ticipant has an adjusted gross income
for such Plan Year which exceeds
$17,000.

c. Annual Account Addition Election. A Partici-
pant may make an irrevocable election to
have one of the following three Annual Ac-
count Addition elections apply to increase
his/her Annual Account Addition. Not more
tiian one election may be made under para-
graph (1) below. A Participant who elects to
have the provisions of paragraph (1), (2), or
(3) of this subsection apply to him/her may
not elect to have any other paragraph of this
subsection apply to him/her. Such election
shall be made in accordance with the provi-
sions of Regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of the Treasiuy.

(1) In the case of amounts contributed for
the year in which occurs a Participant's
separation fi-om the service, at the elec-
tion of the Participant there is substi-
tuted for the amount specified in Section
4.04a(2) the amoimt of the Exclusion
Allowance w^ich would be determined
under Code section 403(b)(2) (without
regard to this section) for the Participan-
t's taxable year in which such separation
occurs if the P2irticipanf s years of serv-
ice were computed only by taking into
account his/her service for the employer
(as determined for purposes of Section
4.04b) diuing the period of years (not

exceeding ten) ending on the date of such
separation.

(2) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
there is substituted for the amount
specified in Section 4.04a(2) the least
of:

(A) 25% of the Participant's includable com-
pensation (as defined in Code section
403(b)(3)) plus $4,000;

(B) the amount of the Exclusion Allowance
determined for the year under Section
4.04b(l); or

(C)$ 15,000.

(3) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
the provisions of Section 4.04a shall ap-
ply, instead of Section 4.04b.

d. Certain contributions by church plans not
treated as exceeding limits.

(1) Alternative Exclusion Allowance. Any
contribution or addition with respect to
any Participant, when expressed as an
Annual Account Addition, which is alloc-
able pursuant to the application of Sec-
tion 4.04b(4) above to such Participant
for such year, shall be treated as not
exceeding the limitations of Section
4.04a.

(2) Contributions not in excess of $40,000
($10,000 per year).

(A) General. Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of this Plan, at the election of a
Participant, Annual Account Additions
hereto with respect to such Participant,
when expressed as an Annual Account
Addition to such Participant's accoimt,
shall be treated as not exceeding the
limitation of Section 4.04a if such An-
nual Account Addition is not in excess of
$10,000.

(B) $40,000 aggregate limitation. The total
amoimt of additions with respect to any
Participant which may be taken into ac-
count for purposes of this paragraph for
all years may not exceed $40,000.

(C) No election if Section 4.04c(l) election
made. No election may be made under
this subparagraph for any year if an elec-
tion is made under Section 4.04c(l) for
such year.

458

DCA Advance Edition

Article V Determination and Distribution of
Benefits

5.01 Determination of Benefits Upon Retirement
Every Participant may retire for the pur-
poses hereof on his/her Normal Retirement
Date or Early Retirement Date.

a. Upon such Normal Retirement Date or Early
Retirement Date, all amounts credited to
such Participants Account shall become
distributable.

b. However, a Participant may postpone
his/her retirement to a later date, in which
event the participation of such Participant in
the Plan, including the right to receive allo-
cations piu-suant to Section 4.01, shall con-
tinue xmtil the earlier of (1) the Late Retire-
ment Date or (2) the date determined
ptu-suant to Paragraph 452.1 of the Book of
Discipline.

c. Upon a Participant's retirement date, or as
soon thereafter as is practicable, the Admin-
istrator shall direct the Trustee to distribute
all amounts credited to such Participant's
Account in accordance with Section 5.05
and Section 5.08.

5.02 Determination of Benefits Upon Death.

a. Upon the death of a Participant before
his/her retirement date or before a Partici-
pant's Annuity Starting Date, all amounts
credited to such Participant's Account shall
be distributed in accordance with the provi-
sions of Section 5.06 and 5.08.

b. Upon the death of a Former Participant or
Terminated P2u1icipant before his/her hav-
ing received a benefit from the Plan, the
Administrator shall direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.06 and Section 5.08 any remain-
ing amounts credited to the Account of the
deceased Former or Terminated Participant
to such Former or Terminated Participant's
Beneficiary.

c. The Administrator may require such proper
proof of death and such evidence of the right
of any person to receive payment of the value
of the Accoimt of a deceased Participant or
Former Participant or Terminated Partici-
pant as the Administrator may deem desir-
able. The Administrator's determination of
death and of the right of any person to re-
ceive payment shall be conclusive.

d. Unless otherwise elected in the manner de-
scribed below, the Beneficiary of the death
benefit shall be the Participant's spouse.

(1) Except, however, the Participant may
designate a Beneficiary other than
his/her spouse if:

(A) the spouse consents in writing, wit-
nessed by a Plan Sponsor representative
or notary public, to the designation of
another Beneficiary; or

(B) the Participant is legally separated or
has been abandoned (within the mean-
ing of local law) and the Participant has
a coiut order to such effect (and there is
no "Qualified Domestic Relations Or-
der" as defined in Code section 414(p)
which provides otherwise); or

(C) the Participant has no spouse; or

(D) the spouse cannot be located.

(2) In such event, the designation of a Bene-
ficiary shall be made in such form as is
satisfactory to the Administrator and
must be received by the Administrator
during the Participant's lifetime.

(3) A Participant may at any time revoke
his/her designation of Beneficiary or
change his/her Beneficiary by filing writ-
ten notice (in such form as may be re-
quired by the Administrator) of such
revocation or change with the Adminis-
trator. However, the Participant's
spouse must again consent in writing in
accordance with the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.02d(l)(A) to any change in Bene-
ficiary unless the original consent ex-
pressly permits such changes by the
Participant without the requirement of
further consent by the spouse.

(4) A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficiary designation in favor of the
Participant's spouse made prior to the
divorce. Until such time as a new desig-
nation of Beneficiary is filed with the
Board in accordance with the provisions
of this Section, benefits will be payable
as if the former spouse had predeceased
the Beneficiary.

(5) In the event no valid designation of
Beneficiary exists at the time of the Par-
ticipant's death and there is no siu%Tving
spouse, the death benefit shall be pay-
able to his/her estate.

Financial Administration

459

5.03 Determination of Benefits in the Event of
Disability. In the event of a Participant's Dis-
ability, the Participant may elect to receive
benefits in an amount not to exceed 25% of
the value of his/her Account in accordance
with the provisions of Section 5.07.

5.04 Determination of Benefits Upon Termina-
tion. In the event a Participant becomes a
Terminated Participant, the Participant's
Account shall be distributed as follows:

a. Distribution of the funds due to a Termi-
nated Participant shall be made on the oc-
ciurence of the Participant's death, or Early,
Normal or Late Retirement.

b. However, the Trustee shall cause the entire
benefit to be paid to such Participant in a
single lump sum after a Break in Service if
the value of a Terminated Participant's
benefit derived from the Account does not
exceed $3,500 and has never exceeded
$3,500 at the time of any prior distribution,
or, with such Participant's consent if the
amount is $3,500 or more, but less than
one-foiuth of the Denominational Average
Compensation as of the date on which
he/she becomes a Terminated Participant,
If the Terminated Participant is vested in a
Supplement One benefit, regardless of the
balance in his/her Account, he/she shall not
be eligible for a single lump sum distribu-
tion, but shall receive benefits fi^om the Ac-
count in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.05b.

5.05 Distribution of Benefits For Any Reason Ex-
cept Death or Disability.

a. (1) Unless otherwise elected as provided in
Section 5.05a(3) below, a Participant who is
married on the Annuity Starting Date and
who does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of all of his/her
benefits in the form of a Contingent Annuity
with his/her spouse as Contingent Annui-
tant.

(A) Such Contingent Annuity benefits follow-
ing the Participant's death shall con-
tinue to the spouse (determined as of
the Annuity Starting Date) during the
spouse's lifetime at a rate equal to 70%
of the rate at which such benefits were
payable to the Participant

(B) This 70% Contingent Annuity shall be
considered the designated qualified
Contingent Annuity and automatic form
of payment for the purposes of this Plan.

(2) Unless otherwise elected as provided
below, a Participant who is not married
on the Annuity Starting Date and who
does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of his/her
benefit in the form of a life annuity.

(A) Such unmarried Participant, however,
may elect in writing to waive the life an-
nuity and elect to receive his/her benefit
in accordance with Section 5.05b below.

(B) The election must comply with the pro-
visions of this Section as if it were an
election to waive the Contingent Annuity
by a married Participant, but without the
spousal consent requirement.

(3) Any election to waive the Contingent An-
nuity must be made by the Participant in
writing during the election period and be
consented to by the Participant's
spouse.

(A) If the spouse is legally incompetent to
give consent, the spouse's legal guard-
ian, even if such guardian is the Partici-
pant, may give consent.

(B) Such election shall designate a Benefici-
ary (or a form of benefits) that may not
be changed without spousal consent
(unless the consent of the spouse ex-
pressly permits designations by the Par-
ticipant without the requirement of fur-
ther consent by the spouse).

(C) Such spouse's consent shall be irrevoca-
ble and must acknowledge the effect of
such election and be witnessed by a Plan
Sponsor representative or a notary pub-
lic.

(D) Such consent shall not be required if it
is estabUshed to the satisfaction of the
Administrator that the required consent
cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located or
other circumstances that may be pre-
scribed by Regulations.

(E) The election made by the Participant
and consented to by his/her spouse may
be revoked by the Participant in writing
without the consent of the spouse at any
time during the election period.

(i) The number of revocations shall not be
limited.

(ii) Any new election must comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.

460

DCA Advance Edition

(F) A former spouse's waiver shall not be
binding on a new spouse.

(4) The election period to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity shall be the 90-day period
ending on the Annuity Starting Date.

(5) With regeird to the election, the Admin-
istrator shall provide to the Participant
no less than 30 days and no more than
90 days before the Annuity Starting Date
a written explanation of:

(A) the terms and conditions of die Contin-
gent Annuity;

(B) the Participant's right to make, and the
effect of, an election to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(C) the right of the Participant's spouse to
consent to any election to waive the Con-
tingent Annuity; and

(D) the right of the Participant to revoke
such election, and the effect of such
revocation.

b. In the event a married Participant duly
elects pursuant to Section 5.05a(3) above
not to receive his/her benefit in the form of
a Contingent Annuity, or if such Participant
is not married, in the form of a life annuity,
the Administrator, pursuant to the election
of the Participant, shall direct the Trustee to
distribute, on a date specified by the Partici-
pant (which date is in harmony with Section
5.05e below), to the Participant or to the
Participant and his/her Contingent Annui-
tant any amount to which he/she is entitied
under the Plan in one or more of the follow-
ing methods determined and limited by
rules and regulations of the Administrator:

(1) Purchase of or providing an annuity.
However, such annuity' may not be in
any form that wiU provide for payments
over a period extending beyond either
the life of the Participant (or the lives of
the Participant and his/her designated
Contingent Annuitant) or the life expec-
tancy of the Participant (or the life ex-
pectancy of the Participant and his/her
designated Contingent Annuitant).

(2) A one-time lump-sum payment in an
amount not to exceed 25% of the Partici-
pant's Account, or an annual or monthly
annuity for a period of 5, 10, 15, or 20
years certain (but not for a period ex-
tending beyond the life expectancy of the
Participant) based on an amount not to

exceed 2 5% of the Account prior to annui-
tizing the remaining Account balance in
accordance with other provisions of this
Section.

c. If the Participant is married at the time
he/she makes an election pursuant to Sec-
tion 5.05b above, such election shall not be
valid without the consent of the Participant's
spouse given in accordance with the proce-
dures stated in Section 5.05a(3).

d. If the present value of the Participant's Ac-
coimt is equal to or less than $3,500 and
the Participant is not Vested in a Supple-
ment One benefit, the Administrator may
direct the Trustee to distribute the full
amount to the Participant without the con-
sent of the Participant or his/her spouse.

e. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, the distribution of a PeuHcipan-
f s benefits shall be made in accordance with
the following requirements:

(1) The entire interest of a Participant shall
be distributed:

(A) no later than the required beginning
date described in Section 5.05e(2); or

(B) beginning no later than the required be-
ginning date over:

(i) the life of the Participant;

(ii) the lives of the Participant and a desig-
nated Contingent Annuitant;

(iii) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Participant; or

(iv) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancies of the Participant and a
designated Contingent Annuitant.

(2) The term "required beginning date" is
defined for the purposes of this subsec-
tion as the later of:

(A) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant reaches age 70-1/2; or

(B) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in wliich the Partici-
pant retires.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall
not apply to the value of a Participant's
Account as of December 31, 1986, ex-
clusive of subsequent earnings.

Financial Administration

461

5.06 Distribution of Benefits upon Death.

a. In the event of the death of a Participant
prior to the Annuity Starting Date, his/her
Account shall be paid to the Participant's
Beneficiary, subject to the requirements of
Section 5.06b below.

b. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, distributions upon the death of
a Participant shall be made in accordance
with the following requirements and shall
otherwise comply with Code section
401(a)(9) and the Regulations thereunder.

(1) If the Participant's surviving spouse is
the Beneficiary, the Account shall be
paid according to one of the distribution
options described in Section 5.05b as
elected by the surviving spouse, but in
no case shall any distribution provide for
payments over a period extending be-
yond either the life of the surviving
spouse or the life expectancy of the sur-
viving spouse.

(A) Distributions to the surviving spouse
Beneficiary must commence on or be-
fore the later of:

(i) December 31 of the calendar year imme-
diately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died; or

(ii) December 31 of the calendar year in
which the Participant would have at-
tained age 70-1/2.

(B) K no election is made prior to the re-
quired beginning date described in Sec-
tion 5.06b(l)(A), the benefit shall be
paid in the form of a single life annuity.

(2) If the Participant's Beneficiary is not the
siuviving spouse, the Participant's Ac-
count shall be distributed to his/her
Beneficiary:

(A) by December 31 of the calendeu- year in
which the fifth anniversary of the Partici-
pant's date of death occurs; or

(B) over the life of such designated Benefi-
ciary (or over a period not extending be-
yond the life expectancy of such desig-
nated Beneficiary) provided such
distribution begins not later than De-
cember 31 of the calendar year immedi-
ately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died.

(i) For purposes of Section 5.06b(2), the
election by a designated Beneficiary to
be excepted fi-om the 5-year distribution
requirement must be made no later than
December 31 of the calendar year fol-
lowing the calendar year of the Partici-
pant's death.

(ii) An election by a designated Beneficiary
must be in writing and shall be irrevoca-
ble as of the last day of the election pe-
riod stated herein.

(iii) In the absence of an election by tiie
Participant or a designated Beneficiary,
the 5-year distribution requirement
shall apply.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.06b(l) or Section 5.06b(2), if tiie
present value of a deceased Participan-
t's Account, including the value of any
Supplement One benefit that may be
payable, is equal to or less than $3,500
at the time of his/her death, the Admin-
istrator may direct the Trustee to distrib-
ute the full amount to the Participant's
Beneficiary without the consent of the
Beneficiary.

(4) If the distribution of a Participant's in-
terest had begun and the Participant
dies before his/her entire interest has
been distributed to him/her, the remain-
ing portion of such interest shall be dis-
tributed at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution selected piu-su-
ant to Section 5.05 as of his/her date of
death.

5.07 Distribution of Benefits in the Event of
Disability.

a. A Disabled Participant may elect to receive
one of the following benefits fi-om his/her
Account:

(1) a one-time lump-sum payment in an
amount not to exceed 25% of the Partici-
pant's Account; or

(2) an annual or monthly annuity for a pe-
riod of 5, 10, 15, or 20 years certain
(but not for a period extending beyond
the life expectancy of the Participant)
based on an amount not to exceed 25%
of the Account

b. If the Participant is married at the time
he/she makes an election pursuant to Sec-
tion 5.07a above, such election shall not be
valid without the consent of the Participant's

462

DCA Advance Edition

spouse given in accordance with the proce-
dures stated in Section 5.05a(3).

5.08 Benefit Increases. The amount of any
monthly annuity benefit payable iinder Sec-
tions 5.05 or 5.06 shall be determined ac-
tuarially on the basis of the account value
such that the amount shall be increased by
2%, or remain the same or be increased by
3% or 4% or 5%, if so elected by the Partici-
pant at the time of application, or the Bene-
ficiary at the time benefits commence, as
applicable, under Sections 5.05 and 5.06.
These increases shall occiu" on each anniver-
sary of the Annuity Starting Date.

5.09 Single Sum Payment of Benefits.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan
to the contrary, if the amount payable as a
monthly annuity to the Participant or Bene-
ficiary from all plans administered by the
Administrator is less than the minimum
amount estabhshed by the Trustee fi'om
time to time, the Administrator may, in its
absolute discretion, require the Vested
amounts in the Participant's Accoimt to be
paid to the Participant or Beneficiary in a
single siun. A single sxun payment provided
for under this subsection may be made to
the Participant at any time following termi-
nation of employment and prior to the com-
mencement of payment of benefits under an-
other form of payment

b. If benefits are payable to an individual's
estate or to another non-person, benefits
shall be paid in a single sum.

5.10 Du-ect RoUover.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to
the contrary that would otherwise Umit a
distributee's election under this Section, a
"distributee" may elect, at the time and in
the manner prescribed by the Administra-
tor, to have any portion of an "eligible roll-
over distribution" paid directiy to an "eligi-
ble retirement plan" specified by the
distributee in a "direct rollover."

b. For purposes of this Section the following
definitions shall apply:

(1) An "eligible rollover distribution" is any
distribution of all or any portion of the
balance to the credit of the distributee,
except that an eligible rollover distribu-
tion does not include any distribution
that is one of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments (not less fre-
quently than annually) made for the life

(or life expectancy) of the distributee or
the joint Uves (or joint life expectancies)
of the distributee and the distributee's
designated beneficiary, or for a specified
period often years or more; any distribu-
tion to the extent such distribution is re-
quired under Code section 401(a)(9);
and the portion of any distribution that is
not includible in gross income.

(2) An "eligible retirement plan" is an indi-
vidual retirement account described in
Code section 408(a), an individual re-
tirement annuity described in Code sec-
tion 408(b), or an annuity arrangement
described in Code section 403(b), that
accepts the distributee's eligible rollover
distribution. However, in the case of an
eligible rollover distribution to the sur-
viving spouse, an eligible retirement
plan is an individual retirement account
or individual retirement annuity.

(3) A "distributee" includes a Participant or
Terminated Participant. In addition, the
Participant's or Terminated Participan-
t's surviving spouse and the Participan-
t's or Terminated Participant's spouse
or former spouse who is the alternate
payee under a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, as defined in Code section
414(p), are distributees with regard to
the interest of die spouse or former
spouse.

(4) A "direct rollover" is a payment by the
Plan to the eligible retirement plan
specified by the distributee.

5.11 Relinquishment of Benefits. A Participant or
Beneficiary who is receiving benefit pay-
ments fi-om this Plan may relinquish all or a
portion of the benefits payable after the re-
linquishment is made. Unless the relin-
quishment by its terms was made irrevoca-
ble, he/she may revoke such relinquishment
with respect to benefits that become payable
after the revocation of the relinquishment
Amounts not used to pay benefits because of
the relinquishment shedl remain in the ap-
propriate fund for payment of benefits gen-
erally.

5.12 Refusal of Benefit The Beneficiary has the
right to refuse or disclaim a benefit which
he/she is otherwise entitied to receive. The
refusal must be of the entire benefit The
effect of such refusal is to treat the Benefici-
ary as if he/she had predeceased the Partici-
pant

Financial Administration

463

5.13 Distribution for Minor Beneficiary. In the
event a distribution is to be made to a minor,
the Administrator may direct that such dis-
tribution be paid to the legal guardian, or if
none, to a parent of such Beneficiary or a
responsible adult with whom the Beneficiary
maintains his/her residence, or to the custo-
dian for such Beneficiary under the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if
such is permitted by the laws of the state in
which said Beneficiary resides. Such a pay-
ment to the legal guardian, custodian or par-
ent of a minor Beneficieiry shall fully dis-
charge the Administrator, Trustee, Plan
Sponsor, and Plan fi-om further liability on
account thereof.

5.14 Facility of Payment Whenever in the Admin-
istrator's opinion a person entitied to receive
any payment of a benefit under the Plan is
under a legal disability or is incapacitated in
any way so as to be imable to manage such
person's financial af^rs, the Administrator
may direct the Trustee to make payments
directly to the person, to the person's legal
representative, or to a relative or friend of
the person to be used exclusively for such
person's benefit, or apply any such payment
for the benefit of the person in such manner
as the Administrator deems advisable. The
decision of the Administrator, in each case,
shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon
all persons ever interested hereunder. The
Administrator shall not be obligated to see to
the proper appUcation or expenditure of any
payment so made. Any benefit payment (or
installment thereof) made in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection shall
completely discharge the obligation for mak-
ing such payment under the Plan.

5.15 Notification of Meiiling Address. Each Par-
ticipant and other person entitied to benefits
hereunder shall from time to time file with
the Administrator, in a form acceptable to
the Administrator, such person's mailing ad-
dress and change of mailing address. Any
check representing any payment due here-
under, and any communication forwarded to
a Participant or Beneficiary at the last known
address as indicated by tiie records of the
Administrator shall constitute adequate pay-
ment to such person and be binding on such
person for all purposes of the Plan. The Ad-
ministrator shall not be under any obligation
to search for or ascertain the whereabouts of
any such person.

5.16 Application for Benefits. The benefits pay-
able hereunder to Participants and Benefici-
aries shall not become payable until such

individuals have made application to the Ad-
ministrator for such benefits. However, not-
withstanding this provision, a Participant or
alternate payee shall be deemed to have made
application for benefits on the "required be-
ginning date" as described in Section
5.05e(2) if on that date the current mailing
address of the Participant or alternate payee
is on file with the Administrator. A Participan-
t's Beneficiary shall be deemed to have made
application for benefits on the date benefit
payments are reqixired to commence in ac-
cordance with Section 5.06b(l) and Section
5.06b(2) if on that date the ciurent mailing
address of the Beneficiary is on file with the
Administrator.

5.17 Unclaimed Benefit

a. If a Participant fails to properly claim a bene-
fit due hereunder prior to the "required be-
ginning date," as defined in Section
5.05e(2) and there is no current mailing
address on file with the Administrator, the
Administrator shall send a certified letter to
the last known address of the PeuHcipant
indicating that the Pftrticipant has 60 days
to claim such benefit If the Participant fails
to claim the benefit within the 60-day pe-
riod, the Participant shall be deemed, in
accordance with rules and regulations
adopted by the Administrator, to have relin-
quished any benefit that may be payable to
the Participant

b. The failure of a Beneficiary to properly claim
a benefit due hereunder diuing the stated
time period, or if no time period is stated,
then within two years of being eUgible to
receive the benefit, shall cause the benefit to
be considered to have been refused and for-
feited and shall cause the benefit to be paid
to the secondary Beneficiary or default
Beneficiary in accordance with the Plan. If
the last default Beneficiary does not claim
the benefit within a two-year period com-
mencing with the date on which he/she be-
came eligible to receive the benefit, the
benefit shall be considered to be refused
and forfeited by said Beneficiary. After the
last two-year period has expired, the Admin-
istrator shall send a certified letter to the last
known address of the last default Benefici-
ary indicating that the Beneficiary has 60
days to claim such benefit Failure to claim
the benefit within the 60-day time period
shall cause the benefit to be forfeited. Such
forfeited amounts shall be added to the re-
serves of the Plan. However, any such for-
feited amount will be reinstated and become
payable if a claim is made by the estate of the

464

DCA Advance Edition

Participant or Beneficiary. The Administra-
tor shall prescribe uniform and nondiscrimi-
natory rules for carrying out this provision.

5.18 limitations of Benefits and Distributions. All
rights and benefits, including elections, pro-
vided to a Participant in this Plan shall be
subject to the rights afforded to any "alter-
nate payee" under a "qualified domestic re-
lations order." Furthermore, a distribution
to an "alternate payee" shall be permitted if
such distribution is authorized by a "quali-
fied domestic relations order," even if the
affected Participant has not reached the
"earliest retirement age" under the Plan. For
the purposes of this Section, the terms "al-
ternate payee," "qualified domestic relations
order," and "earliest retirement age" shall
have the meaning set forth under Code sec-
tion 414(p).

Article VI Trustee

6.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Section VII:

a. To invest, manage and control the Plan as-
sets;

b. At the direction of the Administrator, to pay
benefits required imder the Plan to be paid
to Participants, or, in the event of tiieir
death, to their Beneficiaries;

c. To maintain records of receipts and dis-
biu-sements and fiimish to the Administra-
tor for each Plan Year a written annual re-
port;

d. To invest the assets of the trust for the ex-
clusive purpose of providing benefits to Par-
ticipants and Beneficiaries and defi'aying
reasonable expenses of the Pleui. Such in-
vesting shall be done in accordance with
investment policies that reflect the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church.

6.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the Trus-
tee.

a. The Trustee sheill invest and reinvest the
assets of the Plan to keep the assets of the
Plan invested without distinction between
principal and income and in such secxuities
or property, real or personal, wherever situ-
ated, as the Trustee shall deem advisable,
including, but not limited to, stocks, com-
mon or preferred, bonds and other evi-
dences of indebtedness or ownership, and
real estate or any interest therein. The Trus-

tee shall at all times in making investments of
the assets of the Plan consider, among other
factors, the short and long-term financial
needs of the Plan on the basis of information
furnished by the Plan Sponsor. In making
such investments, the Trustee shall not be
restricted to securities or other property of
the character expressly authorized by the ap-
plicable law for trust investments; however,
the Trustee shall give due regard to any limi-
tations imposed by the Code or the Act

b. The Trustee may employ a bank or trust
company piu'suant to the terms of its usual
and customary bank agency agreement, un-
der which the duties of such bank or trust
company shall be of a custodial, clerical and
record-keeping nature.

c. The Trustee may create a trust to hold and
invest all or any part of the assets of the
Plan. The Trustee shall have the right to
determine the form and substance of each
trust agreement under which any part of the
assets of the Plan is held, subject only to the
requirement that they are not inconsistent
witii the terms of the Plan.

6.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Trustee's sole
discretion:

a. To piu'chase, or subscribe for, any securities
or other property and to retain the same. In
conjunction with the purchase of sectuities,
margin accoiuits may be opened and main-
tained;

b. To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, grant
options to piu'chase, or otherwise dispose of
any securities or other property held by the
Trustee, by private contract or at public auc-
tion. No person dealing with the Trustee
shall be bound to see to the application of
the purchase money or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any such
sale or other disposition, with or without
advertisement;

c. To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
securities; to give general or special proxies
or powers of attorney with or without power
of substitution; to exercise any conversion
privileges, subscription rights or other op-
tions, and to make any payments incident
thereto; to oppose, or to consent to, or oth-
erwise participate in, corporate reorganiza-

Financial Administration

465

tions or other changes affecting corporate se-
curities, and to delegate discretionary pow-
ers, and to pay any assessments or charges in
connection therewith; and generally to exer-
cise any of the powers of an owner with re-
spect to stocks, bonds, securities, or other
property;

d. To cause any securities or other property to
be registered in the Trustee's own name or
in the name of one or more of the Trustee's
nominees, and to hold any investments in
bearer form, but the books and records of
the Trustee shall at all times show that all
such investments are part of the assets of the
Plan;

e. To borrow or raise money for the purposes
of the Plan in such amount, and upon such
terms and conditions, as the Trustee shall
deem advisable; and for any sum so bor-
rowed, to issue a promissory note as Trus-
tee, and to secxu"e the repayment thereof by
pledging all, or any part, of the assets of the
Plan; and no person lending money to the
Trustee shall be bound to see to the applica-
tion of the money lent or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any bor-
rowing;

f. To keep such portion of the assets of the Plan

in cash or cash balances as the Trustee may,
from time to time, deem to be in the best
interests of the Plan, without liability for in-
terest thereon;

g. To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any securities
or other property received or acquired as
trustee hereunder, whether or not such se-
curities or other property would normally be
purchased as investments hereunder;

h. To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any and all documents of transfer and con-
veyance and any and all other instruments
that may be necessary or appropriate to
carty out the powers herein granted;

i. To settle, compromise, or submit to arbitra-
tion any claims, debts, or damages due or
owing to or from the Plan, to commence or
defend suits or legal or administrative pro-
ceedings, and to represent the Plan in all
suits and legal and administrative proceed-
ings;

j. To employ suitable ^ents and counsel and
to pay their reasonable expenses and com-
pensation, and such agent or counsel may or
may not be agent or cotmsel for the Plan
Sponsor;

k. To invest in Treasury Bills and other forms
of United States government obligations;

1. To sell, purchase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and pur-
chased through a national securities ex-
change registered under the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended, or, if the
options are not traded on a national securi-
ties exchange, are guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange;

m. To deposit monies in federaUy insured sav-
ings accounts or certificates of deposit in
banks or savings and loan associations;

n. To pool all or any of the assets of the Plan,
from time to time, with assets belonging to
any other employee benefit plan created by
a unit of The United Methodist Church or an
affiliated unit of The United Methodist
Church, and to commingle such assets and
make joint or common investments and
carry joint accounts on behalf of this Plan
and such other trust or trusts, allocating
undivided shares or interests in such invest-
ments or accounts or any pooled assets of
the two or more trusts in accordance with
their respective interests.

o. To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not specifi-
cally mentioned herein, as the Trustee may
deem necessary to carry out the ptuposes of
the Plan.

6.04 Valuation. Participants' Accounts shall be
credited with interest at a rate to be deter-
mined by the Trustee. Any excess of the ac-
tual investment experience, including unre-
alized appreciation over the interest credited
to accounts in a Plan Year, shall be credited
to an investment reserve accotmtfrom which
the Trustee may withdraw funds in succeed-
ing years in order to stabilize the rate of
interest credited to Accounts from year to
year.

6.05 Funding Through Insurance Contracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Participemt or a Participant's Beneficiary
from assets held by the Trustee, enter into a
contract (or contracts) or an agreement (or
agreements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (from such as-
sets) of one or more insurance contracts
which provide benefits which are substan-
tially the actuarial equivalent of those pro-
vided for such Participant or Beneficiary un-
der the Plan.

466

DCA Advance Edition

6.06 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with
another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a controlled group.

Article VII Administration

7.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The
primary responsibility of the Administrator
is to administer the Plan for the exclusive
benefit of the Participants and their Benefi-
ciaries, subject to the terms of the Plan. The
Administrator shall administer the Plan in
accordance with its terms and shall have the
power and discretion to construe the terms
of the Plan and to determine all questions
arising in connection with the administra-
tion, interpretation, and application of the
Plan. Any such determination by the Admin-
istrator shall be conclusive and binding
upon all persons. The Administrator, in ad-
dition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Administrator's
sole discretion:

a. To establish procedures, correct any defect,
supply any information, or reconcile any in-
consistency in such manner and to such ex-
tent as shall be deemed necessary or advis-
able to carry out the piupose of the Plan;

b. To determine all questions relating to the
eUgibihty of Clergypersons to participate or
remain a Participant hereunder and to re-
ceive benefits under the Plan;

c. To compute, certify, and direct the Trustee
with respect to the amoiuit and the kind of
benefits to which any Participant shall be
entitled herexmder;

d. In its sole discretion, to construe and inter-
pret the Plan and make administrative rules
in accordance therewith, and to resolve or
otherwise decide matters not specifically
covered by the terms and provisions of the
Plan;

e. To maintain all necessary records for the
administration of the Plan;

f. To interpret the provisions of the Plan and
meike and pubhsh such rules for regulation
of the Plan as are consistent with the terms
hereof;

g. to file, or cause to be filed, all such annual
reports, returns, schedules, descriptions, fi-
nancial statements and other statements as

may be required by any federal or state stat-
ute, agency, or authority;

h. to obtain from the Plan Sponsors and Cler-
gypersons such information as shall be nec-
essary to the proper administration of the
Plan;

i. To specify actuarial assumptions and meth-
ods for use in determining contributions and
benefits under the Plan.

j. To assist any Participant regarding his/her
rights, benefits or elections available under
the Plan.

7.02 Records and Reports. The Administrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and other data that may be necessfuy
for proper administration of the Plan and
shall be responsible for supplying all infor-
mation and reports to appropriate govern-
ment entities. Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as required by law.

7.03 Duties of the Plan Sponsor. The Plan Spon-
sor shall assume the following duties with
respect to the Plan:

a. To enroll Clergypersons, as applicable;

b. To maintain records of a Participant's serv-
ice;

c. To maintain records of a Participant's Com-
pensation;

d. To provide the Administrator with the statis-
tical data and other statistical information
satisfactory to the Administrator within a
reasonable time after a request by the Ad-
ministrator sufficient to enable the Adminis-
trator to discharge its duties under the Plem;

e. To register with and report to government
agencies, as appropriate;

f. To property notify Clergypersons of their
rights and obhgations tmder the Plan.

7.04 Fees and Expenses. All expenses incurred
by the Administrator and Trustee in connec-
tion with the administration of this Plan shall
be paid by the Plan.

a. The Trustee has the authority to determine
administrative and expense charges and the
methods for applying such charges.

b. The Trustee is authorized to deduct from the
Plan's reserves, funds, contributions,
and/or earnings thereon, the expenses and

Financial Administration

467

fees necessary or appropriate to the admini-
stration of the Plan, including an allocable
share of the Administrator's operating ex-
penses.

c. The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing non-
routine reports and services for Plan Spon-
sors and Participants and to require the
Plan Sponsor or Participant to pay for such
non-routine reports and service.

7.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimburse the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses incurred by the Administrator
or Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
counsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, summons or other
similar pleading by the Internal Revenue
Service or by any other party, including the
parties to marital Utigation, in Utigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a party, or is a party only by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiduciary in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant

7.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,
actuarial and other services as it may require
in carrying out the provisions of this Plan.
The Administrator may rely on any certifi-
cate, notice or direction, oral or written, pur-
porting to have been signed or communi-
cated on behalf of the Plan Sponsor,
Participant, or others which the Administra-
tor believes to have been signed or commu-
nicated by persons authorized to act on be-
half of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or
others, as applicable. The Administrator
may request instructions in writing from the
Plim Sponsor, Participant or others, as ap-
plicable, on other matters, and may rely and
act thereon. The Administrator may not be
held responsible for any loss caused by its
acting upon any notice, direction or certiJBca-
tion of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or oth-
ers, which the Administrator reasonably be-
lieves to be genuine and communicated by
an authorized person.

7.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
tmder the Plan shall be filed with the Admin-

istrator on forms supplied by the Administra-
tor. Written notice of tfie disposition of a claim
shall be furnished to the Plan Sponsor and to
the claimant within 45 days after all required
forms and materials related to the application
therefor are filed.

7.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
under the Plan is wholly or partially denied,
the claimant shall be given notice in writing,
within a reasonable period of time after re-
ceipt of the claim by the Plan, written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the
claimant, setting forth the following informa-
tion:

a. the specific reasons for such denial;

b. specific reference to pertinent Plan provi-
sions on which the denial is based;

c. a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to
perfect the claim and an explemation of wliy
such material or information is necessary;
and

d. an explanation of the Plan's appeals proce-
dtu'es.

A "reasonable time" for such notice shall not
exceed 45 days after the filing of the original
claim or 45 days after the request for or
submission of any additional data or docu-
ments requested by the Administrator, or, if
special circumstances require an extension
of time, written notice of tiie extension shall
be furnished to the claimant and an addi-
tional 90 days will be considered reason-
able.

7.09. Appeals fi"om Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereunder, the Par-
ticipant shall have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procedures:

a. Intermediary Appeal Procedure. The Admin-
istrator shall establish an intermediary ap-
peals procedure containing no more than a
three-level process.

b. Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermediary appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

468

DCA Advance Edition

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final and not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermedieuy process has
been completed and if tiie Participant's
claim is still fiilly or partially denied, the
claimant shall be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
Appeals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with the Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days after such notice has
been received by the claimant.

(A) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed
by the claimant

(B) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(C) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the Appeals
Committee at its next meeting, luiless
special circiunstances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeals Commit-
tee.

(D) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting docimients must be filed
with the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the
Appeals Conmiittee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee af-
ter that time can or will be considered by
the Appeals Committee except by its
leave and discretion.

(E) The claimant, his or her duly authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Plan Sponsor, may request permission
to appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence with re-
spect to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the Appeals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personeil appearance must be borne by
tiie claimant or the Plan Sponsor.

(F) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting from an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to

the pertinent Plan provisions on which
the decision is based, and such written
notice shall be mailed to the claimant by
the staff of the Administrator within 15
days following the action by the Ap[>eals
Committee.

7.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law with
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
and conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
unless and imtil such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an
Appeal as set fortii in Sections 7.07 to 7.09
of this Plan.

7.11 Basis of Determination of Amount of Benefit.
The amount of any monthly benefit provided
for under Article V which is to be based upon
the Participant's Account in the Plan shall
be the actuarial equivalent of such Account,
determined on the basis of the mortality ta-
ble and rate of interest adopted by the Ad-
ministrator for such purpose. Upon the Ac-
count being converted to an annuity, the
Accoimt shall be closed and the annuity
shall become an obligation of the appropri-
ate fund.

7.12 limitation of liabihty. All benefits heretinder
are contingent upon, and payable solely
from, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment resxdts
of the Trustee. No financial obhgations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assumed by the
Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Plan attributable to a Partici-
pant's accounts have been transferred to a
trust as provided in Section 6.02c, all bene-
fits to which the Participant is entitied imder
this Plan shall be provided only out of such
trust and only to the extent the trust is ade-
quate therefor. The members of the Admin-
istrator shall not personally be responsible
or otherwise Uable for tiie payment of any
benefits hereunder.

Article Vni Amendment and Termination

8.01 Amendment of the Plan. The General Con-
ference may amend any or all provisions of
this Plan at any time by written instnmient
identified as an amendment of the Plan ef-
fective as of a specified date. However, the
Administrator is authorized to amend any or
all provisions of this Plan at any time by such
written instrument in order to conform the

Financial Administration

469

Plan to any applicable law and/or regulations
promulgated thereunder.

8.02 Termination of the Plan. The General Con-
ference shall have the right to terminate the
Plan at any time in a manner and to the
extent not inconsistent with the Book of Disci-
pline. Upon termination of the Plan, the ac-
counts of Participants shall be nonforfeitable
and either distributed outright or held for
distribution in accordance with the terms of
the Plan. The assets remaining in the Plan
after all obligations of the Plan have been
satisfied shall be distributed pursuant to ac-
tion by the General Conference.

Article DC Adoption Agreement

9.01 A Plan Sponsor shall annually complete an
Adoption Agreement in which the Plan
Sponsor shall indicate the various elections
wiiich it is required to make pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan.

9.02 The Adoption Agreement shall be in a form
prescribed by the Administrator.

9.03 The Adoption Agreement shall not become
effective until it is accepted by the Adminis-
trator.

9.04 If a Plan Sponsor &ils to complete a new
Adoption Agreement for the next Plan Year
at least thirty days prior to the beginning of
the next Plan Year, and:

a. if the Plan Sponsor is one described in Sec-
tion 2.30a, b, or c herein, the current Adop-
tion Agreement will remain in force for the
next Plan Year.

b. if the Plan Sponsor is one described in Sec-
tion 2.30d herein, the current Adoption
Agreement would remain in force until sixty
days after such time as a new Adoption
Agreement is accepted by the Administrator.

Article X Miscellaneous

10.01 Rules and Forms. The Administrator shall
have the authority and responsibility to:

a. adopt rules, regulations and policies for the
administration of this Plan, in all matters not spe-
cifically covered by General Conference legislation
or by reasonable implication; and

b. prescribe such forms and records as are
needed for the administration of the Plan.

10.02 Non-alienation of Benefits. No benefits pay-
able at any time under the Plem shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale.

transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or encumbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or oth-
erwise encumber such benefit, whether pres-
entiy or thereafter payable, shall be void. Ex-
cept as provided in Section 10.04 hereof, no
benefit nor any fiind under the Plan shall in
any manner be liable for, or subject to, the
debts or liabilities of any Participant or other
person entitied to any benefit.

10.03 Non-reversion. The Plan Sponsor shall
have no right, tide, or interest in the contri-
butions made to the funds under the Plan,
and no part of the funds shall revert to the
Plan Sponsor, except that:

a. upon termination of the Plan and the alloca-
tion and distribution of the funds as pro-
vided in Articles IV and V hereof, any mo-
nies remaining because of an erroneous
actuarial computation after the satisfaction
of all fixed and contingent liabilities under
the Plan may revert to the applicable Plan
Sponsor; and

b. if a contribution is made to the Plan by the
participating Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying
Unit by a mistake of fact, then such contri-
bution shall be returned to the participating
Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit upon
request within one year after the Plan Spon-
sor or Salary-Paying Unit has reported and
documented such mistake to the Adminis-
trator.

10.04 Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The
provisions of Section 10.02 notwithstand-
ing, all or part of a Participant's Vested bene-
fits arising under this Plan, including Sup-
plement One, may be transferred to one or
more "alternate payees" on the basis of a
"qualified domestic relations order," as
those terms Jire defined in Code section
414(p), provided that (1) the Participant
makes an assignment of benefits pursuant to
the order, and the alternate payee accepts
said assignment, on the forms provided by
the Administrator; (2) said order was issued
by a court having jurisdiction over the Ad-
ministrator; or (3) said order was entered by
any other court if the Administrator, in its
sole discretion, determines that the order is
likely to be entered by a court having juris-
diction over the Administrator.

a. When appropriate, the Administrator shall
provide a Participant involved in marital liti-
gation with information regarding the nature
and value of the Participant's benefits and

470

DCA Advance Edition

shall assist the Participant and the court in
interpreting that information.

b. The Administrator shall estabUsh a written
procedure to determine the qualified status
of domestic relations orders and to adminis-
ter distributions under such qualified or-
ders. Such procedure shall provide that dur-
ing the period in which a determination is
being made with respect to the qualified
status of an order received by the Adminis-
trator and for thirty days thereafter, (1) the
Administrator will direct the Trustee to seg-
regate and separately account for any sums
payable to the Participant which the order
requires to be paid to the alternate payee;
and (2) the Participant will be prohibited
fi'om electing to set up an annuity or to re-
ceive any other distribution which would
compromise the rights granted to the alter-
nate payee by the order, without the alter-
nate payee's written consent

c. Neither the alternate payee nor any person
claiming through the alternate payee shall
have the right (1) to transfer benefits to an-
other alternate payee; (2) to receive a surviv-
ing spouse benefit arising from the Partici-
pant's pre-1982 service; or (3) to receive
benefits in the form of a joint and siuvivor
annuity with respect to the alternate payee
and any subsequent spouse.

(1) In all other respects, the benefits trans-
ferred pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order shall be administered in
accordance with the provisions of this
Plan, and the alternate payee shall have
all the rights and duties of a fully Vested
Terminated Participant with respect
thereto.

(2) With respect to benefits transferred to an
alternate payee pm-suant to this section,
the alternate payee shall have all of the
rights of a Terminated Participant, to the
exclusion of any claim thereto on the
part of the Participant.

d. A subpoena or other instnunent of judicial
process (1) wliich is directed to the Admin-
istrator, its constituent corporations, or its
officers or employees, (2) which appears on
its face to be issued in the course of marital
litigation to which a Participant is a party,
and (3) which seeks information regarding
the nature or value of the Participant's pen-
sion benefits, may be honored by the Admin-
istrator, in its sole discretion, without inter-
posing any defense on the grounds of
technical or jiuisdictional defect

e. Costs incurred by the Administrator in the
process which culminates in the transfer of
benefits piu-suant to a qualified domestic re-
lations order, including but not limited to
attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and a
reasonable charge for services provided by
the Administrator, shall be charged against
the benefits of the Participant and the alter-
nate payee in equal shares tuiless a different
division of said costs is provided in the or-
der.

10.05 Reemployment In the event a Former Par-
ticipant is made effective and placed Under
Episcopal Appointment, the payment of pen-
sion benefits then being paid hereimder
shall be suspended, the annuity or annuities
reconverted to account balances on an actu-
arially equivalent basis, and the Former Par-
ticipant reinstated as a Participant In the
event a Former Participant is imder an ap-
pointment but not in the effective relation,
the pension benefits then being paid hereun-
der shall continue and the Former Partici-
pant shall not be reinstated as a Participant

10.06 Construction. The Plan and each of its pro-
visions shall be construed and their validity
determined by the laws of the State of Illi-
nois, other than its laws respecting choice of
law, to the extent such laws are not preemp-
ted by any federal law.

10.07 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Plan Sponsor shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Administrator, Trustee,
Participants, any employee, and any other
person or persons to whom the Plan Spon-
sor, Trustee or Administrator has delegated
fiduciary or other duties under the Plan,
against any and all claims, losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities arising from any act
or failure to act that constitutes or is alleged
to constitute a breach of such person's re-
sponsibilities in connection with the Plan
under any applicable law, unless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful nusconduct, or willful failure to act

10.08 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dispute
arises out of or related to the relationship
between the Plan Sponsor and the Adminis-
trator or Trustee, the parties agree first to try
in good faith to settie the dispute by media-
tion through the American Arbitration Asso-
ciation, or another mediation/arbitration
service mutually agreed upon by the parties,
before resorting to arbitration. Thereafter,
any remaining unresolved controversy or
claim arising out of or relating to the relation-
ship between the Plan Sponsor and the Ad-

Financial Administration

471

ministrator or Trustee shall be settled by
binding arbitration through the American Ar-
bitration Association, or the other media-
tion/arbitration service which had been mu-
tually agreed upon by the parties.

a. The site of the mediation and/or arbitration
shall be in a city mutually agreed to by die
parties which is not located within the
boundaries of the Plan Sponsor.

b. The laws of the State of Illinois shall apply in
situations where federal law is not applica-
ble. The applicable rules of the selected
service shall apply. If the service allows the
parties to choose the number of zu-bitrators,
unless another number is mutually agreed
to, any arbitration hereunder shaU be before
at least three arbitrators, and the award of
the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall
be final, and judgment upon the award ren-
dered may be entered in any court, state or
federal, having juirisdiction.

c. The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equally by the parties. The fees and
costs of arbitration shall be allocated to the
parties by the arbitrators.

10.09 Tides and Headings. The tides and head-
ings of the Articles and Sections of this in-
strument are placed herein for convenience
of reference only, and in the case of any
conflicts, the text of this instrument, rather
than the tides or headings, shall control.

10.10 Number. Wherever used herein, the singu-
lar shall include the plural and the plural
shall include the singular, except where the
context requires otherwise.

Supplement One to the Ministerial Pension Plan
Article A

A.01 Prior Plans. Effective January 1, 1982, the
Ministers Reserve Pension Fund, the Partial
Reserve Pension Fimd, the Local Pastors
Reserve Pension Fund, the Senior Plan, the
Ministers Reserve Pension Plan, or the Cur-
rent Income Distribution Pension Plan
(hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Prior Plans") were merged into the Minis-
terial Pension Plan. The benefits payable
under the Prior Plans shall be paid in ac-
cordance with the provisions of the Ministe-
rial Pension Plan, as supplemented by this
Supplement One thereto, and shall benefit
members of the Participating Group No. 1
(See Article C.Ol below).

A-02 Use of Assets of Prior Plan. The assets of the
Prior Plans (other than those in the Disabil-
ity and Survivor Benefit Fund) are desig-
nated as a part of this Plan for the purpose
of funding the past service benefits under
this Supplement for such persons. Said as-
sets shall be collectively referred to as the
Reserve Pension Fund and shall be ac-
counted for separate and apart fi-om the
other funds under the Plan. The assets of the
Prior Plans in the Disability and Survivor
Benefit Fund shall be transferred to the
Comprehensive Protection Plan, which shall
supersede and replace the provisions of the
Prior Plans related to the Disability and Sur-
vivor Benefit Fund.

A. 03 Adoption Agreement Each Conference hav-
ing Participants in Participating Group No.
1 shall execute a separate Adoption Agree-
ment hereto setting forth the Pension Rate
applicable to such Participants, the contri-
bution rate, and any other provisions specifi-
cally applicable to such Conference. A Con-
ference shall have the right to periodically
execute a new Adoption Agreement applica-
ble to it However, in no case may any new
Adoption Agreement reduce the Pension
Rate or the percentage which is payable to
surviving spouses in accordance with Sec-
tion E.02. In addition, no Adoption Agree-
ment shall provide for a Pension Rate which
is less than eight-tenths of one percent of the
Conference Average Compensation as com-
puted by the Administrator.

Article B Definitions

The following terms shall have the respective
meanings set forth below for purposes of this Sup-
plement, and when the defined meaning is in-
tended the term is capitalized:

B.Ol "Approved Service" means a Participant's or
retired Participant's years and fi'actions of
years of service rendered prior to January 1 ,
1982, with pension credit on a Conference,
as evidenced by the Participant's service re-
cord maintained by the Administrator. A
Participant's service record shall be subject
to correction in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Book of Discipline.

B.02 "Formula Benefit" means an annual benefit
which shall be the sum of:

(a) the products of a Participant's Approved
Service as Clergy and the applicable Clergy
Pension Rate and

(b) the product of such Participant's Approved
Service as a local pastor and the appUcable

472

DCA Advance Edition

local pastor's Pension Rate, reduced by the
lesser of (i) one-half of 1% per month or frac-
tion of a month of age less than 65 years
attained on the date the benefit is to com-
mence or (ii) one-half of 1% per month for
each month of difference between the as-
smned date at which 40 years of service un-
der appointment would have been completed
said the actual date the benefit is to com-
mence.

B.03 "Pension Rate" means the sum payable for
each year of Approved Service, as deter-
mined by the Conference, and set forth in the
applicable Adoption Agreement and funded
in accordance with Article D herein. The rec-
ommended Pension Rate is 1% of the Con-
ference Average Compensation.

B.04 "Personal Contributions Accumulation"
means the sum of the amount standing to the
credit of a Participant as of December 31,

1981, in such Participant's individual ac-
count under the Prior Plan, based on contri-
butions made by such Participant and inter-
est credited thereon prior to January 1,

1982, and the amount of interest credited
thereon after December 31, 1981, by the
Trustee.

B.05 "Personal Contributions Annuity" means an
annuity during life, payable in monthly in-
stallments in advance, on the basis of the
actuarial equivalent of the Personal Contri-
butions Accumulation.

B.06 "Service Annuity Accumulation" means the
sum of the amount standing to the credit of
a Participant as of December 31, 1981, in
such Participant's reserve account under
the Prior Plans, based on contributions
made by the applicable Conference or Sal-
ary-Paying Unit on behalf of the Participant
and interest credited thereon prior to Janu-
ary 1, 1982, and the amount of interest
credited thereon after December 31, 1981,
by the Trustee.

B.07 "Service Annuity" means an annuity diuing
life, payable in monthly installments in ad-
vance, on the basis of the actuarial equiva-
lent of the Service Annuity Accumulation.
The annuity shall be determined actuarially
such that it shall increase annually in ac-
cordance with the percentage increase, if
any, elected by the applicable Conference
emd set forth in the Addendum.

Article C Eligibility

C.Ol Description of Participating Group No. 1. All
Participants in the Plan on January 1, 1982,

who on December 31,1981, were covered by
the Prior Plans and all other persons who on
December 31,1981, were receiving pension
benefits or were entitled to receive deferred
Vested pension benefits from the Prior Plans
are members of Participating Group No. 1
and are eligible to receive benefits piu-suant
to the provisions of this Supplement One.

Article D Funding of Benefits

D.Ol Conference Liability. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Supplement, the
past service benefits provided under Article
E shall be funded by the appUcable Confer-
ence by making annual past service contri-
butions through the Trustee in accordance
with the schedule for such contributions de-
termined by the Administrator on the basis
of periodic actuarial valuations. The respon-
sibility for providing pension on account of
service rendered prior to Janueuy 1, 1982,
in a Missionary Conference, Provisional An-
nual Conference, or former Mission within
the United States or Puerto Rico, which has
been approved for pension credit, shall rest
jointly with (a) the Missionary Conference,
Provisional Annual Conference, or former
Mission concerned, (b) the General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits with funds pro-
vided by the General Council on Finance and
Administration, and (c) the National Divi-
sion of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries. The revenue for pension ptuposes cov-
ering such service in a Missionary
Conference, Provisional Annual Conference,
or former Mission with the United States or
Puerto Rico shall be provided by the afore-
said parties in accordance with such plan or
plans as may be mutu£illy agreed to by them.

D.02 Amortization of Liability. The initial un-
funded liability for such past service bene-
fits, based on the Pension Rate in effect as
of January 1, 1982, shall be funded by an-
nual past service contributions at least equal
to the greater of the amount required to am-
ortize the unfunded accrued past service li-
ability over a period not to exceed 40 years,
or the amount of unfunded past service
benefits paid out dtuing the year.

D.03 Determination of Initial Unfunded Portion.
In determining the initial unfunded portion
of the accrued past service liability as of
January 1, 1982, the following items shall
be subtracted from the total accrued past
service liability:

a. the funded past service liability, and

Financial Administration

473

P

b. the sum of (i) the Service Annuity accumu-
lations and (ii) any Personal Contributions
accumulations that are required to be ap-
plied toward the payment of the Formula
Benefit, to the extent that these amounts do
not exceed the amount necessary to fund the
Formula Benefit.

D.04 Pension Rate Increases. A Conference may
elect at any time to increase its Pension
Rate. The additional Uability related to any
increase in the Pension Rate shall be funded
by annual contributions at least equal to the
greater of the amount required to amortize
the liability over a period not to exceed that
ending on the earlier of 30 years fi-om the
effective date of the increase or December
31, 2021, or the amount of the unfunded
increases paid out during the year.

D.05 Personal Accoimt. The Trustee shall main-
tain a Personal Account for each Participant
with service in a Conference that requires
the Personal Contributions Annuity to apply
toward the payment of the Participant's For-
mula Benefit The Personal Contributions
Accumulation shall be held in the Personal
Account on behalf of the Participant and
shall be invested by the Trustee in the same
manner as described in Article VI.

Article E Past Service Benefits

A member of Participating Group No. 1, in
addition to any benefits based on service on or
after January 1, 1982, shall be entided to benefits
based on service prior to January 1, 1982, in
accordance with the following provisions:

E.Ol Pension Credit

a. The Conference, on recommendation of the
Conference Board of Pensions, shall deter-
mine the admissibility and validity of service
approved for pension credit for service prior
to January 1, 1982. The following years of
Approved Service in a Conference shall be
counted for pension credit

(1) By a clergyperson who is a probationary
member or who is in the effective rela-
tion as an associate member or a clergy
member in fidl connection in the Confer-

(A) as pastor, associate or assistant pastor,
or other clergyperson in a pastoral
chiu-ge;

(B) as district superintendent, presiding e-
Ider, Conference president. Conference

superintendent, or other full-time sala-
ried official of the Conference;

(C) under appointment beyond the local
church to an institution, organization, or
agency which in the judgment of the
Conference rendered to it some form of
service, direct or indirect, sufficient to
warrant pension credit, or to a commu-
nity church, or as a Conference-ap-
proved evangelist; provided, however,
that such institution, organization,
agency, community church, or evangel-
ist accepted and paid such apportion-
ments as the Conference may have re-
quired;

(D) as a student appointed to attend school,
but only if the clergyperson serves sub-
sequently with pension credit in a Con-
ference or Conferences for three or more
years under appointment other than to
attend school, such credit as a student
not to exceed three years; provided,
however, that edl years for which pension
credit was given under legislation in ef-
fect prior to the 1972 General Confer-
ence, on account of appointment to at-
tend school, shall be counted in
determining the pension claim thereon;
and provided fiirtiier, that, if a clergyper-
son is again appointed to attend school
after having served under appointment
for six consecutive years as a clergy
member in full connection with pension
credit in a Conference or Conferences
other than under appointment to attend
school, pension credit shall be given for
up to but not more than three additional
years under appointment to attend
school if the clergyperson serves sub-
sequently with pension credit in a Con-
ference or Conferences for three or more
additional years under appointment
other than to attend school. Pension re-
sponsibility shall be allocated to the
Conference or Conferences in which the
clergyperson shall first thereafter render
six years of service under appointment
to a local church, to Conference staff, as
a district superintendent, or to an ap-
pointment beyond the local church nor-
mally considered to be eligible for pen-
sion by the Conference. This allocation
procediu-e shall continue through De-
cember 31, 1987, at which time any
unallocated years shaU be assigned on a
pro rata basis to the Conference or Con-
ferences in wliich service under appoint-
ment to a local church, to Conference
staff, as a district superintendent, or to

474

DCA Advance Edition

an appointment beyond the local church
normally considered to be eligible for
pension coverage by the Conference to-
talled less than six years; provided, how-
ever, that such allocation shall not apply
in cases where pension payments were in
effect prior to January 1, 1985, on the
basis of the allocation of responsibility
xmder previous legislation.

(E) on sabbatical leave, provided that not
less than five of the ten years just pre-
ceding the granting of such leave were
served with pension credit in the Confer-
ence which grants the sabbatical leave;

(F) on disability leave subsequent to the
1968 Uniting Conference, not to exceed
fifteen years;

(G) as a chaplain on full-time duty prior to
January 1, 1947, wliich previous legis-
lation includes as eligible to be counted
in determining the annuity claim on a
Conference.

(2) By a clergy member in full connection,
probationary member or associate mem-
ber of a Conference, upon recommenda-
tion of tiie Conference Board of Pen-
sions and by a three-fourths vote of those
present and voting in the Conference, for
full-time service previously rendered as
an approved local pastor or approved
supply pastor to an institution, orgeuiiza-
tion, or agency, which in the judgment of
the Conference rendered to it some form
of service sufBcient to warrant pension
credit; provided, however, that such in-
stitution, organization, or agency ac-
cepted and paid such apportionment as
the Conference required.

3) By a person classified by the Board of
Ordained Ministry as eligible to be ap-
pointed as a full-time local pastor, and
by an approved supply pastor prior to
church imion in 1968, as a pastor or
assistant pastor of a pastoral charge in
full-time service under appointment;
provided, however, that such credit shall
be conditional and subject to provisions
stated in Section E.03. Service of a local
pastor prior to 1982 may be approved
for pension credit only by vote of the
Conference, on recommendation of the
Conference Board of Pensions, after
consultation with the district superin-
tendents.

(4) By an ordained minister from anodier
Christian denomination who has not at-
tained the age of mandatoty retirement
for a Conference clergy member, who
has not retired from the denomination,
and who is approved by the Conference
on recommendation of the Board of Or-
dained Ministry as provided in Para-
graph 426.2 of the Book of Discipline, who
renders full-time service under appoint-
ment as a pastor or assistant pastor.
Service of em ordained minister from an-
other Christian denomination prior to
1982 may be approved for pension
credit only by vote of the Conference, on
recommendation of the Conference
Board of Pensions, after consultation
with the district superintendents.

b. In calculating fractions of years of service for
pension credit earned prior to January 1,
1982, the foDowing formula shall be used:

(1) Any period of up to and including forty-
five days shall not be counted.

(2) Forty-six days up to and including one
hundred thirty-six days shall be cotmted
as one quarter of a year.

(3) One hxmdred thirty-seven days up to and
including two hundred twenty-eight days
shall be counted as one half of a year.

(4) Two hundred twenty-nine days up to and
including three hundred nineteen days
shall be counted as three quarters of a
year.

(5) Three hundred twenty days up to and
including three himdred sixty-five days
shall be counted as one year.

c. Concerning the normal conditions for pen-
sion credit and pro rata pension credit, the
following provisions shall apply for service
rendered prior to January 1, 1982, in deter-
mining approval for pension credit, eligibil-
ity for pension, and allocation of responsibil-
ity:

(1) The normal conditions required of a cler-
gyperson for full pension credit shall be:

(A) That full-time service is rendered by a
person appointed to a field of labor tm-
der provisions of Paragraph 437.1 of the

Book of Discipline;

(B) That this person not be attending school
as a reguleu" student except as provided
in Section E.01a(l)(D);

Financial Administration

475

(C) That this person not be on leave of ab-
sence;

(D) That this person not be substantially
employed in work other than that to
which he/she is appointed by the
bishop;

(E) That this person receive not less cash
support per annum from all church
and/or Conference-related soiu-ces than
that provided in the schedule of equita-
ble sialaries adopted by the Conference
for those in this person's classification.

(2) Full pension credit may be granted for
persons not meeting some or all of the
above conditions by a three-fourths vote
of those present and voting in the Con-
ference on recommendation of the Con-
ference Board of Pensions.

(3) Effective as of the closing day of the
1980 Conference session, pro rata pen-
sion credit may be granted to persons
appointed to less than full-time service
under the provisions of Paragraph
437.2 of the Book of Discipline by a three-
foiuths vote of those present and voting
in the Conference session on recom-
mendation of the Conference Board of
Pensions. Such pension credit shall be
in one-quarter year increments; pro-
vided, however, that no one individual
receives in excess of one year of pension
credit per aimum.

d. The responsibility for pension for service
approved for pension credit shall rest with
the Conference in which the service was ren-
dered; provided, however, that in the event
of mergers, unions, boundary changes, or
transfers of churches, such responsibility
shedl rest with the successor Conference
within whose geographical boundaries the
charge is located.

e. Notwithstanding the above provisions, pen-
sion credit for Terminated Participants shall
be determined in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Book of Discipline in effect at die
time of termination.

E.02 Retirement Benefits.

a. All persons who as of December 31, 1981,
were receiving pension benefits from the
Prior Plans shall thereafter continue to re-
ceive such pension benefits in the same
form and amount from this Plan.

b. On or after the Early Retirement Date, and
upon application, a Participant shall receive
a monthly retirement benefit equal to the
sum of such Participant's Service Annuity
and, if any, the Personal Contributions An-
nuity. If the Participant is married at the
time of retirement and the marriage took
place prior to the cessation of service ren-
dered by the Participant while Under Epis-
copal Appointment, the form of the annuity
shall be a life annuity with 70% (75% or
100% if elected by the applicable Confer-
ence and so set forth in the Adoption Agree-
ment) payable to the Contingent Annuitant
The Participant shall be the primary annui-
tant and the spouse shall be the Contingent
Annuitant If the Participant is not married
at the time of retirement or if the Participan-
t's marriage took place after he/she ceased
serving Under Episcopal Appointment, the
form of the annuity shall be a single-life an-
nuity.

(1) The first payment of the monthly retire-
ment benefit shall be due as of the first
day of the month following the month in
which retirement occurs or application
for the pension is made, whichever is
later.

(2) Notwithstanding this provision, an An-
nual Conference may designate the date
of first payment to be the first day of the
month in which the retirement takes
place.

c. If the Participant's Service Annuity, on an
annual basis, is less than the Participant's
Formula Benefit and if the applicable Con-
ference does not stipulate that the Personal
Contributions Annuity shall apply toward
the payment of the Participant's Formula
Benefit, a past service supplement shall be
added so that the sum of the Service Annuity
and the past service supplement is equed, on
an £mnued basis, to the Participant's For-
mula Benefit

d. If the applicable Conference stipulates that
the Personal Contributions Annuity shall ap-
ply toward the payment of the Participants
Formida Benefit, and if the Participant's
Service Annuity plus the Participant's Per-
sonal Contributions Annuity, on an annual
basis, is less than the Participant's Formula
Benefit, a past service supplement shall be
added so tiiat the sum of the Service Annu-
ity, the Personal Contributions Annuity and
the past service supplement is equal, on an
annual basis, to the Participant's Formula
Benefit

476

DCA Advance Edition

e. Effective January 1, 1990, the spouse of a
Clergyperson who is also a Clergyperson
shall receive a formula benefit based on
his/her own years of approved service, in-
cluding concurrent years of approved serv-
ice rendered by the Clergy couple.

(1) He/she shall, in addition, receive a sur-
viving spouse benefit based upon the
pre- 1982 years of approved service ren-
dered by the deceased Clergyperson, in-
cluding concurrent years of approved
service rendered by the Clergy couple.

(2) Concurrent years of approved service
are those years of approved service ren-
dered by two persons diuing the same
period of time while each was a Cler-
gyperson, whether in the same or differ-
ent Conferences and whether or not at
the time die service was rendered they
were married or single.

(3) It shall be at the discretion of the Annual
Conference Board of Pensions to recom-
mend to the Annual Conference that pay-
ment of this benefit be made retroactive
to a date prior to January 1, 1990.

f. Notwithstanding the above provisions, the
pension of a clergyperson whose member-
ship was terminated prior to January 1,
1982, shall be determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Book of Discipline,
pension fUnds, plans, and programs in effect
at the time of such termination.

E.03 Vesting.

a. A person described in Article C above shedl
at all times be fully Vested in such person's
Personal Contributions Accmnulation.

b. A person described in Article C above shall
be fully Vested in the retirement benefits set
forth in Section E.02 above at the time of
retirement as described therein.

c. A person described in Article C above shall
be fully Vested after December 31, 1981, in
the retirement benefits set forth in Section
E.02 above if such person has at least ten
years of vesting service if a bishop or clergy
member in full connection, probationary
member or associate member of a Confer-
ence, or four consecutive years of vesting
service if a local pastor or an ordained min-
ister of another denomination.

d. For purposes of this Section E.03, vesting
service for bishops or Clergy of a Conference
means years of service under appointment

in a Conference, including years served as a
full-time local pastor with pension credit
prior to having been admitted as an associate
or probationary member or clergy member in
full connection of a Conference. In addition,
vesting service shall include periods of serv-
ice in the ordained ministry of another de-
nomination to the extent that such denomina-
tion grants pension rights in its plan for such
service.

e. Vesting service for local pastors and or-
dained ministers of another denomination
means service with pension credit prior to
1982 or with full participation in the Com-
prehensive Protection Plan since 1981, or a
combination of both.

f. Where pension credit for service prior to
1982 is contingent upon full participation in
the Comprehensive Protection Plan for
years since 1981, "a year of full participa-
tion" shall mean that for a Plan Year diuing
the period from January 1, 1982, through
December 31, 1984, (i) the required Minis-
terial Pension Plan Church Contributions
for the Participant at the contribution rate
elected by the Annual Conference shall have
been made, or (ii) a Pension Supplement
was credited to the Ministerial Pension Plan
Chiu-ch Account (CPP subsection 5.05) of
the Participant for a Plan Ye£U". For Plan
Years subsequent to 1984, "a year of full
participation" shall mean the same as days
of participation in the Comprehensive Pro-
tection Plan wherein the following fomuda
shall be used in determining fractional years
of participation:

(1) Any period of up to and including forty-
five days shall not be counted;

(2) Forty-six days up to and including one
hundred thirty-six days shall be coimted
as one-quarter of a year;

(3) One hundred thirty-seven days up to and
including two himdred twenty-eight days
shall be counted as one-half of a year;

(4) Two hundred twenty-nine days up to and
including three hundred nineteen days
shall be coimted as three-quarters of a
year;

(5) TTiree hundred twenty days up to and
including three himdred sixty-five days
shall be counted as one year.

Days of participation are days for which
a Comprehensive Protection Plan

Financial Administration

477

Church Contribution was made on be-
half of a Participant

g. A former clergy member in full connection,
probationary member or associate member
of a Conference whose membership was ter-
minated on or after January 1, 1973, and
prior to January 1, 1982, ^er the comple-
tion of ten or more years of service with
pension credit in a Conference or Confer-
ences, shall retain the right to receive a pen-
sion beginning the first of any month follow-
ing the date the former clergyperson attains
age sixty-two, based on the years of service
approved for pension credit Such former
clergyperson's pension shall be based on all
years of service with pension credit if the
former clergyperson had twenty or more
such years. If less than twenty such years
but at least ten years, the years used in the
calculation of the benefit shall be a percent-
age of the approved service years; such per-
centage shall be determined by multiplying
the credited whole years by 5 percent, re-
sulting in 50 percent of such years for ten
years of credited service and 100 percent for
twenty years of such service. Effective at the
close of the 1976 General Conference, for-
mer clergy members in full connection, pro-
bationary members or associate members of
the Conference whose membership was ter-
minated on or after such date shall have any
vested pension benefits calculated at the an-
nuity rate in eflfect on the date such person's
membership is terminated.

h. The foregoing notwithstanding, a person de-
scribed in Article C above who participated
in the Ministers Reserve Pension Fund prior
to January 1, 1973, and, upon termination,
allows his/her Personal Contributions Accu-
mulation to remain in the Plan until he/she
attains age 60, shall be Vested fully in
his/her Service Annuity, payable in the
same form as provided in Section 5.05 of the
Plan.

i. A clergy member in full connection, proba-
tionary member or associate member of a
Conference who voluntarily withdraws fi'om
the ministry of The United Methodist
Chiu-ch to enter the ministty of another
church or denomination, on the attainment
of age sixty-two and on recommendation of
the Conference Board of Pensions and a
three-fourths vote of those present and vot-
ing in any Conference in which approved
service was rendered prior to January 1,
1982, or the legal successor, may be recog-
nized and granted pension on account of

approved service rendered in that Confer-
ence.

j. A clergyperson who has been granted the
retired relation in a Central Conference or
an AfGliated Autonomous Church, shall be
entided to a pension fi-om a Conference or
Conferences for the years of approved serv-
ice rendered therein upon attainment of the
required age or the completion of the re-
quired years of approved service. Such cler-
gyperson shall notify the General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits upon his/her
retirement The General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits shall certify the years of
approved service to each Coherence con-
cerned. Payments due thereunder shall be
collected from the Conference concerned
and forwarded to the claimant by the Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits
in such manner as it may deem most expe-
dient and economical. In the event of the
death of such clergyperson prior to the an-
nuity starting date, the spouse shall be eligi-
ble for a benefit equal to 70 percent (75
percent or 100 percent if elected by the ap-
plicable Conference) of the ordained minis-
ter's formula benefit If no spouse siuvives,
the Service Annuity Accumulation will be
paid in accordance with Section 5.06.

E.04 Disability Benefits.

a. All persons who as of December 31, 1981,
were receiving disability benefits under the
Current Income Distribution Pension Plan,
effective as of January 1, 1982, shall be
entided to an annual disability benefit, pay-
able in monthly installments, equal to 40%
of the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion in eflfect as of January 1, 1982. The
benefit amount shall be increased by 2% on
July 1 of each year beginning Jufy 1, 1983,
through Jufy 1, 1988.

b. In addition, all such persons shall have
credited to an Account established on their
behalf under the Plan an annual amount
equal to 12% of the Denominational Average
Compensation in eflfect as of January 1,
1982.

(1) Such amoimt shall be credited, com-
mencing January 1, 1982, in monthly
installments.

(2) The applicable Conference shall be re-
sponsible for this monthly contribution
as part of its current service contribution
to the Plan.

478

DCA Advance Edition

(3) The amount shall be increased by 2% on
July 1 of each year beginning July 1,
1983, through July 1, 1988.

c. Effective January 1, 1989, all persons who
are receiving disability benefits under this
provision shall have their benefits increased
to 40% of the Denominational Average Com-
pensation in effect for 1989 and the 12%
contribution to the Accoimt also shall be
based upon the Denominational Average
Compensation in effect for 1989. Effective
January 1, 1990, these eunotmts shidl each
increase by 3% on the anniversary date of
the first payment of disability benefits.

d. Payment of the disability benefits set forth
in this Section E.04 shall be subject to the
provisions of subsection 5.04(d), (e) and (f)
of the Comprehensive Protection Plan.

E.05 Surviving Spouse Benefits.

a. All surviving spouses who, as of December
31, 1981, were receiving surviving spouse
benefits fi-om the Prior Plans shall thereafter
continue to receive such benefits fi-om this
Plan, except such benefits that were for-
merly being paid ft-om the Disability and
Survivor Benefit Fund, which shall be con-
tinued under the Comprehensive Protection
Plan.

b. The benefit payable hereimder to a surviving
spouse who remarried prior to January 1,
1982, shall cease upon his/her remarriage.
Upon the earlier of (i) die dissolution of the
marriage, or (ii) the spouse attaining age 65,
and after application to the Administrator,
the benefit shall commence again with no
consideration being given for the period diu"-
ing which no benefit was being paid.

c. Upon the death of a Participant on or after
January 1, 1982, and prior to retirement,
the following provisions shall apply:

(1) The surviving spouse shall receive a
montiily benefit equal to the sum of such
Participant's Service Annuity and Per-
sonal Contributions Annuity. If the Serv-
ice Annuity, on an annual basis, is less
than 70% (75% or 100% if elected by the
applicable Conference and so set forth in
the Adoption Agreement) of the Partici-
pant's Formula Benefit, and if the appli-
cable Conference does not stipulate that
the Personal Contributions Annuity
shall apply toward the payment of the
Participant's Formula Benefit, a past-
service supplement shall be added so
that the sum of the Service Annuity and

the past-service supplement is equal, on
an annual basis, to 70% (75% or 100% if
elected by the applicable Conference and
so set fortii in the Adoption Agreement) of
the Participant's Formula Benefit.

(2) The Surviving Spouse Benefit shall be
based on all of the Participant's years of
Approved Service, provided the mar-
riage took place prior to the cessation of
service rendered by the Participant
while Under Episcopal Appointment

(3) If the appUcable Conference stipulates
that the Personal Contributions Annuity
shall apply toward the payment of the
Participant's Formula Benefit, and if the
Participant's Service Annmty plus the
Participant's Personal Contributions
Annuity, on an annual basis, is less than
70% (75% or 100% if elected by the
appUcable Conference) of the Partici-
pant's Formula Benefit, a past service
supplement shall be added so that the
sum of the Service Annuity, the Personal
Contributions Annmty and the past serv-
ice supplement is equal, on an annual
basis, to 70% (75% or 100% if elected
by the applicable Conference) of the Par-
ticipant's Formula Benefit

E.06 Sxuviving Children Benefits. All surviving
children of deceased former Clergy mem-
bers of a Conference covered by the Current
Income Distribution Pension Plan, who, as
of December 31, 1981, were receiving or
could in the future receive surviving chil-
dren benefits imder said Pension Plan shall,
effective as of January 1, 1982, be entitied
to the following benefits from this Plan:

a. Any such surviving child imder age 18 years
shall receive, in monthly installments, an
annual benefit in an amount equal to 25% of
the deceased Clergy's Formula Benefit

b. Any such surviving child age 18 years but
under age 25 years shall receive an atmual
educational benefit in an amount equal to
25% of the deceased Clergy's Formula Bene-
fit Such benefit is payable for each year
during attendance as a full-time student at a
secondary school and, in addition, for each
year (not to exceed four years), diuing atten-
dance as a full-time student at a standard
school or college beyond the secondary
school level. The annual benefit shall be pay-
able in monthty installments.

c. Satisfactory certificates of enrollment and
attendance in school or college shall be pro-

Financial Administration

479

vided periodically as may be required by die
Administrator in order for an educational
benefit to be paid.

E.07 Survivor Death Benefits. Effective at the
close of the 1988 General Conference, upon
the death of a Participant or retired Partici-
pant prior to the annuity starting date where
no spouse survives or where the Participan-
t's marriage took place after the cessation of
service Under Episcopal Appointment, the
Service Annuity Accumulation will be paid in
accordance with Section 5.06.

E.08 Deferred Vested Benefits. All persons who,
as of December 31, 1981, were entitied to
receive deferred Vested pension benefits
fi'om the Prior Plans, shall receive such
benefits from this Plan in the amount and
form as determined to be payable under the
Prior Plans in effect at the time of termina-
tion of service.

Article F Amendment and Termination

F.Ol Amendment To provide for contingencies
which may require or make advisable the
clarification, modification, or amendment of
this Supplement, the General Conference re-
serves the right to amend this Supplement,
at any time and from time to time, in whole
or in part, by adopting such amendment in
writing. However, the Administrator is
authorized to amend any or all provisions of
this Supplement at any time by such written
instrument in order to conform the Supple-
ment to any applicable law and/or regula-
tions promulgated thereunder.

F.02 Termination. The General Conference re-
serves the right to terminate this Supple-
ment at any time.

F.03 Nonreversion.

a. Except as provided in this Section F.03, the
assets of tiiis Supplement shall never inure
to the benefit of a Plan Sponsor or Salary-
Paying Unit; such assets shall be held for the
exclusive purpose of providing benefits to
members of the Participating Group No. 1
and their beneficiaries and for defi-aying the
reasonable administrative expenses of this
Supplement

b. If a contribution by a Plan Sponsor or Sal-
ary-Paying Unit is made by virtue of a mis-
take of fact, this Section shall not prohibit
the return of such contribution to the Plan
Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit upon request

within one year after the Plan Sponsor or
Salary-Paying Unit has reported and docu-
mented such mistake to the Administrator.

c. In the case of termination of this Supple-
ment, any residual assets of the Supplement
shall be distributed to the Plan Sponsors at
the direction of the Administrator if all li-
abilities of the Supplement to the members
of the Participating Group No. 1 and their
beneficiaries have been satisfied and the
distribution does not contravene any appli-
cable provision of law. The certificate of an
Enrolled Actuary engaged by the Adminis-
trator stating that there are residual assets
of the Supplement after all liabilities have
been satisfied shall be conclusive evidence
of this fact

Supplement Two to the Ministerial Pension Plan

Article G

G.Ol Description of Participating Group No. 2. All
Participants who prior to January 1, 1982,
served an agency or institution under special
appointment without pension credit on the
Conference, if the agency or institution
served by any such individual chose to con-
tribute to the Prior Plans described in Sup-
plement One, shall be a member of the Par-
ticipating Group No. 2 and shall be entitied
to a benefit based upon the contributions
made by the agency or institution on behalf
of each such Participant and interest cred-
ited thereon.

G.02 Eligibility to Receive Benefit The Partici-
pant who is a member of the Participating
Group No. 2 shall be eligible to receive bene-
fits fi'om this accumulation according to the
provisions of Article V.

Petition Number: 21500-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Ministerial Pension Plan-N 2.12

Amend Section 2.12a of the current plan document
as follows effective January 1, 1997:

2.12 "Compensation" shall mean, in a Plan Year, for a
Participant who has not retired under the provi-
sions of TJie Book of Discipline the sum of the
following:

a. taxable cash salary received from Plan Sponsor-
related sources, but not including severance
pay and the cash value of taxable fringe
benefits;...

480

DCA Advance Edition

Petition Number: 21501-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.
Ministerial Pension Plan-N 5.13

Add new Section 5.13 effective January 1, 1997:

5.13 Transfers Out of the Plan. Subject to limita-
tions imposed by law, all or a portion of a
Participant's Clergy Account, excluding
amotmts required to be distributed under
Section 5.05e, if any, may be transferred
directly to a Code section 403(b)(1) annuity
contract, a Code section 403(b)(7) custodial
account or a Code section 403(b)(9) retire-
ment income account upon the request of
the Participant, in accordance with proce-
diu"es established by the Board, provided
that benefit payments have not commenced
with respect to such accumtdations.

Petition Number: 21502-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Ministerial Pension Plan-N 6.04

Amend Section 6.04b (4) effective July 1, 1996 as
follows:

(4) Special Fund IV investments selected at the
discretion of the Board which constitute a
balanced fund of fixed-income securities, eq-
uity-type securities, and short-term securi-
ties. Stteh-see««tie9-3haH-be4five8te^-«i-e©ffl-
panics with no direct investment and/or
cmploycca in South Africa, and/or with
banks that do not lend to the South African
public sector. Further, the The fund shall be
military-free and government-free (exceptfor
student loan, farm loan and government-
backed mortgage securities of the United
States government).

Petition Number: 21503-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Personal Investment Plan

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends adoption of the following plan document
and the transfer of the Clergy Accounts of the Ministe-
rial Pension Plan and the Employee Accounts of the
Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund and the Staff
Retirement Benefits Program to this plan effective Janu-
ary 1, 1998.

Personal Investment Plan
Article I The Plan

1.01 The Plan. This Plan is established effective
January 1, 1998, by The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Church imder authority granted

by the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church. The General Conference
had previously authorized the establishment
of the Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund,
Ministerial Pension Plan and Staff Retire-
ment Benefits Program. Effective January 1,
1998, the Clergy and Employee accounts of
those plans are merged with and become part
of this Plan.

1.02 Type of Plan. The Plan is intended to meet
the requirements of a "church plem" as tiiat
terin is defined in section 414(e) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and shall be administered pursuant to the
retirement income account provisions of
section 403(b)(9) of die Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.

Article II Identification and Definitions

Whenever used in the Plan, the following
terms have the respective meanings set forth be-
low, imless otherwise expressly provided herein.
When the defined meaning is intended, the term
is capitalized. The identification of the adopting
Plan Sponsor, as well as certain variable defini-
tions, are set forth in the Adoption Agreement.

2.01 "Account" means the aggregate of a Partici-
pant's interest in the Plan.

2.02 "Act" means the Employee Retirement In-
come Security Act of 1974, as it may be
amended from time to time.

2.03 "Administrator" means The General Board
of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Chiu-ch Incorporated in
Illinois and any successors.

2.04 "Adoption Agreement" means the agreement
adopted by a Plan Sponsor in accordance
with the provisions set forth in Article XI.

2.05 "Age" means the age at the last birthday.

2.06 "Annuity Starting Date" means the first day
of the month for which an amoimt is payable
as an annuity or, in the case of a benefit not
payable in the form of an annuity, the first
day of the month coinciding with or follow-
ing the completion of all events which entitie
the Peuticipant to such benefit In the case
of a deferred annuity, the Annuity Starting
Date shall be the date on wiiich the annuity
payments are schedided to commence.

2.07 "Beneficiary" means the person(s) (natural
or otherwise), other than a Contingent An-
nuitant, designated as set forth in Section
5.02d, who is receiving, or entitied to re-

Financial Administration

481

ceive, a deceased Participant's (or annuity-
certain payee's) residual interest in this Plan
which is nonforfeitable upon, and payable in
the event of, such Participant's or payee's
death.

2.08 "Book of Discipline" means the body of church
law as established by the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church, as
amended from time to time.

2.09 "Church" means an organization described
in Code section 3121(w)(3)(A) and Treasury
regulations thereunder, and generally shall
refer to a church, a convention or association
of churches, or an elementary or secondary
school which is controlled, operated, or
principally supported by a church or a con-
vention or association of churches.

2.10 "Clergy" or "Clergyperson" means a person
who is a bishop, a clergy member of a Con-
ference, or a local pastor (as those terms are
described in either Chapter Three or Chap-
ter Four of the Book of Discipline), or a minis-
ter of another denomination who is a partici-
pant in the Ministerial Pension Plan.

2.11 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended or replaced from time to
time.

2.12 "Conference" includes Annual Conferences,
Provisional Conferences and Missionary
Conferences which are described in the Book
of Discipline and which are located in Juris-
dictional Conferences and the Puerto Rico
Methodist Church.

2.13 "Contingent Annuitant" means the person
who, with a Participant, is the one upon the
continuation of whose life the amount
and/or duration of the pension benefit under
this Plan depends.

2.14 "Contingent Annuity" means an annuity for
the life of the Participemt with a survivor
annuity for the life of his/her Contingent An-
nuitant which is not less than one-half, or
greater than, the amount of the annuity pay-
able during the joint lives of the Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant The Con-
tingent Annuity will be the amount of benefit
which can be purchased with the Peirticipan-
f s account balance. Unless elected other-
wise by the Peuticipant with spousal con-
sent, the percent^e of the Contingent
Annuity will be 70%.

2.15 "Disability or Disabled" means the inability
to engage in any substantial gainful activity
by reason of any medically determinable

physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or to be of long-
continued and indefinite duration. The per-
manence and degree of such impairment
shall be supported by medical evidence. How-
ever, for the purpose of distributing amounts
from the Personal Account, "Disability or
Disabled" means:

a. For Clergy: the period during which the Par-
ticipant is granted a disability leave pursu-
ant to provisions of the Book of Discipline;

b. For Lay Employees of a General Agency: the Par-
ticipant's receipt of a disability benefit from
a long-term disability benefit program spon-
sored by his/her Plan Sponsor;

c. For all other Participants: the inability to en-
gage in any substantial gainful activity by
reason of any medically determinable physi-
cal or mental impairment that can be ex-
pected to result in death or which has lasted
or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months as deter-
mined by the Administrator. The perma-
nence and degree of such impairment shall
be supported by medical evidence.

2.16 "Early Retirement Date" mezms the first day
of the month (prior to Normal Retirement
Date) coinciding with or following the date
on which a Participant or Former Participant
attains the Early Retirement Age. The Early
Retirement Age shall be determined as fol-
lows:

a. For Clergy: The Early Retirement Age shall be
determined in accordance with Paragraph
452.26 of the Book of Discipline. However, if a
person retires in accordance with Paragraph
452.2a or Paragraph 452.3 or is a Termi-
nated Participant, said Early Retirement Age
sheill be age 62;

b. For Lay Employees of a General Agency: The Early
Retirement Age shall be determined in ac-
cordance with Paragraph 814.3 of the Book

of Discipline.

c. For All Other Participants: The Early Retire-
ment Age shall be, as indicated by the Plan
Sponsor in the Adoption Agreement, the age
of the Participant in the year in which the
later of two events occurs: (i) the year in
which the Participant attains age "x" or (ii)
the year in which the Participant has at least
"y" Years of Service with the denomination,
where "x" is a number between 55 and 65,
inclusively, and where "y" is a number be-
tween 0 and 20, inclusively. A Former Par-
ticipant who terminates employment after

482

DCA Advance Edition

satisfying the service requirement for earfy
retirement and who thereafter reaches the
age requirement contained herein shall be
entided to receive his/her benefits under this
Plan.

2.17 "Effective Date" means January 1, 1998.

2.18 "Eligible Employee" means a Clergyperson
or Employee who meets the requirements of
Article III for participation in the Plan.

2.19 "Employee" means any person who is cur-
rentiy employed by the Plan Sponsor, but
excludes any person who is employed as or
through an independent contractor.

2.20 "Former Participant" means a person who
has been a Participant, but who has ceased
to be a Participant for any reason.

2.21 "415 Compensation" means compensation
as determined by Code section 415 and the
Regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.22 "General Agency" means a general agency of
The United Metiiodist Church as defined in
Chapter Six of the Book of Discipline.

2.23 "Late Retirement Date" mean the first day of
the month coinciding with or next following
a Participant's actual retirement date after
having reached his/her Normal Retirement
Date.

2.24 "Lay Employee or Layperson" means an Em-
ployee who is not a Clergyperson.

2.25 "Normal Retirement Date" means the follow-
ing:

a. For Clergy: the first day of the month coincid-
ing with the date specified in Paragraph
452.2c of the Book of Discipline;

b. For Lay Employees of a General Agency, the first
day of the month coinciding with the date
specified in Paragraph 814.3 of the Book of
Discipline; and

c. For All Other Participants: the first day of the
month, as specified by the Plan Sponsor in
the Adoption Agreement, coinciding with or
next following the later of (i) the date a Par-
ticipant attains age 65, or (ii) the fifth (5th)
anniversary of the date a Participant com-
menced participation in the Plan.

2.26 "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Em-
ployee who has become a participating Em-
ployee or Clergyperson as provided in Arti-
cle III of this Plan.

2.27 "Personal Account" means the account es-
tablished for a Participant for the purpose of
recording any after-tax contributions made
by a Participant pursuant to Section 4.02 or
pursuant to the provisions of the Prior Plan
as adjusted for earnings and losses allocated
thereto.

2.28 "Personal Contributions" means those con-
tributions made on an after-tax basis to the
Personal Accoimt by a Participant ptu'suant
to Section 4.02 or pursuant to the provisions
of the Prior Plan.

2.29 "Plan" means this instrument, including all
amendments thereto.

2.30 "Plan Investments" means any investment
alternatives made available by the Trustee
for this Plan from time to time.

2.31 "Plan Sponsor" means an entity described
below:

a. For Clergy:

(1) the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration if the Participant is a
bishop;

(2) the Conference if the Participant is a
local pastor or a clergy member, except
if the person is appointed in accordance
with paragraphs 443.1a(2), (3), or (4),
443.16, or 443. Id of the Book of Disci-
pline;

(3) the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration if the Participant is ap-
pointed to serve a general agency which
has a voting representative on the Com-
mittee on Personnel Policies and Prac-
tices which is a committee of the General
Council on Finance and Administration;
or

(4) the Salary-Paying Unit if the Participant
is classified in a category not described
above.

b. For Lay Employees of a General Agency: the Gen-
eral Agency which employs the Participant,
or the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration if the Participant is employed
by a general agency which has a voting rep-
resentative on the Committee on Personnel
Policies and Practices which is a committee
of the General Coimcil on Finance and Ad-
ministration.

c. For All Other Participants: An eligible employer
which is identified in the Adoption Agree-

Financial Administration

483

ment and which shall be one of the following
units associated with The United Methodist
Church or Autonomous Affiliated Churches
in the United States of America or Puerto
Rico:

(1) a local church;

(2) an Annual, Provisional or Missionary
Conference;

(3) a Conference board, agency or commis-
sion; or

(4) any other organization eligible to partici-
pate in a church plan in accordance with
the Employee Retirement Income Secu-
rity Act of 1974 as amended from time
to time.

2.32 "Plan Year" means the calendar year.

2.33 "Prior Plan" means any or all of the following
plans administered by the Administrator:
Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund, Min-
isterial Pension Plan, Sta£F Retirement Bene-
fits Program.

2.34 "Qualified Church-Controlled Organization"
meems an organization described in Code
section 3121(w)(3)(B) and Treasury regula-
tions thereunder, and generally shaU refer to
any church-controlled, tax-exempt organiza-
tion described in Code section 501(c)(3),
other than an organization which:

a. Ofifers goods, services, or facilities for sale,
other than on an incidental basis, to the
general public, other than goods, services,
or facilities which are sold at a nominal
charge which is substantially less than the
cost of providing such goods, services, or
facilities; and

b. Normally receives more than 25% of its sup-
port from either (1) governmental sources
or (2) receipts from admissions, sales of
merchandise, performemce of services, or
furnishing of facilities, in activities which are
not unrelated trades or businesses, or both.

2.35 "Qualified Voluntary Employee Contribu-
tions" means any voluntary employee contri-
bution made in cash after December 31,
1981, attributable to taxable years ending
before January 1, 1987, within the meaning
of Code section 219(e)(2) as it existed prior
to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of
1986.

2.36 "QVEC Accoimt" means the account estab-
lished for a Participant for the purpose of

recording Qualified Voluntary Employee
Contributions (QVEC) made by a Participant
pursuant to Code section 219(e)(2) as it ex-
isted prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform
Act of 1986 pursuant to Section 4.03 herein,
or pursuant to the provisions of the Prior
Plan, as adjusted for earnings and losses al-
located thereto.

2.37 "Regulation" means the Income Tax Regula-
tions as promulgated by the Secretary of the
Treasiuy or his/her delegate, and as
amended from time to time.

2.38 "Rollover Account" means the accotmt es-
tablished for a Participant in the books emd
records of the Plan for the purpose of record-
ing any funds rolled over to the Plan from or
attributable to another qualified plan piu-su-
ant to Section 4.04 herein or piu'suant to the
provisions of the Prior Plan, as adjusted for
earnings and losses allocated thereto.

2.39 "Salary-Paying Unit" means one of the fol-
lowing units associated with The United
Methodist Church:

a. the General Conference;

b. a general agency of The United Methodist
Church;

c. a Jurisdictional Conference;

d. a Conference;

e. a Conference board, agency, or commission;

f. a local chtu"ch located in a Conference;

g. any other organization located in a Jurisdic-
tional Conference which is eligible to partici-
pate in a church plan in accordance with
applicable federal law; or

h. any other entity to which a Clergyperson
Under Episcopal Appointment is appointed.

2.40 "Salary Reduction Account" means the ac-
count established for a Participant in the
books and records of the Plan for the ptir-
pose of recording contributions made to the
Plan by the Salary-Paying Unit pursuant to a
salary reduction agreement between the Par-
ticipant and the Salary-Paying Unit piu'suant
to Section 4.01, or pursuant to the provi-
sions of the Prior Plan, adjusted for earnings
and losses allocated thereto.

2.41 "Salary Reduction Contributions" means the
contributions made on behalf of a Partici-
pant under a written, legally binding salary
reduction agreement between the Partici-

484

DCA Advance Edition

pant and the Salary-Paying Unit which satis-
fies the requirements of Code section 403(b).

2.42 "Service" shedl mean employment with the
Plan Sponsor named in the Adoption Agree-
ment or any other unit associated with the
denomination known as The United Method-
ist Church. Where the Plan Sponsor main-
tains a plan of a predecessor employer, serv-
ice for such predecessor employer shall be
treated as service of the Plan Sponsor.

2.43 'Terminated Participant" means:

a. A Clergyperson whose Conference relation-
ship has been severed by such means as
honorable location, withdrawal to imite with
another denomination, surrender of minis-
terial credentials, or surrender of the local
pastor Ucense; or

b. A Clergyperson who has retired under the
provisions of peiragraph 452.2a of the Book
of Discipline and a Clergyperson who has re-
tired under the provisions of paragraph
452.3 of the Book of Discipline and who has
not yet attained age 62; or

c. A Layperson who has been a Participant, but
whose employment has been terminated
other than by death, Disability, or retire-
ment

2.44 'Transfer Account" means the account es-
tabhshed for a Participant in the books and
records of the Plan for the purpose of record-
ing amounts transferred to the Plan from or
attributable to, another qualified plan pursu-
ant to Section 4.05 herein, or piu-suant to
the provisions of the Prior Plan, as adjusted
for earnings and losses allocated thereto.

2.45 'Trustee" means The General Board of Pen-
sion and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Church, Incorporated in Missoiui
and any successors.

2.46 "Vested" means the nonforfeitable portion of
any account maintained on behalf of a Par-
ticipant.

2.47 "Under Episcopal Appointment" means an
appointment made by a bishop pursuant to
Sections V and VI of Chapter 3 of the Book of
Discipline or pursuant to rules of the Puerto
Rico Methodist Church.

Article III Eligibility for Participation

3.01 Conditions of Eligibility.

a. Each participant in the Cumulative Pension
and Benefit Fxmd, the Ministerial Pension
Plan, and the Staff Retirement Benefits Pro-
gram, administered by the Administrator, is
eligible to participate in this Plan if a Partici-
pant's Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit is
making a current contribution to one of
these plans.

b. All other Employees of a Plan Sponsor may
participate in the Plan upon satisfaction of
the requirements for eligibility set forth in
the Adoption Agreement.

(1) A Plan Sponsor that is a Church or
Qualified Church-Controlled Organiza-
tion shall use the Adoption Agreement to
elect one of the following Service re-
quirements:

(A) no minimum Service shall be required
of an Employee in order for the Em-
ployee to participate in the Plan; or

(B) a Service requirement shall be imposed
with such requirement being at least one
month of Service, but no more than 24
months of Service.

(2) A Plan Sponsor that is a Chtu'ch or
Qualified Church-Controlled Organiza-
tion shall use the Adoption Agreement to
elect one of the following age require-
ments:

(A) no minimum Age shall be required of an
Employee in order for the Employee to
participate in the Plan; or

(B) an Age requirement shall be imposed
with such requirement being at least 18
years of age, but no more than 21 years
of age.

c. No minimum Service or Age shall be re-
quired of any Employee of a Plan Sponsor
that is not a Church or a Qualified Church-
Controlled Organization.

3.02 Application for Participation.

a. Each Eligible Employee who is a Participant
in the Cumtdative Pension and Benefit
Fund, Ministerial Pension Plan or Staff Re-
tirement Benefits Program shall be deemed
to have made application for participation in
the Plan and shall be bound by the terms
and conditions of the Plan and all amend-
ments thereto.

b. Each Eligible Employee who desires to be-
come a Participant and who is not a Partici-

Financial Administration

485

pant in the Cumulative Pension and Benefit
Fund, Ministerial Pension Plan or Staff Re-
tirement Benefits Program shall make appli-
cation for participation in the Plan in stich
form as may be required by the Board and
agree to the terms hereof and the Adoption
Agreement Upon the acceptance of any bene-
fits under this Plan, such Eligible Employee
shall automatically be deemed to have made
application and shall be bound by the terms
and conditions of the Plan and all amend-
ments thereto.

3.03 Effective Date of Participation. An Eligible
Employee shall become a Peirticipant in ac-
cordance with one of the following:

a. An Eligible Employee shall become a Partici-
pant as of the date he/she becomes a Par-
ticipant in the Cumulative Pension and
Benefit Fund, Ministerial Pension Plan, or
the Staff Retirement Benefits Program.

b. An Eligible Employee shall become a Partici-
pant in the Plan effective as of the later of the
effective date of the Adoption Agreement or
the date of enrollment by the Plan Sponsor.

3.04 Determination of Eligibihty. Upon receipt of
enrollment information fi-om the Plan Spon-
sor, the Administrator shall accept such in-
formation as evidence of eligibility for par-
ticipation in the Plan. However, the
Administrator may fi-om time to time audit
such information or obtain additional infor-
mation which might result in a determina-
tion of ineligibility for any particular partici-
pant The Administrator shall have final
authority to determine the eligibility of any
Employee or Clergyperson and such deter-
mination shall be conclusive and binding
upon aU persons, as long as the determina-
tion is made pursuant to the provisions of
tiie Plan and die Adoption Agreement

Article IV Contribution and Allocation

4.01 Salary Reduction Contributions.

a. Each Participant may elect to defer a portion
of his/her compensation which would have
been received in the Plan Year except for the
deferral election. Such contributions shall
be credited to the Participant's Salary Re-
duction Account.

b. The deferral election shall be made piu-suant
to a written, legally binding salary reduction
agreement between the Participant and the
Salary-Paying Unit which satisfies the re-
quirements of Code section 403(b). To the
extent required by law, the salary reduction

agreement shall not be subject to amendment
while it is in effect and shall apply only to
those services which are to be rendered to the
Salary-Paying Unit by the Participant on and
after the effective date of the salary reduction
agreement Only one salary reduction agree-
ment may be made with the Saleuy-Paying
Unit in any calendar year, although an agree-
ment may be terminated at any time with re-
spect to fiiture salary.

c. Salary Reduction Contributions may be in
any amount up to the maximum amoimt
which will not cause the Plan to violate the
provisions of Section 4.07, and which shall
not exceed the greater of $9,500 or the
Jimoimt determined pursuant to Code sec-
tion 402(g).

d. The balance in each Participant's Salary Re-
duction Account shall be fully Vested at all
times and shall not be subject to forfeiture
for any reason.

4.02 Personal Contributions

a. Each Participant may elect to voluntarily
contribute a portion of his/her compensa-
tion earned while a Participant under this
Plan. Such contributions shall be credited to
the Participant's Personal Account

b. The aggregate Personal Contributions of a
Participant shall not exceed 10% of the Par-
ticipant's cumulative compensation for all
years since becoming a Participant

c. The balance in each Participant's Personal
Account shall be fully Vested at all times and
shall not be subject to forfeiture for any rea-
son.

4.03 Qualified Voluntary Employee Contributions

a. Any voluntary employee contribution made
in cash after December 31, 1981, attribut-
able to taxable years ending before January
1, 1987, shall be treated as a "Qualified
Volimtary Employee Contribution" within
the meaning of Code section 219(e)(2) as it
existed prior to the enactment of the Tax
Reform Act of 1986, and held in the Partici-
pant's QVEC Accoimt

b. The balance in each Participant's QVEC Ac-
count shall be fully Vested at all times and
shall not be subject to forfeiture for any rea-
son.

4.04 Rollovers Into the Plan. A Participant may,
in accordance with procedures established
by the Administrator and subject to any limi-

486

DCA Advance Edition

tations imposed under the Code, roll over the
following amounts, including amounts which
are qualified voluntary employee contribu-
tions under Code section 219, to the Plan,
provided the distribution is paid over to the
Plan as a direct rollover or within 60 days
following receipt of the distribution by the
Participant, or such later date as may be per-
mitted under the Code:

a. Part or all of a distribution received by the
Participant from a Code section 403(b)(1)
annuity contract, a Code section 403(b)(7)
custodial account or a Code section
403(b)(9) retirement income account, in-
cluding a direct rollover in accordance with
Code section 401(a)(31) and 403(b)(10), to
the extent such distribution is eligible for
tax-free rollover to an annuity described in
Code section 403(b); and

b. A distribution from an individual retirement
account, the entire amoimt of which is from
a source described in (a) above to the extent
such amotmt is eligible for tax-free rollover
to an annuity described in Code section
403(b).

Such amounts shall be allocated to the Par-
ticipant's Rollover Account.

4.05 Transfers Into the Plan. Subject to any limi-
tations imposed by applicable law, amounts
may be transferred to the Plan on behedf of
a Participant (or the Participant's Benefici-
ary, if the Participant is deceased, with re-
spect to amounts attributable to the Partici-
pant) directiyfrom a Code section 403(b)(1)
annuity contract, a Code section 403(b)(7)
custodial account or a Code section
403(b)(9) retirement income account, in-
cluding amounts which are Qualified Volun-
tary Employee Contributions under Code
section 219, provided that the transfer is
made in accordance with rules and proce-
dures estabUshed by the Administrator, in-
cluding without limitation, minimum
amoimts for such transfers. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Plan shall not accept a
transfer of amounts which were originally
contributed by an employer, except amounts
contributed pursuant to a salary reduction
agreement, nor shall a transfer be permitted
which would require amendment of the
Plan, as determined by the Administrator.
Such transferred amounts shall be allocated
to the Participant's Transfer Account

4.06 Annual Account Addition. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the maximum Annual Account
Addition which may be credited to a Partici-

pant's Accoimt for any "limitation year" shall
be equal to or less than the amount deter-
mined in accordance with Section 4.07 be-
low.

a. For ptuposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.07, Annual Account Addition
means the sum credited to a Participant's
accounts for any "limitation year"of:

(1) contributions made by the Plan Sponsor
or Salary-Paying Unit on behalf of the
Participant to this Plan and to any other
pension program; and

(2) contributions made to the Personal Ac-
count for limitation years beginning after
December 31, 1986.

b. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.07, Annual Accotmt Addition does
not include rollover or transfer contribu-
tions made pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 4.04 and 4.05.

c. For purposes of applying the hmitations of
Section 4.05, the "limitation year" shall be
the Plan Year.

4.07 Maximum Annual Account Addition.

a. General limitation. Notwithstanding any
provision herein to the contrary (other than
Sections 4.07c and 4.07d) for any Plan Year
the Annual Account Addition with respect to
a Participant shall not exceed the lesser of:

(1) $30,000 or if greater, one-quarter of the
dollar hmitation in effect under Code
section 415(b)(1)(A); or

(2) 25% of the Participant's 415 Compensa-
tion for such Plan Year.

b. Exclusion Allowance. The amounts contrib-
uted by the Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying
Unit on behalf of a Participant shall be ex-
cluded from the gross income of the Partici-
pant for the Plan Year to the extent that the
aggregate of such amounts does not exceed
the Exclusion Allowance for such Plan Year.

(1) The Exclusion Allowance for any Partici-
pant for the Plan Year is an amount
equal to the excess, if any of:

(A) the amount determined by multiplying
20% of the Participant's includible com-
pensation by the number of years of
service, less

(B) the aggregate of the amotmts contrib-
uted by the Salary-Paying Unit on behalf

Financial Administration

487

of the Participant and excludable from
the gross income of the Participant for
any prior Plan Year.

(2) In the case of a Participant who makes
an election under Section 4.07c below
to have the provisions of Section
4.07c(3) apply, die Exclusion Allowance
for any such Participant for the taxable
year is the amount which could be con-
tributed under Section 4.07a by his/her
Salary-Paying Unit

(3) For purposes of this subsection, all
years of service by a Participant as em
"employee of a chiu-ch" (as that term is
defined in Code section 414(e)(3)(B))
shall be considered as years of service
for one Plan Sponsor, and all amounts
contributed hereunder by such organi-
zation during such years for the Partici-
pant shall be considered to have been
contributed by one Plan Sponsor.

(4) The amount determined under Section
4.07b(l) shall not be less than the
lesser of:

(A) $3,000; or

(B) the includible compensation of such
Participant

This paragraph shall not apply to a Par-
ticipant in a Plan Year when such Par-
ticipant has an adjusted gross income
for such Plan Year which exceeds
$17,000.

c. Annual Account Addition Election. A Par-
ticipant may make an irrevocable election to
have one of the following three Annual Ac-
count Addition elections apply to increase
his/her Annual Account Addition. Not more
than one election may be made under para-
graph (1) below. A Participant who elects to
have the provisions of paragraph (1), (2), or
(3) of this subsection apply to him/her may
not elect to have any other paragraph of this
subsection apply to him/her. Such election
shall be made in accordance with the provi-
sions of Regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury.

(1) In the case of amoxmts contributed for
the year in which a Participant separates
from service, at the election of the Par-
ticipant there is substituted for the
amoimt specified in Section 4.07a(2)
the amount of the exclusion allowance
which would be determined under Code
section 403(b)(2) (without regard to this

section) for the Participant's taxable year
in which such separation occurs if the
Participant's years of service were com-
puted only by taking into account his/her
service for the Plan Sponsor (as deter-
mined for purposes of Section 4.07b)
during the period of years (not exceeding
ten) ending on the date of such separa-
tion.

(2) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
there is substituted for the amount
specified in paragraph a(2) the least of:

(A) 25% of the Participant's includible com-
pensation (as defined in Code section
403(b)(3)) plus $4,000,

(B) the amount of the Exclusion Allowance
determined for the year under Section
4.07b(l), or

(C) $15,000.

(3) In the case of amotmts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
the provisions of Section 4.07a shall ap-
ply, instead of Section 4.07b.

d. Certain contributions by church plans not
treated as exceeding limits.

(1) Alternative Exclusion AUowance. Any
contribution or addition with respect to
any Participant, when ejqjressed as an
Annual Accoimt Addition, which is alloc-
able pursuant to the application of Sec-
tion 4.07b(4) above to such Participant
for such year, shall be treated as not
exceeding the limitations of Section
4.07a.

(2) Contributions not in excess of $40,000
($10,000 per year).

(A) General. Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of this Plan, at the election of a
Participant, Annual Account Additions
hereto with respect to such Participant,
when expressed as an Annual Account
Addition to such Participant's Accoimt,
shall be treated as not exceeding the
limitation of Section 4.07a if such An-
nual Accoimt Addition is not in excess of
$10,000.

(B) $40,000 aggregate limitation. The total
amount of additions with respect to any
Participant which may be taken into ac-
count for purposes of this paragraph for
all years may not exceed $40,000.

488

DCA Advance Edition

(C) No election if Section 4.07c(l) election
made. No election may be made under
inis subparagraph for any year if an elec-
tion is made under Section 4.07c(l) for
such year.

4.08 Correction of Excess Contributions. If con-
tributions by or on behalf of a Participant
exceed the Umitations of Section 4.07 in any
given Plan Year, such excess shall be cor-
rected as provided in this subsection to the
extent permitted by law, notwithstanding any
otiier provision of the Plan.

a. If the elective deferral limit under Code sec-
tion 402(g) is exceeded and if the Partici-
pant files a written notification witihi the Ad-
ministrator not later than business
processing cut-off for April 15 certifying that
the Participant has made elective deferrals
within the meaning of Code section 402(g)
for the immediately prior Plan Year in ex-
cess of the Umitation of Code section 402(g)
and stating the amount of such excess that
the Participant has allocated to this Plan,
then not later than the April 15 after the
Plan Year in which the excess was contrib-
uted, the Trustee shall distribute to the Par-
ticipant, to the extent provided by law, such
allocated amount, adjusted for earnings
(whether positive or negative) thereon, to
the extent required by law. The Plan Spon-
sor or Salary-Paying Unit may give the notice
provided for above, calculating the amount
of excess elective deferrals taking into ac-
count contributions to all plans of the Plan
Sponsor, including the Plan. The Adminis-
trator, on behalf of the Plan, may give the
notice provided for above, calculating the
amount of excess elective deferrals taking
into account contributions to all plans main-
tained by the Administrator, including the
Plan.

b. If the Exclusion Allowance limit xmder Code
section 403(b) is exceeded, the excess Sal-
ary Reduction Contributions shall be distrib-
uted to the Participant (subject to the limita-
tions of Article V and excess employer
contributions shall be recharacterized as
Personal Contributions in such manner de-
termined in the discretion of the Administra-
tor to maximize contributions to the Plan
and other retirement arrangements of the
Plan Sponsor jmd Participant Excess Salary
Reduction Contributions which may not be
distributed shall remain in the Plan.

c. If the annual addition limit under Code sec-
tion 415 is exceeded, then subject to any
limitations imposed by law, the Administra-

tor shall correct the excess contributions in
such manner determined in the discretion of
the Administrator to maximize contributions
to the Plan and other retirement arrange-
ments of the Plan Sponsor and Participant in
any one or more of the following methods:

(1) recharacterizing excess employer contri-
butions as Personal Contributions and
distributing the recharacterized contri-
butions (and earnings attributable
thereto) to the Participant;

(2) returning excess Personal Contributions
(and earnings attributable thereto to the
extent required by law); and

(3) returning excess Salary Reduction Con-
tributions (and earnings attributable
thereto to the extent required by law);
and

(4) any other method permissible under ap-
phcable law, as determined by tiie Ad-
ministrator.

4.09 Determination of Excess Contributions. The
Participant or (at the Participant's request)
the Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying Unit will
advise the Administrator of any excess con-
tributions determined imder Section 4.07.
The Administrator shall have no obligation to
determine if the limitations of Section 4.07
are exceeded, but may do so, in its sole
discretion, based on its record of actual con-
tributions to plans maintained by the Admin-
istrator or any information provided by the
Participant, Plan Sponsor or Salary-Paying
Unit in a request to calculate the maximum
permissible contributions to one or more
plans maintained by the Administrator.

Article V Determination and Distribution of
Benefits

5.01 Determination of Benefits Upon Retirement.
Every Participant may retire for the pur-
poses hereof on his/her Normal Retirement
Date or Early Retirement Date.

a. Upon such Normal Retirement Date or Early
Retirement Date, all amounts credited to
such Participant's accoimts shall become
distributable in accordance with Section
5.07.

b. However, a Participant may postpone the
termination of his/her employment vrith the
Plan Sponsor to a later date, in which event
the participation of such Participant in the
Plan shall continue until the Participant's
Late Retirement Date.

4

Financial Administration

489

5.02 Determination of Benefits Upon Death.

a. Upon the death of a Participant before
his/her retirement date or before a Partici-
pant's Annuity Starting Date, all amounts
credited to such Participant's accounts shall
be distributed in accordance with the provi-
sions of Section 5.08.

b. Upon the death of a Former Participant or
Terminated Participant before his/her hav-
ing received a benefit fi-om the Plan, the
Administrator shall direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.08 any remaining amounts cred-
ited to the accounts of the deceased Former
or Terminated Participant to such Former or
Terminated Participant's Beneficiary.

c. The Administrator may require such proper
proof of death and such evidence of the right
of any person to receive payment of the value
of the accounts of a deceased Participant or
Former Participant or Terminated Partici-
pant as the Administrator may deem desir-
able. The Administrator's determination of
death and of the right of any person to re-
ceive payment shall be conclusive.

d. Unless otherwise elected in the manner pre-
scribed below, the Beneficiary of the death
benefit shall be the Participant's spouse.

(1) Except, however, the Participant may
designate a Beneficiary other than
his/her spouse if:

(A) the spouse consents in writing, wit-
nessed by a Plan Sponsor representative
or notary public, to the designation of
another Beneficiary; or

(B) the Participant is legally separated or
has been abandoned (within the mean-
ing of local law) and the Participant has
a court order to such effect (and there is
no "Qualified Domestic Relations Or-
der" as defined in Code section 414(p)
which provides otherwise); or

(C) the Participant has no spouse; or

(D) the spouse cannot be located.

(2) In such event, the designation of a Bene-
ficiary shall be made in such form as is
satisfactory to the Administrator and
must be received by the Administrator
dtuing the Participant's lifetime.

(3) A Participant may at any time revoke
his/her designation of Beneficiary or

change his/her Beneficiary by filing writ-
ten notice (in such form as may be re-
quired by the Administrator) of such
revocation or change with the Adminis-
trator. However, the Participant's spouse
must again consent in writing in accord-
ance with the provisions of Section
5.02d(l)(A) to any change in Beneficiary
unless the original consent expressly per-
mits such changes by the Participant
without the requirement of further con-
sent by the spouse.

(4) A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficiary designation in favor of the
Participant's spouse made prior to the
divorce. Until such time as a new desig-
nation of Beneficiary is filed with the
Board in accordance with the provisions
of this Section, benefits will be payable
as if the former spouse had predeceased
the Beneficiary.

(5) In the event no valid designation of
Beneficiary exists at the time of the Par-
ticipant's death and there in no surviving
spouse, the death benefit shall be pay-
able to his/her estate.

5.03 Determination of Benefits in the Event of
Disability. In the event of a Participant's Dis-
ability, the Participant may request a distri-
bution of all amounts credited to such Par-
ticipant's accounts in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 5.07 as though
he/she had retired.

5.04 Determination of Benefits Upon Termina-
tion. In the event a Participant becomes a
Terminated Participant for any reason other
than death. Disability, or retirement, the
Participant's Account shall be distributed as
follows:

a. Distribution of the funds due to a Termi-
nated Participant shall be made on the oc-
currence of the Piulicipanf s death or Early,
Normal, or Late Retirement

b. However, at the election of the Participant,
the Administrator shall direct the Trustee to
cause the Terminated Participant's Account
to be payable to such Terminated Partici-
pant. Any distribution under this paragraph
shall be made in a manner which is consis-
tent with and satisfies the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.07.

c. If the total value of all benefits payable from
the Plan to a Terminated Participant does
not exceed $3,500 and has never exceeded
$3,500 at the time of any prior distribution,

490

DCA Advance Edition

the Administrator shall direct the Trustee to
cause the entire benefit to be paid to such
Participant in a single lump sum.

5.05 In-Service Withdrawals. A Participant upon
reaching age 59 ¥2 may withdraw a portion or
all of his/her interest in the Plan in accord-
ance with Section 5.07.

5.06 Hardship Distributions.

a. Notwithstanding anything herein to the con-
trary, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, the following are available for lump sum
distribution in the event the Participant in-
curs a financial hardship:

(1) The accumulation in the Participant's
Personal Account and Rollover Account;
and

(2) The Peirticipant's Salary Reduction Con-
tributions and, with respect to the accu-
mulations in the Transfer Account, con-
tributions made pursuant to a salary
reduction agreement (within the mean-
ing of Code section 402(g)(3)(C) or, if
previously held in a Code section
403(b)(7) custodial account, within the
meaning of Code section
3121(a)(5)(D)). The distribution fi-om
these accounts shall not include any in-
come attributable to such contributions.

b. To the extent not prohibited by applicable
law, the following provisions shall apply with
respect to financial hardship:

(1) A financial hardship under the provi-
sions of Section 5.06a shall be limited to
the following situations:

(A) Expenses for medical care described in
Code section 213(d) previously in-
curred by the Participant, the Partici-
pant's spouse or dependents (as defined
in Code section 152) or necessary for
these persons to obtain medical care de-
scribed in Code section 213(d);

(B) Costs directiy related to the purchase of
a principal residence of the Participant
(excluding mortgage payments);

(C) Payment of tuition and related educa-
tional fees for the next 12 months of
post-secondary education for the Partici-
pant or the Participant's spouse, chil-
dren or dependents;

(D) Payments necessary to prevent the evic-
tion of the Participant fi"om his/her prin-

cipal residence or foreclosure of the
mortgage of the Participant's principal
residence; or

(E) Such other circumstances as may be
established by the Secretary of the
Treasury, or established pursuant to
regulations under Code section 401(k)
as deemed immediate and heavy finan-
cial needs with respect to elective contri-
butions under Code section 401(k) un-
less such application to the Plan is
prohibited by law.

(2) A financial hardship shall be deemed to
exist only if the Participant represents in
a form acceptable to the Administrator
that the need cannot be relieved by re-
imbursement from insurance, reason-
able liquidation of the Participant's as-
sets, cessation of Salary Reduction
Contributions and Personal Contribu-
tions under the Plan, other distributions
or loans fi-om employee benefit plans or
borrowing fi"om commercial soiu"ces on
reasonable commercial terms.

(3) The amount of the distribution made
because of the Participant's financial
hardship shall not exceed the amount
needed to satisfy the financied hardship
described in Section 5.06b(l) above;
provided, however, the amount of the
financial need may include any amounts
necessary to pay any federal, state or
local income taxes or penalties reason-
ably anticipated to result from the distri-
bution.

(4) The amount of the distribution shall be
limited to the financial need of the Par-
ticipant after the Participant has ob-
tained all distributions (other than hard-
ship distributions) and nontaxable loans
otherwise available under all retirement
plans maintained by the Plan Sponsor.

(5) If a Participant receives a financial hard-
ship distribution under Section 5.06a,
the Participeuit shall be suspended from
making Salary Reduction Contributions
and Personal Contributions to this Plan
(with the exception of any Required Em-
ployee Contributions as described in
section 3.04 of the Cumulative Pension
and Benefit Fund) and all other plans
maintained by the Plan Sponsor for a
period of 12 months after receipt of the
withdrawal. In addition, the maximiun
contributions permitted for the calendar
year immediately following the calendar

Financial Adnninistration

491

year of the withdrawal shall be reduced by
the amount of elective deferrals (as de-
fined in Code section 402(g)) made in the
calendar year of the withdrawal.

(6) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a distri-
bution on the basis of hardship shall be
subject to rules and procedures estab-
lished by the Administrator from time to
time, including without limitation, pro-
viding the Administrator with informa-
tion and documentation requested by
the Administrator in a form acceptable
to the Administrator concerning any of
the requirements for a distribution on
the basis of financial hardship.

5.07 Distribution of Benefits For Any Reason Ex-
cept Death.

a. (1) Unless otherwise elected as provided in
Section 5.07a(3) below, a Participemt who is
married on the Annuity Starting Date and
who does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the vedue of all of his/her
benefits in the form of a Contingent Annuity
with his/her spouse as Contingent Annui-
tant.

(A) Such Contingent Annuity benefits follow-
ing the Participant's death shall con-
tinue to the spouse (determined as of the
Annuity Starting Date) during the
spouse's lifetime at a rate equal to 70%
of the rate at which such benefits were
payable to the Participant.

(B) This 70% Contingent Annuity shall be
considered the designated qualified
Contingent Annuity and automatic form
of payment for the purposes of this Plan.

(2) Unless otherwise elected as provided
below, a Participant who is not married
on the Annuity Starting Date and who
does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of his/her
benefit in the form of a life annuity.

(A) Such unmarried Participant, however,
may elect in writing to waive the life an-
nuity and elect to receive his/her benefit
in accordance with Section 5.07b below.

(B) The election must comply with the pro-
visions of this Section as if it were an
election to waive the Contingent Annuity
by a married PeuHcipant, but without the
spousal consent requirement.

(3) Any election to waive the Contingent An-
nuity must be made by the Participant in

writing during the election period and be
consented to by the Participant's spouse.

(A) If the spouse is legally incompetent to
give consent, the spouse's legal guard-
ian, even if such guardian is the Partici-
pant, may give consent.

(B) Such election shall designate a Benefici-
ary (or a form of benefits) that may not
be changed without spousal consent
(unless the consent of the spouse ex-
pressly permits designations by the Par-
ticipant without the requirement of fur-
ther consent by the spouse).

(C) Such spouse's consent shall be irrevoca-
ble and must acknowledge the effect of
such election and be witnessed by a Plan
Sponsor representative or a notary pub-
lic.

(D) Such consent shall not be required if it
is established to the satisfaction of the
Administrator that the required consent
cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located or
other circumstances that may be pre-
scribed by Regulations.

(E) The election made by the Participant
and consented to by his/her spouse may
be revoked by the Participant in writing
without the consent of the spouse at any
time during the election period.

(i) The number of revocations shall not be
limited.

(ii) Any new election must comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.

(F) A former spouse's waiver shall not be
binding on a new spouse.

(4) The election period to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity shall be the 90-day period
ending on the Annuity Starting Date.

(5) With regard to the election, the Admin-
istrator shall provide to the Participant
no less than 30 days and no more than
90 days before the Annuity Starting Date
a written explanation of:

(A) the terms and conditions of the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(B) the Participant's right to make, and the
effect of, an election to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity;

492

DCA Advance Edition

(C) the right of the Participant's spouse to
consent to any election to waive the Con-
tingent Annuity;

(D) the right of the Participant to revoke
such election, and the effect of such
revocation.

b. In the event a married Participant duly
elects pursuant to Section 5.07a(3) above
not to receive his/her benefit in the form of
a Contingent Annuity, or if such Participant
is not married, in the form of a life annuity,
the Administrator, pursuant to the election
of the Participant, shall direct the Trustee to
distribute to a Participant or to a Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant any
amount to which he/she is entitled under
the Plan in one or more of the following
methods determined and limited by rules
and regulations of the Administrator:

(1) purchase of or providing an annuity.
However, such annuity may not be in
any form that will provide for payments
over a period extending beyond the life
of the Participant (or the lives of the
Participant and his/her designated Con-
tingent Annuitant).

(2) Monthly or annual payments over a fixed
period not to exceed the life expectancy
of the Participant or the life expectancies
of the Participant emd a designated
Beneficiary. Such payments shall be
made in accordance with rules and regu-
lations adopted by the Administrator.
Any balance remaining at the death of
both the Participant and his/her desig-
nated Beneficiary shall be distributed in
a single lump sum to the Beneficiary
named by the last to die of the Partici-
pant or the designated Beneficiary.

(3) one or more lump sum payments elected
by the Participant in accordance with the
rules established by the Administrator.

c. K the Participant is married at the time
he/she makes an election pursuant to Sec-
tion 5.07b above, such election shall not be
valid without the consent of the Participant's
spouse given in accordance with the proce-
dures stated in Section 5.07a(3).

d. If the total of all benefits payable to the
Participant fi-om the Plan is equal to or less
than $3,500, the Administrator may direct
the Trustee to distribute the full amount to
the Participant without the consent of the
Participant or his/her spouse.

e. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, the distribution of a Participan-
t's benefits shall be made in accordance with
the following requirements:

(1) The entire interest of a Participant shall
be distributed:

(A) no later than the required beginning
date described in Section 5.07e(2); or

(B) beginning no later than the required be-
ginning date over:

(i) the life of the Participant;

(ii) the lives of the Participant and a desig-
nated Contingent Annuitant;

(iii) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Participant; or

(iv) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancies of the Peuticipant and a
designated Contingent Annuitant

(2) The term "required beginning date" is
defined for the pxuposes of this subsec-
tion as April 1 of the calendar year fol-
lowing the calendar year in which the
Piirticipant reaches age 70-1/2. How-
ever if the Participant's Plan Sponsor is
a Church or a Qualified Church-Control-
led Organization, the "required begin-
ning date" is the later of:

(A) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant reaches age 70-1/2; or

(B) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant retires.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall
not apply to the value of a Participant's
Account valued as of December 31,
1986, exclusive of subsequent earnings.

5.08 Distribution of Benefits upon Death.

a. In the event of the death of a Participant
prior to the Annuity Starting Date, his/her
Account shall be paid to the Participant's
Beneficiary subject to the requirements of
Section 5.08b below.

b. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to
the contrary, distributions upon the death of
a Participant shall be made in accordance
with the following requirements and shall
otherwise comply with Code section
401(a)(9) and the Regulations thereunder.

Financial Administration

493

(1) If the Participant's surviving spouse is
the Beneficiary, the Account shall be
paid according to one of the distribution
options described in Section 5.07b as
elected by the sxuriving spouse, but in
no case shall any distribution provide for
payments over a period extending be-
yond either the life of the surviving
spouse or the life expectancy of the sur-
viving spouse.

(A) Distributions to the surviving spouse
Beneficiary must commence on or be-
fore the later of:

(i) December 31 of the calendar year imme-
diately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died; or

(ii) December 31 of the calendar year in
which the Participant would have at-
tained age 70-1/2.

(B) K no election is made prior to the re-
quired beginning date described in Sec-
tion 5.08b(l)(A), the benefit shall be
paid in the form of a single life annuity.

(2) If the Participant's Beneficiary is not the
siuviving spouse, the Participant's Ac-
count shall be distributed to his/her
Beneficiary:

(A) by December 31 of the calendar year in
which the fifth anniversary of the Partici-
pant's date of death occurs; or

(B) over the life of such designated Benefi-
ciary (or over a period not extending be-
yond the life expectancy of such desig-
nated Beneficiary) provided such
distribution begins not later than De-
cember 31 of the calendar year immedi-
ately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died.

(i) For purposes of Section 5.08b(2), the
election by a designated Beneficiary to
be excepted from the 5-year distribution
requirement must be made no later than
December 31 of the calendar year fol-
lowing the calendar year of the Partici-
pant's death.

(ii) An election by a designated Beneficiary
must be in writing and shall be irrevoca-
ble as of the last day of the election pe-
riod stated herein.

(iii) In the absence of an election by the
Participant or a designated Beneficiary,

the 5-year distribution requirement shall
apply.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.08b(l) or Section 5.08b(2), if tiie
present value of a deceased Participan-
t's Account is equal to or less than
$3,500 at the time of his/her death, the
Administrator may direct the Trustee to
distribute the full amount to the Partici-
pant's Beneficiary without the consent of
the Beneficiary.

(4) If the distribution of a Participant's Ac-
count had begun and the Participant
dies before his/her entire interest has
been distributed to him/her, the remain-
ing portion of such interest shall be dis-
tributed at least as rapidly as tmder the
method of distribution selected pursu-
ant to Section 5.07 as of his/her date of
death.

5.09 Single Sum Payment of Benefits. Notwith-
standing any provision of this Plan to the
contrary, if the amount payable as a monthly
annuity to the Participemt or Beneficiary
from all plans administered by the Adminis-
trator is less than the minimum amount es-
tablished by the Trustee from time to time,
the Administrator may, in its absolute dis-
cretion, require the balance in the Partici-
pant's Account to be paid to the Participant
or Beneficiary in a single siun. A single sum
payment provided for under this subsection
may be made to the Participant at any time
following termination of employment and
prior to the commencement of payment of
benefits under another form of payment

5.10 Transfers Out of the Plan. Subject to limita-
tions imposed by law, all or a portion of a
Pfirticipanf s interest in the Plan, excluding
amounts required to be distributed under
Section 5.07e, if any, may be transferred
directly to a Code section 403(b)(1) annuity
contract, a Code section 403(b)(7) custodial
account or a Code section 403(b)(9) retire-
ment income account upon the request of
the Participant, in accordance with proce-
dures established by the Administrator, pro-
vided that benefit payments have not com-
menced with respect to such accumulations.

5.11 Direct Rollovers Out of the Plan.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to
the contrary that would otherwise limit a
distributee's election under this Section, a
"distributee" may elect, at the time and in
the manner prescribed by the Plan Admin-

494

DCA Advance Edition

istrator, to have any portion of an "eligible
rollover distribution" paid directly to an "eli-
gible retirement plan" specified by the dis-
tributee in a direct rollover.

b. For puiposes of this Section the following
definitions shall apply:

(1) An "eligible rollover distribution" is any
distribution of all or any portion of the
balance to the credit of the distributee,
except that an eligible rollover distribu-
tion does not include any distribution
that is one of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments (not less fre-
quently than annually) made for the life
(or life expectancy) of the distributee or
the joint lives (or joint life expectancies)
of the distributee and the distributee's
designated beneficiary, or for a specified
period of ten years or more; any distri-
bution to the extent such distribution is
required under section 401(a)(9) of the
Code; and the portion of emy distribution
that is not includible in gross income.

(2) An "eligible retirement plan" is an indi-
vidual retirement account described in
section 408(a) of the Code, an individ-
ual retirement annuity described in sec-
tion 408(b) of the Code, or an annuity
plan described in section 403(b) of the
Code that accepts the distributee's eligi-
ble rollover distribution. However, in the
case of an eligible roUover distribution to
the surviving spouse, an eligible retire-
ment plim is an individual retirement
account or individual retirement annu-
ity.

(3) A "distributee" includes a Participant or
Terminated Participant. In addition, the
Participant's or Terminated Participan-
t's surviving spouse and the Participan-
t's or Terminated Participant's spouse
or former spouse who is the alternate
payee under a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, as defined in section 414(p)
of the Code, are distributees with regard
to the interest of the spouse or former
spouse.

(4) A direct rollover is a payment by the plan
to the eligible retirement plan specified
by the distributee.

5.12 Relinquishment of Benefits. A Participant or
Beneficiary who is receiving benefit pay-
ments from this Plan may relinquish all or a
portion of the benefits payable after the re-
linquishment is made. Unless the relin-

quishment by its terms was made irrevocable,
he/she may revoke such relinquishment with
respect to benefits that become payable after
the revocation of the relinquishment
Amounts not used to pay benefits because of
the relinquishment shall remain in the appro-
priate fund for payment of benefits generally.

5.13 Refusal of Benefit. The Beneficiary has the
right to refuse or disclaim a benefit which
he/she is otherwise entitied to receive. The
refusal must be of the entire benefit The
efiect of such refusal is to treat the Benefici-
ary as if he/she had predeceased the Partici-
pant

5.14 Distribution for Minor Beneficiary. In tiie
event a distribution is to be made to a minor,
the Administrator may direct that such dis-
tribution be paid to die legal guardian, or if
none, to a parent of such Beneficiary or a
responsible adult with whom the Beneficiary
maintains his/her residence, or to the custo-
dian for such Beneficiary under the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if
such is permitted by the laws of the state in
which said Beneficiary resides. Such a pay-
ment to the legal guardian, custodian or par-
ent of a minor Beneficiary shall fully dis-
charge the Administrator, Trustee, Plan
Sponsor, and Plan from further liability on
account thereof.

5.15 Facility of Payment Whenever in tiie Admin-
istrator's opinion a person entitied to receive
any payment of a benefit under the Plan is
under a legal disability or is incapacitated in
any way so as to be unable to manage such
person's financial affairs, the Administrator
may direct the Trustee to make payments
directly to the person, to the person's legal
representative, or to a relative or fiiend of
the person to be used exclusivety for such
person's benefit, or apply any such payment
for the benefit of the person in such manner
as the Administrator deems advisable. The
decision of the Administrator, in each case,
shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon
all persons ever interested hereunder. The
Administrator shall not be obligated to see to
the proper application or expenditure of any
payment so made. Any benefit payment (or
installment thereof) made in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection shall
completely discharge the obligation for mak-
ing such payment under the Plan.

5.16 Notification of Mailing Address. Each Par-
ticipant and other person entitied to benefits
hereunder shall from time to time file with
the Administrator, in a form acceptable to

Financial Adnninistration

495

i

the Administrator, such person's mailing ad-
dress and change of mailing address. Any
check representing any payment due hereun-
der, and any communication forwarded to a
Participant or Beneficiary at the last known
address as indicated by the records of the
Administrator shall constitute adequate pay-
ment to such person and be binding on such
person for all purposes of the Plan. The Ad-
ministrator shall not be under any obligation
to search for or ascertain the wiiereabouts of
any such person.

5.17 AppUcation for Benefits. The benefits pay-
able hereunder to Participants and Benefici-
aries shall not become payable until such
individuals have made application to the Ad-
ministrator for such benefits. However, not-
withstanding this provision, a Participant or
alternate payee shall be deemed to have
made application for benefits on the "re-
quired beginning date" as described in Sec-
tion 5.07e(2) if on that date the current mail-
ing address of the Participant or alternate
payee is on file with the Administrator. A
Participant's Beneficiary shaU be deemed to
have made application for benefits on the
date benefit payments are required to com-
mence in accordance with Section 5.08b(l)
and Section 5.08b(2) if on that date the ciu--
rent mailing address of the Beneficiary is on
file with the Administrator.

5.18 Unclaimed Benefit

a. If a Participant fails to properly claim a bene-
fit due hereunder prior to the "required be-
ginning date," as defined in Section
5.07e(2) emd there is no current mailing
address on file with the Administrator, the
Administrator shall send a certified letter to
the last known address of the Participant
indicating that the Participant has 60 days
to cletim such benefit If the Peulicipant fails
to claim the benefit within the 60-day pe-
riod, the Participant shaU be deemed, in
accordance with rules and regulations
adopted by the Administrator, to have relin-
quished any benefit that may be payable to
tiie Participant

b. The failure of a Beneficiary to properly claim
a benefit due hereunder during the stated
time period, or if no time period is stated,
then within two years of being eligible to
receive the benefit, shall cause the benefit to
be considered to have been refused and for-
feited and shall cause the benefit to be paid
to the secondary Beneficiary or default
Beneficiary in accordance with the Plan. If
the last default Beneficiary does not claim

the benefit within a two-year period com-
mencing with the date on which he/she be-
came eligible to receive the benefit, the bene-
fit shedl be considered to be refused and
forfeited by said Beneficiary. After the last
two-year period has expired, the Administra-
tor shall send a certified letter to the last
known address of the last default Beneficiary
indicating that the Beneficiary has 60 days to
claim such benefit Failure to claim the bene-
fit within the 60-day time period shall cause
the benefit to be forfeited. Such forfeited
amounts shall be added to the reserves of the
Plan. However, any such forfeited amoimt
will be reinstated and become payable if a
claim is made by the estate of the Participant
or Beneficiary. The Administrator shall pre-
scribe xmiform and nondiscriminatory rules
for carrying out this provision.

5.19 Limitations of Benefits and Distributions. All
rights and benefits, including elections, pro-
vided to a Participant in this Plan shall be
subject to the rights afforded to any "alter-
nate payee" under a "qualified domestic re-
lations order." Furthermore, a distribution
to an "alternate payee" shall be permitted if
such distribution is authorized by a "quali-
fied domestic relations order," even if the
iiflfected Participant has not reached the
"earliest retirement age" under the Plan. For
the purposes of this Section, the terms "al-
ternate payee," "qualified domestic relations
order," and "earliest retirement age" shall
have the meaning set forth under Code sec-
tion 414(p).

Article VI Participant's Accoxmt

6.01 Types of Accounts. The Board will meiintain
the following separate accounts for each Par-
ticipant

a. Salary Reduction Account

b. Personal Accoimt

c. QVEC Account

d. Rollover Accoxmt

e. Transfer Account

6.02 Tide to Accoimts Not in Name of Pcuticipant
The fact that contributions shall be made
and credited to the Account of a Participant
shall not vest in such Participant any right,
tide or interest in or to any of the assets of
the Plem except at the time and upon the
conditions expressly set forth in this Plan.
The words "Participant's account balance,"
"assets with respect to Participant," or "in-

496

DCA Advance Edition

vestment account of a Participant," or similar
phrases shall not be interpreted to mean, un-
der any circumstances or event, that a Partici-
pant has tide to any specific assets of the Plan.
The assets of the Plan are owned by the Trus-
tee, as Trustee of the Personal Investment
Plan Trust.

6.03 Investment of Accounts. The Participant
shall have the right to elect to have future
contributions allocable to the Participant's
accounts and any accumulations in the Par-
ticipant's accounts placed in any one or a
combination of the Plan Investments as per-
mitted by the Trustee, in its sole discretion.
The Participant's election under this subsec-
tion 6.03 is subject to rules and procedxu-es
established from time to time by the Admin-
istrator, in its sole discretion, including
without limitation, rules and procedures
concerning the method in which elections
are made, the frequency with which elec-
tions may be made, the availability of spe-
cific Plan Investments, tlie eflfective date of
an election, minimum amounts or percent-
ages for such elections, and any other re-
quirements for such elections established by
the Administrator.

Article VII Trustee

7.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Article VIII:

a. To invest, manage and control the Plan as-
sets;

b. At the direction of the Administrator, to pay
benefits required under the Plan to be paid
to Participants, or, in the event of tiheir
death, to tiieir Beneficiaries;

c. To maintain records of receipts and dis-
bursements and furnish to the Administra-
tor for each Plan Year a written annual re-
port;

d. To invest the assets of the trust for the ex-
clusive purpose of providing benefits to Par-
ticipants and Beneficiaries and defraying
reasonable expenses of the Plan. Such in-
vesting shall be done in accordance with
investment policies that reflect the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church.

7.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the
Trustee.

a. The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the
assets of the Plan to keep the assets of the

Plan invested without distinction between
principal £md income and in such securities
or property, real or personal, wherever situ-
ated, as the Trustee shall deem advisable,
including, butnotUmitedto, stocks, common
or preferred, bonds and other evidences of
indebtedness or ownership, and real estate
or any interest therein. The Trustee shall at
all times in making investments of the assets
of the Plan consider, among other factors, the
short and long-term financial needs of the
Plan on the basis of information furnished by
the Plan Sponsor. In making such invest-
ments, the Trustee shall not be restricted to
securities or other property of the character
expressly authorized by the applicable lawfor
trust investments; however, the Trustee shall
give due regard to any limitations imposed by
the Code or the Act.

b. The Trustee may employ a bank or trust com-

pany pursuant to the terms of its usueil and
customary bank agency agreement, under
which the duties of such bank or trust com-
pany shall be of a custodial, clerical and
record-keeping nature.

c. The Trustee may create a trust to hold and

invest all or any part of the assets of the Plan.
The Trustee shall have the right to determine
the form and substance of each trust agree-
ment under which any part of the assets of
the Plan is held, subject only to the require-
ment that they are not inconsistent with the
terms of the Plan.

7.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee,
in addition to all powers and authorities im-
der common law, statutory authority, includ-
ing the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Trustee's sole
discretion:

a. To purchase, or subscribe for, any securities
or other property and to retain the same. In
conjunction with the purchase of seciuities,
margin accounts may be opened and main-
tained;

b. To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, grant
options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of
any securities or other property held by the
Trustee, by private contract or at public auc-
tion. No person dealing with the Trustee
shall be bound to see to the application of
the purchase money or to inquire into the
vaUdity, expediency, or propriety of any such
sale or other disposition, with or without
advertisement;

Financial Administration

497

c. To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
securities; to give general or special proxies
or powers of attorney with or without power
of substitution; to exercise any conversion
privileges, subscription rights or other op-
tions, and to make any payments incidental
thereto; to oppose, or to consent to, or oth-
erwise participate in, corporate reorganiza-
tions or other changes affecting corporate
securities, and to delegate discretionary
powers, and to pay any assessments or
charges in connection therewith; and gener-
ally to exercise any of the powers of an owner
with respect to stocks, bonds, securities, or
other property;

d. To cause any securities or other property to
be registered in the Trustee's own name or
in the name of one or more of the Trustee's
nominees, and to hold any investments in
bearer form, but the books and records of
the Trustee shall at all times show that all
such investments are part of the assets of the
Plan;

e. To borrow or raise money for the purposes
of the Plan in such amount, and upon such
terms and conditions, as the Trustee shall
deem advisable; and for any sum so bor-
rowed, to issue a promissory note as Trus-
tee, and to seciu-e the repayment thereof by
pledging all, or any part, of the assets of the
Plan; and no person lending money to the
Trustee shall be bound to see to the applica-
tion of the money lent or to inquire into the
validity, expediency, or propriety of any bor-
rowing;

f. To keep such portion of the assets of the Plan

in cash or cash balances as the Trustee may,
from time to time, deem to be in the best
interests of the Plan, without liability for in-
terest thereon;

g. To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any seciuities
or other property received or acquired as
trustee hereunder, whether or not such se-
cxuities or other property would normally be
purchased as investments hereunder;

h. To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any and all documents of transfer and con-
veyance and any and all other instruments
that may be necessary or appropriate to
Ctury out the powers herein granted;

i. To settie, compromise, or submit to arbitra-
tion any claims, debts, or damages due or
owing to or from the Plan, to commence or
defend suits or legal or administrative pro-

ceedings, and to represent the Plan in all
suits and legal and administrative proceed-
ings;

j. To employ suitable agents and counsel and
to pay their reasonable expenses and com-
pensation, and such agent or cotuisel may or
may not be agent or counsel for the Plan
Sponsor;

k. To invest in Treasiuy Bills and other forms
of United States government obligations;

1, To sell, piu-chase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and pur-
chased throu^ a national securities ex-
change registered under the Securities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended, or, if the
options are not traded on a national seciui-
ties exchange, are guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange;

m. To deposit monies in federally insured sav-
ings accounts or certificates of deposit in
banks or savings and loan associations;

n. To pool all or any of the assets of the Plan,
from time to time, with assets belonging to
any other employee benefit plan created by
a unit of The United Methodist Church or an
affiliated unit of The United Methodist
Chxu-ch, and to commingle such assets and
make joint or common investments and
carry joint accounts on behalf of this Plan
and such other trust or trusts, allocating
undivided shares or interests in such invest-
ments or accounts or any pooled assets of
the two or more trusts in accordance with
their respective interests.

o. To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not specifi-
cally mentioned herein, as the Trustee may
deem necessary to carry out the purposes of
the Plan.

7.04 Funding Through Insurance Contracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Peuticipant or a Participant's Beneficiary
from assets held by the Trustee, enter into a
confract (or contracts) or an agreement (or
^reements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (from such as-
sets) of one or more instu'ance contracts
which provide benefits which eire substan-
tially the actuarial equivalent of those pro-
vided for such Participant or Beneficiary un-
der the Plan.

7.05 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with

498

DCA Advance Edition

another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a controlled group.

Article VIII Administration

8.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The
primary responsibility of the Administrator
is to administer the Plan for the exclusive
benefit of the Participants and their Benefi-
ciaries, subject to the terms of the Plan. The
Administrator shall administer the Plan in
accordance with its terms and shall have the
power and discretion to construe the terms
of the Plan and to determine all questions
arising in connection with the administra-
tion, interpretation, and application of the
Plan. Any such determination by the Admin-
istrator shall be conclusive and binding
upon all persons. The Administrator, in ad-
dition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Plan,
shall have the following powers and authori-
ties, to be exercised in the Administrator's
sole discretion:

a. To establish procedures, correct any defect,
supply any information, or reconcile any in-
consistency in such manner and to such ex-
tent as shall be deemed necessary or advis-
able to carry out the purpose of the Plan;

b. To determine all questions relating to the
eligibility of Employees and Clergy to partici-
pate or remain a Participant hereunder and
to receive benefits under the Plan;

c. To compute, certify, and direct the Trustee
with respect to the amount and the kind of
benefits to which any Participant shall be
entided hereunder;

d.In its sole discretion, to construe and inter-
pret the Plan and make administrative rules
in accordance therewith, and to resolve or
otherwise decide matters not specificaUy
covered by the terms and provisions of the
Plan;

e. To maintain all necessary records for the
administration of the Plan;

f. To interpret the provisions of the Plan and
make and publish such rules for regulation
of the Plan as are consistent with the terms
hereof;

g. To file, or cause to be filed, all such annual
reports, returns, schedules, descriptions, fi-
nancial statements and other statements as
may be required by any federid or state stat-
ute, agency, or autiiority;

h. To obtain fi-om the Plan Sponsors and Em-
ployees such information as shall be neces-
sary to the proper administration of the
Plan;

i. To specify actuarial assmnptions and meth-
ods for use in determining contributions and
benefits tmder the Plan.

j. To assist any Participant regarding his/her
rights, benefits or elections available under
the Plan.

8.02 Records and Reports. The Administrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and otiier data that may be necessary
for proper administration of the Plan and
shall be responsible for supplying all infor-
mation and reports to appropriate govern-
ment entities. Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as required by law.

8.03 Duties of the Plan Sponsor. The Plan Spon-
sor shall assiune the following duties with
respect to the Plan:

a. To enroll Employees and Clergy, as applica-
ble;

b. To maintain records of a Participant's serv-
ice;

c. To maintain records of a Participant's com-
pensation;

d. To remit contributions to the Trustee;

e. To provide the Administrator with the statis-
tical data and other statistical information
satisfactory to the Administrator within a
reasonable time after a request by the Ad-
ministrator sufficient to enable the Adminis-
trator to discharge its duties under the Plan;

f. To register with and report to government
agencies, as appropriate;

g. To property notify Employees and Clergy of
their rights and obhgations under the Plan;

h. To provide the Administrator with prompt
notice of termination of a Participant's em-
ployment

8.04 Fees and Expenses. AH expenses incxured
by the Administrator and Trustee in connec-
tion with the administration of this Plan shall
be paid by the Plan.

a. The Trustee has the autiiority to determine
administrative and expense charges and the
methods for applying such charges.

Financial Adnninistration

499

b. The Trustee is authorized to deduct from the
Plan's reserves, funds, contributions,
and/or earnings thereon, the expenses and
fees necessary or appropriate to the admini-
stration of the Plan, including an allocable
share of the Administrator's operating ex-
penses.

c. The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing non-
routine reports and services for Plan Spon-
sors and Participants and to require the
Plan Sponsor or Participant to pay for such
non-routine reports and services.

8.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimburse the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses inciured by the Administrator
or the Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
counsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, summons or other
similar pleading by the Interned Revenue
Service or by any other party, including the
parties to marital litigation, in litigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a party, or is a party only by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiduciary in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant

8.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,
actuarial and other services as it may require
in carrying out the provisions of this Plan.
The Administrator may rely on any certifi-
cate, notice or direction, oral or written, pur-
porting to have been signed or communi-
cated on behalf of the Plan Sponsor,
Participant, or others which the Administra-
tor believes to have been signed or commu-
nicated by persons authorized to act on be-
half of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or
others, as applicable. The Administrator
may request instructions in writing from the
Plan Sponsor, Participant or others, as ap-
plicable, on other matters, and may rely and
act thereon. The Administrator may not be
held responsible for any loss caused by its
acting upon any notice, direction or certifica-
tion of the Plan Sponsor, Participant or oth-
ers, which the Administrator reasonably be-
Ueves to be genuine and communicated by
an authorized person.

8.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
under the Plan shall be filed with the Admin-
istrator on forms supplied by the Adminis-
trator. Written notice of the disposition of a
claim shall be furnished to the Plan Sponsor
and to the claimant within 45 days aifter all
required forms and materials related to the
application therefor are filed.

8.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
under the Plan is wholly or partially denied,
the claimant shall be given notice in writing,
within a reasonable period of time after re-
ceipt of the claim by the Plan, written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the
claimant, setting forth the following informa-
tion:

a. the specific reasons for such denial;

b. specific reference to pertinent Plan provi-
sions on which the denial is based;

c. a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to
perfect the claim and an explanation of why
such material or information is necessary;
and

d. an explanation of the Plan's appeals proce-
diu'es.

A "reasonable time" for such notice shall not
exceed 45 days after the filing of the origined
claim or 45 days after the request for or
submission of any additional data or docu-
ments requested by the Administrator, or, if
special circumstances require an extension
of time, written notice of the extension shedl
be furnished to the claimant and an addi-
tional 90 days will be considered reason-
able.

8.09 Appeals from Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereunder, the Par-
ticipant shedl have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procedures:

a. Intermediary Appeal Procedure. The Admin-
istrator shall establish an intermediary ap-
peals procedure containing no more than a
three-level process.

b. Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermedieuy appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

500

DCA Advance Edition

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final and not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermediary process has
been completed and if the Participant's
claim is still fully or partially denied, the
claimant shaU be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
^peals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with tiie Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days after such notice has
been received by the claimant.

(A) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed
by the claimant.

(B) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(C) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the i^peals
Committee at its next meeting, unless
special circimistances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeeds Conunit-
tee.

(D) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting doctmients must be filed
with the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the
Appeals Committee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee af-
ter that time can or will be considered by
the ^peals Committee except by its
leave and discretion.

(E) The claimant, his or her didy authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Plan Sponsor, may request permission
to appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence witii re-
spect to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the j^peals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personal appearance must be borne by
the claimant or the Plan Sponsor.

(F) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting fi'om an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to

the pertinent Plan provisions on wiiich
the decision is based, and such written
notice shall be mailed to the claimant by
the staff of the Administrator witiiin 15
days following the action by the Appeals
Committee.

8.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law witii
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
and conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
luless and until such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an
Appeal as set forth in Sections 8.07 to 8.09
of this Plan.

8. 1 1 Basis of Determination of Amount of Benefit.
The cunount of any monthly benefit provided
for under Article V which is to be based upon
the Participant's accoimt(s) in the Plan shall
be the actu£uial equivalent of such ac-
count(s), determined on the basis of the
mortality table and rate of interest adopted
by the Administrator for such purpose. Upon
an account being converted to an annuity,
the account shall be closed and the annuity
shall become an obUgation of the appropri-
ate fund.

8.12 limitation of liabiUty. All benefits hereunder
are contingent upon, and payable solely
from, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment results
of the Trustee. No financial obUgations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assiuned by the
Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Plan attributable to a Partici-
pant's accounts have been transferred to a
trust as provided in Section 7.02c, all bene-
fits to which the Participant is entitied tinder
diis Plem shall be provided only out of such
trust and only to the extent the trust is ade-
quate therefor. The members of the Admin-
istrator shall not personally be responsible
or otherwise Uable for the payment of any
benefits hereunder.

Article IX Right to Alter, Amend or Revoke

9.01 The General Conference hereby authorizes
the Administrator to amend prospectively or
retroactively any or all provisions of this Plan
or the Adoption Agreement at any time by
written instrument identified as an amend-
ment of the Plan effective as of a specified
date.

Financial Administration

501

r

9.02 The Plan Sponsor shall have the right to
amend any elective provisions of its Adop-
tion Agreement at any time, with an effective
date no earlier than the first day of the cur-
rent Plan Year, to any extent that it may
deem advisable without the consent of any
Participant or any Beneficiary.

9.03 No amendment to the Plan shall decrease a
Participant's Account balance or eliminate
an optional form of distribution. Further-
more, no amendment to the Plan shall have
the effect of decreasing a Participant's
Vested interest determined without regard to
such amendment as of the later of the date
such amendment is adopted or the date it
becomes effective.

9.04 No amendment shall, without written con-
sent of the Administrator or Trustee, deprive
the Administrator or Trustee of any of its
exemptions and immunities; nor shall such
amendment change the duties, responsibili-
ties, rights, or privileges of any Administra-
tor or Trustee or the provisions of any con-
tract. If any amendment by the Plan Sponsor
affects the rights, duties, responsibilities, or
obUgations of the Administrator or Trustee
hereunder, such amendment may be made
only with the consent of the Administrator or
Trustee.

Article X Termination of Plan

10.01 Plan Merger or Consolidation.

a. In the event a Plan Sponsor wishes to merge
the value of its Participants' Accounts with
or to any other Code section 403(b) plan,
the assets held under the Plan allocable to
such Participants shall be transferred to
such other fund only if:

(1) The Plan Sponsor is not also a Plan
Sponsor of the Ministerial Pension Plan
or the Staff Retirement Benefits Program
administered by the Administrator;

(2) The Trustee agrees to such merger;

(3) Each Participant would receive a benefit
immediately after the merger which is
equal to or greater than the benefit such
Participant would have been entitied to
receive immediately before such
merger, consolidation or transfer if the
plan had then terminated; and

(4) Resolutions of the Board of Trustees or
Directors of the Plan Sponsor and the
Board of Trustees or Directors of any
new or successor employer of all af-

fected Participants shall authorize such
transfer of assets; provided, the resolu-
tions of any such new or successor em-
ployer shall include an assumption of all
liabilities related to such Participant's in-
clusion in such new or successor plan.

b. The Administrator shall direct the Trustee to
transfer the aggregate of the value of the
Participants' Accounts held by the Trustee
for the benefit of the Plan Sponsor and its
Participants to the funding agency specified
by the Plan Sponsor within six months after
the effective date of such consolidation or
merger.

c. Notwithstanding Sections 10.01a and
10.01b, the Administrator, in its sole dis-
cretion, may elect to continue the benefits in
pay status under the Plan and require that
the actuarial equivalent value of assets, as
determined by the Administrator in accord-
ance with annuity tables in use by the Ad-
ministrator, remain with the Trustee for the
payment of such benefits.

d. The Administrator may require a release and
indemnity agreement from the Plan Sponsor
before any assets held by the Trustee are
distributed as provided in this subsection.

e. Any distribution of assets made under this
subsection may be made in whole or in part
in cash, securities, nontransferable annuity
contracts, or such other form as the Trustee
in its sole discretion shall determine so long
as no discrimination in value results.

10.02 Termination of Plan Participation by the
Participating Plan Sponsor. Upon written
notice to the Administrator ninety (90) days
in advance of the date of such event, a Plan
Sponsor may terminate participation in the
Plan as established with the Administrator.
As a condition precedent to its right to ter-
minate participation in the Plan, the Plan
Sponsor shall provide written notice of its
intent to its Participants thirty (30) days in
advance of such written notice to the Admin-
istrator, and shall provide to the Administra-
tor evidence of such written notice to the
affected Participants. In the event of such
termination of participation in the Plan by
the Plan Sponsor, the Accounts of the Par-
ticipants shall remain with the Trustee. Each
affected Participant shall have a 100%
Vested interest in his/her Account in accord-
ance with the terms of the Plan as then in
effect The former participating Plan Spon-
sor shall provide timely notice to the Admin-
istrator concerning a Participant's eligibility

502

DCA Advance Edition

to receive benefits under the terms of the
Plan. The Trustee shall have the responsibil-
ity to make distributions of benefits to the
Participants in accordance with the terms of
the Plan as if the Plan had, as then in effect,
continued in effect.

10.03 Termination of Plan by the General Confer-
ence. The General Conference shall have the
right to terminate the Plan at any time in a
manner and to the extent not inconsistent
with the Book of Discipline. Upon termination
of the Plan, the Accounts of Participants
shall be nonforfeitable and either distributed
outright or held for distribution in accord-
ance with the terms of the Plan. The assets
remaining in the Plan after all obligations of
the Plan have been satisfied shall be distrib-
uted pursuant to action by the General Con-
ference.

Article XI Adoption

11.01 This Plan may be adopted by any Plan
Sponsor described in Section 2.31 herein,
with the consent of the Administrator.

11.02 An adopting Plan Sponsor must complete
an Adoption Agreement which must be ac-
ceptable to the Administrator. The effective
date of the Adoption Agreement cannot be
any earlier than the first day of the current
Plan Year.

11.03 The Adoption Agreement shall be in the
form prescribed by the Administrator.

11.04 Those entities described in Section 2.31
that also are one of the following:

a. A "Plan Sponsor" as that term is defined in
the Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund or
the Ministerial Pension Plan, administered
by the Administrator; and

b. An "Employer" as that term is defined in the
Staff Retirement Benefits Program, adminis-
tered by the Administrator;

shall be Plan Sponsors for the purposes of
this Plan. These Plan Sponsors shall be
deemed to have completed an Adoption
Agreement in accordance with this Section,
and the effective date for purposes of this
Plan shall be the later of tiie effective date of
this Plan or the effective date of the adoption
agreement completed for participation in the
Cumtdative Pension and Benefit Fund, Min-
isterial Pension Plan, or Staff Retirement
Benefits Program.

Article XII Miscellaneous

12.01 Rules and Forms. The Administrator shall
have the authority and responsibility to:

a. adopt rules, regulations and policies for the
administration of this Plan, in all matters not
specifically covered by General Conference
legislation or by reasonable implication;

b. prescribe such forms and records as are
needed for the administration of the Plan.

12.02 Non-alienation of Benefits. No benefits pay-
able at any time under the Plan shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale,
transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or encumbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or
otherwise encimiber such benefit, whether
presentiy or thereafter payable, shall be
void. Except as provided in Section 12.04
hereof, no benefit nor any fund under the
Plan shall in any manner be liable for, or
subject to, the debts or Uabilities of any Par-
ticipant or other person entitied to any bene-
fit

12.03 Non-reversion. The Plan Sponsor shall
have no right, tide, or interest in the contri-
butions made to the Plan, and no part of the
funds shall revert to the Plan Sponsor, ex-
cept that:

a. upon termination of the Plan and the alloca-
tion and distribution of the funds as pro-
vided in Articles IV and V hereof, any mo-
nies remaining because of an erroneous
actuarial computation after the satisfaction
of all fixed and contingent liabilities under
the Plan may revert to the applicable Plan
Sponsor; and

b. if a contribution is made to the Plan by the
Plan Sponsor by a mistake of fact, then such
contribution shall be returned to the Plan
Sponsor upon request within one year after
the Plan Sponsor has reported jmd docu-
mented such mistake to the Administrator.

12.04 Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The
provisions of section 12.02 notwithstand-
ing, all or part of a Participant's benefits
arising under this Plan may be transferred ^
to one or more "alternate payees" on the I
basis of a "qualified domestic relations or-
der," as those terms are defined in Code
section 414(p), provided that (1) the Partici-
pant makes an assignment of benefits pursu-
ant to the order, and the alternate payee
accepts said assignment, on the forms pro-
vided by the Administrator; (2) said order

Financial Administration

503

was issued by a court having jurisdiction over
the Administrator; or (3) said order was en-
tered by any other court if the Administrator,
in its sole discretion, determines that the or-
der is likely to be entered by a court having
jurisdiction over the Administrator.

a. When appropriate, the Administrator shall
provide a Participant involved in marital liti-
gation with information regarding the nature
and value of the Participant's benefits and
shall assist the Participant and the court in
interpreting that information.

b. The Administrator shall establish a written
procedure to determine the qualified status
of domestic relations orders and to adminis-
ter distributions under such qualified or-
ders. Such procedure shall provide that dur-
ing the period in which a determination is
being made with respect to the qualified
status of an order received by the Adminis-
trator and for thirty days thereafter, (1) the
Administrator will direct the Trustee to seg-
regate and separately account for any sums
payable to the Participant which the order
requires to be paid to the eiltemate payee;
and (2) the Participant will be prohibited
fi-om electing to set up an annuity or to re-
ceive any other distribution which would
compromise the rights granted to the alter-
nate payee by the order, without the alter-
nate payee's written consent.

c. Neither the alternate payee nor any person
claiming through the alternate payee shall
have the right (1) to transfer benefits to an-
other alternate payee; or (2) to receive bene-
fits in the form of a joint and survivor annuity
with respect to the alternate payee and any
subsequent spouse.

(1) In all other respects, the benefits trans-
ferred pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order shall be administered in
accordance with the provisions of this
Plan, and the alternate payee shall have
all the rights and duties of a fully vested
Terminated Participant with respect
thereto.

(2) With respect to benefits transferred to an
alternate payee pursuant to this section,
the alternate payee shall have all of the
rights of a Terminated Participant, to the
exclusion of any claim thereto on the
part of the Participant.

d. A subpoena or other instrument of judicial
process (1) which is directed to the Admin-
istrator, its constituent corporations, or its

ofiEicers or employees, (2) which appears on
its face to be issued in the course of marital
litigation to which a Participant is a party, and
(3) which seeks information regarding the
nature or value of the Participant's pension
benefits, may be honored by the Administra-
tor, in its sole discretion, without interposing
any defense on the grounds of technical or
jurisdictional defect

e. Costs inctured by the Administrator in the
process culminating in the transfer of bene-
fits pursuant to a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, including but not limited to at-
torney's fees, litigation expenses, and a
reasonable charge for services provided by
the Administrator, shall be charged against
the benefits of the Participant and the edter-
nate payee in equal shares unless a different
division of said costs is provided in the or-
der.

12.05 Construction. The Plan and each of its pro-
visions shall be construed and their vaUdity
determined by the laws of the State of Illi-
nois, other than its laws respecting choice of
law, to the extent such laws are not preemp-
ted by any federal law.

12.06 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Plan Sponsor shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Administrator, Trustee,
Participants, any employee, and any other
person or persons to whom the Plan Spon-
sor, Trustee or Administrator has delegated
fiduciary or other duties imder the Plan,
against any and all claims, losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities arising from any act
or failiu'e to act that constitutes or is alleged
to constitute a breach of such person's re-
sponsibilities in connection with the Plan
imder any applicable law, unless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or willful failxu-e to act

12.07 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dispute
arises out of or related to the relationship
between die Plan Sponsor and the Adminis-
trator or Trustee, the parties agree first to try
in good faith to settle the dispute by media-
tion through the American Arbitration Asso-
ciation, or another mediation/arbitration
service mutually agreed upon by the parties,
before resorting to arbitration. Thereafter,
any remaining unresolved controversy or
claim arising out of or relating to the relation-
ship between the Plan Sponsor and the Ad-
ministrator or Trustee shall be setded by
binding arbitration through the American
Arbitration Association, or the other media-

504

DCA Advance Edition

tion/arbitration service which had been mu-
tually agreed upon by the parties.

a. The site of the mediation and/or arbitration
shall be in a city mutually agreed to by the
parties which is not located within the
botmdaries of the Plan Sponsor.

b. The laws of the State of Illinois shaU apply in
situations where federal law is not applica-
ble. The applicable rules of the selected
service shall apply. If the service allows the
parties to choose the number of arbitrators,
unless another nimiber is mutually agreed
to, any arbitration hereunder shall be before
at least three arbitrators, and the award of
the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shall
be final, and judgment upon the award ren-
dered may be entered in any court, state or
federal, having jurisdiction.

c. The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equally by the parties. The fees and
costs of arbitration shall be allocated to the
parties by the arbitrators.

12.08 Titles and Headings. The tides and head-
ings of the Articles and Sections of this in-
strument are placed herein for convenience
of reference only, and in the case of any
conflicts, the text of this instrument, rather
than the tides or headings, shall control.

12.09 Number. Wherever used herein, the singu-
lar shall include the pliu-al and the plural
shall include the singular, except where the
context requires otherwise.

Article XIII Loans to Participants

13.01 Loans to Participants.

a. The Trustee may, in the Trustee's discretion,
make loans to Participants and Beneficiar-
ies under the following circumstances:

(1) Loans shall be made available to all Par-
ticipants and Beneficiaries on a reason-
ably equivalent basis;

(2) Loans shall be available only for the pur-
pose of satisfying the following financial
needs:

(A) Expenses for medical care described in
Code section 213(d) previously in-
cmred by the Participant, the Partici-
pant's spouse or dependents (as defined
in Code section 152) or necessary for
these persons to obtain medical care de-
scribed in Code section 213(d);

(B) Costs directiy related to the ptu-chase of
a residence of the Piuticipant (excluding
mortage payments);

(C) Payment of tuition and related educa-
tional fees for post-secondary education
for the Participant or the Participant's
spouse, children or dependents;

(D) Payments necessary to prevent the evic-
tion of the Participant fi-om his/her prin-
cipal residence or foreclosure of the
mortgage of the Participant's principal
residence; or

(E) Such other circtunstances as may be
established by the Secretary of the
Treasury, or established pxu'suant to
regulations imder Code section 401(k)
as deemed immediate emd heavy finan-
cial needs with respect to elective contri-
butions under Code section 401(k) un-
less such application to the Plan is
prohibited by law.

(3) Loans shall not be made available to
Highly Compensated Employees in an
amount greater than the amount made
available to other Participants and Bene-
ficiaries;

(4) Loans shall bear a reasonable rate of
interest;

(5) Loans shall be adequately secured; and

(6) The Participant or Beneficiary shall pro-
vide for repayment over a reasonable pe-
riod of time.

b. Loans shall not be made to any Shareholder-
Employee.

c. No Participant loan shall take into account
the present value of such Participant's
Qualified Volimtary Employee Contribution
Account.

d. Loans made pursuant to this Section (\dien
added to the outstanding balance of all other
loans made by the Plan to the Participant)
shall be Umited to the lesser of:

(1) $50,000 reduced by the excess (if any)
of the highest outstanding balance of
loans from the Plan to the Participant
during the one year period ending on the
day before the date on which such loan
is made, over the outstanding balance of
loans fi-om the Plan to the Participant on
the date on which such loan was made.

Financial Administration

505

(2) one-half of the present value of the non-
forfeitable accrued benefit of the Partici-
pant under the Plan.

e. Loans shall provide for level amortization
with payments to be made not less £re-
quentiy than quarterly over a period not to
exceed five years. However, loans used to
acquire any dwelling unit which, within a
reasonable time, is to be used (determined
at the time the loan is made) as a principal
residence of the Participant shall provide for
periodic repayment over a reasonable pe-
riod of time that may exceed five years.

f. Any loan made pursuant to this Article where

the interest of the Participemt is used to se-
cure such loan shall require the written con-
sent of the Participant's spouse in a maimer
consistent with Section 5.07a(3). Such writ-
ten consent must be obtained within the 90-
day period prior to the date the loan is made.
However, no spousal consent shall be re-
quired under this paragraph if the total ac-
crued benefit subject to the security is not in
excess of $3,500.

g. Any loans granted or renewed shall be made
pursuant to a Participant loan program.
Such loan program shall be established in
writing and must include, but need not be
limited to, die following:

(1) The identity of the person or positions
authorized to administer the Participant
loan program;

(2) A procedure for applying for loans;

(3) The basis on which loans will be ap-
proved or denied;

(4) Limitations, if any, on the types and
amounts of loans offered;

(5) The procedure imder the program for
determining a reasonable rate of inter-
est;

(6) The types of collateral which may secure
a Participant loan; and

(7) The events constituting default and the
steps that will be taken to preserve Plan
assets.

Such Participant loan program shall be
contained in a separate written docu-
ment which, when properly executed, is
hereby incorporated by reference and
made a part of the Plan. Fiuthermore,
such Participant loan program may be

modified or amended in writing from time to
time without the necessity of amending this
Section.

Petition Number: 21504-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends that (1) the following plan document for
the Staff Retirement Benefits Program be substituted for
the current plan document as of January 1, 1998, and (2)
the employee account be transferred to the Personal
Investment Plan as of January 1, 1998. This document is
a restatement of the current plan provisions with the
exception of the major changes highlighted below.

• The definition of compensation has been changed
to indicate that compensation includes base pay,
overtime pay, and bonuses but not severance pay or
the value of taxable fringe benefits.

• All references to employee contributions and
accounts have been removed.

• The provision was removed that requires a
participant to have a 1,000 hours of service in order
to receive a contribution in the initial 12 months of
participation.

• A provision was added that, in the event of a
participant's divorce, would void any beneficiary
designation made prior to the divorce in favor of the
spouse. The spouse would be treated as having
predeceased the participant. *Distinctions have
been made between the Board as administrator and
the Board as trustee.

• A provision was added that allows the Board to pay
a participant a single sum payment in lieu of an
annuity if the amount of the annuity payment is less
than a minimum amount determined by the Board.

• The section dealing with benefits at termination of
employment was changed to allow participants to
receive a lump sum distribution of tiieir employer
contributions after a one-year break in service
following termination, regardless of the size of the
accumulation.

• The provisions regarding benefit distributions of
employer contributions were expanded to allow
participants the option of electing a lump sum
distribution or a period certain annuity, in addition
to the life annuity options that are available
currentiy.

• A refusal of benefit provision was added that allows
a beneficiary to refuse all of the payment to which
he/she might otherwise be entitled. In the event of
a refusal, benefits will be paid as if this beneficiary
had predeceased the participant

506

DCA Advance Edition

• A provision was added to permit the Board will be
to pay a relative, friend or legal representative of an
individual who is entitled to receive a benefit but is
incapable of handling his/her own financial affairs.
The payment is to be used exclusively for the
benefit of the incapacitated individual.

• A provision was added that explains what will
happen to unclaimed benefit payments if at the time
of the required beginning date for payment there is
no current mailing address on file with the Board.

• A provision was added that outlines the duties and
responsibilities of employers.

• A provision was added that allows the administrator
to charge users direcdy for non-routine services
provided to participants or employers.

• The plan clarifies the provisions of the plan are to
be construed under Illinois law, unless preempted
by federal law.

• A provision was added that requires disputes
between an employer and the Board to be settled
through the use of a mediation/binding arbitration
process.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program
Article I The Program

1.01 The Program. The General Conference of
The United Methodist Church had pre-
viously authorized the establishment of the
Uniform Staff Pension Fimd (hereinafter re-
ferred to as the "Prior Program"), effective
January 1, 1974. The General Conference
subsequently merged tiie Prior Program into
the Staff Pension Plan, effective January 1,
1985. As of January 1, 1993, the General
Conference amended and restated the Staff
Pension Plan as the Staff Retirement Bene-
fits Program (hereinafter referred to as the
"Program"). Effective as of January 1, 1998,
the General Conference hereby amends and
restates the Program for the exclusive bene-
fit of EUgible Employees and their Benefici-
aries in accordance with the terms and con-
ditions set forth in the Program.

1.02 Apphcability. The provisions of this Program
shall apply to all General Agencies of The
United Methodist Chiu"ch and to their Em-
ployees, who meet the eligibihty require-
ments contained herein.

1.03 Type of Program. The Program is intended
to meet the requirements of a "church plan"
as that term is defined in section 414(e) of
tiie Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

Article II Identification and Definitions

Whenever used in the Program, the following
terms shall have the respective meanings set forth
below, unless otherwise expressly provided
herein. When the defined meaning is intended,
the term is capitalized.

2.01 "Account" shall mean the account main-
tained for each Participant in the books and
records of the Program for the pmpose of
recording contributions made to the Pro-
gram by the Employer on behalf of a Partici-
pant pursuant to Section 4.01, adjusted for
earnings and losses allocated thereto.

2.02 "Act" shall mean the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as it may be
amended fi"om time to time.

2.03 "Administrator" shall mean The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Church, Incorporated in
Illinois and any successors.

2.04 "Annuity Starting Date" shall mean the first
day of die month for which an amount is
payable as an anniuty or, in the case of a
benefit not payable in the form of an annmty,
the first day of tiie month coinciding with or
following the completion of all events which
entitie the Participant to such benefit. In the
case of a deferred annuity, the Annuity Start-
ing Date shall be the date on \diich the an-
nuity payments are scheduled to commence.

2.05 "Beneficiary" shall mean the person(s)
(natural or otherwise), other tiian a Contin-
gent Annuitant, designated as set forth in
Section 5.02d, who is receiving, or entitied
to receive, a deceased Participant's (or an-
nuity-certain payee's) residual interest in
this Program which is nonforfeitable upon,
and payable in the event of, such Participan-
t's or payee's death.

2.06 "Book of Discipline" shall mean the body of
church law as estabUshed by the General
Conference of The United Methodist
Church, as amended from time to time.

2.07 "Break in Service" shall mean the cessation
of crediting Hoiu"s of Service when the em-
ployee:

a. resigns;

b. is discharged

c. fails to report for work within the period
required imder the law pertaining to veter-
ans' reemployment rights after the employee

Financial Administration

507

is released from military service with the
armed forces of the United States, in which
case the Employee's Break in Service shall be
deemed to have occurred on the first day of
his/her authorized leave of absence for such
military duty;

d. is on an authorized leave of absence and fails
to return to employment, in which case
his/her Break in Service shall be deemed to
have occurred on the first day of his/her
authorized leave of absence; or

e. retires or dies.

2.08 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended or replaced from
time to time.

2.09 "Compensation" shall mean the sum of the
following for the Program Year paid or pay-
able in cash or in kind by the Employer for
personal services:

a. taxable cash salary or wages paid by the
Employer for personal services rendered in
the course of employment including over-
time pay, bonuses and severance pay, but
not including the cash value of taxable fringe
benefits; and

b. saljuy-reduction agreements with respect to
employment with the Employer:

(1) to a plan qualified under section 125 of
the Code; or

(2) to a tax-sheltered annuity described in
section 403(b) of the Code.

For Program Years beginning after Decem-
ber 31, 1988, and before January 1, 1994,
Compensation in excess of $200,000 shall
be disregarded. For Program Years begin-
ning after December 31, 1993, the amount
reported on Form W-2 as wages, tips, and
other compensation in excess of $150,000
shall be disregarded. Such amount shall be
adjusted at the same time and in such man-
ner as permitted under Code section
415(d).

2.10 "Contingent Annuitant" shall mean the per-
son who, with a Participant, is the one upon
the continuation of whose life the amount
and/or duration of the pension benefit under
this Program depends.

2.11 "Contingent Annuity" shall mean an annuity
for the life of the Participant with a siuvivor
annuity for the life of his/her Contingent An-
nuitant which is not less than one-half, or

greater than, the amount of the annuity pay-
able during the joint lives of the Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant. The Con-
tingent Annuity wiU be the amount of benefit
which can be purchased with the Participan-
t's account balance. Unless elected other-
wise by the Participant with spousal consent,
the percentage of the Contingent Annuity will
be 70%.

2.12 "Disabled or Disability" shall mean the Par-
ticipant's receipt of a disability benefit from
a long-term disability benefit program spon-
sored by his/her Employer.

2.13 "Early Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month (prior to Normal Retire-
ment Date) coinciding with or following the
date on which a Participant or Former Par-
ticipant attains the Early Retirement Age.
Said Early Retirement Age shall be deter-
mined in accordance with Paragraph 814.3
of The Book of Discipline.

2.14 "Effective Date" shall mean January 1,
1998.

2.15 "Eligible Employee" shall mean an Em-
ployee who meets the requirements of Arti-
cle III for participation in the Program.

2.16 "Employee" shall mean any person who is
currentiy employed by the Employer and
who meets the requirements of Article III,
but excludes (a) any person who is employed
as an independent contractor, (b) any per-
son who, for the same service at the Em-
ployer, is eligible to participate in another
Employer-paid pension plan administered
by tiie Administrator, or (c) any person who
is a missionary of The United Methodist
Church.

2.17 "Employer" shall mean a General Agency.

2.18 "Employment Commencement Date" shall
mean the first day that an Eligible Employee
is entitied to be credited with an Hour of
Service for the performance of duty with the
Employer.

2.19 "Former Participant" shall mean a person
who has been a Participant, but who has
ceased to be a Particip£mt for any reason.

2.20 "415 Compensation" shall mean compensa-
tion as determined by Code section 415 and
the Regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.21 "General Agency" shall mean a general
agency of The United Methodist Church as

508

DCA Advance Edition

defined in Chapter Six of TTje Book of Discipline.
2.22 "Hours of Service" shall mean

a. each hour for which an Employee is paid, or
entitled to payment, for the performance of
duties for the Employer. These hoiu-s shall
be credited to the Employee for the compu-
tation period in which the duties are per-
formed;

b. each hour for which an Employee is paid, or
entitled to payment, by the Employer on ac-
count of a period of time during which no
duties are performed (irrespective of
whether the employment relationship has
terminated) due to vacation, holiday, illness,
incapacity (including disability), layoff, jury
duty, military duty or leave of absence. No
more than 501 Hours of Service shall be
credited under this paragraph for any single
continuous period; and

c. each hour for which back pay, irrespective
of mitigation of damages, is either awarded
or agreed to by the Employer. The same
Hours of Service shall not be credited both
under Section 2.22a or Section 2.22b, as
the case may be, and under this Section
2.22c. These hours sheill be credited to the
Employee for the computation period or pe-
riods to which the award or agreement or
payment is made.

Hours of Service will be credited for employ-
ment with other Employers.

Solely for purposes of determining whether a
One-Year Break in Service, as defined in Section
2.26, for participation purposes has occurred, iui
individual who is absent from work for maternity
or paternity reasons shall receive credit for the
Hotu's of Service which would otherwise have
been credited to such individued but for such ab-
sence, or in any case in which such hours cannot
be determined, 8 hours of service per day of such
absence. For pmposes of this paragraph, an ab-
sence from work for maternity or paternity rea-
sons shall mean an absence (1) by reason of the
pregnancy of the individual, (2) by reason of a
birth of a child of the individual, (3) by reason of
the placement of a child with the individual in
connection with the adoption of such child by such
individual, or (4) for purposes of caring for such
child for a period beginning immediately following
such birth or placement. The Hours of Service
credited under this paragraph shall be credited
(1) in the computation period in which the ab-
sence begins if the crediting is necessary to pre-
vent a Break in Service in that period, or (2) in all
other cases, in the following computation period.

2.23 "Late Retirement Date" shall mean the first
day of the month coinciding with or next
following a Participant's actual retirement
date after having reached his/her Normal
Retirement Date.

2.24 "Month of Service" shall mean any month
during which the Employee performs at least
one Hour of Service.

2.25 "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean the
first day of the month coinciding with the
date specified in Paragraph 814.3 of The

Book of Discipline.

2.26 "One-Year Break in Service" shall mean any
period of 12 consecutive calendar months in
which a Participant has not completed 501
or more Hours of Service.

2.27 "Participant" shaU mean an EUgible Em-
ployee who has become a participating Em-
ployee as provided for in Article UI of this
Program.

2.28 "Program" shall mean this instrument, in-
cluding all amendments thereto.

2.29 "Progr£un Year" shall mean the calendar
year.

2.30 "Regulation" shall mean the Income Tax
Regulations as promulgated by the Secretary
of the Treasury or his/her delegate, and as
amended from time to time.

2.31 "Service" shall mean employment with the
Employer or any other unit associated with
the denomination known as The United
Methodist Church. Where the Employer
maintains a plan of a predecessor employer,
service for such predecessor employer shall
be treated as service of the Employer.

2.32 'Terminated Participant" shall mean a per-
son who has been a Participant, but whose
employment has been terminated other than
by death. Disability, or retirement.

2.33 'Trustee" shall mean The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Church, Incorporated in Missouri
and any successors.

2.34 "Vested" shall mean the nonforfeitable por-
tion of any account maintained on behalf of
a Participant.

Article III Eligibility for Participation

3.01 Conditions of Eligibility.

Financial Administration

509

a. A person shall be a Participant in this Pro-
gram on January 1, 1985, if on such date
the person is eligible to participate in a
"church plan" and is an Employee who is
regularly employed at least 20 hours per
week by a General Agency.

b. After Januiuy 1, 1985, each Employee of the
Employer who is normally scheduled to
work at least 20 hours per week shall be
eligible to become a Participant in the Pro-
gram upon the completion of at least 500
Hours of Service and six Months of Service.
For purposes of this Section, an Eligible Em-
ployee will be deemed to have completed six
Months of Service if he/she is in the employ
of the Employer at any time six months after
his/her Employment Commencement Date.

c. If any Former Participant shall be reem-
ployed by the Employer or by another Em-
ployer which is eligible to participate in this
Program before a One-Year Break in Service
occurs, he/she shall continue to participate
in the Program in the same manner as if
such termination had not occiured.

d. An Employee who is a Participant and be-
comes Disabled or a person who was Dis-
abled as of December 31, 1984, and was a
participant in the Prior Program as of that
date, shall continue to participate in the Pro-
gram in accordance with the following provi-
sions:

(1) In the event such a Participant becomes
Disabled prior to age 60 and Disability
continues, such person shall continue to
be a Participant until his/her 65th birth-
day anniversary.

(2) In the event such a Participant becomes
Disabled after ^e 60 and Disability con-
tinues, such person shall continue to be
a Participant imtil the eeu-lier of the end
of a five-year period fi-om the date of
Disability or such Participant's 70th
birthday anniversary.

(3) Such disabled Participant shall be
deemed to have reached his/her Normal
Retirement Date at the end of the period
set forth in paragraph (1) or paragraph
(2) above, as applicable, if at the end of
the period the Participant is still deter-
mined to have a Disability.

3.02 Application for Participation. Each Eligible
Employee who desires to become a Partici-
pant shall make application for participation
in the Program in such form as may be re-
quired by the Administrator and agree to the

terms hereof. Upon the acceptance of any
benefits under this Program, such Employee
shall automatically be deemed to have made
application and shall be bound by the terms
and conditions of the Program and all amend-
ments thereto.

3.03 Effective Date of Participation. An Eligible
Employee shall become a Participant in the
Program effective retroactively to the Em-
ployment Commencement Date.

3.04 Determination of Eligibility. Upon receipt of
enrollment information from tiie Employer,
the Administrator shall accept such informa-
tion as evidence of eligibility for participation
in the Program. However, the Administrator
may from time to time audit such informa-
tion or obtain additional information which
might result in a determination of ineligibil-
ity for any particular Participant The Admin-
istrator shall have final authority to deter-
mine the eligibility of any Employee and
such determination shall be conclusive and
binding upon all persons, as long as the de-
termination is made pursuant to the provi-
sions of the Program.

3.05 Termination of Eligibility. In the event a
Participant is no longer a member of an eli-
gible class of Employees and becomes ineli-
gible to participate, but has not incurred a
One-Year Break in Service, such Employee
will participate immediately upon returning
to an eligible class of Employees. If such
Participant inciu-s a One-Year Break in Serv-
ice, eligibility will be determined under the
Break in Service rules of the Program.

3.06 Omission of Eligible Employee. If, in any
Program Year, any Employee who should be
included as a Participant in the Program is
erroneously omitted and discovery of such
omission is not made until after a contribu-
tion by his/her Employer for the yeiu" has
been made, the Employer shall make a sub-
sequent contribution subject to the Annual
Account Addition limits of Section 4.03 and
4.04 with respect to the omitted Employee
in the amount which the said Employer
would have contributed, including earnings
that would have accrued, with respect to
him/her had he/she not been omitted.

3.07 Inclusion of Ineligible Employee. If, in any
Program Year, any person who should not
have been included as a Participant in the
Program is erroneously included and dis-
covery of such incorrect inclusion is not
made until after a contribution for the year
has been made, the amount contributed with

510

DCA Advance Edition

respect to the ineligible person shall consti-
tute a mistake of fact for the Program Year in
which the discovery is made.

3.08 Election Not to Participate. An Employee
may, subject to the approval of the Em-
ployer, elect voluntarily not to participate in
tiie Program by written notice to the Em-
ployer and the Administrator in such form as
required by the Administrator.

Article IV Contributions

4.01 Contributions.

a. The Employer shall, for each Program Year,
contribute to the Program an amount equal
to 12% of a Participant's Compensation.

b. It shall be the responsibiUty of the Employer
to make contributions on behalf of each Par-
ticipant from the Employment Commence-
ment Date. The contributions made pursu-
ant to this subsection shall be the amoimt
prescribed in Section 4.01a, plus the earn-
ings that would have accumulated dtuing
the eligibihty period had the contributions
been made effective on or after the Employ-
ment Commencement Date.

c. The Employer shall contribute to the Ac-
coxmt of each Disabled Participant based
upon the Disabled Participant's Compensa-
tion in effect as of the date of Disability. The
amount of the Employer Contribution shall
be increased by 2% on July 1 of each year
from January 1, 1985, through December
31, 1993, and by 3% each year effective
January 1, 1994, during the duration of the
Disability, provided the benefit was in effect
on the previous December 31.

d. The annual Employer contribution shall be
payable to the Program in at least monthly
installments.

e. All Employer contributions for the Program
Year must be deposited with the Program no
later than June 15 of the following Program
Year.

f. The Administrator shall establish and main-

tain an Account in the name of each Partici-
pant to which the Administrator shall credit
all amounts allocated to each such Partici-
pant as set forth herein.

g. The Employer shall provide the Administra-
tor with all information required by the Ad-
ministrator to make a proper allocation of
the Employer's contribution for each Pro-
gram Year.

h. Within a reasonable period of time after the
date of receipt by the Administrator of such
information, the Administrator shall allocate
such contribution to each Participant's ac-
count in accordance with this Section 4.01.

i. The obhgation to make the contribution on
behalf of a Participant shall fall upon, and be
restricted to, the applicable General Agency
by which the Participant is employed.

j. All amounts which are contributed by the
Employer to the Program shall be irrevoca-
ble contributions to the Program except that
any contribution made by the Employer be-
cause of a mistake of fact, shall be returned
to the Employer upon request within one
yeeir after the Employer has reported and
documented such mistake to the Adminis-
trator.

4.02 Vesting. Contributions credited to a Partici-
pant's Accoxmt shall be fully Vested.

4.03 Annual Account Addition. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the maximum Aimual Account
Addition which may be credited to a Partici-
pant's accoimts for any "limitation year"
shall be equal to or less than the amount
determined in accordance with Section 4.04
below.

a. For piuposes of applying the Umitations of
Section 4.04, Annual Account Addition
means the sum credited to a Participant's
accotmts for any "limitation year"of:

(1) contributions made by the Employer on
behalf of the Participant to this Program
and to any other pension program; and

(2) contributions made to the Personal Ac-
coimt pursuant to the provisions of the
Personal Investment Plan administered
by the Administrator for limitation years
beginning after December 31, 1986.

b. For piuposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, Annual Accoimt Addition does
not include rollover contributions made pur-
suant to the provisions of the Personal In-
vestment Plan administered by the Admin-
istrator.

c. For purposes of applying the Umitations of
Section 4.04, the "limitation year" shall be
the Program Year.

d. For purposes of applying the limitations of
Section 4.04, if a Participant pjuticipates in
more than one plan maintained by the Em-
ployer, this Program shall be considered the

Financial Administration

511

primary plan of the Employer in determining
the Annual Account Addition.

4.04 Maximum Annual Account Addition.

a. General Limitation. Notwithstanding any
provision herein to the contrary (other than
Sections 4.04c and 4.04d) for any Program
Year the Annual Account Addition with re-
spect to a Participant shall not exceed the
lesser of:

(1) $30,000 or if greater, one-quarter of the
dollar limitation in efifect under Code
section 415(b)(1)(A); or

(2) 25% of the Participant's 415 Compensa-
tion for such Program Year.

b. Exclusion Allowance. The amounts contrib-
uted by the Employer on behalf of a Partici-
pant shall be excluded from the gross in-
come of the Participant for the Program Year
to the extent that the aggregate of such
amounts does not exceed the Exclusion Al-
lowance for such Program Year.

(1) The Exclusion Allowance for any Partici-
pant for the Program Year is an amount
equal to the excess, if any of:

(A) the amount determined by multiplying
20% of the Participant's includable com-
pensation by the number of years of
service, less

(B) the aggregate of the amounts contrib-
uted by the Salary-Paying Unit on behalf
of the Participant and excludable from
the gross income of the Participant for
any prior Program Year.

(2) In the case of a Participant who makes
an election under Section 4.04c below
to have the provisions of Section
4.04c(3) apply, the exclusion allowance
for any such Participant for the taxable
year is the amount which could be con-
tributed under Section 4.04a by his/her
Salary-Paying Unit.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, all
years of service by a Participant as an
"employee of a chiu"ch" (as that term is
defined in Code section 414(e)(3)(B))
shall be considered as years of service
for one Employer, and all amounts con-
tributed hereunder by such organization
during such years for the Participant
shall be considered to have been con-
tributed by one Employer.

(4) The amount determined under Section
4.04b(l) shall not be less than the
lesser of:

(A) $3,000; or

(B) the includable compensation of such
Participant

This paragraph shall not apply to a Par-
ticipant in a Program Year when such
Participant has an adjusted gross in-
come for such Program Year which ex-
ceeds $17,000.

c. Annual Account Addition Election. A Partici-
pant may make an irrevocable election to
have one of the following three Annual Ac-
count Addition elections apply to increase
his/her Annual Account Addition. Not more
than one election may be made under para-
graph (1) below. A Participant who elects to
have the provisions of paragraph (1), (2), or
(3) of this subsection apply to him/her may
not elect to have any other paragraph of this
subsection apply to him/her. Such election
shall be made in accordance with the provi-
sions of Regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of the Treasury.

(1) In the case of amounts contributed for
the year in which occurs a Participant's
separation from the service, at the elec-
tion of the Participant there is substi-
tuted for the amount specified in Section
4.04a(2) the amount of the exclusion
allowance which would be determined
under Code section 403(b)(2) (without
regard to this section) for the Participan-
t's taxable year in which such separation
occurs if the Participant's years of serv-
ice were computed only by taking into
account his/her service for the Em-
ployer (as determined for piuposes of
Section 4.04b) during the period of
years (not exceeding ten) ending on the
date of such separation.

(2) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
there is substituted for the amount
specified in paragraph 4.04a(2) the
least of:

(A) 25% of the Participant's includable com-
pensation (as defined in Code section
403(b)(3)) plus $4,000,

(B) the amount of the Exclusion Allowance
determined for the year under Section
4.04b(l), or

512

DCA Advance Edition

(C) $15,000.

(3) In the case of amounts contributed
hereto, at the election of the Participant
the provisions of Section 4.04a shall ap-
ply, instead of Section 4.04b.

d. Certain contributions by church plans not
treated as exceeding limits.

(1) Alternative Exclusion Allowance. Any
contribution or addition with respect to
any Participant, when expressed as an
Annual Account Addition, which is alloc-
able pursuant to the application of Sec-
tion 4.04b(4) above to such Participant
for such year, shall be treated as not
exceeding the hmitations of Section
4.04a.

(2) Contributions not in excess of $40,000
($10,000 per year).

(A) General. Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of this Program, at the election of
a Participant, Annual Account Additions
hereto with respect to such Participant,
when expressed as an Annual Accoimt
Addition to such Participant's account,
shall be treated as not exceeding the
limitation of Section 4.04a if such An-
nual Account Addition is not in excess of
$10,000.

(B) $40,000 aggregate limitation. The total
amount of additions with respect to any
Participant which may be taken into ac-
coxmt for purposes of this paragraph for
all years may not exceed $40,000.

(C) No election if Section 4.04c(l) election
made. No election may be made under
this subparagraph for any year if an elec-
tion is made imder Section 4.04c(l) for
such year.

Article V Determination and Distribution of
Benefits

5.01 Determination of Benefits Upon Retirement
Every Peuticipant may terminate his/her em-
ployment witii the Employer and retire for
the purposes hereof on his/her Normal Re-
tirement Date or Early Retirement Date.

a. Upon such Normal Retirement Date or Early
Retirement Date, all amoimts credited to
such Participant's Account shall become
distributable.

b. However, a Participant may postpone the
termination of his/her employment with the

Employer to a later date, in which event the
participation of such Participant in the Pro-
gram, including the right to receive alloca-
tions pixrsuant to Section 4.01, shall con-
tinue until the Participant's Late Retirement
Date.

c. Upon a Participant's retirement date, or as
soon thereafter as is practicable, the Admin-
istrator shall direct the Trustee to distribute
all amotmts credited to such Participant's
Accoimt in accordance with Section 5.04
and Section 5.06.

5.02 Determination of Benefits Upon Death.

a. Upon the death of a Participant before
his/her retirement date or before a Partici-
pant's Annuity Starting Date, all amounts
credited to such Participant's Accoimt shall
be distributed in accordance with the provi-
sions of Section 5.05 and 5.06.

b. Upon the death of a Former Participant or
Terminated Participant before his/her hav-
ing received a benefit from the Program, the
Administrator shall direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.05 and Section 5.06 any remain-
ing amounts credited to the Account of the
deceased Former or Terminated Participant
to such Former or Terminated Participant's
Beneficiary.

c. The Administrator may require such proper
proof of death and such evidence of the right
of any person to receive payment of the value
of the Account of a deceased Participant or
Former Participant or Terminated Partici-
pant as the Administrator may deem desir-
able. The Administrator's determination of
death and of the right of any person to re-
ceive payment shall be conclusive.

d. Unless otherwise elected in the manner pre-
scribed below, die Beneficiary of the death
benefit shall be the Participant's spouse.

(1) Except, however, the Participant may
designate a Beneficiary other dian
his/her spouse if:

(A) the spouse consents in writing, wit-
nessed by an Employer representative
or notary public, to the designation of
another Beneficiary; or

(B) the Participant is legally separated or
has been abandoned (within the mean-
ing of local law) and the Participant has
a court order to such effect (and there is
no "Qualified Domestic Relations Or-

Financial Administration

513

der" as defined in Code section 414(p)
which provides odierwise); or

(C) die Participant has no spouse; or

(D) die spouse cannot be located.

(2) In such event, the designation of a Bene-
ficiary shall be made in such form as is
satisfactory to the Administrator and
must be received by the Administrator
during the Participant's lifetime.

(3) A Participant may at any time revoke
his/her designation of Beneficiary or
change his/her Beneficiary by filing writ-
ten notice (in such form as may be re-
quired by the Administrator) of such
revocation or change with the Adminis-
trator. However, the Participant's
spouse must again consent in writing in
accordance with the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.02d(l)(A) to any change in Bene-
ficiary unless the original consent ex-
pressly permits such changes by the
Participant without the requirement of
further consent by the spouse.

(4) A Participant's divorce shall revoke any
Beneficiary designation in favor of the
Participant's spouse made prior to the
divorce. Until such time as a new desig-
nation of Beneficiary is filed with the
Board in accordance with the provisions
of this Section, benefits will be payable
as if the former spouse had predeceased
the Beneficiary.

(5) In the event no valid designation of
Beneficiary exists at the time of the Par-
ticipant's death and there is no surviving
spouse, the death benefit shall be pay-
able to his/her estate.

5.03 Determination of Benefits Upon Termination
of Employment In the event a Participant
terminates employment with the Employer
for any reason other than death, Disability,
or retirement, the Participant's Account
shall be distributed as follows:

a. Distribution of the funds due to a Termi-
nated Participant shall be made on the oc-
ciurence of the Participant's death or Early,
Normed, or Late Retirement

b. However, at the election of the Participant,
the Board shall cause the entire Vested por-
tion of the Terminated Participant's Account
to be payable to such Terminated Partici-
pant after a One-Year Break in Service. Any
distribution under this paragraph shall be

made in a manner which is consistent with
and satisfies the provisions of Section 5.04.

c. After a One-Year Break in Service the Trus-
tee shall cause the entire benefit to be paid
to such Participant in a single lump sum if
the value of a Terminated Participant's
benefit derived from the Account does not
exceed $3,500 and has never exceeded
$3,500 at die time of any prior distribution.

5.04 Distribution of Benefits For Any Reason Ex-
cept Death.

a. (1) Unless otherwise elected as provided in
Section 5.04a(3) below, a Participant who is
married on the Annuity Starting Date and
who does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of all of his/her
benefits in the form of a Contingent Annuity
with his/her spouse as Contingent Annui-
tant

(A) Such Contingent Annuity benefits follow-
ing the Participant's death shall con-
tinue to the spouse (determined as of the
Annuity Starting Date) during the
spouse's lifetime at a rate equal to 70%
of the rate at which such benefits were
payable to the Participant

(B) This 70% Contingent Annuity shall be
considered the designated qualified
Contingent Annuity and automatic form
of payment for the purposes of this Pro-
gram.

(2) Unless otherwise elected as provided
below, a Participant who is not married
on the Annuity Starting Date and who
does not die before the Annuity Starting
Date shall receive the value of his/her
benefit in the form of a life annuity.

(A) Such unmarried Participant, however,
may elect in writing to waive the life an-
nuity and elect to receive his/her benefit
in accordance with Section 5.04b below.

(B) The election must comply with the pro-
visions of this Section as if it were an
election to waive the Contingent Annuity
by a married Participant, but without the
spousal consent requirement

(3) Any election to waive the Contingent An-
nuity must be made by the Participant in
writing during the election period and be
consented to by the Participant's
spouse.

514

DCA Advance Edition

(A) If the spouse is legally incompetent to
give consent, the spouse's legal guard-
ian, even if such guardian is the Partici-
pant, may give consent.

(B) Such election shall designate a Benefici-
ary (or a form of benefits) that may not
be changed without spousal consent
(unless the consent of the spouse ex-
pressly permits designations by the Par-
ticipant without the requirement of fur-
ther consent by the spouse).

(C) Such spouse's consent shall be irrevoca-
ble and must acknowledge the effect of
such election and be witnessed by an
Employer representative or a notary
pubUc.

(D) Such consent shall not be required if it
is established to the satisfaction of the
Administrator that the required consent
cannot be obtained because there is no
spouse, the spouse cannot be located or
other circumstances that may be pre-
scribed by Regulations.

(E) The election made by the Participant
and consented to by his/her spouse may
be revoked by the Participant in writing
without the consent of the spouse at any
time dxuing the election period.

(i) The nmnber of revocations shall not be
limited.

(ii) Any new election must comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.

(F) A former spouse's waiver shall not be
binding on a new spouse.

(4) The election period to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity shall be the 90 day period
ending on the Annuity Starting Date.

(5) With regard to the election, the Admin-
istrator shall provide to the Participant
no less than 30 days and no more than
90 days before the Annuify Starting Date
a written explanation of:

(A) the terms and conditions of the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(B) the Participant's right to make, and the
effect of, an election to waive the Contin-
gent Annuity;

(C) the right of the Participant's spouse to
consent to any election to waive the Con-
tingent Annmty; and

(D) the right of the Participant to revoke
such election, and the effect of such
revocation.

b. In the event a married Participant duly
elects pursuant to Section 5.04a(3) above
not to receive his/her benefit in the form of
a Contingent Annuity, or if such Participant
is not meirried, in the form of a life annuity,
the Administrator, piu-suant to the election
of the Participant, shall direct the Trustee to
distribute, on a date specified by the Partici-
pant (which date is in harmony with Section
5.04e below), to the Participant or to the
Participant and his/her Contingent Annui-
tant any amount to which he/she is entided
imder the Program in one or more of the
following methods determined and limited
by rules and regulations of the Administra-
tor:

(1) ptirchase of or providing an annuity.
However, such annuity may not be in
any form that will provide for payments
over a period extending beyond either
the life of the Participant (or the lives of
the Participant and his/her designated
Contingent Annuitant) or the life expec-
tancy of the Participant (or the life ex-
pectancy of the Participant and his/her
designated Contingent Annuitant).

(2) payments over a period certain in
monthty or annual cash installments.
The period over which such payment is
to be made shall not extend beyond the
Participant's life expectancy (or the life
expectancy of the Participant and
his/her designated Contingent Annui-
tant).

(3) one or more annual partial liunp-sum
payments elected by die Participant in
accordance with the rules established by
the Administrator prior to the required
beginning date specified in Section
5.04e herein and prior to annuitizing the
remaining Account balance in accord-
ance with other provisions of this Sec-
tion.

(4) one lump-sum payment in cash.

c. If the Participant is married at the time
he/she medces an election pursuant to Sec-
tion 5.04b above, such election shall not be
valid without the consent of the Participant's
spouse given in accordance with the proce-
diu"es stated in Section 5.04a(3).

d. If the present value of the Participant's Ac-
count is equal to or less than $3,500, the

Financial Administration

515

Administrator may direct the Trustee to dis-
tribute the full amount to the Participant with-
out the consent of the Participant or his/her
spouse.

e. Notwithstanding any provision in the Pro-
gram to the contrary, the distribution of a
Participant's benefits shall be made in ac-
cordance with the following requirements:

(1) The entire interest of a Participant shall
be distributed

(A) no later than the required beginning
date described in Section 5.04e(2); or

(B) beginning no later than the required be-
ginning date over

(i) the life of the Participant;

(ii) the lives of the Participant and a desig-
nated Contingent Annuitant;

(iii) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Participant; or

(iv) a period not extending beyond the life
expectancies of the Participant and a
designated Contingent Annuitant

(2) The term "required beginning date" is
defined for the piuposes of this subsec-
tion as the later of

(A) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant reaches age 70-1/2; or

(B) the April 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which the Partici-
pant retires.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall
not apply to the value of a Participant's
Accoimt as of December 31, 1986, ex-
clusive of subsequent earnings.

5.05 Distribution of Benefits upon Deaih.

a. In the event of the death of a Participant
prior to the Annuity Starting Date, his/her
Account shall be paid to the Participant's
Beneficiary subject to the requirements of
Section 5.05b below.

b. Notwithstanding any provision in the Pro-
gram to the contrary, distributions upon the
death of a Participant shall be made in ac-
cordance with the following requirements
and shall otherwise comply with Code sec-
tion 401(a)(9) and the Regulations thereun-
der.

(1) If the Participant's surviving spouse is
the Beneficiary, the Account shall be
paid according to one of the distribution
options described in Section 5.04b as
elected by the surviving spouse, but in
no case shall any distribution provide for
payments over a period extending be-
yond either the life of the siu\iving
spouse or the life expectancy of the sur-
viving spouse.

(A) Distributions to the surviving spouse
Beneficiary must commence on or be-
fore the later of:

(i) December 31 of the calendar year imme-
diately following the calendar yeju- in
which the Participant died; or

(ii) December 31 of the calendar year in
which the Participant would have at-
tained age 70-1/2.

(B) If no election is made prior to the re-
quired beginning date described in Sec-
tion 5.05b(l)(A), the benefit shall be
paid in the form of a single life annuity.

(2) If the Participant's Beneficiary is not the
surviving spouse, the Participant's Ac-
count shall be distributed to his/her
Beneficiary:

(A) by December 31 of the calendar year in
which the fifth anniversary of the Partici-
pant's date of death occurs; or

(B) over tiie life of such designated Benefi-
ciary (or over a period not extending be-
yond the life expectancy of such desig-
nated Beneficiary) provided such
distribution begins not later than De-
cember 31 of the calendar year immedi-
ately following the calendar year in
which the Participant died.

(i) For purposes of Section 5.05b(2), the
election by a designated Beneficiary to
be excepted from the 5-year distribution
requirement must be made no later than
December 31 of the calendar year fol-
lowing the calendar year of the Partici-
pant's death.

(ii) An election by a designated Beneficiary
must be in writing and shall be irrevoca-
ble as of the last day of the election pe-
riod stated herein.

(iii) In the absence of an election by the
Participant or a designated Beneficiary,

516

DCA Advance Edition

the 5-year distribution requirement shall
apply.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec-
tion 5.05b(l) or Section 5.05b(2), if the
present value of a deceased Participan-
t's Account is equal to or less than
$3,500 at the time of his/her death, the
Administrator may direct the Trustee to
distribute the full amount to the Partici-
pant's Beneficiary without the consent of
the Beneficiary.

(4) If the distribution of a Participant's in-
terest had begun and the Participant
dies before his/her entire interest has
been distributed to him/her, the remain-
ing portion of such interest shall be dis-
tributed at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution selected pursu-
ant to Section 5.04 as of his/her date of
death.

5.06 Benefit Increases. The amount of any
monthly annuity benefit payable imder Sec-
tions 5.04 or 5.05 shall be determined ac-
tuarially on the basis of the account value
such that the amount shall be increased by
2%, or remain the same or be increased by
3% or 4% or 5%, if so elected by tiie Partici-
pant at the time of application, or the Bene-
ficiary at the time benefits commence, as
applicable, under Sections 5.04 and 5.05.
These increases shall occur on each anniver-
sary of the Annuity Starting Date.

5.07 Single Sum Payment of Benefits. Notwith-
standing any provision of this Program to the
contrary, if the amount payable as a monthly
annuity to the Participant or Beneficiary
from all plans administered by the Adminis-
trator is less than the minimum amount es-
tablished by the Trustee from time to time,
the Administrator may, in its absolute dis-
cretion, require the Vested amounts in the
Participant's Account to be paid to the Par-
ticipant or Beneficiary in a single sum. A
single sum payment provided for under this
subsection may be made to the Participant
at any time following termination of employ-
ment and prior to the commencement of pay-
ment of benefits under another form of pay-
ment

5.08 Direct Rollover.

a. Notwithstanding any provision of the Pro-
gram to the contrary that would otherwise
limit a distributee's election under this Sec-
tion, a "distributee" may elect, at the time
and in the manner prescribed by the Admin-

istrator, to have any portion of an "eligible
roUover distribution" paid directiy to an "eli-
gible retirement plan" specified by the dis-
tributee in a "direct rollover."

b. For purposes of this Section the following
definitions shaU apply:

(1) An "eligible rollover distribution" is any
distribution of all or any portion of the
balance to the credit of the distributee,
except that an eligible roUover distribu-
tion does not include any distribution
that is one of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments (not less fre-
quentiy than annually) made for the life
(or life expectancy) of the distributee or
the joint lives (or joint life expectancies)
of the distributee and the distributee's
designated beneficiary, or for a specified
period of ten years or more; any distri-
bution to the extent such distribution is
required under Code section 401(a)(9);
and the portion of any distribution that
is not includible in gross income.

(2) An "eligible retirement plan" is an indi-
vidual retirement account described in
Code section 408(a), an individual re-
tirement annuity described in Code sec-
tion 408(b), or an annuity arrangement
described in Code section 403(b), that
accepts the distributee's eligible rollover
distribution. However, in the case of an
eligible rollover distribution to the sur-
viving spouse, an eligible retirement
plan is an individual retirement accoimt
or individual retirement annuity.

(3) A "distributee" includes a Participant or
Terminated Participant. In addition, the
Participant's or Terminated Participan-
t's siu\iving spouse and the Participan-
t's or Terminated Participant's spouse
or former spouse who is the alternate
payee under a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, as defined in Code section
414(p), are distributees with regard to
the interest of the spouse or former
spouse.

(4) A "direct rollover" is a payment by the
Program to the eUgible retirement plan
specified by the distributee.

5.09 Relinquishment of Benefits. A Participant or
Beneficiary who is receiving benefit pay-
ments from this Program may relinquish all
or a portion of the benefits payable after the
relinquishment is made. Unless the relin-
quishment by its terms was made irrevoca-

Financial Administration

517

ble, he/she may revoke such relinquishment
with respect to benefits that become payable
after the revocation of the relinquishment
Amounts not used to pay benefits because of
the relinquishment shall remain in the appro-
priate fund for payment of benefits generally.

5.10 Refusal of BenefitThe Beneficiary has the
right to refuse or disclaim a benefit which
he/she is otherwise entitled to receive. The
refusal must be of the entire benefit The
effect of such refusal is to treat the Benefici-
ary as if he/she had predeceased the Partici-
pant

5.11 Distribution for Minor Beneficiary. In the
event a distribution is to be made to a minor,
the Administrator may direct that such dis-
tribution be paid to the legal guardian, or if
none, to a peirent of such Beneficiary or a
responsible adult with whom the Beneficiary
maintains his/her residence, or to the custo-
dian for such Beneficiary under the Uniform
Gift to Minors Act or Gift to Minors Act, if
such is permitted by the laws of the state in
\^ich said Beneficiary resides. Such a pay-
ment to the legal guardian, custodian or par-
ent of a minor Beneficiary shall fully dis-
charge the Administrator, Trustee,
Employer, and Program fi-om further liabil-
ity on account thereof.

5.12 Facility of Payment. Whenever in the Admin-
istrator's opinion a person entitled to receive
any payment of a benefit under the Program
is under a legal disability or is incapacitated
in any way so as to be unable to manage such
person's financial affairs, the Administrator
may direct the Trustee to make payments
directly to the person, to the person's legal
representative, or to a relative or friend of
the person to be used exclusively for such
person's benefit, or apply any such payment
for the benefit of the person in such manner
as the Administrator deems advisable. The
decision of the Administrator, in each case,
shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon
all persons ever interested hereunder. The
Administrator shall not be obligated to see to
the proper application or expenditure of any
payment so made. Any benefit payment (or
installment thereof) made in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection shall
completely discharge the obUgation for mak-
ing such payment under the Program.

5.13 Notification of Mailing Address. Each Par-
ticipant and other person entitled to benefits
hereunder shall from time to time file with
the Administrator, in a form acceptable to
the Administrator, such person's mailing ad-

dress and change of mailing address. Any
check representing any payment due hereun-
der, and any communication forwarded to a
Participant or Beneficiary at the last known
address as indicated by the records of the
Administrator shaU constitute adequate pay-
ment to such person and be binding on such
person for all purposes of the Program. The
Administrator shall not be under any obliga-
tion to search for or ascertain the where-
abouts of any such person.

5.14 Application for Benefits. The benefits pay-
able hereunder to Participants and Benefici-
aries shall not become payable until such
individuals have made application to the Ad-
ministrator for such benefits. However, not-
withstanding this provision, a Participant or
alternate payee shall be deemed to have
made application for benefits on the "re-
quired beginning date" as described in Sec-
tion 5.04e(2) if on that date the current mail-
ing address of the Participant or alternate
payee is on file with the Administrator. A
Participant's Beneficiary shall be deemed to
have made application for benefits on the
date benefit payments are required to com-
mence in accordance with Section 5.05b(l)
and Section 5.05b(2) if on that date the cur-
rent mailing address of the Beneficieiry is on
file with the Administrator.

5.15 Unclaimed Benefit

a. If a Peuticipant fails to properly claim a bene-
fit due hereunder prior to the "required be-
ginning date," as defined in Section
5.04e(2), and there is no ciurent mailing
address on file with the Administrator, the
Administrator shall send a certified letter to
the last known address of the Participant
indicating that the Participant has 60 days
to claim such benefit If the Participant fails
to claim the benefit within the 60-day pe-
riod, the Participant shall be deemed, in
accordance with rules and regulations
adopted by the Administrator, to have relin-
quished any benefit that may be payable to
the Participant

b. The failure of a Beneficiary to properly claim
a benefit due hereunder during the stated
time period, or if no time period is stated,
then within two years of being eligible to
receive the benefit, shall cause the benefit to
be considered to have been refused and for-
feited and shall cause the benefit to be paid
to the secondary Beneficiary or default
Beneficiary in accordance with the Program.
If the last default Beneficiary does not claim
the benefit within a two-year period com-

518

DCA Advance Edition

mencing with the date on which he/she be-
came eligible to receive the benefit, the bene-
fit shall be considered to be reftised and for-
feited by said Beneficiary. After the last
two-year period has expired, the Administra-
tor shall send a certified letter to flie last
known address of the last default Beneficiary
indicating that the Beneficiary has 60 days to
claim such benefit Failure to claim the bene-
fit within the 60-day time period shall cause
the benefit to be forfeited. Such forfeited
amounts shall be added to the reserves of the
Program. However, any such forfeited
amount will be reinstated and become pay-
able if a claim is made by the estate of the
Participant or Beneficiary. The Administra-
tor shall prescribe uniform and nondiscrimi-
natory rules for carrying out this provision.

5.16 Limitations of Benefits and Distributions. All
rights euid benefits, including elections, pro-
vided to a Participant in this Program shall
be subject to the rights afforded to any "al-
ternate payee" under a "qualified domestic
relations order." Fiulhermore, a distribu-
tion to an "alternate payee" shall be permit-
ted if such distribution is authorized by a
"qualified domestic relations order," even if
the affected Participant has not reached the
"earliest retirement age" under the Pro-
gram. For the piuposes of this Section, the
terms "alternate payee," "qualified domestic
relations order," eind "earliest retirement
age" shall have the meaning set forth under
Code section 414(p).

Article VI Trustee

6.01 Responsibilities of the Trustee. The Trustee
shall have the following categories of respon-
sibilities in addition to those responsibilities
set out in Section VII:

a. To invest, manage and control the Program
assets;

b. At the direction of the Administrator, to pay
benefits required under the Program to be
paid to Participants, or, in the event of their
death, to their Beneficiaries;

c. To maintain records of receipts and dis-
bursements and furnish to the Administra-
tor for each Program Year a written annual
report;

d. To invest the assets of the trust for the ex-
clusive purpose of providing benefits to Par-
ticipants and Beneficiaries and defraying
reasonable expenses of the Program. Such
investing shall be done in accordance with

investment policies that reflect the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church.

6.02 Investment Powers and Duties of the Trus-
tee.

a. The Trustee shall invest and reinvest the
assets of the Program to keep the assets of
the Program invested without distinction be-
tween principal and income and in such se-
ciuities or property, real or personal, wher-
ever situated, as the Trustee shall deem
advisable, including, but not limited to,
stocks, common or preferred, bonds and
other evidences of indebtedness or owner-
ship, and real estate or any interest therein.
The Trustee shall at all times in making in-
vestments of the assets of the Program con-
sider, among other factors, the short and
long-term financial needs of the Program on
the basis of information furnished by the
Employer. In making such investments, the
Trustee shall not be restricted to securities
or other property of the character expressly
authorized by the applicable law for trust
investments; however, the Trustee shall give
due regard to any limitations imposed by the
Code or the Act

b. The Trustee may employ a bank or trust
company pursuant to the terms of its usual
and customary bank agency agreement, un-
der which the duties of such bank or trust
company shall be of a custodial, clerical and
record-keeping nature.

c. The Trustee may create a trust to hold and
invest all or any part of the assets of the
Program. The Trustee shall have the right to
determine the form and substance of each
trust agreement under which any part of the
assets of the Progr£mi is held, subject only
to the requirement that they are not incon-
sistent with the terms of the Program.

6.03 Other Powers of the Trustee. The Trustee, in
addition to all powers and authorities under
common law, statutory authority, including
the Act, and other provisions of the Pro-
gram, shall have the following powers and
authorities, to be exercised in the Trustee's
sole discretion:

a. To purchase, or subscribe for, any securities
or other property and to retain the seune. In
conjunction with the purchase of securities,
margin accounts may be opened and main-
tained;

b. To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, greuit
options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of
any secmities or other property held by the

Financial Administration

519

Trustee, by private contract or at public auc-
tion. No person dealing with die Trustee shall
be bound to see to the application of the pur-
chase money or to inquire into the validity,
expediency, or propriety of any such sale or
other disposition, with or without advertise-
ment;

c. To vote upon any stocks, bonds, or other
securities; to give general or special proxies
or powers of attorney with or without power
of substitution; to exercise any conversion
privileges, subscription rights or other op-
tions, and to make any payments incidental
thereto; to oppose, or to consent to, or oth-
erwise participate in, corporate reorganiza-
tions or otiier changes affecting corporate
securities, £md to delegate discretionary
powers, and to pay any assessments or
charges in connection therewith; and gener-
ally to exercise any of the powers of an owner
with respect to stocks, bonds, seciuities, or
other property;

d. To cause any seciuities or other property to
be registered in the Trustee's own name or
in the name of one or more of the Trustee's
nominees, and to hold any investments in
bearer form, but the books and records of
the Trustee shall at all times show that all
such investments are part of the assets of the
Program;

e. To borrow or raise money for the purposes
of the Program in such amount, and upon
such terms and conditions, as the Trustee
shall deem advisable; and for any sum so
borrowed, to issue a promissory note as
Trustee, and to seciu-e the repayment
thereof by pledging all, or any part, of the
assets of the Program; and no person lend-
ing money to the Trustee shall be bound to
see to the application of the money lent or to
inquire into the vahdity, expediency, or pro-
priety of any borrowing;

f. To keep such portion of the assets of the
Program in cash or cash balances as the
Trustee may, from time to time, deem to be
in the best interests of the Program, without
liability for interest thereon;

g. To accept and retain for such time as the
Trustee may deem advisable any securities
or other property received or acquired as
trustee hereimder, whether or not such se-
curities or other property would normally be
purchased as investments hereunder;

h. To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver
any emd all documents of tremsfer and con-

veyance and any and all other instruments
that may be necessary or appropriate to carry
out the powers herein granted;

i. To setde, compromise, or submit to arbitra-
tion any claims, debts, or damages due or
owing to or from the Program, to commence
or defend suits or legal or administrative
proceedings, and to represent the Program
in all suits and legal and administrative pro-
ceedings;

j. To employ suitable agents and counsel and
to pay their reasonable expenses and com-
pensation, and such agent or coimsel may or
may not be agent or counsel for the Em-
ployer;

k. To invest in Treasury Bills and other forms
of United States government obligations;

1. To sell, ptu-chase and acquire put or call
options if the options are traded on and pur-
chased throu^ a national securities ex-
change registered imder the Seciuities Ex-
change Act of 1934, as amended, or, if the
options are not traded on a national securi-
ties exchange, are guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York Stock Exchange;

m. To deposit monies in federally insured sav-
ings accounts or certificates of deposit in
banks or savings and loan associations;

n. To pool all or any of the assets of the Pro-
gram, from time to time, with assets belong-
ing to any other employee pension benefit
plan created by a unit of The United Meth-
odist Church or an afSliated unit of The
United Methodist Church, and to commin-
gle such assets and make joint or common
investments and cany joint accounts on be-
half of this Program and such other trust or
trusts, allocating undivided shares or inter-
ests in such investments or accounts or any
pooled assets of the two or more trusts in
accordance with their respective interests.

o. To do all such acts and exercise all such
rights and privileges, although not specifi-
cally mentioned herein, as the Trustee may
deem necessary to carry out the purposes of
the Program.

6.04 Valuation. Participants' Accounts shall be
credited with interest at a rate to be deter-
mined by the Trustee. Any excess of the ac-
tual investment experience, including unre-
alized appreciation over the interest credited
to accounts in a Program Year, shall be cred-
ited to an investment reserve account from
which the Trustee may withdraw funds in

520

DCA Advance Edition

succeeding years in order to stabilize the rate
of interest credited to Accounts from year to
year.

6.05 Funding Through Insiu-ance Contracts. The
Trustee may, in lieu of paying benefits to a
Participant or a Participant's Beneficiary
from assets held by the Trustee, enter into a
contract (or contracts) or an agreement (or
agreements) with one or more insurance
companies for the purchase (from such as-
sets) of one or more insurance confracts
which provide benefits which are substan-
tially the actuarial eqiuvalent of those pro-
vided for such Participant or Beneficiary tm-
der the Program.

6.06 Services. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Trustee from contracting for services with
another entity, including one that is, with the
Trustee, part of a controlled group.

Article VII Adminisfration

7.01 Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The
primary responsibility of the Administrator
is to administer the Program for the exclu-
sive benefit of the Participants and their
Beneficiaries, subject to the terms of the
Program. The Adminisfrator shall adminis-
ter the Program in accordance with its terms
and shall have the power and discretion to
construe the terms of the Program and to
determine all questions arising in connec-
tion with the administration, interpretation,
and application of the Program. Any such
determination by the Adminisfrator shall be
conclusive and binding upon all persons.
The Adminisfrator, in addition to all powers
and authorities under common law, statu-
tory authority, including the Act, and other
provisions of the Program, shall have the
following powers and authorities, to be exer-
cised in the Adminisfrator's sole discretion:

a. To establish procedures, correct any defect,
supply any information, or reconcile any in-
consistency in such manner and to such ex-
tent as shall be deemed necessary or advis-
able to carry out the purpose of the Program;

b. To determine all questions relating to the
eligibility of Employees to participate or re-
main a Participant hereunder and to receive
benefits under the Program;

c. To compute, certify, and direct the Trustee
with respect to the amount and the kind of
benefits to which any Participant shall be
entitied hereunder;

d. In its sole discretion, to construe and inter-
pret the Program and make adminisfrative
rules in accordance therewith, and to re-
solve or otherwise decide matters not spe-
cifically covered by the terms and provisions
of the Program;

e. To maintain aU necessary records for the
adminisfration of the Program;

f. To interpret the provisions of the Program
and make and pubUsh such rules for regu-
lation of the Program as are consistent with
the terms hereof;

g. to file, or cause to be filed, all such annual
reports, returns, schedules, descriptions, fi-
nancial statements and other statements as
may be requfred by any federal or state stat-
ute, agency, or authority;

h. to obtain from the Employers and Employ-
ees such information as shall be necessary
to the proper adminisfration of the Program;

i. To specify actuarial assumptions and meth-
ods for use in determining contributions and
benefits under the Program.

j. To assist any Participant regarding his/her
rights, benefits or elections available under
the Program.

7.02 Records and Reports. The Adminisfrator
shall keep a record of all actions taken and
shall keep all other books of account, re-
cords, and other data that may be necessary
for proper adminisfration of the Program
and shall be responsible for supplying aU
information and reports to appropriate gov-
ernment entities. Participants, Beneficiaries
and others as requfred by law.

7.03 Duties of the Employer. The Employer shall
asstune the following duties with respect to
the Program:

a. To enroll employees, as applicable;

b. To maintain records of a Participant's Serv-
ice;

c. To meiintain records of a Participant's Com-
pensation;

d. To remit contributions to the Trustee;

e. To provide the Adminisfrator with the statis-
tical data and other statistical information
satisfactory to the Adminisfrator within a
reasonable time after a request by the Ad-
minisfrator sufficient to enable the Adminis-

Financial Administration

521

trator to discharge its duties under die Pro-
gram;

f. To register with and report to government
agencies, as appropriate;

g. To properly notify employees of their rights
and obligations under the Program;

h. To provide the Administrator with prompt
notice of termination of a Participant's em-
ployment

7.04 Fees and Expenses J\ll expenses incurred by
the Administrator and Trustee in connection
with the administration of this Program shall
be paid by the Program.

a. The Trustee has the authority to determine
administrative euid expense charges and the
methods for applying such charges.

b. The Trustee is authorized to deduct from the
Program's reserves, funds, contributions,
and/or earnings thereon, the expenses and
fees necessary or appropriate to the admini-
stration of the Program, including an alloc-
able share of the Administrator's operating
expenses.

c. The Administrator is authorized to deter-
mine a reasonable charge for providing non-
routine reports and services for Employers
and Participants and to require the Em-
ployer or Participant to pay for such non-
routine reports and service.

7.05 Attorney Fees and Costs. The Trustee may
assess, to the extent permitted by law,
against the assets it manages for any Partici-
pant, reasonable attorney fees and charges
to reimburse the Administrator or Trustee
for expenses incurred by the Administrator
or the Trustee, through no fault of its (their)
own, in responding to pleadings, retaining
coimsel, entering an appearance or defend-
ing any case in any action in civil law, in the
event the Administrator or Trustee is served
with a levy, subpoena, summons or other
similar pleading by the Internal Revenue
Service or by any other party, including the
parties to marital litigation, in litigation or
legal proceedings in which the Administrator
or Trustee is not a party, or is a party onfy by
virtue of its (their) role as a fiducieuy in ad-
ministering assets on behalf of a Participant

7.06 Delegation of Authority. The Administrator
may authorize one or more of its number, or
any agent, to carry out its administrative du-
ties, and may employ such counsel, audi-
tors, and other specialists and such clerical,

actuarial and other services as it may require
in carrying outthe provisions of this Program.
The Administrator may refy on any certificate,
notice or direction, oral orwritten, piu-porting
to have been signed or communicated on be-
half of the Employer, Participant, or others
which the Administrator believes to have
been signed or communicated by persons
authorized to act on behalf of the Employer,
Participant or others, as applicable. The Ad-
ministrator may request instructions in writ-
ing from the Employer, Participant or others,
as applicable, on otiier matters, and may rely
and act thereon. The Administrator may not
be held responsible for any loss caused by its
acting upon any notice, direction or certifica-
tion of tiie Employer, Participant or others,
which the Administrator reasonabfy believes
to be genuine and communicated by an
authorized person.

7.07 Submission of Claims. Claims for benefits
under the Program shedl be filed with die
Administrator on forms supplied by the Ad-
ministrator. Written notice of the disposition
of a claim shall be furnished to the Employer
and to the claimant within 45 days after all
required forms and materials related to the
application therefor are filed.

7.08 Denial of Claims. If any claim for benefits
imder the Program is wholly or partially de-
nied, the claimant shall be given notice in
writing, within a reasonable period of time
after receipt of the claim by the Program,
written in a manner calculated to be under-
stood by the claimant, setting forth the fol-
lowing information:

a. the specific reasons for such denial;

b. specific reference to pertinent Program pro-
visions on which the denial is based;

c. a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to
perfect the claim and an explanation of why
such material or information is necessary;
and

d. an explanation of the Program's appeals pro-
cediu'es.

A "reasonable time" for such notice shall not
exceed 45 days after the filing of the original
claim or 45 days after the request for or
submission of any additional data or docu-
ments requested by the Administrator, or, if
special circumstances require an extension
of time, written notice of the extension shall
be furnished to the claimant and an addi-

522

DCA Advance Edition

tional 90 days will be considered reason-
able.

7.09 Appeals from Denial of Claims. If a Partici-
pant is denied benefits hereunder, the Par-
ticipant shall have the right to appeal the
decision in accordance with the following
procedures:

a. Intermediary Appeal Procedure. The Admin-
istrator shall establish an intermediary ap-
peals procedure containing no more than a
three-level process.

b. Final Procedure.

(1) There shall be an Appeals Committee of
the Administrator nominated by its
President and elected by the Adminis-
trator which shall hear and decide ap-
peals after the intermediary appeal pro-
cedure has been followed.

(2) The Appeals Committee decision shall
be final jmd not subject to action of the
Administrator.

(3) After the final intermediary process has
been completed and if the Participant's
claim is stiU fully or partially denied, the
claimant shall be advised that he/she
may, in writing, request a review by the
Appeals Committee of the decision deny-
ing the claim by filing with the Appeals
Committee, on forms supplied by it,
within 90 days after such notice has
been received by the claimant.

(A) The Notice of Appeal shall be executed
by the claimant

(B) After filing the Notice of Appeal, the
claimant may submit issues and com-
ments and other relevant, supporting
documents to the Appeals Committee
for its consideration.

(C) If such Notice of Appeal is timely filed,
the appeal will be heard by the Appeals
Committee at its next meeting, unless
special circumstances require an exten-
sion of time for processing, in which
case the claimant shall be so notified
and the appeal will be heard at the sub-
sequent meeting of the Appeals Commit-
tee.

(D) To allow sufficient time for handling and
processing, all Notices of Appeal and
supporting documents must be filed
witii the Appeals Committee at least 30
days prior to the next meeting of the

Appeals Committee, and no documents
submitted to the Appeals Committee after
that time can or will be considered by the
Appeals Conunittee except by its leave
and discretion.

(E) The claimant, his or her duly authorized
representative, or a representative of the
Employer, may request permission to
appear personally before the Appeals
Committee to present evidence with re-
spect to the claim, subject to conditions
and time limitations set by the Appeals
Committee, but the expense for any such
personal appearance must be borne by
the claimant or the Employer.

(F) The claimant shall be given written no-
tice of the decision resulting from an
appeal. Such notice shall include spe-
cific reasons for the decision, written in
a manner calculated to be understood by
the claimant, and specific references to
the pertinent Program provisions on
which the decision is based, and such
written notice shall be mailed to the
claimant by the staff of the Administrator
within 15 days following the action by
the Appeals Committee.

7.10 Appeal a Condition Precedent to Civil Ac-
tion. No cause of action in civil law with
respect to any alleged violation of the terms
emd conditions of this contract shall be com-
menced or maintained by any Participant
imless and until such Participant shall have
initiated and completed the process of an
Appeal as set forth in Sections 7.07 to 7.09
of this Program.

7. 1 1 Basis of Determination of Amount of Benefit.
The amount of any monthly benefit provided
for under Article V which is to be based upon
the Participant's account(s) in the Program
shall be the actuarial equivalent of such ac-
count(s), determined on the basis of the
mortality table and rate of interest adopted
by the Administrator for such purpose. Upon
an account being converted to an annuity,
the account shall be closed and the annuity
shall become an obligation of the appropri-
ate fund.

7.12 limitation of Uability. All benefits hereunder
are contingent upon, and payable solely
fi'om, such contributions as shall be re-
ceived by the Trustee and investment results
of the Trustee. No financial obUgations,
other than those which can be met by the
contribution actually received and the in-
vestment results, shall be assumed by the

Financial Administration

523

Administrator or the Trustee. To the extent
assets of the Program attributable to a Partici-
pant's accounts have been transferred to a
trust as provided in Section 6.02c, all benefits
to which the Participant is entided under this
Program shall be provided only out of such
trust and only to the extent the trust is ade-
quate therefor. The members of the Admin-
istrator shall not personally be responsible or
otherwise liable for the payment of any bene-
fits hereunder.

Article VIII Amendment and Termination

8.01 Amendment of the Program. The General
Conference may amend any or all provisions
of this Program at any time by written instru-
ment identified as an amendment of the Pro-
gram effective as of a specified date. How-
ever, the Administrator is authorized to
amend any or all provisions of this Program
at any time by such written instrument in
order to conform the Program to any appli-
cable law and/or regulations promulgated
thereunder.

8.02 Termination of the Program. The General
Conference shall have the right to terminate
the Program at any time in a manner and to
the extent not inconsistent with The Book of
Discipline. Upon termination of the Program,
the accounts of Participants shall be nonfor-
feitable and either distributed outright or
held for distribution in accordance with the
terms of the Program. The assets remaining
in the Program after all obligations of the
Program have been satisfied shall be distrib-
uted piu-suant to action by the General Con-
ference.

Article IX Miscellaneous

9.01 Rules and Forms. The Administrator shall
have the authority and responsibility to:

a. adopt rules, regulations and policies for the
administration of this Program, in all mat-
ters not specifically covered by General Con-
ference legislation or by reasonable implica-
tion,

b. prescribe such forms and records as are
needed for the administration of the Pro-
gram.

9.02 Non-alienation of Benefits. No benefits pay-
able at any time under the Program shall be
subject in any manner to alienation, sale,
transfer, pledge, attachment, garnishment,
or encumbrance of any kind. Any attempt to
alienate, sell, trzmsfer, assign, pledge, or
otherwise encumber such benefit, whether

presendy or thereafter payable, shall be void.
Except as provided in Section 9.04 hereof, no
benefit nor any fund under the Program shall
in any manner be liable for, or subject to, the
debts or liabilities of any Participant or other
person entitied to any benefit.

9.03 Non-reversion. The Employer shall have no
right, tide, or interest in the contributions
made to the funds under the Progrjun, and
no part of the funds shall revert to the Em-
ployer, except that:

a. upon termination of the Program and the
allocation and distribution of the funds as
provided in Articles IV and V hereof, any
monies remaining in the funds because of an
erroneous actuarial computation after the
satisfaction of all fixed and contingent liabili-
ties under the Program may revert to the
applicable Employer; and

b. if a contribution is made to the Program by
the participating Employer by a mistake of
fact, then such contribution shall be re-
turned to the participating Employer upon
request within one year after the Employer
has reported and documented such mistake
to the Administrator.

9.04 Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The
provisions of Section 9.02 notwithstanding,
all or pjirt of a Participant's vested benefits
arising under this Program, including Sup-
plement One, may be tremsferred to one or
more "alternate payees" on the basis of a
"qualified domestic relations order," as
those terms are defined in Code section
414(p), provided that (1) the Participant
makes an assignment of benefits pursuant to
the order, and the alternate payee accepts
said assignment, on the forms provided by
the Administrator; (2) said order was issued
by a court having jurisdiction over the Ad-
ministrator; or (3) said order was entered by
any other court if the Administrator, in its
sole discretion, determines that the order is
likely to be entered by a coiut having jxuis-
diction over the Administrator.

a. When appropriate, the Administrator shall
provide a Participant involved in marital liti-
gation with information regarding the natiu-e
and value of the Participant's benefits and
shall assist the Participant and the court in
interpreting that information.

b. The Administrator shall establish a written
procediu'e to determine the qualified status
of domestic relations orders and to adminis-
ter distributions under such qualified or-

524

DCA Advance Edition

ders. Such procedure shall provide that dur-
ing the period in which a determination is
being made with respect to the qualified
status of an order received by the Administra-
tor and for thirty days thereafter, (1) the Ad-
ministrator will direct the Trustee to segre-
gate and sepeu^tely account for any sums
payable to the Participant which the order
requires to be paid to the alternate payee; and
(2) the Participant will be prohibited from
electing to set up an annuity or to receive any
other distribution which would compromise
the rights granted to the alternate payee by the
order, without the alternate payee's written
consent

c. Neither the alternate payee nor any person
claiming through the alternate payee shall
have the right (1) to transfer benefits to an-
other alternate payee; (2) to receive a sur-
viving spouse benefit arising from the Par-
ticipant's pre-1985 service; or (3) to
receive benefits in the form of a joint and
siu\ivor annuity with respect to the alternate
payee and any subsequent spouse.

(1) In all other respects, the benefits trans-
ferred pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order shall be administered in
accordance with the provisions of this
Program, and the alternate payee shall
have all the rights and duties of a fully
vested Terminated Participant with re-
spect thereto.

(2) With respect to benefits transferred to an
alternate payee piu-suant to this section,
the alternate payee shall have all of the
rights of a Terminated Participant, to the
exclusion of any claim diereto on the
part of the Participant.

d. A subpoena or other instrument of judicial
process (1) which is directed to the Admin-
istrator, its constituent corporations, or its
officers or employees, (2) vdiich appears on
its face to be issued in the course of marital
Utigation to which a Participant is a party,
and (3) which seeks information regarding
the nature or value of the Participant's pen-
sion benefits, may be honored by the Admin-
istrator, in its sole discretion, without inter-
posing any defense on the grounds of
technical or jurisdictional defect

e. Costs incurred by the Administrator in the
process culminating in the transfer of bene-
fits pursuant to a qualified domestic rela-
tions order, including but not limited to at-
torney's fees, Utigation expenses, and a
reasonable charge for services provided by

the Administrator, shall be charged against
the benefits of the Participcmt and the alter-
nate payee in equal shares uinless a different
division of said costs is provided in tiie order.

9.05 Construction. The Program and each of its
provisions shall be construed and their va-
lidity determined by the laws of tiie State of
Illinois, other than its laws respecting choice
of law, to the extent such laws are not
preempted by any federal law.

9.06 Indemnification. To the extent permitted by
law, the Employer shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Administrator, Trustee, Par-
ticipants, any employee, and any other per-
son or persons to whom the Employer, Trus-
tee or Administrator has delegated fiduciary
or other duties imder the Program, against
any and all claims, losses, damages, ex-
penses, and Uabilities arising from emy act or
failiu-e to act that constitutes or is alleged to
constitute a breach of such person's respon-
sibilities in connection with the Program im-
der any appUcable law, unless the same is
determined to be due to gross negligence,
willful misconduct, or willful failtire to act

9.07 Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a dispute
arises out of or related to the relationship
between the Employer and the Administra-
tor or Trustee, the parties agree first to try in
good faith to settie the dispute by mediation
through the American Arbitration Associa-
tion, or another mediation/arbitration serv-
ice mutually agreed upon by the parties, be-
fore resorting to arbitration. Thereafter, any
remaining unresolved controversy or claim
arising out of or relating to the relationship
between the Employer and the Administra-
tor or Trustee shaU be settied by binding
arbitration through the American Arbitration
Association, or the other mediation/arbitra-
tion service which had been mutuaUy agreed
upon by the parties.

a. The site of the mediation and/or arbitration
shall be in a city mutuaUy agreed to by the
parties ^^ch is not located within the
boundaries of the Employer.

b. The laws of the State of Illinois shall apply in
situations wliere federal law is not applica-
ble. The applicable rules of tiie selected
service shall apply. If the service allows the
parties to choose the number of arbitrators,
unless another number is mutuaUy agreed
to, any arbitration hereunder shaU be before
at least three arbitrators, and the award of
the arbitrators, or a majority of them, shaU
be final, and judgment upon the award ren-

Financial Administration

525

dered may be entered in any court, state or
federal, having jurisdiction.

c. The fees and costs for mediation shall be
borne equally by the parties. The fees and
costs of arbitration shall be allocated to the
parties by the arbitrators.

9.08 Titles and Headings. The tides and headings
of the Articles and Sections of this instru-
ment are placed herein for convenience of
reference only, and in the case of any con-
flicts, the text of this instrument, rather than
the titles or headings, shall control.

9.09 Number. Wherever used herein, the singular
shall include the plural and the plural shall
include the singular, except where the con-
text requires otherwise.

Petition Number: 21505-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program,
Supplement One

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
recommends that the following text be substituted as of
the close of the 1996 General Conference for Supple-
ment One to the Staff Retirement Benefits Program.
This material is a restatement of the current Supplement
One with the exception of the major changes high-
lighted below:

• The former definition of "salary base" was restored
to the plan for use in computing the formula benefit.

• A provision was added clarifying that benefits are to
be paid to a terminated participant according to the
rules in effect at the time the participant terminated
employment.

• A break in service provision was added to clarify the
manner in which the formula benefit is to be
computed for persons with more than one period of
service with one or more general agencies.

• A provision was added to clarify that the value of the
formula benefit is to be distributed as a lump sum
to any beneficiary that is not a person.

Supplement One to the Staff Retirement
Benefits Program

Article A

A.01 Benefits. The benefits provided hereunder
are described in Articles B and C hereto and
shall supplement the benefits provided in
the Program. The provisions of tfie Program
shall apply to this Supplement except as
modified by this Supplement

A.02 Participants. Each benefit program de-
scribed in Articles B and C hereto shall spec-
ify the persons who are eligible to receive
said benefits and such persons shall be cov-
ered by the Program in accordance with the
plan as modified by this Supplement.

Article B

B.Ol Amendment of Prior Program. Effective as
of January 1, 1985, this Program and this
Article to Supplement One shall supersede
and replace die provisions of the Prior Pro-
gram, with respect to persons described in
Section B.03 below.

B.02 Definitions. The definitions contained in Ar-
ticle II of the Staff Retirement Benefits Pro-
gram administered by the Administrator
shall apply to this Article, except that the
following terms shall have the respective
meanings set forth below for purposes of this
Article:

a. "Administrator" shall mean The General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The
United Methodist Church, Incorporated in
Illinois and any successors.

b. "Approved Service Years" shall mean a Par-
ticipant's Years of Service rendered prior to
January 1, 1985, with pension coverage in
the Prior Program, as evidenced by the Par-
ticipant's record maintained by the Admin-
istrator, which record shall be subject to
correction in accordance with the records of
the Participant's Employer.

c. "Article" shall mean an Article of the Staff
Retirement Benefits Program administered
by the Administrator.

d. "Break in Service" shall mean a period of 61
or more days in which the Participant does
not complete an Hour of Service.

e. "Participant" shall mean a person who
meets the eligibility requirements set forth
in Section B.03.

f. "Salary Base" shall mean the annual cash
salary or gross wage earnings, including
overtime pay, but not including such items
as severance pay, the cash value of taxable
fringe benefits, and the cash value of unused
vacation or sick days.

g. "Service Annuity" shall mean an annuity
dtuing life, payable in monthly installments
in advance, on the basis of the benefit cho-
sen by the Participant in accordance with
the provisions of Section B.04.

526

DCA Advance Edition

h. "Trustee" shall mean The General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits of The United
Methodist Church, Incorporated in Mis-
soiui and any successors.

i. "Years of Service" shall mean the total
number of 12-month periods of Approved
Service Years, rotmded to the nearest
number of months.

B.03 Eligibihty. A person is a Participant for the
purpose of receiving a benefit payable pur-
suant to the provisions of this Article if the
person is described below:

a. a person who was a Participant in the Pro-
gram as of January 1, 1985, and was cov-
ered by the Prior Program as of December
31, 1984; or

b. a clergyperson who was a Participant in the
Ministerial Pension Plan as of January 1,
1982, and was covered by the Prior Pro-
gram as of December 31, 1981;

c. a person who was receiving a benefit fi"om
the Prior Program on December 31, 1984;

d. a person who was entided to receive de-
ferred vested benefits from the Prior Pro-
gram.

B.04 Benefits. In addition to any benefits which
may be payable pursuant to the provisions of
Article V, a Participant shall be entided to
benefits based on Years of Service prior to
January 1, 1985, in accordance with the
following provisions:

a. Prior to January 1, 1985. All Participants
who, as of December 31, 1984, were receiv-
ing benefits fi-om the Prior Program, shall
thereafter continue to receive such pension
benefits in the same form and amoimt from
this Program.

(1) The Service Annuity benefit based upon
the Formula Benefit shall be adjusted
annually, effective with the January pay-
ment of the Service Annuity, by an
amount equivalent to the percentage of
any increase in the previous June 1 Na-
tional Bureau of Labor Statistics Con-
sumer Price Index figure over the com-
parable figure available the prior June 1.

(A) No adjustment in an individual Service
Annuity will be made tmtil the formula
annuity has been in effect for 12 or more
months; and

(B) If after 1973 the Consiuner Price Index
decreases in any year below the Index
figure of die previous year, service an-
nuities will be reduced by that percent-
Eige of decrease, but

(C)In n o case will the Service Annuity be
reduced below the original amount pay-
able at the time the first monthly Service
Annuity was paid.

b. January 1, 1985, through December 31,

1992. All Participants v^iio retired on or af-
ter January 1, 1985, but prior to January 1,

1993, shall receive a Service Annuity based
upon the following provisions:

(1) A Participant who is married on the An-
nuity Starting Date shall receive a For-
mula Benefit payable in the form de-
scribed in Section 5.05a(l). The
election described in Section 5.05a(3) is
not available to Participants hereunder.

(2) A Participant who is not married on the
Annuity Starting Date shall receive a
Formula Benefit payable in the form of a
single-life ten-year certain annuity.

(3) For the purpose of this Section,

(A) the term "Formula Benefits" means an
annual benefit computed as follows:

1% of the average of the Participant's five
highest annual Salary Bases multiplied by
the total mmiber of Approved Service
Years, reduced by the lesser of (0 one-half
of 1% per month or fraction of a month
of age less than age 65 attained on the
date the benefit is to commence or (it)
one-half of 1% per month for each month
of difference between the assumed date
at which 40 Years of Service would have
been completed and the actual date the
benefit is to commence.

(B) The Service Annuity benefit based upon
the Formula Benefit shall be adjusted
annually, effective with the January pay-
ment of the Service Annuity, by an
amount equivalent to the percent^e of
any increase in the previous June 1 Na-
tional Bureau of Labor Statistics Con-
sumer Price Index figure over the com-
parable figure available the prior Jime 1.

(i) No adjustment in an individual Service
Annuity will be made until the formula
annuity has been in effect for 12 or more
months; and

Financial Administration

527

(ii) if the Consumer Price Index decreases
in any year below the Index figure of the
previous year, service annuities will be
reduced by that percentage of decrease,
but

(iii) in no case will the Service Annuity be
reduced below the original amount pay-
able at the time the first monthly Service
Annuity was paid.

c. After December 31, 1992. A Participant
who has not started to receive a benefit pur-
suant to the provisions of this Article prior
to January 1, 1993, shall receive benefit
payments in accordance with the Participan-
t's irrevocable election made before January
1, 1995, as indicated below:

(1) The benefit elections were as follows:

(A) A Formida Benefit determined in ac-
cordance with the provisions of Section
B.04b above.

(B) A Revised Formula Benefit which is an
annual benefit computed as follows:

1.1% of the average of the Participant's
five highest annual Salary Bases multi-
plied by the total number of Approved
Service Years, reduced by the lesser of (t)
one-half of 1% per month or fraction of a
month of age less than age 65 attained
on the date the benefit is to commence
or (it) one-half of 1% per month for each
month of difference between the as-
sumed date at which 40 Years of Service
would have been completed and the ac-
tual date the benefit is to commence.

The Service Annuity benefit based upon
the Revised Formula Benefit shall be ad-
justed emnually, effective with the Janu-
ary payment of the Service Annuity, by
an amount equivalent to the lesser of 5%
or the percentage of any increase in the
previous June 1 National Bureau of La-
bor Statistics Consumer Price Index fig-
ure over the comparable figiu^e available
the prior June 1.

(i) No adjustment in an individual Service
Annuity will be made until the formula
annuity has been in effect for 12 or more
months; and

(ii) if the Consumer Price Index decreases
in any year below the Index figure of the
previous year, service annuities will be
reduced by that percentage of decrease,
but

(iii) in no case will the Service Annuity be
reduced below the original amount pay-
able at the time the first monthly Service
Annuity was paid.

(C) A conversion of the Participant's pre-
Januaiy 1, 1985, Revised Formula
Benefit to an amount to be transferred to
his/her Account in this Program, wliich
amount is based upon an actuarial cal-
culation of the present value of the Re-
vised Formula Benefit, as determined by
the Trustee.

(i) A Participant who elects the option de-
scribed in this subparagraph shall cease
to be a Participant in the benefits pay-
able under this Article after the transfer
of said amount to his/her Account

(ii) A Participant who elects the option de-
scribed in this subparagraph shall not
be eligible for the benefit described in
Section B.04d below.

(2) If no election was made, the Participant
shall receive a benefit determined pur-
suant to Section B.04b above.

(3) A Participant who is married on the An-
nuity Starting Date or on the conversion
date shall receive the elected defined
benefit payable in the form described in
Section 5.04a(l). The election de-
scribed in Section 5.04a(3) is not avail-
able to Participants hereunder.

(4) A Participant who is not married on the
Annuity Starting Date or on the conver-
sion date shall receive the elected de-
fined benefit payable in the form of a
single-life ten-year certain annuity.

(5) Notwithstanding the above provisions,
benefit amounts payable imder this sub-
section for Terminated Participants
shall be computed in accordance with
the rules in effect at the time his/her
employment terminated.

(6) If the Participant has experienced a
Break in Service, each period of service
with a General i4gency shall be treated
separately for determining vesting and
computing the Formula Benefit. For
each period of service, the Formula
Benefit shall be determined using the
number of years served during that pe-
riod and the five highest annual Salary
Bases earned during the same period.

528

DCA Advance Edition

d. Protection of Benefits From Prior Program.
A Participant described in this Article who
has an Account in the Program and who has
not elected the option described in Section
B.04c(l)(C) above, may elect to have an em-
nuity based upon the election which the per-
son has made pursuant to Section B.04c
above instead of the distribution options
available for the Accoimt

(1) At least ninety days prior to the Annuity
Starting Date, the Administrator shall
upon the Participant's request provide
to the Participant information compeir-
ing the benefit which the person woidd
receive using the account balance of
his/her Account with the benefit the per-
son would receive using the benefit for-
mula which the Participant had elected
pursuant to Section 5.04c above.

(2) The Participant shall make an irrevoca-
ble election to have a benefit based upon
his/her post- 1984 Years of Service pjiid
using one of the following methods:

(A) the distribution of benefits described in
Section 5.04 based upon the Account;
or

(B) the benefit formula which the Partici-
pant had elected pursuant to Section
B.04c above.

(3) If the Participant elects to convert
his/her Account to a benefit payable im-
der the benefit formula which the Par-
ticipant had elected pursuant to Section
B.04c above, the account balance of
his/her Account shall be used to fund
his/her annuity hereunder.

(4) Any amounts necessary to assure this
minimum pension shall be determined
by the Administrator and shall be the
responsibility of the Participant's Em-
ployer.

(5) If no election is made prior to the Annu-
ity Starting Date, the benefit shall be
paid without regard to this Section,

e. Vesting.

(1) A Participant shall be fully vested in the
retirement benefits set forth in this Arti-
cle upon the earlier of his/her Early Re-
tirement Age or attaining three Ap-
proved Service Years, three Years of
Service (as defined in Article II) of post-
1984 service, or a combination thereof.

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Partici-
pant, who participated in the Prior Pro-
gram prior to January 1, 1985, for a
period of less than three years, and upon
termination, edlows the acctmiulations
in his/her Personal Account to remain
in the Program, shall be fully Vested in
his/her Service Annuity, payable in the
form elected pursuant to Section B.04c
above.

f. Survivor Benefits.

(1) All survivors, who, as of December 31,
1984, were receiving survivor benefits
from the Prior Program shall thereafter
continue to receive such benefits from
this Program.

(2) Upon the death of a married Participant
on or after January 1, 1985, and prior
to retirement, the surviving spouse shall
receive a monthly benefit equal to 70%
of such Participant's Service Annuity.

(3) In the event of the death prior to retire-
ment of a Participant who is not married,
a designated Beneficiary shall receive a
ten-year certain annuity actuarially cal-
culated in accordance with the option
elected pursuant to Section B.04c
above.

(4) The amount of any benefit payable under
this Section B.04f shall be increased in
accordance with the option elected by
the Participant pm-suant to Section
B.04c above.

(5) If the Participant's Beneficiary is other
than a person, the Beneficiary shall re-
ceive a Itmip sum distribution of the
commuted value of any benefits that may
be payable.

Article C

C.Ol Health Ceu-e Benefits. As a supplement to the
retirement income accoimt benefits pro-
vided by this Program and Supplement, a
health care benefit described in Section
C.04 below shall be provided to Participants
who meet the eligibility requirements of Sec-
tion C.03 below or their Sxu^iving Spouses.

C.02 Definitions. The definitions contained in Ar-
ticle II shall apply to this Article, except that
the following terms shall have the respective
meanings set forth below for purposes of this
Article:

Financial Administration

529

a. "Participant" shall mean a person who
meets the eligibility requirements set forth
in Section C.03.

b. "Program Sponsor" shall mean an entity
described below:

(1) The General Council on Finance and
Administration if the Participant is a re-
tired Employee of a General Agency
which has a representative on the Com-
mittee on Personnel Policies and Prac-
tices wiiich is a committee of the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

(2) The General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits if the Participant is a
retired Employee of the General Board
of Pension and Health Benefits.

c. "Program" shall mean a health care benefit
program sponsored by a Program Sponsor
in vdiich a Participant is eligible to partici-
pate.

d. "Surviving Spouse" shall mean the person
to whom the Participant is married in ac-
cordance with the law of the jurisdiction in
which the Participant resides at the time of
the Participant's death.

C.03 Eligibility. A person shall be eligible to re-
ceive a benefit pursuant to this Article if the
person meets the following requirements:

a. has retired from an Employer, who enrolled
its Employees in the Staff Pension Plan as of
December 31, 1991, in accordance with the
rules in effect at the time the person termi-
nated employment with the Employer; and

b. is receiving an annuity fi'om the Program or
its Supplement, or from the Ministerial Pen-
sion Plan, if the person is a clergyperson.

C.04 Health Care Benefit This Supplement to the
Program shall provide an amount, not to
exceed 100% of the premium of a Partici-
pant or a Surviving Spouse in the Program
Sponsor's Program, for the purpose of pro-
viding health care coverage ^ter retirement

a. The amount which shall be provided shall be
determined by the Administrator in accord-
ance with rules and regulations which it may
fi'om time to time issue.

(1) The Administrator shall inform the Pro-
gram Sponsors the maximum amotmt
which will be distributed for the current
year prior to January 31 of each calen-
dar year.

(2) The Program Sponsors shall inform the
Administrator of the amount needed to
pay 100% of the Participant's or a Sur-
viving Spouse's premium in the Pro-
gram Sponsor's Program within a rea-
sonable time period prior to its due date.

(3) The Program Sponsors shall provide the
Administrator with any information
which the Administrator deems neces-
sary to provide this benefit

(4) The amount provided by this Supple-
ment shall be the same for each Partici-
pant under the same Program Sponsor
within each class of coverage (i.e., Piff-
ticipant only. Participant plus spouse.
Participant plus children, or Participant
plus family, etc.).

b. The amount which is provided shall be paid
to the Program Administrator of the Pro-
gram Sponsor's Program.

c. Nothing contained in this Article, nor in any
description of the benefit offered pursuant to
this Article, shall be construed to guarantee
the continuation of benefits beyond any
given calendar year. This benefit may be
amended or terminated by the General Con-
ference in its sole discretion.

Article D

D.Ol Assets. The assets of the Prior Program are
designated as a part of this Program for the
purpose of funding the benefits under this
Supplement for such identified, eligible per-
sons.

a. These fiinds shall be accounted for separate
and apart from the other funds under this
Program.

b. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adminis-
trator shall invest these funds and fund the
annuities established heretmder in accord-
ance with the provisions of the Program.

D.02 Funding. Except as otherwise specifically
provided in this Supplement, the benefits
provided under Article B shall be funded by
the applicable Employer by making past
service contributions through the Trustee in
accordance with the schedule for such con-
tributions determined by the Administrator
on the basis of periodic actuarial valuations.

D.03 Priority Fimding. The funding of the benefits
payable imder Article B shall have priority
over tiie benefits payable under Article C.

530

DCA Advance Edition

a. The Trustee shall on an annual basis actu-
arially value the liabilities created by the
benefits payable under Article B.

b. The Trustee shall determine the amount nec-
essary to fund the benefits provided pursu-
ant to Article B.

c. An amount equal to the amount of the assets
of the Prior Progremi minus an amount
equal to the amount determined in accord-
ance with Section D.03b above, plus a 10%
margin, shall be used to fund die benefits
provided pm^suant to Article C.

(1) The Trustee shall have discretion to do
the following with the amount deter-
mined pursuant to this subsection, in-
cluding, but not limited to:

(A) The Trustee may use only income gener-
ated by said amount to pay the benefits
provided imder Article C.

(B) The Trustee may use a portion of the
income to increase the principal of the
fund.

(C) The Trustee may use part of the princi-
pal of the fund to pay benefits provided
under Article C.

(2) An Employer and/or Program Sponsor
shall not be responsible for any addi-
tional funding in order to provide for this
benefit

Article E

E.Ol Amendment To provide for contingencies
which may require or make advisable the
clarification, modification, or amendment of
tills Supplement, the General Conference re-
serves the right to amend this Supplement,
at any time and from time to time, in whole
or in part, by adopting such amendment in
writing. However, the Administrator is
authorized to amend any or all provisions of
this Supplement at any time by such written
instrument in order to conform the Supple-
ment to any applicable law and/or regula-
tions promulgated thereunder.

E.02 Termination. The General Conference re-
serves the right to terminate the benefit pro-
gram under Article B or the benefit program
under Article C, or both at any time. The
relevant provisions of the Staff Retirement
Benefits Program in effect at the time of ter-
mination shall be used to administer the
payment of benefits under Article B after
termination.

E.03 Nonreversion.

a. Except as provided in this Section E.03, the
assets of this Supplement shall never inure
to the benefit of an Employer; such assets
shall be held for the exclusive purpose of
providing benefits to Participants and their
beneficiaries and for defi^aying the reason-
able administrative expenses of this Supple-
ment

b. If a contribution is made to the Program by
virtue of a mistake of fact, this Section shall
not prohibit the return of such contribution
to the Employer upon request within one
year after the Employer has reported and
documented such mistake to the Adminis-
trator.

c. In the case of termination of the Supplement,
any residual assets of the Supplement shall
be distributed to the Employers at the direc-
tion of the Trustee if all liabilities of the
Supplement to Participants and beneficiar-
ies have been satisfied and the distribution
does not contravene any applicable provi-
sion of law. The certificate of an Enrolled
Actuary engaged by the Administrator stat-
ing that there are residual assets of the Sup-
plement after all liabilities have been satis-
fied shall be conclusive evidence of this fact

Petition Number: 21506-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program —
Supplement One

Be it resolved, that Supplement One to the Staff
Retirement Benefits Program be, and the same hereby
is, terminated effective as of December 31, 1996;

Be it further resolved, that all liabilities of the Sup-
plement, fixed and contingent, to participating employ-
ees, beneficiaries, and alternate payees be discharged
through purchase from the Defined Benefit Annuity
Reserve of the General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits of annuities for all persons to be determined
and to be payable in accordance with the provisions of
the Supplement as they exist on December 31, 1996;

Be it further resolved, that the amount to be retained
to satisfy the Supplement's pension liabilities shall be an
amount equal to 1 10% of the pension liability determined
by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits;

Be it further resolved, that all assets of the Supple-
ment remaining after the discharge of all liabilities of the
Program be paid by the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits to The Board of Pensions of The United
Methodist Church, Incorporated in Missouri, as Trustee
of the General Agency Benefit Trust;

Financial Administration

531

Be it further resolved, that a "General Agency Bene-
fit Trust" be established which (i) would be funded by
the difference between the current Supplement One
assets and the amount equal to 110% of the pension
liability, (ii) would distribute an amount not to exceed
four percent (4%) of the value of the trust per annum
during the first fifteen year period of the commence-
ment of the trust, six percent (6%) of the value of the
trust per annum during the second fifteen year period,
eight percent (8%) of the value of the trust per annum
during the third fifteen year period, ten percent (10%) of
the value of the trust per annum during the fourth fifteen
year period, and twelve percent (12%) of the value of the
trust per annum thereafter to the General Council on
Finance and Administration for the general agencies
which have voting representation on GCFA's Commit-
tee on Personnel Practices and Policies and to the Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits for the pur-
pose of reimbursing them for the cost of providing
employee benefits to their current and retired employ-
ees and their beneficiaries, (iii) would allow the benefi-
ciaries of this trust to terminate the trust after the last
person who is receiving a benefit from the Supplement
dies, and (iv) would make the Defined Benefit Annuity
Reserve a primary beneficiary of the trust which would
distribute sums sufficient to pay the annuities for those
employees, beneficiaries, and alternate payees which
were established under the Supplement;

Be it further resolved, that the General Board of
Pension and Health Benefits and the General Council
on Finance and Administration be, and they are hereby,
authorized and directed to take such actions, and to
execute such documents and instruments as they, in
their sole judgment, deem necessary or desirable to
effectuate the intent of the foregoing resolutions.

Petition Number: 21507-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program-N 2.07

Substitute the following language for Section 2.07
of the current Staff Retirement Benefits Program plan
document, effective January 1, 1997:

2.07 "Compensation" shall mean the sum of
the following for the Program Year paid or payable
in cash or in kind by the Employer for personal
services:

a. taxable cash salary or wages paid by the
Employer for personal services rendered in the
course of employment including overtime pay and
bonuses, but not including severance pay and the
cash value of taxable fringe benefits; and

b. salary-reduction agreements with respect to
employment with the Employer:

(1) to a plan qualified under section 125 of the
Code; or

(2) to a tax-sheltered annuity described in sec-
tion 403(b) of the Code.

For Program Years beginning after December
31, 1988, and before January 1, 1994, Compen-
sation in excess of $200,000 shall be disre-
garded. For Program Years beginning after De-
cember 31, 1993, the amount reported on Form
W-2 as wages, tips, and other compensation in
excess of $150,000 shall be disregarded. Such
amount shall be adjusted at the same time and in
such manner as permitted under Code section
415(d).

Petition Number: 21508-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program-N 5.04

Amend Section 5.04a(3) as follows effective January
1, 1997:

(3) The Board shall cause the entire Vested bene-
fit to be paid to such Participant in a single
lump sum if the value of a Terminated Partici-
pant's Vested benefit derived from the Em-
ployer Account does not exceed $3,500 and
has never exceeded $3,500 at the time of any
prior distribution or, vyith such Participant's
consent if the amount is $3,500 or more, but
lc99 than one fourth of the his/her Plan Com-
pensation as of the date hc/ahc becomes a
Terminated Participant.

Petition Number: 21509-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program-N 5.05

Substitute the following language for Section 5.05b,
effective January 1, 1997:

b. In the event a married Participant duly
elects pursuant to Section 5.05a(3) above
not to receive his/her benefit in the form of
a Contingent Annuity, or if such Participant
is not married, in the form of a life annuity,
the Participant, piu'suant to his/her elec-
tion, shall direct the Board to distribute, on
a date specified by the Participant (which
date is in harmony with Section 5.05e be-
low), to the Participant or to the Participant
and his/her Contingent Annuitant any
amotmt to which he/she is entitled under
the Program in one or more of the following
methods determined and limited by rules
and regulations of the Board:

(1) a single-life annuity with a period cer-
tain. However, such annuity may not be
in any form that provides a period over
which such payment is to be made which

532

DCA Advance Edition

shall extend beyond the Participant's life
expectancy.

(2) payments over a period certain in
monthly or annual cash installments.
The period over which such payment is
to be made shall not extend beyond the
Participant's life expectancy (or the life
expectancy of the Participant and
his/her designated Contingent Annui-
tant).

(3) purchase of or providing an annuity.
However, such annuity may not be in
any form that will provide for payments
over a period extending beyond either
the life of the Participant (or the lives of
the Participant and his/her designated
Contingent Annuitant) or the life expec-
tancy of the Participant (or the life ex-
pectancy of the Participant and his/her
designated Contingent Annuitant).

(4) one or more annual partial Itunp-sum
payments elected by the Participant in
accordance with the rules established by
the Board prior to the required begin-
ning date specified in Section 5.05e
herein and prior to annuitizing the re-
maining Employee Accoxmt balance in
accordance with other provisions of this
Section.

(5) one liunp-sum payment in cash.

Petition Number: 21510-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.
Staff Retirement Benefits Program-N 5.13

Add new Section 5.13 effective January 1, 1997:

5.13 Transfers Out of the Plan. Subject to limita-
tions imposed by law, all or a portion of a
Participant's Employee Accoimt, excluding
amoimts required to be distributed under
Section 5.05e, if any, may be transferred
directly to a Code section 403(b)(1) annuity
contract, a Code section 403(b)(7) custodial
account or a Code section 403(b)(9) retire-
ment income account upon the request of
the Participant, in accordance with proce-
dures established by the Board, provided
that benefit payments have not commenced
with respect to such accumtdations.

Petition Number: 21511-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Staff Retirement Benefits Program-N 6.04

Amend Section 6.04b (4) effective July 1, 1996 as
follows:

(4) Special Fund IV investments selected at the
discretion of the Board which constitute a
balanced fund of fixed-income securities, eq-
uity-type securities, and short-term securi-
ties. Such 3ccuritic9 shall be invested in com
panics with no direct investment and/or
employees in South Africa, and/or with
banks that do not lend to the South African
public sector. Further, the The fund shall be
military-free and government-free (except for
student loan, farm loan and government-
backed mortgage securities of the United
States government) .

Petition Number: 21512-FA-NonDis-O; GBPHB.

Report Three: Petitions Referred By The 1992
General Conference

The 1992 session of the General Conference re-
ferred Calendar Item 450 to the General Board of Pen-
sion and Health Benefits and the General Council on
Finance and Administration. Calendar Item No. 450 was
a petition, number FA-10388-0737-D, from Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference to amend ^ 737.4 of the Book of
Discipline as follows:

The board shall compare the records of the amounts
paid by each pastoral charge for the support of pastors
and for pension and benefit programs, computing the
proportional distribution thereof and keeping a perma-
nent record of defaults of the clergy churches of the
conference ¥4ie which have failed to observe the follow-
ing provisions pertaining to proportional payments, and
shall render annually to each clergy church wh©
which is in default a statement of the amounts in default
for that and preceding years.

1992 Daily Christian Advocate (Advance Edition),
Page 377. After consideration of this petition, the Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits has deter-
mined that the change, if adopted, would not adversely
affect the administration of the benefit plans.

DCA Advance Edition

General and Judicial Administration

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

General Council on Ministries

The United Methodist Church

601 West Riverview Avenue

Daylon, Ohio 45406-5543

(5U) 227-9400

< (5U) 227-9407
) (513) 227.9439

Greetings to the Delegates to the 1996 General Conference
of The United Methodist Church
Denver, Colorado

We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ and extend our personal best
wishes as you embark on the important responsibilities as Delegates to the 1996
General Conference of The United Methodist Church. From the day of your election
almost a year ago, and continuing through the entire proceedings of the General
Conference, we know you approach this responsibility with prayerful thought and
preparation, and a sincere commitment to God and to the Church.

The Rules of General Conference provide for the General Council on
Ministries to report directly to the Conference. To fulfill this responsibility, the
General Council on Ministries has prepared and now presents this section of the
Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate to this 1 996 General Conference
as its report and recommendations for action. These materials represent the
response of this Council to 55 specific responsibilities and assignments given to
GCOM by past General Conferences through Tfie Book of Discipline and additional
referrals by the 1992 General Conference.

On behalf of your colleagues in ministry, the members of the General Council
on Ministries for the 1993-96 quadrennium, collectively representing United
Methodism from all across the globe, we offer these reports and recommendations
to you, the Delegates to this 1996 General Conference. We pray that God will
enrich your lives as you serve in this significant role on behalf of The United
Methodist Church and its ministry and mission in your local setting and in all parts
of the world.

William W. Dew, Jr., President /

C. David Lundquist, General Secretary

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DCA Advance Edition

General Council on Ministries Report
Table of Contents

Parti
Quadrennial Report of the General Council on Ministries for the 1993-1996 Quadrennium

Report No. 1 Quadrennial Report of the General Council on Ministries

for the 1993-96 Quadrennium Page 536

Report No.

Report No.
Report No.

Report No.

Report No.

6

Report No.

7

Report No.

8

Report No.

9

Report No.

10

Report No.

11

Report No.

12

Part II
Recommendations from the General Council on Ministries

Report on the Connectional Issues Study

and 1997-2000 Transitional Recommendations Page 551

Report on Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Page 579

Recommendation for a Focus on Young People —

Walking Together in the Way that Leads to Life Page 599

Resolutions on Special Days Local Church Legislation - re: Special

Sundays Page 604

Report on Mission and Ministry in Alaska Page 605

Report on Prison Ministry/Prison Reform Page 625

Report on Task Force on Spanish Language Resources Page 628

Report on the Removal of Time-Dated Resolutions in The Book of

Resolutions Page 629

Report on the Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy Page 632

Report on the World Service Special Gifts Program Page 633

Report and Recommendation for 1997-2000 Special Program:

Peace with Justice Page 634

Report No.

13

Report No.

14

Report No.

15

Report No.

16

Report No.

17

Part III
Reports from the General Council on Ministries

Report on the Evaluation of the General Program-Related Agencies and

General Commissions on Communication and Archives and History .... Page 637

Report on the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries Page 643

Report of the GCOM Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee Page 644

Report on the Advance for Christ and His Church Page 647

Report on the Evaluation of the General Council on Ministries Page 654

General and Judicial Administration 535

Report No. 18 Report on the Work of the Interagency Task Force on Legislation Page 659

Report No. 19 Report on Implementation of 1993-96 Quadrennial Theme Page 659

Report No. 20 Report on Implementation of 1993-96 Special Programs Page 660

Report No. 21 Report on the Process for Development of Recommendations

for Theme, Missional Priorities and Special Programs Page 662

Report No. 22 Report on Missional Priority on Crisis in the Cities Page 663

(A Joint Report of the General Council on Ministries, the General Council
on Finance and Administration and the Council of Bishops)

Report No. 23 Report on Special Emphasis on Reclaiming the Cities Page 665

Report No. 24 Report on Response to the Refugee Crisis Page 665

Report No. 25 Report on Grants from the World Service Contingency Fund, 1993-96 Page 666

Report No. 26 Report on Environmental Racism Page 667

Report No. 27 Report on Strengthening the Small Membership Church Page 667

Report No. 28 Report on the Natural World Page 668

Report No. 29 Report on New Developments in Genetic Science Page 668

Report No. 30 Report on Developing Congregations for Deaf Ministries Page 669

Report No. 31 Report on Assessment of Sexual Harassment Page 669

Report No. 32 Report on Training Event for New District Superintendents

and Conference Council Directors Page 670

Report No. 33 Report on the Quadrennial Joint Training Events for Annual

Conference Leaders Page 670

Report No. 34 Report on Telecommunications and Central Ordering Page 671

Report No. 35 Report on Biblical and Theological Language Page 672

Report No. 36 Report on Racial Harassment Policy Page 672

Report No. 37 Report on National United Methodist Native American Center Page 673

Report No. 38 Report on Monitoring of Use of Name and Insignia Page 674

Report No. 39 Report on the General Agency Headquarters/Staff Location Page 675

(A Joint Report of the General Council on Ministries
and the General Council on Finance and Administration)

Part IV

Referrals and Recommendations from the General Cowicil on Ministries
to the General Agencies of the Church

Report No. 40 Report and Recommendations from the General Council on Ministries
to the General Council on Finance and Administration on Behalf
of the Needs of the General Program Agencies from the World Service Fund
for the 1997-2000 Quadrennium Page 676

Report No. 41 Recommendation to the General Council on Finance and Administration
Regarding the Amount of the World Service Fund Allocation to Each
of the General Program Agencies for the 1997-2000 Quadrennium Page 680

Report No. 42 Report on Mission and Aging in a Global Population Page 682

536

DCA Advance Edition

Parti
Quadrennial Report of the General Council on Ministries

Report No. 1

Petition Number: 21675-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Quadrennial Report of the General

Coimcil on Ministries

for the 1993-96 Quadrennium

Introduction

Our connectional system is strengthened through
a continuous partnership which exists when many parts
come together to form a holistic ministry. The General
Council on Ministries enables such a process through
coordination, evaluation, research and planning. "TTte
purpose of the council, as a part of the total mission of the
Church, is to facilitate the Church's program life as deter-
mined by the General Conference. " (11 1004).

If one traces the history of this Council in terms of
its functions and responsibilities, one finds that both the
former Evangelical United Brethren Church and the
former Methodist Church had very similar agencies
which were a primary part of its organizational life for
decades. Since the early 1950's, the EUB tradition had
a coordinating body known as the Council on Admini-
stration and a related Program Council. For at least the
same period of time, the Methodist tradition likewise
had a coordinating body called the Coordinating Coun-
cil.

Tracing the disciplinary responsibilities of each of
these predecessor denominations, their coordinating
bodies had responsibilities which are essentially syn-
onymous with those given to the General Council on
Ministries in 1972 and which have continued to the
present day. It is very clear that the organizational deci-
sions made by the Wesleyan family of EUBs, Methodists
and, later, United Methodists, all affirmed as acore value
the importance of a coordinating agency to give leader-
ship and to which other units of the denomination would
be accountable. When the former denominations
merged in 1968, forming The United Methodist Church,
it was decided to continue this value in the new church.
There was a strong call to provide a place which would
coordinate the general program of the denomination
through a separate coordinating agency to support the
total needs of the church.

The General Council on Ministries is one of four
Councils of The United Methodist Church. The Council
of Bishops and the Judicial Council have specific respon-
sibilities given by the constitution. The General Council
on Ministries and the General Council on Finance and

Administration are the two Administrative Councils es-
tablished in accordance with the church's Book of Disci-
pline, 1992.

Tlie GCOM's disciplinary objectives in % 1005 are:

"1. To study missional needs and propose priorities of
the general church; and, when necessary, adjust emphases
between sessions of the General Conference.

2. To establish the processes and relationships per-
taining to the coordination and funding of the ministries
and program emphases of the denomination through its
general agencies and to minimize unnecessary overlap-
ping or conflicting approaches to the local church and the
Annual Conferences.

3. To enhance the effectiveness of our total ministries
by reviewing and evaluating the performance of the gen-
eral program agencies and their responsiveness to the
needs of the local churches and Annual Conferences.

4. To facilitate informed decision making at all levels
of the church by engaging in research and planning in
cooperation with the general agencies and the Annual
Conferences. "

The Council derives its specific responsibilities
from two distinct sources:

First — ^The General Conference has given GCOM

26 distinct responsibilities as set forth in % 1006 of The
Book of Discipline, 1992.

Second^The 1992 General Conference approved

27 additional assignments to be fulfilled by GCOM dur-
ing the 1993-96 quadrennium.

In understanding the work of GCOM, it is important
to note that this latter source, namely numerous assign-
ments from General Conference, is a continuation of
actions of each General Conference since the 1968
merger. Every successive General Conference has di-
rected the GCOM to perform a variety of responsibilities
beyond its basic disciplinary assignments to facilitate
the programmatic life of the denomination. The 1993-96
quadrennium was no exception.

This first section of the report of the General Coun-
cil on Ministries (Part I) contains the Quadrennial Re-
port of the work of the Council during the 1993-96
quadrennium. It represents an historical overview of the
Council based on its approved internal structure used to
fulfill its disciplinary mandate and responsibilities and
special assignments by the 1992 General Conference.

General and Judicial Administration

537

Organization of GCOM

To fulfill its mandate and assignments, in the 1993-
96 quadrennium the General Council on Ministries was
organized with four (4) Divisions and six (6) Commit-
tees. It also created other special committees and task
forces for particular purposes as the quadrennium un-
folded. Reports of the work of these units are found
below in this quadrennial report. Between sessions of
the full GCOM, its Executive Committee, represented
by Council officers and the chairs and other repre-
sentatives of each division and committee, functioned
on behalf of the Council in important ways.

Membership of the Council

Consisting of 113 members, the 1993-96 General
Council on Ministries includes one lay or clergy person
from each annual and missionary conference in the
United States and Puerto Rico; six bishops — one fi-om
each United States jurisdiction and one from a Central
Conference; one youth and one young adult fi^om each
jurisdiction; one member from ten general agencies;
three persons from the central conferences; and fifteen
additional members at large. These members are com-
plemented by eleven general secretaries. In 1997,
GCOM will reduce its membership from 113 to 60 per-
sons.

The General Council on Ministries was led in this
quadrennium by officers and chairs of divisions and
committees as follows:

Officers:

Bishop William W. Dew, Jr., Portland, OR, President

Ms. Delia C. Escareno, San Antonio, TX, First Vice
President

Mr. W.E. "Buddy" Arnold, North Little Rock, AR,
Second Vice President

Rev. Heinrich Meinhardt, Berlin, Germany, Secretary

Mr. Nathaniel L Bishop, Christianburg, VA,
Treasurer

Division Chairpersons:

Dr. Gordon C. Goodgame, Lake Junaluska, NC,
Conferences and Connectional Issues

Ms. Betty Sanders Gordon, Bluefield, WV, General
Agency Relationships

Dr. Peter D. Weaver, Pittsburgh, PA, Missional
Emphases

Mr. Miguel A. Moreno, Phoenbc, AZ, Research,
Planning and Futuring

Committee Chairpersons:

Bishop Woodie W. White, Indianapolis, IN, Advance
for Christ and His Church

Rev. Sharon Neufer Emswiler, Rock Island, IL,
Elimination of Institutional Racism

Rev. Nancy S. Yamasaki, Seattle, WA, Ethnic Local
Church Concerns

Rev. Jonathan D. Keaton, Naperville, IL, General
Secretaries Elections

Ms. Clelia D. Hendrbc, Greenville, SC, Legislation

Dr. Sam Wjoin, Fayetteville, NC, Native American
Concerns

General Council on Ministiies Sta£f

The numerous responsibilities and assignments
given to the General Council on Ministries are sup-
ported by a relatively small staff which works on behalf
of the Council.

The executive staff of the Council is composed of
the General Secretary, four Associate General Secretar-
ies, the Director of the Advance for Christ and His
Church, and the Director of Council Operations. The
General Secretary, the Associate General Secretaries
and the Director of the Advance are elected by the
GCOM pursuant to The Book of Discipline, 1992. The
other position is named by the General Secretary in
consultation with the staff relations subcommittee of the
Council.

In addition to these persons, the Council has a
highly qualified support and maintenance staff consist-
ing of the Administrative Assistant to the General Sec-
retary, Special Projects Coordinator, Research
Associate, Assistant to the Director of Council Opera-
tions, four Executive Secretaries, Financial Secretary,
Operational Services Coordinator, Building Reception-
ist, Building Superintendent, and Building Custodian.
The Council operates under carefully planned personnel
policies including a strong affirmative action program.

During the quadrennium the GCOM marked a sig-
nificant change in its elected staff. Dr. Trudie Kibbe
Reed left the Council in August 1995 to become the
Director of Leadership Studies at Columbia College,
Columbia, South Carolina, after serving with distinction
as a GCOM Associate General Secretary since 1984. Her
contributions to the mission and ministry of this Council
and the wider church have been outstanding! At the
recommendation of the General Secretary, with affirma-
tion of the staff relations subcommittee, a staff consult-
ant was secured to assist with the responsibilities
carried by Trudie Reed, especially as they relate to
completion of work for the General Conference, until
such time as GCOM can fill this vacancy. Linda Bales, a
laywoman from Dayton, Ohio, with much experience in
the wider church, was engaged as the staff consultant
during the interim period.

The current GCOM executive staff consists of: C.
David Lundquist, General Secretary; Mearle L Griffith,
Donald L Hayashi, and Harold E. Wright, Associate

538

DCA Advance Edition

General Secretaries; William T. Carter, Director of the
Advance for Christ and His Church, and Lola I. Conrad,
Director of Council Operations. The currently vacant
Associate General Secretary position is expected to be
filled through a church-wide search process during the
first several months of 1996.

Office Location

The General Council on Ministries offices are lo-
cated in the United Methodist Office Building which it
owns in Daji:on, Ohio. Prior to merger in 1968, this
building was the world headquarters for most of the
general agencies of the Evangelical United Brethren
Church. In addition to the GCOM, other occupants of
the building include the headquarters office of National
Black Methodists for Church Renewal; the Dayton
North and South Districts of the West Ohio Annual
Conference; the Miami Valley United Methodist Mis-
sion Society; a regional office for the Women's Division
of the General Board of Global Ministries; the North
Central jurisdictional field office for United Methodist
Communications; the headquarters offices of the United
Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries;
the Greater Dayton Christian Connection (Council of
Churches) ; the Health Ministries Program of St. Eliza-
beth and Good Samaritan Medical Centers; and the
Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky Association of the
United Church of Christ.

Council Relationships

In performing its responsibilities, the General
Council on Ministries has extensive involvement and
connection with all constituencies of the connectional
church. By invitation of the Council of Bishops, GCOM
has met this quadrennium with that Council's Commit-
tee to Study die Global Nature of the Church. Council
representatives also consulted with episcopal leaders in
the central conferences as it explored implications of the
global church.

Additionally, Council members and staff have re-
lated on numerous occasions to the general agencies of
the denomination as well as each of the annual confer-
ences in the United States, primarily in the latter in-
stance through annual conference council directors.
The staff of the GCOM is consistendy asked to resource
and assist jurisdictions, annual conferences and occa-
sionally local church councils on ministries with their
work. The Council staff also maintains regular liaison
relationships with other general agencies.

What follows are individual reports of the work of
the Divisions and Committees of the General Council on
Ministries, plus a review of the other assignments car-
ried out during the quadrennium on a council-wide
basis.

Division on Conferences
and Connectional Issues

The Division on Conferences and Connectional Is-
sues is designated to fulfill the objectives and responsi-
bilities of the GCOM as expressed in the disciplinary
purpose and objectives of the General Council on Min-
istries (GCOM) stated in The Book of Discipline, 1992.

'To establish the processes and relationships pertain-
ing to the coordination and funding of the ministries and
program emphases of the denomination through its gen-
eral agencies and to minimize unnecessary overlapping or
conflicting approaches to the local church and the Annual
Conference." (f 1005.2)

'To study the connectional structures of The United
Methodist Church and, after consultation with the general
agencies, recommend to the General Conference such leg-
islative changes as may be appropriate to effect desirable
modifications of existing connectional structures..." - in
consultation and consent - "with the General Council on
Finance and Administration. " (J[ 1006. 12)

The Division on Conferences and Connectional Is-
sues is to strengthen the United Methodist Connec-
tional and Conciliar Principle as expressed globally
through the linkage and network role of the GCOM with
the annual conferences in the United States and with the
central conferences.

In order to meet these responsibilities, the Division
formed three task forces to carry out its work. They were
the Connectional Issues Task Force, the Forum Func-
tion Task Force and the Annual Conferences Task
Force.

Connectional Issues Task Force

The significant work of this Task Force was the
development of the comprehensive work assigned by
the 1992 General Conference. It mandated that during
the 1993-96 quadrennium:

"...the General Council on Ministries lead the church
in a time of discernment, reflection and study of its mission
and its structural needs as it moves into the 21st century. "

The myriad church-wide responses generated
through the listenings, reflections, interviews, focus
groups, consultations, hearings, surveys, and compila-
tions of vision and structure reports from annual confer-
ences led to the report called The Report of the
Connectional Issues Study of the General Council
on Ministries. This report and the recommendations
for the 1997-2000 quadrennium, with appropriate legis-
lation for implementing these recommendations, are
found in GCOM Report No. 2 on page 551 of the ADCA.
The work of the GCOM through its Connectional Is-
sues Task Force embodies an opportunity for a new way

General and Judicial Administration

539

of being in ministry as the church moves into the 21st
century.

The Connectional Issues Study was conducted by
developing, designing, and implementing a process in-
volving leadership from across the global church to
guide and participate in this study, including the profes-
sional services of Ms. Glenda Eoyang of Chaos Limited,
Circle Pines, Minnesota; Dr. Thomas Frank, Professor
at Candler School of Theology and the Rollins Center
for Church Ministries at Emory University, Atlanta
Georgia. The study was accomplished in concert with
the envisioning task of the Council and was done com-
prehensively in consultation with the General Council
on Finance and Administration, the Council of Bishops,
the Central Conference Affairs Commission, the Global
Nature of the Church Committee of the Council of
Bishops, and others.

There is a massive amount of data archived at the
General Council on Ministries resulting from the study
that will continue to inform and enhance the ongoing
work of The United Methodist Church through envi-
sioning and organizational development

Stimmary of the Connectional Issues Study

The faithful Church remains open to what God is
doing in the world and transforms its institutions and
practices in alignment with an understanding of authen-
tic mission. Throughout history, when the Body of
Christ has been open to God's new creation and willing
to journey toward God's promise, the Holy Spirit has
breathed vitality into its forms and blessed its ministry.

The United Methodist Church is urged to review its
mission, faithfully revise the goals of its shared ministry,
and make its priorities and practices consistent with this
understanding. Merely adapting portions of the official
connection for the sake of institutional survival or in
order to entrench old and ineffective authority patterns
is insufficient

The radical nature of change in our time calls for
thoroughly rethinking both personal practices and con-
nectional patterns. By God's grace, we can discover a
new way of seeing things, a paradigm shift more appro-
priate to the needs of our present day. Such a shift in
thinking and acting will best be grounded in diligent
Bible study, prayerful discernment and open dialogue
with intentional focus on

• The ministry of all Christians

• The essential role of Congregations in ministry
and mission

• TTie support functions of connectional units

• An open approach to connectional structures, and
communications

• A strategy for placing decision-making as close as
possible to the point of ministry

• Flexibility, accountability, and broad inclusivity
operating throughout the connection

Working through a GCOM Connectional Issues
Study Task Force and with the cooperation of a wide
range of United Methodist colleague groups, the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries has developed a comprehen-
sive report and a series of recommendations to be
presented to the 1996 General Conference.

The Connectiona] Issues Study Report

(1) presents a studied synopsis of what was heard
through a broadly based process of listening
and dialogue across the church,

(2) identifies key concerns which will contribute to
a shared and motivating vision,

(3) recommends first steps toward restructuring
the church by giving flexibility and guidance to
local churches and annual conferences, and

(4) calls for accountability and enhanced communi-

cation from general church agencies which,
with all others, must assume a servant role
within a purposeful connection.

TJie Vision For The United Methodist Church

The Connectional Issues Study affirms a belief that
an appropriate vision for The United Methodist Church
should be a biblically grounded, God-given picture of the
preferred future for the Body of Christ Aware that God
calls us to live this vision into reality, we understand a
forming vision to be grounded in The United Methodist
Church's identity, purpose and mission.

Our VISION is of a world transformed into tiie
likeness of Christ where faithful persons actively
manifest the love of God and neighbor while fos-
tering true community among all persons. This
VISION is carried out within an interactive ^stem
of:

Disciples who live, teach, and model a Christ-like
service in and to the world;

Congregations that invite, nurture, equip, and send
faithful disciples into the world as living witnesses to the
sovereignty of Christ;

Aimual Conferences and Districts that connect
local churches in mission by providing support and
training, leadership personnel, and resources;

Regional and Global Conferences that provide
the connection with information and resources to en-
hance faithful discipleship.

540

DCA Advance Edition

Identity, Purpose and Mission
(Core Values and Beliefs)

The identity, purpose and mission of The United
Methodist Church are grounded in historical core val-
ues and beliefs which provide the foundation for mission
and ministry in the Church. Core values and beliefs
reflect the traditions of the church as it emerges in
today's social and missional contexts. Listed in alpha-
betical order, these core values and beliefs are:

Forum Ftmction Task Force

The Council's Forum Function "...is to provide an
internal educational and conscious-raising forum for the
membership of the General Council on Ministries so
they may be abreast of issues facing the church and,
through their communication linkage, keep the denomi-
nation cognizant of these issues."

Annual Conference Global Character

Connectionalism Inclusiveness of the church Scriptural holiness

Doctrinal heritage Local Church Socialjustice

Ecumenism Ministry of all Christians Stewardship

Education Mission Vital worship

Evangelism

TJie Call for Action

The United Methodist Church has an opportunity
to address the issues that face the denomination and
prepare for greater ministry in the coming decades. The
historic mission of Jesus Christ is still our call to action.
Many voices have offered constructive critique of our
current efforts and challenge us to reform our ap-
proaches to ministry so that we will be more effective in
focusing on the mission and ministry of all Christians to
transform the world.

The recommendations developed through the Con-
nectional Issues Study are intended to:

• Reflect a vision-driven understanding of min-
istry.

• Focus on doing God's will in ministry.

• Call for the accountability of our connec-
tional structures.

• Enhance a collaborative style of interaction
among all parts of the church.

• Call for the utilization of the local Church
Conference as the visioning and pohcy-set-
ting body for the mission and ministry of the
local congregation.

• Call for organizational flexibility for the con-
ferences.

• Call for the creation of Regional Conferences.

• Call for the optimum size of general agencies'
membership and staff with intentionality to
inclusivity and representativeness.

• Call for a greater role of laity.

• Call for decision-making closest to the points
of ministry.

• Call for servant leadership.

Led by its Forum Function Task Force, this oc-
curred during plenary sessions of GCOM with the fol-
Mutual accountability lowing presentations:

• Fall 1993 - Paradigms: Past, Present and Future -
Glenda Eoyang

• Spring 1994 - But Now You Are God's People:
Transforming the Church for the Future - Dr. Paul
M. Dietterich

• Fall 1994 - Mini-Study Using UMPH Homosexu-
ality Study Resources - led by Rev. Kathi Austin
Mahle, a member of the Forum Function Task
Force

• Spring 1995, 1 - Historical/Theological Wesleyan
Roots Foundational to United Methodism's Fu-
ture - Dr. Pamela Couture

• Spring 1995, n - Old and New Images and Stories:
Biblical Roots and Scriptural Principles Motivat-
ing a Vital United Methodism into the 21st Cen-
tury - Rev. Minerva Carcaiio

More of the content of these presentations, as well
as evaluations of each presentation, can be found in the
minutes of the Division on Conferences and Connec-
tional Issues and the plenary sessions in the Journals of
the meetings noted above.

Annual Conferences Task Force

This Task Force worked through the model out-
lined in the GCOM internal structure to enable the
GCOM to:

• strengthen the United Methodist Connectional
and Conciliar Principle as expressed globally
through the linkage and network role of the
GCOM with the annual conferences in the United
States and with the central conferences.

• incorporate the specific responsibilities outlined
in Tke Book of Discipline, 1992 for the GCOM as
follows:

1. "To relate to the Annual Conferences, their Coun-
cils on Ministries, or other corresponding structures:

a. To provide resources for them related to their
basic tasks;

b. To enhance two-way communication with them;

General and Judicial Administration

541

c. (Not assigned to this Division.)

d. To inform conference councils of significant issues
identified through the monitoring of trends in
society and the Church, (f 1006.8)

2. "To study the connectional structures of The United
Methodist Church and... recommend to the General Con-
ference such legislative changes as may be appropriate to
effect desirable modifications of existing connectional
structures..." C^ 1006.12)

3. To devise and implement measures to assure full,
effective representation and participation of Central Con-
ference members in the work of The United Methodist
C/jMrc/j." (II 1006.19)

4. "To relate to and cooperate with the National Asso-
ciation of Conference Council Directors." (^ 1006.25)

Several highlights of the significant work done
through the Annual Conferences Task Force were:

• Interfacing with the National Association of Confer-
ence Council Directors through its President and
submitting legislation to name the NACCD President
as a member of GCOM.

• Reviewing the initial planning for the Joint Training
Events in 1997 and 1998.

• Developing and implementing training models with
the members of GCOM for strengthening linkage
and communication with their annual conferences.

• Developing a model and training GCOM members to
conduct telephone interviews for "Hearing Vital Con-
gregations," a component of the Connectional Issues
Study.

• Training persons to present an overview and conduct
the comprehensive survey given to all annual confer-
ence members throughout the United States and
most annual conferences in the central conferences
of Europe in 1994.

Division on General Agency
Relationships

The mission of the Division on General Agency
Relationships is two-fold:

To establish the processes and relationships pertain-
ing to the coordination and funding of the ministries and
program emphases of the denomination through its gen-
eral agencies and to minimize unnecessary overlapping or
conflicting approaches to the local church and the Annual
Conferences, (f 1005.2)

To enhance the effectiveness of our total ministries by
reviewing and evaluating the performance of the general

program agencies and their responsiveness to the needs of
the local churches and Annual Conferences." (^ 1005.3)

The GCOM assigned its Division on General
Agency Relationships responsibilities in the areas of
evaluation, coordination, financial responsibilities, and
agency headquarters/staff location. The Division
formed four Task Forces to care for these responsibili-
ties.

Evaluation Responsibilities Task Force

The GCOM assigned its Division on General
Agency Relationships these disciplinary functions re-
lated to evaluation:

1. To review and evaluate the effectiveness of the
general program agencies in fulfilling the ministries as-
signed to them. (^ 1006.14) This is also cross referenced
in the General Provisions. Evaluation of general agen-
cies by the GCOM shall be a part of the accountability
relationship. The evaluation process and its results are
reported to each General Conference. The purpose of
agency evaluation is to assist the agency in the process
of fulfilling and supporting its ministry. (^ 802.3) The
results of this evaluation are presented in Report No. 13
below, page 637.

2. To keep under review the concurrence of general
program agencies with the Social Principles (ff 70-76)
of The United Methodist Church. (^ 1006.15)

3. To continue to conduct a self-evaluation of the
work of the GCOM. This evaluation is not mandated, but
it is consistent with what GCOM requires of other agen-
cies. It is reported in Report No. 17, page 654.

4. To evaluate the Church's Center for Theology
and Public Policy. This evaluation is mandated by the
General Conference to be a joint enterprise between the
GCOM and GCFA Tlie Center is located in Washing-
ton, DC and has been funded since 1976 with funds from
The United Methodist Church. This results of this proc-
ess can be seen in Report No. 10, page 632.

The Model of Evaluation provides for a panel of
persons to be created for the nine agencies plus GCOM.
Panel membership consisted of two to sbc members of
the GCOM (one of whom was chosen by the Division as
chairperson) ; two members fi-om the agency to be evalu-
ated; one a voting member of the agency and one a staff
person. These two persons were chosen by the agency
and reported to the GCOM at its organizational meeting.
The staff person of GCOM assigned to the Division was
an additional member of the panel.

A day of training was provided by the GCOM for all
panels in February 1993. This provided a common arena
for a discussion of the process, time line, and expected
results of the model and an opportunity to build panel
relationships and trust Each agency was asked to pre-

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sent their quadrennial goals to be used for the evaluation
process to the GCOM evaluation panels.

The GCOM panel members visited the agencies to
become familiar with the agency's work, to understand
the agency's needs, and to build linkages necessary
between the agency and the GCOM. In addition, the
panels shared with the Division the agency's self-evalu-
ation process, instruments, time lines, and effectiveness.
The panels explored with each agency how budget
constraints affected program, and the information was
shared with the GCOM Program Budget Consultation
Committee during the process of developing recom-
mendations on the 1993-96 quadrennial program and
budget.

The panels received and commented on the agency
self-evaluation reports which utilizes the basis of the
Evaluation Report for the General Conference found in
Report No. 21, page 662.

Coordination Responsibilities Task Force

The Division cared for these coordination responsi-
bilities:

1. To resolve any overlapping in structure or functions
or lack of cooperation among the general program agen-
cies by:

a) coordinating interagency programs where two or
more general program agencies are involved,
unless otherwise specified by the General Confer-
ence,

b) approving the creation of any ongoing Inter-
agency Committee or Task Force,

c) receiving reports and recommendations from
such Committees or Task Forces,

d) appointing, when appropriate, observers to at-
tend the meetings of any interagency group, in-
cluding those that are part of the structure of
program agencies. (^ 1006.11 a-d)

2. To review, with the program agencies, all valid
resolutions and positions adopted by the General Confer-
ence, and recommend to the General Conference the re-
moval of time-dated materials. (^ 1006.21)

3. To consult with the general program agencies, the
General Commission on Communication, and the presi-
dent and publisher of the United Methodist Publishing
House with regard to their publishing and communication
policies in order to avoid unnecessary overlapping and
duplication. (1 1006.10)

4. To report to the General Conference for its approval
a summary of all decisions and recommendations made
dealing with program changes and structure overlap. (^
1006.20)

5. To receive reports from and refer matters to the
General Commission on Christian Unity and Interre-
ligious Concerns on the participation of The United Meth-
odist Church in their various aspects of ecumenism. (^
1006.22)

The Coordination Responsibilities Task Force iden-
tified the areas of New Church Development and Stew-
ardship for possible duplication and/or overlap.
Information was requested from the general boards of
Discipleship and Global Ministries and the Commission
on Communication to ascertain possible areas of dupli-
cation and overlap. No conflicts in coordination were
identified. One way these efforts are coordinated is
through interagency task forces on congregational de-
velopment and stewardship. Concerns were raised that
many annual conferences and local churches have diffi-
culty knowing who to contact for resources and staff
assistance. The general agencies were encouraged to
seek ways to enhance communication and relationships
with annual conferences. The National Association of
Conference Council Directors requested better coordi-
nation of requests from the general agencies for re-
quests for information, and the general secretary shared
this concern with the other general secretaries.

The Task Force brought together leaders of seven
studies and projects which are addressing vision, mis-
sion and/or structural issues for the church. The seven
studies are Annual Conference Listening Project (Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration) , Agenda 21
(Association of United Methodist Theological Schools),
Annual Conference Dialogue (General Board of Global
Ministries), Ministry Study (Councilof Bishops), Global
Nature of the Church (Council of Bishops), Methodism
and American Culture Study (The Divinity School, Duke
University), and Connectional Issues Study (GCOM).
The group met on three occasions to share plans, be
responsive to each others' questions, identify ways of
cooperation and share resources and data. The consult-
ations resulted in bringing together agency presidents
and general secretaries to discuss a new spirit-led mis-
sion structure for the church.

The Task Force also worked with the United Meth-
odist Publishing House and the General Council on
Finance and Administration to develop a plan for central
ordering of United Methodist produced resources. A
complete report can be found in Report No. 34, page 671.

Financizil Responsibilities Task Force

Tlie Division cared for these financial responsibili-
ties:

1. To take actions, in sequence, with respect to recom-
mendations to the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration for the allocation of World Service funds to
general program agencies:

General and Judicial Administration

543

a) The GCOM shall, in consultation with the General
Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA)
and the general program agencies, develop recom-
mendations to the GCFA on needs of the general
program agencies for the programs, missional pri-
orities, and special programs. The full report may
be found in Report No. 41, pages 680.

b) The GCOM shall receive the recommendation the
GCFA proposes to make to the General Conference
as to that portion of the World Service budget to he
available for distribution among the general pro-
gram agencies.

c) The GCOM, after reviewing both the program
priorities and the total funds available to the gen-
eral program agencies, shall recommend to GCFA
the amount of the annual World Service allocation
to each of those agencies, within the total sum
proposed by GCFA for distribution among such
agencies. The full report may be found in Report
No. 42, page 682.

d) Only when the GCOM and the GCFA agree on the
allocations to the several general agencies shall
these allocations be included in the World Service
budget to be recommended to the General Confer-
ence by GCFA. {%, 1006.2a-J)

2. To approve allocations to the general program
agencies for such additional program funding from the
World Service Contingency Fund up to the limit so
established. No money shall be allocated by the GCOM
from this source for general administrative costs, fixed
charges, or capital outlay without approval by GCFA (^
1006.2e) A report on the World Service Contingency
Fund grants can be found in Report No. 25, page 666.

3. To receive from GCFA copies of the proposed an-
nual budgets of the general program agencies, in order
that it may review such budgets in relation to the program
proposals made by those agencies in their quadrennial
budget requests. (^ 1006.2f)

4. To recommend to the General Conference, after
consultation with the Council of Bishops, the number and
timing of special days which are to be observed on a
church-wide basis.... \ 1006.7. A report on special days
can be found in Report No. 5, page 604.

5. To organize the World Service Special Gifts Com-
mittee which shall have general oversight of the World
Service Special Gifts program. (^ 1006.24.) A report on
the World Service Special Gifts Program can be found
in Report No. ii, page 633.

Agency Headquarters/Sta£F Location Task Force

Responsibilities included:

1. To act in concert with the GCFA to establish a
procedure for making a quadrennial review, initiating
proposals, and/or responding to proposals by the general
agencies regarding the location of headquarters and staff
and report the same to the General Conference. (^
1006.26) A report on this responsibility can be found in
Report No. 40,page 676.

2. To designate, in cooperation with GCFA, the gen-
eral agency to undertake a special study ordered by the
General Conference when the conference fails to make
such a designation. (^ 1006.3) During the 1993-96 quad-
rennium GCOM assigned the responsibility for the In-
teragency Task Force on AIDS to the General Board of
Global Ministries.

Division on Missional Emphases

The task of the Division on Missional Emphases
includes three components: (1) to implement the quad-
rennial theme; (2) to study the need for program empha-
ses (including Special Programs and Missional
Priorities) with development of quadrennial emphases
for recommendation to the 1996 General Conference;
and (3) to implement General Conference special as-
signments to the GCOM.

Several disciplinary objectives assigned to the
GCOM reflect the key mission of the Division on Mis-
sional Emphases:

1. To study missional needs and propose priorities of
the general church; and, when necessary, adjust emphases
between sessions of the General Conference." (^ 1005.1)

2. 'To determine the need for and to develop and
implement plans for themes, missional priorities, and/or
special programs for the ministry of the Church for any
particular quadrennium and, after consultation with the
Council of Bishops, to recommend them to the General
Conference for consideration, "(f 1006. 18)

3. Upon a two-thirds vote of the members of the GCOM
present and voting, and upon two-thirds vote of the Coun-
cil of Bishops present and voting, to make changes in
missional priorities or special programs necessitated by
emergencies or by other significant developments between
General Conferences which substantially affect the life of
the church; and to make adjustments in program budget
allocations accordingly; provided that such adjustments
are made within the total budget set by the previous
General Conference; and provided that such adjustments
are made after consultation with affected boards and
agencies and approval by two-thirds of the GCFA. (^
1006.1)

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DCA Advance Edition

4. To assign responsibilities for implementation of
themes, missional priorities, and/or special programs in-
itiated between sessions of the General Conference to the
General Program Agencies or to Special Task Forces
created by the GCOM. (1 1006.4)

In addition nine specific referrals from the 1992
General Conference were assigned to the Division. Re-
ports of the Council's fulfillment of these assignments
and recommendations on those requesting General
Conference action are found in separate reports below.
These assignments and location of their reports are as
follows:

1. Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century {Report No. 3, pages 579-599)

2. Mission and Ministry in Alaska (Report No. 6,
pages 605-625)

3. Task Force on Spanish Language Resources {Re-
port No. 8, page 628)

4. Prison Ministry/Prison Reform {Report No. 7,
pages 625-628)

5. Mission and Aging in a Global Population {Report
No. 42, page 682)

6. Special Emphasis on Reclaiming the Cities {Re-
port No. 23, page 665)

7. Biblical and Theological Language {Report No.
35, page 672)

8. Missional Priority Proposal on Crisis in the Cities
{Report No. 22, page 663)

9. Focus on Young People: a Shared Mission Focus
for United Methodist People and Churches (Report No.
4, pages 599-603)

hi addition to these primary GCOM assignments,
the Division on Missional Emphases provided repre-
sentation to such Interagency working groups as Devel-
oping Congregations for Deaf Ministries, Older Adult
Ministries, the Interagency Response to the Refugee
Crisis, and the Joint Panel on International Affairs.

As the Division identified its specific functions to
accomplish disciplinary objectives and assignments
from the 1992 General Conference, the following addi-
tional functions were performed:

1. To coordinate the planning and implementation
of the quadrennial theme "Celebrate and Witness" and
develop resources in cooperation with United Methodist
Communications.

2. To coordinate the development and implementa-
tion of denomination-wide emphases during the quad-
rennium and give prior approval for new programmatic

and promotional emphases of agencies which propose
to reach all congregations and annual conferences.

3. To identify ways the church can serve as a leader
in the world and society at-large pertaining to emerging
and critical needs.

4. To assess data concerning program needs of
annual conference council on ministries and general
agencies, in cooperation with the Division on Confer-
ences and Connectional Issues.

5. To recommend changes in theme, missional pri-
ority and/or special programs during the 1993-96 quad-
rennium.

6. To hold periodic consultations with the Council
of Bishops.

7. To recommend to the GCOM Executive Commit-
tee goals for the Council and the denomination.

Division on Research, Planning
and Futuring

The role of the General Council on Ministries to
facilitate informed decision making at all levels of the
church is fulfilled through its Division on Research,
Planning and Futuring. The purpose of the division is:

"To facilitate informed decision making at all levels
of the church by engaging in research and planning in
cooperation with the general agencies and Annual Con-
ferences." {^1005.A)

The Division organized its tasks around six specific
responsibilities assigned in ^ 1006 of The Book of Disci-
pline, 1992. These responsibilities include several key
phases which guide the activities of the Division. They
are:

1. Give leadership to and participate in planning and
research for The United Metiiodist Church. (^ 1006.17)

2. Helping all levels of the church to evaluate needs,
set goals and plan strategy. {% 1006.17)

3. To coordinate planning and research for the de-
nomination. Cn 1006.17)

4. To assist the conference councils in developing
comprehensive approaches to planning. (^ 1006.8c)

5. To inform conference councils of significant is-
sues identified through monitoring of trends in society
and tiie church. {% 1006.&i)

In order to meet these responsibilities, the Division
formed three task forces to carry out its work. They were
the Planning Task Force, Research Task Force and
Futuring Task Force.

General and Judicial Administration

545

Planning Task Force

The significant work of this Task Force was the
development of a planning document for the whole
church which states in the introduction: "Planning in
The United Methodist Church is an extensive process
designed to meet longstanding ministry challenges as well
as emerging opportunities to impact changing societies.
All across the denomination from local congregations,
through district and annual conference organizations, as
well as jurisdictions and general agency structures, plans
are developed and implemented to enhance the ministry
of Jesus Christ across the world. "

Entitled "Planning Objectives for 1997 and Be-
yond: Planning In The United Methodist Church,"

the document was approved by the General Council on
Ministries on October 25, 1993. The planning document
which includes denominational issues, societal issues
and global issues to be addressed by the church is a
major resource to assist the church to have a unified
approach for its programmatic mission and ministry.
The purpose of the planning objectives was to provide
planning data for general agencies and annual confer-
ences "to enhance the planning processes at all levels of
the church for the 1997-2000 quadrennium and beyond."
Those objectives are:

Planning Objectives

In response to the planning perspectives identified
in this process, the General Council on Ministries devel-
oped the following planning objectives for consideration
in planning processes across the denomination.

A That general agency planning processes include
intentional collaboration with lay and clergy annual con-
ference leaders, including conference council directors,
where appropriate, to assess needs and implementation
strategies for general church initiatives within annual
conferences and local congregations.

B. That agency program proposals and other initia-
tives to the 1996 General Conference have thorough
review and collaboration with the General Council on
Ministries in an effort to provide a well-coordinated and
focused approach for general agency, annual confer-
ence and local church response.

C. That based on current information the following
denominational issues be addressed with ministry initia-
tives, as the church seeks to minister through its local
congregations into the 21st century.

1. Local church stewardship practice and response
to connectional ministry opportunities.

2. Assistance with new church development and
congregational revitalization for annual confer-
ences and local communities, with special aware-

ness of the latest demographic and lifestyle infor-
mation.

3. Intentional efforts to strengthen connectional un-
derstandings and support among local congrega-
tions, annual conferences and general agencies.

4. Focus on evangelism and other outreach efforts
to strengthen this aspect of local church minis-
tries, especially as they are impacted by genera-
tional differences and cultural identities.

5. Explore spiritual formation models, such as Bible

study, prayer and covenant discipleship, the
Academy of Spiritual Formation and the Disciple
Bible Study.

D. That the response to societal issues by our local
congregations remain strong and vital, addressing espe-
cially those issues which have been identified as crucial
for our times. Since our connectional style of ministry
also provides for institutions and other agencies to pro-
vide ministries on behalf of local congregations, we
believe the church is seeking an intentional focus on
ministries which enable local congregations and mem-
bers to be more effective in their ministry responses.

1. Poverty and the church's solidarity with the poor,
homeless and those displaced by socio-economic
changes.

2. Ministry to eliminate root causes of crime and
violence.

3. A vigilant effort to overcome the "ISMS" of our
cultures.. .especially racism.

4. The challenges to families as they seek to provide

nurture and support, especially for children and
youth.

E. That the denomination continue to be challenged
to address global issues that foster a deeper under-
standing of and appreciation for the global inter-connect-
edness of all peoples and to strengthen its mission and
ministries in a global context.

1. Church ministries to address poverty, hunger,
over-population, the global environment and re-
lated issues.

2. Church advocacy for human rights and peace
with justice including racial issues.

3. Church focus of program energies to identify
global economic issues.

4. Evangelism and outreach should continue to be
vital aspects of mission for the church in the
world.

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DCA Advance Edition

5. Denominational structures and approaches
should reflect the reality of a global church.

The General Council on Ministries has offered
these planning objectives in an effort to assist The
United Methodist Church with its various and extensive
ministries, to focus its resources and energies to make
a significant impact on the church and the world. It
encourages dialogue on the planning processes of our
denomination and discussion of specific strategies to
accomplish the connectional mission and ministries of
TTie United Methodist Church. (A complete copy of the
Planning Objectives document is available from the
General Council on Ministries.)

TTie Council also conducted a "Planning Intentions
Workshop" on September 16-17, 1993 in Nashville, Ten-
nessee. Nearly 50 directors and staff from eleven gen-
eral agencies worked with Dr. George Wilkinson of The
Wilkinson Group, Alexandria, Virginia, to identify criti-
cal denominational and societal issues that the church
must address. A panel of general agency staff discussed
the planning processes of the participating agencies,
'nie workshop also reviewed the planning document for
1997 and beyond.

Another project of the Planning Task Force was a
survey of General Council on Ministries members, dis-
trict superintendents, conference council directors and
a sampling of directors from other general agencies.
These data were used with other sources to compile the
planning document from the denominational, societal
and global issues indicated in the research.

Research Task Force

This Task Force consulted with staff of the Council's
Office of Research in the development of the Survey of
United Methodist Opinion and other demographic
resources produced for the denomination. It also devel-
oped the Council's second Issues Forum on the topic
of "Communities in Crisis: The Church as a Catalyst for
Change-'The forum was held on September 9-11, 1994,
at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mis-
souri. More than 70 church leaders were selected as
participants for the two-day event. Speakers were
Bishop LeontineT.C. Kelly, Bishop Roy I. Sano, Bishop
Sharon Zimmerman Rader, and Dr. Sheldon Stahl. Dr.
Carolyn Johnson was moderator for the event. The Fo-
rum developed implications for the church's response
to economic justice, children\women\family issues as
well as racism issues.

The purpose of the Forum was to:

Gather leaders of the church and persons knowl-
edgeable of crises in our communities; provide an arena
for dialogue to share, confront the church with new
insights and challenge the church to focus, understand
and identify with communities in crises, especially the
marginalized and poor of the United States; enhance and

impact the utilization of resources of United Methodist
Churches to challenge and support local congregations
and annual conferences as they move to be catalysts for
systemic change in local communities.

The GCOM Research Task Force also represented
the Council in a Consultation on Agency Research and
Data Needs. The Consultation was held April 13, 1994,
in Washington D.C. Dr. James Shopshire was convener
and consultant to the Consultation. All general agencies
were invited to participate in the consultation to "review
information needs of the denomination which require
the coordination of research projects and efforts by the
general agencies." Following the Consultation the coun-
cil took action to support various identified needs.

This Task Force received a staff report on the Coun-
cil's response to items related to long range planning
and research in the GCOM Self-Evaluation recommen-
dations. It also requested and received a staff report on
the feasibility of an electronic system of gathering and
disseminating research data.

Futxmng Task Force

A group was established within the Council to study
the future issues which will impact planning for our
Church. This Futuring Task Force conducted an envi-
ronmental scanning process to identify trends or issues
impacting the future of the denomination. The Task
Force identified trends that will either affect the church
or call for a response from the church. The Task Force
intends for its work to receive wider circulation and
dialogue across the Church. The work will identify sig-
nificant issues and state their implications for the life and
mission of the Church.

Members of theTask Force received environmental
scanning resources and The Futurist magazine for envi-
ronmental scanning processes. They also clipped arti-
cles on selected topics, which were shared with Task
Force members and wrote a one-page summary of their
findings on the topics.

In addition to the work of these three task forces,
the Division dealt with six additional items referred from
the 1992 General Conference to GCOM. Reports on
each of these referrals appear in Part in of the GCOM
report to the General Conference. Included in the refer-
rals to the Division are:

1. Environmental Racism - GCOM was requested
to assist the General Board of Church and Society in
conducting research on environmental racism. {Report
No. 26, page 667.)

2. Sfrengthening the Church with Small Member-
ship - GCOM received and reviewed annual reports
from ten church bodies on the progress in implementing
sfrategies and recommendations in the study of small
membership churches. {Report No. 27, page 667.)

General and Judicial Administration

547

\

3. The Natural World - GCOM initiated basic re-
search on attitudes on environmental issues among
United Methodists. {Report No. 28, page 668.)

4. New Developments in Genetic Science - GCOM
conducted a meeting of general agency staff to review
the work of each agency's plans in the 1993-96 quadren-
nium relative to the ethics of genetic science technolo-
gies. (Report No. 29, page 668.)

5. Developing Congregations for Deaf Ministries -
GCOM conducted research regarding programs, needs
and opportunities by, for and with deaf, deafened and
hard of hearing persons. (Report No. 30, page 669.)

6. Assessment of Sexual Harassment - GCOM was
available for consultation with the General Commission
on the Status and Role of Women to assess the effective-
ness of the church's efforts to eradicate sexual harass-
ment. (Report No. 31, page 669.)

The GCOM Office of Research

The General Council on Ministries Office of Re-
search continued to provide essential information to
church leaders and other constituencies to facilitate
informed decision-making. The projects of the Office of
Research are widely distributed and evaluated highly by
leadership groups utilizing the information. Several pro-
jects illustrate the scope of activities within the ongoing
task of the office.

Methodist Preference Study

In cooperation with Church Information and Devel-
opment Services, Inc. (now Percept), GCOM prepared
a comprehensive Ethos 90's Methodist Preference re-
source for the church . The Office of Research developed
this custom-designed demographic study for each
county within the United States. The report projected
the number of Methodist preference households in each
county and identified characteristics of each household.
A three-ring binder was presented to each annual con-
ference council director for use in congregational devel-
opment and annual conference planning.

A series of training sessions were held for chairper-
sons of annual conference council on ministries and
council directors during the Joint Training Events in
1992 and early 1993 to utilize the Methodist Preference
Study resources. In addition, several conference call
meetings have been conducted to train annual confer-
ence cabinets and representatives of annual conference
program staffs.

facing the Church. Studies included a Profile of United
Methodists, a study of racial/ ethnic supremacist group
awareness and involvement by United Methodists and
issues for possible special programs, themes and mis-
sional priorities for the denomination. Another study
indicated the pastoral skills laity expect in clergy lead-
ers. It has been widely used as a study for seminaries
and clergy groups.

Planning Resources

The Office of Research provides extensive consult-
ation with annual conferences, general agencies and
other church leaders through staff consultation and
resource development from materials available through
the office. Many annual conferences utilize "A Church
for the 21st Century, a Planning Resource for the
Church." This custom designed resource provides fore-
cast data for nearly 100 demographic, social and eco-
nomic indicators for each county in the annual
conference.

Extensive materials were made available to annual
conferences based on data available fi^om the 1990 Cen-
sus in the United States. Each annual conference direc-
tor and Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee
received data for each ethnic group by county in each
annual conference. General agencies also made exten-
sive use of this resource, and numerous other leaders
across the church ordered multiple copies of the report.

The Office of Research also made use of the 1990
Glenmary study on Churches and Church Membership.
It provided important planning data for each county
within the United States, including the number of
churches, church membership and percent of each
county that is unchurched. Resources were utilized by
the Office of Research from the World Future Society,
United Way and other professional consultants. The
Office also has membership in the Society for the Scien-
tific Study of Religion and the Religious Research Asso-
ciation.

Annual Conference Consultations

Staff of the Office of Research regularly consult with
annual conferences on research planning and futuring
issues. More than 40 annual conferences have utilized
these services for visioning retreats, trend analysis, plan-
ning activities and training for planning and futuring
committees. Staff have also resourced jurisdictional
events and study committees utilizing trend analysis
materials.

Survey of United Methodist Opinion

The Office of Research continued its SUMO re-
search through a random sampling of denominational
membership opinions on numerous topics and issues

Committee on the Advance
for Christ and His Church

The Committee on the Advance for Christ and His
Church provides general oversight of the Advance pro-

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DCA Advance Edition

gram by approving projects for support, receiving re-
ports of gijfts and establishing communications at all
levels of the church. Its responsibilities are set forth in
^ 1006.23 and ^ 1007.5 of The Book of Discipline. 1992.
The Committee consists of 20 GCOM members and is
resourced and complimented by members and staff of
the following general agencies or their units described
below.

World Division, National Division, United Method-
ist Committee on Relief and Mission Education and
Cultivation Program Department of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Division of Program and Benevolence Interpreta-
tion of the General Commission on Communications
(UMCom)

General Council on Finance and Administration

In this quadrennium, the Advance Committee has
worked faithfully to respond to the increasing needs
around the world. Below are some of the highlights of
its work and challenges for the future. Further details of
this importantwork are also found in /?e/»orfA^o. 16, page
647.

The Advance Committee, in its process of approving
General Advance special projects, receives applications
from the designated program units of the General Board
of Global Ministries (the World and National Divisions)
and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The
Committee may approve, disapprove or modify these
projects.

UMCom's Division of Program and Benevolence
Interpretation promotes the Advance (as well as the
other funds of the denomination). GBGM's Mission
Education and Cultivation Program Department culti-
vates approved General Advance projects in consult-
ation with the Division of Program and Benevolence
Interpretation, the designated program units of the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries, annual conferences,
local congregations and the projects themselves. The
General Council on Finance and Administration, serving
as the General Treasurer of the Advance through its
General Secretary, establishes and maintains proce-
dures to acknowledge every gift from every donor.

The attractiveness of the Advance for Christ and His
Church is that 100% of every gift goes to the program
that the donor has designated. The World Service Fund
makes this "miracle" possible. We congratulate all
United Methodist churches for participating in the Ad-
vance and keeping it a strong missional outreach for our
denomination. In 1998, the denomination will celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Advance for Christ and His
Church, and planning is already underway to acknow-
ledge this important milestone in the Church's ministry
to, for and on behalf of persons throughout the world.

Committee for the Elimination
of Institutional Racism

The Committee for the Elimination of Institutional
Racism has developed processes to monitor all of the
Council's work and activities, and developed strategies
for the elimination of institutional racism, as GCOM
seeks to be an inclusive agency in the denomination.
The Committee also works with the general secretary
and the Council's affirmative action officer in relation to
its responsibilities.

Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Committee

The Committee for Ethnic Local Church Concerns
was recommended for continuation as part of the
GCOM Internal Structure by action of the 1992 General
Conference. The purpose of the ELCC Committee is to
continue the emphasis within the denomination for in-
corporation of the former missional priority (Developing
and Strengthening the Ethnic Minority Local Church for
Witness and Mission) and its successor emphasis on
ethnic local church issues and concerns.

The work of this committee is reported in Report No.
15, page 644.

General Secretaries Election Committee

The General Secretaries Election Committee func-
tions on behalf of the GCOM under the provisions of TTje
Book of Discipline, 1992 (^ 813; 1006.16) assigning re-
sponsibility to the GCOM to annually elect the general
secretary/secretariat of each general program-related
agency accountable to the Council. Its responsibilities
included reviewing the nominating process for general
secretaries/secretariat of the program-related agencies;
reporting to the Council concerning newly nominated
general secretaries/secretariat; and initiating and/or
responding to requests for consultation between GCOM
and such program-related agencies with respect to their
general secretaries/secretariat

Committee on Legislation

The GCOM Committee on Legislation had the re-
sponsibility to assist the Council in preparing its legisla-
tive proposals for the 1996 General Conference.

It also represents the General Council on Ministries
on the Joint GCOM/GCFA Legislative Committee in
considering legislation for the General Provisions (^^
801-825). Representatives of the committee and the
GCOM general secretary also serve on the Interagency
Task Force on Legislation. All legislative proposals by
the general agencies are reviewed by the entire commit-
tee and changes recommended as necessary.

General and Judicial Administration

549

The General Council on Ministries Committee on
Legislation received and evaluated more than 200 sug-
gested changes in paragraphs related to the General
Council on Ministries, district, annual conference and
jurisdictional councils on ministry as well as other pro-
vision of The Book of Discipline, 1992. The Committee
drafted proposals for more than 148 legislative proposals
which were approved by the General Council on Minis-
tries and presented in the Advance DCA Edition. This
included nearly 40 legislative proposals to imgblement
the various local church, annual conference and general
agency provisions of the Connectional Issues Study.

Specific legislative proposals were developed, ap-
proved by GCOM, and appear in various sections of the
Advance DCA.

Native American Concerns Committee

This standing committee of the General Council on
Ministries works to embrace and represent Native
American Ministries throughout The United Methodist
Church. Further, the committee is to initiate requests
and receive reports from general agencies, the Council
of Bishops, and annual and jurisdictional conferences in
an effort to determine the ministries occurring, and gaps
and needs existing, within the Church in the area of
Native American Ministries.

The Committee works to strengthen the estab-
lishment of Native American Concerns committees and
the implementation of their functions throughout the
annual conferences. Further, the Committee works to
strengthen, communicate, integrate and celebrate the
work and ministries of Native American people through-
out the witness of The United Methodist Church. This
includes the function of monitoring the reports of annual
conferences regarding the Native American Awareness
Sunday offerings and their distributions as assigned to
the GCOM by TJie Book of Discipline, 1992. (^748)

The Committee maintained linkage to the Native
American Comprehensive Plan and the integration of
this Plan into the life of the Church.

Through the work of the Native American Concerns
Committee, the GCOM passed a resolution calling
upon: 'The General Conference, the annual confer-
ences, the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion, and general agencies to 'enact appropriate
safeguards to undergird Native American Ministries,
thereby reducing the risk of their disappearance from
The United Methodist Church,' and. To take a pro-ac-
tive stance to ensure that United Methodist Native
American Ministries are financially undergirded and
ensure that ministries of hope continue.' " The GCOM
informed episcopal leaders, annual conference council
directors, and general secretaries of general agencies of
this action and emphasis on behalf of Native American
Ministries.

The Committee recommended that the functions of
Native American Ministries lodged in the Native Ameri-
can Committee of GCOM be continued during the 1997-
2000 quadrennium through the functions of the GCOM.
This recommendation was adopted as action of the
GCOM.

Other Specific Council Activities and
Involvements

Site Selection Task Force for the Relocation

of the Headquarters of General Board

of Global Ministries

By action of the 1992 General Conference, two per-
sons from the General Council on Ministries were des-
ignated to be members of the Site Selection Task Force
for the Relocation of the Headquarters of General Board
of Global Ministries. Ms. Clelia Hendrix of Greenville,
South Carolina, and Rev. Jonathan Keaton of Naperville,
Illinois, served as the GCOM members of this Task
Force. The Council's General Secretary, C. David
Lundquist, served as a staff liaison to this Task Force
also.

Approval of National/Global Conferences
and Maintaining Calendar of Meetings

Under ^ 1006.6a and ^ 1006.66, GCOM coordinates
the scheduling and timing of National/Global confer-
ences, convocations and/or major consultations of gen-
eral program agencies and maintains a calendar of
meetings on behalf of all agencies of The United Meth-
odist Church as an aid to the agencies in regulating the
number and the timing of such meetings.

In fulfillment of this assignment, GCOM follows a
process of requiring requests in advance from the agen-
cies for the scheduling of meetings and publishes a
quarterly calendar of meetings which is circulated to
appropriate groups across the church.

Conclusion

The material presented to the 1996 General Confer-
ence by the GCOM in this quadrennial report describes
the active and comprehensive work of this Council dur-
ing the 1993-96 quadrennium. As evidenced here, the
GCOM continues to play an important and integral role
in the life and work of this denomination as it fulfills its
mandate and responds to the numerous special tasks
given it by the General Conference.

The delegates to the 1996 General Conference are
asked to carefully read and consider each of the reports
and recommendations which follow in this section of the
Advance DCA. They not only describe the past work of
this Council in several important areas, but they also set

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DCA Advance Edition

The GCOM is crucial in the total life of the denomi-
nation. The strength and vitality of our connectional President
system is clearly seen through a Partnership existing in

the holistic ministry coordinated by the GLUM, ine ^ ^^^^ Lundquist, General Secretary

Council's members have faithfully carried out these
tasks in this quadrennium, and in so doing have demon-

General and Judicial Administration

551

Part II

Recommendations from tiie General Council on Ministries

to the 1996 General Conference

This portion of the report of the General Council on Ministries contains recommendations
which require action by the General Conference.

Report No. 2

Petition Number: 21676-GJ-NonDis-0$; GCOM

Report on the Connectional Issues

Study and 1997-2000 Transitional

Recommendations

Mandate and Implementation

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 213 on page 237 of the Daily Christian Advocate
which directed the General Council on Ministries
(GCOM) to implement the following action:

"J. That during the 1993-96 quadrennium the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries lead the church in a
time of discernment, reflection, and study of its
mission and its structural needs as it moves into
the 21st century. The Council will do this by con-
sulting groups across the church, conducting ap-
propriate research, and developing and utilizing
resource materials.

2. That the General Council on Ministries continue
to fulfill its disciplinary responsibilities in review-
ing the church's structures and report its findings
and any recommendations to the 1996 General
Conference.

3. That in fulfillment of the above responsibilities the
General Council on Ministries consult with the
Council of Bishops, the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration, the Commission on
Central Conference Affairs, central conference
agencies and/or leaders, annual conference and
local church leaders, general agencies, and other
appropriate groups. "

In response to this directive, the General Council on
Ministries developed a comprehensive design called the
Connectional Issues Study. The study's purpose was
to enter into a collaborative process to discern God's will
for United Methodism into the 21st century through an
ongoing process of "listening, reflecting/reviewing, and
recommending," which prompted more listening and
developed an ongoing transforming feedback process
that involved the whole United Methodist Church. This
discernment of the denomination's future needs has
involved a myriad of constituencies across the church,

providing opportunities to listen and gather important
ideas, insights, and information that have been inte-
grated and tested within the ongoing design of the
study. It has been intentional in seeking to hear from the
grass roots of United Methodism and to learn where
God is leading United Methodists.

The Connectional Issues Study was conducted in
collaboration with the Council of Bishops including its
Global Nature of the Church Committee; the General
Council on Finance and Administration; the general
agencies of the Church; and church leaders from local
churches, annual conferences, and central conferences.
It included specific involvement with annual conference
lay leaders, annual conference council directors, the
general secretaries and directors of general agencies.
The responsibility for this listening and reflection was
assigned to the GCOM Connectional IssuesTask Force.
It presented regular reports to the Council's Division on
Conferences and Connectional Issues and in turn to the
full membership of the Council.

Central Components
of the Connectional Issues Study

Faithful, listening Disciples - a Bible Study and
video based on the Gospel of Mark providing biblical
basis for the envisioning process. Four hundred videos
were distributed, and local churches and annual confer-
ences used this study and responded on the survey
sheet.

Annual Conference Smvey - a survey of nearly
35,000 members on vision, mission, and structure of The
United Methodist Church administered to each lay and
clergy member of the annual conferences at their 1994
sessions. Translations were made into Korean and Span-
ish, as well as several European languages. Results were
summarized by Rollins Center for Church Ministries at
Candler School of Theology under the direction of Dr.
Thomas E. Frank.

Town Meeting of Annual Conference Council
Directors - a setting providing significant linkage with
leadership in the annual conferences for input into the
design phase of the study and foundational material for
understanding the needs of the local, district, and annual
conferences to be enabled for vital ministry.

Hearing Vital Congregations - telephone inter-
views conducted by members of the General Council on

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DCA Advance Edition

Ministries with leaders of three to five churches in each
annual conference where exceptional mission and min-
istry are happening.

Consultation with Council of Bishops and
General Council on Finance and Administration -

major presentations at the fall 1994 meetings of these
Councils. Summary of data gathered was shared and
ownership of the direction of study was established.
Focus was made on potential structure scenes which
emerged early in 1995. Further consultations were held
at spring and fall 1995 meetings of both Councils.

Consultations with General Agencies - held to
ensure input from general agencies. Primary consult-
ations occurred between November 1994 and February
1995 and during the fall of 1995. Members of the General
Council on Ministries' General Agency Relationships
Division were involved in the consultations, and exten-
sive notes were recorded.

Consultations with Central Conferences - meet-
ings already scheduled for interfacing with people in the
annual conferences of the central conferences were
used: Philippines January 1994) , Africa Church Growth
& Development Gune 1994), Vienna (September 1994),
and World Methodist Council (October 1994), and sev-
eral European countries (March 1995).

listening to the Church - opportunities for reflec-
tion on present and emerging visions of the annual
conferences. The purpose of this component was to hear
directly from the leadership of the several annual con-
ferences through the GCOM member of the annual
conference. These annual conference leaders reviewed
and reflected on the summarized annual conference
vision/structure recommendations of all annual confer-
ences coming from Dr. Thomas E. Frank and the Rollins
Center.

Forum of Thirty-Two - a group representative of
the total church. They met twice and provided signifi-
cant data and input into the study from their areas of
expertise and insights. They also were asked to give
ongoing critique of the study to the Task Force.

Collaboration and Consultation with the Duke
University Divinity School/Lilly Endowment Study
of Methodism and American Culture -A member of
the Connectional Issues Task Force was invited to be a
leadership participant and an executive staff member of
GCOM was invited as an official observer in the
Duke/Lilly Study to keep abreast of the findings and
input from this significant research project. Members of
the Task Force were present for the summary findings
presented by the Duke/Lilly Study on August 25 - 28,
1995 at St. Simons Island, Georgia. This data was re-
viewed and reflected upon in the process of completing
the study.

Consultations with United Methodist Related
Caucuses and Organizations - scheduled meetings

of caucuses and organizations were used to seek input
into the study. Meetings were held with annual confer-
ence council directors, National Association of Annual
Conference Lay Leaders, Inter-Ethnic Strategy Develop-
ment Group, United Methodist Association of Health
and Welfare Ministries, United Methodist Congress of
the Deaf, United Methodist National Youth Ministry
Organization, and National Association of Schools and
Colleges of TTie United Methodist Church.

Annual Conference Vision Statements - annual
conferences' vision/identity/structure statements re-
sponding to the survey instrument were received and
analyzed. Results were initially summarized by the Rol-
lins Center, under direction of Dr. Thomas E. Frank.

United Methodist Structure - a special work
team from across the GCOM complemented the Con-
nectional Issues Study Task Force in developing a struc-
tural foundation to carry out the church's mission that
is consistent with the emerging vision for The United
Methodist Church.

Smnmary of Key Findings for the Connectional
Issues Study

During this quadrennium, the Connectional Issues
Study process involved intensive listening to various
individuals and groups across the church. This effort led
to thousands of responses and the collection of essential
information, which was analyzed and combined with
other information to form various themes and trends.
These themes and trends were widely distributed for
review and reflection. A series of consultations was also
held with various organizational units and caucuses of
the denomination to seek input and reaction to the data.
In addition, several drafts of the evolving Connectional
Issues Study report were distributed across the church
inviting responses through specific instruments includ-
ing voice-mail, fax, and mailings.

From the myriad listenings, reflections, and input
from across the church, the Connectional Issues Study
processes have provided 15 key findings which are
described in detail on pages 556-557 of the report. The
following descriptive words and phrases capture the
essence of these findings:

- A United Methodist Church

• alive, vital, and intensively involved in mis-
sion and ministry throughout the world

• crying for a clearer vision

• seeking a Christ-centered, spiritual founda-
tion

• a church inclusive of all persons

• conunitted to connectionalism

General and Judicial Administration

553

- Local Congregations, the primaiy base for
mission and ministry

- E£Fective communication needed across the
church

- Structural flexibility

- Continued vital episcopal leadership

- General Church Agencies

• resourcing and serving annual conferences
and congregations

* reduced in size appropriately

From these findings the General Council on Minis-
tries concluded that The United Methodist Church must
articulate God's vision for the denomination before for-
mal structures are developed or imposed. Further, the
focus of the denomination's resourcing processes must
be on the actual doing of mission and ministry, empow-
ered and directed at the place where ministry is unfold-
ing. In light of these principles, the granting of some
flexibility in annual conference and local church struc-
tures, the clear need for servant leadership, and the
direction for a continued vital United Methodism be-
came clearer and more focused.

Call For Action

Given these principled directions, the study moved
to focus on the development of a "call for action" that
would refine and bring reformation and self-organiza-
tion into an ongoing vital denomination that has a crucial
place and role as the people of God into the 21st century.
The historic mission of Jesus Christ is still our call to
action. The church must be in a covenant relationship
through our accountability to the historic identity and
purpose of the denomination.

Details of this call for action are found below on
pages 557-558 of the report. Here are some key ele-
ments of this call.

a vision-driven ministry

doing God's will in ministry

accountability of connectional structures

a collaborative style of interaction

organizational flexibility

regional conferences

global conference

optimum size of general agencies

greater role of laity

• decision-making at the place of ministry

• servant leadership

What follows in this Connectional Issues Study Re-
port to the 1996 General Conference offers a challenge
and opportunity to the church to be vitally engaged in
mission and ministry on behalf of Jesus Christ as to-
gether God's people move into the 21st century.

The Report of the Connectional Issues

Study of the General Council

on Ministries

Table of Contents
Introduction

The Vision for The United Methodist Church

Findings from Our Study

The Call for Action

The Identity, Purpose and Mission
of The united Methodist Church
(Core Values and Belief)

The Recommendations for Mission and Ministry
of The United Methodist Church
into the 21st Century

The Interactive Body — The Connection of Conferences

The Nature of Superintendency

The Conference Settings

The Local Church

The Church Conference

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries

Leadership Ministries

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries

The Council

The District Conference

The Annual Conference

The Annual Conference Session

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries

Leadership Ministries

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries

The Council

The Regional Conference

The Regional Conference Session

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries

Leadership Ministries

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries

The Council

The Global Conference

Conclusion to the Report

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DCA Advance Edition

Membership of the Connectional Issues Study Task Force

Glossary

Implementing Recommendations of the Report

Appendix

Introduction

The faithful Church remains open to what God is
doing in the world. It transforms its institutions and
practices in alignment with an understanding of authen-
tic Christian mission. In the spirit of Jesus Christ, disci-
ples— corporately and individually — act boldly and
creatively to reflect God's light to the nations, to call
persons to learn Christ's servant ways and participate in
God's purposes. Throughout history, when the Body of
Christ has been open to God's new creation and willing
to journey toward God's promise, the Holy Spirit has
breathed vitality into its forms and blessed its ministry.

Seeking to be aligned with God's perceived activity
in the present day. The United Methodist Church is
urged to review its mission, faithfully revise the goals of
its shared ministry, and bring its priorities and practices
into line with this understanding. Merely adapting por-
tions of the official connection for the sake of institu-
tional survival or in order to entrench old and ineffective
authority patterns is insufficient response to Jesus' en-
treaty that our righteousness exceed that of the Scribes
and Pharisees.

The radical nature of change today calls for thor-
oughly rethinking both personal practices and connec-
tional patterns. By God's grace we can discover a new
way of seeing things, a paradigm shift more appropriate
to the needs of our present day. Such a shift in thinking
and acting will best be grounded in diligent Bible study,
prayerful discernment, and open dialogue with inten-
tional focus on

The ministry of all Christians

The essential role of congregations in nunistry
and mission

The support functions of connectional units

An open approach to connectional structures
and conmiunications

A strategy for placing decision-meiking as close
as possible to the point of ministry

Flexibility, accountability, and broad inclusiv-
ity operating throughout the connection

The 1992 General Conference commissioned the
General Council on Ministries to

"... lead the church in a period of discernment, reflec-
tion, and study of its mission and structure as it moves into
the 21st century. "

Working through a Connectional Issues Study Task
Force and with the cooperation of a wide range of United
Methodist colleague groups, the General Council on
Ministries brings the following report.

This report

(1) presents a studied sjTiopsis of what is being
heard through a broadly-based process of lis-
tening and dialogue,

(2) seeks to identify key concerns which will con-
tribute to a shared and motivating vision, and

(3) suggests first steps toward restructuring the
church by giving flexibility and guidance to
local churches and annual conferences, while
calling for accountability and enhanced com-
munication from general church agencies
which are called with all others to assume a
servant role within a purposefiil connection.

Mission and Vision

From the beginning the people of God have been
called out, blessed to be a blessing, set apart for mission
and given the tasks of being a light to the nations, and
making disciples for Jesus Christ. This calling has given
the church its identity and formed the basis for an
understood purpose.

As we move into a new century, the church is called
to live out its identity, purpose, and mission and to
journey by faith toward God's promise. While the values
which shape the body of Christ and the mission which
directs the nature of its ministry are foundational, it is
imperative that the Church articulate the vision of a
preferred future condition. Such a vital vision with pri-
oritized long-range and intermediate goals can energize
a covenant people and result in a vibrant church. In the
face of present day challenges, it is imperative that The
United Methodist Church discover at every point in our
lives together how to express appropriate visions and
form consistent structures so that the Holy Spirit may
more likely move through us and cause our core values
and beliefs to be more evident in our dealings with each
other and the world.

As in other historic periods of intense social and
cultural change, the challenge to existing structures and
patterns is real and immediate. Laity and clergy alike are
asking:

How can The United Methodist Church stay true to
its calling, mission, history, and traditions while adapt-
ing to meet the diverse and expanding needs of those
whom Christ calls us to serve?

In recent years, this question has taken many forms
across the connection.

General and Judicial Administration

555

• How can we be focused on a vision and mission in
all of our work?

• How can we develop a shared vision and leader-
ship that the church needs?

• How can the annual conferences improve effec-
tiveness in mission and vision?

• How can the local churches better understand and
utilize the general agency structures and re-
sources for ministry?

• How can the agencies better understand the needs
of local churches?

• How can we learn to be inclusive in all that we do?

• How can our mission and structure reflect the
global nature of The United Methodist Church?

Such questions challenge the Church to persevere
with ministries of hope in the midst of declining mem-
bership, to demonstrate faithful and creative steward-
ship in the face of reduced funding from some parts of
The United Methodist Church, to effect open communi-
cation and empowering connections in response to
growing anxiety about institutional structures, and to
address perceptions of low morale among clergy and
laity by ref ocusing upon the potential for a Christ-formed
servant ministry in and to the world where God still
actively creates.

Aware of the ferment within The United Methodist
Church and seeking to benefit from both the old wine
of our fradition and the new wine of the Holy Spirit,
members of the General Council on Ministries have
sifted the treasures of our tradition and searched for
places in which these concerns are being effectively
addressed through both traditional and creative minis-
tries and where the church is vibrant and growing.

For more than three years, the members of the
GCOM, through the Connectional Issues Study, have
listened to voices from across the global connection and
undergirded by Bible study, prayer, and thoughtful dis-
cussion have reflected on the collected data.

In the following recommendations, the fruits of this
listening to God and to one another are evidenced in

A renewed mission statement

A vision statement for the world and the church

An identification of shared values to inform our
transformation journey

A set of structural principles to provide a framework
for an interactive system of shared mission and con-
nected ministries while emphasizing flexibility, broadly-
based inclusiveness, and missional accountability

A process to effect organizational fransformation
through ongoing consensus building that remains fo-
cused on servant ministry and seeks self-renewal.

The Vision For The United Methodist
Church

We believe that an appropriate vision for The United
Methodist Church should be a biblically-grounded,
God-given picture of the preferred future for the Body
of Christ. Aware that God calls us to live this vision into
reality, we understand a forming vision is grounded in
The United Methodist Church's identity, purpose, and
mission as affirmed in the Preamble to the Constitution.

The Church is a community of all true believers under
the Lordship of Christ. It is the redeemed and redeeming
fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons
divinely called, and the Sacraments are duly administered
according to Christ's own appointment. Under the disci-
pline of the Holy Spirit the Church seeks to provide for the
maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and
the redemption of the world.

The Church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world,
and its very dividedness is a hindrance to its mission in
that world. {The Book of Discipline, 1992 - Preamble to
The Constitution, page 21)

In designing the next steps in our shared journey,
the Connectional Issues Study Task Force utilized the
following working vision and offers it to the church for
study and guidance:

Our VISION is of a world transformed into the
likeness of Christ where faithful persons actively
manifest the love of God and neighbor while fos-
tering true community among all persons.

This VISION is carried out within an interactive
system of:

DISCIPLES who live, teach, and model a Chris-
tlike service in and to the world;

CONGREGATIONS that invite, nurture, equip,
and send faithful disciples into the world as living wit-
nesses to the sovereignty of Christ;

ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND DISTRICTS

that connect local churches in mission by providing
support and fraining, leadership personnel, and re-
sources;

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CONFERENCES

that provide this connection with information and re-
sources to enhance faithful discipleship.

The mission of the church as stated in % 69 of The
Book of Discipline, 1992 resonates with the findings of
the study when it says:

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Mission is the action of the God of grace who creates
out of love, who calls a covenant people community, who
graciously redeems and reconciles a broken and sinful
people in Jesus Christ, and who through the Holy Spirit
calls the church into being as the instrument of the good
news of grace to all people. Mission is also the church's
grateful response to what God has done, is doing, and will
do. A grace-formed church is one which responsibly par-
ticipates in God's action in and for the world. (The Book
of Discipline, 1992- 169, p. 85)

Findings From Our Study

This section reports the key findings from our
study, gathered from across the church in many set-
tings. These findings indicate several conclusions which
are essential to understand the recommendations found
later in this report

During this quadrennium, the Connectional Issues
Study was initiated through intensive listening to vari-
ous individuals and groups across the church. This
effort led to thousands of responses and the collection
of essential information. The data from each listening
was analyzed and combined with other information to
form various themes and trends.

These themes and trends were widely distributed
for review and reflection. A series of consultations was
also held with various organizational units and caucuses
of the denomination to seek input and reaction to the
initial data. In addition, the first draft of a report was
distributed across the church with an invitation for re-
sponse.

These listenings have provided the following key
findings for our study.

We found that:

1. The United Methodist Church is alive, vital,
and intensively involved in the mission and min-
istry of Jesus Christ in many places throughout the
world. The United Methodist Church has a window of
opportunity for significant service to Christ and the
world into the 21st century. We find that our church has
the will and adequate resources to engage the world
with Christ's message of love, peace, and hope.

We found that:

2. The chiwch is crying for a clearer vision,
focused direction, and Christ-led servant leader-
ship throughout our denomination. We found that
the most common theme within the data is a cry for a
clearer biblically-based vision, led by dedicated lay and
ordained/consecrated persons. Effective clergy leader-
ship is seen as critical to the vitality of local churches.
Lay and clergy leadership trained for partnership is an
equally critical need for the church. The study identifies
as critical the recruitment, training, placement, and

evaluation of both pastoral and lay leadership for the
future. Mission and ministry are understood as the work
of the whole people of God.

We found that:

3. Our people are seeking a Christ-centered
spiritual foundation. The data shows a desire for in-
creased emphasis on Bible study, prayer, and spiritual
renewal. The church should address this spiritual hun-
ger within its membership. The center of our preaching
is and always will be the message of God's saving grace
through Jesus Christ. We should experience and offer
the transforming, liberating power of God, living out the
redeeming love of Jesus Christ through nurturing com-
munities and serving the needs of others throughout the
global community.

We found that:

4. The local congregation is understood as the
primary base for mission and ministry and the
fotmdation for everytfiing that happens in the de-
nomination. The data shows widespread affirmation
for empowered local congregations as the primary cen-
ter for relational and outreach mission and ministry,
consistent with the centrality of connectionalism. Also
identified clearly is the need for adequate resourcing for
local congregations to be vital and effective. Those areas
cited most often were spiritual development, evangel-
ism. Christian conduct, social justice, and vital and cul-
turally diverse worship.

We found that:

5. Many parts of die church are preoccupied
with maintenance of the institution. This finding is
the strongest in reference to general agencies, annual
conferences, and other leadership groups within the
denomination. It is perceived that the transformation of
persons and communities, and caring relational minis-
tries become secondary to the status of position, style,
and structures that keep the status quo and control.
There is great concern that "business as usual" calls for
substantial money and energy from local congregations.
The data indicates an unwillingness to continue to fund
such practices.

We found that:

6. Effective commimication is needed through-
out the denomination to knit the body together
and energize its ministry. The need for more effective
communication is a major theme throughout the study.
It is seen as the basis of the connection, an opportunity
for evangelism, and a healing force within the church.
Local church people do not feel resourced and express
a significant sense of disconnection. The data indicates
that finances are not a major problem, but rather ineffec-
tive interpretation and communication limit the re-
sponse from our people. Our study also indicates that

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557

agencies of the church need to listen to local churches
and their needs as they plan.

We found that:

7. The church must be inclusive of all persons.

The study data affirms the call to openness and inclusiv-
ity across the church. The gifts, wisdom, and experience
of all are genuinely needed as the church moves into the
21st century. The findings call us to celebrate our diver-
sity in Christ at every physical, cultural and social bound-
ary. There is an expressed concern that any change will
further disenfranchise, if not totally abandon, persons of
color and ethnic groups, and lose their valuable contri-
butions to the body of Christ.

We found that:

8. Structural flexibility at the annual confer-
ence, district, and local church is needed to allow
all to cany out mission and ministry. While acknow-
ledging the importance of the connection, one of the
strongest findings is that local churches and annual
conferences identify a need to adjust their organizational
structures to adapt to their own mission and ministry
situations. There is a clear call to provide flexibility in
required organization to provide for innovation and re-
sponse to quickly changing environments. This need for
flexibility, however, is tempered with the acknow-
ledgment of the need to preserve sufficient consistency
so that the connection will remain viable.

We found that:

9. Oiu" people have a commitment to sheu'e the
responsibilities and benefits of connectionalism.

Data confirm the importance of the connection and
indicate its significance in the experience of United
Methodists. While connectionalism is seen as central to
the theological and historical roots of United
Methodism, respondents indicate a concern that its
theological understandings are being superseded by its
institutional applications.

We found that;

10. Our history of worldwide outreach and ecu-
menical cooperation will be essential ingredients
as we plan for the fixture. Many persons who contrib-
uted data spoke of the ecumenical and global nature of
the church as essential qualities. In spite of perceived
administrative and financial difficulties, the overwhelm-
ing voice spoke for a global church and ecumenical
involvements for our future.

We found that:

11. The leadership of bishops in their spiritual
and temporal roles is affirmed. The data generally
identifies a need for effective leadership and a corporate
need for direction-setting and accountability. In conver-
sations with the Council of Bishops, their role as spiritual

and temporal leaders was noted and affirmed as essen-
tial to our future.

We found that:

12. Many in our church express a lack of satis-
faction with the general agencies of The United
Methodist Church. The data shows that these percep-
tions lead to calls for downsizing and more effective
resourcing for mission and ministry needs at the annual
conferences and local churches. Our study clearly indi-
cates a need for greater efficiency, discipline, and ac-
countability in the use of human, natural, and financial
resources to meet well-defined goals. While the study
documents these needs, it also identifies appreciation
for the ministries and expertise of the general agencies.
Our study also finds that the general agencies are often
perceived as independent entities that promote their
particular interests rather than resource ministries of
local churches and annual conferences, and that minis-
try efforts are not well coordinated.

We found that:

13. General agencies receive some positive
evaluations of their resotirces and services by
their constituencies. Consequently, in conversations
the general agencies did not generally acknowledge
expressions of dissatisfaction voiced toward their spe-
cific agency.

We found that:

14. The size of the general church organization
needs to be reduced. The data received supports
reduction in the size of general agency membership and
staff. It also calls for preserving the value of inclusive
representation. Several general agencies indicate that a
reduction in the number of elected members is feasible.

We found that:

15. A serious disconnection exists between the
genered program agencies and the emnual confer-
ence councils on ministries. The data indicate that
annual conferences are planning for emphases that they
do not believe can be effectively resourced by the gen-
eral agencies. Corollary to this concern is the finding
that the services offered by agencies often do not match
the needs or emphases of annual conferences.

The Call For Action

The United Methodist Church has an opportunity
to address the issues that face the denomination and
prepare ourselves for greater ministry in the coming
decades. The historic mission of Jesus Christ is still our
call to action.

The Connectional Issues Study has provided exten-
sive listening to all constituencies in our church. Our

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most faithful response to God's leading, as voiced by our
people, is to analyze ourselves carefully as we prepare
for the future.

Many voices have offered constructive critique of
our current efforts and challenge us to reform our ap-
proaches to ministry so that we might be more effective
in focusing on the mission and ministry of all Christians
to transform the world.

It is clear to us that these voices are in harmony with
the leading of God's spirit as we understand it

The findings in the study prompt concerns. The
United Methodist Church is strong and effective in
many settings. However, the findings indicate serious
disconnection from the highest ideals of our common
ministry. It is time to reconnect our valued under-
standing of shared mission which has provided effective
ministry at every context in our denomination.

These recommendations are intended to:

• Reflect a vision-led understanding of minis-
try that will provide focused mission and resour-
cing to respond to the concerns and hopes of all
our congregations.

• Focus on doing God's will in ministry, rather
than preserving a particular institution or organi-
zation.

• Call for the accountability of our connec-
tional structures and rebuild the sense of com-
mon mission across the denomination through a
shared vision. At its best, our connectional style of
ministry has provided effective outreach in ways
not possible by a single or group of congregations.
This need is great in our future and we must regain
the confidence of United Methodists that our or-
ganization will fulfill their response to God's call
for mission and ministry.

• Seek to enhance a collaborative style of inter-
action among all parts of the church organiza-
tion. We expect that these adjustments, energized
by a clear vision from God for our work, can re-
place independence mth interdependence and co-
operation across the church.

• Respond to the disconnections cited in find-
ings 6, 8, and 12 through 15 of the Connec-
tional Issues Study. Central to this understand-
ing is the interactive process which is presented in
principle on pages 562-565 of this report. Further,
the interactive design is based upon the principles
stated as "The Identity, Purpose and Mission of
The United Methodist Church" (pages 558-562).
The interactive connectional process and its or-
ganizational components will require additional
study and analysis as the church moves toward its
implementation.

• Call for the utilization of the local chtu-ch
conference as the visioning and policy-setting

body for the mission and ministry of the local
congregation.

• Call for organizational flexibility for the con-
ferences. TTiis recommendation for flexibility is
needed to encourage congregations and confer-
ences to organize for effective mission and minis-
try whUe maintaining the connectional linkages
that are vital to our heritage.

• Cedl for the creation of regional conferences

to provide for ministry within a specified geo-
graphical region.

• Call for the creation of a global conference to

care for all matters distinctively connectional for
The United Methodist Church.

• Call for the optimum size of general agencies'
membership and staff with sensitivity to inclu-
sivity and representativeness. We are convinced
that new models for connectional linkage will be
developed and can provide greater resourcing for
annual conferences, districts and local congrega-
tions in the future. The appropriate agency staff
size designed to meet the needs of each agency
must also be considered as these structural com-
ponents are finalized.

• Call for greater role of laity in the mission and
ministry of the church in every context Lay per-
sons, baptized into ministry, embody the love of
Jesus Christ in the church and the world. Lay
persons do ministry.

• Call for decision-making at the place of min-
istry in order to empower those in general minis-
try while holding each other faithful to the
God-given vision of the church serving the com-
munity and the world.

• Call for servant leadership. We recognize the
gifts and talents of all believers who are instru-
ments of God within the body of Christ empow-
ered by the Holy Spirit to lead and serve each other
as we live out the vision of a world transformed into
the likeness of Christ

We urge you to give serious consideration to "The
Recommendations for Mission and Ministry of The
United Methodist Church into the 21st Century" in this
report. It is our prayer that they will give greater vision,
collaboration and support as we seek to be faithful to our
Identity, Purpose and Mission as God's people.

The Identity, Purpose and Mission

of The United Methodist Church

(Core Values and Beliefs)

The identity, purpose and mission of The United
Methodist Church are grounded in historical core val-
ues and beliefs which provide the foundation for mission
and ministry in the Church. The Connectional Issues
Study process, through listening to the church and
gathering data, has identified core values and beliefs in

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559

language that reflects the traditions of the church as it
emerges in today's social and missional contexts. These
core values and beliefs are listed in alphabetical order:

Annual conference

Connectionalism

Doctrinal heritage

Ecumenism

Education

Evangelism

Global character

Inclusiveness of the church

Local church

Ministry of all Christians

Mission

Mutual accountability

Scriptural holiness

Social justice

Stewardship

Vital worship

These historical core values and beliefs are consis-
tent with The Book of Discipline, 1992 which states:

...all Christians share a common history. Within that
history, Christian tradition precedes Scripture, and yet
Scripture comes to be the focal expression of the tradition.
As United Methodists, we pursue our theological task in
openness to the richness of both the form and power of
tradition. {The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 68, p. 79)

The Book of Discipline, 1992 delineates each of these
core values and beliefs of United Methodists in various
paragraphs which the GCOM has identified as the foun-
dation for recommendations of the study.

Annual Conference

As declared in the Constitution we believe "the
Annual Conference is the basic body in the Church..."
{The Book of Discipline, 1992 - The Constitution, "J 36,
Article II, p. 31)

The purpose of the Annual Conference is to make
disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for
ministry and by providing a connection for ministry be-
yond the local church all to the glory of God. {The Book of

Discipline, 1992 - ^701, p. 328) (See also The Constitu-
tion % 10, p. 23)

TJie Annual Conference shall provide for the connec-
tional relationship between the general boards and com-
missions and the conference, district, and local church.
{The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 707, p. 338)

Connectionalism

We are connectional in witness and community.

The United Methodist connectional principle, bom
out of our historical tradition, many biblical roots, and
accepted theological ideas, is the basic form of our polity,
the way in which we carry out God's mission as a people.

It is in essence a network of interdependent relation-
ships among persons and groups throughout the life of the
whole denomination.

It declares that our identity is in our wholeness to-
gether in Christ that each part is vital to the whole, that
our mission is more effectively carried out by a connec-
tional life which incorporates Wesleyan zeal into the life
of the people. {The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 112.3, p.
112)

Our Doctrinal Heritage

We have faith in Jesus Christ and uphold basic
Christian affirmations. We also affirm distinctive
Wesleyan emphases.

United Methodists profess the historic Christian faith
in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for our salvation and
ever at work in human history in the Holy Spirit. Living
in a covenant of grace under the Lordship of Jesus Christ,
we participate in the first fruits of God's coming reign and
pray in hope for its full realization on earth as in heaven.

Our heritage in doctrine and our present theological
task focus upon a renewed grasp of the sovereignty of God
and of God's love in Christ amid the continuing crises of
human existence. {JTie Book of Discipline, 1992 - ^ 65, p.
40)

The outreach of the Church springs from the working
of the Spirit. As United Methodists, we respond to that
working through a connectional polity based upon mutual
responsiveness and accountability. Connectional ties bind
us together in faith and service in our global witness,
enabling faith to become active in love and intensifying
our desire for peace and justice in the world. {The Book of
Discipline, 1992 - ^ 65, p. 47)

Ecumenism

We are committed to ecumenical life and witness.

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The United Methodist Church is a part of the Church
Universal, which is one Body in Christ. (TJie Book of
Discipline, 1992 -The Constitution, ^ 4, Article IV, p. 22)

TTie Church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world,
and its very dividedness is a hindrance to its mission in
that world. {The Book of Discipline, 1992 - Preamble, The
Constitution, p. 21)

Christian unity is founded on the theological under-
standing that through faith in Jesus Christ we are made
memhers-in<ommon of the one Body of Christ Christian
unity is not an option; it is a gift to be received and
expressed.

United Methodists respond to the theological, biblical,
and practical mandates for Christian unity by firmly com-
mitting ourselves to the cause of Christian unity at local,
national, and world levels. We invest ourselves in many
ways by which mutual recognition of churches, of mem-
bers, and of ministries may lead us to sharing in Holy
Communion with all of God's people. {The Book of Disci-
pline, 1992 - 1 68, pp. 83-84)

Education

We are committed to the uniting of knowledge and
vital piety. Christian education is understood to be the
process which enables United Methodist Christians

...to grow in their understanding of God that they may
respond in faith and love, to the end that they may know
who they are and what their human situation means,
increasingly identifying themselves as children of God and
members of the Christian community, to live in the Spirit
of God in every relationship, to fulfill their common disci-
pleship in the world, and to abide in the Christian hope.
{The Book of Discipline, 1992 - ^ 1201, p. 486)

We affirm that higher education is a vital part of our
historic mission.

Higher education is a significant part of our Wesleyan
heritage, our present task, and our future responsibility.
The Church continues its historic mission of uniting
knowledge and vital piety by maintaining educational
institutions and a campus ministry, and through them an
intellectual, spiritual, and material ministry to all persons
within the academic community without respect to sex,
race, creed, or national origin.. {The Book of Discipline,
1992-^1513.1)

EvangeUsm

We believe evangelism is foundational.

The people of God are the Church made visible in the
world. It is they who must convince the world of the reality
of the gospel or leave it unconvinced. There can be no
evasion or delegation of this responsibility; the Church is
either faithful as a witnessing and serving community, or

it loses its vitality and its impact on an unbelieving world.
{The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 107, p. 110)

2. Evangelism. To proclaim the Gospel is fundamen-
tal; to invite persons to personal decision for and commit-
ment to Jesus Christ and his being is equally fundamental.
The Gospel calls forth response. The invitation to respond
to the Gospel is evangelism. (The Book of Discipline, 1992
-^69, p. 86)

Global Character

We believe that the church is global in its nature and
ministry.

A rich quality of our Church, especially as it has
developed in the last century, is its global character. We
are a church with a distinctive theological heritage, but
that heritage is lived out in a global community, resulting
in understandings of our faith enriched by indigenous
experiences and manners of expression. {The Book of Dis-
cipline, 1992 - ^ 68, p. 83)

Inclusiveness of The Chtirch

We believe in the inclusiveness of all persons with
openness, acceptance, and support. The Constitution of
liie United Methodist Church reads:

Inclusiveness of the Church. — TTie United Methodist
Church is a part of the Church Universal, which is one
Body in Christ. Therefore all persons, without regard to
race, color, national origin, or economic condition, shall
be eligible to attend its worship services, to participate in
its programs, and, when they take the appropriate vows,
to be admitted into its membership in any local church in
the connection. In The United Methodist Church no con-
ference or other organizational unit of the Church shall be
structured so as to exclude any member or any constituent
body of the Church because of race, color, national origin,
or economic condition. {The Book of Discipline, 1992 -
The Constitution, ^ 4, Article IV, p. 22) (See also The
Book of Discipline, 1992 - ^ 113, p. 114)

Local Church

The Church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the
world. We believe that it is primarily at the local church
that the Church encounters the world.

A local church is a community of true believers under
the Lordship of Christ. It is the redemptive fellowship in
which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely
called, and the Sacraments are duly administered accord-
ing to Christ's own appointment. Under the discipline of
the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of
worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption
of the world.

The Church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world.
It is primarily at the level of the local church that the

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561

Church encounters the world. The local church is a strate-
gic base from which Christians move out to the structures
ofsociety.

Each local church shall have a definite evangelistic,
nurture, and witness responsibility/or its members and the
surrounding area, anda missional outreach responsibility
to the local and global community. {The Book of Disci-
pline, 1992 - 11 201, 202, 204, selected, pages 116-117)

The Ministry of All Christians

We believe all Christian believers are involved in
mission and ministry to the world.

The heart of Christian ministry is Christ's ministry of
outreaching love. Christian ministry is the expression of
the mind and mission of Christ by a community of Chris-
tians that demonstrates a common life of gratitude and
devotion, witness and service, celebration and disci-
pleship. All Christians are called to this ministry ofservan-
thood in the world to the glory of God and for human
fulfillment. The forms of this ministry are diverse in locale,
in interest, and in denominational accent, yet always
catholic in spirit and outreach. {The Book of Discipline,
1992 -^104, p. 109)

Ministry is understood as a call for all to serve and
witness. Within this ministry some are called to repre-
sentative ministry — ordained and diaconal.

Mission

We believe that United Methodist mission and wit-
ness involves four essential dimensions: proclamation,
evangelism, incorporation, and servanthood.

Mission is the action of the God of grace who creates
out of love, who calls a covenant people community, who
graciously redeems and reconciles a broken and sinful
people in Jesus Christ, and who through the Holy Spirit
calls the church into being as the instrument of the good
news of grace to all people. Mission is also the church's
grateful response to what God has done, is doing, and will
do. A grace-formed church is one which responsibly par-
ticipates in God's action in and for the world ...

Mission is witness to the God of grace. Witness has
four essential dimensions:

1. Proclamation. We proclaim the Gospel. We tell the
story of God's gracious initiative to redeem the world. The
imperative for proclamation is found in the Gospel itself
Good news cannot be withheld.

2. Evangelism. To proclaim the Gospel is fundamen-
tal; to invite persons to personal decision for and commit-
ment to Jesus Christ and his being is equally fundamental.
The Gospel calls forth response. The invitation to respond
to the gospel is evangelism.

3. Incorporation. We call persons to be incorporated
into the Body of Christ. All who are in Christ share in the
mission of Christ.

4. Servanthood. We serve as agents of God's liberating
and reconciling grace among the nations. Witness is to
whole persons and their social contexts. The wholeness of
grace entails justice, mercy, and forgiveness. Our aim is,
therefore, transformed people in a transformed world.
{The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 69, selected, pages
85-86)

Mutual Accountability

We are mutually accountable in the efficient use of
human, natural, and financial resources.

The outreach of the church springs from the working
of the Spirit. As United Methodists, we respond to that
working through a connectional polity based upon mutual
responsiveness and accountability. Connectional ties bind
us together in faith and service in our global witness,
enabling faith to become active in love and intensifying
our desire for peace and justice in the world. {Jhe Book of
Discipline, 1992 - % 65, p. 47)

c) Community. The principle provides for relation-
ships of Holy Spirit-empowered community wherein sup-
port, supervision, healing, accountability, and growth can
take place for persons and groups across the denomina-
tion. Our life together, with its mutual accountability and
relationships, keeps us ever alert to being faithful to the
gospel in all our efforts. Through it the whole system may
be fueled with life-giving Spirit energy. {The Book of Dis-
cipline, 1992 - % 112.3 c, p. 113)

Scriptural Holiness

We believe in the scripture as witness to faith. It is
the revelation of God's grace and salvation through
Jesus Christ.

Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian
faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition,
vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.

Scripture is primary, revealing the Word of God "so
far as it is necessary for our salvation. " Therefore, our
theological task, in both its critical and constructive as-
pects, focuses on disciplined study of the Bible. {The Book
of Discipline, 1992 - i 68, p. 76)

Social Justice

We are committed to social justice.

For Wesley there is no religion but social religion, no
holiness but social holiness. The communal forms of faith
in the Wesleyan tradition not only promote personal
growth; they also equip and mobilize us for mission and

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service to the world. (The Book of Discipline, 1992 - \ 65,
p. 47)

...The Social Principles are a prayerful and thought-
ful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to
the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound
biblical and theological foundation as historically demon-
strated in United Methodist traditions. They are intended
to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic
spirit The Social Principles are a call to all members of
The United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dia-
logue of faith and practice. (The Book of Discipline, 1992
- Preface to Social Principles, p. 87) (See also "Our Social
Creed," The Book of Discipline, 1992 - 1 76, p. 106-107)

Stewardship

We believe all baptized persons in the body of Christ
become co-workers with God in all of life and creation.
The work of stewardship shall:

...encourage both individual and corporate steward-
ship, informing them that tithing is the minimum goal of
giving in The United Methodist Church. Using as a basis
Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, stewardship
shall have five components: (1) the use of God-given
talents, (2) personal financial management and life com-
mitments, (3) personal giving through the church, (4)
local church management of resources, and (5) the Chris-
tian steward's responsibility in God's world. (TJie Book of
Discipline, 1992 - ^ 262.10 (a), p. 157)

Vital Worship

We believe in vital and culturally diverse worship
experiences.

We believe divine worship is the duty and privilege of
all persons who, in the presence of God, botv in adoration,
humility and dedication. We believe divine worship is
essential to the life of the Church, and that the assembling
of the people of God for such worship is necessary to
Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

We believe the order of public worship need not be the
same in all places but may be modified by the Church
according to circumstances and the needs of all. It should
be in a language and form understood by the people,
consistent with the Holy Scriptures to the edification of all,
and in accordance with the order and Discipline of the
Church. (The Book of Discipline, 1992 - % 67, Article XIII,
p. 69)

The Recommendations for Mission

and Ministry of The United Methodist

Church into the 21st Century

As the writer of I Corinthians taught the early
church:

As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The
eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor
again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you. " On the
contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker
are indispensable, and those members of the body that we
think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our
less respectable members are treated with greater respect;
whereas our more respectable members do not need this.
But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor
to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension
within the body, but the members may have the same care
for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together
with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with
it." (I Corinthians 12:20-26)

We believe that an interactive organizational proc-
ess is the best way for The United Methodist Church to
live toward this vision. By interactive, we mean a body
that encourages interdependence among the parts.
Such a living entity would encourage individuals to
present their different perspectives, concerns, and
ideas. It would allow each member of the body to grow
and learn in interaction with all other members of the
body. "For as in one body we have many members, and
not all the members have the same function, so we, who
are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we
are members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5) Through
such interaction, we hope to live out the vision of what
God calls us to become: A joyful and loving community
transformed by grace and transforming the world.

"Our VISION is of a world transformed into
the likeness of Christ where faithful persons ac-
tively manifest the love of God and neighbor while
fostering true commtmity among all persons."

We believe that the design for mission and ministry
recommended in this document helps us toward this
vision in many ways.

• Focus on the local congregation's mission to the
world provides the opportunity for effective re-
sourcing from all other parts of the body consis-
tent with the vision.

• Repetition of essential functions (Outreach, Nur-
ture, and Witness Ministries; Leadership Minis-
tries; Administrative and Fiscal Ministries;
Council) provides consistency to draw all into the
community of the whole.

• Flexibility in essential and additional functions
provides for local congregations to adapt to local
needs and focus outreach in ministry beyond the
congregation.

• Shared dialogue among all parts of the body in
interactive ministry settings will allow for the de-
velopment of a singular focus on the vision to
guide the ministry of The United Methodist
Church.

• Interactive decision-making provides for mutual
ministry resource development and accountability

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563

among the various parts of the body as the whole
denomination focuses its resources on our vision
and mission.

• Simplicity of the design provides an opportunity
for each ministry setting to understand and partici-
pate within the connection.

• A focus on leadership ministries provides a setting
to develop resources and styles of ministry that
support individuals in their faith journeys and com-
plement training for a particular leadership task.

• The interactive style for all of the ministries pro-
vides a way for the whole denomination and all of
its parts to act together in mission throughout the
world.

• Simplified structures minimize redundancy, pro-
vide for greater cost effectiveness, and encourage
other efficiencies to free resources to be allocated
for greater mission.

As you read the descriptions of the following design,
we encourage you to experience the synergy of how this
dynamic will move us toward our vision of a preferred
future.

Provisions of 77ie Book of Discipline shall remain
in force unless specifically noted in this docu-
ment We assiune that organizational ministry
units such as the United Methodist Women,
United Methodist Youth Fellowship, United Meth-
odist Men, local church lay leaders, district lay
leaders, annual conference lay leaders, etc., will
remain in place. Also district and annual confer-
ence groupings such as these named above shall
continue.

The Interactive Body - The Connection
of Conferences

We believe that the interactive body is the way
Christ would have us live as Christ's Church in the
world. In the interactive body, we meet together with a
common vision and purpose. When we are involved in
an interactive body, we listen, talk, and work to under-
stand each other, no matter how different we may be. As
we share, we learn and are transformed. Together, led
by the Holy Spirit through this interactive process, we
are able to create something new — something that is
greater than we could have done alone — to perform
focused, Christ-led ministry in the world.

When many individuals led by the Holy Spirit are
working together in this way, they create a community.
We believe that such a community:

• Lives by participation.

• Learns and grows through diversity.

• Asks for mutual understanding.

• Builds ever-increasing energy and joy through
interdependence.

• Serves as the body of Christ in the world.

This concept is not new to United Methodists. Our
ideal has always been to work together in conference,
conciliar, and connectional ways to serve God's church.
Our reality, however, frequently falls short of this ideal.
The interactive body that we describe supports a con-
nection that does more than merely hold us together. It
helps us all teach and learn from each other. Practicing
these interactive skills in our Church lives, we learn how
to interact in the world through evangelism and social
justice, looking always toward our vision of a world
transformed into the likeness of Christ.

During the Connectional Issues Study, we heard
voices from across the connection asking the Church to
engender this kind of community. The recommenda-
tions in this document encourage interaction at many
points across the Church. We interact with other per-
sons in ministry, not to ask permission but to share
insights, learn new perspectives, and share the glory of
God. Areas of ministry interact not to compete for power
and confrol, but to build solutions that move the church
toward its vision. The connection of conferences
(church, disfrict, annual, regional, and global confer-
ence sessions) brings persons together in constructive
interaction to make the decisions that build the future
of the community in the world. The conference bodies
interact to bring together local and global needs and
resources for mission. The general superintendency
provides interactions that bring forth the spiritual and
temporal welfare of the Church as a whole. Clergy and
laypersons interact to sfrengthen and teach one another
and to build leadership that is empowering and servant-
centered.

This section describes the various parts of the inter-
connected body that we identify as the connectional
design for The United Methodist Church. It describes
an interrelated, interdependent organization that will
help us all stay true to our identity, purpose and mission.
It will keep us focused on our vision and mission as a
denomination. This section includes the following parts:

The Connection of Conferences

• The Local Church (Church Conference)

• The District Conference (Optional)

• The Annual Conference

• The Regional Conference

• The Global Conference

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"The United Methodist Church is a connectional
structure maintained through its chain of conferences."
(The Book of Discipline, 1992 p. 292). Data collected
from across the church continues to affirm our connec-
tional traditions. Our recommended design seeks to
simplify the organizational components and improve
local church, district and annual conference relation-
ships in the following ways:

• Utilize the local church and its church conference
as a body where local congregations develop a
vision for mission and ministry for their commu-
nity and the world, consistent with the connec-
tional traditions of our church. In a
multiple-church pastoral charge this may be con-
vened as a joint church conference. Also, this
would be a setting for planning, evaluating, and
celebrating the ministry of Christian disciples in
tiiat place and around the globe.

• Utilize the district conference (optional) - The
Book of Discipline, 1992 f 749-762, pp. 410423,
allows the annual conference to provide for district
conferences and other organizations.

• Affirm the annual conference as the basic body of
the connection to support the ministries of local
congregations. It will also provide for the mission
and ministry of the annual conference.

• Establish regional conferences around the world
that will resource the outreach, nurture, and wit-
ness ministries for local congregations through
resourcing the annual conferences in their defined
geographical areas. They will also provide other
resources for mission and ministry of their region
and the world.

• Create a global conference that will represent the
worldwide nature of The United Methodist
Church and provide constitutional, doctrinal, and
theological foundations for mission and ministry.

The Nature of Superintendency

Integral to the Connection of Conferences is the
cohesion provided by the superintendency of The
United Methodist Church: the bishops and district su-
perintendents. The Constitution grants the Council of
Bishops responsibility for the "general oversight and
promotion of the temporal and spiritual interests of the
entire Church . . . ." (TJie Book ojF Discipline, 1992 - The
Constitution, ^ 50, p. 35). Accordingly, through the
general superintendency, the district superintendents
share these responsibilities with the bishops in the com-
munities of the district in which they serve. {The Book
of Discipline, 1992, ^ 519, pp. 282-283)

In order to exercise meaningful leadership, the Cabi-
net is to meet at stated intervals. The Cabinet is charged
with the oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs of
a conference, to be executed in regularized consultation
and cooperation with other councils and service agencies

of the conference. (The Book of Discipline, 1992, ^ 529.4,
p. 287)

Tlie superintendents serve a crucial role in the con-
nectional structure in maintaining the interactive proc-
ess within the connection of conferences. Any future
design shall recognize and preserve the responsibilities
of the Church's superintendents for linking the mandate
of the Church to the world:

It is their task ... to see that all matters, temporal and
spiritual, are administered in a manner which acknow-
ledges the ways and the insights of the world critically and
with understanding while remaining cognizant of and
faithful to the mandate of the Church. The formal leader-
ship in The United Methodist Church, located in these
superintending offices, is an integral part of the system of
an itinerant ministry. (The Book of Discipline, 1992, %
501, p. 269)

In order to exercise meaningful leadership, the Coun-
cil of Bishops is to meet at stated intervals. The Council of
Bishops is charged with the oversight of the spiritual and
temporal affairs of the whole Church, to be executed in
regularized consultation and cooperation with other coun-
cils and service agencies of the Church. (The Book of
Discipline, 1992, 1 527.3, p. 287)

Bishops, as general superintendents, carry the re-
sponsibility corporately and individually to uphold the
apostolic faith and the theological traditions of The
United Methodist Church {The Book of Discipline, 1992,
"J 514, p. 280). They bear the task of proclamation of
Christian unity which is a gift of the Holy Spirit They
also promote the evangelistic witness of Tlie United
Methodist Church. Ecumenical and interfaith work
within the Church is done in close consultation with the
superintendents of the Church.

The superintendents, along with ordained and dia-
conal ministers, are charged with the equipping of the
whole membership of the Church in the ministry of
Jesus Christ. These persons "exist to intensify and make
more effective the self-understanding of the whole Peo-
ple of God as servants in Christ's name" (77ie Book of
Discipline, 1992, ^ 301, p. 189) . In the interactive process
the superintendents provide interconnection and inter-
relationship within the connection of conferences.

As far as is possible, the interactions between and
among the conferences and superintendents will be
established through covenantal relationships, rather
than regulations. Each conference will be accountable
to the vision through this covenantal relationship.
TTirough these relationships, the mission and ministry
of conferences will be held accountable to:

The core value of an inclusive United Methodist
Church, where each "conference" membership shall
reflect a cross-section of the membership, including
ethnicity, gender, youth, young adults, older adults,
lay/clergy, and persons with disabilities.

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565

The Identity, Purpose and Mission of The United
Methodist Church, as identified in this document and
stated fully in The Book of Discipline, 1992.

The Vision, as developed and stated within each
conference, consistent with the vision for the entire
denomination.

Detailed structural components beyond those es-
sential for mission (Outreach, Nurture, and Witness
Ministries; Leadership Ministries; Administrative and
Fiscal Ministries; The Council) will not be determined
by one conference for another. Rather, each conference
will be responsible for structuring itself in ways consis-
tent with its mission.

We believe that an interactive relationship among
the conferences will meet the needs for our historic
connectional relationships across the denomination. It
will also provide the flexibility to respond to identified
needs for effective mission and ministry.

The Conference Settings

The following sections describe in more detail how
the interactive organization will function within each
setting for mission.

The T^cal Church

Paragraphs 247 and 249 of The Book of Discipline,
1992 state the purpose of the Charge Conference and
the Church Conference respectively.

In keeping with the interactive and participatory
nature of the recommendations within this report, we
recommend that local churches hold Church Confer-
ences rather than Charge Conferences. This would be
in keeping with f 249 of The Book of Discipline, 1992
which reads:

To encourage broader participation by members of the
church, the Charge Conference may be convened as the
Church Conference, extending the vote to all local church
members present at such meetings. {The Book of Disci-
pline, 1992 - % 249, p. 140)

The Book of Discipline, 1992 in % 201 through 1 204,
describes the purpose of the local church:

Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Church
exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of
believers and the redemption of the world. {The Book of
Discipline, 1992 - ^ 201, p. 116)

Therefore, the local church is to minister to persons in
the community where the church is located, to provide
appropriate training and nurture to all, to cooperate in
ministry with other local churches, to defend God's crea-
tion and live as an ecologically responsible community,
and to participate in the worldwide mission of the Church,

as minimal expectations of an authentic church. {The
Book of Discipline, 1992 - "H 202, p. 116)

Further, the local congregation must embody inclu-
siveness:

Inclusiveness of the Church. — The United Methodist
Church is a part of the Church Universal, which is one
Body in Christ. Therefore all persons, without regard to
race, color, national origin, or economic condition, shall
be eligible to attend its worship services, to participate in
its programs, and, when they take the appropriate vows,
to be admitted into its membership in any local church in
the connection. In The United Methodist Church no con-
ference or other organizational unit of the Church shall be
structured so as to exclude any member or any constituent
body of the Church because of race, color, national origin,
or economic condition. (The Book of Discipline, 1992 -
The Constitution, ^ 4, p. 22)

Given our historic identity, purpose, and mission,
the local church must be free to organize itself to meet
the missional challenges of its community and the
world. Also it must keep its covenant of connection with
all other parts of the church body.

The need for organizational accountability within
the current covenantal connection for the local church
has often created difficulties for our congregations, es-
pecially those with small membership. The proposed
interactive organization seeks to transform this tension
between accountability and flexibility into a creative
force.

Toward this end, we recommend that each local
church utilize this interactive organization which con-
tains these essential elements:

The Church Conference

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries

Leadership Ministries

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries

The Council

These essential elements are based on two funda-
mental assumptions.

First, according to our belief in the general
ministry of all Christian believers, tiie mission and
ministry of the church are the responsibility of
each and every member. The organization within
the congregation exists to provide support emd
resources for its mission in the world. The organ-
izational structures, themselves, are not intended
to be the sotu"ce of ministry in the community.

Second, each local church will need to deter-
mine the organizational details needed for its mis-
sion. Within the simple four-part body identified
above, and the Church Conference, each local
congregation could establish the additional task

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DCA Advance Edition

forces, committees, or commissions it deems nec-
essary.

The functions of these essential ministries for the
local church are described below.

The Church Conference

Membership: All local church members.
It will:

• Determine the number of members of the Council
and ministry areas.

• Receive nominations and elect members for the
three ministries areas and at-large members of the
Council.

• Form a Vision Team to develop a vision for the
local church. The Vision Team, in consultation
with the Council, will recommend a vision to the
Church Conference for adoption and referral to
die Council for implementation.

• Approve compensation for paid staff.

• Elect member(s) to the annual conference.

• Evaluate the work of the Council in light of vision,
core values and beliefs, and traditions of The
United Methodist Church.

• Fulfill the functions and responsibilities as pres-
ently stated in % 247-252 of Tlie Book of Discipline,
1992.

• Meet at least annually.

• Monitor to assure racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the congregation and for inclusion of
persons with disability.

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries.

Opportunities for mission and ministry will be initiated
and developed through this group for the congregation.
TTiis unit will focus all of the human, spiritual, and
financial resources of the congregation on the primary
roles of outreach, nurture, and witness. Though the
detailed organizational structures may vary from one
local church to another, we anticipate that the essential
functions of this body will include;

• Vital worship

• Bible study and faith development

• Evangelism, witnessing, and faith sharing

• Nurturing persons in Christian living and values
(education, stewardship)

• Missional and outreach ministries in the local
community and around the world (care, compas-
sion, advocacy)

• Social justice and advocacy

• Support for groups such as UMYF, UMYA, UMW,
UMM

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender and age inclu-
siveness of the congregation and for inclusion of
persons with disability

Leadership Ministries. Opportunities for educa-
tional and leadership ministries of the congregation will
be initiated and implemented through this group. This
will include calling forth and preparing the membership
for direct mission and ministry to the community (ies).
This unit will provide resourcing that is needed for
effective servant leadership of the laity throughout the
local church. Though the detailed organizational struc-
tures may be different for each local church, we antici-
pate that the essential functions will include:

Biblical, theological, and spiritual formation for
teachers and leaders

Education in the traditions of United Methodism

Training to support mission and ministry

Training to support administrative and fiscal man-
agement

Leader recruitment, development, training, and
deployment for lay ministry

Organizational development and management im-
provement skills

Resource development and distribution

Development of a process for nomination of lead-
ership to be used by the Church Conference

Ministry to students on college campuses

Self-monitoring for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the congregation and for inclusion of
persons with disability

Staff/parish relations

Support of candidates for representative ministry

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries. It is

through this part of the body that the legal, financial, and
administrative management will be developed to carry
out outreach, nurture, and witness ministries of the local
church. Though the detailed structures may differ from
one local church to another, we anticipate that the es-
sential functions of this body will include:

• Budgeting, fiscal review, and financial resourcing

• Communications within the congregation and be-
yond

• Interpretation of the connectional stories of out-
reach, nurture, and witness ministries

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567

• Ongoing attention to improvement, cost effective-
ness and efficiency

• Data management

• Financial policies and procedures

• Property and legal management

• Recording and preserving the memory and tradi-
tion of the church

• Self-monitoring to assure racial, gender, and age
inclusiveness of the congregation and for inclu-
sion of persons with disability

The Council

Membership: Representatives of the three ministries
areas (Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries;
Leadership Ministries; and Administrative and Fiscal
Ministries) elected by them, and at-large members
elected by the Church Conference from the congrega-
tion. The Council will provide communication and inter-
action among the three ministries areas. Membership
of the three Ministries and the Council will be selected
to represent a cross-section of the congregation, includ-
ing ethnicity, gender, youth, young adults, older adults,
and persons with disabilities. This diversity will enrich
the interactive approach to and carrying out of mission
and ministry.

ItwiU:

• Be accountable to the Church Conference.

• Be the policy-setting and decision-making body
for the congregation between the sessions of the
Church Conference.

• Implement the vision established by the Church
Conference, core values and beliefs, purpose, and
mission to support the three ministry units in
coordinating and focusing all spiritual, human,
and fiscal resources to meet identified needs for
outreach, nurture, and witness. Evaluate the work
of the congregation in light of the vision, core
values and beliefs, and traditions of The United
Methodist Church.

• Help define and resolve issues and other differ-
ences that may naturally arise within and among
the ministry units.

• Foster and ensure vital ecumenical and interfaith
relationships within the life of the church and all
its ministry.

• listen and respond to the spiritual and physical
needs of the congregation and the larger commu-
nity.

• Monitor all units for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the congregation and for inclusion of
persons with disability.

The ministry units will be empowered to make de-
cisions consistent with policies set by the Council.

The three ministry units, the Council, and the
Church Conference will comprise the essential interac-
tive organizational design for the local congregation.
This proposal has many similarities with the structures
for the local church as they are currently described in
TJte Book of Discipline, 1992. Some significant differ-
ences are apparent, however.

• Missional, administrative, and educational per-
spectives are brought together into a co-equal
relationship within the Council for the purpose of
making decisions collaboratively.

• The Council focuses the spiritual, human, and
fiscal resources of the congregation on the vision
and core values and beliefs, so that each decision
can be made within the purpose and traditions of
our church.

• All parts of the body are held in mutual responsive-
ness and accountability throughout the decision-
making processes.

• Leadership within the congregation and its organ-
izational life will be shared between clergy and
laity.

• Subcommittees, commissions, and task forces are
determined by the congregation. They can be cre-
ated and dissolved as needs change.

• The coordinating functions of the interactive or-
ganization are drawn from, not imposed upon, the
coordinated functional units.

• The number of members needed to serve within
each essential element is determined by the needs
and available resources within the local congrega-
tion.

• The decision of the ministries and Council are
informed by the vision stated by the Church Con-
ference.

• Flexibility allows local churches to organize for
their own missional needs.

• The Leadership Ministries can focus attention on
productive servant leadership skills for clergy and
laity.

• The Council would be expected to evaluate the
ministries of the congregation regularly and to
encourage refinements to enable the congrega-
tion to meet its ministry potential.

The General Council on Ministries believes that this
interactive design will provide the continuity for local
churches to participate effectively in the United Meth-

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odist connection, while allowing flexibility for the con-
gregation to be in mission in its local environment. To
implement this, descriptive and interpretive materials
will be provided to assist local congregations in organiz-
ing.

This interactive organizational design will be flex-
ible enough to meet the needs of congregations of all
sizes. The organizational design may be transformed as
needed to respond to the call of the Spirit and actively
manifest the love of God and neighbor.

The District Conference (OptJonal)

Annual conferences choosing this option can pro-
vide a closer connection to local churches for the pur-
pose of supporting and resourcing their ministries.
Within this new interactive model, it is anticipated that
this option for districts, sub-districts, clusters, and the
like would continue. Lay and clergy leadership, with the
district superintendent, would design the necessary
structures in each district.

The Annual Conference

In ^ 701 of TTie Book of Discipline, 1992 the purpose
of the annual conference is stated clearly.

The purpose of the Annual Conference is to make
disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for
ministry and by providing a connection for ministry be-
yond the local church; all to the glory of God. (The Book of
Discipline, 1992 - ^ 701, p. 328)

In fulfilling this purpose, as the basic organizational
body of The United Methodist Church, the annual con-
ference supports and resources the ministries of the
local church in its mission and provides its own out-
reach, nurture, and witness in ways that cannot reason-
ably be accomplished by its local churches. This design
assumes the continuation of the annual conference ses-

We understand that many annual conferences have
already restructured their agencies, or are in the process
of doing so, to be more effective in mission. We hope
that our recommendation will provide guidance for con-
tinuity in structural patterns across the connection.

We believe the interactive structure provides an
essential unity while still allowing for the flexibility nec-
essary for the annual conference to meet its calling.

Membership on all organizational units within the
annual conference will be selected to represent a cross-
section of the annual conference membership, including
ethnicity, gender, youth, young adults, older adults,
lay/clergy, and persons with disabilities.

Toward this end, we recommend the following es-
sential elements for annual conference organization
across the connection:

• Annual Conference Session

• Outreach, Nurture and Witness Ministries

• Leadership Ministries

• Administrative and Fiscal Ministries

• The Council

As noted above, each annual conference will identify
the additional components to meet its unique ministry
needs and resources.

The Annual Conference Session

Membership: Appropriate lay and clergy members
as provided for in The Book of Discipline, 1992 - The
Constitution, ^ 35, pp. 30-31.

ItwiU:

• Meet at least annually.

• Evaluate the work of the Council in light of vision,
core values and beliefs, and traditions of The
United Methodist Church.

• Determine the number of members of the Council
and three ministry areas.

• Receive nominations and elect members for the
three ministries areas and at-large members of the
Council.

• Approve budget for financial support of the annual
conference.

• Elect member (s) to the regional and global confer-
ences.

• Form a Vision Team to develop a vision for the
annual conference. The Vision Team, in consult-
ation with the three ministries, the Council and
local churches, will recommend a vision to the
annual conference for adoption and referral to the
Council for implementation.

• Fulfill the functions and responsibilities of the
annual conference as presently stated in ^ 701-749
of The Book of Discipline, 1992.

• Monitor to assure racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the annual conference and for inclu-
sion of persons with disability.

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries.

The purpose of this unit is the same as it is for the local
churches: to focus all of the human, spiritual, and finan-
cial resources available on mission and ministry to the
world. Each annual conference will determine a detailed
organizational design to support the outreach, nurture,
and witness functions necessary for ministry. We antici-
pate that essential functions will include:

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569

• Providing resources and support for outreach,
nurture, and witness ministries of local churches.

• Missional activities within the annual conference
that cannot reasonably be accomplished by local
churches.

• Social justice and advocacy activities that cannot
be accomplished by an individual or group of local
churches.

• Advocate for all issues of inclusiveness within the
annual conference.

• Support for connectional ministries of the denomi-
nation and the interaction between the local
church and the connection.

• Communications among local churches for inter-
pretation of connectional ministries.

• New church development.

• Revitalization of local congregations.

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender and age inclu-
siveness of the annual conference and for inclu-
sion of persons with disability.

Leadership Ministries. Opportunities for educa-
tion and leadership ministries for clergy, laity, and dia-
conal ministers will be initiated and implemented
through this group. It will identify, provide and evaluate
continuing education for ordained and diaconal minis-
ters. This part of the body will provide resources needed
for effective servant leadership within the annual confer-
ence and its local churches. Each annual conference will
determine the necessary organization for leadership
ministries. We anticipate these essential functions will
be included:

• Support for leadership ministries of local churches
(see list under "local church")

• Leader development and training for clergy and
laity that cannot be accomplished by individual or
groups of local churches

• Organizational development and management im-
provement skills acquired by leaders across the
annual conference

• Development of a process for nomination of lead-
ership to be used by the annual conference

• Resource development and distribution of re-
sources that are most appropriately designed by
the annual conference

• Support for persons in appointments beyond the
local church, such as chaplains and campus min-
isters

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender and age inclu-
siveness within the annual conference and for in-
clusion of persons with disability

• Implementation of the functions of ordained and
consecrated ministry in cooperation with the Cabi-
net

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries. The pur-
pose of this unit is similar to that for local churches. It is
to provide the legal, financial, and administrative man-
agement services to carry out outreach, nurture, wit-
ness, and leadership of the annual conference. Each
annual conference will determine the detailed organiza-
tional design necessary for administrative and fiscal
functions. We anticipate that the functions of this body
will include:

• Support for administrative and fiscal ministries of
the local churches

• Providing budgeting and financial resourcing for
the annual conference

• Ongoing attention to improvement, cost effective-
ness, and efficiency of annual conference minis-
tries

• Data management for annual conference minis-
tries

• Financial policies and procedures for the annual
conference

• Interpretation outside the connection for out-
reach, nurture, and witness

• Responsibility for property and legal management

• Recording and preserving the memory and tradi-
tion of the church in the annual conference

• Management of investments, insurance and pen-
sions

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the annual conference and for inclu-
sion of persons wath disability

The Council

Membership: Representative members of the three
ministries areas (Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Min-
istries; Leadership Ministries; and Administrative and
Fiscal Ministries), elected by them, and at-large mem-
bers elected by the annual conference. The Council will
provide communication and interaction among the
three ministries areas. Membership will be selected to
represent a cross-section of the annual conference, in-
cluding ethnicity, gender, youth, young adults, older
adults, lay/clergy, and persons with disabilities. This
diversity will enrich the interactive approach to and
carrying out of mission and ministry.

It will:

• Be accountable to the annual conference session.

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• Utilize the vision established by the annual confer-
ence session, core values and beliefs, purpose, and
mission to support the three ministry units in
coordinating and focusing all spiritual, human and
fiscal resources to meet identified needs for out-
reach, nurture, and witness.

• Help define and resolve issues and other differ-
ences that may naturally arise within and among
the ministry units.

• Be the policy-setting and decision-making body
for the annual conference between the sessions
within limits set by the annual conference.

• Foster and ensure vital ecumenical and interfaith
relationships within the life of the annual confer-
ence in consultation with the annual conference
cabinet.

• Implement the vision for the annual conference.

• Evaluate the work of the annual conference in light
of the vision, core values and beliefs, and traditions
of TTie United Methodist Church.

• Hold leaders accountable to the vision, core values
and beliefs, and traditions, of The United Method-
ist Church.

• Confer with local churches (Church Conferences)
regarding their accountability to the vision, core
values and beliefs, and traditions of The United
Methodist Church.

• Listen and respond to the spiritual and physical
needs of the local congregations, the annual con-
ference, and the global community.

• Provide for communications among local
churches for interpretation of connectional minis-
tries.

• Monitor all units for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the annual conference and for inclu-
sion of persons with disability.

The ministries units will be empowered to make
decisions consistent with policies set by the Council.

The three ministry units, the Council, and the an-
nual conference session will comprise the essential in-
teractive organizational design for the annual
conference. The functions envisioned for the annual
conference in the interactive organization are not strik-
ingly different from those currently fulfilled by the an-
nual conference. In fulfilling these functions, the annual
conference will, however, support our doctrinal heritage
that declares:

The outreach of the Church springs from the working
of the Spirit. As United Methodists, we respond to that
working through a connectional polity based upon mutual
responsiveness and accountability. Connectional ties bind
us together in faith and service in our global witness,
enabling faith to become active in love and intensifying

our desire for peace and justice in the world. (The Book of
Discipline, 1992 - \ 65, p. 47)

Further, the interactive body supports the following
innovations in the ministries of the annual conferences:

• Interactive processes for decision-making in the
annual conference council will generate a coopera-
tive, rather than independent, and coordinated
process .

• Repeated ministry units make it easier for a mem-
ber of the local church to understand and appreci-
ate the organization of the annual conference.

• The Council, by implementing the annual confer-
ence Vision, focuses its spiritual, human, and fiscal
resources so that each decision is made in the
context of the purpose and traditions of the
church.

• All parts of the body are held in mutual account-
ability throughout the decision-making processes.

• Leadership will be shared by clergy and laity.

• Needed subcommittees, commissions, and task
forces are determined as they emerge from per-
ceived needs. Each can be created and dissolved
as needs change.

• The number of persons needed to serve within
each essential organizational element is deter-
mined by the needs and available resources of the
annual conference.

• The covenant connection with local churches is
facilitated through relationship and dialogue,
rather than rigid regulations.

• A conscious effort is made to deal only with issues
that relate to the annual conference, while issues
of wider scope are dealt with in the regional con-
text and local issues in the local churches.

• Given the global nature of our church these rec-
ommendations would apply equally to all annual
conferences in the church, including annual con-
ferences in the central conferences.

• The annual conference council would be expected
to evaluate the effectiveness of the ministries of
the conference regularly and to help develop re-
sponses to enable the conference more effectively
to meet its unique calling.

The General Council on Ministries believes this
interactive body for annual conferences will provide the
support needed by local churches while allowing the
annual conference to provide for its leadership and ad-
ministrative roles within the annual conference. The
interactive design has this flexibility.

The Regional Conference

The regional conference is a new body, so it is not
currentiy described in The Book of Discipline, 1992. This

General and Judicial Administration

571

concept envisions several regional conferences around
the globe. The number is not determined at this time.
The regional conference will have responsibility and
accountability for some current functions of the General
Conference, the central conferences, and the jurisdic-
tional conferences such as annual conference bounda-
ries; the respective regional manuals for ordering the
life and ministry of the church, consistent with The Book
of Discipline, 1992; regional budgets; structures for mis-
sion and ministry. Many details concerning the regional
conferences have yet to be worked out. The General
Council on Ministries acknowledges that major work on
the concept of regional conferences for the Church is
being developed by the Council of Bishops. It has been
in consultation with the Bishops' Committee on the
Global Nature of the Church. The General Council on
Ministries will continue to collaborate with the Council
of Bishops in the development of this concept.

At present the General Council on Ministries envi-
sions the regional conference would perform six com-
plementary functions:

• Discern and articulate God's vision for the Region

• Provide support to annual conferences for out-
reach, nurture, and witness ministries; administra-
tive and fiscal ministries; and leadership ministries

• Perform outreach, nurture, and witness minis-
tries; administrative and fiscal ministries; and lead-
ership development ministries in the regional
context as determined by the regional conference
or requested by one or more of the member annual
conferences or the global conference

• Support the connection between and among the
annual conferences in the regional and global con-
ference

• Elect bishops

• Monitor all units for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the region and for inclusion of persons
with disability

The interactive design within the Regional Confer-
ence would be similar to that of the annual conference.
The detailed organization to perform these functions in
the region will be determined by each regional confer-

The Regional Conference Session

A regional conference session will be held to de-
velop a vision for the region's mission and ministry and
to care for the ministry concerns of the region.

Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries.

The purpose of this unit is to focus all of the human,
spiritual, and financial resources available in the region
on mission and ministry to the world. Each regional
conference will determine the detailed organizational

design to support these ministries. We anticipate that
essential functions will include:

• Support for outreach, nurture, and witness minis-
tries of the annual conferences within the region.

• Cooperative missional activities within the region
and the world.

• Social justice and advocacy activities within the
region in partnership with the annual conferences.

• Advocacy for inclusiveness and accountability for
monitoring issues of inclusivity.

• Support and interpretation for connectional minis-
tries of the denomination and the interaction be-
tween the annual conferences and the broader
connection.

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender and age inclu-
siveness of the region and for inclusion of persons
with disability.

Leadership Ministries. Opportunities for educa-
tion and leadership ministries for clergy and laity will be
supported through this body. This part of the body will
provide support for effective lay and clergy servant lead-
ership within the region. Each regional conference will
determine the necessary organization for leadership
ministries. We anticipate that some of the essential
functions will include:

• Leader development and training for clergy and
laity that cannot be accomplished by the annual
conferences, or are not determined by the global
conference.

• Support for ministries of theological education,
higher education, and campus ministries which
cannot be provided by the annual conferences or
are not determined by the global conference.

• Resource development and the distribution of re-
sources within the region.

• Self-monitoring for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness of the region and for inclusion of persons
with disability.

Administrative and Fiscal Ministries. The pur-
pose of this part of the body is to provide the legal,
financial, and administrative management services that
are necessary for the execution of the outreach, nurture,
and witness ministries and the leadership ministries of
the Region. Each regional conference will determine the
detailed organizational design necessary for the admin-
istrative and fiscal function. We anticipate that the func-
tions of this unit will include:

• Budgeting and financial resourcing for the re-
gional conference.

• Support for administrative and fiscal ministries for
the annual conferences.

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• Continuous improvement, cost effectiveness, and
efficiency for the regional conference ministries.

• Data management for the regional conference
ministries.

• Financial policies and procedures for the regional
conference.

• Legal management for the regional conference.

• Management of investment, property, and insur-
ance for the regional conference.

• Coordination and management of pension and
health-care benefits for professional servant lead-
ers in the Church within the Region where such
management is appropriate.

• Setf-monitoring for racial, gender and age inclu-
siveness of the Region and for inclusion of persons
with disability.

The Council

Membership: Representatives of the three ministries
areas (Outreach, Nurture, and Witness Ministries;
Leadership Ministries; and Administrative and Fiscal
Ministries) and at-large members selected by the re-
gional conference. Membership will be selected to rep-
resent a cross-section of the regional conference,
including ethnicity, gender, youth, young adults, older
adults, lay/clergy, and persons with disabilities. This
diversity will enrich the interactive approach to and
carrying out of mission and ministry.

This body would provide communication and inter-
action among the three ministry groups. It is anticipated
that the regional conference council will perform the
following functions:

• Be accountable to the regional conference

• Be the policy-setting and decision-making body
for the region between the sessions of the regional
conference

• Evaluate the work of the regional conference in
light of the vision, core values and beliefs, and
traditions of The United Methodist Church

• Foster and ensure vital ecumenical and interfaith
relationships within the region in consultation
with the bishops

• Help define and resolve issues and other differ-
ences that may naturally arise within and among
the ministry units

• Listen and respond to the spiritual and physical
needs of the annual conferences of the region and
the global community

• Monitor all units for racial, gender, and age inclu-
siveness in the region and for inclusion of persons
with disability

• Implement the vision established by the regional
conference, core values and beliefs, purpose, and
mission to support the three ministry units in
coordinating and focusing all spiritual, human and
fiscal resources to meet identified needs for out-
reach, nurture, and witness

Each regional conference may have the option of
establishing sub-regions to strengthen the effectiveness
of mission and ministry and may delegate such respon-
sibilities as are appropriate to the sub-regions.

It is anticipated that the regional conferences may
covenant with each other to allow for shared ministries
across regional boundaries.

The regional conferences will fulfill those responsi-
bilities currentiy exercised by jurisdictional conferences
and central conferences.

The General Council of Ministries believes this
interactive body for the regional conferences will pro-
vide the support needed by the annual conferences
while allowing the regional conference to provide for its
leadership and administrative roles within the region.
The interactive design has this flexibility.

The Global Conference

In the interactive organizational design, the purpose
of the global conference will be to care for all matters
distinctively connectional for The United Methodist
Church, specifically, matters of faith, doctrine, polity,
purpose, order, and vision for the global connection. The
global conference will have responsibility and account-
ability for the global design for mission. The design of
the global conference is still being developed.

As the General Council on Ministries consults and
develops this plan in collaboration with the Council of
Bishops, the relationship with autonomous Methodist
churches will need to be cared for in appropriate ways.

Conclusion to the Report

This report describes an interactive process. We
have used on-going interaction of listening, reflecting,
and recommending throughout the study process. We
believe that the recommendations presented in this
study will help the church move into the 21st century
with a renewed vision, new energy and focus on mission
and ministry.

On behalf of the General Council on Ministries we
thank all who have participated with us in this journey
of discernment — for their responses, prayers and com-
mitment We are confident that as we continue to dis-
cern and focus on God's vision, the Church can be used
for effective outreach, nurture and witness to the world.

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573

The members of the Connectional Issues Study
Task Force of the General Council on Ministries are:

Donald J. Hand
William S. Hatcher
James R King, Jr.
Heinrich Meinhardt
Jody P. Moxley
Pauline Niles
Conrad M. Page, Jr.
Bruce W. Robbins

Bette T Trumble, Chair
Reginald W. Ponder, Vice Chair
Anne D. Nicholson, Secretary
W. E. "Buddy" Arnold
Grayson L. Atha
Trina Bose
Delia C. Escareiio
James E. Gentry

Ex Officio Members:

Gordon C. Goodgame, Chair, Division on Conferences
and Connectional Issues

Kathi Austin Mahle, Vice Chair, Division on Confer-
ences and Connectional Issues

Anita L Hancock, Secretary, Division on Conferences
and Connectional Issues

William W. Dew, Jr., GCOM President
GCOM Staff

C. David Lundquist, General Secretary
Harold E. Wright, Associate General Secretary

Glossary

1. IDENTITY. PURPOSE. AND MISSION: This is
the guiding philosophy, the ultimate reason for being
that is non-negotiable. It is the fundamental reason The
United Methodist Church exists. It is the essence of The
United Methodist Church stated in its Constitution,
("Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task") as
stated in The Book of Discipline. 1992. These are the "core
values and beliefs" of The United Methodist Church. These
guiding principles should permeate United Methodist
ministry and give focus to the style and form of ministry
appropriate to a particular context of ministry. This is the
basis for "mutual accountability and responsiveness" as
The United Methodist Church lives out its being.

2. VISION: A God-given picture of the preferred
future for God's people. It is a shared and self-authenti-
cating picture that energizes the whole body and gives
unity and focus to the ministry of the whole United
Methodist Church. A clear and compelling vision is
essential for United Methodist people to see that the
direction and importance of their ministry is allied with
God's will.

The Identity, Purpose, and Mission of The United
Methodist Church are essential elements of vision for
United Methodism. The vision for United Methodism is
grounded in this self-understanding. God reveals to
God's people a picture of the preferred future for the

whole world. God calls and empowers, through the Holy
Spirit, the United Methodist people of God to live this
picture into reality. The vision is always the outgrowth
of the Identity, Purpose, and Mission that permeates
The United Methodist Church and informs its policies,
actions, and beliefs.

An effective vision for United Methodism must have
a compelling overall goal that serves as a focal point of
effort or ministry direction of The United Methodist
Church. This overall goal should be achievable within a
specific time frame. In contrast, Purpose and Mission
calls The United Methodist Church toward the fullness
of God's coming Kingdom which is never fully achiev-
able.

An interesting definition of vision is given from the
GRACE UPON GRACE^ document:

"TJiere is a unifying vision: Jesus Christ. The vision of
God's mission comes to us; it is neither engendered by the
church nor is it projected from the church. The vision is
God-given. We are people called by God. 'recipients of
grace, we become witnesses to grace. ' "

3. INTERACTIVE ORGANIZATION: The commu-
nity of United Methodism responds to the working of
the Holy Spirit, intentionally working through a connec-
tional polity based upon mutual responsiveness and
accountability. Connectional ties bind us together in
faith and service in our global witness. Any action, or
decision making, generates a cooperative and focused
direction that is based upon the announced/accepted
vision that rings true within United Methodism's Iden-
tity, Purpose and Mission. The focus would be ministry
action per se, not forms or groups preparing for ministry.
Further, the energy of the organization is collaboratively
directed toward the achievement of the overall goal of
the organization or the goal of the local church, district
or cluster of churches, annual conference, regional or
global conference.

An interactive organization seeks to hold the parts
of the body in mutual accountability through interactive
discussion and dialogue as vision is clarified, "Identity,
Purpose and Mission" is reflected upon, and decisions
are made.

Accountability, supervision, oversight of the organi-
zation is primarily done within the organization as parts
of the body reflect upon their alignment with the whole
body's commitment to the vision and verification that its
programs, resources, and goals are expressive of and
consistent with The United Methodist Church's "Iden-
tity, Purpose and Mission" and overall goal.

1 "Grace Upon Grace: The Mission Statement of The United Methodist Church," 1990, Graded Press

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The decisions and directions for resourcing are
made at the place nearest to the hands-on ministry being
implemented and notfrom some outside source or body.

Decisions are made on the basis of need and crea-
tivity to accomplish the stated goal by the most inclusive
and diverse grouping within the organization. Given the
identity and purpose of United Methodism, this interac-
tive decision making would involve both laity and clergy
and would conform to the stated goals of inclusivity and
diversity.

4. FLEXIBILITY: Much data has been collected and
archived through the Connectional Issues Study that
calls for some freedom within the annual conference and
local church structures for practical ministry that does
not comply with all the "shalls" of The Book of Discipline,
1992. Flexibility in this report refers to potential ways
that could allow for limited freedom that strictiy con-
forms to the Identity, Purpose and Mission of United
Methodism. Flexibility does not mean freedom to act in
any way a part of the organization chooses. All parts of
the organization must remain faithful to the spirit of the
whole organization of The United Methodist Church.
The matters listed in this Report under the heading of
TTie Identity, Purpose, and Mission of The United
Methodist Church are seen as non-negotiable and
could not be disregarded in principle or spirit as parts of
The United Methodist Church organize to do ministry.
Yet, in some churches, each minisfries area might in-
clude just several persons, and the Council might in-
clude these persons and the pastor. Or, each ministries
unit might incorporate several standing and ad-hoc com-
mittees to meet the ministry needs in its locale. Some
congregations may find the need to focus on extensive
leadership education, so its Leadership Ministries might
be large. Another might expand its Oufreach, Nurture,
and Witness ministries for a short time to respond to a
specific missional need.

5. CORE VALUES AND BEUEFS: These are famil-
iar words used within organizational development lan-
guage. We have chosen to use the words Identity,
Purpose, and Mission as appropriate for identifying the
bedrock of United Methodism. This Identity, Purpose,
and Mission are set out and identified primarily through
statements from The Book of Discipline, 1992. The Iden-
tity, Purpose and Mission of The United Methodist
Church are the "core values and beliefs" of the Church

and are stated in the report under the following head-
ings:

Annual Conference

Connectionalism

Doctrinal Heritage

Ecumenism

Education

Evangelism

Global Character

Inclusiveness
of the church

Local Church

Ministry of All Christians

Mission

Mutual Accountability

Scriptural Holiness

Social Justice

Stewardship

Vital Worship

6. CONNECTIONAL: The network of interdepend-
ent relationships among persons and groups on local,
regional, national and international levels of The United
Metiiodist Church.^ CONNECTIONAUSM: The prin-
ciple, basic to The United Methodist Church, that all
leaders and congregations are connected in a network
of loyalties and commitments that supportyet supersede
local concerns.

TJie outreach of the Church springs from the working
of the Spirit. As United Methodists, we respond to that
working through a connectional polity based upon mutual
responsiveness and accountability. Connectional ties bind
us together in faith and service in our global witness,
enabling faith to become active in love and intensifying
our desire for peace and justice in the world. (The Book
of Discipline, 1992, ^ 65, p. 47)

7. CONFERENCE: The organizational structure of
The United Methodist Church including annual confer-
ence, cenfral conference, charge conference, church
conference, district conference, general conference, ju-
risdictional conference, missionary conference, provi-
sional conference. The principal form of governing
structure within The United Methodist Church, in the
charge, district, annual, jurisdictional, and General Con-
ference; deriving from Wesley's conferences ("conver-
sations") with his preachers and developed in America
into a legislative body with lay and clergy participation

at every level (compare conciliar).

8. CONCILIAR: A form of church governance by
representative councils with authority, under their lead-
ers, to determine doctrine and discipline; exercised in
United Methodism through the connection of confer-
ences.

2 "Speaking Connectionally," 1990, United Methodist Communications, p. 13.

3 "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task, Part II," 1989, p. 59.

4 "Speaking Connectionally," 1990, p. 13. (Same as above.)

5 "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task, Part 11" 1989, p. 58.

6 ibid.

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575

Implementing Recommendations of The

Connectional Issues Stiidy Report For

The 1997-2000 Transition

Quadrennium

The General Council on Ministries respectfully re-
quests that the 1996 General Conference adopt the
following recommendations for the 1997-2000 quadren-

Recommendation I

It is recommended that the General Conference
authorize the establishment of a Connectional Process
Team (hereafter the CPT) which will manage, guide,
and promote this transformational direction for The
United Methodist Church during the 1997 - 2000 quad-
rennium. The CPT will continue the work begun in the
Connectional Issues Study of the General Council on
Ministries and the Global Nature Study of the Council
of Bishops. The purpose of the CPT is to facilitate the
ongoing process of self-renewing within local churches,
conferences, institutions and the general agencies.

A. The membership of the CPT shall consist of 30
persons:

1. Sbcteen persons from across the church to be
nominated by a nominating committee composed of two
representatives from GCOM and two representatives of
the Council of Bishops and elected by the Council of
Bishops.

2. Three persons elected by and representing
GCOM.

3. One person elected by and representing GCFA.

4. Sbc bishops selected by the Council of Bishops
(three from the Central Conferences and three from the
United States).

5. Four persons at large, elected by the CPT to
ensure inclusive membership on the CPT.

Of the 30 members, the CPT shall reflect the ethnic,
gender, and geographical diversity of The United Meth-
odist Church. It is further recommended that there be
at least one person from each of the five ethnic groups:
Asian American, African American, Native American,
Hispanic American, and Pacific Islander. It is recom-
mended that the membership incorporate one-third
clergy, one-third laywomen, and one-third laymen, in-
cluding 3 or more youth and/or young adults and 3 or
more persons over 60 years of age.

B. Three persons from the Affiliated and Autono-
mous Churches would be invited to participate in the
work of the CPT.

C. The purpose of the CPT shall be to:

• Review the summarized data collected by the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries' Connectional Issues
Study to assess the missional and sfructural needs
of The United Methodist Church.

• Consider recommendations approved by the Gen-
eral Conference in principle and other findings of
the GCOM's Connectional Issues Study.

• Encourage all local churches and annual confer-
ences to utilize the interactive organizational de-
sign. The proposed organizational design begins
on page 563.

• Establish processes to receive feedback from local
churches and annual conferences using the inter-
active design for evaluation and refinement of the
interactive organizational design.

• Consider holding periodic hearings across the
Church. The purpose of the hearings will be to
identify the crucial functions for mission and min-
istry of The United Methodist Church into the 21st
century and develop a viable organizational form
to resource those functions for the mission and
ministry of United Methodism.

• Encourage general agencies to utilize the pro-
posed interactive organizational design.

• Utilize the interactive-connectional design for mis-
sion and ministry of the Church as approved by
the General Conference in principle to guide the
UMC in self-renewal during the transition quad-
rennium and recommend an organizational de-
sign to the 2000 General Conference.

• Define the roles of directors, staff, and repre-
sentatives of the general bodies of the church.

• Clarify consistent procedures and guidelines for
nominations in the Regional and Global Confer-
ences.

• Develop recommendations to the 2000 General
Conference.

D. The CPT shall collaborate with the COB, the
GCOM, and the GCFA, as its work is developed and
report twice each year to these three councils on the
progress of its work. The CPT shall engage in dialogue
with other general agencies of the Church to facilitate
general agencies' concerns and responses into the work
of the CPT.

E. The GCORR and GCSRW shall monitor the im-
plementation of the CPT to ensure there is racial and
ethnic minority participation and participation of women
and to insure that the work of the CPT shall move the
denomination forward in building a community that
represents the multi-culturalism of our world.

F. Staffing for the CPT will be provided by GCOM;
and funding for the CPT will be determined by GCFA

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Recommendation II

It is recommended that the 1996 General Confer-
ence approve in principle the interactive-connectional
model proposed in this report. This interactive design
will be considered as a method for reorganizing The
United Methodist Church for mission and ministry in
every aspect of the Connection.

It is recommended that the General Conference
authorize considerable flexibility in organizational
forms in the local, district, and annual conference. This
is to allow greater focus on resourcing and empowering
their members, congregations, and districts for hands-
on mission and ministry during the 1997- 2000 quadren-
nium. Specific legislation for accomplishing the
flexibility has been submitted by GCOM and appears in
various sections of the ADCA

This is especially true in matters defined by annual
conferences as their "primary task." While this "flexibil-
ity" is specified by legislation in the Connectional Issues
Study Report, the processes, linkages, and mandates
related to the "monitoring" and "advocacy" roles for
racial and gender inclusivity shall be fulfilled by every
organizational part of The United Methodist Church,
with guidance and resourcing from the GCORR and
GCSRW. Inclusivity of race, gender, age, and class, a
richness of community implicit in the Old and New
Testaments and of the essence for God's people called
United Methodists, must be assured.

Recommendation III

It is recommended that during the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium the present 13 general agencies seek to refine
and reshape themselves best to carry out their respon-
sibilities to enable the ministries of churches, confer-
ences, and institutions of the connection. The GCOM
has determined that more time is needed for a clearer
discernment of a God-given vision for the people called
United Methodists. As God's vision is articulated it
should guide the reforming of the general agencies
during this time of transition.

It is further recommended that the total member-
ship size of the 13 general agencies during the 1997-2000
quadrennium be reduced in accordance with specific
legislation it has submitted to the General Conference.

The General Council on Ministries is further recom-
mending approval of legislation submitted by it for re-
duction in membership for the General Council on
Ministries, General Board of Discipleship, General
Board of Church and Society, General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women, General Commission on
Religion and Race, and General Commission on Chris-
tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

The GCOM is also recommending amended legis-
lation to comply with changes approved by adoption of
the CIS Report in regard to the reduction of the mem-
bership size being proposed by: General Council on
Finance and Administration, General Board of Global
Ministries, General Commission on Communication,
General Board of Publications, General Board of Pen-
sion and Health Benefits, and General Commission on
Archives and History.

Recommendation IV

Vision and leadership for the church will be critical
in the future, especially during this time of discernment
and transition. Relying upon the leadership of the Coun-
cil of Bishops, we recommend that the church focus
attention on working together to discern and articulate
God's vision for us as individuals and a church that
works toward a world transformed into the likeness of
Christ.

As the Council of Bishops discerns and articulates
God's vision for the whole United Methodist Church, it
is hoped that United Methodists, wherever gathered,
will seek to discern God's vision for ministry as guided
by the Holy Spirit. The vision for each part of The United
Methodist Church should be consistent with God's vi-
sion for the whole United Methodist Church.

Appendix

1. Copies of "Grace Upon Grace" may be obtained
from the Graded Press, The United Methodist Publish-
ing House, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P.O. Box 801,
Nashville, Tennessee 37202.

2. Process of Sharing Information - Transforming
Feedback Loop.

3. Flowchart for Interactive Reflection and Review
Process for Connectional Issues Study.

General and Judicial Administration

577

Connectional Issues Study

Process of Sharing Information

This process is used at each stage of the "listening"

and "reporting" components of the Connectional Issues Study.

REVIEW & \

REFLECTION \

REPORT &
RECOMMENDATIONS

"Ww-i**^

'"^''ORMim FEEO-BN^^'-f^''

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General and Judicial Administration

579

Report No. 3

Petition Number: 21677-GJ-NonDis-0$; GCOM

Report on Strengthening the Black
Church for the 21st Century

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 1116, page 1207 of the Advance Daily Christian
Advocate. The action of this petition directed the General
Council on Ministries to include within its regular evalu-
ation processes with general program agencies a review
of each agency's effectiveness in strengthening the
Black Church from the period of 1972-1993. This evalu-
ation process was Phase / of a holistic approach in
discerning future needs of the Black Church in such
areas as new church development, leadership develop-
ment, and ministerial recruitment GCOM was asked to
report the results of this evaluation in its report to the
1996 General Conference.

The mandate included Phase II which was related
to assessment, future visioning, and call for action re-
lated to "Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century." This Phase focused on reviewing the past and
discerning the future related to vitality and strategies to
strengthen the Black Church in the United States. The
study process called for recommendations to be re-
ported back to the 1996 General Conference for action
and implementation.

Study Process

The 1992 General Conference directed tiie GCOM
to establish a study panel composed of five (5) members
named by GCOM and five (5) members named by the
National Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc.
The GCOM provided administration and oversight for
the work of the study panel during the 1993-96 quadren-
nium. Bishop Woodie White was elected as the Chair-
person of this Study Panel, with a diverse group of
committed Christian leaders from across the connection
who brought vision and wisdom as they journeyed to
discern where God was leading the Church. This study
panel met each year during the quadrennium, combined
with conference calls and prayers from its constituency
for the future of a people of faith desiring to witness to
its community and churches across the connection. Dr.
James Shopshire served as consultant to this process.

along with several witnesses from the community who
shared faith stories, critical needs, and challenges for
the future vitality of Black United Methodist congrega-
tions. As a part of Phase I, general program boards
collected data and made reports to the study panel for
the twenty (20) year period from 1972-92.

Early in the process, the study panel was clear that
it needed to gather data about vitality and to develop a
working definition of a vital church. This could only be
done by talking to the churches who were themselves
vital. Therefore, a survey was disseminated to a sample
of clergy and lay persons who described vital signs for
their congregations. This survey was administered
through the mail to fifty vital congregations in rural,
suburban, and urban areas. Following this process, the
same survey was then presented to 700 leaders who
attended the National Black Methodists for Church
Renewal, Inc. meeting held in March 1994.

The analysis of these data provide clarity of needs
and direction to ensure the future vitality of Black United
Methodists. Critical needs in the Black community and
the church, combined with a history of liberation and
spirituality among a people of faith, led the Panel to
understanding that the Black United Methodist Church
is a gift to the wider denomination. Therefore, the rec-
ommendations in this Plan of Action, although directed
at the African American constituency, are intended as a
gift to the denomination for hope, healing, and whole-

Study Panel

Bishop Woodie W. White, Chairperson

Dr. Douglas Fitch

Dr. GUbert Caldwell

Dr. Karen Collier

Rev. T3Tone Gordon

Dr. Carolyn Johnson

Rev. Dolores Queen

Mr. Ernest Swiggett

Dr. Peter Weaver

Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, GCOM Administi-ative Staff

Resource Persons:

Rev. Dr. Walter Kimbrough
Ms. Ruth M. Lawson
Rev. Delano Mcintosh
Ms. Nelda Barrett Murraine
Dr. David White

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Strengthening the Black Church
Tor the 21st Century

A Summary

Broken covenant and broken people are not powerful
enough to prevent the redemptive love of God from re-
claiming human lives for community. It, therefore, is by
and through Jesus Christ, that we are called to the unity
of the beloved community.

- Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Cen-
tury Study

Background

The 1992 General Conference directed and chal-
lenged the General Council on Ministries to evaluate the
church's past effectiveness in strengthening the Black
Church specifically during the period of 1972-1993 and,
then, to undertake a process of assessing, visioning, and
designing creative and new ways to further strengthen
the Black Church in the United States.

The Need

United States census data revealed an 11% increase
in Black population between 1980 and 1990. In spite of
an increase in population, the most recent United Meth-
odist quadrennial statistics (1992) indicate a 32% de-
crease in the number of Black UM Churches in the U.S.
since 1974 and a 15% decline in Black membership
during that same period. Aside from these statistics,
there are many strengths to celebrate in the Black
Church. However, too many congregations are merely
existing and are in need of vitalization or re-vitalization,
as are many congregations of other racial and ethnic
groups. Therefore, the General Council on Ministries
presents the study as a gift, not just to the Black Church,
but to the whole church — a gift filled with hope and
possibilities for transformation.

Plan for Action

Vital congregations within the Black community
win lead the way! Qualities of a vital congregation in-
clude prophetic engagement of all God's people, pro-
phetic worship, prophetic pastoral care and prophetic
evangelism. The Plan calls for the following:

• the establishment of 25 Congregation Resource
Centers by the year 2000. These Centers will be
housed in vital Black congregations across the
United States and will provide resources and training
opportunities to 400 to 600 teams of lay and clergy
from local churches to enhance all aspects of minis-
tiy.

• the organization of lay and clergy teams from
vital congregations to serve as resource persons

as they share and work with other congregations
in a covenant relationship. Teams will train other
teams; each chtirch will become a resource for an-
other.

• the utilization of geographic-specific and need-
specific models to meet the particular needs of
all chiu-ches whether they are rural, urban, or
subtu-ban. Churches located in neighborhoods that
are experiencing racial or economic transition will
find particular benefit from the Resource Centers.

• a strong and intentional focus on the laity. TTiis
initiative will be built on the gifts and graces of lay
members of congregations as they provide leader-
ship to participating congregations.

Learnings from these vital congregations and their
resourcing of other congregations will be shared with
the wider church with the hope that the whole church
can be strengthened through this initiative.

Biblical and Theological Reflections on
Hope, Healing and Wholeness

Strengthening The Black Church For The 21st Century

Core Values and Doctrinal Heritage

The equality of all people under God is a standard
claim of Christian faith communities. It is a core value
by which truth, faithfulness, and justice are measured.
Yet this core belief has not always translated well into
the life of church organizations. The mere existence of
terms such as Black church points to the unhealthy and
fractured nature of community that has persisted fi-om
the beginning. In reality, the disunity of the Church
contrived fi'om racial differences becomes all the more
apparent

The term Black church in The United Methodist
Church points to the unique existence of a group of
churches — approximately 2,500 at the present time —
organized and supported by Black people within this
predominantiy White Methodist body. Hope was not
lost with Black people who wanted to be Methodist
When the barrier of race blocked the shared participa-
tion of African American and European American people
from worship and service together, many Black people
made the choice to organize their own congregations,
and to remain within the Methodist Episcopal Church.
This was a sign of health among an oppressed people
and a gift fi-om God to the Methodist Episcopal Church
and its successor bodies. All of the other important
aspects of our quest for community should not be al-
lowed to obscure the profound socio-theological signifi-
cance of 210 years of sustained presence as part of The
United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies. It
is worthy of celebration and witness that African Ameri-
cans, whose life experiences have been compounded in
the crucible of the African heritage and glory, filtered

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581

through the European understandings and distortions
of faith, and borne as heavy burdens through servitude,
oppressive slavery, demonic dehumanization, material
exploitation, and legally imposed segregation, continue
to be hopeful.

The current phase of structural and cultural deseg-
regation in The United Methodist Church, the American
society, and at various points in the global sphere, is
barely in its third decade. Formation of The United
Methodist Church in 1968, at the height of the major
civil and human rights movement of the 20th century,
witnessed the rise of important theologies. Those the-
ologies have generally been referred to as liberation
theologies and have provided guidance for the recent
past and have informed the continuing journey toward
true community.

The core values of those emergent theologies are
not new. They draw heavily on biblical sources and
norms. The whole of the biblical canon has inspired and
encouraged Black people in The United Methodist
Church to continue the quest for faithfulness through a
God who can sustain, restore, and unify the people and
"make a way out of no way. " The promises of God's
powerful providential action have always been taken
seriously. Those theologies have held fast to the belief
that all God's people stand as equals, and should be free
from dehumanizingly contrived actions of other people's
intent on grabbing the wealth and power over which we
all have been given stewardship and responsibility. The
demands of the good news of the gospel have also been
taken seriously. Faithful being could not be separated
from faithful doing. Responsiveness to God in church
could not be separated from responsiveness in the v«der
aspects of communities and the world. True evangelism
could not be divorced from mission, nor mission from
ministry. And Christian ministry could not be dissected
from what is morally right.

Faith practices, both traditional and Christian,
deeply rooted in African peoples and cultures, informed
those theologies of liberation. The concept of the unity
and equality of humankind and communal values which
support and nurture persons in groups are key aspects
of traditional African and Christian faiths. Such concepts
and values have contributed to a theological world view
for Black people. They also constitute a significant gift
to United Methodists as well as contemporary and fu-
ture churches, regardless of denomination.

Reason, an important principle of the Methodist and
Wesleyan docfrinal heritage, has always been important
for Black people. Blind faith that would not allow African
Americans to think through their predicament was
never acceptable. Those who attempted to deceive
Black people by planting the seeds of their superiority
could not find fertile ground in the minds of Black
people. The appeal to faith and reason led Black people
in the predecessor bodies of The United Methodist
Church to the truth, to an understanding of the broken-

ness and the lack of faithfulness of those structures. The
same was frue within The Methodist Church and The
United Methodist Church. Even the subtleties of
"Methodism's racial dilemma" are exposed by reason in
ways that nothing else can adequately show.

A most critical area of the Methodist docfrinal heri-
tage for Black people is that of experience. God's grace
in the experiences of Black people has helped to give
perspective to their own brokenness as part of the Chris-
tian faith community. This introspective view has been
maintained while also struggling with the inordinate
burden of White supremacy and its institutionalized
partner. White racism. As a result, there has been a
continuing sfruggle to avail themselves of God's grace
through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Black people have not excused themselves from the
demands of the gospel to be people of faith and hope, to
be advocates and agents of freedom, truth, love, and
justice. Belief in the saying that "God is not through with
us yet," — any of us, and the belief that "God can make a
way out of no way," has prompted Black people in The
United Methodist Church to transcend the pain and
rejection that has accompanied being Black and Meth-
odist within the mainline body. This faith taps into the
hope that God will restore, reconstruct, redeem, recon-
cile, revitalize, and renew all of our lives together in the
unity of Christian faith community. Black people then,
are not cut off from the possibilities of revitalizing and
sfrengthening Black churches, and thereby, participat-
ing in the revitalization of the whole of The United
Methodist Church for the God-given mission and min-
istry of community-building.

Creation And Affirmation
of tiie Goodness of All Humankind

A primary article of faith held by Black people is that
a God of creation, redemption, and liberation makes no
distinction in the value of people. God affirms Black
people in light of their creation in the "Imago Dei" the
same as all others.

African Americans who remain in The United Meth-
odist Church have historically maintained a profound
faith in the creative power of God. In the beginning God
created and proclaimed that all that was created was
good. No color comparisons were made in God's proc-
lamation that all of creation was good. No indication was
given that some were more in the image and likeness of
God than others. African American people, the direct
descendants of the ffrst people to inhabit the earth, are
clear that all humankind stand equally as created beings
who have been given moral responsibility to care about
and for all of creation.

The evangelical faith of Black people gives assent to
the belief that the God of creation laid the foundation for
community in the three persons of the trinity. Through
their presence — as three in one — redemption, restora-

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tion, reclamation, and reconciliation are offered to all
God's people. In turn, a covenant is formed which affords
liberation for the people and requires them to accept
responsibility for the care of all creation.

Broken covenant and broken people are not power-
ful enough to prevent the redemptive love of God from
reclaiming human lives for community. It, therefore, is
by and through Jesus Christ, that we are called to the
unity of the beloved community.

Church Structure and Ministry as Sin

TTie predominantly White predecessor bodies of
The United Methodist Church represented broken re-
lationship and separation from God and Black people.
The denial of equality and prevention of equal participa-
tion as sisters and brothers in Christ violated the cove-
nant that should have bound us with God and each other.

From 1784, when African Americans were present
and active in the earliest organization of The Methodist
Episcopal Church, Black people were an integral part of
Methodism in America. The sin of equivocation and
racial separation was there also from the beginning.
Despite the evil spirit of racial supremacy that flowed
from many of the White people, and the ruthless proc-
esses of dehumanization and exploitation that were im-
posed over centuries. Black people did not lose sight of
the biblical vision of creation.

The experiences of Black people in the Methodist
Episcopal Church were rife with insult and rejection.
And while some Black people opted to create their own
structures in the African Methodist Episcopal, African
Methodist Episcopal Zion, and later the Christian Meth-
odist Episcopal Churches, some held to the vision that
a just God would ordain change that would eventually
lead to unity of the church. From the organization of
Mother Zoar in Philadelphia in 1794, to the others that
followed soon after. Black local churches were organ-
ized in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their separate-
ness signaled both the brokenness of the predominantiy
White structures and the relative health of Black people
who could affirm themselves, keep faith that change
would come from God, and remain within the structures
of predominantly White and decidedly hostile Method-
ist churches.

Various impositions — ^White Bishops in the office of
president over Black churches; assistance of Whites
with the organization of separate Black missionary con-
ferences (Methodist Episcopal Church and Methodist
Protestant Church) and formation of the racially sepa-
rate Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, formed by
the Methodist Episcopal Church South for Black Peo-
ple; the twentieth century creation of the Central Juris-
diction— together represented the most grievous
expressions of the brokenness of White Methodists.
Black people, though anguished and tired, chose to
endure the Central Jurisdiction, indeed appreciated

some aspects of the autonomy that went with it, and
hoped that God would make the change that would open
The Methodist Church to new possibilities for justice,
equality, and unity.

The United Methodist Church
as a New Creation

The creation of The United Methodist Church par-
alleled the creation of Black Methodists for Church
Renewal. Deliberate removal of the racial jurisdiction
from the legal structures of The United Methodist
Church moved in the direction that most United Meth-
odists - Black and White - believed fulfilled God's plan
for this denomination of the institutionalized church.

"Our Time Under God Is Now"

The need for change and renewal in many aspects
of the life of the church was apparent, but particularly in
the area of race relations. Black United Methodists had
been patient (although not passive) for over 200 years
with regard to their presence, participation, and treat-
ment in the predecessor bodies of The United Method-
ist Church. It appeared that hope again was lodged in
the biblical faith tiiat those who act responsibly in God's
continuing fulfillment of creation would be blessed.

From the beginning, rationalizations for racial sepa-
ration flew in the face of scripture. Although endured,
those rational errors were not accepted as gospel truth
by Black people who chose to continue in the predomi-
nantiy White bodies of Methodism.

Through the rough times, broken places', and the
structural splits — ^when some Black people were the
pawns of Whites whose biblical interpretation and theo-
logical reasoning were distorted by their racist ideology
— the constant prayer was for divine renewal and
strength to carry on. This journey brought hope and
guidance to other oppressed groups and women who
observed the struggle and liberation of African Ameri-
cans. Through the wilderness of the Central Jurisdic-
tion, the call for renewal was the voice of hope of all who
believed in the promises of the New Covenant in Christ
Jesus.

Black Methodists for Church Renewal held out
great hope, but knew well that the racist forces of evil
that remained in the new United Methodist Church and
the society and culture at large, were not dead, nor were
they truly interested in renewal for racial justice and
"inclusiveness." Much of what was accomplished in the
arenas of episcopal leadership and general church struc-
tures was negated in annual conferences and local
churches.

Recognition that the struggle was not over led to a
"gadfly" activism and the profound theological assertion
that "our time under God is now." This unequivocal
claim was both angry and forebearing. It was a rebuke

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583

and call to the church for the appropriate renewal of
relationship. This claim was addressed to The United
Methodist Church, and to Black United Methodists who
were weary and wary of what the new creation of The
Methodist Church portended. It was not a rejection of
the cries for justice of other people of color who were
just awakening to the distortions that White supremacy
and racism have visited upon American Methodism. It
was a call to address the issues at the historical roots of
racism, issues held over from the very beginning when
the people invoh^ed were primarily Black and White. It
was a call to a predominantly White church denomina-
tion to repentance and faithfulness to the author of
Creation and the good news of the Gospel. It was a call
to Christian moral responsibility.

Through all of it, Black people within the structures
of The United Methodist Church have maintained a
vision and hope for a transformed and unified church.
They do not overestimate nor do they lose sight of the
fact that they were there and part of the earliest forms
of Methodism on this continent. In the absence of con-
crete evidence of the demise of racism, they still never
abandoned the faith that God can do much more than
we ever thought or hoped. They never lost sight of the
fundamental theological meaning of being part of the
family of God's people who are seeking to be faithful
Christians through The United Methodist Church.
They never underestimated the strength and stamina of
Black United Methodist Churches and Black leaders
whose gifts from God have graced the church and who
have enabled Black people in struggle to enrich the
lives of all United Methodists.

Future Hope in God: Strengthening
The Black Church For The 2ist Century

At the dawn of the twenty-first century. Black United
Methodists are as aware as ever that "our time under
God is now." Theologically, we continue the work of
community building and look to the future and live in
the hope that a gracious, loving and just God will hold
us to the mandate of faithful participation in God's mis-
sion to save the world. The hope continues that we may
increasingly share the ministry in the church and world
with all of our brothers and sisters within The United
Methodist Church.

Black people carry particular responsibilities for
revitalizing and strengthening Black local churches
within The United Methodist Church and offering our
gifts to the wider church. Our prayer, which resounds
through the decades and centuries past, is that as we
take seriously our responsibility before God and in this
United Methodist Church we will be joined by others.
The denomination must also take seriously the need to
support the endeavor, and in some places relinquish
cultural and political control so that the work of renewal
can be effective. The greater the contribution of the

general church, the greater vrill be the renewal of the
entire church's mission and ministry.

As we take account of the demands that God places
upon our lives, we are compelled to remember that
increased memberships, larger attendance, and more
financial gifts alone are not enough to indicate strength
and vitality. In addition, we will need to be able to declare
that we catch a glimpse of growing unity and commu-
nity; we will need spiritual depth expressing itself not
only in gathered worship but also in the broad aspects
of our physical and material existence; we will need
wholeness and wholesomeness of personal and commu-
nity life that finds increasing expression in everyday
relationships; and we will need to center our response
in Christ so that our lives will receive the gift of His
transforming power, and our being and doing in church,
community, nation, and world will bespeak the glory of
God. Strength and vitality in all these matters point to
the abundant life that God has promised, and only God
can give for the future in which we are bound together.

Plan for Action

Black United Methodist Congregation Resource Centers

"Congregation To Congregations"
Learning Teams For Empowerment

1. It is envisioned that in consultation with the ap-
propriate episcopal leaders, approximately 25 Congre-
gation Resource Centers (host congregations) across
the church will be selected by the Coordinating Com-
mittee for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century for the purpose of working with partner congre-
gations desiring greater vitality in all aspects of ministry.
(See section on Structure)

2. Lay and clergy "Congregation to Congregations"
learning teams that will be trained and certified to work
with partner congregations will be organized. This work
will be comprehensive and intense and designed to
make each congregation more effective in its witness to
the gospel.

3. Representatives from partner churches will travel
to host churches for on-site training, empowerment, and
nurture. All congregations will enter into a covenant
relationship for purposes of embracing hope, healing,
and wholeness.

As a part of the covenant, each church will begin its
process with prayer, bible study, fellowship, music, and
seeking direction from God.

As each church learns from the other, they will
journey together in seeking a direction for a ministry
which impacts both the local church, the community,
and the wider church. Each church becomes a resource
for another one. Learnings will be shared as a gift to the
wider church.

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4. A service of dedication and recognition of "Con-
gregation to Congregations" learning teams who enter
into this covenantal relationship will be incorporated
into the overall plan.

5. The work of these "Congregation to Congrega-
tions" learnings will be monitored and evaluated by the
Coordinating Committee for Strengthening the Black
Church for the 21st Century.

Working Definition And Description
of a Vital Congregation

Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century

Vital Congregations

In addressing the matter of strengthening Black
United Methodist churches for the 21st century it is
imperative to have vital congregations lead the way in
the implementation of the Plan. The effort to define and
understand what comprises a "vital" congregation, what
makes it effective and how it can be widely reproduced,
has commanded much attention. This is especially the
case in recent years when declining size and participa-
tion by local churches in the United Methodist connec-
tion have been a source of serious concern.

Nurturing the building of new vital congregations
and revitalizing existing ones has occasioned numerous
studies. What is a vital congregation and how can we
understand what happens to cause some congregations
to experience observable growth and others to stagnate
or languish? It is apparent that the nature of the ministry
and level of effectiveness of the leadership are critical
variables in the development of vital congregations. Im-
portant studies have been undertaken to better under-
stand what is required. It is deemed informative to
consider what has been learned from the studies and
then offer a general definition of a vital congregation.

In his book Doing the Gospel: Local Congregations
in Ministry, Bishop Roy C. Nichols provides a compre-
hensive exploration of congregational vitality and sup-
ports his observations and conclusions with illustrative
case studies. He uses a number of approaches to defin-
ing vitality. Early on he notes:

Congregational vitality is more than a bustling pro-
gram of activities. Rather, it is doing the will of God, as
set forth in the Scriptures and clearly delineated in the
teaching of Jesus. Congregational vitality is descriptive of
a quality ingredient that is more important than size. The
pews may be packed, but if the church is programmatically
a glorified country club, and emotional entertainment

center, or a somber club presided over by a spiritual guru,
it does not qualify as a vital Christian congregation — re-
gardless of its numerical or financial strength.

The questions proposed in a "nine-point inquiry" to
United Methodist bishops eive some indication of basic
assumptions about vitality.

• Serious engagement in lay training and the utiliza-
tion of laity in significant ministries.

• Effective goal-setting procedures employed within
the context of its missional statement of purpose
and has a diversified ministry aimed at serving the
real needs of people.

• A balanced lay/clergy conception of ministry.

• Strong in the programmatic areas of Christian
education and small personal — growth groups, a
responsibly intertwined mission and social action,
and a level of stewardship commensurate with its
potential.

• A Christ-centered, biblically-based approach to
ministry.

• Effective lay /clergy evaluation procedures.

• Average attendance at Sunday school, church,
small groups, etc. considerably beyond that of the
typical congregation.

The "anatomy of the vital congregation" is charac-
terized in the following manner. The head is Leader-
ship Ministries. These ministries contain 1) a pithy
mission statement; 2) careful, futuristic planning, and 3)
orderly, creative administration.

The trunk is Nurture Ministries. These minis-
tries include 1) dynamic worship/preaching; 2) aggres-
sive children/youth ministries; 3) comprehensive
member-care system; 4) small interest, growth, study,
activity groups; 5) intensive Christocentric; 6) attention-
getting communications; 7) prayer empowerment; 8)
effective stewardship cultivation; 9) warm intentional
hospitality;

10) basic bible studies; and 11) all-encompassing
Christian education.

Third and finally, are the appendages which are
Outreach Ministries. These ministries include 1) per-
vasive evangelism; 2) missions saturation; 3) controver-
sial social action/issues; and 4) compassionate
community service.

A fundamental characteristic of the vital congrega-
tion is pastoral leadership. Indeed, Bishop Nichols

Roy C. Nichols, Doing the Gospel: Local Congregations in Ministry, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990, p. 18.
Ibid, p. 20.

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585

called it "the key."" He delineates eight observations,
the first being that vital pastors are indispensable to vital
congregations and possess six important qualities:

• They try very hard to model the gospel they pro-
claim.

• Their motivation grows out of a well-conceived
theology of ministry. Even when their theological
self-description seems to be fixed, these pastors
tend to be genuine Christian leaders who can
relate to people with varying theological points of
view. They tend not be dogmatic. They all seem to
be consciously growing spiritually, "going on to
perfection..."

• Most of them have done special reading or taken
special training in the area of church growth and
vital congregation development.

• The enthusiasm of these ministers creates an an-
ticipatory climate in the congregation that inspires
and motivates the laity.

• They have uniformly had an experience of the
meaning of the grace of God in their own personal
lives.

• They love people.

The other observations can be paraphrased and
captured in essence as follows: Second, the theological
label of the pastor or congregation does not guarantee
vitality. Third, vital congregations can spring up any-
where, whether the population is increasing, static or
decreasing. They grow because their many-sided min-
istries appeal to a variety of human needs. Fourth, vital
congregations actively pursue a threefold approach to min-
istry as previously represented in "the anatomy of a vital
congregation." Fifth, until seminaries are able to devote
resources and attention to the practice of local church
ministries, or until the general church develops a supe-
rior intern program, annual conferences will be required
to provide local church pastors with select reading mate-
rials for cultivating vital local church ministries; require
seminars and workshops for skills development; use
pastors of vital churches to give leadership in teach-
ing/education; and provide opportunities for pastors to
become spiritually, theologically, and biblically clarified.
Sixth, longer pastorates, where the challenges are great-
est, will provide the opportunity for pastors to "earn
leadership respect and experience." Seventh, fiill- or
part-time paid lay persons in local churches provide an

effective way to improving the quality of ministries. Finally,
in developing a vital congregation, emphasis should be
on raising the level of Christian influence in the life of
the congregation and the community.

One pastor of a United Methodist congregation,
rapidly growing in effectiveness of ministry and size, has
written a book which conceptually and experientially
approaches the work of church growth. He deliberately
focuses on African American congregations in predomi-
nantly White Protestant denominations. Carlyle Field-
ing Stewart, III, in his book African American Church
Growth, 12 Principles for Prophetic Ministry, cogently
presents the case for what he calls "prophetic ministry."

Building on the central thesis that:

"black churches can build viable congregations within
mainstream denominations by employing principles of
church growth which reflect a prophetic concerns for the
ethos and life of the African American experience"

he maintains that the "prophetic-relational components
of church growth have not been addressed." For Car-
lyle Stewart, "prophetic ministry is the critical method
for vitalizing Black congregations" ...prophetic ministiy
is defined as:

The process of calling the people of God into an
awareness of God's saving, liberating, and redemptive acts
so as to compel the radical participation of individual and
communities in spiritual, social and personal transforma-
tion. The result of that transformation will be the realiza-
tion of human wholeness and potential in the present, as
well as in the future.

Prophetic ministry has a number of tenets, attrib-
utes, and principles tiiat can be briefly summarized.
According to Carlyle F. Stewart, III, there are four tenets
of prophetic engagement They are:

Prophetic Passion
Prophetic Conviction
Prophetic Investment
Prophetic Vision

The prophetic attributes of ministry are stated as the
positive norms of Afiican American culture. They are:

9 Ibid, pp. 177-199.

10 Ibid, paraphrased from pages 149-151.

11 Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III, 4^'ca«>lm«n'ca« Church Grototh, 12 Principles of Prophetic Ministry, ]<lash\Ti\e: AbrngdonPress, 1994, p.
18.

12 Ibid, p. 22.

13 Ibid, pp. 21-35.

14 Ibid, pp. 39-52.

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• Valuing the Truth of One's Existence

• Developing Positive Relationships

• Improvisation, Spontaneity, Innovation

• Spirit-centered Reality

Prophetic worship is presented at the next impor-
tant area for building vital and growing congregations.
They are:

• Celebration - The Four Movements of Celebrative
Worship being Inspiration, Valuation, Consecra-
tion and Motivation

• Celebration -The Four Movements of Celebrative
Worship being Inspiration, Valuation, Consecra-
tion and Motivation

• Invitation

• Information

Pastoral care in the vital or growing congregation
has several facets. Prophetic pastoral care is given three
essential principles, mainly:

• The Pastor as Prophetic Clarifier

• The Pastor as Creative Confronter

• The Pastor as Prophetic Restorer and Comforter

Next he develops three principles of prophetic edu-
cation. His principles of prophetic education are out-
lined below:

• Investigation (including biblical inquiry and Afri-
can influences in the Judeo-Christian Heritage;
existential inquiry and the Sunday sermon)

• Interpretation (including innovation, rites of pas-
sage programs and Black cultural institutes, holis-
tic spirituality, redefining jazz as sacred music;
evaluation)

• Application

The last area of prophetic ministry developed by Dr.
Stewart is prophetic evangelism. He develops three
principles of prophetic evangelism as listed below:

• Proclamation (interpersonal relationships, com-
munity outreach and congregational inreach, the
Sunday sermon)

• Propagation/Communication

• Participation (removing barriers, creating a con-
text for belonging, empowering women leaders,
creating programs for male empowerment, clear-
ing the way for youth, moving beyond the B.S.
[bureaucratic syndrome] and enabling economic
empowerment through programs of self-reliance)

The previous several pages have presented a review
in outline of two important books that speak to the issues
of developing vital congregations. A number of illustra-
tions, characteristics, tenets, principles, models, obser-
vations, descriptions, etc. have been underscored as
important developmental tools for building vital congre-
gations. Howthen, can avital congregation be succinctly
defined so as to help one identify one if it is seen and
develop one when and where it is needed. While no
singular and final definition may be formulated, it is clear
that identifying characteristics of a vital congregation
are possible. The study panel has seen evidences of vital
growing Black United Methodist congregations in every
jurisdiction. It is from these congregations we propose
to learn and share so that others might become vital,
growing, and effective congregations in mission.

African Americans have a proud heritage as United
Methodists dating back to 1758. This presence has re-
sulted in a strong and vital witness in congregations and
the world where lives and communities have been trans-
formed. The Black United Methodist Church has given
birth to liberation and empowerment of an oppressed
group. This study has revealed the significant number
of vital, growing, effective Black congregations. Many of
them inspire vitality across the denomination.

As we move from the 20th to the 21st Century, there
is the need for continued and expanded witness in a
hurting and hungry world.

While there are many sfrengths to celebrate, it is
critical that there be vital Black congregations to ad-
dress stagnation and demise in other congregations and
communities. These include rural, urban, suburban, and
transitional communities.

The Plan includes a holistic vision and mission
statement for the ministry of the church. It is imple-
mented to meet the personal and individual as well as
the group and social needs of the members and the
surrounding community. The ministry is holistic or bal-
anced paying attention to the relationship with God, the
neighbor, and others in midst of life together in commu-
nity.

15 Ibid, 55-71.

16 Ibid, pp. 79-93.

17 Ibid, pp. 95-112.

18 Ibid, pp. 115-142.

General and Judicial Administration

587

It is the hope of the study panel that the 1996
General Conference will respond positively to this cele-
bration of the past and opportunities for the future by
adopting the proposed plan for Strengthening the Black
Church for the 21st Century.

Congregation Resource Centers

Congregation Resource Centers shall be identified
across The United Methodist Church in consultation
with episcopal leaders. All congregations so designated
shall possess the characteristics of a vital congregation
which are defined as follows:

1. A vital congregation is a local church of any size,
with the leadership of an informed, educated, creative,
energetic, biblically, and theologically grounded pastor,
that has formulated and implemented a plan of ministry.
The plan includes a holistic vision and mission state-
ment for the ministry of the church. It is implemented
to meet the personal and individual as well as the group
and social needs of the members and the surrounding
community. The ministry is holistic or balanced, paying
attention to relationship with God, the neighbor, and
others in midst of life together in community.

2. A vital congregation takes seriously the full
range of developmental, spiritual, social, and material
needs of persons and groups of all ages, both genders,
those with specialized needs and cultivates and educates
the laity for participation and leadership in God's mis-
sion through the ministry of the church. Passionate and
compassionate responses, which emulate the love and
justice of God, characterize vital congregations.

3. A vital congregation pays close attention to its
gathered life in which worship, singing, devotion,
prayer, praise, and preaching in the varied traditions of
the African American churches and communities are
pursued, without apology.

4. A vital congregation emphasizes bible study in
small group contexts and the use of interpretive princi-
ples that promote understanding and bring the biblical
message to life in contemporary situations and condi-
tions.

5. A vital congregation depends on effective plan-
ning and administration in which comprehensive and
broad-based approaches to ministry are undertaken on
a day-to-day basis. Evaluation is an indispensable part of
ministry. This includes prophetic ministries of worship
and celebration, pastoral care and support, innovative
education, and prophetic evangelism, mission, steward-
ship, and discipleship.

6. A vital Black congregation taps into the deep
streams of spirituality in the heritage and life of Black
people and necessarily informs, interprets, investigates
and acts on the needs, problems, and issues arising from

the social-political, cultural, and economic aspects of life
in church, community, nation, and world.

In areas where there is no designated Congregation
Resource Center (i.e. Town and Country, Inner City) a
determination will be made to convene sbc (6) or eight
(8) such congregations for the express purpose of help-
ing empower them to become a Congregation Resource
Center.

All congregations invited to participate as a Congre-
gation Resource Center must agree to participate in the
program as a teaching institution. Participating
churches in the United States will be encouraged to
network with the Congregation Resource Centers after
the training period has ended.

Structure for Strengthening

the Black United Methodist Church

For The 21st Century

"Christ Our Center for Hope, Healing, and Wholeness"

The panel recommends that there shall be a Coor-
dinating Committee for Strengthening the Black
Church during the 1997-2000 quadrennium to coordi-
nate, evaluate, and implement the Plan of Action.

Structure

The Coordinating Committee will have 19 members
including fifteen individuals from each of the five juris-
dictions. It is recommended that the representation in-
clude one laywoman, one layman, and one clergy person
(three persons total from each of the five jurisdictions to
be named by the respective College of Bishops). In
addition, there will be two persons (one lay, one clergy)
to be named by the National Black Methodists for
Church Renewal. The Council of Bishops will also name
two bishops to serve on this committee for a total of
nineteen voting members.

Each general agency and commission will name a
representative (at their expense) to resource this Coor-
dinating Committee. Evaluative reports of the work of
this coordinating committee will be reported on an an-
nual basis to the General Council on Ministries.

Accoimtability

This Coordinating Committee will report to the
GCOM sharing yearly progress reports and evaluation
of the Plan of Action and shall be accountable to the
GCOM for administration. Annual reports will also be
made to the National Black Methodists for Church Re-
newal, Inc.

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Responsibilities

The Coordinating Committee is charged with the
responsibility for keeping alive the congregational focus
of the Plan of Action. Representatives of local congrega-
tions, in team configurations, composed of laity and
clergy will be invited to do on-site training, study and
participation in the daily ministries of host Congrega-
tional Resource Centers. Special attention will be given
to the unchurched and crises in communities. The Com-
mittee will also utilize the six categories of criteria iden-
tified in the Plan of Action in selecting congregations as
host Congregation Resource Centers. In addition, this
Committee will provide oversight for implementation of
the Plan of Action.

The responsibilities of this Committee shall include
at least the following:

1. Hiring and supervising the Congregation Re-
source Center Coordinator (full time staff person
will oversee work and implementation of the
Plan).

2. Determining those congregations that shall be
host Congregation Resource Centers with ac-
countability and evaluation of services (e.g. con-
tractual agreement, biennial timeline, certifica-
tion) .

3. Developing programmatic goals and agenda for
the partner congregations based on a "Needs
Assessment" that reflects each church's history,

community context, mission, core values, demo-
graphics, and understanding of their identify as
a Christian community.

4. Setting a budget and fiscal oversight based on
delivery of services and partnership between
host and partner churches.

5. Ensuring covenantal relationships between part-
ner and host churches that include not only re-
sources, but the creation of materials tailored to
the training of lay and clergy teams.

6. Focusing on congregations seeking to identify
and create outreach ministries to the community
and those who are unchurched.

7. Establishing standards for evaluating host
churches involved in mentoring efforts.

8. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Plan of Action
and reporting with followup recommendations to
the General Conference of the year 2000.

9. Reporting to the GCOM on an annual basis, with
evaluative comments and monitoring.

10. Offering key learnings and models to the wider
denomination as a gift of hope, healing and
wholeness.

11. Developing models for "Congregation to Congre-
gations" learning.

General and Judicial Administration 589

Quadrennial Budget
1997-2000

Congregation Resource Centers $1,200,000

Establishment of Approximately 25 Centers developed over the quadrennium

10 Training Sessions Per Year for 1015 congregations =
40()-6(X) Congregations over the Quadrennium

Subsidization for Scholarships

Coordinating Committee Expenses 112,400

Meeting expenses for Coordinating Committee 2 meetings per year

Developmental Resources 50,000

AudioA^sual Materials

Production of Printed Training Materials

Personnel & Administration 417,000

Coordinator Salary (fuUtime staff person)

Secretarial Support

Travel

Office Expenses

Total

Recommended Annual Allocation

*In the spirit of collaboration and support from across the church, the above financial figures are to be supplemented
and multiplied by the addition of human and other resources fi-om the Black Church through Afiican American leadership,
in-kind contributions from each vital congregation for housing and other needs.

1997

$ 439,450

1998

439,450

1999

442,150

2000

458,350

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Historical Summary of Ethnic Minority

Local Church Missional Priority And

the General Program Boards

Strengthening The Black Church For The 21st Century

I. Introduction

In approaching the task of strengthening the Black
United Methodist congregations for the 21st century,
the Panel first directed its attention to the twenty (20)
years preceding the current quadrennium. Specifically,
the effort has been made to compile and analyze the
nature and impact of the four general program boards
on Black churches from the time of the reorganization
of the denomination programs beginning with the 1972
General Conference legislation through 1992. To set the
context, a review of General Conference legislation is
presented with reference to the Ethnic Minority Local
Church (EMLC) emphasis in each quadrennium since
1968.

The summary that follows provides a sketch of the
principal endeavors of the 1) General Board of Global
Ministries, 2) General Board of Higher Education and
Ministries, 3) General Board of Discipleship and 4) the
General Board of Church and Society. It is important to
note that the sustained efforts of these four agencies
were directly linked to the missional priority quadren-
nial emphases, especially those concerned with the
"Ethnic Minority Local Church."

An inquiry was made of the four major program
boards seeking the assessment of current leadership of
how Black United Methodist Churches have been
strengthened by each board over the past 20 years.
Specific questions were posed as indicated below:

1. What have been the particular mandates of the
General Conference to your agency with reference
to strengthening Black Churches through the
EMLC missional priority?

2. What particular programs, services, events, proc-
esses contributed to the work of strengthening
Black churches under the EMLC Priority?

3. What financial expenditures were incurred in pur-

suit of your EMLC objectives for the agency?

4. What changes or constructive contributions re-
sulted from the work of your agency wdth Black
local churches on the EMLC Missional Priority?

5. What procedures were followed in evaluating effec-

tiveness in strengthening Black Churches?

6. What has been the single most significant accom-
plishment of your agency in each quadrennium
and overall in strengthening Black churches
through the EMLC priorities?

7. What are your hopes and dreams for Black United
Methodist local churches as we move toward the
21st century?

Following the presentation of ethnic minority local
church priorities, which had import for the Black United
Methodist churches in each quadrennium, a self-evalu-
ative performance review of the four program boards is
presented.

The missional priorities for the sbc (6) quadrennial
General Conferences since the formation of The United
Methodist Church provide an overall perspective on the
development of the EMLC initiatives.

II. Two Decades of Missional Priorities

A. 1968 - "A New Church for a New World"

The 1969-72 quadrennial program served as fore-
runner of the EMLC emphasis that was shaped in later
quadrennia. Most notable during the first quadrennial
emphasis of The United Methodist Church was the
conscious effort to focus the resources of the church on
"reconciliation, witness and renewal." Perhaps the most
concrete expression of commitment to those goals was
the establishment of the $20 million "Fund for Reconcili-
ation," over and above regular giving, to fund programs
of reconciliation. {Together, 1968, page 6) Of the several
specific goals it is noteworthy that the uniting General
Conference of 1968 called for "special efforts to listen to
and minister to those victimized by 'manifold social
dislocations,' particularly racial and ethnic minorities,
the poor in both urban and rural communities, and
young persons." The Conference also recommended
"placement of larger numbers of Negroes in decision-
making positions throughout the church." {Together,
July 1968)

B. 1972 - "Bishops Call for Peace and Self-Development
of People"

The emerging will of The United Methodist Church
to faithfully address some of the needs and issues re-
lated to Black people and people of color is apparent in
the historical record. Empowerment and self-develop-
ment of people, who had been historically oppressed,
exploited or otherwise excluded, continued to command
the attention of the denomination. A missional priority
that would focus on the needs, problems, issues, and
God-given potential of racial ethnic people in church and
society took shape during 1973-76. Specific legislation
for the 1976 General Conference was the result.

C. 1976 - "Ethnic Minority Local Church" (EMLC)

As one of three missional priorities for 1977-80, the
programmatic thrust for an ethnic minority local church
missional priority was considerably refined by the 1976
General Conference. Specific sources for funding the
work were identified through regular board channels,
special apportionments, advance specials, conferences

General and Judicial Administration

591

and/or local churches. Funding categories for the pro-
jects were also defined with reference to expenditures
for ethnic minority local churches. For the quadren-
nium, the categorical percentage of expenditures were
as follows: salary supplement (64%), church extension
(22%), outreach ministries through the General Board
of Global Ministries (10.4%), outreach ministries
through the General Board of Church and Society (3.4%)
and congregational nurture (0.4%). The pattern of ex-
penditures illustrates that the largest amount of funding
went to salary supplements. The least amount went to
congregational nurture.

Other efforts by the General Conference to make
the missional priority on the Ethnic Minority Local
Church more effective included the reprioritization of
funds in general program boards and agencies, a call for
reprioritization within annual conferences, and provi-
sion for new funds through the Missional Priority Fund
and the Advance for Christ and His Church. The evalu-
ation of The Retrieval and Tracking Committee of the
Interagency Coordinating Committee of the Ethnic Mi-
nority Local Church held that the reprioritization of
funds did happen at nearly every level of The United
Methodist Church. Special apportionments and the Ad-
vance did not do as well as anticipated, although their
contribution to national projects was significant. {A Re-
port of Ethnic Minority Local Church Programs and Pro-
jects Supported by General Boards and Agencies in
Cooperation with Annual Conferences of The United
Methodist Church During 1977, pp. 1-3, 7 & 14).

In another report on the Ethnic Minority Local
Church Missional Priority, it is noted that The United
Methodist Church made a good beginning in this mis-
sional priority in the areas of "empowerment" through
salary supplements and facilities improvements, educa-
tion/training projects, and helping the church to decide
and take action on key initiatives. However, comparison
with the other two missional priorities of the quadren-
nium, especially at the local church level, showed a lack
of motivation to make a truly constructive difference.
Other areas such as congregational nurture and recruit-
ment of persons from racial ethnic groups as candidates
for the ordained ministry were not vigorously pursued
or were not adequately funded. (Readus J. Watkins,
United Methodist Communications, What Happened to
All That Missional Priority Money, pp. 5-7) .

D. 1980 - "Developing & Strengthening the Ethnic Mi-
nority Local Church"

The General Council on Ministries was given re-
sponsibility for the implementation of the missional pri-
ority for the 1981-84 quadrennium. Its role in
coordination and implementation was, by this time, well
established. Coordination of the efforts of the program
boards was carried out through a Missional Priority
Coordinating Committee. Seven basic goals were pro-
posed for the implementation of the Missional Priority:

1. Evangelism and Church Growth

2. Nurture (Adult and Youth Ministries)

3. Worship

4. Outreach (Community Service and Mission Inter-

action)

5. Ministers (Enlistment, Training, Support, De-
ployment)

6. Organization (Representation, Ecumenism)

7. Church Development and Buildings

(See 1981-84 EMLC Ministries, pp. 2-3, United
Methodist Communications).

E. 1984 - "Developing & Strengthening the Ethnic Minor-
ity Local Church: For Witness and Mission"

The 1985-88 quadrennium afforded The United
Methodist Church the opportunity to move beyond a
faddish program response to missional effectiveness
with racial ethnic people and their congregations within
the denomination. Many were only beginning to come
to grips with the reality that one or two quadrennia
would not be enough to effectively strengthen ethnic
minority local churches. Those with adequate vision
could see that strengthening racial ethnic churches was
an integral part of strengthening the whole of The
United Methodist Church for witness and mission. This
emerging consciousness was given expression in this
way by one respondent.

"TTiis missional priority will continue the unfinished
task of providing resources, recruitment, leadership devel-
opment, training and support for ethnic minority local
churches and will seek to involve the total church in the
implementation of the priority." (Paula Johnston, "Devel-
oping and Strengthening the Ethnic Minority Local
Church: For Witness and Mission," The Interpreter,
January 1985, p. 4).

The same article highlighted some of the achieve-
ments in various local church and community projects.
At the same time, the difficulty of drawing the interest
of the 95% White majority in the church was acknow-
ledged.

The Missional Priority Coordinating Committee de-
veloped a clear and precise operational manual for use
during the quadrennium. It contained sections on goals,
objectives and strategies; General Conference funding;
guidelines for annual conferences; and a working sec-
tion for each of the four designated racial ethnic groups.

The section on "Working with Black United Meth-
odists" is oudined in terms of :

1. Witness

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DCA Advance Edition

2. Discipleship (Adult and Youth Ministries)

3. Liturgy

4. Outreach (Community Service and Mission Inter-
action)

5. Leadership (Recruitment, Training, Support and
Deployment)

6. Structures (Representation and Ecumenism)

7. Facilities

The Missional Priority Fund was continued with a
slight decrease in its percentage of the total apportioned
funds of the general church. The General Council on
Finance and Administration has reported that the annual
averages of funds received for the Missional Priority
Fund during the quadrennium was $5,257,761 or 6.8% of
the total of apportioned General Funds. (See workbook
on The Financial Commitment of The United Methodist
Church, 1993-1996, General Council on Finance and
Administration, June 1992, p. 13) .

F. 1988 - "Celebrate and Witness: Celebrate God's Grace

- Witness for Jesus Christ" (Quadrennial theme)

Having gained perspective on strengthening the
racial-ethnic churches over three quadrennia, the Gen-
eral Conference moved to incorporate all of the mis-
sional priorities under one theme at all levels of the
church.
G.1992 - "Celebrate and Witness: Celebrate God's Grace

- Witness for Jesus Christ" (Quadrennial theme, contin-
ued)

The United Methodist Church has proposed to help
strengthen Black United Methodist churches through
legislation for funding, resourcing, leadership develop-
ment, and other efforts. The record of accomplishments
since 1972 is mixed. The 1992 General Conference man-
dated a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the
effort to strengthen Black churches over two decades of
work. The review includes, but is not limited to, areas
such as new church development, leadership develop-
ment, ministerial recruitment, and outreach/justice
ministries. In the report that follows a general review of
what was accomplished through the general boards and
agencies is provided. This twenty (20) year review has
been constructed from the reports of the four major
program boards.

III. Self-Evaluation of Performance by
the Four Program Boards

A. General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)

1. Mandates of the General Conference to the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries included:

• Offering workshops on effective models for
church development.

• Training and equipping lay persons for ministry.

• Locating new outreach ministries through pro-
grams such as the Black Community Developers.

• Working with Black church leaders and annual
conferences in promoting mission interaction be-
tween the U.S. and Africa, as well as other areas of
Christian work.

• Reviewing salary supplement policies and proce-
dures and upgrading practices, where necessary,
in consultation vrith leaders in Black churches and
annual conferences.

• Reviewing current annual conference policies and
allocations concerning the acquisition and im-
provement of church facilities in light of present
needs and future prospects.

2. The particular GBGM programs, services, events
and processes that contributed to the sfrengthening of
Black churches under the Ethnic Minority Local
Church (EMLC) priority were:

The Annual Conference EMLC Chairpersons
Training Program

The Black Community Developers Program

The Crusade Scholarship Program

The Leadership Development Grant Program

The Harry R. Kendall Hospital and Home Fund

The Lay Health Advisor Training Program

The creation of Mission Enabling Workshops

The Older Adult Advocate Training Program

The Hunger/Poverty Program of United Method-
ist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

The EMLC Program of the National Program Di-
vision

The EMLC Consultants Program

Other services and processes included:

Funding for salary supplements

Outreach and Church extension

Consultation with Black leadership

Cultivation with all Black churches in Advance
promotion

Special Sundays promotion and financial planning
through a program of Current and Deferred Giv-
ing

Consultation and resources for HIV/AIDS work-
shops and ministries

General and Judicial Administration

593

• Black persons deployed as volunteer disaster re-
sponse specialists

• Consultations on participatory health appraisal

• Consultation with Black representatives of educa-
tional institutions to stimulate more recruitment of
Black persons as candidates for missionary serv-
ice

• Leadership development grants and projects for
Black women in local United Methodist Women
(UMW) leadership roles, Black leadership for
church development and resourcing churches
with speakers, especially on how to support mis-
sionaries.

Significant recurring events have been:

• The Black Church Convocations which have fo-
cused on strategies for church growth and devel-
opment .

• The Black Community Developers Program an-
nual training events.

• Leadership training for Black women in local
United Methodist Women's units (UMW) funded
by the Women's Division.

• Disaster Response Training for Black Community
Developers.

3. To the question of financial expenditures in pur-
suit of agency EMLC objectives for Black churches, the
GBGM provided some summaries by quadrennium,
decade, the whole of the time period under considera-
tion (1973-1993), and by project or program grants.

1989-92 $1,097,550 EMLC priority

1977-87 $5,582,672 Grants to Black churches,

groups & agencies

1972-93 $2,000,000 Black Community

Developers

1972-93 $ 800,000 Training events (16)

$9,480,222

Although an exact figure has not been calculated,
GBGM estimates that specialized offices in the National
Program Division have allocated funds for strengthen-
ing Black churches and constituent groups. The amount
"surely runs into several millions." (General Board of
Global Ministries Report on Strengthening The Black
Church for the 21st Century, p. 3). Those offices include
Town and Country Ministries; Urban Ministries;
Women and Families; New Church Development; Fi-
nance and Field Service; Office of Loan Administration;
United Methodist Development Fund; and Community
Economic Development and Architecture. The GBGM
report states that

"Although it is not feasible to designate by racial
background, the Women's Division provides millions of
dollars each quadrennium to support programs and
facilities in agencies that provide institutional ministries
services to predominantly Black constituencies."

The Supplementary Giving Program granted
$66,900 to Black churches and related groups. (GBGM
Report on Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st
Century, p. 3) .

1989-92 $66,900 Women's Division/women,

children and youth

GBGM further notes that the United Methodist
Committee on Relief (UMCOR) allocates 20% of the
World Hunger/Poverty Mission Emphasis funds in the
Advance to the National Program Division for domestic
programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. The
amount below was disbursed in the immediate past
quadrennium through Black churches and projects.

1989-92

111,050

UMCOR domestic relief

Finally, with reference to financial expenditures in
pursuit of EMLC objectives for GBGM, the commit-
ment to double the funds available for EMLC by provid-
ing $500,000 a year over and above the amounts
designated by the General Conference has been an
important lift to many of the accomplishments reported.

The overall amount of expenditure cannot be deter-
mined exactly by the report submitted by GBGM. Based
on the figures, an estimate of $12 to $15 million dollars
expended toward EMLC objectives over the last 21
years with Black churches and projects is probably not
far afield.

4. To the question of changes or constructive con-
tributions resulting from work with Black local churches
on the EMLC priority, GBGM reports several "sample"
developments as follows:

• The establishment of the Office of Black Minis-
tries

• The creation of the EMLC Consultants Program

• The enabling of Black churches to upgrade facili-
ties

• The providing of tents by UMCOR for use by
churches in the Saving Station Ministries

5. To evaluate the effectiveness in strengthening
Black churches, GBGM followed procedures as given
below:

• Each funded project was required to submit to the
National Program Division a completed evaluation
report which was in turn evaluated by the EMLC
committee.

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DCA Advance Edition

• Annual conference committees were asked to de-
velop their own evaluative process for EMLC
funded projects.

6. When asked what has been the single most sig-
nificant accomplishment of your agency in each quad-
rennium and overall in strengthening Black United
Methodist churches through the EMLC priorities, the
GBGM report stopped short of claiming any particular
accomplishment. Instead, it offered several achieve-
ments over the total period that it deemed important.
They are as follows:

• The establishment of EMLC consultants to re-
source both annual conferences and local
churches.

• The consultation of the Black church which re-
sulted in the development of a booklet for annual
conferences.

• The 1988 consultation on ministries with women.

• The training of lay health advisors in local
churches to assist in addressing specific health
needs including disease prevention, health promo-
tion, health monitoring, direct treatment, and care.

7. The hopes and dreams expressed by the GBGM
report were far-reaching, though succinctly presented.
The different aspects included:

• That congregations experience numerical growth
and the ability to reach the underclass.

• That they become more responsive to the needs
of dysfunctional Black families.

• That they become more and more a resource for
change and direction in dealing with social ills
such as homelessness and crime.

• That Black churches be more true to their heri-
tage, understanding that being a part of the con-
nection does not mean the loss of their
uniqueness.

• That the Black church be a place where individu-
als gain identity and can have a caring community.

• That more women become involved in leadership
roles.

• That congregations become healing communities
and operate as centers for health, healing and
wholeness.

• That Black churches provide a more visible re-
sponse to the needs of the communities they serve
by daily activities and 24-hour accessibility.

• That strong worship, community outreach, and
youth ministry are provided.

• That significant leadership development opportu-
nities are provided for lay persons.

• That every Black United Methodist Church con-
tinue dreaming and working to become a more
vital, thriving, serving congregation in its commu-
nity, a congregation that contributes to the re-
claiming of The United Methodist Church.

• That Black United Methodist Churches become
spiritual, social and political centers of the commu-
nity and that local churches develop models for
youth leadership development and empower-
ment.

• That Black United Methodist churches take seri-
ously the responsibility to enable and support per-
sons for ministry-ordained, diaconal, missionary,
etc.

• That Black United Methodist churches take the
lead in establishing ties with persons of African
descent in Africa and across the diaspora.

B. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
(GBHEM)

The mandates of the General Conference to the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, as
pertains to the EMLC missional priority and strengthen-
ing Black churches, have been reported by program
divisions. Pertinent summaries are provided below of
programs specifically related to Black churches from
1972 through 1992 and as projected for 1993-96.

1. Division of Ordained Ministry (DOM)

• Minority In-Service Training (MIST) grants.

• Ethnic Centers: Multi-Ethnic Center at Drew.

• Jurisdictional Block grants: Used for seminary
scholarships, the majority of which go to African-
American students.

• Continuing education for ethnic clergy: In coop-
eration with the Division of Ordained Ministry,
periodic continuing education experiences by and
for Black pastors. Funding, consultation and de-
sign was provided by Division of Ordained Minis-
try. Black Methodists for Church Renewal
(BMCR) has been included in the consultation
process.

• International Clergywomen's Consultation -1975,
1979, 1983. 1987, 1991.

• One Household, One Hope, a book written and
published for racial ethnic clergy and their fami-
lies regarding issues pertinent to them.

• Anti-racism Continuing Education Program:
DOM organizes and sponsors laboratories on
combating racism whereby White ordained and
diaconal ministers are provided insights and re-
sources for developing specific courses of action
for combatting personal, societal, and church ra-
cism based on the mandates in The Book of Disci-
pline.

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595

• Support for Gammon Theological Seminary, a his-
torically Black institution .

• AMcan American Clergywomen's Consultation,
1988: A gathering of African American United
Methodist clergywomen for worship, study, sup-
port, networking, and fellowship regarding issues
pertinent to African American Women in ministry.

• African American Clergywomen Grants, 1989-
1992: Grants provided by the DOM for the pur-
pose of consultation and communication among
African American clergywomen.

• African United Methodist Clergywomen Associa-
tion, 1986-92: An association established in 1986
for working with issues of African clergywomen;
includes quadrennial consultations and informa-
tion networks.

• Women of Color Scholarship/Mentoring pro-
gram, 1989-92: A scholarship and mentoring pro-
gram for women pursuing Ph.D. andTh.D. degree
programs in preparation for seminary teaching.

• International Clergywomen's Consultation, 1995:
An international gathering in which African Ameri-
can and African clergywomen will be full partici-
pants and represented on the design team.

• African American Clergywomen Grants, 1993-96
for the purpose of consultation and communica-
tion among African American Clergywomen.

2. Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries
(DORM) - The DORM has very little work with local
churches, and consequently the focus of this report is
only peripherally linked to strengthening the Black
church.

• DORM has sponsored seminary students and pas-
tors at the Racial-Ethnic Minority/Invitational
Conference each winter for the last four years.
They acquire skills which may translate to more
effective leadership in the local Black church.

• DORM has sponsored Clinical Pastoral Education
students in leadership skills development for the
last six (6) years.

• DORM EMLC financial ejcpenditures have ap-
proximated $12,000 in seeking to accomplish the
EMLC objectives of this agency.

• The Chaplain Inquiry Program has, in the past,
allowed candidates to explore the possibility of
chaplaincy as a future expression of ministry.
They test their gifts and graces for such ministry,
aware that a return to the local church is always
before them.

• Support registration and attendance of up to four-
teen (14) persons at the Racial/Ethnic Minority
Invitation Convention which meets each Febru-
ary, 1993-96.

• Support recruitment at the Gammon Theological
Seminary of The United Methodist Church, mak-
ing specific knowledge available to African Ameri-
can students about ministry opportunities in other
ministry settings, including drug counseling, pas-
toral counseling and prison ministry.

• Continue financial assistance for African Ameri-
cans who choose to enroll in Clinical Pastoral
Education programs.

3. Office of Loans and Scholarships

• Between 1973-93, more than $2.9 million in Ethnic
Minority Scholarships were awarded to more than
6800 Afi'ican American students who were mem-
bers of Black United Methodist local churches at
the time they received the scholarship.

• Black students received United Methodist Schol-
arships at our historically Black colleges and other
persons received scholarships funds from wills
and annuities specifically designated for Black stu-
dents. (A detailed breakdown of those figures is
not available).

• An estimate of the total number of Black recipients
for the ten-year period in both scholarships and
loans would be at least 8,(X)0. Total funds granted
would be approximately $3.1 million.

4. Division of Higher Education (DOHE)

• DOHE relates directly to the eleven remaining
historically Black colleges and universities of The
United Methodist Church.

• DOHE staffs and manages the Black College Fund
which has provided consistent support for current
operations of the eleven participating schools.
Over $120,151,699 has been given to the Black
College Fund by United Methodists to help assure
church-related educational access to Afi^ican
American students since 1972.

• The Black College Fund Section coordinates the
Lina H. McCord Summer Intern and the Black
College Fund Ambassadors programs.

• DOHE coordinates the University Senate and
Commission on Black Colleges, providing review,
feedback, and consultation in areas such as man-
agement, fiscal affairs, educational programs, in-
stitutional integrity, physical plant, and church
relations.

• Campus Ministry Section works with Black col-
lege campus ministries helping to recruit and em-
power African American campus ministers. The
Section periodically publishes an annotated Direc-
tory of United Methodist-Related Black Campus
Ministers and Chaplains.

• The Section on Campus Ministry funds new cam-
pus ministry initiatives serving students of color.
It sponsored a video teleconference on racism.

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• DOHE staff coordinates the awarding of proposals
for Ethnic In-Service Training Funds (EIST)
which supports interns interested in working to
bring the campus and church communities to-
gether.

• In the former two quadrennia, the Division also
coordinated proposals for Ethnic Minority Local
Church (EMLC) funds. EIST and EMLC efforts
funded a number of programs for and with African
American students, interns, campus ministers,
and others who work in relationship with college
campuses. Between 1982 and 1993, more than
$300,000 has been awarded to this effort.

• The Division supports the participation of Black
staff in national caucuses and related meetings
(e.g.MCR).

• Overall, through its services and resources, col-
leges and schools, and staff, the Division of Higher
Education helps to strengthen the Black church
by helping to assure educational access in all of its
institutions of higher learning and through related
programs and projects.

5. Division of Diaconal Ministry (DDM)

The particular mandate of the General Conference
to the Division of Diaconal Ministry with reference to
strengthening the Black Church through the EMLC
missional priority has been in the area of ministerial
leadership development as it relates to certification and
diaconal ministry.

• Between 1980 and 1993, the DDM conducted two
ethnic minority consultations (in 1982 and 1987).

• In 1989 the DDM conducted a survey to determine
the needs of the African American community as
related to diaconal forms of ministry. Priority
needs and recommendations were developed for
followup.

• The DDM has been recruiting persons to serve in
areas of youth ministry, after- school programs,
prevention education of teen pregnancy, drug and
substance abuse education, music and worship,
Christian education, and ministry to the elderly.

• A number of projects have been funded by DOM
as part of the implementation of the EMLC priority
as related to the Black church between 1985-1993.
(See Report of the Division of Diaconal Ministry on
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Cen-
tury)

• The DDM has been able to elaborate on legislation
that has allowed for African American persons in
the church to consider diaconal ministry and cer-
tification.

• The DDM has set as a priority the interpretation
and recruitment for diaconal ministry. The Ethnic
Minority Concerns Committee of the Division has
established as a goal for every structure of the
church to be informed and to participate in the

recruitment of persons for diaconal ministry and
certification. African American persons will be in-
cluded.

• In 1981, there were sixteen (16) African American
diaconal ministers. Presently there are thirty four
(34) African American consecrated diaconal min-
isters.

In summary, it should be noted that the format of
the report by the Board of Higher Education and Minis-
try did not follow the questionnaire in sequence. The
mandates, the programs and projects, and the funding
were included at various points. Hopes and dreams were
only alluded to in the responses.

C. General Board of Discipleship (GBOD)

Due to numerous staff changes and losses from
1972 to 1993, the report from GBOD was based on
limited historical information recalled by existing staff.

1. To the question of General Conference mandates
directed to the GBOD, the following was noted, as
inclusive of the Black Church:

• That budgets and staff assignments be reordered
and reprioritized to implement the church-wide
effort.

• That the General Secretary shall ensure the entire
Board addresses its responsibilities.

• That 20% of unit budgets and staff time would be
allocated to the priority of Sfrengthening the Eth-
nic Minority Local Church as well as incorporate
it into the total program of the Board.

2. What particular programs, services, events, and
processes contributed to the work of sfrengthening
Black churches under the EMLC priority?

• The Director of Ethnic Church Resources pro-
vided direct services to Black congregations in the
form of refreats, preaching, teaching and various
fraining events.

• The refreat resource for African Americans, Ex-
ploring Dimensions of Black Spirituality, written by
Robert Dungy, was published by The Upper
Room. It is designed for local churches and can be
led by the pastor or a lay leader.

• A year-long program focusing on spirituality in the
African American church was also developed by
Robert Dungy, named A Closer Walk with God. It
was completed and launched by Eugene Blair in
1989.

• A Consultation on Spirituality in the Racial/Ethnic
Church was held in July 1990. African American
and other racial-ethnic groups were involved.

• A program was developed called. Lift Every Voice
and Sing, a weekend rite of passage for African
American youth that can be conducted in the local
church.

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597

• The adaptation of An Adventure in Healing and
Wholeness for Black churches.

• The cultivation of the "Walk to Emmaus" program
for Black churches and pastors between 1986 and
1993.

• Deliberate recruitment and marketing efforts for
several years to invite African American church
people to come to the Upper Room's Prayer and
Bible Conference.

• The resource, Teaching Scripture in African
American Congregations was produced.

• Staff participated in "Search Research" using Afri-
can American Congregations.

• The Black Christian Education Project was begun
by Walter Willis, carried out by Joe Crockett, and
resourced by Marilyn Magee and others.

• Consulted on EMLC proposals.

• Black Church leaders were resourced at BMCR.

• Black adjunct staff members were trained.

• The Board resources provided staff time and re-
sources in developing the curriculum, Revival of
Hope within context of Methodism in The United
Methodist Church, The African Methodist Episco-
pal Church, The African Methodist Episcopal
Zion, and The Colored Methodist Episcopal (now
known as Christian Methodist Episcopal) denomi-
nations.

• African American leadership was recruited for the
Small Membership Church Recertification and
Renewal Event in Christian Education in 1993.

• Module on multicultural education developed by
Alma Fields.

• The advisory committee for small membership
church Christian education included an African
American member.

3. On budgetary matters, the basic financial commit-
ment required each unit of the Board to designate 20%
of budget to the EMLC program. In addition the follow-
ing actions were taken:

• The budget also had an item of $125,000 Ethnic
Church Resource and Training (ECRT) funds
which were to be used for ethnic church re-

The agency had the responsibility of approving
proposals for funding of local church projects at
approximately $500,000 per year. In later years
approximately $250,000 with no adminisfrative
cost was included.

The agency included approximately $36,000 annu-
ally in its budget for the Ethnic Local Church
Concerns (ELCC) Staff and Board Committee.

• Salary and benefits for two Ethnic Church Re-
source Directors for The Upper Room from 1983-
92, as well as related fravel budgets and secretarial
support.

• Budgetary support for development of the pro-
gram Exploring Dimensions of Spirituality in the
Black Experience, as well as Prayer in the Black
Tradition.

• Closer Walk with God budgets totaled approxi-
mately $18,000 between 1988-93.

• The Upper Room Section contributed $5,000 to the
Consultation on Spirituality in Racial/Ethnic
Churches.

• Prayer and the Bible Conference marketing ef-
forts cost roughly $5,000.

In summary, budgetary considerations were as fol-
lows:

Total program costs since 1983 $24,500

Total including 50% or related staff

expenses since 1983 $500,000

Total including staff related

expenses since 1972 $900,000

4.To the question of changes and constructive con-
tributions resulting from the work of the GBOD with
Black local churches on the EMLC missional priority,
several general statements were made.

• More attention was focused on Black men and

boys

• A wide range of leadership was provided for pro-
grams

• Leadership was provided for consultation and
fraining

• Work was accomplished on leadership resources

5. What were the significant procedures for evaluat-
ing effectiveness in sfrengthening Black local churches?

• All staff members use an evaluation instrument for
any event held, and this provides insight into rela-
tive effectiveness and serves as a listening tool for
future events and programs.

• Staff evaluations.

6. In response to the question, "What was the single
most significant accomplishment of your agency in each
quadrennium," general answers were again given.

• TTie Black Men's Conference was most significant
for one staff member.

• The whole report seems to convey much satisfac-
tion with the development of resources around

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faith, heritage and renewal; efforts directed toward
leadership development; and conferences and
consultations designed to enrich congregational
life of Black churches.

D. General Board of Church and Society (GBCS)

The Board of Church and Society report focuses on
legislation and publications that have dealt with social
justice and civil rights. Advocacy has been the primary
avenue for providing indirect programs and services to
the Black church. The report of the GBCS states it this
way :

"The advocacy around issues of civil rights and justice
have had a noted effect on the Black church and the black
community. It is our contention that if a justice issue
affects the Black community, it affects the Black church,
since the Black church nurtures the Black community. "

1. Twenty legislative initiatives which have been
supported or opposed because of just or unjust impacts
are included in the report. The legislation can be as-
sessed with reference to direct or indirect significance
for strengthening the Black church/community. The
legislation is as follows:

• School desegregation - which would have prohib-
ited federal courts from ordering busing as well as
would have led to the possible reopening of exist-
ing busing orders.

• Legal Services Corporation - amendment that
would have gutted the Legal Services program by
cutting the ftinding level from $321 million to $100
million.

• Voting Rights Act Amendment- East Amendment
— which would have made it necessary to prove
"intent" as evidence of discrimination.

• Court Stripping - which would preserve the integ-
rity and independence of the federal courts over
constitutional rights and remedies.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - to declare the
third Monday in January a legal holiday honoring
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Job Training - to table the Quayle Amendment to
add $36 million (to the Labor, Health and Human
Service, and Education Appropriations bills) for
programs under the Job Training Partnership Act.

• Civil Rights Act of 1984 - legislation to restore our
major civil rights laws to pre-Grove City vs Bell
coverage.

• Civil Rights Commission Act- Jepsen amendment
to make permanent the ban of federal funding of
abortions, bar federal insurance coverage for abor-
tion, etc.

• Education, Nutrition, and Job Training.

Head Start and Handicapped Education Pro-
grams.

Moratorium on Assisted Housing.

Work Incentive Program.

Civil Rights Restoration Act.

Enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.

Hate Crimes Statistics Act.

Minimum Wage Increase.

Civil Rights Commission Reauthorization.

Civil Rights Act of 1990.

Savings and Loan Restructuring/Redlining.

Racial Justice Act.

2. A number of resolutions were prepared for Gen-
eral Conference, Book ofResolutiotis, "Social Principles."
It should be noted that many of the resolutions regard-
ing civil rights, and the history and struggle of the Black
church were prepared by the General Board of Church
and Society. For example:

Resolution on Black Owned Farm Land

Environmental Racism

Affirmative Action

Ku Klux Klan and Other Hate Groups

Drugs and Alcohol

Violence Against Women

Gun Control

Police Firearm Policies

Public Education in the United States

Penal Reform

3. The Ethnic Local Church (ELC) internship pro-
gram was under the sponsorship of the GBCS during
the three quadrennia tiiat the EMLC was a priority or
one of three priorities. The main accomplishment of this
program was provision of forty-three (43) internships for
Black youth and young adult leaders. The interns
worked along with staff on social justice issues that
affected the Black community.

4. Grants provided to Black churches through this
agency have been mainly in the categories of leadership
development and education.

5. Several Engage/Social Action (E/SA) publica-
tions have been produced by GBCS on: "Black Colleges:
Vital Part of American Education" (E/SA Forum- 1);
"Priority Concerns of Black United Methodists" (E/SA

General and Judicial Administration

599

Forum-66); "The Ethnic Minority Local Church: In the
Midst of Social and Economic Issues" (E/SA Forum-71) ;
and also a pamphlet on "The Bible and Race."

Report No. 4

Petition Number: 2167&-GJ-NonDis-0$; GCOM

Recommendation For A Focus

on Young People — ^Walking Together

in tilie Way That Leads to Life

A Shared Mission Focus of United Methodist People
and Churches Around the World

Young men and women alike, old and young together,

lei them praise the name of the Lord.

Psalm 148: 12-13 (NRSV)

Introduction

The people of God have been on a faith journey to
care for generations to come. Our knowledge and aware-
ness of young people in the world, their gifts and graces,
their struggles and challenges, has increased over the
past several decades. With the proliferation of commu-
nication technology in all forms, the needs of young
people are reported daily. Because some of these re-
ports are alarming, there has been growing concern
within The United Methodist Church about emerging
generations. The church is seeking ways to address
these concerns and to also affirm and celebrate the many
contributions of young people today.

Tlie Book of Discipline gives the General Council on
Ministries the discretion, as well as the duty, to recom-
mend to General Conference that one single issue, be-
cause of its critical importance, be made a priority for all
United Methodists. Furthermore, it is expected that,
after serious reflection, the General Council on Minis-
tries will also recommend ways for United Methodists
to re-focus its mission to address that issue. A shared
mission focus for young people is such a priority and is
a response as well.

At the 1992 General Conference in Louisville, it was
declared that "the church"must do more to address the
needs of young people, specifically, the spiritual, so-
cial, and emotional needs that are so critical to the
achievement of wholeness. That declaration was predi-
cated on the fact that participation of young people in

The United Methodist Church is declining while the
needs of young people are increasing.

According to John W. Santrock from the University
of Texas at Dallas, "today's adolescents face demands
and expectations, as well as risks and temptations, that
appear to be more numerous and complex than those
adolescents faced only a generation ago.. ..High divorce
rates, high adolescent pregnancy rates, and increased
geographic mobility of families contribute to this lack of
stability in adolescents' lives. The rate of adolescent
drug use in the United States is the highest of any
country in the industrialized Western world. {Adoles-
cence, Brown and Benchmark, 1996) The rate of mur-
ders by 14 to 17 year olds increased 165% between 1983
and 1993. Qames Allen Fox, Homicide Offending Pat-
terns, Northeastern University, Boston, 1995) Other
concerns such as increasing gang violence, identity is-
sues, hate groups, suicide and secularization have thrust
youth into a search for meaning and purpose in their
lives.

"A young person from the leadership of the World
Council of Churches speaks of his peers under 30 as the
'expendable generation.' a reality giving many children
and youth a 'no-future' mentality." "There is an equally
rapid turnover as young people reach the limits of op-
portunity and world view, often rejecting faith alto-
gether. The mainline churches' retreat fi-om youth
education and ministry as a priority, and their failure to
make youth partners in this ministry, have contributed
to this phenomenon."

Therefore, the General Council on Ministries
presents this document to the church as an oppor-
tunity to bring the good news of God's uncondi-
tional love to young people, to celebrate the lives
and faith of young people throughout the world
and to better respond to the critical needs and
struggles faced by more than 50 percent of the
world's population.

The Listening Process

The General Council on Ministries engaged in a
process of listening and discernment as it set about
fulfilling its Disciplinary responsibility of selecting a
missional focus for the church. Many and varied listen-
ing opportunities were presented each helping to shape
the proposed direction for this emphasis. Both factual
and narrative information was gleaned all focusing on
the realities faced by young people today.

The terminology of "young people" is being adopted in this proposal as opposed to "children," "youth," or "young adults" which typically
imply specific age or school categories. This proposal utilizes an experiential age definition that allows for flexibility and is based upon
the knowledge that the onset of issues facing young people comes at an earlier age than in past generations and can endure longer.
Brock, Peter, The No-Future Generation?", The Ecumenical Review, 44, no. 2 (April, 1992).
Ibid., p. 186.

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Stories of individual journeys were shared. Pleas
asking to be recognized as people of value having abili-
ties and gifts to contribute to the church and society
were heard. The pain of racial discrimination through
exclusion on committees throughout the church were
heard. Testimonies to the need for God in their lives and
the importance of a sustaining faith were heard. And,
greater sensitivity to young people living in other cul-
tural settings outside the U.S. was affirmed as needed.

Through several recent studies, issues focusing on
young people have been in the forefront. Respondents
to a 1994 study, performed by the General Council on
Ministries, rated needs of youth as second highest in the
listing of critical issues requiring special emphasis.
From the Connectional Issues Study Survey, responses
from members of local churches included: concerns of
aging leadership, concerns of aging members, and
hopes for young adult growth in membership and re-
sponsibility.

And opinions from annual conferences were shared.
One study performed by GCOM indicated that annual
conferences believe that the mission of the local church
encompasses both a) making disciples, reaching the
unchurched especially in "boomer, buster and x genera-
tions" and b) responding to crisis, poverty, and other
social ills first within the local community and then in
the larger world.

Listening occurred through youth gatherings such
as Youth '95 — a conference for youth from around the
world focusing on spiritual growth and celebrating and
witnessing to their Christian faith. Other contributing
voices have been the National Youth Ministry Organiza-
tion (NYMO) , which for the past ten years has called on
the church to address such issues as youth leadership
development; youth at risk and vocational issues; United
Methodist Women through its Campaign for Children
and long-time commitment to youth and young adults;
The rural chaplains; and conference, district, and local
youth groups and organizations.

The message heard from all of the above has come
in two parts. First, the people of God must reach out to
young persons so young persons may share in the
unconditional love of God and Jesus Christ. And, young
people must be challenged to become partners in
Christ's ministry, both in and outside the church. Sec-
ond, many believe that the church has been slow to
respond and must be about the business of focusing on
young people.

Insights From the Listening Process

• Although the public receives many messages
about the problems of young people, the listening
process verified the enormous positive contribu-
tions of young people to society — ^within and out-
side the church.

• At times, young people are alienated by members
of the church. The barriers of discomfort and
apathy need to be broken down and partnerships
established.

• Within The United Methodist Church, the local
church is where most of the day-to-day ministry
with young people occurs; however, most young
people are outside of the local church. Therefore,
creative, flexible indigenous youth ministry is
needed in all communities. We need to "listen to
and meet young people where they are." This
approach may, in turn, revitalize all young people
inside and outside the local church. Resourcing
and supporting all efforts is critical.

• God has been moving through current initiatives
in the UMC that are working in "new ways" to live
out and share the Gospel. Three examples are the
National Plan for Hispanic Ministry, Native Ameri-
can Comprehensive Plan and the Communities of
Shalom. These initiatives have taught us the need
for and value of a shared mission focus.

• Districts, annual conferences, jurisdictions, cen-
fral conferences, and general agencies focus, in
part, on issues related to young people and staff
and financial resources are allocated to support
this work. However, coordination and collabora-
tion among these instruments of God's mission
need to be enhanced.

• God's call to be with and for young people around
the world has also been heard by the episcopal
leadership of The United Methodist Church, llie
Council of Bishops, through its Episcopal Initia-
tive on Children and Poverty, will be examining
the needs of children worldwide and "can lead The
United Methodist Church to a transforming re-
sponse to the reality of God's presence and minis-
try with the world's children. "The shared mission
focus and the Episcopal Initiative are mutually
supportive and wall serve as contributions to the
whole church.

The Vision

The vision for the Focus on Young People is:
a shared response to the joys and pains of young
people around the world, through the Good News
of God's unconditional love in Christ

Other listening forums included the Forum of Adults in Youth Ministiy; Youth Initiatives team of the General Board of Discipleship; the
youth and young adults on the General Council on Ministries; the East Ohio Youth Annual Conference resolution supporting GCOM's
emphasis on young people including a letter of support from the Mt Vernon District Youth, East Ohio Conference.

General and Judicial Administration

601

Every level of the church, especially the local level,
is being called by God to participate in making a differ-
ence in the lives of young people around the world
through their understanding and response to the Gos-
pel. This shared mission focus will bring God's grace to
our creative ministries and programs growing out of the
local context. The shared mission focus is about:

• the United Methodist Church moving forward as
a unified body with a unified vision and commit-
ment toward an agreed upon goal related to young
people within and outside the church;

• maximizing resources for greater effectiveness in
addressing the needs of young people;

• celebrating the achievements of young people
throughout the world.

The call to The United Methodist Church is to
reorder its priorities and focus on the needs of
yotmg people and to enable young people to be
participants in the life and work of the church.

New ways of implementing ministry must be discovered
and instituted if we hope to attain a world of wholeness
for existing and future generations. "New wine skins"
are needed for the new age and for the challenges that
are accompanying this age.

A Shared Mission Focus

A shared mission focus is a new way of creatively
living into this vision of a "shared response to the joys
and pains of young people around the world, through
the Good News of God's unconditional love in Christ."

• It Is Shared because it comes fi-om and belongs
to every part of the church. It is shared because it
will take United Methodists working together in
task forces, local churches, districts, annual con-
ferences, jurisdictions, central conferences and
the general agencies for the response to cause a
real difference. No one part of the church can do
it alone. It is shared because this work is done
together with God.

• It Is Mission because, in the spirit of the Great
Commission in Matthew 28:19, it is people to peo-
ple. We are being sent in response to a critical need
in God's world. It is mission because it is action.

• It Is Focus, not a "program."This shared mission
focus is a way of seeing and focusing on young
people in our world. It calls us to turn our heads,
open our eyes, feel with the heart, and look deeply
into the eyes of young people all around us. It is
this focused seeing that then inspires United
Methodists to focus the creativity, energy, and
resources that can flow from every part of the
Body of Christ in this shared mission.

Opportunity for Action

This shared mission focus is a locally-driven con-
cept— here the ideas, energies, and strategic plans are
generated by United Methodist Christians in local
places. In fact, the first priority is to meet young people
with ministry wherever they are, be it inside the church
or outside. This shared mission focus must be an out-
reaching witness dedicated to local ministry for, with
and by young people — regardless of church structures.
The role of districts, annual conferences, jurisdictions,
central conferences, and general agencies, is to share
resources for listening, dreaming, and moving into ac-
tion as a part of God's mission with young people in
localities around the world. Local churches will be en-
couraged to form creative partnerships with all entities
in the church, ecumenical, and community organiza-
tions in an effort to achieve the goal.

Shared Mission Focus Components

1. Discovery and Theological Grounding

For all United Methodists in local settings, both
discovery and theological grounding are simultaneous,
interlocking processes and are most effectively accom-
plished in an environment of flexibility and openness to
the movement of the Spirit These processes are
strengthened with a strong commitment to caring for
and acceptance of all young people.

The discovery process is a continuous one that
involves listening to the voices of young people. We
must gather information and specifically identify the
realities in which young people find themselves and
assess their needs. This process requires moving be-
yond the four walls of the church — out into the neigh-
borhood and larger community.

Issues around which we will listen may be identified
by asking such questions as: "What are the assets of
young people in our church and in our community?"
"What are the needs and challenges facing young peo-
ple?" "How can our church engage in a more effective
and holistic ministry with young people?" "What re-
sources will be needed to undergird this ministry?" "Are
there existing models to draw upon for our ministry?"
Due to the uniqueness of each local context, an open-
ness to other questions is encouraged.

This process of discovery will be undergirded with
a to-be-developed training component and resources.

Discerning God's call for the local church in its
ministry with young people comes when we begin to
ask: "What is it that God is calling us to do?" Listening,
bible study, experience, and prayer among others, will
be important in discerning the vision and mission. This
shared mission focus is rooted in the belief that we all
must have a strong commitment to our respective min-
istries and give personal witness about what God is

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doing in our lives. Failure to respond to this call with
boldness would be to close our hearts and minds to the
new vision God has given our church.

2. Resourcing Ministry Action Plans

Ministry action plans, developed by local churches,
will be supported by the following culturally and geo-
graphically sensitive resources:

- A comprehensive data bank will be created to
provide information on models addressing specific
needs of young people. These models will be broad-
based, including United Methodist efforts, other de-
nominational and inter-faith efforts, and community
efforts. It will be the role of the General Council on
Ministries to identify an entity to develop this data bank.

-Print media and electronic resources — ^These
resources will be available to local churches and com-
munities and will be developed by the supporting
church structiu^es.

- Dynamic Issue Forums related to ministry ac-
tion plans — ^Ten topical forums will be sponsored in
various locations on critical topics related to young peo-
ple. The forums will present information about success-
ful models of ministry — models that are transforming
lives. Through a process of listening, sharing, and iden-
tifying common elements of ministry, participants will
design and generate resources to be utilized in their
respective ministries and by the general agencies of the
church. The sessions will be creative and motivational
and will press the ordinary boundaries of ministry.
Strong emphasis will be given to models that address
root causes and creative solutions for systemic change.
The forums will be designed to take participants to the
"cutting edge" of issues and to introduce new concepts
of mission.

3. Interpretation

Promotional materials will be designed and distrib-
uted to mobilize support for the shared mission focus.

4. Celebration and Jubilee

A mid-quadrennial celebration for lifting up success-
ful ministries with young people will be designed and, if
possible, linked with other celebrative mission events
occurring within the denomination. Time will be spent
assessing progress and identifying continuing needs.

5. Shared Mission Focus Team

Throughout this process, there will be a Shared
Mission Focus Team which will meet one or two times
during each year of the quadrennium and will serve as:

• a coordinating body for the shared mission focus;

• a clearinghouse for ideas and for on-going discern-
ment;

• a forum for reflection with the church about how
the shared mission focus is making a difference
and for exploring additional directions;

• a forum for determining ways of greater collabora-
tion including the pooling of human and financial
resources to maximize effectiveness.

Membership in the Shared Mission Focus Team
(voice and vote) will be comprised of persons selected
by the General Council on Ministries from a pool of
names submitted by the bodies named below. The cate-
gories of membership include:

• One young person and one adult

from each jurisdiction 10

(A pool of names, caring for inclusiveness
in race, gender, age and variety of ministry
settings, to be submitted by the jurisdictional
councils on youth ministry)

• One young person or one adult worker

with youth from each 3

of the three continents (Africa, Asia, Europe)
(Names to be submitted by the central
conference Council of Bishops)

• One young person from GCOM 1

• Five persons at large (for inclusiveness

and expertise) 5
(Names to be submitted by the jurisdictional
councils on youth ministry in consultation
with National Youth Ministry Organization
(NYMO), the racial and ethnic caucuses,
the Student Forum, the Campus Ministry
Office of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry and the central
conference Council of Bishops)

Total 19

Resource Persons for the Shared Mission Focus
Team will be:

• A bishop, related to the Episcopal Initiative "Chil-
dren and Poverty," to be named by the CouncU of
Bishops (at their expense)

• One staff representative from each of the four
program boards, one representative from UM-
Com and one staff representative from NYMO (at
their expense).

Administration and Staffing: Remaining fmthful to
its Disciplinary mandates, the General Council on Min-
istries will perform the coordination and administrative
functions, including the administration of funds re-
ceived for the shared mission focus. The General Coun-
cil on Ministries will also care for the staffing needs of
this initiative.

General and Judicial Administration 603

whether we are willing to do so. We must move from

Conclusion apathy to loving concern, from alienation of young peo-

J 1. . pie to unconditional acceptance. It is the only kind of

We. as United Methodist people and churches movement that will make possible a shared response to

around the world, are being called to hear God s ^he joys and pains of young people around the world,

voice— a call that is moving us to a new place, a new through the Good News of God's unconditional love in

ministry, a new "promised land. We have an opportu- Christ

nity to "transform" the world. The question before us is

Shared Mission Focus Quadrennial Budget

Expenses:

1. Discovery & Theological Grounding Component $ 35,00

- Development of Resources Utilized for
Discemment/Tlieological Grounding
Process and Discovery Component

2. Resourcing the Ministry Action Plans 150,000

- Data Bank

- Print, electronic media resource
development

- Issue Forum development
and implementation

3. Interpretation/Promotion 9,000

4. Celebration and Jubilee 20,000

- Provision of scholarships to events

5. Shared Mission Team Meeting Expenses 56,000

Quadrennium Grand Total $ 270,000*

- one to two meetings per year

* In the spirit of collaboration, the above financial figures are only a beginning portion of resources that will
be multiplied by the addition of human and financial resources from districts, annual conferences, jurisdictions,
central conferences, general agencies and, most of all, local congregations where this mission focus will come
alive. Options for greater collaboration will be explored by the Shared Mission Focus Team.

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DCA Advance Edition

Report No. 5

Petition Number: 21679-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Resolutions on Special Days

Local Church Legislation — Re.: Special

Sundays

The General Council on Ministries has the respon-
sibility "to recommend to the General Conference, after
consultation with the Council of Bishops, the number
and timing of special days which are to be observed on
a churchwide basis; (77ze Book of Discipline, 1992 ^
1006.7).

The special Sundays in The United Methodist
Church are intended to be illustrative of the nature and
calling of the Church and are celebrated annually. The
special Sundays are placed on the calendar to make clear
the calling of the Church as the people of God, and to
give persons the opportunity of contributing offerings to
special programs.

Sbc special churchwide Sundays provide for
churchwide offerings to do deeds expressive of our
commitment: Human Relations Day, One Great Hour of
Sharing, World Communion Sunday, United Methodist
Student Day, Peace with Justice Sunday, and Native
American Awareness Sunday. Two special Sundays are
without offering: Heritage Sunday and Laity Sunday.
Three churchwide Sundays, Christian Education, Gold-
en Cross, and Rural Life Sundays, provide opportunities
for annual conference offerings.

The special Sundays approved by General Confer-
ence shall be the only Sundays of churchwide emphasis.
The program calendar of the denomination shall include
only the special Sundays approved by General Confer-
ence, special Sundays approved by ecumenical agencies
to which The United Methodist Church is officially
related, and the days and seasons of the Christian year.

Because of the diversity of history and heritages
experienced by the central conferences, they shall not
be required to observe all of the special days listed
below. The central conferences are authorized to ob-
serve other special days appropriate to their unique
history and heritages.

Churchwide Special Sundays With Offerings

Sbc special churchwide Sundays with offerings shall
be celebrated in each United Methodist Church.

Human Relations Day shall be observed with an
offering, preferably on the Sunday before the obser-
vance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. This Sunday
occurs during Epiphany, tiie season of manifesting
God's light to the world. Human Relations Day calls the
Church to recognize the right of all God's children in

realizing their potential as human beings in relationship
with each other. The purpose of the day is to further the
development of better human relations. An offering shall
be received for the support of the Community Develop-
ers Program, United Methodist Voluntary Services Pro-
gram, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.

One Great Hour of Sharing shall be observed with
an offering, preferably on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Lent is the season of repentance, self-examination, and
awareness of the hurts of the peoples of the world. One
Great Hour of Sharing calls the Church to share the
goodness of life with those who hurt An offering shall
be received for the work of the United Methodist Com-
mittee on Relief.

World Communion Sunday shall be observed with
an offering, preferably on the first Sunday of October.
World Communion Sunday calls the Church to be the
catholic inclusive Church. An offering shall be received
for Crusade Scholarships, for the Ethnic Minority Schol-
arship Program, and the Ethnic Minority In-Service
Training Program.

United Methodist Student Day shall be observed
with an offering, preferably on the last Sunday in Novem-
ber, or another Sunday appropriate to the local church.
United Methodist Student Day calls the Church to sup-
port students as they prepare for life in uniting faith witii
knowledge. An offering shall be received for the support
of the United Methodist Scholarships and the United
Methodist Student Loan Fund.

Peace with Justice Sunday shall be observed with an
offering, preferably on the Second Sunday of Pentecost.
Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of tiie Holy Spirit
calling for God's shalom. Peace with Justice witnesses
to God's demand for a faithful, just, disarmed, and se-
cure world. An offering shall be received for Peace with
Justice Ministries in the annual conference and the
General Board of Church and Society.

Native American Awareness Sunday shall be ob-
served with an offering, preferably on the third Sunday
of Easter. This Sunday serves to remind the Church of
the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans
to our society. An offering shall be received to develop
and strengthen Native American ministries within the
annual conference, to provide scholarships for Native
Americans to attend United Methodist Schools of The-
ology and to expand the number of target cities for the
Native American Urban Initiative.

Churchwide Special Sundays Without Offerings

The program functions assigned to the general
agencies are carried out by the respective agencies
through normal programmatic channels. Special Sun-
days are not needed for these program functions to be
implemented.

General and Judicial Administration

605

Two Special Sundays without offerings are:

Heritage Sunday shall be observed on April 23, the
day in 1968 when The United Methodist Church was
created by the union of The Evangelical United Breth-
ren Church and The Methodist Church, or the Sunday
following that date. It falls during Eastertide, the season
in which we remember the Resurrection and triumph of
our Lord. Heritage Sunday calls the Church to remem-
ber the past by committing itself to the continuing call
of God. This Special Sunday is under the general super-
vision of the General Commission on Archives and His-
tory.

Laity Sunday shall be observed annually, preferably
on the third Sunday in October. Laity Sunday calls the
Church to celebrate the ministry of all lay Christians, as
their lives are empowered for ministry by the Holy Spirit
This Special Sunday is under the general supervision of
the General Board of Discipleship.

Annual Conference Special Sundays

Christian Education Sunday shall be observed on a
date determined by the annual conference. It calls the
Church as the people of God to be open to growth and
learning as disciples of Jesus Christ. If the annual con-
ference so directs, an offering may be received for the
work of Christian education within the annual confer-

Golden Cross Sunday shall be observed annually on
a date determined by the annual conference. If the
annual conference so directs, an offering may be re-
ceived for the work of health and welfare ministries in
the annual conference.

Rural Life Sunday shall be observed on a date to be
determined by the annual conference. Rural Life Sunday
shall call the Church to celebrate the rural heritage of
The United Methodist Church and to recognize the
ongoing crisis occurring in rural areas of the nation and
world today. If the annual conference so directs, an
offering may be received for the work of ministries in
town and rural areas within the conference, such as:
rural chaplaincy, ministries with African-American farm-
ers, development of cooperative parish ministries,
and/or strengthening the nurture, outreach, and/or
witness of congregations in town and rural areas.

Annual conferences may determine other special
Sundays with or without offering. Special Sundays with
offering shall be approved by the annual conference
upon recommendation of the annual conference council
on ministries in consultation with annual conference
council on finance and administration. Special Sundays
without offering shall be approved by the annual confer-
ence upon recommendation of the annual conference
council on ministries.

Local church treasurers shall remit the receipts of
all annual conference Special Sundays with offering to
the annual conference treasurer, and receipts will be
acknowledged in accordance with procedures of the
annual conference. Local churches shall report the
amount of the offering in the manner indicated in the
Local Church Report to the annual conference.

Report No. 6

Petition Number: 21680-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Mission and Ministry
in Alaska

"A Study to Examine the Possibility
of Ejqjansion"

Section I

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
item 955 on page 1198 of the Advance Daily Christian
Advocate, and page 357 of the Daily Christian Advocate
as amended. The General Council on Ministries re-
ceived this referral which directed it to study "the pos-
sibilities of expanding The United Methodist Church's
mission and ministry in Alaska in the light of emerging
economic, social and environmental issues and spiritual
needs and to report its findings to the 1996 General
Conference."

Study Team

Four members of the General Council on Ministri-
es' Missional Emphasis Division were selected to be on
the Study Team. This team also included resource per-
sons fi-om the National Division, (two staff persons and
one director), and the GCOM president who provides
episcopal leadership for the Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence. One of the GCOM members of the study team was
also a clergy person serving a church in Alaska.

Method of Research

A case study approach was used as the method of
research for implementing this General Conference re-
ferral. A case study is a qualitative method of conducting
research which is based on examining and viewing the
world by understanding and making sense of data from
the respondent's point of view which is context specific.
Basically, qualitative research is a way of looking closer
at a certain section of reality from the individual's world
and context, and then making sense out of the collective
make-up of what is seen, heard, and observed. This
research method elicits data face-to-face which is then

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DCA Advance Edition

transcribed, analyzed, and studied. This process re-
quires sensitivity and understanding of the world of
participants; seeking to look closer at their perspectives
by experiencing firsthand events, actions, behavior, at-
titudes, and input within a specific context Qualitative
research is a descriptive view of reality, and it is context
specific.

Following data collection, emerging themes and
commonalities begin to tell a story and paint a picture.
Themes and commonalities are identified which enable
researchers to make sense of the world they are exam-
ining through the use of inductive logic. Qualitative
research recognizes that the context has the greatest
impact on social behavior. Therefore, the researcher
helps to provide an understanding about multiple per-
spectives and methods. The use of qualitative research
helps to attain a level of understanding and explanations
not possible through conventional experimental or sur-
vey design. The case study has a dual aim of arriving at
a comprehensive understanding of the group or context
under study and developing a general theoretical state-
ment about regularities in social structure and process.
Qualitative research presents a rich description of a
situation in the voice of the "people."

Prelimineiry Consultation

This study process began immediately following
the 1992 General Conference when the general secre-
tary of GCOM, Dr. C. David Lundquist, and the associate
general secretary of GCOM, Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed,
consulted with the deputy general secretary of the Na-
tional Program Division of the General Board of Global
Ministries regarding the implementation of the referral.
The General Council on Ministries' staff also consulted
with the Reverend Carol Seckel who was the conference
superintendent of the Alaska Missionary Conference
during the initial phase of the study.

At the Western Jurisdiction Joint Training Event in
January 1993, the GCOM staff met with all (22) leaders
from the Alaska Missionary Conference who attended
that event. Issues and needs of the Alaska Missionary
Conference were heard, listed, and shared with the
study team.

Needs Assessment

The "Needs Assessment" (Inquiry Form) was field
tested and then sent to key leaders in the Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference who had attended the Western Ju-
risdiction Joint Training Event. This Inquiry Form
included a place for the listing of additional names and
addresses of other persons recommended to complete
the form. This procedure permitted the GCOM to elicit
data from additional leaders because of this self-gener-
ating input process. The "Needs Assessment" was help-
ful in identifying salient concerns related to the study
mandate, "expanding mission and ministry in Alaska. "

Responses from the "Needs Assessment" were received
from both clergy and lay persons within the Alaska
Missionary Conference, as well as persons who had
provided leadership in the conference in previous years.
Data were also gathered from the General Board of
Global Ministries regarding property owned by the Na-
tional Program Division of the Board.

Key themes identified in this process informed the
direction of the study process for on-site visits. The key
themes from the "Needs Assessment" were as follows:

Key Themes

• Expansion of Ministry

When the issue of expansion was raised in the survey,
many interpreted expansion to mean the start-up of
new ministries, new churches, and greater commu-
nity outreach. Given distances between regions,
travel costs, weather patterns, plus the vastness of the
state, a real challenge for the Alaska Missionary Con-
ference is to ensure effective communication and
outreach. In response to the issue of communication,
some respondents identified the need for wider cir-
culation of a conference newspaper. There were per-
ceptions that the then current conference newspaper
"Mission Monitor'' was targeted primarily to profes-
sional leaders. In 1994 the name was changed to "The
Aurora Witness."

Respondents discussed current outreach programs
that included food banks, soup kitchens, and places
for homeless persons. Expansion of ministry needs
included more services for youth and young adults,
additional community centers to provide social serv-
ices, camping programs, experimental ministries
such as airplane ministries, roadway ministries, and
ministries sensitive to native persons. Funding was
consistently mentioned in almost all the surveys as
necessary for the expansion of ministries.

• Relationship With Alaska Pacific University

Respondents were generally unclear about the rela-
tionship between the Missionary Conference and the
Alaska Pacific University. It was not apparent to re-
spondents that this institution was playing a signifi-
cant role in the expansion of mission and ministry in
Alaska. Several persons cited budget constraints as a
key factor in the University not being more involved
with the conference.

• Native Issues

Another consistent theme was the importance of Na-
tive issues, requiring sensitivity to ministries by, for,
and with native Alaskans. It was noted that the Comity
Act (historic interdenominational agreement for
evangelization to be explained later in this report)
continues to have great bearing on outreach to native
villages. Respondents noted difficulty in making a

General and Judicial Administration

607

significant impact in the area of native ministries, but
expressed the desire for the Conference and all local
churches to be more effective in outreach to native
persons.

Clergy

General concern was expressed about "bum-out"
among pastors serving the Alaska Missionary Con-
ference. Questions were raised about renewal and
continuing education. A few respondents wondered
where the places were in the system to care for
pastors who needed renewal. One clergy respondent
noted one way clergy deal with burn-out is through
monthly meetings that provide prayer, spiritual en-
couragement, and moral support for one another.
There was some tension around the process of clergy
recruitment, ordination, and the need to find more
creative ways to draw from the leadership within the
state.

Relationship with the General Church Through the
National Program Division of the General Board of
Global Ministries

Many persons were aware of the historical role placed
by the General Church within the Missionary Confer-
ence. While there is the perception of matemalism
from the National Program Division, comments from
the survey do not provide clarity on how best to
change some negative patterns of communication,
relationships, and accountability. It was apparent that
many people in the Missionary Conference look to
the general church for funding and resources, and
especially to the National Program Division. Survey
results suggest that some of the friction may exist
within the conference because of an assumption that
the general church does not know, care, or under-
stand the unique characteristics and needs of the
Alaska Missionary Conference. This feeling was ex-
pressed in the survey the following way:

The Alaska Missionary Conference leadership has felt
isolated from the general church because of seeming
lack of interest and understanding about our needs.

When specifically asked how the general church can
help, comments centered around finance and leader-
ship. Several respondents desired greater flexibility
in areas of enlisting and developing leadership. There
were comments about better, more effective training
programs to help address alcoholism, domestic vio-
lence, and other social problems in the state of
Alaska. Throughout the data gathering process, the
Advance for Christ and His Church was mentioned
as a mechanism for channeling resources to critical
needs in the Conference. Such expressions empha-
size an expectation that resources be generated from
outside the conference.

In preparation for the on-site visit, the Study Team
reviewed these emerging categories of responses.
The team then generated a list of key questions, listed
gaps for further exploration, and identified key per-
sons and groups to meet with in order to gather as
much information as possible related to implementa-
tion of the mandate from the 1992 General Confer-
ence calling for expanded mission and ministry in
Alaska.

• Conference Expectations

Persons currently residing in the Alaska Missionary
Conference as well as past leaders were asked how
this study could assist the Conference. There was a
wide range of responses and expectations which in-
clude the following:

(1) Helping the conference to understand itself bet-
ter.

(2) Helping the conference examine its relationship
with related institutions.

(3) Being an advocate with the National Program
Division.

(4) Setting a new course for the future.

(5) Developing direction for new ministries to meet
the needs of constituents.

(6) Requesting staff of the general church, who could
be readily accessible, to make frequent trips to the
conference and provide services.

(7) Providing computer technology to aid with com-
munication problems.

(8) Providing resources.

(9) Viewing the conference as international (neither
national or regional).

(10) Enabling the conference to have its own resident
bishop.

(11) Making possible an airplane ministry to native
villages.

Clearly, while the study focused specifically on "ex-
panding mission and ministry in Alaska," many of the
responses from the survey indicated the expectation
that the study process would assist the Conference with
future direction. This expectation was helpful to the
Study Team prior to the on-site visit

Survey results also uncovered some expressions of
powerlessness. Example of this feeling are found in the
following comments:

We want our own bishop. The United Methodist
Church thinks organizationally versus mission. Our bish-
ops are geographical, while other bishops in the church are
missional.

The current mission is with; it is not by.

Bringing individuals into ministry from here does not
always work.

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DCA Advance Edition

At the same time that some respondents appeared
to feel powerlessness, others wanted to be more proac-
tive and to find solutions for their problems:

It is time for us to become self-sufficient.

Our biggest barrier is ourselves... we are afraid to live
the gospel and challenge others with it... we have so many
social problems like alcoholism, domestic violence, child
abuse.. .but we have to do more rather than complain.

One fear articulated was that the study underway by
GCOM might not make a difference because of an
assumption that outsiders could not understand the
needs within the state, or the conference, without expe-
riencing its vastness during all seasons.

On-Site Visitation

The on-site visit by the study team to Alaska was
made September 30-October 12, 1993. Prior to the visit,
the study team, in consultation with its member from
the Alaska Missionary Conference, the conference su-
perintendent, and the resident bishop of Alaska, devel-
oped a process and procedure for on-site visits. In order
to cover as much of the state as possible, the study team
was divided into two groups. Each group itinerated to
different parts of the state.

First, the study team met by conference call to
perfect the interview schedule based on insights ac-
quired from the "Needs Assessment." During the con-
ference call, two team leaders were selected to oversee
the data collection process, to convene all "town meet-
ings" and other gadierings in Alaska, and to utilize the
common questions prepared in an effort to ensure con-
sistency and reliability.

Each team leader carried copies of the General
Conference mandate and a list of members of the study
team to share in meetings. Members of the team were
instructed to take verbatim notes of each conversation,
as these notes would serve in a similar fashion as the
"Needs Assessment" Basically, the notes would provide
emerging themes and critical input for this study proc-
ess. TTie team also was aware that diversity was key to
this process. Therefore, diverse cultural groups and
opinions were emphasized during the overall study
process. The staff person of the GCOM was in constant
conversation with the conference superintendent to en-
sure that the team met with a diverse group of persons
during the on-site visit.

It was agreed that there would be some data gath-
ering experiences that all members of the study team
would experience collectively, while at other times, the
two teams would hold concurrent data gathering ses-
sions in different parts of the state.

Data Gathering Sessions

The following visitation schedule indicates or lists
the sites where the total team conducted focus group
sessions:

• Alaska Pacific University

The contact at this United Methodist related insti-
tution was Dr. Thomas Trotter, former president
The purpose of this visit was to meet with key
administrators, the chaplain, and the president to
learn about possible linkages, services, and train-
ing related to the General Conference mandate.

• Anchorage School District

The contact was Dr. Lawrence Wiget, Director of
Government Relations/Legislative Liaison. The
purpose of the visit was to learn firsthand about a
new statewide telecommunication network being
developed (video, audio, and data transmission).
Dr. Wiget expressed interest in assisting The
United Methodist Church to be a part of the plan-
ning process for the statewide telecommunication
system. Since communications was a major con-
cern identified from the "Needs Assessment" the
Team sought to gather information to address this
need. Therefore, input from this conference was
then shared with the conference superintendent.

• University of Alaska

The contact person was Dr. Douglas Barry of the
Alaska Center for International Business. The pur-
pose of the consultation was to gather information
about Distance Education Programming from the
State University's Telecommunication/Computer
Center including usage, and innovative technol-
ogy. Dr. Barry and his assistant offered the Uni-
versity's services to the Conference.

• Museum of History and Art

The conference superintendent had strongly
urged the Study Team to visit this cultural center
to learn more about the history, customs, and
traditions of Native Alaskans. TTie visit to this
center provided cultural perspectives and set the
context for relating to Native Alaskans.

• ArcoOil

The contact person was Mr. Lane Rees, confer-
ence lay leader of the Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence. The purpose of the visit was to gain a
perspective of the oil industry and its impact upon
the people, environment and the economy in
Alaska.

• Alaska Native Hospital

The contact person was Audrey Armstrong, a so-
cial worker and Native Alaskan who helped the
study group learn of the experiences of native
persons through culture and traditions. The pur-
pose of the visit was to tour the facility to learn of

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the extent and role of health services among Na-
tive Alaskans.

Consultation With Additional
Key Leaders

foe Senuneetuk: A Native Alaskan who serves as a
free-lance writer and speaker. The purpose of the
consultation was to seek more information about Native
American culture, concerns and challenges for the
study pertaining to Native Alaskans.

Senator Suzanne Little: A State Legislator in Alaska. The
purpose of the consultation was to gain greater insight
about the role of government in areas such as the state's
economy, environment, industry. Native American
issues, and health care.

Dr. Gunner Knapt: A professor at the University of
Alaska in Anchorage at the Institute of Social and
Economic Research.

Reverend Neil Monroe: A Presbyterian executive
providing a perspective on the mission work of the
Presbyterian church in Alaska.

Reverend Carol Seckel: Conference superintendent
during the initial stages of the study process. The
purpose of the consultation was to learn about the work
of the conference and identify areas for expansion in
mission and ministry.

Bishop William Dew: The resident bishop of the Alaska
Missionary Conference. The purpose of the
consultation was to receive perspectives from the
resident bishop about future needs of the conference,
and input pertaining to the assigned mandate from the
1992 General Conference.

Constituents Within The Alaska
Missionary Conference

Town Meeting

A town meeting was held at First Church, Anchorage
with approximately 75 persons present, including
clergy, lay persons, and ecumenical and community
leaders. The purpose of this town meeting was for the
Study Team to conduct a focus group discussion
utilizing the interview schedule, and to gather data
pertaining to "expanding mission and ministry in
Alaska."

• Worship

During the on-site visit, members of the Study
Team worshiped in various local churches in the
greater Anchorage area. These churches were
urban, suburban, and rural.

Experiencing More of Alaska
During Visit

Following this series of consultations, meetings,
and experiences in Anchorage, the Study Team divided
into two groups. Each group had representation from
both the General Council on Ministries and the General
Board of Global Ministries. TEAM ONE visited Fair-
banks and Nome. TEAM TWO visited Juneau/Douglas
and Bethel. A complete listing of these consultations and
visits is as follows:

Team One:

Fairbanks

1. "Women in Crisis and Counseling Center Assis-
tance" (WICCA).

2. Larry Bennett — Member of the consultation be-
tween the Alaska Missionary Conference and the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries. He is an active member
of Fairbanks First United Methodist Church, and is on
the faculty of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.

3. "Bread Line" at Fairbanks First United Methodist
Church. Contact: Sharon Hunter, Dfrector.

4. David and Clarice Moore — David is the United
Methodist Campus Minister at the University of Alaska
at Fairbanks. Clarice is the Minister with Youth for the
Fairbanks First United Methodist Church.

5. "Fairbanks Native Association Regional Center
for Alcohol and Other Addictions."

6. Mike Walleri, attorney for the Tanana Chiefs
Conference.

7. Town Meeting at Fairbanks First United Method-
ist Church.

Nome

1. 'Teen Center," with Director Doug McCoy and
several Community Center board members.

2. The village of Teller, Dorothy Isabell, Native
Community Worker.

3. Town Meeting at Nome United Methodist
Church.

Team Two:

Juneau

LTourofJunea — Downtovra, Douglas Island, Men-
denhall Valley.

2. Northern Light United Methodist Church — Na-
tive American Ministry Contacts: Reverend Mary Ann

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Warden, Associate Pastor and chairperson of the Alaska
Missionary Conference Native American Ministries'
Committee, and Dr. Walter Soboleff, retired educator,
and Presbyterian chairperson of Native Ministries.

3. Lunch with United Methodist pastors: Kim Poole,
Milo Thomberry, Greg Lindsey.

4. Meeting with Dr. John Pugh, faculty of the Uni-
versity of Alaska SE at Juneau.

5. Town meeting in Juneau.
Bethel

1. Public Health Services — Contacts: Liz Bunnyboy,
Earl Polk, III, Ardyce Turner.

2. Covenant Church — Contacts: Chip and Joanne
Swanson.

3. Roman Catholic Church — Contacts: Dorothy and
Bob Aloysius.

4. Moravian Seminary — Contact: Dr. Kurt Vitt, Di-
rector.

5. Social Worker — Contact: Georgina Kacyon, for-
mer chairperson of the Native Ministries Committee of
the Alaska Missionary Conference.

Additional Visits And Consultations

Each member of the study group had an opportunity
to take an excursion trip to the North Slope to tour the
ARCO facility at Prudhoe Bay.

Some of the team members also visited the Kenai
Penninsula. A town meeting with thirteen (13) partici-
pants was held at Soldotna United Methodist Church,
and a meeting with Stan Vogel, a teacher in the Soldotna
High School, who has a high interest in the Russia
Initiative. Another group also visited the Chickaloon
Village Fish Hatchery.

At the conclusion of each visit, team members gath-
ered to identify learnings and key themes. These were
checked for accuracy with one another. Inquiry Forms
("Needs Assessments") were left for persons at each
site. The Study Team encouraged persons to complete
and return these forms to the GCOM office in order to
provide additional input into the process. All raw data
were collected and collated as a part of the study process
involved in Qualitative Research Methodology.

Data Analysis And Implementation
of Study Process

TTie study team gathered January 11-12, 1994, and
reviewed the data. The Team, as a whole, categorized
the responses and checked for accuracy. Emerging
themes were identified and analyzed. Gaps in informa-

tion were then noted for follow-up work by the study
team. Finally, assignments to members of the study
team were made to ensure that the following additional
sources were contacted to provide necessary data to be
analyzed and integrated into the findings:

1. Tongan Fellowship — ^Anchorage Contacts: Halatoa

Saulala and Lupe Saufi.

2. Korean United Methodist Church in Anchorage
— Contacts: Reverend Kim Moo Koo, and Mr. Lee.

3. African American Community — Fairbanks Con-
tacts: Reverend James Hunter and Reverend
Helen Philips.

4. Military Contacts: Fairbanks — ^Jim Messer, Col.
Frazer Jones, and Military Spouses: Paula Gentz,
Ellie Jennings.

The final data analysis was conducted by the total
team, with writing assignments made in order to prepare
a draft of a preliminary report. This first report did not
include any final conclusions or recommendations, as it
needed to be studied and analyzed for implications.

Another follow-up meeting of the study team was
held on October 4-5, 1994, with the purpose of reviewing
and reflecting upon the preliminary report TTiis draft
report was shared with Bishop William Dew, resident
bishop of the conference; the Reverend Billy Still, the
new Alaska Missionary conference superintendent; Ms.
Chris Spencer; the new conference council director, and
other designated leaders of the conference. Feedback
from these persons was received and reviewed by the
study team.

TTie study team held its final meeting m February
1995, and considered input and feedback as the report
was finalized. Rev. Billy Still and Bishop William Dew
participated in this final process. At this stage, the team
drafted findings and recommendations. This report was
then shared with key leaders in Alaska. The final report
was then presented to GCOM for adoption at its Novem-
ber 27-30, 1995 meeting. The following highlights of the
data gathering process provided direction to the study
process in the shaping of recommendations.

Highlights of Consultations — Town
Meetings

Dr. Larry Wiget of the Anchorage School District
informed the study team about a new statewide telecom-
munication system being implemented. There was hope
that the conference could benefit from such a system in
order to sfrengthen communication among its constitu-
ents. In meeting with faculty at the University of Alaska,
the team observed a demonstration of this technology.
The contacts made at the University were encouraging
as they expressed willingness to work with the church
upon request. There was much emphasis on distance

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611

education and computer linkages to address issues of
isolation, education, and more effective communication
across the state.

Senator Suzanne Little gave an overview to the
study team about the economy of the state. A major
reality in the state is that the economy is in flux due to
decreasing amounts of oil, and changes in the fishing
industry. Members of the study team observed that
"people work from day to day based on the economy so
the church must do outreach in creative ways because
people move in and out of Alaska. "The Team heard that
the church must work with the people and resources
that are available at that time. In the conversation with
Senator Dttie, the Study team learned that not only is
the state dependent on oil revenues (86 percent of the
state revenue comes from oil and gas), but it also de-
pends on fisheries, tourism, and technology. She ex-
pressed concern about the health of the people,
especially related to rural sewage and water systems.

During town meetings, while some members ex-
pressed the need for the Alaska Missionary Conference
to become more autonomous, others feared losing re-
sources of the denomination they were now eligible to
receive but might lose if the Missionary status changes.
Almost everywhere the team went, members of the
conference lifted up the importance of Native Alaskan
ministries. However, from the visit with Native
Alaskans, the team was not convinced that contempo-
rary techniques would work in native villages. There was
great focus on leadership needs within the conference
along with funding needs of new ministries like aviation
and roadside ministries. Many wondered about the fu-
ture of their conference. Consistentiy, there was stated
concern about the growing social problems and social
service needs within communities. The study team was
made aware of the preservation needs of native villages
to avoid genocide by preservation of tribal languages,
history, customs, and native spirituality.

The study team was helped through conversations
with ecumenical groups. Presbj^erians and Moravian
leaders led the study team to affirm ecumenical relation-
ships such as co-ops and other affiliations to envision and
implement a variety of ministries.

The study team observed from its visit to the Alaska
Pacific University that the University had not been used
to its potential, and there could be more effective ways
to link this institution to local churches and the confer-
ence. The University's president. Dr. Trotter, gave evi-
dence of a high level of commitment of working with the
conference.

In meeting with the resident bishop, Bishop Wil-
liam Dew, property matters were identified as one hur-
dle in relationship difficulties between the general
church and the missionary conference. The National
Program Division of the General Board of Global Min-
istries bought and held property since local churches

did not have the resources. However, during the study
process, the National Program Division determined the
need to turn property tides of local churches and parson-
ages currently in use over to the Alaska Missionary
Conference. Nevertheless, the study team heard a lot
about frictions over property, and perceived this as an
example of maternalism by the general church.

In Fafrbanks, one respondent commented:

Property is one problem area. Much property is owned
by the National Division which has an "absentee landlord"
sort of role. The Alaska Missionary Conference tends to
want to be the landlord of the properties.. .the "absentee
landlord" versus tenant image is demeaning and involves
a hierarchy which often means red tape when decisions
need to be made quickly and with a consideration for the
mission of Alaska.

Bishop Dew mentioned the high skill level needed
by pastors who serve in this conference. Members of the
study team heard frequently how pastors are most often
chaplains and social workers as well as spiritual leaders.
Also, because it takes longer to build trust, pastors
devote a longer time period to pastoral services than is
the case in the lower 48 states. Furthermore, the team
observed there continue to be concerns about how pas-
tors are selected and frained. One respondent chal-
lenged the study team:

Why does the pastor need to be a missionary with
training from New York?

The team listened to many respondents struggle
with the issue of clergy leadership. It was a feeling by
clergy serving in Alaska that when they return to their
home conference, they are often out of the loop of
appointment making. They sense the itinerant system
no longer knows what to do with them. There was also
a stated frusfration that the length of tenure for clergy
needs to be longer in Alaska. At the same time, many
felt clergy should be observed for burn-out. The team
was aware that these concerns are not unique to the
Alaska Missionary Conference.

When the study team visited with leaders about
alternative structures for the Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence and new ways of recruiting clergy, there was no
consistency in opinion. One person asserted:

To become a district of another annual conference
could easily mean that Alaska would become a part of the
"golden escalator" system, and in that non-missional struc-
ture, Alaska would certainly lose out. It could then become
like "being sent to Siberia" instead of a positive place for
reaching to the mission frontiers.

In confrast to this statement, another person in the
Juneau Town Meeting advocated for the conference to
break its missionary mentality and to become more
autonomous. The study team received a mixed reaction

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among both clergy and laity regarding the issue of
structure for the conference.

While some leaders felt the status of being a mis-
sionary conference impedes mission and ministry, the
fear that the conference is not ready to have total auton-
omy was voiced because some persons felt areas of their
work and ministry were more dependent on support
than others. There appeared to be some confusion about
the term "mission." When used sjTionymously with
funding, it was challenged. However, the benefit of con-
tinuing as a missionary conference was expressed as
including: (1) eligibility to receive funds through the
Advance; (2) having a significant number of conference
members serving on general program-related boards
and agencies; (3) having a pool of missionaries to draw
fi-om; (4) screening of missionaries by the General
Board of Global Ministries of clergy to ensure quality in
pastoral leadership; and (5) the value system of an
Alaska Missionary Conference that is positively differ-
ent.

Some of the negative aspects expressed related to
serving as a missionary conference include: (1) depend-
ency, (2) never having enough persons in the pool to
ensure quality pastoral leadership, and (3) people out-
side of Alaska always making decisions for Alaska

Some reflected on what would happen if the confer-
ence becomes a district:

(1) The conference would lose its identity.

(2) They (Alaska Missionary Conference) would
lose the ability to risk.

(3) Alaska would become a dumping ground or
punishment for pastors.

There are dynamic leaders in the Alaska Missionary
Conference who were found serving in many significant
secular positions within Alaska (i.e. legislature, univer-
sity faculty, executive of ARCO). However, in spite of the
team's contact with persons in such positions, many of
the hopes and dreams in the Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence remain fragmented because of crises and numer-
ous needs within the state. One person remarked:

I saw a community that works with one another, but
it needed to be strengthened. I am sure that many people
have a lot already on their plates, and, therefore, some
issues do not get dealt with. The unfortunate thing is that
those that get dealt with are done when they come to the
"crisis" stage.

On the other side of this comment comes the joy
and celebration for the work of the conference. As one
person observed:

We have much to celebrate as we think of all the
important ministries and programs we (conference) have
carried out.

There was input about the general church from a
variety of sources from both the on-site visits, and the
Inquiry Form (Needs Assessment). One respondent
remarked:

TJiere is the problem of who do you talk with in New
York? Often, I get a run around from one person to
another, with conflicting opinions given. Files often can-
not be found; information is given which is inaccurate.

hi spite of such complaints, the study team was
struck by the affirmation of the National Program Divi-
sion during sessions of Town Meetings. It was the sense
of the team that the conference has little knowledge
about the work of other general agencies.

There was repeated concern over communication
within the conference and from the conference to the
larger church.

There was frequent talk of how the conference
could help ministry happen in Russia. One person re-
marked:

Alaska is the gateway to ministry in Russia and the
Pacific Rim. The mission is on our door step in Alaska.

When asked to reflect on the goals of expanding
mission and ministry in Alaska, some felt the Confer-
ence could do much more in this area. One issue which
emerged in almost all gatherings and meetings was the
significant issues facing Native Alaskans. Significant
issues related to Native Alaskans are as follows:

(1) Subsistence

(2) Education

(3) Violence

(4) Empowerment

(5) Respect for the culture

(6) Alcoholism and other social problems

(7) Training and preparation for leadership

(8) Preserving the culture, including language cus-
toms, and spirituality

Many pointed to the need forlTie United Methodist
Church to work ecumenically in finding new models
which do not destroy the culture of indigenous people.
This pointwas made by one of the resource persons who
shared with the study team, Joe Senungetuk, who as-
serted:

/ believe that.. .Third World citizens are from thou-
sands of years old societies which had beliefs in and about
a Higher Power which helps them to lead healthy produc-
tive lives until someone came around to tell them dij^ent
...you look at a Native language map of Alaska, you can

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613

see that some of the retention of language and culture pretty
much coincides with who preached what, in what villages.

The study team met with members of other racial
ethnic groups to gather their input. In a meeting with
one Korean pastor and one Korean lay person, the team
learned there are 5,000 Koreans in the Anchorage area,
and ten Korean churches (three are Presbyterian, one
is Covenant, one is Baptist, one is Full Gospel, one is
Oriental Mission, one is United Methodist, one is Ro-
man Catholic, and one is Seventh Day Adventist). The
total members for all of these churches is about 1,200
members, with First Presbyterian being the largest,
with 150 members. The Korean United Methodist
Church has a transient membership of about 70 persons.
Their biggest problem is leadership for a youth group,
as they lose members to other churches who have
stronger youth programs.

In a meeting with representatives of the Tongan
Fellowship, the study team learned that the model that
works for Tongan/Samoan fellowships is to find a strong
leader who in turn will collect a community of followers.
It has been observed that this model has met success by
both the Mormons and the Assemblies of God.

What is needed most is availability of educational
opportunities for pastors, and scholarship support for
their pastor. There are about 300Tongans in Anchorage,
with only about 100 Tongans in the rest of Alaska.

The study team met with two African Americans
who are active leaders in the African-American commu-
nity in Fairbanks. They called for expanded ministry at
the jail and youth facility. They also suggested that the
churches sponsor workshops on "Cultural Awareness
and Racism."

Prior to the study, the team reviewed demographics
and noted the racial and ethnic constituencies in differ-
ent parts of Alaska. The team was intentional in seeking
out persons from different backgrounds in order to
discover needs and concerns that would provide in-
sights for the study .

The team also met with military families and repre-
sentatives in Fairbanks. Team members learned of criti-
cal needs of military families such as mental health for
spouses, transportation for church attendance, babysit-
ters, isolation, parenting classes, and many other kinds
of needs.

Summary

The study team met with many persons, traveled to
different and diverse regions, and learned first hand
about the complexities, challenges, and joys in ministry
in the state. During this study process, many missional
needs were identified, and real hardships were noted by
the team. Members of the study team felt challenged by
all that was seen, heard, and felt. This Isolated region

deals with social problems and conservation needs. At
the same time, there is both hope and a challenge for
The United Methodist Church in sharing dreams for a
new future. This future is in the hands of all members
of The United Methodist Church, and all of us are called
to be faithful to where God is leading the Church in
Alaska.

Conducting the study required the Team to better
understand Alaska, the Alaska Missionary Conference
and its history.

Recommendations

The quadrennial study on the expansion of ministry
and mission in Alaska revealed the importance of chang-
ing the manner in which the affairs of the Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference are governed and managed.

In addition to shifts in basic policy regarding the
nature of the Alaska Missionary Conference, and the
procedures for acquiring the personnel who serve there,
the study revealed a spectrum of potentially useful pro-
grammatic initiatives which we commend to both the
Missionary Conference and the National Division.

I. The Missionary Conference Status

Recommendation: Alaska, at this time, should
remain a Missionary Conference.

Rationale:

United Methodism in Alaska has been organized as
a Missionary Conference since 1972, and a Mission
since 1904. Alaskan United Methodists continue to
make impressive investments in the growth of the
Church. In a recent year, a third of the churches were
involved in expanding their facilities for greater service.
Today half of them are doing so or planning to do so.
Members of the study team and members of the Alaska
Missionary Conference recognize that expansion of the
Church's base of support is an on-going major interest
and challenge. Methodism in Alaska as a Missionary
Conference and earlier as a Mission yielded the growth
to date.

While continuing to recognize Alaska's historic re-
lation to the Church through its National Division, the
Alaska Missionary Conference is moving toward a new
self-understanding. The study team believes that the
structural and procedural changes which are recom-
mended will aid a new era of church growth in Alaska.

The Alaska Missionary Conference is presently of
insufficient size by every measure normally used (mem-
bership, number of churches, financial strength) to be
an annual conference. Becoming a district in another
annual conference would be prohibitively expensive for
any of the present conferences in the Western Jurisdic-
tion. Furthermore, Alaska's unique mission possibilities

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should not be restricted by their being absorbed into the
missional agenda of another and distant annual confer-
ence.

The missionary conference status allows ministry in
Alaska to remain vital and alive by providing a vehicle
by which we draw upon the greater resources of the
general church. It is the team's understanding that Mis-
sionary Conferences are reflective of connectionalism at
its best.

II. Personnel

In addition to shifts in basic policy regarding the
nature of the Alaska Missionary Conference, and the
procedures for acquiring the personnel who serve there,
the study revealed a spectrum of potentially useful pro-
grammatic initiatives which are recommended to both
the Missionary Conference and the National Division.

Recommendation #1: Varied interests and kinds
of needs for personnel should be addressed by manag-
ing multiple paths for entry into and tenure through
professional ministry in Alaska. These entry paths
would be at least the following:

A. Missionarv: For the foreseeable future there will
always be a place for missionaries in extraordinary and
uniquely demanding situations in Alaska. Ideally, and
over time, it is anticipated that most pastors would have
full membership in Alaska.

B. Alaskans who are called to ministrv: Alaskan
churches are fully capable of generating new talent for
full-time ordained ministry in Alaska. It is believed that
their nurture, development, and eventual leadership will
inure to the benefit of dynamic mission and ministry in
Alaska. Conference membership in AMC would make
their recruitment and qualification possible.

C. Elders or deacons who came into AMC from
other conferences: Some will be appointed across con-
ference lines as affiliate members and others will be-
come full members of AMC.

Recommendation #2: To support the action of the
Alaska Missionary Conference at its 1995 annual meet-
ing asking the bishop of the Portland Area to initiate
conversations with bishops and Boards of Ordained
Ministry in the Western Jurisdiction with the intent of
developing "memoranda of understanding" by which
members of the Alaska Missionary Conference would
be considered for appointment throughout the Western
Jurisdiction when needed.

Rationale:

The Alaska Missionary Conference is of such a size
that the itinerancy has insufficient numbers of possible
appointments to provide an adequate number of appoint-
ments for a full member's total career path. Itinerancy is
the best benefit to United Methodism when there is a

viable pool of possible appointments available. This dy-
namic has indicated in the past that it was premature for
the Alaska Missionary Conference to approve full mem-
bership in the conference as allowed by the Discipline
for clergy serving in Alaska. On the other hand, not
having full conference membership threatens growth
and the long-term health of the conference, specifically
in terms of the development of pastoral leadership.

The study team discovered three ways in which the
lack of conference membership works against effective-
ness and expansion of mission and ministry:

Local Pastors. These gifts of ministry are needed;
however, local pastors cannot be developed with integ-
rity in our current system. Once local pastors do all the
work of preparing for associate membership, the Alaska
Missionary Conference cannot offer that gift of recogni-
tion. The Alaska Missionary Conference has no mem-
bership and cannot ordain.

Alaskans called to the ordained ministrv: When an
Alaskan recognizes a call to ministry, they must be told
that they can only be affirmed if tiiey find an annual
conference to which they can relate and where they can
seek ordination. This is very discouraging and confus-
ing, often causing people to reconsider their call.

A sense of ownership of the general ministry of the
church. Without the possibility of conference member-
ship it is unusual for anyone to spend their career in
Alaska. Consequently, TTie United Methodist Church
has few pastoral leaders with a broad sense of history
and maturity within the context of the Alaskan church.

Each of the reasons cited above are even more
critical in the development of pastoral leadership from
among Native Alaskan people.

These recommendations do not require changes in
Disciplinary language, nor do they require that other
missionary conferences adopt the same policies.

It is expected that the complement of missionaries
in Alaska will change over time and will become a
smaller number. Developing new ordained pastors from
Alaska will also emerge over time. Great hope exists that
this entry path will provide the greatest means by which
Alaskan Natives can become ordained leaders in our
Church.

There will be cases in which pastors fi"om any con-
ference in the connection may be recruited for service
in Alaska with or without becoming missionaries. They
may choose to return to the conferences from which
they came after their service in Alaska.

III. Communications and Technology

Recommendation #1: Communication technolo-
gies be further explored and consideration be given to
the development of a plan which will enable every

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615

church in the Alaska Missionary Conference to partici-
pate in the Ecunet system, and that consultation with
United Methodist Communications be held during this
process.

Rationale:

The Alaska Missionary Conference is spread over
such a vast area with so many clergy and churches in
isolation from each other, that it will be helpful to explore
and fully utilize the developing communication tech-
nologies. These resources can be powerful ways to link
persons into supportive networks which are available in
all kinds of weather, without the usual restrictions
caused by great distances and by transportation costs.
The Ecunet, for example, is an on-line computer service
in which The United Methodist Church and other main-
line denominations participate. The service allows for
many kinds of communication, quickly and easily, such
as, person-to-person, discussion groups on many topics,
and the ability to access information on biblical, theo-
logical, and practical church-related issues. The Ecunet
also offers the technology for committees and other
small groups to "meet" electronically for discussion of
issues or matters of common interest

The Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches in Alaska
are already utilizing this technology to a great extent on
a regular and ongoing basis. Thus, the Alaska Mission-
ary Conference clergy and churches have the opportu-
nity to connect electronically both with other United
Methodists and with the personnel of these, and per-
haps, other denominations.

Of course, the Ecunet, which is dedicated to com-
munication among the Christian community, is only one
of the online services available. America On line, Com-
puServe, and other such Internet-related services could
also be utilized for even more information and commu-
nication.

Recommendation #2: The Alaska Missionary
Conference explore communication applications and
continue in dialogue with the appropriate personnel of
the state university system and United Methodist Com-
munications.

Rationale:

The data collected during the listening phase of the
study suggests that there is a need for new ways to
provide education and learning resources to persons
who are distanced from the larger cities. The telecom-
munications technology which is available through the
Alaska University system could be utilized to provide
distance education both for United Methodist constitu-
ents and for persons living in the villages and small
towns. Some possible uses for this technology include
Christian education, worship experiences, and Bible
study. Telecommunications could also be used to pro-

vide orientation and continuing education for pastors of
the Alaska Missionary Conference.

It should be noted that the fax machine is another
communication resource which is relatively inexpensive
to use. Recognizing this potential, United Methodist
Communications has made a fax machine available to
the Alaska native ministries at Juneau and Nome. In
addition, some other churches in Alaska already have
fax machines.

IV. Relationship with Other General Agencies
of The United Methodist Church

Recommendation: Representatives of each gen-
eral agency visit the Alaska Missionary Conference on
a regular basis for the purpose of:

[a] sharing information about their services and
resources, and

[b] listening to the needs of the people and the
churches of Alaska so that more culturally relevant
programming for Alaska may be developed.

As a first step in this process, a consultation for
general agency leaders with Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence leaders will be scheduled in the near future.

Rationale:

The Alaska Missionary Conference has had a his-
torical relationship with the National Division of the
General Board of Global Ministries, which has provided
personnel and financial and administrative resources for
the AMC. However, according to the witness in our
listening, there is litde communication between the
Alaska Missionary Conference and the other agencies
of the general church.

A few examples of ways that these agencies could
be more helpful include:

[1] Board of Higher Education and Ministry:

This board could help further develop the Alaska Pacific
University chaplaincy; publicize the availability of schol-
arships for Native .Maskans; support campus ministry
development; and provide support in leadership devel-
opment in Alaska;

[2] Board of Discipleship: This board could de-
velop bi-cultural Sunday School curriculum materials
suitable for Alaska; make appropriate video educational
resources available which could be used in Alaska, es-
pecially in the remote areas, and develop holistic stew-
ardship materials which are relevant to Alaska;

[3] Board of Church and Society: The board
could make possible the development of resources for
Alaska native culture and environmental preservation;

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[4] United Methodist Communications: This
agency could assist the Alaska Missionary Conference
with telecommunications and Ecunet;

[5] The Commission On the Status and Role of
Women: This commission could help the conference
deal with the issue of sexual and physical abuse of
women in Alaska;

[6] The Commission on Religion and Race: This
commission could give consideration to grants to Alaska
natives and other ethnic groups from the Ministry Self-
Determination Fund; and

[7] The General Board of Global Ministries:

The Alaska Missionary Conference currently perceives
itself as the gateway to Russia and the Pacific Rim. Thus,
a more global perspective could expand its mission and
result in a closer relationship between the Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference and the Board.

The Alaska Missionary Conference lay and clergy
members of general agencies have a vital role in the
ongoing communication between the conference and
these agencies. This communication linkage should
continue to be strengthened.

V. The Role of Alaska Pacific University

The following recommendations are put forward to
encourage the Alaska Pacific University (APU) and the
Alaska Missionary Conference (AMC) to work together
to their mutual advantage:

Recommendation #1:

The Alaska Missionary Conference and the Alaska
Pacific University are encouraged to cooperate in build-
ing interest in and support of Alaska Pacific University
within the Alaska Missionary Conference. This might
take the form of Alaska Pacific University Day/Offer-
ings in the local churches, presentations to UMYF
groups about Alaska Pacific University, etc.

Recommendation #2:

Strengthen the position of chaplain at Alaska Pacific
University with an assurance that a United Methodist
pastor would fill this position. This might involve some
level of funding support for the position by the Alaska
Missionary Conference or the denomination.

Recommendation #3:

The most aggressive recommendation is to explore
the possibility of endowing a Chair of Methodist Studies
at Alaska Pacific University. Such a position would help
to solidify the relationship of the university to the de-
nomination, work toward meeting some of the needs
listed above, and along with the chair of Catholic studies
provide a significant faculty resource for theological
education.

The issues addressed by these recommendations
are such that they should be considered by the Board
of Higher Education and Ministry and the Commission
on Religion and Race as well as the Alaska Missionary
Conference and the National Division of the Board of
Global Ministries.

Rationale:

A recurring theme that emerged in the investiga-
tions revolved around the need for various forms of
theological training and education in Alaska, and, in
particular, the role that Alaska Pacific University (APU) ,
as a Methodist-related university, might play in meeting
these needs.

Categories of needs are as follows:

1. Clergy continuing education.

2. Local pastor course of study .

3. Foundation courses toward a Masters of Divinity
Degree. (For example, one or two years of a
seminary education might be provided at Alaska
Pacific University) .

4. Specific emphasis upon training pastors from
among Native Alaskans. (Look at tiie Moravian
Seminary at Bethel with its one-person faculty as
a model.)

5. Bringing speakers/programs of a broad interest
to laity and congregation into Alaska. (These
could be offered at the APU Anchorage campus
and/or itinerate about the state as possible.)

Considering the isolation of Alaska and the great
distances and expense in traveling "outside," it seems
advisable to work toward meeting these needs within
Alaska as much as possible.

At the same time, Alaska Pacific University has
needs of its own. Among these are the need to attract
more students, to broaden its mission, and expand its
base of support throughout the state and the denomina-
tion.

VI. The Issue of Fimding
Recommendations #1:

Decentralize functions now performed by the Na-
tional Division in order to to accomplish them at less
total cost Thus, whenever it is feasible, an effort should
be made to transfer responsibility from the National
Division to the AMC along with some percentage of the
funds currently being expended for these functions.

Recommendation #2:

Maintain the present program of Advance Specials
but find additional channels for the Alaska Missionary

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I

I

Conference to solicit support directly from the churches
and conferences of the connection.

Recommendation #3:

Make the necessary organizational changes to fa-
cilitate the use of local pastors and the worker priest
model of ministry to radically reduce costs.

Recommendation #4:

To fund a Director of Development for the Alaska
Missionary Conference. This individual would seek to
significantiy increase the level of current support from
across the denomination. The individual would also un-
dertake a denomination-wide, one-time funding effort to
establish an endowment fund of sufficient size that the
current block grant funding from the National Division
would no longer be necessary.

Rationale:

In exploring the possibilities of expanding ministry
and mission in Alaska, the issue of funding/funding
sources has never been very far below the surface.

In recent years, the General Conference has as-
signed an ever-increasing array of programs to the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries while at the same time
the available funds have decreased. Thus, there is less,
not more, block grant money available to support minis-
try in Alaska. It appears to be a challenge to simply
sustain the current level of work in Alaska and an even
greater challenge to expand that work.

Although the AMC has grown in numbers each of
the last seven years until 1994, still the 3,954 members
(1995 AMC Journal) cannot be expected to adequately
fond major new programs.

Already, the giving per person in Alaska is among
the highest across the denomination as are the appor-
tionments as a proportion of local church budgets.

Thirteen of the 28 churches in Alaska are part-time
appointments and/or are non self-supporting and need
to be seen as mission churches. Many are supported by
Advance Specials along with equitable salary support
from the AMC (a total of $75,000 in 1995). The total in
Advance Specials to the Alaska Missionary Conference
in 1994 was $245,845, plus an additional $20,598 in
Advance Specials to the three National Division-related
institutions.

With block grant financial support from the National
Division decreasing, it is imperative that other solutions
be examined.

Section II

History And Background

The next section of this report is intended to provide
the history and background necessary for under-
standing the recommendations and findings of this
study .

What was apparent to the Team from the very be-
ginning was the importance of understanding as much
about the unique history and culture of Alaska, as well
as the missionary conference, as possible. Therefore,
the study team spent several months reading about the
state and its people prior to the on-site visit, and prior to
attempting to make sense out of the data collected for
the study. Ms. Betty J. Letzig, former staff member of
the General Board of Global Ministries, was most instru-
mental in sharing much of this history based on her
dedicated leadership and service with the Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference over a lengthy time period of her
career with the Church. The history of Alaska is rich and
provides the context for the findings and recommenda-
tions from this study .

Alaska And Its People

The 1992 General Conference mandate calls for a
study of "...the possibilities of expanding The United
Methodist Church's mission and ministry in Alaska in
light of the emerging economic, social, environmental
issues and spiritual needs." However, even the most
basic dialogue on this subject is often difficult because
"Alaska" conjures up such radically different images and
impressions, depending upon each individual's expo-
sure and experience.

Alaska is huge. It spans five time zones. It is larger
than two states of Texas with an Arizona thrown in. It is
1500 miles from the tip of the Panhandle (southeast) to
Barrow on the Arctic Ocean and half again that far from
Attu in the Aleutians to Demarcation Point on the
Beauford Sea. Not surprisingly, such great distances
encompass great differences of terrain and climate. But
ministry implies people, and the people of Alaska are
perhaps even more diverse than the land and the cli-
mate. Most everyone is "from" somewhere else. It is
quite cosmopolitan, inclusive of Afiican Americans, His-
panics, Filipinos, Koreans, and Pacific Islanders. In ad-
dition, there are Alaskan Natives who are themselves
very diverse, with three races represented (Eskimo,
Indian and Aleuts) and many different tribes and lan-
guage groups within each race.

About half of the Alaskan Natives continue to live in
their villages which are almost all in the "bush," as
opposed to being on the road system. These villages
range in size from 50 persons to 1,000. The other half
have migrated to the cities. Settlement in Alaska has
been largely on the sea coast (of which Alaska has more

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than all of the other 49 states combined). In the interior,
cities and towns have primarily grown up on the vast
river system.

Just about half of the population of Alaska lives in
Anchorage, which is a modern city of 258,464 in the
south central part of the state. In the interior there are
85,016 persons in the North Star Borough, which in-
cludes Fairbanks with 51,766, and is the second largest
population concentration in the state. The capitol city of
Juneau, in the Southeast Panhandle, has 25,279 in the
city itself, and a total of 29,283 in the county. The total
population of Alaska in 1994 was 587,766.

There is a very limited road system connecting
Anchorage to Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula south
of Anchorage. It also ties into the Alaska Highway, which
comes up from British Columbia. Thus, the great pre-
ponderance of the state can only be reached by air or by
sea. Barrow, for example, has only a couple of months
in the summer when it is accessible by sea. In several
cities, the only accessibility to these places is by airplane.

Observations Common to Most of Alaska And Alaskans

In spite of the diversity, there are a few common
threads connecting most of Alaska and Alaskans. A
partial list might include:

1) Alaska is a long way from the rest of the United
States. The military considers it an overseas as-
signment.

2) The distances are great and transportation, usu-
ally by air, is expensive.

3) The population is young, transient, and separated
from extended family.

4)There exists a kind of frontier spirit and inde-
pendent character but also a pervasive sense of
isolation and loneliness.

5)Traditionally, there has been a boom-or-bust
economy; first gold, then the military, then oil.
Presently, about 86 percent of the state's budget
comes from oil revenues which are decreasing,
signaling difficult economic times ahead.

6) Alaska is sfrategically located on the crossroads
of the Pacific Rim and is blessed with vast un-
tapped natural resources.

7) Social ills are greatly magnified in Alaska. Alco-
holism, drug abuse, domestic violence, and sui-
cide are many times the national average.

Differences Within Alaska

Although there are many common dimensions to
living and being in ministry in Alaska, still the differ-
ences can be great. Anchorage is a reasonably large city.

not too far north, and close to the ocean. Most services
found in any city of its size are found in Anchorage. It is
the hub of air travel and is the center point on the road
system Gimited as it is) .

Fairbanks is located in the sub-arctic interior of
Alaska where temperatures can dip into the -60- F range,
and the winters are long and dark.

The towns of the Southeast Panhandle are perched
between the ocean and high coastal mountains. The
climate is more temperate but has large amounts of
precipitation. The scenery is spectacular, but there are
no roads, only ferries and airplanes.

The Kenai Peninsula is on the road system, and not
far from Anchorage. The towns are small, but the dis-
tances between them are manageable.

The Aleutian Islands are a world unto themselves,
remote, desolate and subject to fog, high winds and
great storms.

Along the coast of the Bering and Chukchil Seas and
the Arctic Ocean are villages populated primarily by
Eskimos, whereas in the great interior there are villages
of Athabascan Indians along most of the rivers. None
have more than three or four thousand persons; most
are much smaller. The same is true of the villages of
Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida Indians in the southeast.
Perhaps the greatest diversity within Alaska is the cul-
tural and economic difference between native villages
located in the bush and the rest of Alaska.

The Question of Ministry And Mission in Alaska

It seems as though it will be helpful to invent terms
to allow us to address the radical differences between
life in the villages and life in the other cities and towns.
Since native villages in Alaska have much more in com-
mon with the nations of the Third World than with the
developed, industrial First World countries, let us sim-
ply refer to them as "Third World." Since the rest of
Alaska is still significantly different from life and minis-
try in the rest of the United States, let us call it the
"Second" and "Third Worlds."

Due to the Alaska Comity Agreement of 1880, the
churches of the Alaska Missionary Conference (AMC)
are essentially all located in "Second World." They are
primarily white, middle-class, not unlike the rest of the
denomination in the lower 48 states. Some are medium
sized, many are small, none are large by most standards.
Nearly all are engaged in important ministries in their
communities and several are financially strong and self-
supporting. However, nearly half are either less than
full-time appointments and/or are dependent upon
some form of financial support Distances are generally
too great to yoke churches together in multiple-point
charges. However, Nome on the Bering Sea Coast is an
exception in that both the town and the church are about

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619

equally divided between Alaskan Natives and non-na-
tives. Unalaska, in the Aleutians, is far too unique to be
placed in any category, and places like Willow and Trap-
per Creek can perhaps be cajled border churches, some-
where between the "Second" and "Third Worlds."

There were 27 churches, 26 pastors, and 3,954
members in the Alaska Missionary Conference (AMC)
in 1994. Pastors and laity in tiie "Second World"
churches worry about all the issues that confront
churches everywhere. Their issues are evangelism,
church growth, spiritual development, stewardship,
youth ministries, family struggles, along with all the
social ills of urban, suburban and rural communities.

Along with the struggles common to most American
Methodists, the social problems are exaggerated in
Alaska, even in the "Second World." However, the prob-
lems in the "Third World" are an order of greater mag-
nitude. Alcoholism, suicide, fetal alcohol syndrome, and
domestic violence are at epidemic proportions. The tra-
ditional subsistence lifestyle and cultural traditions are
under attack. Community infrastructures, such as clean
water and sewer systems, often do not exist, or are
inadequate.

Alaska is a land so vast that it defies the imagination;
it is a wilderness so profound that no description can do
it justice. This most northwestern area of the United
States is one-fifth the size of all the lower 48 states
combined encompassing 586,412 square miles, 30,000
miles of coastline, countless unnamed peaks, 17 of the
highest mountains in the United States, and one-half of
the world's glaciers. 3,000,000 lakes, and 3,000 meander-
ing rivers. Alaska is "the biggest and best chunk of
unspoiled wild America " {US News and World Report,
October, 1993).

Alaska is big; Alaska is beautiful; Alaska is rich in
natural resources. It is one place about which it can now
be said that resources are still abundant. They have not
been spoiled by over-population and over-use. There is
still an opportunity to be more responsible than has been
the case in many other areas. However, the question of
how to preserve or develop these rich natural resources
is a hot item of debate, both in Alaska and in the rest of
the United States.

Of the natural resources, the land itself is vital.
Though the area of the state is vast, the variations of
terrain and climate are dramatic, from the lush vegeta-
tion of southeastern Alaska to the barren tundra of the
far north. Throughout the expanse of so many miles,
there are only about 587,000 people, and nearly one-half
of these live in the Anchorage area. Approximately 200
native villages, ranging in size from 1 to 6,000 people,
(with average size under 1,000) provide homes for some
30,000 persons with another 30,000 native persons living
in the state's cities. This means that there are fewer
persons per square mile in Alaska than in any other
major area of the United States. It is also true diat the

wide open spaces are not easily inhabitable by larger
numbers of people. There are only 4,200 miles of paved
streets and highways in Alaska, and even with the un-
paved roads added on to this number, there are not
many roads available. Transportation to many areas of
the state is limited to dog sled, snowmobiles, boats in
the summer for areas near rivers, and airplanes. At this
point, 88 percent of the land is controlled by the federal
and state governments, and almost 12 percent by native
corporations. Less than one percent of the land is in
private hands.

Oil is probably the best advertised of Alaska's natu-
ral resources. The development of oil production on the
northern slope, along with the 800 mile Alaskan Pipeline
which transports oil from Prudoe Bay to Valdez, pro-
vided an economic "boom" for Alaska. The construction
phase brought many persons to Alaska for high paying
jobs. While employment at the northern slope fields is
now less, the companies involved are still major employ-
ers within the state. In 1993, the Alaska Pipeline trans-
ported an average of 1.6 million barrels of oil daily. The
revenues from the sale of oil and gas throughout the
state account for about 86 percent of funding for the
state. This has boosted many expenditures, including
the practice of "revenue sharing" with the population, a
sort of reversal of the income tax. Each certified citizen
of the state receives an annual payment. In 1993, it was
almost a thousand dollars per woman, man, or child.
However, unless other oil reserves are found and devel-
oped, this rich source of revenue will run out. The
revenue is already decreasing as the production de-
creases. The price of oil in the world markets, of course,
also influences the revenues the state receives. Some
projections indicate that production from the northern
slope oil fields will decline about ten percent a year until
there will finally be little left. This raises two serious
questions. Should the state keep on spending in the
hopes of finding replacement revenues with the possi-
bility of an eventual deep recession? Or should the state
gradually begin to reduce spending from oil revenues to
a sustainable level?

Alaska is rich in many other minerals and precious
metals. The "ravaging of the land" by mining interests
in the past feeds a current controversy over "conserva-
tion versus development."

Alaska "breathes with life," supporting the most
varied and abundant wildlife in North America. Dall
sheep, grizzly bears, brown bears, black bears, polar
bears, moose, red fox, squirrels, seals and walruses,
whales, many species of fish, and enormous quantities
of migratory birds are just a portion of the list Wildlife
provides beauty and interest for the tourist; it provides
subsistence food sources for native people; it provides
economic opportunity for many commercial interests; it
provides an exciting sports opportunity for many
Alaskans and tourists who are interested in hunting and
fishing. This huge resource has given economic support

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to the state. The fisheries and canneries have been
vitally important for certain parts of the state. As with
most of the resources in Alaska, however, there is com-
petition and often high tensions over how the wildlife
resource should be managed. Should native persons
have the highest priority for subsistence harvesting?
How much should the sports person be entitled to have?
How is the commercial part of the triangle to be pro-
tected? Political, and sometimes racial conflicts are in-
volved with this issue. The goals of achieving both
commercial and environmental protection create con-
flicts.

The plant life of Alaska, like the wildlife, is rich and
varied. The flowers and bushes, the forest, the tundra
all have beauty to offer to the landscape. A primary issue
has to do with timber harvesting. Should more areas be
set aside as wilderness areas which are protected from
timber cutting, as well as most exploration for minerals
and gas? Alaska has millions of acres of valuable forests,
so there is conflicting opinion between commercial in-
terests and goals for environmental protection.

History of Methodist Work in Alaska

It was the United States Army that took charge of
the Alaska territory when the Russians withdrew on
October 18, 1867. A semblance of law and order was
maintained until all troops were withdrawn due to the
1877 Nez Perce uprising in Idaho, leaving a sole United
States' representative in the territory and the customs
officer at Sitka. For the next two years, 1877-79, the
Treasury Department administered Alaskan affairs
through a Deputy Collector of Customs. During the next
five years, the United States Navy was in charge until
the congressional act of May 17, 1884, provided for the
appointment of a governor and the organization of the
first effective government in the District of Alaska. The
temporary capital was located at Sitka.

During the earliest years, none of the Protestant
churches made any attempt to meet the spiritual needs
of the residents there. The first tentative exploration by
the Methodist Church was from Canada, not the United
States. In 1877, the Rev. Thomas Crosby, fi-om Fort
Simpson in British Columbia, crossed the mountains
into Wrangell. There he discovered that some Indians
from his church in Fort Simpson, who had come to
Wrangell to cut wood for Fort Wrangell, had been hold-
ing services since the spring of 1876. Among that group
was Clah (Philip McKay) who was conducting the serv-
ices which were well attended by the local Indians.
Though Clah had planned to return to Fort Simpson
when their contract was completed, Rev. Crosby urged
him to remain in Wrangell to open a school and continue
conducting services. Crosby declared Clah to be 'The
Aposde of Alaska. "There were 60-70 students in school
and as many as 200 attending services.

It was later that same year (1877) that the Rev. Dr.
Sheldon Jackson, who had earlier been named by the

Presbyterian Church as missionary to the Northwest
Territory, arrived in Wrangell with Mrs. Amanda
McFarland, who was appointed to open work there. Clah
and Mrs. McFarland worked together until his death in
December at the age of 30. Wrangell remains one of the
strong centers of Presbyterian work in Alaska.

Comity Agreements

Dr. Jackson returned to his work in the Rocky
Mountain States but became a tireless advocate of Prot-
estant mission work in Alaska. It was clear that the task
of evangelizing Alaska was too enormous for any one
denomination to carry alone. In 1880 in New York City,
Dr. Jackson called together all of the heads of the mis-
sion boards to discuss needs in Alaska. An agreement
was reached in which each denomination decided which
geographical areas would be their responsibility. The
Baptists chose Kodiak Island and the Cook Inlet region.
The Episcopal Church continued with its mission devel-
opment in the Yukon, an extension of their work in
Canada. The Methodists accepted the Aleutian and Shu-
magin Islands, while the Moravians agreed to concen-
trate on the Valleys of the Kuskokwin and Nushagah
Rivers. The Cape Prince of Wales area was accepted by
the Congregationalists. Finally, the Presbyterians
agreed that, in addition to their work in the Southeast,
they would also start work at Point Barrow on the Arctic
Ocean since no other denomination wanted that area.

The General Conference of 1980 adopted a resolu-
tion entided, "Comity Agreements Affecting Develop-
ment of Native American Ministries by The United
Methodist Church," which revoked the Church's adher-
ence to such policy. The Resolution concluded: "...that
The United Methodist Church states, as a matter of
policy, that it is not a party to any interdenominational
agreement that limits the ability of any annual confer-
ence in any jurisdiction to develop and resource pro-
grams of ministry of any kind among Native Americans,
including the organization of local churches where nec-
essarj^' (Book of Resolution, p. 206).

However, to an amazing extent these comity agree-
ments continue to guide the work of the denominations
today, except in the cities. Distances, geographical ob-
stacles, and limited personnel and resources in each of
the denominations have encouraged cooperation rather
than competition and strengthened an ecumenical ap-
proach to various forms of ministry.

Methodist Beginnings

It was the women of The Methodist Episcopal
Church who established the first Methodist mission
work in Alaska. Only five years after the Woman's Home
Missionary Society (WHMS) was organized, they estab-
lished a Bureau for Alaska. The next year, 1886, tiie Rev.
John and Mrs. Ethelda H. Carr were sent to Unga in the
Shumagin Islands to establish a church and a school.

General and Judicial Administration

621

Despite Mrs. Carr's death within a few months of their
arrival at Unga, Rev. Carr continued his ministry until
1891 as both local pastor and a teacher in the govern-
ment school.

In 1887, the WHMS voted to expand its ministry in
Alaska by opening a 16 person children's home and
industrial school in Unalaska. The first appropriation
was made in 1889, and Professor and Mrs. John A. Tuck
were appointed to begin the school in 1890. Even before
the home could be built they had taken two orphan
children from Attu into their own home. Soon there were
18 crowded into the leaky five-room home. It was 1901
before the Jesse Lee Home for Girls was completed and
another three years before the Boys Home was built.
This work continues as a part of the present day Alaska
Children's Services.

It was not until August 1897, that the Western Nor-
wegian-Danish Conference of The Methodist Episcopal
Church under the leadership of Bishop Charles C.
McCabe recognized the need for a ministry to the min-
ers who had come with the Klondike Gold Rush and
consequently accepted Alaska as a mission area. The
Rev. Carl J. Larsen was appointed as Presiding Elder of
the Alaska District. On October 24, he preached his first
sermons with two services in the morning at Douglas
and two more in Juneau that afternoon. In each place,
one service was conducted in Scandinavian and the
other in English. It was in 1898 at Dyea that the first
Methodist Episcopal Church was built in the Alaska
territory. In December, the Larsens moved to Juneau
where a new church was organized in January 1899.

The Rev. J. J. Walter was appointed to succeed C. L
Larsen as superintendent and assigned to Skagway. He
immediately determined the need for a Methodist Col-
lege and an impressive concrete and stone structure was
built in Skagway. McCabe College, named for Bishop
McCabe, opened in March 1900, with E. Victor Smith as
president, but due to new education laws, the Trustees
found it necessary to close the college during its first
year.

In 1890, Walter started churches in Douglas City
and Ketchikan. Responding to repeated and urgent calls
from an Indian tribe located 25 miles from Ketchikan,
he opened a mission among them "at their ancient
capital, Klukwan" (Copplestone, p. 863f) . By 1902 under
the leadership of the Rev. Milo A Sellon, the church had
a membership of 175.

Because of the earlier comity agreements that had
granted the Presbyterians responsibility for the Native
Peoples of southeastern Alaska, the work had to be
transferred to them.

Alaska Mission

The Alaska Mission officially dates its beginning
with the Annual Meeting held at Juneau in July 1904,

with Bishop John W. Hamilton of San Francisco presid-
ing. However, an earlier "organizational meeting" had
been held in Tacoma, Washington, on September 23-24,
1903, also under Bishop Hamilton's leadership. The
Mission met annually in Alaska from 1904-1924 when
the work was made a part of the Puget Sound Confer-
ence. At Union in 1939, the Alaska Mission was reinsti-
tuted. At the first meeting there were three churches,
Douglas, Ketchikan and Skagway, with 30 members and
4 probationers. Each of those churches as well as Juneau
(1904), Fairbanks (1906) and Nome (1907) received
donations from the Methodist Board of Church Exten-
sion to assist in their initial building programs (Middle-
ton, p. 37f).

Many early churches, including Dyea, Douglas,
Juneau, Fairbanks and Skagway, were abandoned as the
communities became "ghost towns" or diminished in
size. Even before the fire in Douglas in 1911, that work
was discontinued. The church was re-established in
1945 as the Douglas Community Methodist Church, the
result of a merger with the Congregational Church. In
Fairbanks, the work was discontinued in 1918 and the
congregation merged with the First Presbyterian; work
was not reopened until 1952. The church in Nome was
federated with the Congregational Church from 1913
until 1948 when it again became a separate Methodist
congregation, merging both the Eskimo and Anglo
membership. In Juneau, as recendy as 1952, after their
building was condemned to make way for a new state
court building, the congregation merged with the Pres-
byterians to form the Northern Light United Church.

Women Organized For Mission

Beginning with their work in Unga, followed by the
establishment of the Jesse Lee Home in Unalaska, the
Methodist women concentrated their efforts in the area
of child care and social welfare among the Native Peo-
ples. Their first mission with the Bering Sea Eskimos
was the Reindeer Mission at Sinuk (also known as
Sinrock) in 1906. A chapel, school, and industrial home,
the Hilah Seward Home, were started within the first
year. Under special provisions from the government, a
herd of 100 reindeer with a competent herder was
loaned to the Mission enabling them to better survive
the dire conditions. There was also the expectation that
each native family would soon own a small herd. Under
the leadership of Deaconesses Nellie M. Cramer, M.D.,
and Inez Walthall, the efforts of preceding years flour-
ished, and the first Eskimo Methodist Church in Alaska
was organized. Floods, a fire, and the influenza epidemic
of 1918 resulted in moving the small number of children
to a newly established emergency orphanage in Nome
in 1919 and, subsequently, to Seward in 1925, thus
bringing the work in Sinuk to a close.

The work in Nome was begun as an extension of the
Sinuk Mission in response to government appeals to
mission boards to come to the aid of the Eskimos left

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behind in Nome after the Gold Rush. Deaconess Harriet
L Barrett came from the Jesse Lee Home in Unalaska
to open a community center in 1911. Because of Mrs. R.
H. Young's commitment to the work in Alaska and her
personal funding of the project for the first year, the
project was named the Lavinia Wallace Young Mission
in her honor. The no-longer used Methodist Church,
and the parsonage were leased to the Woman's Home
Missionary Society. The revival in Sinuk had spread to
Nome, and 20 persons joined the Eskimo Church. The
WHMS was solely responsible for all the work in Nome
until 1948 when the Methodist congregation was re-es-
tablished as separate from the Congregational Church,
and the Eskimo congregation merged with the new
congregation.

Maynard-Columbus Hospital was opened in 1917
under tiie supervision of Bertha Saville, a registered
nurse. Its services were vital during the influenza epi-
demic of 1918, the diphtheria epidemic of 1925, and the
fire of 1934. It also became home to many of the old
"sourdoughs" who had remained behind after the Gold
Rush and had no one to care for them. Work with the
Territorial Health Department to combat tuberculosis
became a priority in the late 1930's. With the estab-
lishment of the Bureau of Indian Affairs hospitals, the
hospital refocused its work to serve the growing number
of non-natives in the area. Finally, in 1977, the Women's
Division (successor to the WHMS) sold the facility to
the Norton Sound Health Corporation.

The Seward General Hospital was the last major
institution which the WHMS undertook. In 1930, after
three years of appeals from the Chamber of Commerce,
they took charge of a building that the city had remod-
eled and fully equipped to serve as a hospital for the
region. One condition was that the children of Jesse Lee
Home would have medical and hospital care. In 1959,
the hospital was turned over to the City of Seward.

The Commissioner of Health of Alaska sent the next
appeal to the Woman's Division of Christian Service,
and, in 1946, they took over an abandoned 150-bed army
hospital as a tuberculosis hospital known as Seward
Sanitorium. The need was desperate with over 4,000
Alaskans with the disease and only 250 beds in all of the
Territory. Patients ranged in age from two months to 84
years.

A plaque in front of the facility honors Dr. E. W.
Gendes, whose work with the Territorial Department of
Health virtually wiped out tuberculosis in Alaska.

Unfortunately, the preventative measures were not
maintained, and tuberculosis is again a major health
concern.

On July 1, 1958, the few remaining patients were
transferred from the Seward Sanitorium to a new facility,
the remodeled nurses residence, just next door. The
Wesleyan Hospital for Chronic Diseases was the only
such hospital in the state. In 1972, it became the

Wesleyan Nursing Home, specializing in care for the
psychiatric patient Continually changing with the
changing needs, it is today known as the Wesleyan
Rehabilitation and Care Center, Inc.

Jesse Lee Home continued to operate in Seward,
except for the War Years, 1942-1946. The Good Friday
earthquake in 1964 damaged the buildings beyond re-
pair. The decision was made to relocate to Anchorage
where more adequate care was available to meet the
needs of the children in a "treatment oriented program
of care." The new Jesse Lee Home opened in January
1966. In 1970, tiie American Baptist Anchorage
Children's Christian Home, the Lutheran Youth Home
and the Jesse Lee Home merged to form the Alaska
Children's Services.

World War II

During World War 11, the United States evacuated
the Aleutian Islands which resulted in the closing of all
Methodist work in that region, including Jesse Lee
Home in Seward. It had moved there from Unalaska in
1925, when the children from the Children's Home in
Nome were also moved to Seward. The Home was
closed from 1942-1946.

Anchorage at that time was a small town of only
5,000 but growing rapidly as a center of war-related
activity. Methodists were asked by the Alaska Christian
Conference Council of Churches to redirect their ener-
gies toward ministry there, and the first church, Baxter
Memorial Methodist Church, was organized in Anchor-
age in 1944, with their first service being held on Octo-
ber 22 in the American Legion Hall.

The end of World War 11 brought a new sense of
"permanency" to Alaska. Previously, most persons there
intended to stay "only a year or two." However, rapid
turnover of membership continues to be a challenge.
First Church Fairbanks, for example, received over 100
new members each year from 1952-1963, but, even so,
in one of those years it showed a net loss of 30 members.

Meeting The Challenges

The geography and the terrain of Alaska are hard to
comprehend for those who have not experienced it
Creative approaches have been used to meet the chal-
lenges of great distances, difficult fransportation, and
widely scattered population centers. All of the churches
in the Southeastern Region are accessible only by ferry
or plane. The same holds true for Nome. The highway
from Seward to Fairbanks does provide access to all of
the Kenai, the Anchorage mefropolitan area (with over
half of the population of the state) , and the communities
along the Parks Highway, but distances are great and
travel often hazardous.

The Kenai Peninsula Mobile Ministry (the circuit
rider in a truck), begun in August 1949, by Gene and

General and Judicial Administration

623

Lillian Elliott helped lay the foundation for several
churches which grew out of his preaching points. The
Alaska Native Ministries program received its first full-
time staff in 1974 with the appointment of an ordained
pastor from the Tsimshean Tribe in Metlakatla. In 1974
a Pipeline Chaplaincy program was started by the Alaska
Christian Conference. The director's salary was paid by
the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. All other de-
nominations, including the United Metiiodists, funded
additional personnel. The program ended in 1977 with
the completion of the pipeline.

The Parks Highway Parish established in 1981
along 100 miles of highway resulted in the Willow
Church being established in 1982 and the Wasilla
Church in 1983. The work at Trapper Creek, begun that
first year, continues as a Fellowship.

Since 1880 when Dr. Sheldon Jackson first called
the mission executives together in New York City, co-
operation among the denominations has been an impor-
tant ingredient of ministry in Alaska. In the mid-fifties an
Alaska Association of Churches was formed, which in
1958 became the Alaska Council of Churches, and in
1972, it was reorganized and adopted a new name. The
Alaska Christian Conference .

Alaska Methodist Pacific University

Dr. P. Gordon Gould, who grew up in Jesse Lee
Home, was the first Aleut to become an ordained Meth-
odist pastor. Dr. Gould served as superintendent of the
Alaska Mission from 1949-1954. His "dream of a life-
time" was the establishment of a Methodist college in
Alaska. As a staff member of the National Division of the
Board of Home Missions and Church Extension, he
worked untiringly toward that end. Alaska Methodist
University received its charter in 1957 and began classes
in 1960.

Financial problems forced the University to close in
1976. An announced sale to the University of Alaska was
not consummated, and in 1977 under the direction of a
new president, the University was reopened under a new
name, Alaska Pacific University, with 26 full-time stu-
dents and 107 students total. Today it is a thriving
university.

Missionary Conference

The concept of a Missionary Conference is a part of
the legacy the Evangelical United Brethren Church
brought into The United Methodist Church in 1968. In
the EUB Church the Kentucky Missionary Conference
(renamed Red Bird Missionary Conference at Union)
had the same privileges as a regular conference when it
was authorized in 1955. It had the right to vote and could
ordain its own ministers and receive them into member-
ship in the missionaiy conference. At the time of Union
in 1968, these rights were not included in legislation for
the new United Methodist Church.

In 1972, a petition, supported by National Division,
was submitted and passed by the General Conference
authorizing both the Alaska and Oklahoma Indian Mis-
sions to become missionary conferences. That General
Conference reinstated the earlier privilege of electing
delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences, with
voice, not vote. The right of ordination of ministers was
still denied to the Alaska and Red Bird Missionary Con-
ferences. An exception was made for the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference, allowing it the same
ordination privileges as a central conference to effec-
tively utilize indigenous leadership within the mission-
ary conference. Follovnng the General Conference of
1976, a Constitutional Amendment was approved result-
ing in all Missionary Conferences having both voice and
vote and the right to determine whether or not they
would establish the right of full ministerial membership.
Alaska has not voted to establish that right, while both
Oklahoma Indian and Red Bird Missionary Conferences
have established that right.

Alaska Missionary Conference

The first session of the Alaska Missionary Confer-
ence was convened on May 30, 1972, in Brown Chapel
of Alaska Methodist University with Bishop W. May-
nard Sparks presiding. Ac Wischmeier, who had served
as superintendent of Alaska Mission since 1969, became
the first conference superintendent. Statistics for 1971
showed 17 churches with 4,235 full members.

Fluctuations in the population and in the economy
have consistentiy been reflected in the strength and
membership of the churches in Alaska. At the height of
the "oil boom," membership totaled 4,235; with the
"bust", nearly a fourth of the membership was lost. At
the time of their Centennial in 1986, statistics showed
3,836 members, 32 churches and 30 pastors. Reports for
1994 showed 27 churches with 3,954 full members and
26 pastors.

In 1974, a process was set in place known as the
Alaska Continuing Consultation Committee to better
facilitate mission and ministry in Alaska. Both the Alaska
Missionary Conference and the National Division name
representatives who serve for a quadrennium. The Con-
sultations have been continued on an annual basis with
the sites alternating between Alaska and New York City.
While specifically consultative and not legislative, these
on-going sessions have facilitated the resolution of prop-
erty and financial issues and the development of strate-
gies for 26 new mission endeavors.

New And Native Ministries

The vast distances, sparse population (except in the
Anchorage area) and limited financial resources are a
constant challenge to the Alaska Missionary Conference
as it seeks to be faithful to the mandate of the gospel.
Committees on New and Native Ministries are charged

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DCA Advance Edition

with responsibility to recommend new areas of ministry.
Ministry to the people of the village of Wales was under-
taken for a brief period as an outreach of the church in
Nome. The Lutheran Church then reassumed its re-
sponsibility for ministry in that village.

In 1990, retired Deaconess Ann Janzen and her
husband, Harry, volunteered for two years to explore the
need for The United Methodist Church to re-establish
its ministry in Unalaska. Their efforts were eminently
worthwhile, and a new church was chartered in Febru-
ary, 1993. A new building constructed by work teams
from Alaska and across the lower 48 was completed in
September.

Changes in the world political structure and
Alaska's proximity to Russia and the Far East opened up
possibilities for ministry among the Yupik people in
Chukotka, Siberia Far East, in cooperation witii Presby-
terian, Lutheran, Evangelical Covenant and Moravian
churches. United Methodists John and Delia Waghiyi
from Nome graduated from the Moravian Seminary in
1990. Following some brief visits to Chukotka, they were
approved for service under the World Division of the
General Board of Global Ministries. A recurrence of his
cancer and his untimely death prevented the fulfillment
of his dream of long term service among his own people.
The work continues as an ecumenical venture.

Other probe visits have been made to Magadan and
Ola to discover what humanitarian needs can be met
there.

Exploration is currentiy underway in Anvik,avillage
on the Yukon River, at the invitation of the people of the
village.

Sustained major funding for all such projects is a
major challenge as the Alaska Missionary Conference
continues in ministry into the 21st century. Effort is
underway to encourage the conferences and churches
of the Western Jurisdiction to participate in the Russia
Initiative and to use Alaska as the Gateway to Russia Far
East The Alaska Missionary Conference personnel are
cooperating in this endeavor.

Unique Role of The Conference Superintendent

The bishop providing episcopal supervision for the
Alaska Missionary Conference appoints a conference
superintendent to serve in the conference.

Much of the responsibility of the conference super-
intendent is described in the Discipline in chapter 4,
"TTie Superin tendency". Sections VI, Vll, and Vlll particu-
larly apply. However, in the absence of disfricts and
district superintendents, there is no Cabinet. The bishop
and the conference superintendent meet together fre-
quentiy to provide the adminisfrative supervision of the
conference.

The bishop providing episcopal supervision of the
Alaska Missionary Conference resides in another state.
Therefore, the conference superintendent has specific
responsibilities and opportunities that are peculiar to
this office. The conference superintendent is the resi-
dential adminisfrative officer of the conference making
decisions and performing tasks that are required of the
office, always in consultation with the bishop.

The conference superintendent is a colleague of
other judicatory executives and bishops who serve the
ecumenical community of Alaska. There are meetings,
events, conferences, and other occasions when a bishop
may be expected to be present on behalf of The United
Methodist Church, but because of the distance and the
timing of such occasions, the conference superinten-
dent will be expected to represent the conference on
behalf of the bishop.

Alaska Study Team Members
GCOM Members:

John Blackadar, GCOM member; clergy person. New
England Conference.

Donald Hamilton, GCOM member; clergy person, Yel-
lowstone Conference.

Thomas Taylor, GCOM member; clergy person, Alaska
Missionary Conference.

Nancy Yamasald, GCOM member; Study team Chair;
clergy person. Pacific Northwest Conference Asso-
ciate Conference Council Director.

Ex-officio: William W. Dew, Jr, GCOM member; Presi-
dent of GCOM, resident bishop of the Alaska Mis-
sionary Conference

Staflf:

Trudie Kibbe Reed, GCOM, Associate General Secre-
tary (through August 15, 1995) lay person and Can-
didate for Diaconal Ministry.

Linda Bales, Staff Consultant, lay person (beg. Septem-
ber 19, 1995)

Resource Persons From General Board
of Global Ministries, National Division:

Paul Dirdak, Chairperson, National Program Division
Betty J. Letzig, National Program Division Staff
Cynthia Kent, National Program Division Staff

Resource Persons From the Alaska Missionary
Conference:

Carol Seckel-(1992-June, 1994) Conference Superin-
tendent

Billy Still- Quly, 1994-Present) Conference Superinten-
dent

General and Judicial Administration

625

Bibliography

Copplestone, J. Tremayne, History of Methodist Mis-
sions Vol. rV: Twentieth Century Perspectives (The
Methodist Episcopal Church, 1896-1939). The Board of
Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, New
York, 1973.

Daily Christian Advocate, "Mission on Our Door-
step", Advance Edition 1980, pp. E57-E67.

Encyclopedia of World Methodism, Vol. I, The
United Methodist Publishing House, Nolan B. Harmon,
General Editor, 1974.

Meeker, Ruth Esther, Six Decades of Service 1880-
1940, Continuing Corporation of The Woman's Home
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
1969.

Middleton, W. Vernon, Methodism in Alaska and
Hawaii: New Patterns for Living Together, Editorial De-
partment, Joint Section of Education and Cultivation,
Board of Missions of The Methodist Church, 1958.

Shepard, Bea and Kelsey, Claudia, Have Gospel Tent
will Travel: The Methodist Church in Alaska Since 1886,
Conference Council on Ministries, Alaska Missionary
Conference of The United Methodist Church, 1986.

The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist
Church, United Methodist Publishing House, 1992.

Report No. 7
Petition Number: 21681-G.T-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Prison Ministry/Prison
Reform

Mandate

The focus on prison ministry was first initiated in
1984 when the General Conference adopted a mandate
to coordinate this ministry. In 1988, General Conference
reaffirmed the mandate, and it was continued and ex-
panded in 1992.

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 208 on page 237 of the Daily Christian Advocate
which continued the ongoing consultation among gen-
eral program boards in order to receive progress reports
on work related to prison ministry /prison reform. This
legislation called for an interagency committee, under
the direction of GCOM, to build awareness and provide
resources to local churches and annual conferences.
The General Council on Ministries was asked to con-
vene an interagency committee for oversight, planning,
and program implementation for this area of ministry.
The mandate also called upon this interagency group,

the Council of Bishops, and the General Council on
Ministries to build an awareness by providing leader-
ship and advocating the development of effective prison
ministries.

Process

In order to implement this General Conference
mandate, the General Council on Ministries contacted
each general secretary of the four program boards to
identify one staff representative to serve on the inter-
agency committee. Once the four boards named a rep-
resentative, a GCOM member and GCOM staff person
convened the interagency committee, and the planning
process began.

First, a comprehensive prison ministry booklet was
updated for general distribution to bishops, districts
superintendents, annual conference council directors,
annual conference prison ministry programs, and other
interested individuals seeking resourcing on how to
develop and enhance prison ministry programs.

The interagency committee then set out to develop
a four-year holistic plan for building awareness and
resourcing the denomination. This planning process
reflected both the ongoing work of each agency in this
area of ministry, plus specific assignments which were
made to general boards and GCOM by the 1992 General
Conference. At each yearly meeting of the interagency
committee, the program boards reported on their
agency's work and outreach in prison ministry.

Early in the planning process, the interagency com-
mittee determined the need to develop the study guide.
This committee also decided to continue the distribution
of a resource packet. The study guide was made avail-
able at the end of the 1993-96 quadrennium.

During the previous quadrennium, annual confer-
ence cabinets were asked to record their visits to jails
and prisons. During the current quadrennium, bishops
were asked to identify outstanding prison ministry/
prison reform ministries within their conferences. The
interagency committee determined this was an effective
way to build an awareness of the work already under
way. Sixty-five outstanding prison ministry programs
were identified by bishops. GCOM provided certificates
of recognition to honor these projects and persons
within annual conferences.

A primary way that awareness was stimulated was
through the consultative services of the Criminal Justice
Mercy Ministries Office, under the leadership of the
Reverend Dr. Jerry Murray. Dr. Murray, a member of
the interagency committee, made himself available to
annual conferences and local congregations for plan-
ning, organizational development, and training. Dr.
Murray made frequent reports to the interagency com-
mittee on the development of prison ministry programs

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DCA Advance Edition

and evolving ministry opportunities and needs of con-
stituents. Also, Dr. Murray provided education for mem-
bers of the interagency committee. Each member of the
interagency committee provided an opportunity to learn
about existing United Methodist and ecumenical pro-
grams related to prison ministry.

The committee continued discussions with the Gen-
eral Board of Publications and other agencies of the
general church regarding effective distribution of sur-
plus materials for use by chaplains and prison ministries.

In every general board, there has been increased
attention to programs and issues related to prison min-
istry/prison reform.

The committee was made aware, through the work
of the General Board of Higher Education and the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries, of the increase in aware-
ness and involvement in prison ministry within the
central conferences.

TTie General Board of Higher Education and Minis-
try held its second prison chaplains consultation early in
the 1993-96 quadrennium. Information and insights
from this event were shared with the interagency com-
mittee. The GBHEM provided expertise in the creation
of prison ministry in central Russia and continuing sup-
port for prison ministry in Germany.

TTie General Board of Church and Society offered
input and information on the Human Relations Day and
outreach services for communities in crisis and prison
work. The board, through its focus on "Peace with
Justice," raised awareness and provided study resources
to congregations. Their work with Police and Commu-
nity Relations provided an important component for the
emerging work in annual conferences. This board's
ministry with Saving Stations offered opportunities for
proactive involvement in justice ministries.

The General Board of Discipleship offers the "Cove-
nant Discipleship in Prisons." This board was instru-
mental in the development of a churchwide resource
packet on prison ministry, with over 5,000 packets hav-
ing been distributed. In addition, the board prepared
and distributed the Prison Ministries Action and Study
Guide.

The General Board of Global Ministries offered
many services. The United Methodist Women devel-
oped and implemented programs of learning, services
and support for prisoners, crime victims and their fami-
lies. The work of the Communities of Shalom, Church
and Community workers, the Substance Abuse and
Related Violence Program are several ways the board
has enabled the committee to plan and to be proactive.
The National Program Division's focus on Combating
Violence Against Women and Children enabled the
committee to share resources with constituents who
want to assist women and their families. The committee
acknowledges the work performed by this board as

foundational and pioneering. Other denominations and
many local churches have been empowered through the
effective models and ministries initiated and ongoing by
this board. The World Division has been responsive to
requests from central conferences for assistance in the
development in prison ministry.

The General Commission on Communication has
been supportive in providing coverage of the inter-
agency committee's action and plans.

TTie General Council on Ministries has provided
coordination, support, and guidance for the work of this
interagency committee.

Theological Statement

We are a covenant people — but we are marked in
many ways by having broken the covenant. The Biblical
story reflects God's relationship with us — creating us,
accompanying us, always calling us back into right rela-
tionship with God and God's creation.

We are mandated by Christ to be in ministry by
"proclaiming freedom to the captives," and we are all
summoned to "remember those in prison as if you were
their fellow captives" (Hebrews 13:3). The ministry of
the global church affirms that "we no longer see anyone
from a human point of view" (citation), but rather
through the eyes of Christ we see the world of prisoners,
crime victims and their families as an arena of God's
grace and the place of our ministry.

Jesus identified himself as being the one who was
hungry, thirsty, a stranger, a pns^oner — and invites us to
ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness. We re-
spond to this invitation and commit ourselves to justice-
making.

We understand that justice-making is restorative
rather than retributive, seeks to create wholeness rather
than merely isolate blame, cares for both victim and
offender, and seeks the ultimate restoration of right
relationships among God, persons, and people until we
see peace (shalom) restored in the community.

We understand that our ministry is to prisoners,
crime victims and then- families. This includes a concern
for the entire criminal justice system, including persons
who are employed within the structures of that system,
such as law enforcement, judicial, correction officers.
Our ministry is both pastoral and prophetic, seeking
both to heal those who have been wounded and to
transform those structures which inflict those wounds.

We believe that the following recommendations
represent the significant and essential next steps in
establishing channels through which The United Meth-
odist Church shall respond to this commitment.

General and Judicial Administration

627

Recommendations
Recommendation #1

We recommend the formation of a "Global Prison
Ministry Resource and Training Institute." A global co-
ordinating committee shall give guidance to the opera-
tion of this Institute. The global coordinating committee
will be composed of fourteen persons: two members and
one staff person from each of the program agencies (12) ;
and one Council member and one staff person from
GCOM. The agencies will provide funding for their
representatives to this global coordinating committee.
The Council of Bishops will name one episcopal consult-
ant from the central conferences, and one episcopal
consultant from the United States (at the expense of the
Council of Bishops) . The bishops will convene the first
meeting of the global coordinating committee in the
spring of 1997, in advance of the meeting of the General
Board of Global Ministries, in order to include input
from other members of the central conferences. The
General Board of Global Ministries will be requested to
provide linkage and access to these leaders and their
e3q)ertise in the global context

The purpose of this committee is to give leadership
to the Church through the Institute for enhancement,
coordination, and enablement of effective prison minis-
try programs around the world.

The purpose of the first meeting of the committee
will be to engage in a holistic planning process to deter-
mine strategies, identify resources, and develop nur-
ture, outreach and witness ministries in relating to
prisoners, victims of crimes, and their families in the
global community. This may include the areas of:

• Evangelism

• Discipleship

• Education and motivation of congregations in
criminal justice and mercy ministries

• Social justice theology for prison ministries

• Celebrating United Methodist involvement in
Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries

• Sharing effective Models through networking
people and programs

• Coordinating services and programs

• Developing cross cultural models

• Facilitating the use of the Study Guide within
annual conferences and local churches around the
world

• Working with central conferences in the develop-
ment on resources and study tools which are con-
text specific

• Developing biblical and theological resources

• Dialogue on the creation of a "Prison Ministries
Action and Study Guide"

Also, at the first meeting consideration will be given
to identifying a site location and accountability structure
for the Global Prison Ministry Resource & Training
Institute.

Recommendation #2

We further recommend that the United Methodist
Women give consideration to the integration of prison
ministry/justice ministries within the Schools of Chris-
tian Mission as they develop study curricula. We recom-
mend that the United Methodist Women give consider-
ation to creating units with jails and prisons for women.

Recommendation #3

We encourage the General Board of Global Minis-
tries to give consideration to naming missionaries in the
field of prison ministry.

Recommendation #4

That central conferences and annual conferences
within the United States be linked through E-Mail so
that fi-equent communication can enhance the planning
process of the Institute.

Recommendation #5

That the General Board of Discipleship be respon-
sible for training of local churches and annual confer-
ence leaders to utilize study processes such as "Disciple
Bible Study," "Covenant Discipleship," and to provide
mentoring.

Recommendation #6

We recommend that the United Methodist Men
give consideration to starting units within jails and pris-
ons and create study guides and tools to promote Chris-
tian disciplemaking.

Recommendation #7

We recommend an evaluation of existing programs
and resources to assess their applicability and effective-
ness in ministries to victims, families and those incarcer-
ated.

Recommendation #8

We recommend that the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry and the General Board of Disci-
pleship consider the development of a certification proc-

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DCA Advance Edition

ess for those providing ministries to prisoners, crime
victims, and their families.

Members of Interagency Committee

Rev. Patricia Barrett — General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry

Rev. Kinmoth Jefferson and Ms. Peggy Halsey — Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries

Rev. Dr. Jerry Murray — Director of the Criminal Justice
Mercy Ministries

Ms. Pamela Crosby — General Commission on Commu-
nications

Mr. Hillary Shelton — General Board of Church and So-
ciety

Ms. Alvne JoAnn Eslinger — General Board of Disci-
plesnip

Chaplain Joseph Errington — South Central Regional
Federal Bureau of Prisons

Ms. Anita Fenstermacher — General Council on Minis-
tries

Resource Persons: Rev. Dr. William Appleby — Program
Consultant

Ms. Jody Moxley — Member of GCOM

GCOM Staff Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed (TTirough August
15, 1995)

Staff Consultant Linda Bales (Beginning September 19,
1995)

Report No. 8

Petition Number: 21682-GJ-NonDis-); GCOM

Report on Task Force on Spanish
Language Resources

Background and Mandate

Tlie 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 967 in the Daily Christian Advocate, page 354. The
General Council on Ministries was asked to continue a
Task Force on Spanish Language Resources during the
1993-96 quadrennium to continue the coordination of
materials in Spanish.

Process and Implementation

The task force met four times during the quadren-
nium, usually in conjunction with the Committee on
Hispanic Ministries. Three members of the General
Council on Ministries comprised the task force with
representatives of the general agencies and repre-
sentatives of MARCHA, the Hispanic caucus, participat-
ing as observers.

At each meeting, the task force heard reports from
each agency on the development of Spanish Language
Resources. It also discussed with agency repre-
sentatives the unmet needs for resources in Spanish.

A major topic of discussion was each agency's re-
sponse to the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries. Tlie
task force commended the agencies for the increased
volume of Spanish resources and the cooperation with
the national plan.

In September 1995 the task force celebrated the
completion of two comprehensive Spanish Resource
Catalogs during the quadrennium. These catalogs were
a cooperative effort of GCOM and the general agencies,
produced by the General Board of Publication (UMPH).
Each catalog was evaluated and improvements made in
planning for the next edition. Tlie next catalog is ex-
pected to be published in April 1997.

The task force provided consultation as requested
for the new Spanish Hymnal, Mil Voces Para Celebrar,
and with El Interprete, the program journal in Spanish.

A writers' workshop for Spanish writers is being
planned for early in the 1997-2000 quadrennium as an
interagency project and a brochure including each
agency's materials for the National Plan for Hispanic
Ministries is being developed for October 1996.

Recommendation

That during the 1997-2000 quadrennium, the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries continue a Task Force on
Spanish Language Resources to continue the coordina-
tion of Spanish language materials.

General and Judicial Administration

629

Report No. 9

Petition Number: 21683-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

r

Report on The Removal of Time-dated Resolutions in The Book of Resolutions

Mandate

The General Council on Ministries is mandated "to review, with the program agencies, all valid resolutions and
positions adopted by the General Conference, and recommend to the General Conference the removal of time-dated
materials." (^ 1006.21, The Book of Discipline 1992)

In accordance with this mandate, during the 1993-96 quadrennium, the General Council on Ministries consulted
with the general program-related agencies and conducted a comprehensive review of resolutions in the Book of
Resolutions, 1992. Based on this review process, the following resolutions are recommended for deletion:

Resolution Title

The Nurturing Community

1. Circumcision
The Social Community

2. Accessibility of Meeting Places beyond the Local Church

3. Access of Hispanics to Higher Education

4. An Affirmation of Basic Rural Worth

5. Affirmation of Zoar United Methodist Church of Philadelphia

6. Affirmative Action Plans and People with Disabilities

7. Ban on Alcohol Beverage Advertisements

8. Barrier-Free Construction for the Handicapped

9. Black Church Growth

10. Celebrate and Support the Ongoing Work of the General
Commission on the Status and Role of Women

11. Celebrate and Affirm the Work of General Commission
on Religion and Race

12. Celebrating 100 Years of Lay Education in the Tradition
of Scarritt-Bennett Center

13. The Church's Response to Changing Rural Issues

14. Communications Access for Persons Who Have
Hearing and Sight Impairments

15. Comprehensive Approach to Native American Ministries

16. Confronting the Drug Crisis

17. Declare Zoar United Methodist Church a Primary Historical Emphasis

Page

Agency(ies)

121

GBCS, GBGM

151

GBCS, GBGM

151-153

GBHEM

157-158

GBCS, GBGM

158-159

GCAH, GBGM
GBCS

161-162

GBCS, GBGM

189

GBCS

189-190

GBCS, GBGM

190

GBOD, GBHEM

192-193

GCOSRW

193-194

GCORR

194

GBGM

204-205

GBCS, GBGM

207-208

UMCom

209-210

GBHEM

211-215

GBCS, GBGM

219

GCAH

630

DCA Advance Edition

Resolution Title

18. Driving Under the Influence

19. Education on Alcohol and Substance Abuse

20. Education Responsibilities Concerning Native American
Cultural Traditions

21. Enlist and Involve the Youth in the life of the Church

22. Full Personhood

23. Inclusiveness of the Physically ChaUenged at All
Conferences

24. Ministries in Social Conflict

25. National Convocation on the Ordained Ministry for Native Americans

26. Pacific Islanders Included as Racial and Ethnic Minority Group

27. Recruitment and Development Plan for Local Pastors

28. Sale and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco on Church Property

29. Spanish Language Hymnal

30. Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century

31. Support to Strengthen Ethnic Minority Local Church

32. To Love the Sojourner

33. Vision Interfaith Satellite Network
The Economic Community

34. Appalachian Challenge

35. Nuclear Weapons Production at the General Electric Company
The Political Community

36. Concerning the Draft in the United States

37. Human Rights

38. Juvenile Justice

39. Literacy, The Right to Learn: A Basic Human Right

40. Public Education in the United States

41. Use of Church Facilities for Operating Private Schools
The World Community

42. The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Page

.Agency(ies)

228-229

GBCS

246-247

GBOD

247-248

GBHEM

249-251

GCOM, GCFA,
GBOD.GBHEM

255-256

GCOSRW

304

GBCS, GBGM

312-313

GBCS, GBGM,
GBHEM

320-321

GBHEM

339-340

GBCS

361-362

GBHEM

367

GBCS

370

GBOD

376-377

GCOM

383-384

GCOM, GBCS

384-385

GBCS. GBGM

399400

UMCom

401

GBGM

43J434

GBCS, GBHEM

490492

GBCS

506-507

GCCUIC, GBCS

511

GBGM, GBCS,
GBHEM

512-516

GCCUIC, GBCS
GBGM

527-528

GBCS

540

GCORR

542-547

GCCUIC, GBCS
GBGM

General and Judicial Administration

631

I

Resolution Title

43. Bishops' Call for Peace and the Self-Development of Peoples

44. Boycott of Royal Dutch/Shell

45. Christian Faith and Disarmament

46. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

47. Concern for El Salvador

48. The Current Arab-Israeli Crisis

49. The Global Nature of The United Methodist Church

50. Nuclear Disarmament: The Zero Option

51. Persons Missing in Action

52. The Philippines

53. Southern Africa

54. Support and Concern to Mozambique

55. On the United Nations

56. Web oi Apartheid, South Africa and the Destabilization
of Its Neighbors

Other Resolutions

57. A New Beginning

Page

Agency(ies)

547-554

COB

555-557

GBCS, GCCUIC

561-564

GBCS, GCCUIC

568-570

GBCS

570

GBCS

571-573

GBCS, GCCUIC

579-580

GCCUIC

600-604

GBCS

629

GBCS

629-632

GBCS, GCCUIC

636

GBCS, GBGM,
GCFA. GCCUIC
GBOPHB

641-643

GBCS, GBGM,
GCCUIC

650-651

GCCUIC, GBCS,
GBGM

658-662

GBCS, GBGM

666

GBCS, GBGM

I

632

DCA Advance Edition

Report No. 10

Petition Number: 21684-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the Churches' Center
for Theology and Public Policy

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 187 which charged the General Council on Finance
and Administration (GCFA) and the General Council on
Ministries (GCOM) with the task of evaluating the
Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy and
reporting their recommendations to the 1996 General
Conference.

Background. The General Conference of 1976 ap-
proved a recommendation from The Methodist Corpo-
ration that, from sale of real estate in Washington, D.C.,
a portion of the proceeds be used to create a trust fund
which would accumulate to the principal amount of
$973,195.76, more or less, which fund would be under
the custody and control of GCFA; that the income from
the investment of this fund up to $50,000 annually be
made available to the Churches' Center for Theology
and Public Policy; that $50,000 be paid annually to the
Center for the ensuing quadrennium; that if the income
were not available any year, GCFA would negotiate
advances with the Center; and that the program of the
Center be evaluated by GCOM and GCFA Based on
such evaluations, these councils were directed to make
recommendations to the following General Conference
as to the future of the Methodist Corporation Trust Fund
and continuing support for the Center.

Subsequent General Conferences, based on recom-
mendation of the two councils, have reaffirmed the ac-
tions of the 1976 General Conference related to the
Trust Fund and the Center. In addition, the 1984 Gen-
eral Conference authorized GCFA and GCOM to ap-
prove increases in the $50,000 annual allocation to the
Center, once accumulated advances to the Center had
been satisfied; the 1988 General Conference then set the
annual allocation to the Center as the amount calculated
by GCFA as the annual earnings on the trust fund. The
income paid to the Center was $81,707 in 1989, $78,099
in 1990, $69,765 in 1991, and $70,000 each in 1992 and
1993.

GCOM and GCFA were directed to conduct a quad-
rennial evaluation of the Center during the 1993-96
quadrennium.

The Center. The Churches' Center for Theology
and Public Policy understands itself as a national, ecu-
menical research center which seeks to interpret the
implications of Christian theology and ethics for public
policies and to bring the resulting insights to bear on
significant public policy issues. In keeping with that
understanding, it neither engages in lobbying, nor does
it take positions on specific pieces of legislation. Rather,

it understands itself as a "think tank" which seeks to
analyze broad, longer-range public policy issues and
alternatives from the perspective of the Christian faith,
and to make the results of its work available both to
policy makers and to other groups, including churches,
who are involved in debate of public policy issues.

1993-96 GCOM and GCFA Actions. At their
organizational meetings, GCFA named three of its vot-
ing members and GCOM named two of its voting mem-
bers to serve on a Committee to Evaluate the Churches'
Center for Theology and Public Policy. In March 1994,
the committee met with representatives of the Center's
board of directors, with its executive director, and with
members of the faculty and administration of Wesley
Theological Seminary, where the Center is located.

The evaluation committee learned of the following
developments since the previous quadrennium's evalu-
ation:

1) The Executive Director, Dr. James A Nash, a
United Methodist clergy member of the New England
Annual Conference, continues to provide leadership to
the Center.

2) The semi-annual journal, Tkeoloev and Public
Policy, completes its fifth year with the publication of its
tenth issue.

3) The series of books on Christian ethics and public
policy are published in a joint venture with Abingdon
Press. Four volumes have been published; three more
are in preparation on topics of poverty/welfare, immi-
gration, and global population.

4) Continuation of several previously existing pro-
grams, including a visiting Scholars program, the Cyn-
thia Wedel Lecture series, and participation with Wesley
Seminary in a National Capital Seminar for Seminarians
program.

5) The board of directors continues discussion
about ways to increase the Center's income and broaden
its base of support.

Based on information gathered in the evaluation
session, the committee reported its recommendations
to the two councils. GCOM and GCFA have each acted
to submit this report and the recommendations con-
tained in it to the 1996 General Conference.

Recommendations:

1. United Methodist support for the Churches' Cen-
ter for Theology and Public Policy shall be continued,
and the annual allocation to the Center shall be the
amount from the income of the Methodist Corporation
Trust Fund as determined by GCFA.

General and Judicial Administration

633

2. The Methodist Corporation Trust Fund shall con-
tinue to be under the custody and management of the
General Council on Finance and Administration.

3. The board and staff of the Center are urged to
increase the Center's efforts of outreach to United Meth-
odist constituencies to inform them of the Center's work
and encourage use of its resources and services.

4. The general agencies of The United Methodist
Church, especially the General Board of Church and
Society, United Methodist Communications, the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and the
General Board of Global Ministries, are encouraged to
utilize the Center's resources in those areas of research
and study appropriate to their responsibilities; and
GCOM is encouraged to follow up on this recommenda-
tion in its evaluation process with the agencies.

5. The Center's Visiting Scholars program is com-
mended to persons engaged in scholarly research pro-
jects related to the purpose of the Center (such as
college and theological school faculty and pastors on
sabbatical leave) ; due to limited facilities, persons inter-
ested in exploring this possibility should contact the
Center for information about the program early in the
process of planning their leave.

6. The Center's achievements in developing valu-
able resource materials, as evidenced by the journal and
the joint publication venture with Abingdon Press, are
recognized and use of these materials by United Meth-
odist local churches, annual conferences, and agencies
is encouraged.

7. We see an urgent need for the Center's board to
broaden its sources of support, even as we celebrate the
history of United Methodist leadership and support in
the Center's work. There is a need for greater inclusive-
ness (e.g. ethnicity and age) in the board membership,
and persons selected to contribute writings to the Cen-
ter's publications.

8. A quadrennial evaluation of the Center by GCOM
and GCFA be made with a report to the 2000 General
Conference.

Report No. 11

Petition Number: 21685-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the World Service
Special Gifts Program

Background and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 966 as a consent agenda item of business. The
calendar item dealt with a petition from the General
Council on Ministries recommending the continuance

of the World Service Special Gifts Program for the 1993-
96 quadrennium.

The World Service Special Gifts Fund as it is pres-
ently constituted in ^^ 913 and 1007.6 in The Book of
Discipline, 1992 was approved during the 1984 General
Conference as a test program under the administration
of the General Council on Ministries. It was determined
at that time that there was a need for expanding desig-
nated giving channels to general agencies so they could
make direct appeals to constituencies for specific project
funding. It was agreed that the General Advance pro-
gram has been successful in supporting mission work
and should not be expanded to include other kinds of
general church programming. Therefore, the General
Council on Ministries and the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration presented legislation to the
1984 General Conference whereby gifts designated by
the donor for specific projects of general agencies, other
than those which may receive General Advance Spe-
cials, when approved by the General Council on Minis-
tries, are classified as World Service Special Gifts.

Twelve projects were approved during the 1985-88
quadrennium and five were approved during the 1989-92
quadrennium.

Process and Implementation

During the 1993-96 quadrennium two projects were
approved: Leonard Ferryman Ethnic Minority Scholar-
ship in Communication — United Methodist Communi-
cations (UMCom) and Africa University — General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The Leonard
Ferryman Ethnic Minority Scholarship in Communica-
tion received $1,827 and Africa University program re-
ceived $2,278,779 in Worid Service Special Gifts through
October 31, 1995.

The administration of the World Service Special
Gifts Program was accomplished in harmony with the
criteria and process as stated in the General Council on
Ministries 1993-96 Model for World Service Special
Gifts. The General Council on Ministries and the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration consulted
and worked cooperatively in the administration and
evaluation of this funding channel. The procedures and
guidelines for both councils in the administration of
World Service Special Gifts programs and funds are
printed on page H-1-26 in the 1988 Daily Christian Ad-
vocate Advance Edition as approved by the 1988 General
Conference.

Recommendation

The General Council on Ministries and General
Council on Finance and Administration recommends
the continuation of the World Service Special Gifts Pro-
gram for the 1993-96 quadrennium.

634

DCA Advance Edition

Report No. 12

Petition Number: 21686-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report and Recommendation
for 1997-2000

Special Program: Peace With Justice

Mandate

^ 1006.18 of the Book of Discipline 1992 gives the
General Council on Ministries the responsibility of re-
commendiie Special Programs for the whole church. "A
Special Program is a quadrennial emphasis approved by
the General Conference and assigned to a general agency,
designed in response to a district opportunity or need in
God's world which is evidenced by research or other sup-
portive data, and proposes achievable goals within the
quadrennium" (^ 803.10).

Recommendation

The General Council on Ministries recommends
Peace with Justice, a special program of the General
Board of Church and Society for the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium, and that this special program be assigned to such
Board for implementation during the quadrennium.

Purpose

The purpose of the Peace with Justice Program is
to provide opportunities for United Methodists to under-
stand God's claim on creation and God's mandate for
shalom; to motivate the community, through deeper
Biblical knowledge, spiritual growth, and Christian dis-
cipleship and stewardship, to live lives which bring them
into participation in bringing about shalom, through
involvement in the local church, community, nation,
and world. This is a corporate effort — the General Board
of Church and Society Peace with Justice Program work-
ing hand-in-hand within annual conferences, districts,
and local churches. The Program mission states: The
mission of the Peace with Justice [Program] is to assist
the General Board of Church and Society of The United
Methodist Church in its work to help establish on earth
a society and world which understands the whole mean-
ing of God's peace. We are called to embrace Jesus'
special concern for the poor and oppressed. We are
called to advocate human rights for all, thereby promot-
ing the peace of shalom — a peace which goes beyond
the absence of war to promote justice among nations,
classes, ethnic groups, and individuals. We are specifi-
cally called to implement sections of the Social Princi-
ples, and other policy statements of the General
Conference and General Board of Church and Society
that relate to issues of global justice, peace and econ-

omy, and administer the Peace with Justice Special
Program.

Rationale

The 1992 General Conference mandate for Peace
with Justice afforded growth among grassroots United
Methodists to live out God's call for peace and reconcili-
ation through a wide variety of creative ministries. Un-
derstanding the seminal link between Christian
discipleship and justice ministries has become an under-
lying thrust of the program, providing opportunities for
United Methodists to witness to their faith. Through
traditional and innovative forms of Christian witness,
worship experiences. Christian education, music, art
and spiritual growth opportunities, members of our de-
nomination are both following in John Wesley's foot-
steps of social holiness and providing leadership in local
communities, our nation, and world.

From coordinating gun turn-ins, to using art to help
young people from wartime situations express them-
selves, to turning nuclear weapon production sites into
nature preserves. United Methodists are active in creat-
ing a more peaceful and just world. In many annual
conferences and local churches, special emphasis has
been placed on teaching children and youth non-violent
conflict resolution skills. A stronger understanding of
the role the media plays in the level of violence in our
world has come about Momentum is building, with
growth in the number of people in the national Peace
with Justice Network, Covenant Congregations, and the
Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering. The special
program mandate has enabled peace and justice minis-
tries to be established where, without it, they would have
been opposed.

The Peace with Justice Special Program provides
resources to assist in understanding some of the rea-
sons for the growing violence in the United States and
around the world. While the General Board of Church
and Society devotes a major portion of its work to peace
with justice issues, the designation of Peace with Justice
as a church-wide special program will raise awareness
that peace with justice is the mission of all persons in the
church.

New understanding is growing about the systems
which create human suffering, and which bring about
suffering to all God's creation, along with our individual
complicity as part of those systems. New solutions,
reaching into our Biblical, theological, and historical
roots as United Methodist Christians, are springing
forth.

There is no other program throughout United
Methodism which so specifically focuses on peace and
justice — Biblical shalom; where the wholeness of all
aspects of life is affirmed for all creation, and where both
the systems which disrupt God's will for peace and
justice in creation and the individual acts in complicity

General and Judicial Administration

635

are revealed. United Methodists are working resolutely,
through love, on creating God's shalom community, on
creating just structures in churches, communities, our
nation and the world.

The United States is the number one provider of
arms around the world ("The Defense Monitor", Vol.
XXII, Number 9, Center for Defense Information). Here
at home, violence in general, and particularly gun vio-
lence, is escalating. The need for economic stability,
both for individuals and as a nation, must be addressed
— ^jobs are needed, but not those based on militarism or
destruction of God's earth. The movement of God's
people urging that basic human needs and rights be
guaranteed to all people is surging toward the vision of
shalom — where not only will these basic needs of shel-
ter, nourishment, health, peace and justice be the rule,
but where life will be enjoyed by all God's creation.
"...The peace which is shalom is not merely the absence
of hostUity, not merely being in right relationship. Sha-
lom at its highest is enjoyment of one's relationships. ..To
dwell in shalom is to enjoy living be/ore God, to enjoy living
in one's physical surroundings, to enjoy living with one's
fellows, to enjoy life with oneself." (Until Justice and Peace
Embrace, Nicholas Wolterstorff, 1983 by Wm. B. Eerd-
mans Publishing Co.)

Components of the Peace
with Justice Special Program

The following components of the General Board of
Church and Society Peace with Justice Special Program
provide opportunities for individuals, local churches,
and annual conferences to be involved in peace and
justice ministries. Through several aspects of these
separate components, the General Board of Church and
Society works cooperatively with other program boards.

Peace with Justice Coordinators in each annual
conference provide coordination of peace and justice
ministries, working closely with the Conference Board
of Church and Society. They serve as the principal
contacts with the General Board of Church and Society
Peace with Justice Special Program. The General Board
of Church and Society Peace with Justice Special Pro-
gram office is in regular contact with these coordinators,
by telephone, mail, and through visits. Coordinators also
keep the General Board of Church and Society Peace
with Justice Special Program up-to-date on activities in
the annual conferences. Peace with Justice Coordina-
tors are both lay and clergypersons. Annual briefings,
retreats, issue-related events, regular newsletters, and
activities at the annual conference meetings are among
some of the many activities coordinated by these dedi-
cated people.

Peace with Justice Educators are General Board
of Global Ministries missionaries on home leave for six
months to two years and are placed in an annual confer-
ence to interpret peace and justice issues and serve as

peace and justice resource people. Their global mission
background provides theological and experiential valid-
ity to their Unites States based peace and justice work.
Working directly with the annual conference leadership,
the educators travel throughout the annual conference
speaking in local churches in worship, church school
classes, at special events, and to United Methodist
Youth Fellowship, United Methodist Women's and
United Methodist Men's groups. Educators also provide
leadership at a number of district and conference-wide
events. This program has been very successful, includ-
ing raising Peace with Justice Offering receipts in the
annual conferences which have hosted an educator.

Peace Advocates are individuals who have distin-
guished themselves as Peace with Justice resource peo-
ple for their local churches and communities. There are
over 1,300 Peace Advocates around the country. The
Peace Advocate Program was initiated by the General
Board of Discipleship, but is now resourced coopera-
tively with the General Board of Church and Society
Peace with Justice Special Program.

Covenant Congregations are local churches who
have publicly proclaimed their desire for peace with
justice. These congregations have incorporated peace
and justice into the whole life of the church through
worship, prayer, study, and action. Currently there are
46 Covenant Congregations around the United States.

The Peace with Justice Network incorporates the
above mentioned components, in addition to other
United Methodists around the country who subscribe
to our quarterly Peace with Justice Newsletter produced
by the General Board of Church and Society Peace with
Justice Special Program. Membership in the network
now numbers over 2,700.

Peace with Justice Certification is under devel-
opment. The goal is to offer certification for both Dia-
conal Ministers and lay church members. Certification
for Diaconal Ministers is being developed collabora-
tively with the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry. Discussions have occurred with several
United Methodist seminaries about the possible re-
quired coursework for Peace with Justice certification.
Upon completing certification criteria, individuals will
serve in local churches and communities, districts, and
annual conferences.

Peace with Justice Sunday is the one General
Conference mandated date in United Methodism when
congregations lift up peace and justice ministries and
concerns. This celebration continues to grow, with or-
ders for materials from United Methodist Communica-
tions (which provides most of the printed resources)
increasing, as well as the offering. Receipts have gone
up an average of 7.25% every year, providing funding for
both the annual conference Peace with Justice Special
Program, which retains 50% of the receipts, and that of
the General Board of Church and Society. The General

636

DCA Advance Edition

Board of Church and Society Peace with Justice Special
Program also provides resources for this Special Sunday
celebration.

Peace with Justice Week continues to be an ecu-
menical celebration with widespread United Methodist
participation. Coordination of United Methodist partici-
pation is handled jointly through the Peace with Justice
Week office in New York and the General Board of
Church and Society Peace with Justice Special Program.

The Role and Mandate of the General
Board of Church and Society

Implementation of the United Methodist Social
Principles and policy statements in TJie Book of Resolu-
tions is the responsibility of the General Board of Church
and Society. As a result, the Peace with Justice Special
Program fits well within this mission of acting on these
expressions of social concern. The Book of Discipline
states: The board shall develop, promote, and distribute
resources and conduct programs to inform, motivate,
train, organize, and build networks for action toward
social justice throughout society, particularly on the
specific social issues prioritized by the board. Special
attention shall be given to nurturing the active constitu-
ency of the board by encouraging any exchange of ideas
on strategy and methodology for social change and
enabling church members through conferences, dis-
tricts, coalitions, and networks to identify and respond
to critical social issues at the community, state and
regional level. (^ 1104, page 483, Tlie Book of Discipline,
1992)

Funding

Funding for the program comes primarily from the
Peace with Justice Special Sundav Offering, with the
General Board of Church and Society and other pro-
gram agencies contributing some funds as well.

Impact on Other Programs

As described above, the impact on other programs
of the General Board of Church and Society if this

proposal is approved, will only be to enhance and
strengthen the Board's work revolving around the So-
cial Principles and other policy statements.

Relationship of the Proposed Special

to Annual Conferences

and Local Churches

The Peace with Justice Special Program of the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society is inextricably linked
with that of the annual conferences and local churches.
One of the primary reasons for the existence of this
program is to resource the annual conferences and local
churches. The extent of these relationships has been
described above in more detail.

Administration

The administration of the Peace with Justice Special
Program is incorporated into the structure of the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society, with the Board pro-
viding and paying the salary of the staff director,
secretarial support and additional staff support as
needed. The Peace with Justice Special Program Direc-
tor works hand-in-hand with other General Board of
Church and Society staff, with staff from other program
agencies, and with annual conference contacts to fully
coordinate the Peace with Justice Special Program.

Achievements

Achievements of the Peace with Justice Special Pro-
gram will include more frequent and diverse annual
conference programming, more local church involve-
ment, and continued increases in the number of
churches celebrating Peace with Justice Sunday, result-
ing in continued increases in the Offering. Members of
the United Methodist Church will better understand
how working for shalom — Peace with Justice — is a re-
sponsibility for all Christians.

General and Judicial Administration

637

Part III

Reports from the General Council on Ministries
to the 1996 General Conference

This portion of the report of the General Council on Ministries presents a series of reports by GCOM relating
to work done under its responsibilities in The Book of Discipline, 1992 and/or from special assignments by the 1992
General Conference. The items reported here require no General Conference action, but are presented to be received
by the General Conference as reports of specifically assigned work of the GCOM.

2. A responsibility of the GCOM is to review and
evaluate the effectiveness of general agencies account-
able to it in the fulfillment of the ministries assigned to
them (^ 1006.14). Also the GCOM is to keep under
review the concurrence of the agencies with the Social
Principles (^ 1006.15). The evaluation process and its
results shall be reported to each General Conference (^
802.3).

Report No. 13

Petition Number: 21687-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the Evaluation of the General

Program-Related Agencies, and General

Commissions on Communication

And Archives And History

Mandate

TJie Book of Discipline, 1992, assigned to the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries (GCOM) the responsibility of
evaluating the performance of the general program
agencies in assisting them with the process of fulfilling
and supporting their ministries OT 1005.3, 1006.13,
1006.14, and 802.3). In response to these requirements,
the GCOM has coordinated a comprehensive self-evalu-
ation of all general agencies and submits this report to
the General Conference (^ 802.3).

Process of Evaluation

During the 1993-96 quadrennium, the Division on
General Agency Relationships of the GCOM was given
the evaluation responsibility. Evaluation panels were
organized for each of the nine general agencies to be
evaluated. Each panel included GCOM members and
staff, and general agency representatives and staff. (Ap-
pendbc I)

The Model of Evaluation used for the 1993-96 quad-
rennium was built upon the method of evaluation
evolved since 1972 and adjusted each quadrennium to
meet the evaluation requirements. The operating prin-
ciples for the 1993-96 quadrennium adopted by the coun-
cil were:

1. The purposes for agency evaluation are: (a) to
provide a management tool and to assist the agency in
fulfilling and supporting its ministry, including the areas
of program, administration, and budget, and (b) to fulfill
the accountability requirement assigned to the General
Council on Ministries by The Book of Discipline, 1992 (^
802.2).

3. This Model of Evaluation was developed by the
GCOM in consultation with the agencies being evalu-
ated. The voting members of the agency being evaluated
were involved in the evaluation process.

4. The process was understood to be comprehen-
sive and continuous, however for purposes of reporting
to the 1996 General Conference, the agency reports
cover the years 1991-1994.

5. The model calls for evaluation of the effectiveness
of agencies in performing ministries assigned to them
and programs as defined in The Book of Discipline, 1992
(^803.11).

6. The evaluation reports were used to inform those
who prepared the agency budgets for the next quadren-
nium.

A common set of evaluation criteria was used to
provide a uniform way to measure each agency's written
evaluation:

1. Clear understanding of theological and biblical
basis for ministry.

2. Clear goals for addressing the Disciplinary re-
sponsibilities and guidelines to measure the achieve-
ment of those goals.

3. Goals and a plan for addressing new or special
assignments made by the 1992 General Conference.

4. An ongoing process for the agency to vision, plan,
implement, and evaluate its program and ministry.

5. Priorities for ministry and accomplishments.

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6. Consistency with the Social Principles in all ac-
tions.

7. Prudent fiscal controls.

S.Inclusiveness (age, race, national origin, gender,
theological perspective, global perspective, ecumenical,
and handicapping condition) in the life of the agency.

9. Maintenance of communication with the constitu-
encies (responsive and proactive) and a process for
responding to feedback from the various constituencies.

10. Organization, staffing structures, and personnel
practices appropriate to the accomplishment of the mis-
sion of the agency.

11. Implementation of the quadrennial theme:
"Celebrate and Witness, Celebrate God's Grace, Wit-
ness for Jesus Christ."

12. Incorporation of the concerns of the Ethnic Local
Church within the ongoing life of the agency and its
program.

13. An intentional concern for communicating with,
and answering the concerns and needs of the local
church.

Using these minimum criteria as a model, each
agency was encouraged to develop a self-evaluation
document, which would become a management tool to
make its ministry more effective on an ongoing basis.

At the spring 1993 meeting, each agency presented
its goals and plans for the quadrennium. During the
quadrennium each agency conducted a survey of its
constituency groups. The agencies submitted a prelimi-
nary written report in the fall of 1994, for review by the
GCOM Evaluation Panel members and then a final writ-
ten report was submitted in April 1995. Each agency
provided a focused review of its work and ministry
through a formal presentation during a GCOM plenary
session. GCOM members submitted questions and top-
ics of concern to be covered during the formal presen-
tations.

Certification of Agency Evaluations

TTie General Council on Ministries certified that the
criteria for evaluation as described in the Model of
Evaluation have been met by the following general agen-

General Board of Church and Society

General Board of Discipleship

General Board of Global Ministries

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

General Commission on Archives and History

General Commission on Christian Unity and Interre-
ligious Concerns

General Commission on Communication (UMCom)

General Commission on Religion and Race

General Commission on Status and Role of Women.

Documentation for this certification is found in the
reports of the Division on General Agency Relationships
which are on file at the GCOM Office.

General Comments about General Agency
Self-Evaluation Reports

Each of the general program agencies has fully
cooperated with the General Council on Ministries in
the evaluation process. Each agency developed its own
process for defining its mission statement or purpose,
its major objectives, specific goals, and action plans.
Each agency evaluated its own performance and re-
ported the results. Since each agency has followed the
Model for Evaluation of the General Council on Minis-
tries, there is general uniformity in the self-evaluation
reports all across the church. GCOM members re-
flected on the evaluation process and provided valuable
input to each agency as it implemented its evaluation
process.

It is important for the whole church to know that all
the agencies are fully accountable to the church and are
using the same criteria for evaluation. The criteria are
established by the General Council on Ministries, and
revised each quadrennium to reflect current concerns
of the whole church. In this quadrennium, for example,
an addition to the criteria was an intention to respond to
the concerns and needs of the local church.

Fiscal constraints have been difficult for all of the
agencies in this quadrennium. There have been staff
reductions in aknost all agencies, and reallocation of
funds have been necessary in each agency. Those
changes have resulted in increased demands on the
remaining staff persons. As an agency responded to new
assignments from the 1992 General Conference or new
emerging needs, other programs and services were
reduced. The agencies are to be commended for making
painful choices and living within their budgets.

There is a high level of inter-agency coordination in
place in many areas. There are other areas however,
where coordination could be improved in the coming
quadrennium.

Each agency has developed a statement of the theo-
logical and biblical basis for its ministry, and written
clear goals for addressing its Disciplinary responsibili-
ties. All the new and special assignments from the 1992
General Conference have been addressed by the agen-
cies. Each agency has been careful to see that its actions
are consistent with the Social Principles and that the

General and Judicial Administration

639

church's goals for inclusiveness have been taken seri-
ously in all areas of its life.

General Board of Church and Society

The General Board of Church and Society is the
smallest of the four general program boards, yet it is
assigned an enormous task to "equip the saints" for
involvement in justice ministries. The Board represents
The United Methodist Church in advocating for our
Social Principles and the material in TTie Book of Resolu-
tions. It resources annual conference boards of church
and society, and responds to local church concerns as
fully as possible.

The Board coordinates its work with other general
agencies, especially the General Board of Global Minis-
tries and with other coalitions working on justice issues.

Some examples of the recent work of the Board
include the following: During this quadrennium the
Board has expanded its anti-gambling program and as-
sisted a number of annual conferences in statewide
legislative campaigns, sometimes assisting ecumenical
coalitions. It has developed major efforts in drug and
alcohol abuse programs. It has continued the highly
effective Seminar Program in Washington, DC, in coop-
eration with the New York Seminar Program, operated
by the Women's Division. It has worked on environ-
mental issues and toxic waste concerns. It has continued
its work on HIV/AIDS ministries in cooperation with the
Interagency Task Force on AIDS.

The Board provided major leadership in highly pub-
licized efforts to deal with emerging issues in genetic
science. The Board has expressed the church's concern
for minorities and the poor in the midst of recent national
legislative debates.

General Board of Discipleship

The vision of the General Board of Discipleship is
that every United Methodist congregation will fulfill its
primary task to:

-reach out and invite persons

-help them relate to God through Jesus Christ

-nurture them in the faith

-send them out into the world to live as faithful disciples
of Jesus Christ

To this end, the General Board of Discipleship has
endeavored to help leaders throughout the connection
to "equip the saints" in many different ways.

Listening to the people and responding to the needs
have resulted in various resources and training models.
Some examples of these are Disciple Bible Study, Vision
2000, Quest for Quality, Native American School of
Evangelism, and Youth '95 Convocation. During the

quadrennium, the Board has revamped church school
curriculum and developed additional resources for spiri-
tual formation.

Two special projects completed for presentation at
this General Conference are the Spanish Language
Hymnal and the study guide to accompany the Baptism
Study. Additional accomplishments included the organi-
zation of the Committee on Older Adults, development
of resources and models to equip faith community mis-
sioners for Hispanic ministries, and investing major
portions of time of two staff members to help in strength-
ening the black church.

The Board continually worked to help church lead-
ers rebuild systems that can enable United Methodists
to participate with God in the transformation of the
world.

General Board of Global Ministries

The General Board of Global Ministries is the mis-
sional instrument of The United Methodist Church, its
annual conferences, missionary conferences, and local
congregations in the context of a global setting (^
1401).

During the quadrennium, the Board opened major
communication channels throughout the church
through annual conference/GBGM dialogues. It also
instituted an 800 toll-free telephone line, "fast fax" serv-
ice, and constituency surveys. In addition to informing
and energizing annual conferences, the Board priori-
tized effectively the missional needs of the church in its
Comprehensive Plan for Mission.

The Board provided missional education to theo-
logical seminaries in cooperation with the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. A major prior-
ity continues to be recruitment, training, and evaluation
of persons for mission service, including Volunteers in
Mission. The US-2 and Mission Intern Programs con-
tinue to expand.

Major achievements included the establishment of
mission thrusts in Russia, as well as numerous new and
increased missionary and church/program relation-
ships around the world. The Board represented the
church in partnership with Central Conferences in the
midst of war, famine, and disease. UMCOR response to
disaster relief was phenomenal and Health and Welfare
Ministries continued to respond effectively through pro-
grams such as Computerized AIDS Ministry Resource
Network that provides constituents with the latest
HIV/AIDS information.

The Board was responsive to Central Conference
concerns such as disasters from hurricanes, floods,
acute needs in Eastern Europe and the refugee crisis in
Africa. The Global Mission Partner program provided

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greater visibility to emerging leadership of partner
churches and conferences.

As the Board maintained its program functions, a
restructured organization was designed; a general pol-
icy of workforce reduction by attrition was initiated; and
prospects for relocation of the agency made recruitment
of personnel abnormally difficult.

The accomplishments of the Board demonstrate a
knowledgeable assessment of world and national issues,
an understanding and appreciation of the Social Princi-
ples, and the importance of accurate and realistic budg-
eting.

General Board of Higher Education
and Ministries

The multifaceted goals of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry encompass two areas:
ministry and education. The Board assisted persons in
fulfilling their ministry, whether ordained or diaconal;
and provided general oversight and resources for cam-
pus ministers, the United Methodist institutions of
higher education, chaplains, and United Methodist
loans and scholarships.

The Board had many highlights this quadrennium.
United Methodists around the world celebrated the
inauguration of Africa University and the graduation of
its first class in 1994. While the Board usually operates
in four divisions, this project involved the entire Board.
The "Campus Ministry: Mission at the Center" special
program rejuvenated ministry with students in universi-
ties and colleges with special attention to inclusivity.
The Exploration '92 and '94 events encouraged young
people to hear the call to ordained ministry. These
events were overfilled each time, and enrollment of
young seminarians increased. In 1993, more than 4,223
United Methodist students received a loan or scholar-
ship. A certification in youth ministry for diaconal min-
isters was created. The Board opened new areas of
ministry for chaplains, such as in industrial settings.
During this quadrennium, the Board has been busy
educating the church for ministry.

General Commission on Archives and History

As stated in ^ 1803, the General Commission on
Archives and History is mandated "to promote and care
for the historical interests of The United Methodist
Church at every level." Throughout the quadrennium,
the limited but efficient staff were faithful servants and
stewards of God in collecting, preserving, and dissemi-
nating information about the history of the denomina-
tion.

A major accomplishment has been to increase serv-
ices to local churches, annual conferences, and jurisdic-
tional leaders. This was accomplished through a
newsletter, a training video, a traveler's guide to historic

shrines and landmarks of United Methodism, a resource
packet for heritage celebrations, a genealogical pam-
phlet, and a video for church historians.

The new Archivist/Records Administrator enabled
the Commission to accelerate the cataloguing of the
archival collection as well as services to constituents. A
Project Archivist for Women's History upgraded the
records and documents of the historical role of women
in United Methodism. The Commission continued to
focus on the ethnic local church through the work of a
standing committee on ethnic history and heritage.

The Commission continued to explore means of
preservation of extensive photographic collections; to
study its function, membership and operation; and to
seek means of funding basic needs and improvements.

General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns

The General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns works toward Christian unity in
every aspect of the church life and ministry to unify the
unity of the Body of Christ, and to strengthen relations
with other living faith communities. (See ^ 2002) .

Highlights of the Commission's work this quadren-
nium included work on the Consultation on Church
Union Covenanting; ecumenical advocacy in United
Methodist seminaries; ecumenical dialogues with the
Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church in
America, and the Episcopal Church; interfaith dialogues
with Jewish and Muslim leaders; and dialogues among
Christian and Traditionalist Native Americans. The
Commission also was intentional in listening to annual
conferences; distributed a regular newsletter to confer-
ence leaders and persons who share the Christian unity
responsibility; established a local initiative fund; and
conducted two consultations with Ecumenically Shared
Ministries towards the development of guidelines and
resources for congregations, district superintendents,
and bishops. The result of these dialogues and listenings
were statements such as "Our Muslim Neighbors" and
"Holy Living, Holy Dying."

The Commission continued its active participation
with ecumenical organizations such as the World and
National Councils of Churches and the World Methodist
Council. It participated in the Hearings of Racism as a
Human Rights Violation in the U.S., and encouraged
congregations to become involved in the World Council
of Churches' Theology of Life program. The Commis-
sion engaged in dialogue with persons within The
United Methodist Church from diverse theological per-
spectives during its commission meetings, and devel-
oped a statement on "Our Yearning for the Unity of the
Church".

Believing that Jesus Christ is the hope and life of the
world, the Commission works for the wholeness and

General and Judicial Administration

641

r

unity of all people. The work of the Commission reflects
this belief.

General Commission on Religion and Race

The General Commission on Religion and Race is
charged with monitoring the progress in racial inclusive-
ness at all levels of the church (^ 2108). The Commis-
sion's ministry is rooted in the theological understand-
ing of the equality of all persons in Jesus Christ

The Commission reprioritized its resources and
endeavors toward helping annual conferences to
achieve greater effectiveness in addressing racism in
order to become more inclusive. The Commission con-
ducted 21 on-site reviews in annual conferences and
reviewed 45 other conferences through reports and
documentation. The Commission reviewed all general
agency self-monitoring processes for the elimination of
institutional racism through on-site visits and written
reports.

The Commission administered the Minority Group
Self-Determination Fund on behalf of The United Meth-
odist Church. It processed 745 proposals and provided
funding to 241 projects in ethnic minority communities
totaling $3,178,623 between 1991 and 1994.

The church at all levels was sensitized to the needs
of ethnic minority communities by the extensive use of
the Commission's network and by the empowerment of
the four national ethnic caucuses in The United Meth-
odist Church. The Commission held two, week-long
training events on "Breaking Down Walls, Building
Bridges: Education Against Racism", and developed a
network of persons committed to anti-racism activities
in The United Methodist Church.

The Commission continued to monitor theological
schools with on-site and desk audits, using Commission
members from the jurisdiction where the school is lo-
cated.

The Commission created the Task Force on Racism
in Rural Areas, mandated by the 1992 General Confer-
ence, and held hearings at strategic sites around the
country.

instrument for annual conference commissions. Other
materials developed by the Commission included new
guidelines and program suggestions, "The Flyer" news-
letter, and a packet of information and resources on
sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Com-
mission co-sponsored a national ecumenical video con-
ference on the subject of sexual misconduct. The
Commission also held a national training event for an-
nual conference advocates who will work with victims/
survivors of sexual harassment and clergy sexual mis-
conduct. A study guide on biblical images of God is in
process for use in local congregations.

It is notable that the Commission has helped many
conferences in dealing with sexual harassment and
clergy sexual misconduct through education, develop-
ment of resources, review of annual conference policies,
and through staff consultation in specific situations.

The General Commission on Communication

The General Commission on Communication's
Mission Statement, "We Help The Church Tell Its
Storyr, reflects its Purpose and Responsibilities in The
Book of Discipline, OT 1905-1906).

During the quadrennium, the Commission im-
proved the denomination's visibility in the secular me-
dia; trained staff to keep current on industry standards
and new technology; hired a photographer to handle
photo assignments for other agencies; produced videos
to highlight and support ethnic ministries; developed a
"Celebrate and Witness" promotional plan for 1993-96;
and provided an informational link to local churches
through its three journals: The Interpreter, el Interprete,
and United Methodist Family (Korean)

The Commission will continue to listen to the needs
of the church and the world, to interpret the general
church programs, to promote giving to all general funds
and to share Christ's message with the Church and the
world. The Commission will continue to create commu-
nication systems, print, electronic and audio-visual re-
sources; and to market communication resources to
United Methodists, the wider Christian community and
the general public.

General Commission on Status and Role
of Women

The General Commission on Status and Role of
Women is continuing to fulfill its mandate to challenge
the church in continuing its commitment to the full and
equal participation of women in the total life and mission
of the church.

During the quadrennium, the Commission con-
ducted an extensive survey of local churches to deter-
mine the current status of women in local church
leadership and developed and distributed a monitoring

Summary

The General Council on Ministries affirms the
Model of Evaluation used in this accountability report.
The process has been consistently improved to meet the
changing needs of the agency ministries and continues
to be a cooperative effort between the Council and each
agency or board.

GCOM panel members acknowledge with apprecia-
tion the efficient work done by the agency repre-
sentative panel members who effectively carried out the
self-evaluation on schedule. The final documents were

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DCA Advance Edition

descriptive of important, critical ministries representing
the entire Church and expanding the work of the local
church which otherwise would not be possible.

The Council affirms the special effort of general
agencies in improving relationships throughout the
quadrennium with annual conferences, central confer-
ences, jurisdictional conferences, and local churches.
Commendable also is the integration of evaluation into

each agency's planning process, and the use of evalu-
ation reports in budget planning.

In cooperation with the General Council on Minis-
tries, each agency has assessed its mission and ministry
according to its mandates, goals, and funds. The Coun-
cil, therefore, commends to the 1996 General Confer-
ence the excellent work of the general agencies on
behalf of the whole Church.

Appendix I

General

GBCS

GBOD

GBGM
GBHEM

GCAH
GCORR
GCSRW
GCOC

General Agency Evaluation

Council on Ministries Members

Richard S. Parker, Chairperson
McWilliam Colon
Neil Gunn

Harold Nbcon, Chairperson
John D. Cooke
Janice Riggle Huie

William Lux, Chairperson
J. Woodrow Heam

Alice Fleming Townley, Chairperson

Beatrice M. Mutasa

SamWynn

Leon C. Hamrick, Chairperson
Clelia D. Hendrix

Stefanie Gray, Chairperson
Peter F. Chen

Thomas S. Choi, Ch^rperson
Kathrjm Hopkins

Tom Christian, Chairperson
Betty Sanders Gordon

Panel Membership

Agency Members

Donald J. Hand
Nelda Barrett Murraine

JoyT. Can-
Herb Mather

Ernest Lyght
Michael G. Rivas

David Dolsen

T. Terrell Sessums

Jennie Stockard

Michael Nickei-don
Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.

Sue Ellen Miller
James Taylor

Aquilino Javier
Cecelia M. Long

Douglas Mertz
Newtonia Harris Coleman

General and Judicial Administration

643

Report No. 14

Petition Number: 21688-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the National Plan
for Hispanic Ministries

Background and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 581 on page 289 of the Daily Christian Advocate. It
mandated a National Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

The General Council on Ministries (GCOM) was
asked to organize the Committee on Hispanic Ministries
according to the nominating procedures of the Council
to assure inclusiveness; to initiate and plan the first
meeting of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries; to
assign a GCOM member and staff to relate to the com-
mittee; and to evaluate the implementation of the Na-
tional Plan for Hispanic Ministry, consistent with its
disciplinary responsibilities.

Process and Implementation

Following the 1992 General Conference, the GCOM
facilitated the processes with each jurisdictional confer-
ence to select the jurisdictional representatives. The
Council also communicated with the Council of Bishops,
Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches of Latin
America (CIEMAL), MARCHA, general agencies, Rio
Grande Annual Conference, and the Autonomous Affili-
ated Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to outline the
process for selecting their representatives to the com-
mittee. The GCOM also named Jeannie Trevifio Teddlie
as its representative and Mearle L. Griffith as staff liaison
to the committee.

The first meeting was held on February 25-26, 1993
in San Antonio, Texas with Delia Escareno, First Vice-
President of GCOM, convening the committee until
Bishop Joel Martinez was elected to chair the commit-
tee.

The Council has received regular reports on the
implementation of the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
tries from its representative to the committee. The coun-
cil also coordinated the implementation of the plan
through member and staff involvement throughout the
quadrennium and conducted its evaluation consistent
with the Discipline.

In evaluating the implementation, the council re-
ceived reports indicating that in two and one-half years
of the quadrennium the national committee, with the
cooperation of annual conferences and general agen-
cies, had demonstrated significant movement toward
realizing the projected goals of the plan. Those reports
indicate:

• 51 new Hispanic congregations started in 17 an-
nual conferences

• 220 faith communities established in 35 annual
conferences

• 35 existing congregations revitalized in 14 annual
conferences

• 337 new community or outreach ministries started
in 36 annual conferences

• 389 lay missioners recruited and trained from 32
annual conferences

• 62 new church school extension programs started
in 17 annual conferences

• Six national missionaries commissioned and
placed and 23 more are in process.

Also developed were:

• Three modules and other resources for the train-
ing of lay missioners/pastor-mentor teams.

• Consultations with annual conference and re-
gional groups and seminaries to develop and
strengthen Hispanic ministries.

• Trained consultants who have worked with confer-
ence, district, and local groups in the development
of Hispanic ministries.

• Consultations on community ministries, on revi-
talization of churches, on women and families, on
town and country ministries.

• 44 different training events on various aspects of
the Plan involving 40 annual conferences.

• Nine conference training centers and three re-
gional training centers to prepare lay mission-
ers/pastor-mentor teams.

• A video and other communication materials.

The national plan was financially supported by quad-
rennial allocations from the World Service Fund
($1,900,000) and the Mission Initiatives Fund
($816,000). Additional funding and program resources
were contributed by the general program agencies from
their regular budgets. During the first two years of the
quadrennium, more than $200,000 in additional pro-
gram support was generated. Similarly, annual confer-
ences have provided support for the development of
Hispanic Ministries. Thirty-eight annual conferences
contributed over two million dollars during the first two
years of the quadrennium.

The implementation of National Plan for Hispanic
Ministines has had an effective start in its initial quad-
rennium, but the Committee on Hispanic Ministries

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believes that there is still much to be done. The Com-
mittee, through the General Board of Global Ministries,
is requesting the continuation of the Plan.

The General Council on Ministries rejoices on the
successful implementation of the Hispanic Plan during
this quadrennium and endorses the continuation of the
Hispanic Plan as submitted to the 1996 General Confer-
ence by the Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

Report No. 15

Petition Number: 21689-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report of The GCOM Ethnic Local
Church Concerns Committee

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 970 as a consent agenda item of business. This
calendar item recommended that the GCOM continue
the Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee for 1993-
96. Further GCOM is given the responsibility "to coor-
dinate the denomination's efforts to incorporate the
contributions and concerns of the ethnic local church
into all programs, budgets, agenda and resources." (^
1006.5)

History and Background

From 1976 to 1988 Ethnic Minority Local Churches
were lifted up as a missional priority, because they
offered The United Methodist Church its greatest
growth potential and a priority in evangelism. These
churches and the communities in which they often are
located consistently experience the most serious do-
mestic and international challenge; they offer an unpar-
alleled avenue for justice and peace ministries.
Furthermore, ethnic minority local churches offer an
avenue to develop mutuality in mission with the church

universal, which will soon become predominantly color-
ful, as well as with the human family which is already
overwhelmingly Third World.

At the 1988 General Conference the Missional Pri-
ority Coordinating Committee reported that through the
missional priority the entire church has discovered
amazing gifts, insights, perspectives, and commitments
wdthin the household of faith. While many fruits had
come with the missional priority, the fullness of the
commitments were not yet realized. Ethnic minority
local churches still had a variety of needs for program,
facilities, and leadership development. Annual confer-
ences were asked to develop comprehensive plans to
provide the basis for their on-going commitment to
develop and strengthen the ethnic minority local church
for witness and mission. Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Committees were to be established in each annual con-
ference. GCOM was called to create a task force as part
of the Council's internal structure to deal with Ethnic
Minority Local Church concerns. It was also with the
awareness that the world was increasingly becoming
multi-cultural and cross-racial. Furthermore, the resur-
gence of racist activity around the world calls on the
church to be on the forefront not only to speak out
against racism, but to serve as a model for inclusiveness.

Racial/Ethnic Population Growth

The racial/ethnic populations in the United States
have increased dramatically. In the ten year period be-
tween 1980 and 1990, the United States population grew
by 23 million persons, from 227 million to nearly 250
million or an increase of 9.9%. Over two-thirds of this
growth (15.2 million) was by racial/ethnic group popu-
lations. The table below shows that the Asian American
population nearly doubled (an increase of 3.3 million),
Hispanic American population increased over 50% (8.5
million). Native Americans grew by nearly one-third
(403,000), and African American population showed an
11% gain. During the same period, the White population
grew less than 1%.

Racial/Ethnic Group

1980 Population

1990 Population

Percent Increase

African American

26,215,000

29,216,293

11.%

Asian American

3,665,000

6,968,359

90.%

Hispanic American

14,869,000

23,354,059

57.%

Native American

1,336,000

1,739,773

30.%

White American

181,140,000

188,128,296

0.9%

Totals

227,225,000

249,655,873

9.9%

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645

In addition major population shifts have taken place
in urban areas including the decentralization of central
city populations into the suburbs, population shifts due
to the change of location of employment, and increasing
global mobility. Furthermore the racial/ethnic popula-
tions grew in all regions across the U.S., resulting in
racial/ethnic population increases in most of the U.S.
annual conferences. These areas of growth have re-
sulted in the rapid increase of Hispanic ministries in
many annual conferences, continued growth of African
American populations, the creation of new Korean and
other Asian congr-egations in all five U.S. jurisdictions,
the recognition of Native American presence through
the Native American Awareness Sunday observance,
and the growth of Pacific Island congregations in many
conferences.

An Experience in Racial Inclusiveness

The ELCC Committee shares an experience of one
of its members which describes a vision of a vital, inclu-
sive United Methodist Church:

"Imagine walking into a church assuming that it is
primarily made up of Caucasians and discover a choir
practicing; the majority of whom are Korean. During
worship about 15 people from Africa come forward to
sing using indigenous instruments as accompaniment.
After the service you chat with a person from Japan,
couples from India and Scotland. You learn that this
church is developing a Chinese fellowship, and they are
having their first worship service in the Mandarin lan-
guage that afternoon."

Amember of the GCOM ELCC Committee from the
United States experienced this in a little church in Graz,
Austria, and what a surprise it was to experience "a
S)w/)/io«3'o/cMtores'there. In addition, worshipers were
given earphones to use so that each could hear the
service in his/her own language and feel included and
welcomed. This experience demonstrates that there are
numerous opportunities for growth and expansion of
ethnic ministries in a variety of settings, some in unex-
pected ways. In Acts 10:34-35, the scripture reads, "I
truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in
every nation anyone who fears him and does what is
right is acceptable to him."

Implementation and Process

GCOM formed an Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Committee which was composed of twelve GCOM
members with voice and vote. Additional members with
voice, but not vote, included one representative from
each of the four racial/ethnic caucuses, one repre-
sentative from each of the three ethnic language con-
cerns, and one representative from each of the eight
general program-related agencies. The Committee was
organized in April 1993 and met annually. It facilitated
coordination and communications among the general

program-related agencies, the ethnic/language confer-
ences, and the four national racial/ethnic caucuses as
they seek to develop and strengthen ethnic ministries.

GCOM staff provided training for conference chair-
persons of Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committees
during the Joint Training Events held in 1992-93. The
1990 U.S. Census data along with other resources were
provided each conference chair. At the request of annual
conferences, additional training sessions and consult-
ations were held with conference ELCC Committees.
Staff of several of the general agencies provided addi-
tional encouragement and support to racial/ethnic con-
stituencies at the annual conference, jurisdictional, and
national levels.

The ELCC Committee commends the general agen-
cies for carrying out the process of incorporation of
ethnic local church concerns. Some achievements this
quadrennium include the implementation of a Native
American fax network (UMCom), Black Methodism:
Legacy of Faith video (UMCom) , Spanish and Korean
language interpretation of the Social Principles (GBCS),
Spanish language hymnal (GBOD), Pentecost Spirit
video (GBGM), Ethnic Pastors Institute (GBHEM and
other general agencies), Programs for Spanish Instruc-
tors (4 program boards). Volunteers in Mission projects
(GBGM), School of Evangelism for Native Americans
(GBOD), seminars on immigration, poverty, and other
social issues with direct impact on racial/ethnic commu-
nities (GBCS), and assistance in reviewing the revised
conference comprehensive plans. The four general
boards have faithfully administered the Ethnic Local
Church grant funds, provided through the World Serv-
ice Fund, to local churches and annual conferences.

Four church-wide programs directly related to the
development and strengthening of ethnic local
churches:

The National Plan for Hispanic Ministries reported
many accomplishments: 51 new Hispanic congregations
in 17 annual conferences, 220 faith communities estab-
lished in 35 annual conferences, 35 revitalized congre-
gations in 14 annual conferences, 337 community or
outreach ministries begun in 36 annual conferences, 14
annual conferences with new Hispanic ministries, 389
lay missioners recruited and trained from 32 annual
conferences, 62 new church school extension programs
in 17 annual conferences, and 8 home missionaries
commissioned and 4 more in process. The National Plan
is recommended for continuation in the 1997-2000 quad-

The Native American Comprehensive Plan focused
on congregational development, leadership develop-
ment. Native American spirituality, and denominational
presence. A new ministry was begun on the Navajo
Reservation in the Desert Southwest Conference, 50
persons were recruited as Gatherers who work with new
or revitalizing ministries by gathering the community or

646

DCA Advance Edition

assisting the pastor, development of a specialized track
for ordained and diaconal ministry appropriate for Na-
tive American ministries, skills training and empower-
ment through the Native American Family Camp and
Native American Writer's Workshop, and a video on
Native American ministries. The Native American Com-
prehensive Plan is recommended for continuation in the
1997-2000 quadrennium.

Asian American Language Ministry Study, under the
direction of the General Board of Global Ministries,
brought together seven Asian sub-ethnic caucus groups
to share visions and needs for affirmation and resources
to empower Asian American language ministries.
GBGM will bring a report to the General Conference for
further implementation in the next quadrennium.

Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
study was carried out by GCOM. The study reviewed
the effectiveness of the general agencies in strengthen-
ing the Black Church from the period 1972-1993 and is
recommending a Plan for Strengthening the Black
Church through the development of congregation-to-
congregation "learning teams" throughout the U.S. to
expand ministry, mission and create more "vital congre-
gations". The teams will be resourced by Congrega-
tional Resource Centers organized for training lay and
clergy participants.

The ELCC Committee received reports from the
ethnic language conferences. The Affiliated Autono-
mous Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has seen major
advancements in leadership development, evangeliza-
tion, and church development, aided by financial and
staff resourcing from the general agencies. The Rio
Grande Annual Conference implemented its Vision 2000
plan, which seeks to reach a membership of 30,000
members by the year 2000. The Oklahoma Indian Mis-
sionary Conference celebrated its 150th anniversary in
October 1994 and reaffirmed its commitment to the total
ministry of The United Methodist Church. The confer-
ence emphasized stewardship towards becoming more
self-supporting and the greater involvement of laity in its
mission.

The four national racial/ethnic caucuses held con-
vocations, training seminars, and leadership develop-
ment workshops throughout the quadrennium.
National BMCR held an annual lay academy and Haram-
bee youth convocation. The National Federation of
Asian American United Methodists and Asian Sub-cau-
cuses worked with the General Board of Global Minis-
tries to further develop ministries to Asian language
constituencies and developed plans for church develop-
ment An Indochinese revival conference was held to
strengthen this growing cluster of Asian Americans
from southeast Asia. The Native American Family Camp
provided opportunities for training and development for
the Native Ainerican International Caucus. The National
Hispanic Caucus, MARCHA, with the assistance of
GBOD sponsored a Hispanic youth and young adult

training, "Forming Young Hispanic Methodists: 21st
Century Ideals."

ITie Committee has received reports fi^om the an-
nual conference ELCC Committees of their progress.
Many conferences found it difficult to implement their
Conference Comprehensive Plans. The most fi-equent
reasons given were inadequate financial and other re-
sources and a lack of commitment by the conference
leadership to give priority to ethnic minority concerns.
Additionally, many conferences plans were developed
nearly 10 years ago and are in need of revision and
updating. This is particularly needed in light of the
changing demographic characteristics. Some confer-
ences have used these plans to examine new opportuni-
ties for ministry and have initiated new Hispanic and
Native American ministries in conjunction with the na-
tional plans adopted at the 1992 General Conference.

The ELCC Committee is encouraged by the growth
of vital ethnic/racial ministries: 1) many ethnic/racial
churches are actively involved in social ministries in
their communities such as feeding programs, citizen-
ship classes, English as a Second Language classes,
employment seminars, youth ministries, health related
ministries, etc. many of tiiese are receiving support fi-om
their congregations, annual conferences, and the gen-
eral agencies; 2) ethnic churches are helping people to
find their own identity and relationship to God through
culturally sensitive and relevant worship experiences; 3)
laity are being recruited, trained, and deployed through
such programs as the Hispanic lay missioners program,
to work in local church ministries, to begin new congre-
gations and ministries, and to revitalize existing minis-
tries; 4) lay and clergy leadership training is bringing
partnership in ministry to expand and extend ministry;
5) racial/ethnic churches are offering internships for
young leaders to introduce them to full-time ministry;
and 6) youth convocations are organized to focus on
ministry and recruit persons for ministry

These efforts to develop and strengthen ethnic min-
istries are especially significant given the growing racial
tensions and divisions in the United States. Public and
governmental debates on issues such as affirmative
action, English as the official language, welfare reform,
and curbing immigration underscore that many are un-
willing to continue the movement towards multi-cultural
understanding, justice, and inclusiveness. A recent Har-
vard University study shows a disturbing gap between
the perceptions of Blacks and Whites on racial matters
and demonstrate how stereotypes and myths supersede
factual information. There is concern that ethnic minis-
tries will be overlooked in efforts to downsize, right size,
and streamline the church. Will the church follow socie-
tal trends and dictates or challenge these trends with
prophetic witness to God's reign?

The United Methodist Church is called to strongly
affirm inclusiveness and multi-cultural understanding
by making disciples of all nations showing no partiality.

General and Judicial Administration

647

It further calls the church to lead in the quest for justice
and equality for all, and to aid in the empowerment of
racial/ethnic persons through the sharing of our rich,
diverse cultural and ethnic heritages. The Church is
called to speak out against those who seek to exclude
and perpetuate racism.

In concluding its work for the quadrennium, the
General Council on Ministries approved the following
recommendations of its ELCC Committee for:

1. The continuation of the Ethnic Local Church
Concerns Committee (ELCC Committee) for 1997-2000
to be composed of 12 GCOM members, one repre-
sentative from each of the four national racial/ethnic
caucuses, one representative from each of the three
ethnic language conferences (Oklahoma Indian Mis-
sionary, Rio Grande, and Iglesia Metodista Autonoma
Afiliado de Puerto Rico) and one representative from
each of the eight general program-related agencies
(GBCS, GBOD, GBGM, GBHEM, GCCUIC, GCOC,
GCORR, and GCSRW). The membership is to be
broadly representative and racially inclusive. GCOM
shall cover the expenses of its members and the repre-
sentatives from the racial/ethnic caucuses and the eth-
nic language conferences. The agency representatives
will attend at their agency's expense. The Committee
shall be a part of the GCOM's internal structure. It shall
maintain a cooperative relationship with GCORR.

The Committee's responsibilities will be 1) to keep
the vision of incorporation of Ethnic Local Church Con-
cerns (ELCC) before The United Methodist Church; 2)
to provide guidelines for general agency and annual
conference incorporation of ELCC; 3) to coordinate ef-
forts of general agencies and annual conferences on the
incorporation of ELCC; 4) to ensure a forum for dialogue
and coordination among the general program agencies
and the ELCC Committee to deal with incorporation of
ELCC; 5) to develop and coordinate resources and con-
sultative services to assist the church in the incorpora-
tion of ELCC, to evaluate funding processes for
incorporation of ELCC at the annual conference and
general agency levels, to document conference and gen-
eral agency incorporation of ELCC (such documenta-
tion will include review of conference Comprehensive
Plans and their implementation) ; 6) to provide training
for annual conference ELCC Committee chairpersons;
and 7) to assist the General Commission on Communi-
cations in the promotion and interpretation of ELCC.

2. The continuation of $5.5 million funding of the
World Service apportioned fund during the 1997-2000
quadrennium for Ethnic Local Church Concerns to sup-
port and enable the process of incorporation of the
concerns and contributions of Asian, Pacific Islander,
Black, Hispanic, and Native American constituencies.

The funds (approximately $1,375,000 per year) to
be designated annually among the four program boards
as follows:

General Board of Global Ministries 45% $618,750

General Board of Discipleship 20% $275,000

General Board of Higher Education

& Ministry 20% $275,000

General Board of Church and Society 15% $206,250

These funds are to be used exclusively for grants
for the development and strengthening of the ethnic
local church for witness and mission.

Report No. 16

Petition Number: 21690-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Advance For Christ
And His Church

This quadrennial report is a statistical and missional
story of the people called United Methodists, sharing
their love at home and around the world. We celebrate
the opportunity to be in mission and ministry with our
colleagues in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, the
Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and
throughout the United States.

In this quadrennium:

• We have been challenged by an almost over-
whelming number of disasters and civil distur-
bances within the boundaries of the United States
as well as on other continents.

• We have experienced a resurging "missionary
spirit!" Volunteers of all ages and interests from
our local congregations and communities have
joined hands with persons across the globe whose
lives have been disrupted by famine, hunger, war,
or natural disasters.

• We have seen churches built without the benefit
of heavy machinery, roads laid out by manual labor
rather than by tractors.

• Little children in Atlanta have given money and
materials to build a village for unaccompanied
children in Goma, Zaire.

• Men, women, boys and girls packed their cars,
jeeps, and trucks and went to the Midwest to hold
back the flood waters in 1993.

During this quadrennium we have also seen a
plague of apathy rage throughout America. The lan-
guage of "re-engineering," "restructuring" and other
new paradigms have become the rhetoric of power shifts
and the politics of economic change. Few American
institutions have escaped this political reality.

648

DCA Advance Edition

But at the same time, more than half of our 38,000
local congregations are choosing to "go the second
mile" by giving through the Advance for Christ and His
Church! In a quadrennium marked by declines in
church funding (as exemplified by broad reductions in
annual conference staffs and ministries), United Meth-
odists will give more than $100 million to General Ad-
vance programs of mission and ministry in the United
States and around the world.

in several decades. Advance support for our missionar-
ies in this quadrennium should reach $24 million.

Meanwhile, the AMca Church Growth and Devel-
opment Committee has built more than 100 churches
and provided several hundred scholarships and grants
for leadership development. Evangelization is so suc-
cessful that at least four new United Methodist confer-
ences will be added or recommended this quadrennium.

National Missions

The "Children of the Promise" video and campaign
(Advance code #123456) captured the excitement of the
1992 General Conference as it emphasized our minis-
tries with children and youth.

Testimonials are heard regarding the successful
transformation in personal and community life through
the missional initiatives on substance abuse, Shalom
Zones and homelessness. Total General Advance giving
to support National Missionaries and Church and Com-
munity Workers is higher than for any other quadren-
nium in the history of the Advance. The Hispanic
Challenge Fund and the Native American Comprehen-
sive Plan have clearly excited the denomination — even
though they have not yet generated the levels of giving
that were expected.

In this 1993-96 quadrennium General Advance in-
come for National Missions will probably equal the
previous quadrennium's income of $16 million.

World Missions

While Global Mission Partners (a new program to
support persons who are missionaries in their own coun-
tries) is receiving excellent support, traditional support
for missionaries from the United States is still strong. At
the same time, there are countries, such as Senegal, that
are receiving United Methodist missionaries for the first
time. You will see our missionaries' new work in Senegal
in the Advance video produced for the 1996 General
Conference. In fact, excitement about the missionary
enterprise of our denomination has not been this high

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

UMCOR's theme, "Love in Action," is well tested!
United Methodists in the United States have experi-
enced this love in the aftermath of disasters like the
earthquakes and fires in Los Angeles and the Palm
Sunday tornado that destroyed a community and a
United Methodist church and took the life of the pastor's
daughter.

War between Rwanda and Burundi has displaced
persons of those two nations across their borders into
Zaire, where we presently serve a huge population of
refugees. The Midwest floods struck our homes and our
hearts, as those who had given so much to others were
suddenly themselves devastated — ^with prospects for
recovery measured in years. Weapons of terror — so
often detonated in distant lands — were detonated in
Oklahoma. Fear swept America. Hurricanes debilitated
Caribbean nations, parts of the southeastern United
States and parts of Mexico.

Through it all, our compassion and our convictions
remain true. Through UMCOR the United Methodist
Church is "Love in Action!" In this quadrennium UM-
COR Advance income may well exceed $60 million — an
all-time high.

Conclusion

The statistics of giving that follow demonstrate tre-
mendous United Methodist support of mission and min-
istry through the Advance for Christ and His Church.
Along with the entire denomination, we eagerly look
forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ad-
vance for Christ and His Church in 1998.

General and Judicial Administration

649

GENERAL ADVANCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT

GENERAL ADVANCE INCOME SUMMARY

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

Program

Total

1989-92

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

1993
Income

1994
Income

1995
Income

Total

1993-96

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

NATIONAL DIVISION

Projects

$11,942,389

10.2%

$2,772,634

$2,518,742

$1,689,189

$6,890,565

8.6%

Parish Partners

955,683

0.8%

186,025

156,628

99,600

442,253

0.5%

National Mission Workers

3,534,089

3.0%

1,049,414

1,165,579

821,425

3,036,418

3.7%

Congregational
Development

694,707

0.6%

52,929

49,490

182,988

285,407

0.4%

Initiatives/Specials

177,232

0.2%

352,062

351,325

117,606

820,993

1.0%

TOTAL NATIONAL
DIVISION:

$17,304,100

14.8%

$4,413,064

$4,241,764

$2,910,807

$11,565,635

14.2%

WORLD DIVISION

Projects

$19,298,130

16.5%

$3,564,633

$4,085,959

$2,900,368

$10,550,960

13.0%

Missionaries

23,946.386

20.4%

5,604,379

5,864,920

3,834,150

15,303.449

18.8%

National/International
Persons in Mission

296,696

0.3%

56,827

67,711

22,627

147.165

0.2%

Africa Church Growth and
Development

1,257,384

1.1%

121,766

113,325

75,468

310.559

0.4%

Partner Churches in Crisis

461,844

0.4%

30,835

20,459

15,635

66.929

0.1%

Global Mission Partners

13,957

0.0%

65,120

107,806

60,301

233,227

0.3%

TOTAL WORLD
DIVISION:

$45,274,397

38.6%

9,443,560

$10,260,180

$6,908,550

$26,612,290

32.7%

UNITED METHODIST
COMMITTEE ON RELIEF

Projects $45,278,986

World Hunger/Poverty 8.313,062

TOTAL UMCOR: $54,592,048

TOTAL GENERAL $117,170,545
ADVANCE:

39.5% $17,925,989 $14,342,367 $6,767,353 $39,035,709 47.9%

7.1% 1,712,736 1,615,444 918,955 4,247,135 5.2%

46.6% $19,638,725 $15,957,811 $7,686,308 $43,282,844 53.1%

$33,495,349 $30,459,755 $17,505,665 $81,460,769

650

DCA Advance Edition

Program

Total %of 1993 1994 1995

1989-92 Total Income Income Income

Quadrennial Income
Income

NATIONAL DIVISION INCOME

GENERAL ADVANCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 39, 1995

Total % of

1993-96 Total

Quadrennied Income
Income

NATIONAL DIVISION
PARISH PARTNERS

Methodist Church
of Puerto Rico

$60,399

0.1%

$7,570

$4,380

$4,669

$16,619

0.0%

Rio Grande

340,629

0.3%

70,811

55,837

32,383

159,031

0.2%

Oklahoma Indian
Mission

413,369

0.4%

78,740

64,743

44,415

187,898

0.2%

Alaska

80,065

0.1%

16,883

22,313

14,056

53,252

0.1%

Undirected

30,283

0.0%

8,861

5,609

1,308

15,778

0.0%

Otiier

30,938

0.0%

3,158

3,744

2,770

9,672

0.0%

TOTAL PARISH
PARTNERS:

$955,683

0.8%

$186,023

$156,626

$99,600

$442,249

0.5%

NATIONAL MISSION
WORKERS

Church and
Community
Workers

$753,158

0.6%

$212,525

$201,426

$143,846

$557,797

0.7%

Other National
Mission Workers

2,780,931

2.4%

836,736

964,153

677,579

2,478,468

3.0%

TOTAL NATIONAL
MISSION WORKERS:

$3,534,089

3.0%

$1,049,261

$1,165,579

$821,425

$3,036,265

3.7%

CONGREGATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Partners in

Congregational

Development

$22,006

0.0%

$3,108

$7,516

$152,307

$162,931

0.2%

Methodist Church
of Puerto Rico

53,473

0.0%

3,149

8,002

2,466

13,617

0.0%

Rio Grande

95,654

0.1%

7,661

7,237

3,903

18,801

0.0%

Oklahoma Indian
Missino

180,866

0.2%

13,964

12,779

7,704

34,447

0.0%

Alaska

342,708

0.3%

25,047

13,956

16,608

55,611

0.1%

TOTAL

CONGREGATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT:

$694,707

0.6%

$52,929

$49,490

$182,988

$285,407

0.4%

General and Judicial Administration

651

Program

INITIATIVES/SPECIALS

Bishops' Appeal
on Drug Crisis

Children of the
Promise

Communities of
Shalom

Community
Centers

Homelessness

Ministry with Deaf
Persons

National Hispanic
Ministries
Challenge Fund

Native American
Comprehensive
Plan

TOTAL
INITIATIVES/SPECIALS:

PROJECTS

TOTAL NATIONAL
DIVISION:

WORLD DIVISION

Projects

Missionaries

Nationals/International
Persons in Mission

Africa Church Growth and
Development

Partner Churches in Crisis

Global Mission Partners

TOTAL WORLD
DIVISION:

Total % of

1989-92 Total

Quadrennial Income
Income

$177,232

1993 1994

Income Income

1995 Total % of

Income 1993-96 Total

Quadrennial Income
Income

1,257,384

461,844

13,957

$45,274,397

0.2%

$12,565

$10,362

$3,975

$26,902

0.0%

0.0%

99,473

66,642

25,390

191,505

0.2%

0.0%

129,716

155.050

7,933

292,699

0.4%

0.0%

79,479

81,283

36,663

197,425

0.2%

0.0%

16,049

14,855

12,264

43,168

0.1%

0.0%

3,129

2,409

1,256

6,794

0.0%

0.0%

10,934

717

18,642

2,082

26,112

4,013

55,688 0.1%

6,812 1.0%

$177,232 0.2% $352,062 $351,325 $117,606

$820,993

$11,942,389 10.2%

$17,304,100 14.8%

$19,298,130 16.5%

23,946,386 20.4%

296,696 0.3%

1.1%

0.4%

0.0%

38.6%

$2,772,789 $2,518,744

$4,413,064 $4,241,764

$3,564,633 $4,085,959

5,604,379 5,864,920

56,827 67,711

121,766 113,325

30,835 20,459

65,120 107,806

$9,443,560 $10,260,180

$1,689,188 $6,980,721

$2,910,807 $11,565,635

$2,900,369 $10,550,961

3,834,150 15,303,449

22,627 147,165

75,468

14.2%

13.0%
18.8%
0.2%

310,559 0.4%

15,635 66,929 0.1%

60,301 233,227 0.3%

$6,908,550 $26,612,290 32.7%

652

DCA Advance Edition

Program

Total

%of

1993

1994

1995

1989-92

Total

Income

Income

Income

Quadrennial

Income

Income

Total % of

1993-96 Total

Quadrennial Income
Income

UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF INCOME

GENERAL ADVANCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

Heifer Project International

$5,615,163

4.8%

$1,357,891

$1,482,488

$1,103,165

$3,943,544

4.8%

Church World Service
(CROP)

1,312,688

1.1%

306,648

341,234

202,068

849,950

1.0%

World Hunger/Poverty

8,313,062

7.1%

1,712,736

1,615,444

918,955

4,247,135

5.2%

TOTAL HUNGER
CHANNELS:

$15,240,913

13.0%

$3,377,275

$3,439,166

$2,224,187

$9,040,628

11.1%

CWS Immigration/Refiigee
Program

$12,620

0.0%

$4,752

$3,752

$881

$239,922

0.3%

Refugee General Programs

248,933

0.2%

64,848

55,715

231,418

382,661

0.5%

Bishops' Appeal and
Campaign for Africa

0.0%

1,678,288

262,098

1,940,386

2.4%

TOTAL REFUGEE
PROGRAMS:

$261,553

0.2%

$69,600

$1,737,755

$494,397

$2,301,752

2.8%

National USA Disasters

$614,953

0.5%

$156,215

$186,372

$1,527,689

$1,870,276

2.3%

International Disaster
Response

1,594,456

1.4%

349,138

329,138

728,251

1,406,527

1.7%

CWS Disaster Fund

50,272

0.0%

6,374

21,403

1,794

29,571

0.0%

Mozambique Emergency

250,448

0.2%

29,277

6,339

1,647

37,263

0.0%

Liberia Emergency

531,116

0.5%

23,694

178,768

10,059

212,521

0.3%

Philippines
Earthquake/Typhoons

617,137

0.5%

3,741

1,010

1,250

6,001

0.0%

Food/Medical Crisis,
Russia

1,371,166

1.2%

46,967

78,298

11,657

136,922

0.2%

Gulf Crisis

949,932

0.8%

4,170

275

324

4,769

0.0%

Somalia Relief

256.686

0.2%

466,960

759,019

2,195

1,228,174

1.5%

Africa Drought

339,266

0.3%

340,521

734,672

19,187

1,094,380

1.3%

Hurricane Andrew

8,939,024

7.6%

629,010

32,240

3,462

664,712

0.8%

Los Angeles

321,733

0.3%

35,834

2,015

1,756

39,605

0.0%

California Fires/Floods

0.0%

25,233

15,892

132,259

173,464

0.2%

Mississippi Emergency

0.0%

18,369

32,052

6,256

56,677

0.1%

Emergency Relief
Yugoslavia

0.0%

200,701

124,453

52,406

377,560

0.5%

Midwest Floods

0.0%

10,284,574

608,984

23,307

10,916,865

13.4%

I

General and Judicial Administration

653

Program

Total

1989-92

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

1993
Income

1994
Income

1995
Income

Total

1993-96

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

Armenia/Georgia
Emergency

0.0%

84,235

19,290

1,368

104,893

0.1%

Nepal/India Earthquake

0.0%

73,747

30,826

689

105,262

0.1%

Burundi Emergency

0.0%

692,705

95,772

788,477

1.0%

Palm Sunday Storms

0.0%

848,289

11,325

859,614

1.1%

California/Pacific
Conference Earthquake

0.0%

2,438,986

22,363

2,461,349

3.0%

Georgia/Alabama Floods

0.0%

1,339,427

65,061

1,404,488

1.7%

Texas Floods

0.0%

103,572

64,994

168,566

0.2%

Bishops's Appeal -
Hurricanes 1995

0.0%

950

950

0.5%

TOTAL DISASTERS AND
APPEALS:

$15,836,189

13.5%

$12,778,750

$8,584,115

$2,786,022

$24,148,887

29.6%

EMERGENCY RELIEF

$1,851,129

1.6%

$349,138

$333,166

$735,345

$1,417,649

1.7%

UNDESIGNATED
ADVANCE INCOME

6,964,189

5.9%

1,760,639

1,685,726

1,001,849

4,448,214

5.5%

OTHER

14,438,075

12.3%

1,303,323

177,883

444,508

1,925,714

2.4%

TOTALUMCOR:

$54,592,048

46.6%

$19,638,725

$15,957,811

$7,686,308

$43,282,844

53.1%

WORLD DIVISION INCOME

GENERAL ADVANCE QUADRENNL\L REPORT

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

WORLD DIVISION

PROJECTS BY REGION

Africa

$8,488,093

7.2%

$1,379,968

$1,774,246

Europe

662,128

0.6%

236,201

442,407

Middle East

12,945

0.0%

21,617

30,777

Asia/Pacific

3,879,906

3.3%

715,369

607,866

Latin America/Caribbean

4,384,632

3.7%

875,645

873,269

Interregional/Interdenomin
ational

1,870,427

1.6%

447,215

518,370

TOTAL PROJECTS:

$19,298,131

16.5%

$4,000,943

$4,246,935

MISSIONARY SUPPORT
BY REGION

$2,900,368

$3,154,214

3.9%

678,608

0.8%

52,394

0.1%

1,323,235

1.6%

1,748,914

2.1%

965,585

$11,148,246 13.7%

Africa

$8,193,712

7.0% $1,995,458 $2,201,596

$4,197,054

5.2%

654

DCA Advance Edition

Program

Total

1989-92

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

1993
Income

1994
Income

1995
Income

Total

1993-96

Quadrennial

Income

%of

Total

Income

Europe

450.623

0.4%

293,542

457,330

750,872

0.9%

Middle East

88,187

0.1%

12,016

15,106

27,122

0.0%

Asia/PacifiC

8,241,704

7.0%

1,706,674

1,659,733

3,366,407

4.1%

Latin America/Caribbean

6,464,608

5.5%

1,468,800

1,475,529

2,944,329

3.6%

Interregional/Interdenomin
ational

507,551

0.4%

127,889

55,627

183,516

0.2%

TOTAL MISSIONARY
SUPPORT:

$23,946,385

20.4%

$5,604,379

$5,864,921

$3,834,150

$15,303,450

18.8%

Africa Church Growth and
Development

$1,257,384

1.1%

$121,766

$113,325

$75,468

$310,559

0.4%

Global Mission Partners

13,957

0.0%

65,120

107,806

60,301

233,227

0.3%

National/International
Persons in Mission

296,696

0.3%

56,827

67,711

22,627

147,165

0.2%

Partner Churches in Crisis

461,844

0.4%

30,835

20,459

15,635

66,929

0.1%

TOTAL WORLD
DIVISION:

$45,274,397

38.6%

$9,443,560

$10,260,180

$6,908,550

$26,612,290

32.7%

NOTE: Global Mission Partners and Nationals/Internationals Persons in Mission income included in project area figures
Appropriations are not included in the Area figures

Report No. 17

Petition Number: 21691-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Evaluation
of The General Council on Ministries

Introduction

The General Council on Ministries (GCOM) was
created by General Conference to perform defined re-
sponsibilities and oversight on behalf of the General
Conference in relation to other general agencies and to
perform other assigned functions as designated. The
working style of the council has been based on aversion
of the conciliar principle on which the collective wisdom
of Christian pastors, teachers and people is relied upon
to guard and guide its ongoing life.

The Book of Discipline, 1992 states that the evalu-
ation of general agencies by GCOM shall be part of the
accountability relationship. The purpose for agency
evaluation is to assist the agency in the process of
fulfilling and supporting its ministry. The evaluation
process and its results are to be reported to General
Conference. (^ 802.3) . Asked by the Church to evaluate

other agencies, for several quadrennia GCOM has also
affirmed the importance of its own evaluation. This re-
port describes the results of the Council's internal evalu-
ation for the 1993-96 quadrennium.

Process and Implementation

A Model for Evaluation of the GCOM in the 1993-96
quadrennium was adopted by the full council in April
1993. It defines the operating principles, roles, and re-
sponsibilities in the process.

The process called for a GCOM evaluation panel
and a Committee on Self-Evaluation. The guidelines for
evaluation of GCOM contained in the model identified
thirteen criteria, questions, time lines, roles, and terms.
The self-evaluation survey from the previous quadren-
nium was reviewed and extensive revisions agreed to.
Diane M. Lawrence, president of Strategic Visioning,
Inc, Dayton, Ohio, was engaged as a consultant to pro-
vide external processing of the survey responses and to
develop recommendations based on those responses.
The sample was enlarged to be more representative of
United Methodist constituencies.

General and Judicial Administration

655

Organization of the Council

The objectives and responsibilities of the GCOM
are identified in ^^ 1005 and 1006 of TT/g Book of Disci-
pline, 1992. The Council was organized in such a way as
to address the objectives and responsibilities within its
structure. Four divisions (Conference and Connectional
Issues; General Agency Relationships; Missional Em-
phases; and Research, Planning and Futuring) and sbc
committees (The Advance for Christ and His Church,
Elimination of Institutional Racism, Ethnic Local
Church Concerns, General Secretaries Elections, Leg-
islation, and Native American Concerns) were formed
to facilitate the council's work. Executive Committee
responsibilities and internal committees were also de-
fined. Special committees and task forces have been
organized to respond to particular issues as necessary.

Compliance with Social Principles

The council seeks to follow the Social Principles in
its conduct by being inclusive in style of operation and
in naming inclusive groups to carry out its work. All
meetings are open with the exception of those relating
to personnel matters. UMCom has assigned a journalist
who has been present at all council and executive com-
mittee meetings. Additional press and media persons
are welcomed.

The Affirmative Action Statement and Program of
GCOM is reviewed annually and reported to GCOM.
The Committee on Institutional Racism helps raise the
council's level of sensitivity. Project Equality continues
to be used as a reference for GCOM purchasing. (See
also answers to specific questions which follow.)

All meetings have been held in settings conducive
to persons with handicapping conditions. In those in-
stances where situations have been discovered that
need to be addressed, the council staff has worked on
behalf of the council to correct the faults. The GCOM
offices in Dayton are also totally accessible to persons
with handicapping conditions.

A Sununary Response To Questions Addressed
To All A^gencies Is Called For,

As Well As Detailed Response To Those Points
Especially Relevant To GCOM

A. What basic theological and biblical assumption are
undergirding the council's work?

"We affirm the United Methodist connectional prin-
ciple. We are a people of faith journejong together in
connection and in covenant with one another. Connec-
tionalism has served us well in mission and ministry and
has a central place in our life together. Now we have the
special opportunity to take this way of doing mission and
ministry and to use it effectively in accomplishing our
goals as a church. We have a unique avenue for witness-

ing and reaching out with the good news of salvation in
Jesus Christ to the end that the world will indeed be
reformed. The connectional principle should be inter-
preted to all our people in new and fresh ways and lifted
up with enthusiasm as an effective instrument in our
efforts to bring the world as we know it closer in har-
mony with the will and purpose of God as revealed in
Jesus Christ" (^I 112.1, .5)

In addition to our grounding in the "connection", the
council has been undergirded by its understanding of
the 1993-96 theme, "Celebrate and Witness: Celebrate
God's Grace — ^Witness for Jesus Christ". The theme
(803.8) provides a theological and biblical framework for
the council. The phrase "Celebrate God's Grace" speaks
to the basis of our relationship with God: God acts
(offers) ; we receive (the benefits of God's grace toward
us). The second phrase, "Witness for Jesus Christ,"
speaks to our individual and collective response to God's
grace.. .our witness through word and deed. This biblical
and theological understanding of God's grace in both
the Old and New Testaments is expressed in the Mis-
sion Statement of The United Methodist Church, "Grace
Upon Grace — God's Mission and Ours." It reads, in part:

"Mission is the action of the God of grace who
creates out of love, who calls a covenant community,
who graciously redeems and reconciles a broken and
sinful people In Jesus Christ, and who through the Holy
Spirit calls the Church into being as the instrument of
the good news of grace to all people. Mission is also the
church's response to what God has done, is doing, and
will do."

B. What goals have been set for the Disciplinary responsi-
bilities and how have they been fulfilled?

"The purpose of the council, as part of the total
mission of the Church, is to facilitate the Church's pro-
gram life as determined by the General Conference. The
council's task is to encourage, coordinate, and support
the general agencies as they serve on behalf of the
denomination (^ 1004).

To fulfill this, the council follows Disciplinary man-
dates including four objectives (^ 1005) and twenty-sk
responsibilities CJ 1006). The four objectives are:

1. To study missional needs and propose priorities
of the general church; and, when necessary, adjust em-
phasis between sessions of the General Conference.

2. To establish the processes and relationships per-
taining to the coordination and funding of the ministries
and program emphases of denomination through its
general agencies and to minimize unnecessary overlap-
ping or conflicting approaches to the local church and
the annual conferences.

3. To enhance the effectiveness of our total minis-
tries by reviewing and evaluating the performances of

656

DCA Advance Edition

the general program agencies and their responsiveness
to the needs of the local churches and annual confer-

4. To facilitate informed decisions at all levels of the
church by engaging in research and planning in coop-
eration with the general agencies and the annual confer-
ences.

In addition, the council responds to specific assign-
ments from the General Conference (thirty-two in the
1993-96 quadrennium).

C. What are the new responsibilities assigned to the council
by the 1992 General Conference and how will they be
addressed? How do these assignments impact the council's
priorities?

The thirty-two items specifically assigned to the
GCOM by the General Conference were assigned to one
of the council's divisions for study, research, and recom-
mendation. These recommendations appear in various
reports to the General Conference. (See responses to
Question E for partial listing).

D. What ongoing process does the council have to vision,
plan, implement, and evaluate its program ministry?

At the beginning of the quadrennium, the council
developed and adopted (1) a Reference Manual (contain-
ing Disciplinary legislation concerning the GCOM and
General Conference assignments to GCOM, (2) an In-
ternal Structure Document Qaying out the council's
component structure.. .plenary, division, committees,
task forces and work groups ...through which the coun-
cil works and listing the responsibilities of each), and (3)
Models (plans for accomplishing the work of each com-
ponent structure). These documents are referred to
regularly by council leadership (elected and staff) as
tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating.

Also, the full council and the executive committee
spent time considering the council's vision, roles, and
work style.

E. What are the council's priorities? What accomplish-
ments can be shared? What are the factors that contributed
to their achievement? What program areas are in need of
improvement and what is being done to address these
needs? How does the council deal with emerging issues and
concerns?

The council's priorities are set by the Discipline and
by General Conference referral.

Along with accomplishing regularly assigned func-
tions and events, the council has undertaken the Con-
nectional Issues Study, Sfrengthening the Black Church
for the 21st Century, and the Study on Mission and
Ministry in Alaska; has developed a higher level of
sensitivity to the central conferences and sought to

increase participation of central conference GCOM
members; has been attentive to issues of inclusivity; and
has sought to educate itself and be attentive to emerging
issues and programs such as the Shalom Initiative.
Training for new District Superintendents and Annual
Conference CCOM staff has been well received. An
identified need is for better communication/interpreta-
tion regarding the work of the council and resources
provided by the council.

The large volume of work is accomplished because
of (1) excellent organization (see D above), (2) a high
level of staff commitment and flexibility, and (3) a high
level of commitment by council members who regard
themselves as working members.

Emerging issues and concerns are addressed pri-
marily through the Division of Research, Planning, and
Futuring. Using a variety of internal and external re-
search tools (including SUMO — Survey of United
Methodist Opinion), the division identifies issues, as-
sesses responses, and makes recommendations to the
council and appropriate bodies within the church. If
issues arise that must be acted upon between meetings
of the full council, they are considered by the executive
committee and recommended to the full council.

F. How has the council met/been responsive to the Social
Principles?

The Social Principles are among the basic Discipli-
nary guidelines which the council holds before itself in
the fulfillment of its assignments and its life together.
The council is also charged with reviewing the concur-
rence of general program agencies with the Social Prin-
ciples.

G. What fiscal control does the council have to keep costs
within the budget? What is the impact on budget con-
straints or social problems such as timely and adequate
availability of funds on GCOM's ability to meet its respon-
sibilities?

The staff, division/committee chairs, and the execu-
tive committee regularly review the budget and make
adjustments as necessary. The council carried out all
obligations and referrals from the General Conference
even though its requests for additional funds (particu-
larly for the Connectional Issues Study) was turned
down, requiring use of reserve funds.

H. How has inclusiveness in program development and
implementation been affirmed as it relates to age, race,
national origin, gender, theological perspective, global
perspective, ecumenical, and handicapping condition?

Inclusiveness has been an important criteria in the
selection of council leadership and members of divi-
sions, committees, and task forces. At the end of each
meeting of each component group, an instrument devel-
oped by the Committee to Eliminate Institutional Ra-

General and Judicial Administration

657

cism is used to help (seli) monitor inclusive behavior. In
each plenary session, an observer comments on the
group's degree of inclusiveness in content and behavior.
These practices, along with interaction among council
members, have contributed to the council's sensitivity.
An interpreter and computer-assisted note taking are
provided to facilitate the participation of a member of the
council who is deaf.

/. How has the council engaged in conversation and work
with those groups identified as major constituencies (e.g.
conference counterparts) ? What are the results of the
consultation? How could consultation be improved? What
kinds of inquiries does the agency receive and how does the
council respond?

The council maintains conversation and relation-
ship with a variety of groups. Staff liaisons are assigned
to general agencies and to jurisdictions to help insure
open communications. Each annual conference has a
member on GCOM. There are representatives from
each general board, commission, and from the other two
councils. There are also permanent observers from eth-
nic caucuses. In general, this results in good communi-
cation with constituencies. In a few cases, members
either do not involve themselves fully in the work of the
council and/or do not report adequately to their "send-
ing body," resulting in less than adequate communica-
tion.

Numerous inquiries and requests for information
come to the GCOM office. In most cases, staff responds
by phone, fax, or mail. Surveys indicate an extremely
high level of satisfaction among those who contact
GCOM for information.

/. In what ways are organization, staffing structures and
personnel practices appropriate to the accomplishment of
the mission of the council?

Staff members are assigned primary responsibili-
ties for specific council groups and work closely with the
elected leadership of each group. However, staff are
viewed as knowledgeable generalists regarding the
council's work and are approachable, available, and re-
sponsive to all members of the council. Support staff are
held in high regard and affirmed for their significant role
in supporting the work of the council.

K. In what ways has the council implemented the quad-
rennial theme "Celebrate and Witness: Witness for Jesus
Christ?"

As described in "A" above, the theme provided a
theological framework to the council's work. A manual
of ideas containing background material and specific
ideas for implementing the theme was developed and
distributed. Resources made available through UM-
Communications include a Devotional Booklet to which
United Methodists around the world contributed. A new

mug and promotional items developed in the last quad-
rennium were made available. Extensive promotion was
limited by budget constraints.

L How are the concerns of the Ethnic Local Church being
incorporated within the ongoing life of the council and its
program?

The Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee was
organized within the internal structure of GCOM as
directed by General Conference. It has met regularly to
keep the vision of incorporation of ELCC before the
church, provide a forum for dialogue with all entities of
the church, and develop recommendations. Regular re-
ports to the executive committee and the full council
have educated the council and supported the commit-
ment to coordinate the church's efforts to incorporate
the contributions and concerns of the Ethnic Local
Church into programs, budgets, agendas, and re-
sources.

M. How is the council attempting to foster communication
with the local church and its needs?

Virtually, all council members and staff are active
participants in local congregations and bring that local
perspective to the council's work. In addition, whenever
possible, council agendas provide for worship and/or
dialogue with local congregations in the area of meeting
sites.

A primary channel for GCOM's communication
with local churches is through its regular contact with
annual conference COM directors. GCOM supports
them in their direct work with local churches, thus
providing a link with the General Church. In addition,
GCOM is often contacted by local congregations and
seeks to be responsive to their requests.

Although indirect, all the work of the council serves
the local church. The council's Disciplinary responsibil-
ity related to provision of resources, assistance to con-
ference councils, training, and research/planning
functions can be especially important to the local
church. Beyond that, council staff and members are
highly responsive on a personal basis to requests fi-om
local churches and individual church members.

GCOM Internal Evaluation

As a part of the quadrennial self-evaluation required
of all agencies, GCOM conducted a survey of GCOM
constituency groups in spring 1995. Nine hundred fifty-
one surveys were mailed to all active United Methodist
bishops, general secretaries and principal administra-
tive personnel of all general agencies, a sampling of 1992
General Conference delegates, all annual conference
council directors, council on ministries chairs, and lay
leaders in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, all central confer-
ence members of general agencies and additional lead-

DCA Advance Edition

ers, the four national ethnic caucuses, other groups and
special task forces established by GCOM, and official
observers at GCOM meetings.

• Most participants in the survey are aware of the
General Council on Ministries, but there is little
understanding of its role in the life of the Church.
Part of this may be due to GCOM's charge to
encourage, coordinate and support the general
agencies, which removes the GCOM from direct
contact with the "people in the pews". Most re-
spondents have worked with a GCOM staff mem-
ber during the past 3 years and more than half
remembered calling the GCOM Office. Respon-
dents report great satisfaction with the attention
and service they receive when contacting the of-
fice.

• Respondents hold a variety of opinions about
GCOM's role in establishing themes, missional
priorities, and special programs. Approximately
equal groups expressed satisfaction, dissatisfac-
tion, or lack of understanding about the current
process used to establish them.

• GCOM is credited with effectively coordinating
and funding various ministries and programs in
the Church. More than half of the respondents
believe that the GCOM should continue in the role
of coordinator. Half of the respondents want the
GCOM to continue to coordinate the programs
and funding required to incorporate the Ethnic
Local Church concerns into the life of the church.

• Two-thirds of the respondents feel that GCOM is
the correct agency to conduct the evaluation of the
general program agencies. The effect of the review
and evaluation function on the effectiveness of the
general program agencies is not clear to a majority
of respondents.

• GCOM is engaged in effective research and plan-
ning, and most find that research helpful and rele-
vant. Although the current efforts are well
received, there is limited support for expanding
those responsibilities.

• There is wide acknowledgment of the effective-
ness of GCOM's training of district superinten-
dents and conference council directors.

• The Advance Committee received a very positive
evaluation, and there is extensive appreciation for
its work.

• Respondents expressed varied perception of
GCOM's effectiveness in reviewing the Church's
mission, ministry and connectional structures for
its work into the 21st century. GCOM members
and conference council directors were most com-
plimentary of the Council's effectiveness, while

members of general agencies and GCOM con-
stituency groups were least complimentary.

• There is no consensus on whether or not GCOM
should continue to elect the general secretaries of
the general program agencies.

• For some respondents, the GCOM is an important
source of service and information to the agencies
within the church. These people are likely to have
had personal contact with GCOM staff members
and are complimentary of the services they have
received. Others view GCOM as an unnecessary
layer of bureaucracy.

One-to-one interviews were conducted by members
of the Committee on Self-Evaluation with GCOM execu-
tive staff members in summer/fall of 1995. Those con-
versations reflected areas of general agreement

Constiltanf s Recommendations

Diane Lawrence of Strategic Visioning, Inc. made
four strategic recommendations to GCOM to increase
awareness and understanding of its role and function
within the Church:

1. GCOM must act to help people within the Church
clearly understand its role and function. I suggest the
focus of this effort be to educate the Church
community about the reasons why GCOM has
certain responsibilities. It would also be a good idea
for GCOM to call attention to its successful attempts
to limit bureaucracy and assist others meet the needs
of "the people in the pews."

2. The most positive influence on perceptions of the
GCOM is personal contact with members of its staff.
It is important that all staff members be aware of this
influence and that every opportunity is taken to be a
visible presence in the life of the Church.

3. A quarterly newsletter fi-om GCOM may provide a
vehicle to inform not only the people who took part
in this study, but those who work at the level of the
local churches. This publication should include
specific information about how GCOM is working in
The United Methodist Church and include personal
profiles of staff members.

4. The strong support fi-om members of racial and ethnic

minorities is invaluable. The visibility of the GCOM
among those people can provide new avenues for
understanding. Since the feelings fi-om this
population is already quite positive, it is an area where
GCOM may facilitate cooperation and change
without encountering the "turf battles" evident in
other areas. Work with local ethnic churches should
be included in the newsletter.

General and Judicial Administration

659

Report No. 18

Petition Number: 21692-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Work of the Interagency
Task Force on Legislation

The Book of Discipline gives the General Council on
Ministries the objective to "establish the processes and
relationships pertaining to the coordination and funding
of the ministries and program emphases of the denomina-
tion through its general agencies and to minimize unnec-
essary overlapping or conflicting approaches to the local
church and the annual conferences (f 1005.2)."

In fulfilling this coordinating function related to
legislative proposals, the General Council on Ministries
organized an Interagency Task Force on Legislation.
The purpose of the task force is to bring together repre-
sentatives of the general agencies to examine each
agency's legislation for clarity, and to resolve duplication
and overlap, and conflicting approaches.

The task force functions as an adjunct group to
General Council on Ministries and reports to its Com-
mittee on Legislation. The chairperson of the task force
is also chairperson of the General Council on Ministries
Committee on legislation.

The task force was organized with each general
agency naming two members. The Council of Bishops
had two members/observers. The General Council on
Ministries approved a timeline and process for the task
force in April 1993. It called for each agency to develop
and revise its legislation and then review all proposals
with the Interagency Task Force on Legislation.

The task force met three times to review legislation
being considered by all participants. In May 1994, the
task force focused on broad topics of proposed legisla-
tion anticipated for change by each agency. Editorial
changes and clarity of language was reviewed for con-
tinuation. Guidelines for preparation of agency legisla-
tion to the General Conference were presented and
discussed.

In January 1995, the task force discussed specific
legislative proposals submitted by each agency in the
Workbook of the Interagency Task Force on Legisla-
tion. A final meeting in June 1995, reviewed all proposed
legislation by each agency. Recommendations for
changes and clarity were offered by task force partici-
pants for response by the agencies.

The General Council on Ministries Committee on
Legislation was assigned the responsibility to review all
legislative proposals and consider possible development
of parallel legislation in areas where the committee
indicated disagreement with agency proposals.

The agency participants reviewed the work of the
task force during the 1993-96 quadrennium and encour-
aged the General Council on Ministries to continue an
Interagency Task Force on Legislation for the 1997-2000
Quadrennium.

Report No. 19

Petition Number: 21693-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Implementation
of The 1993-1996 Quadrennial Theme

Celebrate And Witness:
Celebrate God's Grace — Witness For Jesus Christ

The 1993-96 quadrennium is the second quadren-
nium to promote the theme, Celebrate and Witness:
Celebrate God's Grace — Witness for Jesus Christ. This is
a theme recommended by GCOM in consultation with
the Council of Bishops and adopted by the General
Conference.

Following approval by the 1992 General Conference
to continue Celebrate and Witness, its promotion and
implementation was assigned to the General Council on
Ministries. By April 1993, a promotional plan was recom-
mended by UMCom and adopted by GCOM, and a
budget of $30,000 was approved. Below are components
of the plan and an update of accomplishments:

Plan Components

• UMCom will continue to offer resources created
during the 1989-92 quadrennium;

• UMCom will also promote the theme through
such "in-kind" services as: Interpreter article, El
Interprete Article, United Methodist Family article,
feature articles in Come, Share, Rejoice in Giving
newsletter, UM News Service article announcing
availability of resources, staff time to plan, design,
produce and distribute resources;

• UMCom will promote the theme in its program
desk calendar;

• Sale items displaying the quadrennial theme will
be available: devotional booklet; coffee mugs; key
tags; name tags;

• Promotion by leaders of church organizations
(e.g., UMW, UMM, NYMO) will occur; GCOM
members will be requested to promote the theme
through use of devotional booklet, UMCom will
provide master copies for bulletin inserts to
CCOM offices to distribute to local churches.

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United Methodist Communications was to assume
primary responsibility for production, manufacturing,
marketing, and distribution of resources.

Accomplishments

• UMCom offered and distributed resources devel-
oped during the 1989-92 quadrennium, specifi-
cally manuals for using the theme in
congregations, bumper stickers, baseball caps
and balloons.

• UMCom promoted the theme through several ar-
ticles in the Come, Share, Rejoice in Giving news-
letter, an article in the May-June 1993 issue of
Interpreter.

• UMCom promoted theme sale items throughout
the quadrennium and the disposal of the remain-
ing items will be at the discretion of GCOM.

• GCOM prepared translations of the theme logo for
Estonia, Norway, and Switzerland to be utilized in
the European Central Conferences.

• The General Board of Discipleship utilized the
theme in curriculum resources for children; the
General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women incorporated the theme through inclusive
worship and liturgies, by the celebration of stories
of life changes which have occurred because of
working together in the ministry of the church and
as the focus of Commission meetings.

In 1994, at the request of GCOM's Division on
Missional Emphases, the Office of Research polled the
Survey of United Methodist Opinion panel to determine
what United Methodists preferred concerning, in part,
a theme for the 1997-2000 quadrennium. As a part of that
survey, the following results were reported regarding
the current theme:

• Annual conferences used the "Celebrate and Wit-
ness" theme according to 66% of the clergy respon-
dents.

• In a majority of local churches, the "Celebrate and
Witness" theme was not used or it was used in
ways about which the person being surveyed was
not aware. Only a fourth of the laity and 31% of the
clergy reported use of the theme in their local
church. Of the laity, 44% did not know if the theme
was being used.

As declared in the 1993-96 theme document: As The
United Methodist Church seeks to discern where God is
leading, several important components of a vision begin
to emerge. In careful listening to the church it is evident
constituents believe God is leading the denomination to
focus on the vision of vital local churches and development
of leadership for the future. The quadrennial theme, "Cele-
brate and Witness: Celebrate God's Grace— Witness for

Jesus Christ," is a focus on congregational initiative by
local members. We believe this theme recognizes God's
leading through the prophetic voice and mood of the
church. The church's involvement and response to Cele-
brate and Witness: Celebrate God's Grace — Witness for
Jesus Christ from 1989-1996 has brought us to thatvision.

Report No. 20

Petition Number: 21694-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Implementatioii of The
1993-1996 Special Programs

Mandate

^ 1006.18 of the Book of Discipline 1992 gives the
General Council on Ministries the responsibility, in con-
sultation with the Council of Bishops, of identifying
special programs for the denomination. On recommeda-
tion of GCOM, the 1992 General Conference adopted
Calendar Item 214 Page 237 of the Daily Christian Ad-
vocate and approved the following quadrennial special
programs for 1993-1996:

Campus Ministry: Mission at the Center

Peace with Justice

Substance Abuse and Related Violence

Implementation

Campus Ministry: Mission at the Center

The General Board of Higher Education and Minis-
try was assigned responsibility for the implementation
of this special program with the goal of restoring campus
ministry to its central role in the mission of The United
Methodist Church and inaugurating a new era of part-
nership between local congregations and campus min-
istries.

TTie work of Mission at the Center was undergirded
by the GBHEM following its adoption of five "basic
priorities" which made it clear that reaching out to
students through campus ministry and drawing them
into communities of faith-learning and service was at the
heart of campus ministry. In May 1996 this effort will
inaugurate the United Methodist Student Movement in
the United States — a long-awaited organization of stu-
dents who desire to more fully participate in the life of
The United Methodist Church.

In 1994, United Methodists in Campus Ministry
(UMCM) was organized to train and support campus
ministers. Clergy, diaconal ministers, lay persons, cam-
pus ministers, and college chaplains comprise the or-
ganization's membership.

General and Judicial Administration

661

Perhaps the finest achievement of Mission at the
Center has been the renewed sense of partnership be-
tween campus ministries and local churches. New mod-
els of ministry have evolved and relationships between
congregations and institutions of higher learning have
been revived.

The renewal of ministries in higher education is
going global. Numerous exchanges of Russian and
United States* students have occurred, and a jointly-
planned conference is planned for February 1996.

Even though it has been a relatively small gesture
in terms of the need, this special program has been an
important beginning. Seeds have been planted. The
harvest will be a new generation of Christian leaders as
students, and those called to serve them, resume their
time-honored role in the life of the church.

Peace with Justice

The General Board of Church & Society was as-
signed responsibility for the implementation of this spe-
cial program; however, they worked collaboratively with
the other general agencies.

The purpose of the Peace with Justice Special Pro-
gram is to provide opportunities for United Methodists
to understand God's claim on creation and God's man-
date for shalom, to motivate, through deeper Biblical
knowledge, spiritual growth and Christian discipleship
and stewardship, the community to live lives which
bring them into participation in bringing about shalom,
through involvement in the local church, community,
nation, and world.

This special effort has been implemented through
diverse and creative efforts. From coordinating gun
turn-ins, to using art to help young people from wartime
situations express themselves, to turning nuclear
weapon production sites into nature preserves. United
Methodists have been active in creating a more peaceful
and just world. In many annual conferences and local
churches, special emphasis has been placed on teaching
children and youth nonviolent conflict resolution skills.
A stronger understanding of the role the media plays in
the level of violence in our world has occurred. Momen-
tum has built with growth in the number of people in the
national Peace with Justice Network, Covenant Congre-
gations and the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offer-
ing.

The General Board of Church & Society provided
resources throughout the quadrennium to assist local
communities in addressing peace concerns. In addition,
the following components strengthened this program:

• Annual Conference Peace with Justice Coordinators

• GBGM Peace with Justice Educators

• Local church, district and conference Peace Advo-
cates

• Peace with Justice Certification

• Peace with Justice Sunday

• Peace with Justice Week

The funding came primarily from the Peace with
Justice Special Sunday Offering with the GBCS and
other program agencies contributing funds as well.

Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related
Violence (SPSARV)

This is a special program assigned to the General
Board of Global Ministries in collaboration with several
agencies and in cooperation with the Council of Bishops
to continue the Bishops Initiative on Substance Abuse
and Related Violence. The major funding source for this
program for 1993-96 was the Mission Initiatives Fund.

Since January of 1993, SPSARV has intentionally
engaged in the implementation of five programmatic
components mandated by the 1992 General Conference:

• Community-based Demonstration Programs:
GBGM, National Division

• Support for Other Church-Related Programs:
GBGM, National Division

• Leadership Development and Training Programs: In-
teragency Task Force on SPSARV

• Educational and Promotional Resources: GBGM, Na-
tional Division

• Advocacy: General Board of Church & Society

Below are some of the accomplishments resulting
fi-om this special program during the quadrennium:

• Mass promotion and distribution of "Revival of Hope"
curriculum to all annual conferences and assistance
to Northern European Central Conference with copy-
right process to utilize "Revival of Hope" curriculum:
GBOD and UMPH;

• Legislative advocacy on substance abuse and vio-
lence-related issues: GBCS and GBGM;

• Allocation of Minority Group Self-Determination
Fund for substance abuse related ministries:
GCORR;

• Mailings through the campus ministry section of
GBHEM recruiting student volunteers for substance
abuse summer ministry: GBHEM;

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• Allocation of funds to support HIV/AIDS Interna-
tional Consultation: GBGM, Health and Welfare Pro-
gram Department;

• Allocation of funds to eight substance-abuse and vio-
lence-related projects in three countries: GBGM,
UMCOR Program Department;

• Training opportunities: GBGM, Women's Division
and National Division.

Report No. 21

Petition Number: 21695-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the Process for Development

of Recommendations

for Theme^ Missional Priorities

And Special Programs

Mandate

Vie Book of Discipline, 1992 (^ 1006. 18) gives to tiie
General Council on Ministries the responsibility, in con-
sultation with the Council of Bishops, to recommend to
the General Conference plans for theme, missional pri-
orities and/or special programs.

Process and Discernment

In the 1993-96 GCOM internal stinctiire, tiie re-
sponsibility for exploring a possible theme, missional
priority and special programs for the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium was with the Division on Missional Emphases and
the full Council. Both the Division and the Council took
this responsibility seriously by undertaking an intensive
process of listening to varied and many voices through-
out the connection in order to discern God's call.

At its October 1992 meeting, the Division began the
discernment process by considering the following ques-
tions:

• What will challenge the church?

• What will capture the imagination?

• What will make a difference?

• What will enable people to respond in ministry and
gifts?

• How can we help people identify with real needs?

• How can we move from band-aid responses to sys-
temic cures?

• How do we relate faith to societal wrongs/needs?

In 1993, the Division developed an action plan for
the consideration of a theme, missional priority, and

special programs for the next quadrennium. The plan
included the following components:

• discussions within the Division and Council at future
meetings about the theme, missional priority and
special program options;

• a research study performed by GCOM's Office of
Research to receive feedback from constituents
about possible themes, missional priorities and spe-
cial programs;

Research Components

The Division and Council took the following steps
in their discernment process regarding a possible
theme, missional priority(ies) and/or special programs:

1. Administered a survey to GCOM members on
significant societal issues. The issues most identified
by 25-45% of the members were poverty,
socio-economic change; crime, violence; "isms"
especially racism, health care, family issues (divorce,
abuse, changing families).

2. The Division considered the various General
Conference mandates assigned to GCOM (a
missional priority on crisis, special emphasis on
reclaiming the cities, and a major emphasis on youth
and students) in its deliberation. The question
"Where is God leading us?" was at the center of all
discussions.

3. Conversations with members of the Council of
Bishops occurred in an effort to strengthen and
coordinate any agreed upon initiatives.

In 1994, tiie GCOM Office of Research polled the
Survey of United Methodist Opinion panel to determine
what United Methodists preferred concerning themes,
missional priorities and special projects for the 1997-
2000 quadrennium. Surveys were mailed to 2,319 clergy
and lay members. The following results were reported:

Theme

• In a majority of local churches, the "Celebrate and
Witness" theme was not used or it may have been
used in ways about which the person being surveyed
was not aware. Only a fourth of the laity and 31% of
the clergy reported use of the theme in their local
church. Of the laity, 44% did not know if the theme
was being used.

• Annual conferences used the "Celebrate and Wit-
ness" theme according to 66% of the clergy respon-
dents.

• Seven out of ten lay members did not know if the
annual conference had been using the "Celebrate and
Witness" theme.

General and Judicial Administration

663

Missional Priorities and Special Programs

The clergy preferred an emphasis on The United
Methodist Church followed by a focus on societal issues;
however, the laity indicated an opposite preference.
Issues named the most by respondents as possible mis-
sional priorities were: Focus on the Family; Hope for
Youth; Outreach to Neighbors; Evangelism and Spiritu-
ality. Twenty percent of the respondents indicated a
desire to have no missional priority. Forty-two percent
of the clergy and 43% of the laity indicated a desire for
special programs for 1997-2000. A plurality of laity be-
lieved that special programs would benefit their local
congregation and 34% of the clergy agreed.

Outcome

In the fall of 1994, the Division brought to the
Council a recommendation to adopt a proposal for a
focus on youth and young adults for the 1997-2000
quadrennium with the understanding that additional
discussion would occur to further define the direction of
the proposal. The Council also approved recommending
to General Conference that "Peace with Justice" be
designated as a special program for 1997-2000. (See
Report No. i2, page 634)

At the spring 1995 GCOM meeting, the Division
brought fortii the following recommendations which
were adopted by the Council:

1. There will be no theme for 1997-2000;

2. A "Shared Mission Focus" on young people (as
opposed to a "missional priority" on youth and young
adults) is recommended to be adopted by the entire
church. (See Report No. 4, page 599.)

3. Specific missional priorities on crisis or reclaiming the
cities are not recommended because several critical
urban initiatives are already underway and need to be
supported, (e.g, Communities of Shalom, Holy
Boldness, Substance Abuse and Related Violence)
(See Reports No. 22 and 23. pages 663-665)

Report No. 22

Petition Number: 21696-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Missional Priority on Crisis
in the Cities

Joint Report of the General Council on

Ministries, the General Coimcil on Finance and

Administration and the Coimcil of Bishops

Background and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference requested that the
General Council on Ministries, the Council of Bishops

and the General Council on Finance and Administration
develop a missional priority proposal on "Crisis in the
Cities" for consideration by the 1996 General Confer-
ence (plenary action. May 11, 1992, DCA p. 388-9).
These three Councils have consulted about this General
Conference referral and have determined work in the
area of Urban Ministry has already been underway
within the general program boards. They also have
noted that GCOM has considered this critical need
along with other urgent needs facing the Church and
society.

Process and Implementation

These three Councils are aware of the need to
highlight the urgency that the denomination continue
its focus on the urban crisis. They have consulted during
the quadrennium and gathered extensive information
on how the church has been and is responding to issues
facing cities and to the crises which are present in many
urban settings. (See attached chart) Following consult-
ation among the three councils, it was decided that
GCOM would move forward with gathering information
from the general program boards about their work in
this regard. They have indicated involvement with urban
ministries at various levels within their respective struc-
tures.

After consideration of this information and material,
the three Councils have determined not to recommend
a formal missional priority proposal for "crisis in the
cities." However, they have identified areas of concern
to share with the wider church.

Since the 1992 General Conference, the church has
responded and is responding to issues of the cities and
related urban concerns in a variety of ways. Some spe-
cific examples are:

• The Shalom Zone response (also a 1992 General
Conference action).

• The National Urban Ministry Convocation in Bir-
mingham, Alabama, February 2-5, 1995.

• Many annual conferences and local churches have
implemented programs in response to the need.

• General agency programs and emphases aimed at
addressing these vital concerns. Accompanying
this report is specific information received from
the four program boards describing their involve-
ment in response to the crisis in the cities.

Recommendation and Summary
of Urban Initiatives

As we continue to be involved in responding to
mission and ministry needs, we call on the church to
respond. We stress the importance and urgency of The
United Methodist Church to continue to be in ministry

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DCA Advance Edition

in the cities. We urge continued awareness of and re-
sponse to ^he concerns of urban centers. As part of
responding to this challenge, GCOM will continue to
monitor the church's awareness and response to the
"Crisis in the Cities."

The attached chart is a summary of categories of
urban ministry provided by the four general program
agencies of The United Methodist Church during the
1993-96 quadrennium. Supporting documentation from
the general program agencies is on file at the GCOM
office.

Categories of Urban Ministry Provided by the Four United Methodist Program Boards
During the 1993-1996 Quadrennium

Categories of Ministry

GBGM

GBOD

GBHEM

GBCS

Community development

X

Community mission institutions

X

Community organizing

X

X

Congregational development

X

X

Corporate responsibility actions

X

Curriculum development

X

Disaster response

X

Economic development

X

Ecumenical partnerships

X

X

Educational forums/seminars

X

X

X

X

Funding allocations to urban ministry initiatives

X

X

X

Health and healing

X

X

X

Homelessness

X

Leadership development

X

X

X

X

Mission evangelism

X

X

X

X

Peacemaking/conflict resolution

X

X

Prison/jail ministry

X

X

Provision of strategic planning & technical assistance to
local urban churches

X

X

Publications/resources addressing urban concerns

X

X

X

X

Public policy/political advocacy

X

X

Racial/ethnic concerns

X

X

X

X

Seminary courses on urban ministry

X

Training & deployment of urban mission personnel

X

X

Volunteer urban mission opportunities

X

X

Women, children and youth initiatives

X

X

X

X

General and Judicial Administration

665

Report No. 23

Petition Number: 21697-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Special Emphasis
on Reclaiming The Cities

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item No. 1413, page 466 of the Daily Christian Advocate
indicating that the General Council on Ministries will be
involved in coordinating an emphasis on reclaiming the
cities based on the following action:

Resolved that there be a United Methodist Church
special emphasis on 'Reclaiming the Cities" by:

• Evangelizing the poor and oppressed,

• Giving special leadership and more quality time to
the cities,

• Putting more of our human, financial, and other
materials resources in the cities,

• Uniting our Methodist families — the African Meth-
odist Episcopal, the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion, the Christian Methodist Episcopal, and the
United Methodist Church — to make one powerful
Methodist voice and presence in our cities,

• Leading the way for an ecumenical thrust to save the
cities of our nation,

• Implementing this special emphasis, as appropriate,
by each program board and agency and coordinated
by the GCOM.

Implementation

Within the GCOM structure, the Division on Mis-
sional Emphases considered this mandate. General
Conference had assigned GCOM, along with GCFAand
the Council of Bishops, the recommendation to develop
a missional priority on crisis which addressed concerns
emerging from the Los Angeles uprising. Because of the
relatedness of both mandates, the Division handled
them as a unit

The Division embarked on an extensive process of
listening and discernment regarding possible missional
priorities for the 1997-2000 quadrennium. At its hpn\
1993 meeting, an action plan was devised containing the
following goals:

1. Gather data on urban initiatives underway in the
four general program boards.

2. Analyze the data.

3. Develop a strategy with action steps.

Throughout the quadrennium, the Division col-
lected information from the four general program
boards which is incorporated into the joint GCOM,
GCFA and Council of Bishops report entitled "Crisis in
the Cities" (Report No. 22). At the spring 1995 meeting,
the Division and GCOM voted not to recommend to
General Conference a missional priority on reclaiming
the cities due to the existence of several critical initia-
tives already addressing the needs of urban areas in the
United States, (e.g.. Communities of Shalom, Holy Bold-
ness, Substance Abuse and Related Violence Program).

These initiatives are moving forward on their own;
are exploring ways to build ecumenical, inter-faith, and
Methodist family partnerships; and are in need of sup-
port from the total denomination.

Report No. 24

Petition Number: 21698-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Response
to me Refugee Crisis

Mandate

By adoption of Calendar Item 972 on page 355 of the
Daily Christian Advocate by the 1992 General Confer-
ence, the General Council on Ministries was asked to
continue its role of coordination of the interagency re-
sponse to the refugee and immigration crisis, with the
General Board of Global Ministries given primary re-
sponsibility for this effort in cooperation with the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society.

Implementation

GCOM supported the following reconunendations
from the Interboard Task Force on Refugee/Immigra-
tion Concerns:

The production of an updated publication of 'To
Love the Sojourner" and that the GBCS, UMCOR,
GBGM share in the cost of this updating and distribu-
tion; and the establishment of a "United Methodist Refu-
gee and Immigration Network." GCOM recommended
that GBGM assume primary responsibility for the devel-
opment and maintenance of the network working coop-
eratively with the GBCS.

During the quadrennium, GCOM carried out its
coordination role through participation on the Joint
Panel on International Affairs, a coordinating body for
related work of GBCS and GBGM. Both a staff member
and a Council member were assigned to participate on
the Panel and provide updates on the work of the Panel
and Inter-Board Task Force on Refugee/Immigration
Concerns to the GCOM.

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DCA Advance Edition

At the beginning of the quadrennium, UMCOR
established a network of refugee coordinators in each
annual conference who received training in 1993. The
coordinators received periodic updates on refugee con-
cerns and information on legislative advocacy efforts.
UMCOR also worked ecumenically through Church
World Service on a legislative advocacy campaign.

The publication 'To Love the Sojourner" was a re-
sponse to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of
1986, and since that time immigration concerns have
escalated and immigration policies have changed
throughout the world. Because of this fluctuation, it has
not been advantageous to republish that document.

The GBCS will be bringing a resolution to General
Conference regarding United States immigration poli-
cies with a focus on Proposition #187, and GBGM will
be recommending the adoption of a resolution on the
world-wide refugee crisis. Both of these resolutions may
need to be modified during General Conference due to
the ongoing world-wide changes and constitutional chal-
lenges to state and national immigration policies e.g.,
Proposition #187. GBGM and GBCS are closely moni-
toring these actions.

Report No. 25

Petition Number: 21699-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Grants From The World
Service Contingency Fund, 1993-96

The World Service Contingency Fund is used "to
meet requests for additional funding from the general
program agencies." The fund is established to enable
the general agencies of The United Methodist Church

to respond to unanticipated program assignments from
the most recent General Conference which are not in
the regular program/budget and/or to emerging oppor-
tunities for new programmatic forms of ministry and
mission. The Book of Discipline indicates the procedure
for allocating the funds from this Contingency Fund. It
states:

"Before the beginning of each year the General
Council on Finance and Administration shall determine
and communicate to the General Council on Ministries
the sum available at that time from World Service Con-
tingency Funds, to meet requests for additional funding
from the general program agencies. The General Coun-
cil on Ministries shall be authorized to approve alloca-
tions to the general program agencies for such
additional program funding up to the limit so estab-
lished. No money shall be allocated by the General
Council on Ministries from this source for general ad-
ministration costs, fixed charges, or capital outlay with-
out approval by the General Council on Finance and
Administration." (f 906.1(b) and 1006.2(e))

During 1993-96, upon request of the General Coun-
cil on Ministries the General Council on Finance and
Administration allocated $200,000 each year to the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries to meet requests fi-om the
general program agencies for additional funding from
the World Service Contingency Fund. The General
Council on Ministries established criteria for use of
these funds and a procedure for making application and
filing reports. The following requests for funding were
approved by the General Council on Ministries from the
World Service Contingency Fund for 1993, 1994, and
1995, as well as commitments from the 1996 fund as of
the date of submitting this report

1993

1994

1995

1996

$7,110

$ 49,072
40,000
60,000

$ 88,148

$ 45,274

40,000

29,500

35,000
10,000

50,000

40,000

45,000

73,000

20,000

20,000

General and Judicial Administration 667

GCOM World Service Contingency Fund
1993-96 Allocation

GBCS - Substance Abuse Mission Strategy Training Seminars

GBOD - School of Evangelism for Native Americans

GCCUIC - Consultation on Ecumenical Shared Ministries

GBG - Interagency Task Force on AIDS 20,000

GCOSRW/GBGM - Victim/Survivor Advocates' Training 45,600

GCORR - Access Research about Native American
Participation in the UMC

GCORR - Task Force on Racism in Rural Areas

GCORR - Inter Ethnic Dialogue

GBOD - Quest for Quality Training Resources

GBCS - National Anti-Gambling Project

GCORR - Video on Diversity and Inter-Cultural Communication

GCORR - Central Jurisdiction Recovery Project

Totals $27,110 $264,172 $248,148 $178,274

The General Council on Ministries has established procedures for receiving of applications for requests from the
Contingency Reserve in 1996 and for approving applications when appropriate.

In all cases, upon approval of a request for funding from the World Service Contingency Fund, the General Council
on Ministries notifies the General Council on Finance and Administration. That agency then disburses the funds to
the appropriate agency in accordance with the conditions of the request and the approval.

„ »T r./- report of the ecumenical study was released in early

Report No. 26 ^ggg

Petition Number: 21700-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report No. 27

Report on Environmental Racism Petition Number: 21701-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Background and Mandate t> _i. ca_ wo-u _'_w

^^ Report on Strenfithenmg

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar the Small Membership Church

Item 1528 on page 527 of the Daily Christian Advocate

which requested that the General Council on Ministries Background and Mandate
assist the General Board of Church and Society in con-
ducting research in the area of environmental racism. The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar

Item 209 as amended from page 237 in the Daily Chris-

n JT 1 ^^ fian^ldwca^e following a quadrennial Study of churches

Process and Implementation ^^j^ ^^^^^ membership. Several recommendations

Staff of the two agencies collaborated several times ^^^^^f "^^^e to ten groups, providing strategies for their

duringthequadrenniumtosupportanecumenicalinitia- implementation. The groups were Council of Bishops

tive to pro^dde basic data on the issues in environmental ^"""^1 conference cabinets, annual conferences, annua

racism. GCOM's Division on Research, Planning and «!"f ••^"^e councils on ministries General^ Board of

Futuring was regularly briefed on this effort and the Ki^tASn^^^lS^

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nications, General Board of Global Ministries and Gen-
eral Council on Ministries.

The responsibility of the General Council on Minis-
tries was to receive progress reports "on how the strate-
gies and recommendations of the Study on Strengthen-
ing the Small Membership Church are being imple-
mented."

Process and Implementation

At its fall meeting in 1993, the General Council on
Ministries approved a process for receiving reports on
the implementation of the strategies and recommenda-
tions to strengthen the small membership church. The
Council, through its Division on Research, Planning and
Futuring sent letters to each of the ten groups involved
requesting a report for the calendar years of 1993, 1994
and 1995. Those reports were returned to the General
Council on Ministries by March 1 following each year of
implementation.

A task force of General Council on Ministries as-
sessed the annual reports and cited numerous achieve-
ments toward the recommendations and strategies of
the report The reports were also distributed to persons
and groups interested in ministry to small membership
churches.

During 1995, the task force also conducted a compara-
tive analysis of the annual reports of 1993 and 1994. The
findings of that analysis were:

Attention to the recommendations and strategies of the
report to Strengthen the Small Membership Church are
observed throughout the reports.

In several instances, agencies and annual conferences
appear to be reporting what they have been doing over
a period of time, rather than new initiatives based on the
recommendations and strategies of the report.

A sense of independence in responding to the actions of
the General Conference. It was clear that groups were
indicating that they were setting their own agenda and
priorities without regard for General Conference action.

In the fall of 1994 four representatives of the Small
Membership Study Task Force met with a committee of
the Council of Bishops to develop greater awareness of
the report. The 1993 reports were received from 47
annual conferences and seven general agencies. In 1994,
the report was received from 42 annual conferences and
seven general agencies. This was a complete report from
all agencies involved in the report.

TTie General Council on Ministries believes it has
completed its assignment on this referral.

Report No. 28

Petition Number: 21702-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the Natural World

Background and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 1350 in the Daily Christian Advocate page 458
which requested that the General Council on Ministries
support The Natural World by "initiating basic research
on the changing attitudes on environmental issues among
United Methodist members. "

Process and Implementation

In undertaking to fulfill this assignment, the
GCOM, through its Office of Research, determined that
it was not possible to initiate basic research on changing
attitudes because no data was available to provide a
baseline for comparison. The measurement of attitude
change requires data for comparison from one time to
another.

The General Council on Ministries Office of Re-
search has in development a major study on the beliefs,
habits and practices of United Methodists on issues of
stewardship. This Survey of United Methodist Opinion
will include a series of questions related to environ-
mental stewardship. The type of baseline data necessary
for the comparison of attitude change in the future will
be received through this survey. It is expected that the
results of this Survey of United Methodist Opinion will
be available early in 1997.

In addition, the General Council on Ministries was
also asked to request each agency to include in their
1996 General Conference report an evaluation of their
corporate action taken towards sustainable environ-
mental practices as a part of the 1993-96 Quadrennial
Report This referral was discussed with all general
secretaries in the review of legislation passed affecting
each agency and a communication was sent from the
General Council on Ministries as a reminder.

Report No. 29

Petition Number: 21703-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on New Developments
in Genetic Science

Background and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
item 114 on page 228 of the Daily Christian Advocate. It
requested that the General Council on Ministries re-

General and Judicial Administration

669

spond with two initiatives to help facilitate awareness of
the "New Developments in Genetic Science."

The General Council on Ministries Office of Re-
search was asked to survey United Methodist general
agencies and annual conferences requesting names of
informed speakers in seven fields related to genetic
science.

Process and Implementation

Early in the quadrennium, the Office of Research
communicated with all annual conferences and general
agencies requesting the information identified in the
genetic science report. Through staff consultation and
follow-up work by the Genetic ScienceTask Force, it was
decided that other methods would be more appropriate
to develop a speakers bureau on this topic.

In addition, the General Council on Ministries was
urged to convene a meeting of general agency staff in
early 1993 to review the work of each agency's plans in
the 1993-96 quadrennium relative to the ethics of genetic
science technologies. The General Council on Minis-
tries convened such a meeting in conjunction with the
spring 1993 meeting of the General Board of Church and
Society.

The Division on Research, Planning and Futuring
received periodic reports throughout the quadrennium
as this referral was accomplished.

Report No. 30

Petition Number: 21704-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

member. Holly Elliott has been a leader and advocate
for programs and ministry with and for hearing impaired
persons. She was a representative from GCOM to the
National Committee on Deaf Ministries and also gave
valuable assistance to the GCOM Office of Research in
response to the 1992 research assignment mentioned
above.

Process and Implementation

The General Council on Ministries through its Di-
vision on Research, Planning and Futuring sought infor-
mation about existing data about deaf ministries. In
consultation with the United Methodist National Com-
mittee on Deaf Ministries, a draft of a questionnaire was
developed to gather demographic information and the
extent of ministries by, with and for the deaf.

The survey was sent to each active bishop and
annual conference council on ministries director, re-
questing that it be utilized at the 1994 charge confer-
ences as a part of the Annual Disability Audit for each
congregation.

By March 1, 1995, a total of 6,315 local congrega-
tions had responded to the survey. The survey gener-
ated 972 requests for additional information about deaf
ministry opportunities and information concerning the
United Methodist Congress on the Deaf. A mailing list
of local churches requesting this information was at-
tached as an appendix.

The United Methodist National Committee on Deaf
Ministries is utilizing the data from the church-wide
survey to develop needed programs and resources.

Report on Developing Congregations
For DeafMinistries

Background and Mandate

Action by the 1992 General Conference approved
Calendar Item 33 on page 168 of the Daily Christian
Advocate and created a national committee on deaf min-
istries to be accountable to the General Board of Global
Ministries. Several other recommendations for all gen-
eral agencies call for evaluation and development of all
programs related to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing
persons.

Specifically, the General Council on Ministries was
asked to "give priority to the development of coordi-
nated research at all levels of the church to provide
demographic information concerning programs, needs
and opportunities by, with and for deaf, deafened and
hard of hearing persons in The United Methodist
Church."

The GCOM was particularly blessed during the
1993-96 quadrennium to have Ms. Holly Elliott as a

Report No. 31

Petition Number: 21705-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Assessment
of Sexual Harassment

Backgroimd and Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 1529 on page 527 of the Daily Christian Advocate.
It mandated the General Commission on the Status and
Role of Women to "explore with the General Council on
Ministries and other appropriate church bodies ways to
assess the effectiveness of the church's efforts to eradicate
sexual harassment. "

Process and Implementation

This referral included the General Council on Min-
istries because of a Survey of United Methodist Opinion
study on Sexual Harassment in The United Methodist
Church published by GCOM in 1990. That study re-

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ceived wide acclaim in the public and church media as
the first indicator of the incidence of sexual harassment
within the church.

Early in the 1993-96 quadrennium, the General
Council on Ministries communicated with the General
Commission on the Status and Role of Women, indicat-
ing their desire to work with the Commission in devel-
oping an appropriate methodology to assess the
effectiveness of the church's efforts to eradicate sexual
harassment. Other methods were employed to acquire
data for this assessment.

The Division on Research, Planning and Futuring
received regular reports of the collaboration of the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries' staff with staff of the Com-
mission on the Status and Role of Women on this
referral.

Report No. 32

Petition Number: 21706-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The Training Events
For New District Superintendents
And Conference Council Directors

The Book of Discipline, 1992 states that the General
Council on Ministries has the responsibility to provide
for the training of the annual conference council on
ministries directors and to provide jointly with the Divi-
sion of Ordained Ministry of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry and the Council of Bish-
ops for the training of district superintendents (^
1006.13) . This annual experience regularly receives ex-
tremely positive evaluations fi-om the participants and
episcopal leaders of the church.

In fulfilling this responsibility, five members of the
General Council on Ministries plus the general secre-
tary and an additional staff person were assigned to the
twenty-one member Planning Committee for the New
Annual Conference Cabinet Member Training Event.
Six members of the Council of Bishops plus five mem-
bers and three staff persons of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry Division of Ordained
Ministry also served on the Planning Committee.

TTie basic responsibility of the Planning Committee
was to design and implement the annual five-day train-
ing experience for newly appointed district superinten-
dents and conference council directors.

Each year the training events were held at Lake
Junaluska, North Carolina during the last week of July
or August. Worship, spiritual formation, role identity,
clarification of responsibilities, information sharing,
skill training, self-care, and development in manage-
ment and administrative techniques composed the core
curriculum for each event. On average, thirteen confer-

ence council directors and ninety-sbc district superinten-
dents attended each annual training session.

Early in the planning process, the Design Team and
the full Planning Committee determined that emphasis
should be placed on self-care to enhance spirituality and
develop more effective ways for modeling leadership
that is holistic. A global awareness of The United Meth-
odist Church was recognized as a valid aspect of the
training event. The Planning Committee reflected on
and had conversation with central conference repre-
sentatives and determined more study was needed be-
fore this could be implemented.

Workshops were designed to include a sensitivity
to inclusiveness with an emphasis on racism, use of
language, clergy appointments and staff employment.

Twenty-eight persons were recruited as faculty
each year. These persons were selected for their exper-
tise and experience as bishops, district superintendents,
council directors, general board or annual conference
staff, and management consultants. Inclusiveness of
women and racial ethnic persons in the faculty leader-
ship team was an intentional goal throughout the quad-
rennium.

Report No. 33

Petition Number: 21707-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on the Quadrennial

Joint Training Events

for Annual Conference Leaders

The Book of Discipline, 1992 states that the General
Council on Ministries has the responsibility to sponsor
in cooperation with the general program-related agen-
cies through the general secretaries, a quadrennial joint
training event for annual conference program-related
agencies. (^1006.11e).

The General Council on Ministries staff, in consult-
ation with the general secretaries of general program-
related agencies and the conference council directors,
sponsored five joint training events in fall/winter, 1992-
93. Conference council directors selected participants
fi-om their conference in specified program areas. Ten
general agencies (GCOM, GBCS, GBOD, GBGM,
GBHEM, GCAH, GCOC, GCCUIC, GCORR, and
GCSRW) provided leadership for twenty-two work-
shops. A total of 1,700 annual conference leaders and
staff were trained.

Each of the three-day events provided basic training
and information for annual conference leaders, encour-
aged more effective coordination in annual conference
programs through the conference councils on minis-
tries, enhanced relationships and networking among
annual conference leaders and general agency staff, and
provided an arena for on-going networking among lead-

General and Judicial Administration

671

ership within each annual conference. Cokesbury made
church resources available for purchase at each of the
event sites. Each event began with a keynote speaker,
and there was a worship service each day. Annual con-
ferences were provided time for meetings with their
leaders.

General church funding for the events for on-site
expenses and a travel pool were provided to the General
Council on Ministries by funds made available by the
General Council on Finance and Administration. Annual
conferences covered the remaining transportation and
meal costs, and the other general agencies provided the
workshop leadership and resources.

Event evaluations and comments were solicited
from all participants. The evaluations confirmed that the
event was worthwhile and informative, and comments
and suggestions about specific workshops were for-
warded to the general agency providing leadership.

Sites for five Joint Training Events to take place in
November 1996 and January 1997 have been secured.
GCOM has consulted with some conference council
directors and general agencies to make preparations for
the 1996-97 events.

Report No. 34

Petition Number: 21708-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Telecommunications
And Centi-al Ordering

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 1001 , page 357 of the Daily Christian Advocate. The
action of this Calendar Item "recommended that the
GCOM, GCFA, and the United Methodist Publishing
House continue to coordinate efforts related to telecommu-
nications,...and, in cooperation with the general program-
related agencies, develop a plan and implement a Central
Ordering System which will utilize the technology of tele-
communications for the ordering of resources".

Implementation

During the 1993-96 quadrennium, GCOM partici-
pated in an interagency development of a comprehen-
sive long distance telephone plan for church agencies
and other groups. This plan began on June 1, 1995, and
at the end of the first year cost savings to GCOM are
estimated to be $7,952. Anticipated savings to GCOM in
the new quadrennium are estimated to be $31,808. This
interagency effort demonstrates how, working together,
efficiency and savings of church funds are possible. (For
more information on this cooperative telephone plan,
see GCFA Report No. 11, item 11.)

In other areas of telecommunications, GCOM was
represented on the GCFA Computer Information Stand-
ards Committee (CISCo). During the quadrennium this
council has also expanded and enhanced its computer
system and is moving toward full involvement in expand-
ing areas of telecommunication, including the Internet
and World Wide Web. GCOM anticipates consulting
and cooperating with United Methodist Communica-
tions in its work in these areas.

A meeting of staff representatives of the General
Council on Ministries, the General Council on Finance
and Administration and the United Methodist Publish-
ing House reviewed the General Conference referral.
Central Ordering was defined as requests from a United
Methodist customer (e.g. local church and annual con-
ference) ordering resources developed/produced by
United Methodist general agencies from a single
source. Some options which were considered for achiev-
ing Central Ordering included 1) a cenfral listing of
resources available and where to order them; 2) a cenfral
information source (e.g. toll-free phone number or cata-
log); 3) a cenfral phone number with fransfer capability
(available technologically) to appropriate supplying
source; and, 4) a cenfral phone number to place orders.
The general program-related agencies were surveyed
for information about resources and materials they
make available to local churches and annual confer-
ences. The responses revealed a varied assortment of
resources and materials currently being ordered by and
disfributed to churches and conferences.

A Consultation on Cenfral Ordering was held in July

1995, with representatives from the program-related
agencies. Each agency shared their current procedures
for fulfilling requests. The services offered through In-
foserv were also reviewed, since some requests require
additional information prior to placing an order. It was
determined that more data was needed to know the
extent to which cenfral ordering would be utilized, the
type of resources being ordered and the costs associated
with such a system. Cokesbury provided a one-month
feasibility study of a cenfral ordering system in January

1996. The costs associated with this test were cared for
by the General Council on Finance and Adminisfration.
Announcements of the test period was included in
church publications such as Interpreter, El Interprets,
United Methodist Family, Circuit Rider, United Methodist
News Service and Newscope and sent directly to bishops,
conference council dfrectors, disfrict superintendents
and conference editors of news publications. During
January, United Methodists were able to order current
resources developed/produced by United Methodist
general agencies by calling the Cokesbury toll-free
number. K Cokesbury did not have stock of the particu-
lar item, it faxed the order to the appropriate general
agency to fulfill the request. An analysis of this test
period was made and will be reported to the 1996 Gen-
eral Conference.

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Report No. 35

Petition Number: 21709-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report No. 36

Petition Number: 21710-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Biblical
and Theological Language

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference adopted Calendar
Item 224, page 238 of the Daily Christian Advocate with
the following recommendations regarding Biblical and
Theological Language:

1) UMPHkeep in print the study guide, "Words That
Hurt, Words That Heal: Language about God and Peo-
ple";

2) GCOM work with the General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women to develop a plan for informing
the denomination about the study guide and to encourage
churchwide use of it;

3) GCOM inform conference council directors about
the study guide and encourage its use by annual conference
committees, agencies and the councils on ministries;

4) GCOM seek input from central conferences related
to imagery and cultural dimensions of inclusive language.
Learnings and new insights from the exchange would then
be incorporated into future editions of the study guide
when it is reprinted.

Implementation

1. A five-member GCOM team was organized to
address this mandate. The team, through conference
calls and mailings, developed a plan to "make more
visible" this resource throughout the church. The fol-
lowing steps were taken during the quadrennium:

— A letter was mailed to all conference council
directors and bishops containing a copy of the reprinted
study guide and a request for its promotion with the
conferences.

— The study guide was distributed to all GCOM
members and incorporated into a worship service at the
October 1994 Council meeting in Los Angeles. Repre-
sentatives to GCOM from GCSRW designed the service
as one that illustrated the importance of language when
in communion with God and people.

— Initial dialogue with representatives from the
central conferences occurred about the use and cultural
adaptation.

2. Although no formal recommendations come with
this report, GCOM affirms the importance of this docu-
ment and the need to further explore ways of adapting
it to various cultural settings.

Report on Racial Harassment Policy

Background, Mandate and Implementation

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 1577, page 532 of the Daily Christian Advocate
which "...mandates that all its boards, agencies, councils,
conferences, organizations and institutions establish a
policy statement which addresses racial harassment. The
statement shall include procedures for submitting griev-
ances and resolving the allegations of racial harassment. "

Early in the 1993-96 quadrennium the General
Council on Finance and Administration, under its disci-
plinary responsibilities, developed a comprehensive pol-
icy for the general agencies on Harassment ofEmployees.
As one of the councils of the church and in fulfillment of
the 1992 General Conference mandate, the GCOM
adopted the policy on Harassment of Employees, which
includes specific provisions related to racial harassment,
as follows:

"GCOM will not condone or tolerate harassment of
one employee by another. Harassment may take the form
of remarks about age, race, religion; sexually suggestive
actions or statements; or any other activity which defames,
ridicules, intimidates, or embarrasses an employee. Har-
assment in the work place violates federal and/or state
law.

Racial harassment is an act of covert or overt racism.
When prejudicial and/or racist attitudes are expressed in
a behavior that is focused specifically on the abuse, humili-
ation, and defamation of persons because of their race or
ethnicity, this will be considered racial harassment.

The 1992 General Conference defines the following as
racial harassment:

• Abusive and/ or derogatory language that in a subtle
or overt manner belittles, humiliates, impugns, or
defames a person or a group of persons based on
racial and ethnic traits, heritage, and charac-
teristics.

• A behavior (individual, group or institutional)
which abuses, belittles, humiliates, defames or de-
means a person or group of persons based on racial
and ethnic traits, heritage and characteristics.

• Documentation, printed or visual, which abuses,
humiliates, defames or demeans a person or group
of persons based on racial and ethnic heritage and
traits, or on heritage, or on characteristics. "

Within the GCOM personnel policies, there are
specific procedures for submitting grievances and re-

General and Judicial Administration

673

solving allegations related to harassment, including ra-
cial harassment Information on these procedures can
be furnished on request

Report No. 37
Petition Number: 21711-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on The National United
Methodist Native American Center

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 572 on page 287-8 of the Daily Christian Advocate,
endorsing the National United Methodist Native Ameri-
can Center's current functions and roles, and endorsed
the Center's quadrennial funding (1993-96) through a
"shared focus" among four program boards: GBHEM,
GBGM, GBOD, and GBCS, with GCFA being charged
with appropriating money for such purpose. The pro-
jected funds proposed in this action for the Native Ameri-
can Center during the quadrennium were $200,000 per
year.

The General Conference referred this action to
GCFA for recommendations related to funding. GCFA's
Report No. 16, Item 4 responded to this referral and was
approved by the General Conference which asked
GCOM to: "convene representatives of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry, General Board of
Global Ministries, and the National United Methodist
Native American Center to recommend to GCFA the
amount and source of additional funding for the Center
from their budgets or other sources. "

Process and Implementation

In response to this General Conference action, the
General Council on Ministries convened an initial con-
sultation November 30, 1992 at Lincolnwood, Illinois
between representatives of the designated groups:
GBHEM, GBGM, and the Native American Center. In
addition, and present by invitation, were representatives
of the General Board of Church and Society, the Com-
mission on Religion and Race, and the General Council
on Finance and Administration.

The initial consultation reviewed the action and
intent of the General Conference in regard to the Native
American Center and the previous support and relation-
ships that existed between the Center and the general
agencies involved in the consultations. The projected
1993 budget for the Center was $202,819, exclusive of
"in-kind" benefits from the School of Theology at Clare-
mont for rent and insurance.

It was the consensus of all present that at least two
objectives should be pursued:

First that together they address the immediate
IFunding requirements of the Center, since its financial
support through its present general agency source
(GBHEM) was to expire as of December 31, 1992.

Second, that the Native American Center and the
appropriate general agencies of the church explore
long-range plans for its financial support, looking not
only at the coming quadrennium (1993-96) , but beyond.
This should include possible further "in-kind" benefits
from the School of Theology at Claremont

In order to move toward accomplishment of the
foregoing objectives, and in accordance with the 1992
General Conference action in GCFA Report No. 16, Item
4, the following recommendations were made by the
participants to:

"... recommend to GCFA the amount and source of
additional funding for the Center from their budgets and
other sources" as follows:

1. That for 1993 the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry provide funding for the Center at the
level previously voted by that Board of $40,000, and that
in addition, GBHEM will also review further funding at
a level of $60,000, for a total of $100,000.

2. That the Center offer to provide its demonstrated
expertise and services in the area of Native American
ministries to the Interagency Task Force established by
the Native American Comprehensive Plan approved by
the 1992 General Conference; and that in so doing, the
Interagency Task Force, supported by the General
Board of Global Ministries to which it is accountable,
provide funding for the Center in 1993 fi-om monies it
receives through the World Service Fund and the Mis-
sion Initiatives Fund in an amount not less than $40,000.

3. That the General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Discipleship each be prepared to
respond favorably to possible requests from the Center
for funding through Ethnic Local Church or other
sources; and also be prepared to provide appropriate
"in-kind" resources and staff support in mutual areas of
Native American ministries.

4. That the General Council on Ministries be pre-
pared to respond favorably under its guidelines for
World Service Contingency Funds to possible requests
fi^om any appropriate general agency or agencies to fund
programs related to theirwork which can in turn support
the Center's program.

5. That the Center explore and evaluate as soon as
possible proposals made by the General Board of Global
Ministries during this consultation to consider providing
resources to the Center in the following areas:

A, Assignment of a full-time missionary and/or US-2
as staff at the Center.

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DCA Advance Edition

B. Use of the Office of Finance and Field Service of
GBGM as a means of securing long-term financial sup-
port for the Center.

C. Use of Deferred Giving programs available
through the Mission Education and Cultivation Pro-
gram Department of GBGM as another means of secur-
ing long-term financial support for the Center.

D. Mutual consultation between the Center and
GBGM for the development of Advance Special Projects
related to and supporting the work and ministry of the
Center.

E. Mutual training opportunities in the area of Na-
tive American ministries available cooperatively from
the Center and GBGM.

6. That, in order to provide for the immediate fund-
ing needs of the Center in 1993, and to supplement the
resources outlined above, the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration approve at its December 1992
meeting a World Service Contingency Fund grant of
$50,000 for the Native American Center for its 1993
budget.

7. That the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration request that further consultations be convened.

During the course of the quadrennium, it was deter-
mined additional consultations were needed. They were
held: September 9, 1993 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
May 9, 1994 at Rochester, New York; and November 29,
1995 at Indianapolis, Indiana.

The next two consultations were held with signifi-
cant support and work to further implement the recom-
mendations of the initial consultation and to develop
ongoing short-range and long-range funding goals and
procedures for the continuation of the National United
Methodist Native American Center. The final consult-
ation was held within the context of the joint meeting of
the General Council on Ministries and the General
Council on Finance and Administration in Indianapolis,
Indiana on November 29, 1995.

This consultation recommended that, with the as-
sistance of the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, the National United Methodist Native Ameri-
can Center would submit a proposal to General Confer-
ence that outlined the short range mission of the Center
with a request for their needed funding for the 1997-2000
quadrennium. Additionally, the proposal would present
a vision for the future continuance of the historic func-

tions and purpose of the Native American Center and its
vital contributions to the ministry of Christ with and for
the Native American community(ies) to the world,
through The United Methodist Church. This petition by
the Native American Center will be included in Volume
II of the Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate.

Report No. 38

Petition Number: 21712-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Monitoring of Use
of Name and Insignia

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 968 on page 354 of the Daily Christian Advocate
which requested the General Council on Ministries'
involvment, along with other specified agencies, in cer-
tain matters related to the name and insignia of the
demonination.

Process and Implementation

In response, GCOM has cooperated with the devel-
opment of a training kit for official and unofficial groups
within the denomination about the legal implications of
the use of the Cross and Flame insignia. The kit, devel-
oped by GCFA and UMCom, is called "A Mark Known
the World Over."

Legislation to transfer responsibility for protecting
the name and insignia to GCFA is being sent to the
General Conference. Thereafter, GCFA, through its le-
gal department, will care for this responsibility since it
already cares for the legal concerns of the denomination.

GCFA will continue to study the issues related to
monitoring the use of the name "Methodist" and "United
Methodist" and enforcing the import of ^ 2502. The
direction of this continued work will be to define what is
meant by work "undertaken directiy by The United
Methodist Church" so that the words "Methodist" and
"United Methodist" maybe restricted legally within this
context How to define the degree of relationship which
justifies legitimate use of Methodist terminology, while
at the same time minimizing the risk of legal liability for
actions of these entities is a question to which there is
no easy answer.

The GCOM will continue to assist in these proc-
esses in the coming quadrennium.

General and Judicial Administration

675

Report No. 39

Petition Number: 21713-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on General Agency
Headquarters/Staff Location

(A Joint Report of the General CouncU

on Ministries and the General Council

on Finance and Administration)

The General Conference has assigned the respon-
sibility for reviewing the location of the headquarters

and staff of general agencies jointly to the General Coun-
cil on Ministries (^ 1006.26) and the General Council on
Finance and Administration (^ 907.2). A report ap-
proved by both councils will be presented by the General
Council on Finance and Administration, including rec-
ommendation that the location of the headquarters
buildings and staff of the general agencies remain in
their current locations. Because of the specific 1992
General Conference action establishing a Site Selection
Task Force for the relocation of the General Board of
Global Ministries, the decision regarding the headquar-
ters and staff location of this agency was left to that
General Conference Task Force.

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Part IV

Referrals and Recommendations from tiie General Council on Ministries
to the General Agencies of the Church

This portion of the report of the General Council on Ministries contains a record of referrals and recommendations
made by GCOM during the 1993-96 quadrennium to certain general agencies of The United Methodist Church arising
in the course of its regularly assigned work. These items reported here require no General Conference action but
are presented to be received as information and for record purposes.

Report No. 40
Petition Number: 21714-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report and Recommendations

from General Council on Ministries

to General Council on Finance

and Administration on Behalf

of the Needs of the General Program

if^encies from the World Service Tund

for 1997-2000 Quadrennium

Introduction

Together, the two administrative councils of the
church, (the General Council on Ministries and the
General Council on Finance and Administration) have
been assigned an important responsibility on behalf of
the seven program agencies of The United Methodist
Church. The financial support which each program
agency receives from the World Service Fund is critical
to enable them to fulfill their disciplinary mandates and
provide programs that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ
and carry out ministry in many different ways. There-
fore, the level of the financial support fi'om the World
Service Fund for these agencies will make the difference
in effective ministry!

The Book of Discipline gives the General Council on
Ministries (GCOM) and the General Council on Finance
and Administration (GCFA) a mutual responsibility. Ul-
timately, these two Councils will recommend to the 1996
General Conference the amount of World Service fund-
ing for the program agencies for the next quadrennium.

Specifically, The Book of Discipline, 1 1006.2 provides

that:

"a) The General Council on Ministries shall, in con-
sultation with the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration and the general program agencies, develop
recommendations to the General Council on Finance and
Administration on needs of the general program agencies
for the programs, missional priorities, and special pro-
grams.

b) The General Council on Ministries shall receive
the recommendation the General Council on Finance and

Administration proposes to make to the General Confer-
ence as to that portion of the total World Service budget to
be available for distribution among the general program
agencies. "

History Regarding World Service Funds
for General Program Agencies

Many believe that funding for general agencies has
consistently increased and thus depleted financial re-
sources available to annual conferences and local
churches. While it is true that several areas of cost,
including health care costs and other important mainte-
nance items for local churches and annual conferences
have risen, at the same time funding levels to support
the mission and ministry of the church through the
general church agencies have consistently decreased.

Tlie General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion has carefully researched the history of expenditures
and the impact of inflation since 1973. TTiat research
shows that when viewed in terms of actual purchasing
power of funds spent for ministry at all levels in the
church, funds administered by local churches, districts,
annual conference and jurisdictions have increased in
purchasing power while for the same period, the level of
funds administered beyond these areas has decreased.

What is particularly significant in relation to the
general program agencies of the denomination is that
since 1973, the purchasing power of funds allocated for
these vital ministries has decreased by over one-third.
Purchasing power of other general funds has also de-
clined in substantial ways as well.

As this General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion considers the level of funding necessary to support
the essential ministries of the church through the seven
program-related general agencies, it cannot ignore
these objective facts. GCFA must act responsibility
through its funding recommendations to the General
Conference with adequate support for these agencies
through the World Service Fund to enable God's mis-
sion in the world to remain vital.

Background and Process

To fulfill its dual responsibilities on behalf of the
general program needs in the church, GCOM and

General and Judicial Administration

677

GCFA have followed a unified procedure contained in
the policies and internal structures of each Council.
Guidelines and criteria were developed to evaluate the
program and budget request of each agency. Task
Forces of each Council engaged in extensive work on
behalf of the program agencies of the denomination.

By December 1994, each program agency submit-
ted to GCFA and GCOM extensive written material
describing their program needs for the next quadren-
nium. This material, containing approximately 300
pages of information, was carefully studied by the task
force members.

The next very important step in the program devel-
opment process occurred. In February and March 1995,
the GCOM and GCFA Task Forces met together with
the leadership of each program agency. These meetings
involved several hours of discussion, questions, and
answers about their program plans and needs. Each
consultation occurred at the offices of the agency, with
the exception of the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women who met with the subcommittees in
Nashville. It is very important to realize that this was a
joint process — representatives of both GCOM and
GCFA participated in these consultations and heard
each agency's needs.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the GCOM and
GCFA Task Forces were cognizant that studies are
occurring and suggestions are being developed across
the church which might result in changes in the future
direction of church's mission and/or the structural
makeup of some or all of its general agencies. However,
because any decisions in these areas can only be made
by action of the General Conference, the two Council
task groups were obligated to consider the program
needs of tiie church as expressed through its general
agencies under the requirements in the current Book of
Discipline, and are the basis for recommendations con-
tained in this report.

The information furnished by the agencies, notes
taken by subcommittee members, summaries of the
consultations with each agency, and personal impres-
sions and observations gleaned by task force members
during this entire process — all these were essential ele-
ments used by the GCOM task force in further under-
standing the programmatic needs of the agencies. The
task force was also cognizant of the Annual Conference
listening Project carried out by GCFA in 1993-94 and
the United Methodist giving pattern data compiled by
GCFA which is referred to earlier in this report.

Quadrennial Requests from Program Agencies

The programmatic needs of each agency, as ex-
pressed in individual financial support needed through
the World Service Fund for the 1997-2000 quadrennium,
were significant. We are convinced that those requests

demonstrate the significant needs of each agency to
faithfully fulfill the responsibilities given them by the
General Conference and reflect careful planning by
members and staff of each agency in developing their
program. In the aggregate, the program proposed by the
agencies, and the World Service funding requested for
that program by the agencies, amounted to approxi-
mately $212,000,000. Our understanding from the gen-
eral agencies is that this amount includes funding needs
for both their basic and ongoing programmatic needs
and also funding necessary to carry out special emphasis
which several agencies have proposed beyond their
normal program and quadrennial budget. These include
continuation of the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
tries, the Native American Comprehensive Plan, and the
ongoing focus on Substance Abuse and Other Violence,
approved by the 1992 General Conference — all of which
are currently funded through special World Service and
the Mission Initiatives apportioned funds.

GCOM has been intentional this quadrennium in
insisting that all anticipated funding for continuation of
or newly proposed special programmatic emphases of
the general program agencies be included within their
respective program and budget requests for the 1997-
2000 quadrennium.

Highlights and Program Needs of Agencies

What follows is a summary of the large body of
material considered by the two Council task forces,
highlighting some of the programmatic requests of each
agency for the next quadrennium. It should be noted
that all program plans for the agencies are not included
in this report. Rather, attempt has been made to lift up
some of the items that were presented to the task forces
as examples of the plans of each agency.

Board of Church and Society

This agency's prime responsibility is to seek the
implementation of the Social Principles and other state-
ments of the General Conference on Christian social
concerns. In particular the board conducts a program
and research, education, and action on a wide range of
issues confronting the Church consistent with the Social
Principles and the policies adopted by the General Con-
ference. The program for this agency in the new quad-
rennium will continue to "relate the gospel of Jesus
Christ to members of the Church and to persons and
structures of the communities and world in which they
live." The Board plans on implementation and admini-
stration of significant and much-needed programs in the
Ministry of God's Creation (environment, just and sus-
tainable development, emerging technologies, interna-
tional relationships). Ministry of God's Human
Community (substance abuse awareness and preven-
tion, civil and human rights, and elimination of discrimi-
nation). Sponsoring Agency and action on issues of

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human welfare, drug and alcohol use and abuse, human
relations, environmental justice

Resourcing Congregational life (seminar program,
ethnic local church emphasis, implementation of the
Hispanic Plan, and providing consultation and support
of annual conferences) , and its United Nations office and
chaplain ministry at the Church Center for the United
Nations.

Board of Discipleship

TTie mission of this agency is to strengthen the
ministries of congregations. The major means for ac-
complishing this has been through resource develop-
ment, leadership training, and consulting with
conference and congregational leaders. The board's vi-
sion is that every congregation is active, alive and vital,
focused on and continually improving in the perform-
ance of its primary task, which is that each congregation
is reaching out into the community and receiving all who
will come, relating people to God, nurturing them in the
Christian faith, and sending them back out into the
community to live as Christian disciples to make the
world more loving and just.

Board planning for the next quadrennium has four
major foci: spiritual growth and development, congrega-
tional leadership, laity in ministry, and resource devel-
opment. In its program and funding request for the next
quadrennium, this agency indicates an intention to con-
tinue and expand its Quest (formerly Quest for Quality)
focus with annual conferences.

Board of Global Ministries

This agency is the mission-sending agency that
facilitates, resources, and enables the efforts of United
Methodists all over the world to be in mission by striving
to be faithful by word and deed to the missionary God
and United Methodism's unique missionary history.
The board will focus renewed diverse packages so that
there is significant increase of mission personnel. Some
special opportunities include the growing mission initia-
tive in Russia and the former Soviet republics, continu-
ing efforts in Central and South America, on the African
continent in cooperation with central conference col-
leagues, and in urban and rural areas of the United
States where substance abuse and violence and in-
creased immigration combine with poverty, discrimina-
tion, environmental deterioration and basic neglect to
create a highly explosive context

The Board will focus on three special quadrennial
programs which require additional mission resources:
Urban Youth Ministries, the Russia Initiative, and Min-
istries to the Africa Crisis.

Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Tliis agency sees itself as continuing and expanding
an emphasis on education for the church. These include
identification, enlistment, nurture, and continuing sup-
port for ordained and diaconal ministries and for quali-
fication and interpretation of 123 schools, colleges,
universities, and seminaries related through the Unhrer-
sity Senate to the church. Its mission includes maintain-
ing standards for ministry and institutional quality by
working with annual conference boards of ordained and
diaconal ministry, conference boards of higher educa-
tion and campus ministry, and those who govern the
work of chaplains in military and institutional or special-
ized settings.

A further important aspect of this agency's work will
be to continue to provide scholarships for racial/ethnic
minority persons through the HANA Scholarship Fund.

Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concents

This agency embodies the ecumenical focus of pro-
grams for the denomination and plays a major role in
this area with other agencies and units of our church.
Specific areas of concentration of this program include:
advocacy, education and renewal within The United
Methodist Church; relationship with ecumenical agen-
cies; and dialogue and witness with other Christian and
Interfaith groups, as well as within the United
Methodist's diverse constituencies and perspectives.
This agency also provides significant linkage for our
denomination with the National and World Council of
Churches.

Commission on Religion and Race

TTie ultimate aim of ministry by this agency is to
enable every United Methodist to be an agent of recon-
ciliation and an instrument of justice toward eliminating
the sin of racism and achieving a holistic community of
the people of God. This Commission will seek to maxi-
mize the resources available to it by placing increased
emphasis on ministry as close to local congregations as
possible. The Commission will continue a major focus
on annual conferences, reflecting the understanding
that effectiveness in overcoming racism and becoming
a truly inclusive community of faith requires that con-
version of hearts and changes in behavior occur among
all the members — in the local congregations. The Com-
mission's intent is to respond to its constituency by
working with and through annual conference structixres
to facilitate transformation of the church.

At the same time, work with agencies and institu-
tions beyond the annual conference will include chal-
lenging those entities to facilitate the transformation at
the local church through their programmatic and serv-
ice delivery. The specific program components through

General and Judicial Administration

679

education, leadership development, monitoring, and in-
vestigating.

In addition this agency will continue to administer
the Minority Group Self-Determination Fund.

Commission on the Status and Role of Women

The agency is mandated "....to challenge The United
Methodist Church.. . to a continuing commitment to the full
and equal participation of women in the total life and
mission of the church, sharing fully in the power and in
the policy-making at all levels of the Church's life.'"Yo do
this, the Commission functions as an advocate for and
on behalf of women individually and collectively; a cata-
lyst to initiate creative methods to redress past inequi-
ties and prevent future inequities against women in the
Church and a monitor to ensure inclusiveness in pro-
grammatic and administrative functioning in the
Church, working toward the elimination of sexism wher-
ever its manifestations appear in the total life of the
Church. Seven priorities for 1997-2000 were established
by the Commission: Advocacy, Racism/Sexism, Educa-
tion, Staff Field Service, Research and Data Gathering,
Monitoring, and Leadership Development. It is propos-
ing a Women's Congress which will develop a pool of
leaders who represent those women who have not been
given the opportunity to demonstrate leadership ability,
leadership in Christian education, for leadership train-
ing and development, and for guidance in local church
program. They propose to vigorously continue these
vital ministries in the 1993-96 quadrennium.

Previous General Conference Action Regarding
World Service Funds

As the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion sets the World Service allocation to be recom-
mended to General Conference, it is critically important
to be reminded of actions of the 1984 General Confer-
ence relating to World Service funding for the program-
related agencies. A quadrennial study of funding
patterns for the programs of the denomination made
during the 1981-85 quadrennium resulted in official Gen-
eral Conference action, adopting two important recom-
mendations and referring them to the General Council
on Finance and Administration (Cal. Item 379, 1984
DC4,p.372):

"It is recommended that The United Methodist
Church strongly affirm the World Service Fund and the
ministries which it underwrites. The nature and purpose
of this fund should be communicated to the membership of
the denomination. Emphasis should be placed on the fact
that much of the program activities of the general agencies
are supported through the World Service Fund. Other
funds and funding patterns should not be established
which would adversely affect the support given to this
fund." (Emphasis supplied)

"It is recommended that the amount of money re-
quested through the World Service Fund be increased
significantly. Major portions of witness and service, as
carried out by the general agencies, are underwritten by
this fund. If the primary work of the general agencies is
supported adequately by this fund, it is felt that the agencies
would be under less pressure to seek additional funding
from a variety of sources. The agencies could devote their
energies to the ministries with which they are charged by
the General Conference. " (Emphasis supplied)

GCOM Recommendation to GCFA - May 1995

The following are the recommendations made by
GCOM to GCFA for the funding needs of the general
program agencies for the 1997-2000 quadrennium:

'Taking all of the information contained in the re-
port as well as additional material considered in the
process of developing this recommendation, the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries is convinced that the program
requests of the general program agencies to carry out
their significant ministry for and on behalf of the church
are legitimate and vitally necessary. The whole denomi-
nation, and particularly local congregations and individ-
ual United Methodists, will benefit fi"om the ministiies
which these agencies can provide. Thus the Gospel can
become real in the lives of persons.

Therefore, in accordance with \ 1006.2(a), the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries recommends to the General
Council on Finance and Administration that the ". . . needs
of the general program agencies for the programs, mis-
sional priorities and special programs" for the 1997-2000
quadrennium require allocation from the World Service
Fund of $ 194,750,000 which we believe is the mini-
mal amount necessary for the continued work of the
general program agencies of the church. This sum rep-
resents an increase of 3% for each year of the quadren-
nium over the 1996 total of World Service and Mission
Initiatives funds for the program agencies.

In reaching this recommendation, the General
Council on Ministries received and considered the fol-
lowing rationale which was used by its task force after
meeting with each of the general program agencies:

1 . Our consultations with the general program agen-
cies displayed a wide variety of missions and ministries
that are made possible through the connectional system
of The United Methodist Church which justify the sup-
port of United Methodist people.

2. The program agencies indicated to us they are
working to reduce operational costs by finding new ways
to fulfill their responsibilities, including possible reduc-
tion in the current size of agency membership. We
affirm and applaud their efforts in these areas.

3. Wise stewardship of the church's resources is an
objective we all affirm. Thus where there might be

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DCA Advance Edition

duplication in use of resources among the agencies,
effort should be made to curtail or eliminate that dupli-
cation. We oelieve GCOM should and will address the
issue of duplication of agency services in an effort to
minimize overlap, improve effectiveness, and exercise
good stewardship.

4. We affirm our church's history and tradition that
whenever United Methodist people know the story of
what the Church is doing, they respond. Thus, we be-
lieve there needs to be aggressive attention given to
sharing the needs and opportunities so that the people
of our churches can respond.

This recommendation is based on formal action of
the General Council on Ministries in session on April 25,
1995. In the opinion of the General Council on Minis-
tries, this request represents the minimum funding re-
quirements of the general program agencies of the
church for the next quadrennium through the World
Service Fund.

Representatives of the General Council on Minis-
tries, together with representatives of the general pro-
gram agencies, stand ready to provide further
information to or answer questions from GCFA as it
responds to this important recommendation on behalf
of the basic program of the denomination."

Decision by GCFA

The General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion received the above recommendation from GCOM.
GCFA considered the request and recommended that
$183,502,000 be established and communicated to the
GCOM for "the total sum proposed for distribution from
the World Service Fund among the general program
agencies" (under ^ 906.162). This action was received
by GCOM who then proceeded to recommend alloca-
tion of that total among the program agencies of the
denomination. Appeals from some agencies to the sug-
gested allocations were received and considered by
committees of both Councils. Minor adjustments were
made. The specific recommendations appear in GCOM
Report No.41 which immediately follows this report.

Report No. 41

Petition Number: 21715-GJ-NonDis-O; GCOM

Recommendation to The General

Council on Finance And Administration

Regarding The Amount of The World

Service Fund Allocation to Each of The

General Program Agencies For The

1997-2000 Quadrennium

Background and Mandate

The Book of Discipline, 1992 prescribes several steps
to be taken by the General Council on Ministries in

developing its recommendation to the General Council
on Finance and Administration for the allocation of the
World Service Fund to the general program-related
agencies. Specifically, ^ 1006.2 provides in pertinent
part of the following:

"2. To take the following action, in sequence, with
respect to recommendations to the General Council on
Finance and Administration for the allocation of World
Service funds to general program agencies:

a) The General Council on Ministries shall, in con-
sultation with the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration and the general program agencies, develop
recommendations to the General Council on Finance and
Administration on needs of the general program agencies
for the programs, missional priorities, and special pro-
grams.

b) The General Council on Ministries shall receive
the recommendation the General Council on Finance and
Administration proposes to make to the General Confer-
ence as to that portion of the total World Service budget to
be available for distribution among the general program
agencies.

c) The General Council on Ministries, after reviewing
both the program priorities and the total funds available
to the general program agencies, shall recommend to the
General Council on Finance and Administration the
amount of the annual World Service allocation to each of
those agencies, within the total sum proposed by the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration for distribu-
tion among such agencies. "

Process and Implementation

A careful process was followed by both Councils
(GCOM and GCFA) in responding to their respective
mandates. This is detailed in GCOM Report No. 40
immediately above.

At its May 1995 meeting, the General Council on
Finance and Administration recommended that
$183,502,000 be available from the World Service Fund
in the 1997-2000 quadrennium for distribution among
the seven program-related agencies. The agencies were
asked to provide additional data and new information
concerning their program and budget requests.

In September 1995, the Program Budget Commit-
tee of the General Council on Ministries recommended
the World Service Fund allocation for each of the gen-
eral program-related agencies. GCOM and GCFA Com-
mittees then met together, discussed the recommenda-
tions, and developed final recommendations. Each gen-
eral program agency was notified of this information in
time for their annual meetings in September and Octo-
ber 1995.

Opportunity was provided for any agency to make
an appeal concerning these recommendations. The

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681

General Boards of Discipleship and Higher Education
and Ministry and the General Commission on Religion
and Race appealed their proposed allocations, and hear-
ings were conducted on November 28, 1995. GCOM
consulted with the GCFA task force and then approved
the following allocations to the program related agen-
cies of the World Service Fund for the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium:
General Board of Church and Society $9,968,000

General Board of Discipleship $28,734,000

General Board of Global Ministries $106,948,000

General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry $21,381,000

GBHEM HANA Scholarships $2,200,000

General Commission on Christian Unity
andlnter-Religious Concerns $3,847,000

General Commission on Religion

and Race $3,458,000

GCORR Minority Group

Self-Determination Fund $4,595,000

General Commission on Status

and Role of Women $2.371.000

Total $183,502,000

The General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion had advised GCOM that it did not expect to recom-
mend continuation of the Mission Initiatives Fund.
GCOM approved that support for ministries funded
during the 1993-96 quadrennium through the Mission

Initiatives Fund be continued during the 1997-2000
quadrennium through the World Service Fund. The
Council approved the above allocations with the under-
standing that within the general agency World Service
allocations the following ministries be provided: (1) Na-
tional Plan for Hispanic Ministries — the General Board
of Church and Society, $375,000; the General Board of
Discipleship, $375,000; the General Board of Global
Ministries, $1,675,000; the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, $375,000; (2) Native American
Comprehensive Plan; the General Board of Global Min-
istries, $1,075,000; (3) Committee on Older Adult Min-
istries— ^within the General Board of Discipleship World
Service allocation; (4) Deaf Ministries — within the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries World Service allocation;
(5) Substance Abuse and Related Violence — ^within the
General Board of Global Ministries World Service allo-
cation.

This decision was transmitted to the General Coun-
cil on Finance and Administration meeting in concur-
rent session in Indianapolis, Indiana. The specific detail
of these actions are contained in Appendices I and II
attached to this Report

Conclusion

Both of the Administrative Councils have agreed
with each other concerning the allocation to the several
general agencies for inclusion in the World Service
Fund for the 1997-2000 quadrennium as required in ^
1006.2(d) of TJte Book of Discipline. 1992.

Appendix I
1997-2000 Annual World Service Allocation to Program Agencies

Program Agencies 1997

Bd. of Church and Society $2,485,000

Board of Discipleship 7,178,000

Board of Global Ministries 26,100,000

Board of Higher Education

and Ministry 5,335,000

HANA Scholarships 550,000

Commission on Christian Unity

& Interreligious Concerns 940,000

Comm. on Religion and Race 852,000

GCORR Minority Group Self-
Determination Fund 1,148,000

Comm. on Status and Role

of Women 574,000

1998

5,335,000
550,000

950.000
852,000

1,148,000

584,000

1999

5,344,000
550,000

969,000
871,000

1,149,000

598.000

2000

$2,485,000 $2,488,000 $2,510,000

7,178,000 7,183,000 7,195,000

26,115,000 26,975,000 27,758,000

5,367,000
550,000

988,000
883,000

1,150,000

615.000

Total for Prog. Agencies $45,162,000 $45,197,000 $46,127,000 $47,016,000

Total

^ 1997-2000
Quadrennitun

$9,968,000

28,734,000

106,948,000

21,381,000
2,200,000

3,540,000
3,458,000

4,595,000

2.371.000
$183,502,000

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Appendix II

1997 - 2000 Quadrennial Comparison of World Service Allocations
to Program Agencies

General Agency

*93-'96 Approved

World Service &

Mission Init Funds

1997-2000 World

Service Fund

Allocations

Percent of Change
'93-96 Approved to
'97-2000 Allocations

General Board of
Church and Society

$9,595,000

$9,968,000

3.9%

General Board of
Discipleship

$27,386,000

$28,734,000

4.9%

General Board of Global
Ministries

$100,728,000

$106,948,000

6.2%

General Board of
Higher Education and
Ministry

$20,256,000

$21,381,000

5.6%

GBHEM HANA
Scholarship

$2,200,000

$2,200,000

0.%

General Commission on
Christian Unity &
Interreligious Concerns

$3,540,000

$3,847,000

8.7%

General Commission on
Religion and Race

$3,202,000

$3,458,000

8.0%

CORR Minority Group
Self-Determination Fund

$4,595,000

$4,595,000

0.%

General Commission on
Status and Role of
Women

$2,146,000

$2,371,000

10.5%

TOTALS

$173,648,000

$183,502,000

5.7%

Report No. 42

Petition Number: 21716-GM-NonDis-O; GCOM

Report on Mission And Aging
in a Global Population

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved Calendar
Item 992, page 356 of the Daily Christian Advocate which
called the church "...to respond to a rapidly expanding
number of older persons throughout the world." This ac-
tion asked local churches, annual conferences, general
agencies, and episcopal leaders to be involved in spe-
cific ways in response to this significant need for minis-

try. The 1992 General Conference did not , however,
assign the implementation of this calendar item to an
agency. Consequently, the General Council on Minis-
tries, through its role as reflected in ^ 1006.11(a), re-
ferred this assignment to the General Board of
Discipleship. GCOM also based this decision on the fact
that the primary responsibility for older adult ministries
within the church was referred to the General Board of
Discipleship through the Committee on Older Adult
Ministries established by the 1992 General Conference.
As provided by this action, GCOM named one Council
member and a staff person to the Committee on Older
Adult Ministries.

Information concerning the work of the General
Board of Discipleship in response to this assignment can
be obtained directly from this board.

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Report of the

Site Selection Task Force

for the

General Board of Global Ministries

to the

1996 General Conference

Petition Number: 20540-GJ-NonDis-O

I. Authorization and Assignment.

The work of this task force is an extension of work
begun during the 1989-1992 quadrennium. The 1988
General Conference authorized the establishment of a
Task Force to Study the Feasibility of Relocating the
General Board of Global Ministries. That task force
reported to the 1992 General Conference its judgment that
such relocation was feasible, and it also reported a series
of recommendations to effect such a relocation.

That report and its recommendations were considered
by the Legislative Committee on Financial
Administration, which submitted an amended set of
recommendations for action by the 1992 General
Conference. Following additional amendments from the
floor, the General Conference adopted the following, by a
final vote of 485470:

"1. That the 1992 General Conference approve the
conclusion that it is feasible to move the GBGM from
its current location at 475 Riverside Drive, New York
City.

"2. That the 1992 General Conference direct that the
GBGM headquarters be moved from New York City.

"3. That the 1992 General Conference establish a Site
Selection Task Force which shall select a new site for
the GBGM headquarters. This Task Force shall
consist of thirteen persons, including at least one
youth, three selected by the Council of Bishops from
the present Task Force to Study the Feasibility of
Relocating GBGM, three from GBGM, two from
GCOM, two from GCFA selected respectively by the
agencies, and three representing the Central
Conferences, selected by the Central Conference
bishops. Inclusive representation on this task force
shall be assured by consultation among the Council
of Bishops, GCOM, and GCFA. The Task Force shall
make a full report to the 1996 General Conference.

A Relocation Coordinator may be employed by the
Site Selection Task Force to assist m the relocation
process and to participate in the site selection. The
costs related to this position shall be authorized by
the General Conference to be advanced against the
relocation cost The Relocation Coordinator shall be
an ex-officio member of the Task Force without vote.

"4. The Site Selection Task Force is to recommend to the
1996 General Conference a site, plans for such a
location, and all funding sources and aspects.

"5. That the 1992 General Conference receive this report
and dismiss this task force."

Upon adoption, the report was referred to GCFA for
recommendations related to the funding of the Task
Force, in accordance with the General Conference Plan of
Organization. The General Conference subsequently
approved a GCFA recommendation "that the expenses of
the task force described in the report, up to $300,000 for
the quadrennium, be paid from the contingency reserve
of the General Administration Fund, on a budget
approved by GCFA. Travel costs for members of the task
force selected by GBGM GCOM and GCFA shall be paid
from their budgets. On request of the task force, GCFA
and/or GCOM shall provide staff services."

n. Membership, Organization, Meetings,
and Budget.

The membership of the task force, along with each
member's annual conference affiliation and membership
category, is listed below:

Frances Alguire--West Michigan, 1988-1992 task force

member
Inelle Bagwell -Northwest Texas, GBGM member
John Carrington-New York, 1988-1992 task force member
Hero F. David -Den mark. Central Conference
Cashar W. Evans-North Carohna, GCFA member
Balbino Gatdula, Jr.-Philippines, Central Conference
Clelia Hendrix- -South Carolina, GCOM member
Jonathan Keaton- Northern Illinois, GCOM member
Francisco de Casfro Maria-Western Angola, Central

Conference, youth
Donald E. Messer-Rocky Mountain, GBGM member
F. Herbert Skeete-Boston Area, GBGM member
Virgilio Vazquez-Garza-Southwest Texas, GCFA member
Ralph W. Zimmer- Yellowstone, 1988-1992 task force

member

The task force held meetings as follows:

August 9-10, 1993, Covington, KY (Cincinnati Airport)
November 15-17, 1993, New York, NY
March 3-4, 1994, Indianapolis, IN
May 12-13, 1994, Rosemont, IL
August 8-9, 1994, Denver, CO

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November 14-15, 1994, East Elmhurst, NY
Febmary 27-28, 1995, East Elmhurst, NY
May 11, 1995, Boston, MA
July 6-7, 1995, New York, NY
September 22, 1995, Reston, VA

In addition, during the weeks of December 11-17, 1994,
and January 9-14, 1995, the full task force visited five
cities it had selected for final consideration, and four
business sessions were held during those weeks.

The task force elected Dr. Donald Messer as its Chair,
Dr. John Carrington as its Vice-chair, and Mrs. Clelia
Hendrix as its secretary.

As authorized by the General Conference, the task
force requested and was provided staff services from the
GCOM and the GCFA Those providing staff services
were: C. David Lundquist (GCOM) and Clifford Droke,
Roger Kruse, and John Schreiber (GCFA). Randolph
Nugent, GBGM general secretary, and Steve Brimigion,
GBGM treasurer, were invited to meet regularly with the
task force.

After evaluating the scope of the assignment, the task
force requested and GCFA approved the expenditure of
up to an additional $100,000 from contingency funds for
its work. A report on actual expenditures will be shared
with members of the General Conference at a later time.
In addition to the amounts that will be included in that
report, travel expenses of task force members named by
GBGM, GCFA and GCOM were paid by those agencies,
as were the costs of staff services to the task force.

in. Approach to Assignment.

At its first meeting, the task force reached agreement
on several issues related to the nature of its assignment

1. That the General Conference was clear in its directive
that New York City not be considered by this task
force as an option for the GBGM headquarters
location.

2. That data regarding space needs, number of staff,
and costs of staying in New York would be needed
for purposes of comparison with the task force's
eventual site recommendation.

3. That it would make a complete recommendation to
General Conference, including both a city/metropolitan
area and a specific property.

It also reached decisions related to its mode of
operation and the process it would follow in carrying out
its assignment

1. As authorized by the General Conference, it would
seek and utilize the services of a Site Selection
Consultant Accordingly, a Request for Proposal was
developed and widely distributed.

2. It would invite and consider input from GBGM as to
location and facilities factors which impact its ability

to carry out its missioa The board president and
general secretary would be responsible for deciding
what information of this kind should be shared, and
for seeing that the information was prepared and
presented to the task force.

3. The task force would, fi-om time to time, assign
specific aspects of its overall task to subcommittees
of its members. Subcommittees would function until
the assigned task was completed, but final decisions
in all matters would be reserved to the full task force.

4. The task force would do its work based on the
assumption that GBGM missional efforts should not
be reduced as a result of the move, that resources for
mission should be enhanced, and that funding for the
move should be recommended in a way that would
not impact missional resources negatively.

5. The task force adopted specific written policies
governing such matters as communication with
outside parties, internal operating procedures, and
conflicts of interest

IV. Implementation of Process Decisions.

The task force next proceeded to implement initial
decisions defining how it would do its work. Chief among
those were the choosing of a site selection consultant and
gaining an understanding of space, site, and location
needs related to the mission and ongoing operation of
GBGM.

Site Selection Consultant

The task force received twenty-three proposals in
response to its RFP. Two were judged not to have met
the specifications set forth in the RFP and were therefore
eliminated from consideration. The remaining twenty-one
were reviewed by a subcommittee created for that
purpose; the subcommittee recommended four to be
interviewed by the full task force.

Interviews with the four finalists were conducted in
accordance with a format set by the task force and
designed to elicit comparable information from each.
Following the interviews the task force identified its first
and second choices, named a negotiating team, and
authorized negotiations on the terms of a contract with its
first choice.

Following successful negotiations, the task force
entered into an agreement with the firm of Cushman &
Wakefield, Inc., which had been its first choice, to serve
as site selection consultants through the remainder of its
work.

Initial Identification of Space Needs and
Location Criteria

Early in its work the task force received input from
a number of sources regarding space needed by GBGM
in a headquarters facility and location and site attributes

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685

which would best facilitate the Board's work in fulfilling
its mission. Among the sources from which information
was taken were lists in previous task forces' reports to
the 1980 and 1992 General Conferences, a list prepared
during a small-group "brainstorming" session by this task
force at its first meeting, suggested location and site
features included in proposals from prospective site
selection consultants, and input from GBGM sources
(members and staff).

Based on information from all of these sources, the
task force developed a working list of community criteria
and site/building criteria. The criteria listed were as
follows:

Community Criteria:

1. An inclusive, cosmopolitan community affording
access to a pool of competent workers who are multi-
racial, multi-cultural, and international in background,
with a variety of language skills other than English.

2. A community which offers a variety of cultural
opportunities and atfractions.

3. Good affordable housing of various kinds
(apartments, houses, etc.) for general and executive
staff, in neighborhoods that are racially and culturally
inclusive and economically integrated.

4. A good public educational system.

5. Access to a variety of good higher education
opportunities.

6. A good public fransportation system.

7. Good health care and medical facilities.

8. Good environmental quality.

9. A community which is attractive in ways which will
facilitate the retention of key employees and
recruiting of new staff.

10. Low cost of living.

11. A favorable state and local tax climate for not-for-
profit organizations and staff.

12. A community wiUing to offer attractive municipal and
state incentives for the Board and its employees.

13. An international airport with convenient accessibility
to flights to a wide variety of international
destinations, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin
America

14. A commimity with a large base of United Methodist
members and strong local churches.

15. A community and location which offer a positive
image that is compatible with the mission of the
Board and The United Methodist Church,

16. Access to communication and media centers.

17. Access to appropriate and economical meeting
facilities for groups of various sizes.

18. Access to air transportation at reasonable fare costs.

19. Access to consular offices, both to facilitate securing
needed travel documents and for communication with
governments.

20. International banking facilities.

21. Proximity to centers of mission.

22. Location which will facilitate ecumenical and
interfaith contacts and interaction.

23. Location which allows interactions with non-
governmental agencies and entities active in areas
related to the work of the Board.

24. Availability of low-cost residence, meeting space for
visitors.

25. Access to low-cost recreational and wellness facilities
for staff.

26. Access to academic and research facilities.

27. Provision for access to and/or communication with
cargo shipping facilities.

28. Access to pool of persons with a variety of
professional/technical expertise for use as consultants.

29. Employment opportunities for spouses, family
members.

Site/Building Criteria:

1. Workspace at least equivalent in size to present space
(approximately 120,000 sq. ft exclusive of chapel,
cafeteria, elevator, heating/cooling systems, library);
the Board has developed a detailed schedule of office,
work, meeting, and storage space needs for regular,
ongoing operations.

2. Cost effectiveness of facilities, whether owned or
leased, existing or built to suit.

3. 24-hour access, with attention to security issues.

4. A site accessible by public transportation.

5. Site and building fully accessible to all persons.

6. Building which meets structural requirements for
certain kinds of specialized equipment specified by
the Board.

7. Specialized facilities needed in the work of the board,
such as audio/video studios.

8. Space which meets speciahzed cooling and other
requirements for computer installation.

9. Fully wired/cabled for computer network and
communications needs.

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10. Parking facilities.

These lists were shared with the site selection consultants
and served as a reference point for the task force in later
stages of its work.

Other Procedural Decisions

The task force also made two other decisions which
affected how it would do its work

1. A subcommittee was established to gather data on all
aspects of the costs associated with relocating the
Board's headquarters, including both one-time costs
(such as moving the GBGM offices, costs associated
with relocating or terminating existing staff,
transitional costs associated with maintaining
operations during the moving process, and costs of
hiring and training new staff in a new location) and
ongoing operating costs in a new location as
compared with those in the present headquarters
locatioa

2. It was recognized that GBGM itself bears primary
responsibility for the development of personnel-related
policies governing the compensation and benefits for
staff who would relocate or terminate in connection
with the relocation, and that, according to The Book
of DisdpUne, the General Council on Finance and
Administration has responsibihty for approving such
policies. The task force therefore determined that it
would receive information about those policies from
GBGM and GCFA, and that the cost estimates to be
reported to General Conference would be based on
those policies, but that it would not as a task force
take action either to approve or disapprove them.

V. City Selection Process.

Development of "Long List" of Cities

Having achieved a level of clarity and consensus
regarding its assignment and a process it would follow,
the task force next addressed the first critical decision-
the selection of the cityfies) which would best meet the
criteria for the general location of GBGM headquarters.
The task force understood "city" to refer to an entire
Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area ^MSA) as defined
by the U. S. Bureau of the Census.

Initial disciission centered around the task of defining
which criteria a city must meet in order to receive
consideration. AirUne access and cosmopolitan population
emerged as key criteria.

Airline access was defined generally as convenient
service to and fi-om key destinations, both domestic and
international Since travel involving international
destinations is a significant factor in the Board's work,
some level of direct international air service was
determined to be essential. Also, since the work of the
Board involves regular travel of persons from outside the
U. S. to its headquarters, international airport facilities

(customs service, currency exchange facilities, non-English
signage) were also viewed as important Finally, since
much time, energy, and expense is involved if every trip
must begin or end with a flight to another hub or
international airport, nonstop service to and fi-om a
significant number of key destinations was also seen as
a requirement

Cosmopolitan population was defined as
including both a significant number and percentage of
racial/ethnic and international persons and a population
mix in which persons from a variety of such backgrounds
were represented.

Data revealed that, in general, no SMSA with less
than one million population would meet the criteria for air
transportation service and facilities, and that of 41
SMSA's with a population of a million or more, not all
offered any level of international air service. Based on
that information, it was decided that the existence of
international flights and an SMSA population of 1,000,000
or more would be the criteria for inclusion on a "long
list" of cities to be considered. It was also agreed that
cities which did not meet these two criteria could be
added to the "long list" if they could present persuasive
evidence of having the kind of "airUne access" and
"cosmopolitan population" characteristics needed.

Twenty-three cities were listed as initially appearing
to meet the two basic criteria;

Atianta

Houston

Philadelphia

Boston

Los Angeles

Pittsburgh

Charlotte

Miami

Portiand, OR

Chicago

Minneapolis

San Francisco

Cincinnati

- St Paul

Seattle

Dallas-Ft Wortii

Nashville

St Louis

Denver

New Orleans

Tampa

Detroit

Orlando

Washington

This decision was communicated immediately to all
members of the Council of Bishops, to the economic
development offices of the cities/metropolitan areas
included on the list, and, through the church press, to the
church at large.

Identification of Criteria

With the assistance of its consultants, the task force
engaged in an extensive discussion of criteria against
which each of the cities included on the "long list" would
be evaluated. As a result of the discussion criteria were
listed and grouped in seven major categories as follows:

1 . Population

• Population size

• Population growth

• Household income

• Ethnic mix (with more detail on specific
racial/ethnic groups)

• United Methodist Church membership

• Immigrant population

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687

2. Labor force

• Working age population

• Unemployment rate

• Percent of population with a minimum of high
school education

• Percent of population with a miiumum of a
college education

• Percent of labor force; professional

• Multi- lingual population

• Business diversification

3. Costs-Business

• Real estate

• Corporate taxes

• Travel

• Relocation and severance

4. Operating Environment

Non-governmental organizations (NGO's)

Communications and media

Consular offices

International banks

Church and ecumenical groups

Philanthropic organizations

Women and persons of color in leadership

positions

Meeting facilities

Incentive programs/comparative offerings

Availability of consultants

Income level of population

Businesses coming into the area

Business growth

Community image Cinformation only)

5. Quality of Life-Personal Costs

• Affordable housing

• Cost of bving

• Personal income tax

• Sales and use tax

• Property taxes

6. Quality of Life""Soft" Issues

Diversity of United Methodist churches

Cultural amenities

Day care facilities

Public education

Colleges and universities/seminaries

Health care

Climatological data/environment

Recreation

Academic and research facilities

Crime

Human rights legislation

Municipal services

7. Transportation

• Air service

Domestic

International
Key destinations
Multiple carriers

• Public transportation

• Air travel times

• Access to cargo shipping facilities

• Highway congestion

• Average commute time

These criteria were understood by the task force as
a tool to be used in narrowing the list of cities to a
smaller number for final consideration. Objective
measures representing each would be identified, making
it possible to rank each city on the "long list" on
individual criteria or on groups of criteria. The task force
would then be able to assign weights to the various
criteria, so that those deemed more important could have
a greater impact on the overall rankings.

Throughout this process, the task force understood
that this was only one of the tools it would be using in
its decision -making. Its purpose was to provide one
comparatively objective way of viewing the relative
merits of the metropolitan areas under consideration, but
task force members remained free to take other
considerations into account when the time came to focus
on a shorter list of cities.

Application of Criteria

In the next step in its process, the task force
considered proposals from its consultants both as to what
kinds of data would constitute appropriate measures for
each of the criteria which had been listed and how the
data should be scored. Task force members revised the
proposals at a number of points, to insure that the data
collected and how it was evaluated would reflect their
understanding of what was significant about a
community as a place in which and from which GBGM
could best fulfill its mission.

Data was then collected, and each city on the task
force's "long list" was assigned a score on each of the
task force's criteria. Based on these scores and the
relative weight of the criteria, each city was then ranked,
both with an overall ranking and with separate rankings
in each of the seven major categories of criteria. As the
data and the resulting rankings were examined by the
task force, alternate weightings of the criteria were
suggested and applied, enabling the task force to see how
various assumptions about priorities would affect the
results.

Again it was stressed that these rankings and the
data which underlay them were not to be treated as
determining the task force's decisions, but were to be
viewed as one piece of information that might be
considered by its members as they considered the choices
to be made. With that understanding the task force
proceeded to discuss and list strengths and weaknesses
of a number of the cities.

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Following those discussions, it was agreed that the
list would be progressively narrowed by means of a
series of written ballots, with opportunity for additional
discussion after the result of each ballot was announced.
In the course of this process, the task force determined
that it would, at this stage, narrow the list of
metropolitan areas to remain under consideration to five.
The five chosen, in alphabetical sequence, were Atlanta,
Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Washington, D.C.

This decision, like the earlier decision on the "long
list" of cities, was communicated immediately to all
bishops and to the appropriate economic development
offices, and a press release was prepared for general
distributioa

VI. Site Selection Process.

With the list of metropolitan areas under
consideration reduced to five, the task force embarked on
the process which would lead to the identification of a
specific site in a specific location. This process included
visits to the five prospective metropolitan areas, a
narrowing of the list to a final two cities, and
consideration of specific sites in each of those final two.

City Visits

All task force members visited all five of the "short
list" cities. In preparation for the visits, each member,
along with selected staff who had been working with the
task force, was assigned to a subcommittee which would
focus on a specific area of interest during each city visit
The five subcommittees were commercial real estate,
cultural and recreational facilities, education, residential
real estate, and transportation. Each subcommittee
prepared for the city visits by reviewing the criteria
which had been identified earlier in the city selection
process and preparing questions to elicit information
related to those criteria.

Before the visits began. United Methodist leadership
and economic development officials in each city were
contacted. Dates of the proposed visits were confirmed,
and a list of written questions was shared. These
questions were prepared by the task force and its
consultants and staff to elicit specific kinds of
information, both in general presentations to the fiill task
force and in specific presentations to the five
subcommittees. With that information in hand, the church
and economic development representatives in each city
were free to structure the task force's time during the
visit in whatever way they felt would best present the
information requested and the advantages the
metropolitan area would offer as a GBGM headquarters
location.

Atlanta, Dallas, and Denver were visited during the
week of December 11-17, 1994, and Chicago and
Washington were visited during the week of January 9-14,
1995. In each place, a number of well-qualified hosts and
presenters had been selected to assist the task force in

assessing the qualities and opportunities offered by the
community in general and by the United Methodist
Church community in particular. Each subcommittee had
the opportimity to visit specific areas and/or facilities
related to its assignment and to visit with persons who
could provide an orientation to available resources.

Choice of Finalist Cities

At its next meeting after the city visits, task force
members spent extensive time sharing information and
impressions about each of the cities. Subcommittee
participants took primary responsibibty for comments
and observations related to their specific areas of
expertise. In addition, all task force members shared
observations in two additional areas: church support and
overall impressions.

Following the discussion, the task force agreed to
narrow its focus to two metropolitan areas, and to choose
the two areas by means of a series of secret ballots. A
city would have to receive the votes of a majority of task
force members to be chosen. As a result of this process,
Chicago and Washington (in alphabetic sequence) were
chosen as the metropolitan areas in which a specific site
would be sought The choices were affirmed unanimously.

Building Requirements

Concurrent with the process for establishing criteria
by which to evaluate and choose among metropolitan
areas as locations for GBGM headquarters, the task force
had also engaged in the task of defining requirements for
the specific facility which would serve as a headquarters
building. Early in its work it had prepared a working
document listing, in general terms, both community
criteria and site/building criteria (see section IV, above).
With those general considerations as background,
consultants studied in detail the existing space occupied
by GBGM and interviewed GBGM officers and senior
staff regarding anticipated space and facility needs.

A detailed "Facility Requirements Report" was then
prepared for consideration by the task force. Following
careful task force review and revision, it was adopted and
became the benchmark for judging the adequacy of
existing facilities offered for consideration, as well as the
basis for communicating what would be required in a
build-to-suit facility.

Consideration of Specific Sites

Having decided to focus on the Chicago and
Washington metropolitan areas, the task force approved
the appointment of a subcommittee to investigate specific
sites which might be available in those two areas. The
subcommittee visited a number of potential sites in each
area. Based on information gathered in those visits,
requests for proposals were submitted to developers or
owners of seven properties in the Washington area and
four in the Chicago area.

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689

Eight responses were received, five from northern
Virginia, and three from Chicago. The frill task force
reviewed summaries of those proposals and selected four
(two in each area) to remain under consideration, subject
to the condition that an equity (ownership) option was
available in them. The two Chicago properties were
subsequently dropped from consideration, one because no
equity option could be made available, and the other
because it was larger than needed and no partial
ownership option could be negotiated.

The subcommittee then visited and heard detailed
presentations on the two remaining properties in
northern Virginia. Based on its careful examination of the
site and the presentation, the subcommittee recommended
that the full task force hear the presentation from the
developer and other representatives of a site in the Reston
Town Centre District in Reston, Virginia.

In a meeting held July 6, 1995, the task force agreed,
and representatives of the Reston community, the site
developers, and others related to the project presented a
build-to-suit proposal for the Reston site. Following an
extensive question and answer period and intensive
discussion, the task force voted unanimously to
recommend the Reston proposal to the 1996 General
Conference.

Vn. Relocation Costs.

Cost Estimates

The task force estimates that costs related to the
headquarters relocation will total approximately
$42,(X)0,0(X). Major expense categories and the estimated
amount required for each are shown below, followed by
explanatory notes.

1. Personnel-related Costs (see note 1) $13,773,000

2. Land Acquisition 2,419,000

3. Office Building and Parking Structure 15,957,000

4. Other Developer's Costs (see note 2) 5,652,000

5. Additional Tenant's Costs (see note 3) 4,052,000

Total $41,853,000

Where appropriate, contracts for items such as land
acquisition and building development have been
negotiated and placed in escrow, conditional on General
Conference action. The contracts violl be implemented
only after General Conference approves relocation to the
recommended site.

Explanatory Notes:

1. Personnel-related Costs. Costs in this category
are based on group move policies developed with the
assistance of consultants experienced in the field of
organizational relocation. The policies were developed to
be comparable vrith similar policies used by other
organizations, including not-for-profits and other
denominations, in connection with headquarters
relocations. They were originally developed by GBGM,
reviewed by GCFA, and then were further developed by
representatives of GBGM, GCFA, and its Personnel

Policies and Practices Committee. They were then
approved by GBGM and GCFA. Major cost subcategories
are: Relocation Assistance ($6,981,000); Attrition Manage-
ment Program ($5,660,000); Professional Services
/Management (500,000); and Contingency ($632,000).

Programs in the Relocation Assistance category assist
current staff moving to the new location. Items such as
home search and purchase assistance, a home sale
assistance program, household goods moving, renter
assistance, area familiarization trips, and temporary living
expense assistance account for most of the estimated cost
Programs in the Atfrition Management category assist
staff who do not relocate or who must be recruited and
trained in the new location. This category includes items
such as: separation pay; a stay bonus program (to
encourage employees to remain with the board in the old
location through the transition period); recruiting and
training of new staff in the new location; costs of
relocating newly recruited staff to the new location; costs
of relocating exiting staff to the areas in which they
served prior to their GBGM service; dual employment
expenses, to ensure that necessary functions are covered
during the transition period from one location to the
other; and other outplacement and employee assistance
programs.

2. Other Developer Costs. This category includes
such items as fees for architects and engineers, legal fees,
construction financing costs, real estate fees, insurance
costs, and contingencies.

3. Additional Tenant's Costs. This category
includes furniture, technical equipment, special
consultants, moving costs, and the cost of restoring space
presently occupied by GBGM to its original condition.

Cost- related Issues

1. Time Log. Because of the fact that there is a period
of more than a year between the time when this report is
being prepared and the time when these costs will begin
to be incurred, it is important to sfress that these are
estimates based on the best information available to the
task force as of September, 1995. If new information
significantly alters these amounts, revised cost estimates
will be reported in the first edition of the Daily Christian
Advocate distributed at the beginning of the General
Conference.

2. Source of Funds. Since no funds or funding sources
are presently available from which this amount can be
advanced, and since operating expense savings in a new
location can only begin to accrue after the move is
completed, it is assumed that funds wiU need to be
borrowed to meet these costs, with repayment to be made
over a period of years. Depending on interest rates at the
time the funds are borrowed and the rate of receipts on
apportionments, and after allowing for estimated
operating expense savings of approximately $850,000
annually after relocation, an annual amount of $4,935,000
would be needed from apportioned general church funds
during the next fifteen years.

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DCA Advance Edition

Several possible sources from which funds might be
borrowed for this purpose have been considered,
including bank financing and various forms of bond
financing. The possibility of Industrial Revenue Bond
financing was examined; this option was rejected because,
in the opinion of legal counsel, the religious nature of
GBGM raised both federal and state constitutional issues.
The task force believes that the source from which funds
are to be borrowed and the terms and conditions of such
borrowing are matters best determined when the funds
are needed, based on conditions prevailing thea

The task force has communicated its cost estimate to
the General Council on Finance and Administration
(GCFA) and has requested that GCFA bring a
recommendation as to a specific apportioned funding
source following adoption of this report

Vin. Recommendations.

"The Site Selection Task Force is to recommend to the
1996 General Conference a site, plans for such a locatioa
and all funding sources and aspects" (1992 General
Conference action).

The task force unanimously presents the following
recommendations for action by the 1996 General
Conference:

Headquarters Site, General Board of Global
Ministries

1. That the headquarters site for the General Board of
Global Ministries be a parcel of land known as Block 4,
Section 93, Reston, located in the Centreville District
Fairfax County, Virginia. It is approximately 6.196 acres
of undeveloped land. Title is currently held by the Reston
Land Corporation, which will convey a general warranty
deed, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, subject
to the restrictions of the Reston Town Center Industrial
and standard easements and rights-of-way.

2. That GBGM be authorized to have headquarters
facilities constructed on this site, in general conformity
with the specifications set forth in the "Site/Building
Criteria" listed in Section IV of this report

Relocation Costs and Funding Sources

3. That the General Conference endorse the principle
that the ongoing missional work of the church through
GBGM be continued, and that costs related to the
headquarters relocation are not to be paid from or impact
negatively funds intended to support that work.

4. That the incremental expenses of relocating the
GBGM headquarters be paid from apportioned general
fund receipts, with the amount of apportioned funding
and the manner in which it will be apportioned to be
recommended by GCFA and approved by the 1996
General Conference. The term "incremental expenses"
refers to those costs which would not be incurred if
GBGM were to continue operating fi^om its present
headquarters location and which, after the relocation,

cannot be recovered in the form of operating cost savings
in its new location. (The task force estimate of the
apportioned amount needed to finance these costs is
$4,935,000 per year for fifteen years.)

5. That GBGM be authorized to borrow funds needed
to meet relocation-related costs, with the source(s) and
terms of such borrowing to be recommended by GBGM
and approved by GCFA. (The task force estimate of the
total cost of relocation is $41,853,000, plus interest costs
on borrowed funds).

6. That apportioned fund receipts allocated for
relocation costs be disbursed to GBGM, and that GBGM
be authorized to use such receipts for the sole purpose of
meeting relocation-related costs and for payments of
principal and interest on any indebtedness mcurred for
this purpose. GBGM shall be responsible for reporting to
GCFA on the expenditiire of these funds at least
annually, in a format determined by GCFA.

Timing and Administration of the Headquarters
Relocation

7. That, upon approval of this report, responsibility
for carrying out the action of the General Conference be
assigned to GBGM, and that GBGM have full authority
to enter into such contracts and agreements as it deems
necessary and appropriate to effect the relocation of its
headquarters, subject only to the foOowing restrictions:

• All such contracts and agreements shall be
reported to GCFA, which shall have authority to
ensure that they are in compliance with the action
of the General Conference and relevant
requirements of The Book of Discipline.

• Reimbursement to GBGM for relocation-related
expenses shall be limited to the amount of the
receipts on the apportioned amount authorized by
the General Conference for this purpose. In the
event of unforeseen circumstances, GCFA shall be
authorized to grant additional amounts from
appropriate funds.

8. That GBGM be encouraged to complete its
headquarters relocation by January, 1998, or as soon
thereafter as feasible, and that GBGM report to the
GCOM and the GCFA at such intervals as may be
mutually agreeable, on progress toward this goal and on
any events or circumstances which may affect GBGM's
ability to meet it Since relocation to the recommended
site requires construction of a headquarters facihty, it is
not possible to predict precisely when that facility will be
ready for occupancy. (Based on information now
available, the task force believes that early 1998 is a
reasonable goal but it also understands that unforeseen
circumstances and events could affect the Board's ability
to meet such a goal.)

9. That upon completion of General Conference action
on this report this Site Selection Task Force be
dismissed.

General and Judicial Administration

691

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

14.

Petition Number: 20071-GJ-4-C;GSW.

Inclusiveness of the Church
Amend the second sentence of ^ 4:

Article IV— Therefore all persons, without regard to
sex, race, color, national origin, or economic condition...

Petition Number: 20965-GJ4-C;TEX.

Inclusiveness of the Church
Add new text at the end of ^ 4:

Delegates elected to the General Conference
and nominees elected to serve on all the commit-
tees, boards, and agencies of The United Method-
ist Church shall be made without regard to race,
color, national origin, or economic condition, and
shall be in direct proportion to the membership of
the Annual Conference as prescribed in ^14, and
shall reflect the composition of the membership of
the Annual Conference.

^274.

Petition Number: 21633-GJ-274-D; GCOM.
Special Sundays
Amend the second sentence of \ 274:

The special Sundays are placed on the calendar m
the context of the Christian year, which is designed to
make clear the calling of the Church...

^275.

Petition Number: 20607-GJ-275-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend % 275:

Purpose. — ^The purpose of the churchwide offer-
ings...after consultation with the Council of Bishops aft4
the General Council on Miniatrica.

1. [Fourth sentence] ...upon recommendation of the
General Council on Finance and Administration after
consultation with the General Council on Ministries
Council of Bishops.

^275.

Petition Number: 21634-GJ-275-D; GCOM.

General Provisions Regarding Churchwide Special
Sundays With Offerings
Amend \ 275:

Six special churchwide Sundays with provide for
churchwide offerings shall be celebrated in each
United Methodist Church to express our commit-

Purpose. — ^The purpose of the churchwide offer-
ings...The purpose of these funds shall remain constant
for the quadrenniumr, and the net receipts shall be
distributed on ratio to the administering agencies
by the treasurer of the General Council on Finance
and Administration (See ^ 916.7 and 1 906.1rf).
The funds shall be promoted...

Each offering shall be promptly remitted in full by
the local church treasurer to the Annual Conference
treasurer, who shall transmit the funds in full , except
where noted differently below, to the General Coun-
cil...

1. Human Relations Day — Human Relations Day
shall be observed with an offering, preferably during
the Season of Epiphany on the Sunday before the
observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday with-aft
offering recommended by the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration and adopted by the General
Conference. This Sunday occtu's during Epiphany, is
the season of manifesting God's light to the world. ..The
purpose of the day is to further the development of better
human relations through funding programs determined
by the General Conference upon recommendation of the
General Council on Finance and Administration after
consultation with the General Council on Ministries.

For the 1003-1006 quadrennium tThe offering re-
ceipts will be allocated and administered as follows:

a) Community Developers Program: 57 percent (ad-
ministered by the National Division, General Board of
Global Ministries).

b) United Methodist Voluntary Services Program: 33
percent (administered by the National Division, General
Board of Global Ministries).

2. One Great Hour of Sharing — One Great Hour of
Sharing shall be observed with an offering, preferably
on the fourth Sunday of Lent... -All local churches shall
be fully informed and encouraged to receive a freewill

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DCA Advance Edition

offering in behalf of the relief program. The obser-
vance...through the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.SA, it being understood, however, that
reecipts shall be administered by The United Methodist
Church. Net receipts from the offering, after payment of
the ciqjenscs of promotion, shall be remitted by the
treasurer of the General Couneilon Finance and Admini-
stration to The United Methodist receipts shall be
administered by the United Methodist Committee on
Relief Department of the General Board of Global Min-
istries, to be administered by that department

3. World Communion Sunday — EWorld Communion
Sunday shall be observed with an offering, preferably
on the first Sunday of October....

The net receipts, after pa^Tncnt of promotional
costs, Over one-half of the offering receipts must
go to ministries beyond the United States of Amer-
ica. The receipts shall be divided as follows:

a) 50 percent for Crusade Scholarships, to be ad-
ministered by the Crusade Scholarship Committee of
the General Board of Global Ministries;

b) 35 percent for the Ethnic Scholarship Program;
and

c) 15 percent for the Ethnic In-Service Training
Program; the last two to be administered by the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Over one half
must go to ministries beyond the United States of Amcr-

4. United Methodist Student Day — United Methodist
Student Day shall be observed with an offering, pref-
erably on the last Sunday in November, or another
Simday appropriate to the local church. United
Methodist Student Day calls the Church to support
students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with
knowledge. The United Methodist Student Day offer-
ing, talcen annually on the last Sunday in November,
shall be received for tThe offering receipts support the
United Methodist Scholarships and the United Method-
ist Student Loan Fund. (The changes in 'II275.4 become
effective upon the adjournment of the 1992 General
Conference.) Net receipts from the offering, after pay-
ment of the expenses of promotion, shall be remitted by
the treasurer of the General Council on Finance and
Administration to The funds shall be administered
by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministryr
to be administered by that board.

5. Peace with Justice Sunday — Peace with Justice
Sunday shall be observed with an offering, preferably
on the Second Sunday of Pentecost. Pentecost cele-
brates the outpouring of the holy spirit calling for
God's shalom. Peace with Justice.. .Net receipts from
the offering will be distributed as follows!

a) [Delete.]

a b) The Annual Conference treasurer shall retain
50 percent of the receipts moneys for Peace with Jus-
tice Ministries...

b t) The Annual Conference treasurer shall remit
the remaining 50 percent of the receipts moneys to the
General Council on Finance and Administration. Net
receipts from the offering after payment of the expenses
of promotion shall be remitted by the treasurer of the
General Council on Finance and Administration to the
General Board of Church and Society The Funds shall
be administered by the General Board of Church
and Society for Peace with Justice Ministries.

6. Native American Awareness Sunday — Native
American Awareness Sunday shall be observed annu-
aHy with an offering, preferably on the third Sunday

of Easter....

a) [Delete.]

a b) The Annual Conference treasurer shall retain
50 percent of the receipts moneys for the developing...

b t) The Annual Conference treasurer shall report
gross receipts and remit the remaining 50 or 100
percent of the moneys receipts as applicable to the
General Council on Finance and Administration.

c 4) After the payment of the expenses of promotion,
the treasurer of the General Council on Finance and
Administration shall remit 50 percent of the net receipts
to the General Board of Higher Education The funds
to be distributed include 50 percent to the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry to
provide supplementary scholarships for Native Ameri-
cans attending United Methodist schools of theology.

d) tThe remaining other 50 percent of the fund
shall be distributed to the General Board of Global
Ministries to expand the number of target cities in their
Native American Urban Initiative.

^275.

Petition Number: 21302-GJ-275.2-D; GBGM.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Amend the last sentence of ^ 275.2:

....the treasurer of the General Council on Finance
and Administration to the United Methodist Committee
on Relief Department of the General Board of Global
Ministries, to be administered by that department the
United Methodist Committee on Relief.

General and Judicial Administration

693

^276.

Petition Number: 20608-GJ-276-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend the first sentence of ^ 276:

Two special Sundays, without churchwide offering
shall be approved by General Conference upon recom-
mendation of the General Council on Mlnistrica after
conaultation with the Council of Bishops.

1513.

Petition Number: 21602-GJ-513.5-D; GCFA.
Complaints
Amend the second sentence of ^ 513.5:

No complaint shall be considered for any miscon-
duct or unsatisfactory performance which shall not have
been committed within two six years immediately pre-
ceding the receipt of the grievance.

1277.

Petition Number: 21635-GJ-277-D; GCOM.
Three Special Sundays
Amend ^ 277:

Three special Sundays, approved by General Con-
ference, provide opportunities for Annual Conference
offerings. Local church treasurers shall remit the
receipts of the following three oflferings to the An-
nual Conference treasurer, and receipts will be
acknovdedged in accordance with the procedure
of the Annual Conference. Local churches shall
report the amount of the offering in the manner
indicated in the Local Church Report to the An-
nual Conference.

1. [Delete last two sentences.]

2. [Delete last two sentences.]

3. [Delete last two sentences.]
Annual Conferences may determine...

1277.

Petition Number: 20609-GJ-277.3-D;WNC.
Eliminate Annual Conference Council on Ministries
Amend the second paragraph of % 277.3:

[Second sentence] Special Sundays with and with-
out offering shall be approved by the Annual Confer-
ence upon recommendation of the Annual Conference
Council on Ministries in consultation with the Annual
Conference Council on Finance and Administration.
Special Sundays wthout offering shall be approved by
the Annual Conference upon recommendation of the
Annual Conference Council on Ministries.

1727.

Petition Number: 20610-GJ-727-D;WNC.

Conference Advance Program
Delete ^ 727.

1748.

Petition Number: 20072-GJ-748-D;MOW,MOE. NYK
Flexibility in Annual Conference structure
Amend ^ 748:

There shall be an Annual Conference Committee on
Native American Ministry or alternate structure. The
basic membership of the committee shall be nominated
and elected by established procedure of the respective
Annual Conferences. The responsibilities of the
Committee on Native American Ministry may be
assigned to an existing or newly created multifunc-
tional agency of the Conference Council that cares
for the functions of and the connectional relation-
ships to the Conference, district, and local
churches. Each Annual Conference.. Annual reports
should be forwarded to the eConference Council ©ft
Ministries and also to the General Council on Ministries.

1748.

Petition Number: 20451-GJ-748-D;NMX.

Annual Conference Committee on Native American
Ministry

Amend ^ 748:

There shall be an Annual Conferences shall pro-
vide for the fulfillment of the purposes assigned to
the Committee on Native American Ministry by this
paragraph, by structuring themselves as they
deem appropriate. The basic membership of the com
mittcc shall be nominated and elected by established
procedure of the respective Annual Confcrcncco. Each
Annual Conference shall determine the number and
composition of the total membership of the structure
to which the duties and purposes are assigned.
The structure may be assigned other duties and
responsibilities and may have membership in

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DCA Advance Edition

common with other structures. Whenever refer-
ence is made in this paragraph or elsewhere in the
Discipline to the "Committee on Native American
Ministry," or to the "committee," in appropriate
context, it shall be construed to refer to the struc-
ture provided pursuant to this paragraph, what-
ever named or called. WiieFe If possible, when the
structure sits as the committee, its the membership
shall consist...

1748.

Petition Number: 20488-GJ-748-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Committee on Native
American Ministry

Delete ^ 748.

1748.

Petition Number: 20502-GJ-748-D;NNJ.
Conference Committee on Native American Ministry
Amend ^ 748:

There shall be an Annual Conference Committee on
Native American Ministry (or the responsibilities
outlined below may be assigned to such other
organization as the Annual Conference provides
pursuant to ^707.1).

general agencies shall have a Committee on Audit
and Review. Each Committee on Audit and Review
shall report and be amenable directly to the govern-
ing body of the general agency. Members of the
Committee on Audit and Review shall not be ofiB-
cers or members of the general agency executive
committee, and at least half shall not be members
of the general agency but shall be United Method-
ists and shall possess appropriate technical expe-
rience. The committee's function shall be the finan-
cial oversight of the general agency in cooperation
with the General Council on Finemce and Admini-
stration Committee on Audit and Review. The Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration shall
advise and consent in the appointment of the out-
side members to the general agency Committee on
Audit and Review.

1801.

Petition Number: 20208-GJ-801-D;SGA, NTX.
The Mission of the Church
Insert a preface before ^ 801:

The mission of the chtu-ch is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^101). General agencies of
The United Methodist Church are called upon to
provide some essential services and ministries
that enable local churches and the conferences to
fulfill the mission of making disciples.

1748.

Petition Number: 21649-GJ-748-D; GCOM.

Annual Conference Committee on Native American
Ministry

Amend ^ 748:

TTiere shall be an Annual Conference Committee on
Native American Ministry or other structure to pro-
vide for these ministries and maintain the connec-
tional relationships. The basic membership.. Annual
reports, including the amotmt of the total receipts
fi-om the Native American Awareness Sunday of-
ferings, should be forwarded...

1800.

Petition Number: 20751-GJ-800-D$;NGA

Committee on Audit and Review
Add a new ^ to Chapter Sbc, Section I:

Committee on Audit and Review. — It shall be the
policy of The United Methodist Church that all

1802.

Petition Number: 20611-GJ-802-D;WNC.

General Agency Accountability
Amend ^ 802:

2. Between sessions of the General Conference, the
following general agencies are accountable to the Gen-
cral Council on Miniatrica Council of Bishops: the
General Board of Church and Society

3. Evaluation of general agencies by the General
Council on Miniatrics Council of Bishops shall be part
of the accountability relationship (^1006.14). ...Local
church groups, district, and Annual Conference organi-
zations may receive an explanation of the evaluation
process by requesting it from the General Council on
Miniatrica Council of Bishops.

4. Questions and concerns about programs, pro-
jects, or decisions of a particular agency may be ad-
dressed to that agency, with copies to the General Coun
cil on Miniatrica Coimcil of Bishops....

General and Judicial Adnninistration

695

^802.

Petition Number: 20159-GJ-802.2-D;NGA.
General Provisions
Delete ^ 802.2, .3, and .4, and renumber accord-
ingly.

^802.

Petition Number: 20421-GJ-802.3-D;NMX.
Evaluation of General Agencies
Amend ^ 802.3:

3. ...The evaluation process and its results shall be
reported to each General Conference. The persons
conducting the evaluation shall be selected by the
General Council on Ministries for their inde-
pendence and objectivity. A majority of the evalua-
tors shall have no past or present employment or
membership affiliation with the agency, its board,
or the General Coimcil on Ministries. The purpose
of agency evaluation is to assist the agency in the proc-
ess of fulfilling and supporting its ministry and to ac-
count for the trust and confidence placed in die
agency by the people of the Church. Local church
groups,...

^802.

Petition Number: 20209-GJ-802.4-D;NAL.

Amenability and Program Accountability

Add the following new paragraph at the end of ^
802.4:

When controversies arise, personnel and
members of general boards and agencies shall
seek understanding, resolution, and reconcili-
ation in a humble and open manner among the
parties involved, following biblical patterns (Mat-
thew 18:15-17, Acts 15, Galatians 6:1-5, Ephe-
sians 4:15-16, and others) to the greatest degree
possible, while remaining good stewards of the
time and resources entrusted to their care. Bish-
ops, laity and clergy gifted in reconciliation may be
recruited to assist Other members and congrega-
tions of The United Methodist Church are Ukewise
expected htunbly to seek tmderstanding and per-
sonal reconciliation about controversial matters.

^802.

Petition Number: 21650-GJ-802.4-D; GCOM.

Amenability and Program Accountability
Amend the second sentenceof ^ 802.4:

Agencies shall acknowledge receipt of requests for
information within ten thirty days and provide informa-
tion requested within thirty days or as soon thereaf-
ter as it is available.

1803.

Petition Number: 20160-GJ-803-D;NGA

Definitions, Structures, and Tides
Amend ^ 803:

I. [Second sentence] General councils ore The
General Council on Finance and Administration is

amenable and accountable to the General Conference
and reports to it. ?^ieseThe council8-afe is the General
Council on Finance and Administration and the General
Council on Ministries.

4. [Second sentence] The General Council on Min
istfiesThe Council of Bishops shall provide for coor-
dination...

5. [Delete.]

6. [Second sentence] ...all of which also carry pro-
gram-related responsibilities for which they are account-
able to the General Council on Ministries Coordinating
Committee of General Agencies.

II. Program. — ^A program is an ongoing or special
activity designed and implemented to fulfill a basic Dis-
ciplinary responsibility of a general agency accountable
to the General Council on Ministrica.

1803.

Petition Number: 20612-GJ-803-D;WNC.
General Agency Definitions, Structures, and Tities
Amend ^ 803:

1. [Third sentence] These councils arc tThe Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration is a gen-
eral council and the General Council on Ministries.

4. [Last sentence] The General Council on Minis
teies Council of Bishops shall provide for coordination
with and among the study committees except where
General Conference otherwise designates.

5. [Second sentence] These agencies are amenable
to the General Conference and between sessions of the
General Conference are accountable to the General

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DCA Advance Edition

Council on Ministrica Council of Bishops: the General
Board of Church and Society,....

6. [Last sentence] ...which also carry program-re-
lated responsibilities for which they are accountable to
the General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops.

11. Program. — ^A program is an ongoing or special
activity designed and implemented to fulfill a basic Dis-
ciplinary responsibility of a general agency accountable
to the General Council on Miniatrica Council of Bish-
ops.

^803.

Petition Number: 21651-GJ-803-D; GCOM.
Definitions, Structures, and Titles
Amend \ 803:

9. Missional Priority. — ^A Missional Priority is a re-
sponse to a critical need in God's world which calls fw
The United Methodist Church% to a massive and sus-
tained effort ...

10. Special Program. — ^A special program is a quad-
rennial emphasis approved by the General Conference
and aaaigncd to initiated by a general program-related
agency in accordance with % 1006.1, .2 and .4,
approved by General Conference and assigned to
a general program-related agency. The program
shall ber designed in response to a distinct opportunity
or need in God's world which is evidenced by research
or other supporting data, and propoaca and shall pro-
pose achievable goals within the quadrennium.

^803.

Petition Number: 21303-GJ-803.7-D; GBGM.
Deputy General Secretary
Amend ^803.7.6:

l.b) Deputy General Secretary — the chief staff offi-
cer of a division of assigned to oversight of a major
programmatic or administrative unit(s) within the

General Board of Global Ministries.

^805.

Petition Number: 20161-GJ-805-D;NGA

Nominations by Conferences
Amend % 805:

\.a) Each Annual and Missionary Conference in the
United States and Puerto Rico, upon recommenda-
tion...to the following general agencies: General Council
on Miniatrica;...

h) Each Annual and Missionary Conference in the
United States and Puerto Rico shall nominate...

cf^... Names and biographical data of all persons
nominated by the Annual and Missionary Conferences
in the United States and Puerto Rico but not elected...

2.a) Basic Membership. — Each jurisdiction shall
elect one person from each of its Annual and Miaaionary
Confcrencca episcopal areas to each program
board... The episcopal members shall aet be counted in
the computation of the clergy membership...

b) Episcopal Membership. — ^The episcopal member-
ship of not less than five nor more than ten members
each of the program boards shall be one bishop
from each jurisdiction and one Central Conference
bishop, nominated by the Council of Bishops and
elected by the General Conference {see exception, ^
1412.6). At least one of the episcopal members of each
general program board shall be a Central Conference
Disnop.

c) Additional Membership. — (1) United Method-
iafc — Nine Aadditional members shall be elected by
each general program board.. .It is recommended that
such additional membership shall maintain the one-
third laymen, one-third laywomen, and one-third clergy
balance. Three of the additional members shall be
from Central Conferences. In addition, each board
shall elect six persons fi"om the Central Confcrencca,
and one alternate for each who may attend if the elected
member cannot attend. In the election of the Central
Conference members, it is recommended that two be
clergy, two be laymen, and two be laywomen.

(2) [Delete]

"i.a) Each Jurisdictional Conference.. .in the United
States and Puerto Rico (^ 805.1) in accordancc.as set
forth in The Book of Discipline: General Council on
Miniatrica (*]] 1007), General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits...

b) [Second sentence]
Puerto Rico but not...

.in the United States an4

^805.

Petition Number: 20613-GJ-805-D;WNC.
General Agency Membership
Amend ^805:

1. Nominations by Conferences. — a) ...shall select
persons for election to the following general agencies:
General Council on Miniatrica; General Board of
Church and Society...

2. General Program Board Membership. — a) Basic
Membership. — [Delete existing text and replace with
the following.] Twenty-eight members shall be

General and Judicial Administration

697

elected by the Jurisdictional Conferences on a ratio
providing for an equitable distribution among the
various jtuisdictions, based on the laity and clergy
membership thereof. The secretary of the General
Conference shall calculate the ratios and determine
the number of members of each board to be elected
by each jurisdiction; provided, however, that no
jurisdiction shall be represented by fewer than two
members on each board. Primary consideration
shall be given to persons with specific expertise in
the program areas of the general program agencies.
Membership on each board shall be equally di-
vided, as far as practicable, between ordained min-
isters and lay persons. It is recommended that
persons elected by each jtuisdiction be inclusive of
women and ethnic groups. No other criteria shall
be used for general board membership.

b) Episcopal Membership. — ^The episcopal member-
ship of not less than five three nor more than teft six
members...

c) Additional Membership. — (1) United Methodist
Members from Central Conferences — Additional mem-
bers ahall be elected by each general program board in
order to bring into the board persona with special know!
edge or baclcground which will aid in the work of the
agency, to consider differing theological perspectives,
and to perfect the representation of racial and ethnic
persons, youth ('J264.2), young adults (11264.3), older
adults (11264.5) , women and men, persons with a handi-
capping condition, and persons from small-membership
churches, and distribution by geographic area. There
shall be not less than five nor more than nine additional
members of each general program board. It is reeom
mended that such additional membership shall maintain
the one-third laymen, one third laywomen, and one
third clergy balance. In addition, cEach board shall elect
six three persons from the Central Conferences, and
one alternate for each who may attend if the elected
member cannot attend. In the election of the Central
Conference members, it is recommended that two be
clergy, two be laymen, and two be laywomen.

(2) [Delete.]

3. Other General Agencies. — a) ...those agencies as
set forth in The Book of Discipline: General Council on
Ministries (HIOOT), General Board of Pension...

b) Episcopal and additional members, if any,. ..The
agencies shall consider names forwarded to them by the
jurisdictions as having been nominated by the Annual
and Missionary' Conferences in the United States and
Puerto Rico but not elected by the Jurisdictional Confer
enees to general agency membership. Additional names
maybe considered in order to perfect the representation
as provided in 1I805.2(?.

4. ...and Pacific Islanders; all such boards, commit
tees, and agencies whose membership is set forth in the

Discipline shall be authorized to elect as many additional
members as necessary to meet this requirement.

1805.

Petition Number: 21654-GJ-805-D; GCOM.
General Agency Membership
Amend H 805:

General Agency Membership. — All provisions per-
taining to the nomination and election of general agency
members shall take effect immediately upon the ad
journment of the General Conference which enacts
them. The secretary of the General Conference shall
coordinate the processes pertaining to nominations and
elections of general agency members.

The people of God are caUed to faithful disci-
pleship in the name of Jesus Christ. "The gifts he
gave were that some would be aposties, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and
teachers, to equip the saints for the work of min-
istry, for building up the body of Christ..." (Ephe-
sians 4.11-12 NRSV)

In response to God's call, some are caUed
forth from local congregations to fulfill the com-
mon mission of The United Methodist Chiu-ch as
an expression of tiie Church made visible in the
world. This caU includes the invitation to some to
be in ministry with others who together seek to
fulfill the vision for the Church as members of
general agencies. Such persons come to this min-
istry as servants of the wliole church.

The following provisions shall govern the nomina-
tion and election of the voting membership of those
general agencies to which the Jurisdictional Confer-
ences elect and Central Conferences nominate
members^. All provisions pertaining to the nomi-
nation and election of general agency members
shall take effect immediately upon the adjourn-
ment of the General Conference which enacts
them. The secretary of tiie General Conference
shall coordinate the processes pertaining to nomi-
nations and elections of general agency members.

1. a) Each Annual and Missionary Confer-
ence...shall elect persons to be submitted to a jurisdic-
tional pool, from which tThe Jurisdictional Nominating
Committee.. .persons elected by the Annual and Mis-
sionary Conferences in the United States and Puerto
Rieofor inclusion in the jurisdictional pool...

b) Each Annual and Missionary Conference in the
United States and Puerto Rico shall nominate.. .In addi-
tion, it shall nominate at least fifteen and not more than
forty forty-five (45) persons to the jurisdictional pool,
including, where available, at least two (2) racial and
ethnic persons from each of the ethnic

698

DCA Advance Edition

groups — Asian American, African American, His-
panic American, Native American, Pacific Island-
ers; and where available at least one and not more than
five persons in each of the following eight seven cate-
gories: (1) clergy (including at least one woman), (2)
laywomen, (3) laymen, (4) racial and ethnic persona (at
least one from each ethnic group — Asian American,
Black American, Hispanic American, Native American,
Pacific l3landcr3),-(^ (4) youth (^ 264.2) , -(S)- (5) young
adults (^ 264.3), ■(?)■ (6) older adults (^ 264.5), and -(^
(7) persons with a handicapping condition disabilities.
Eligibility to be nominated...

c) Each Central Conference, or a body authorized
by it, shall nominate to each general program board
membership at least one person... from the Central
Conferences pursuant to ^ 805.2c (1). These lists shall
be sent to the General Council on Ministries for
use by the general agencies in electing additional
members.

d) [Second sentence] In addition all nominees shall
prepare an up-to-100-word biographical statement list-
ing experience, gifts, afi4 training, and other qualifi-
cations which qualify him/her for general agency mem-
bership. Biographical statements for all persons in the
central and jurisdictional conference pools shall be
given... Missionary Conferences in the United States,
Puerto Rico or the central conferences but not elected
by the jurisdiction shall be forwarded by the Jurisdic-
tional or Central Conference secretary to the G g eneral
Council on Ministries agencies to be used by the
general agencies as tft a pool from which addition^
members may be elected (1^ 805.3e, 46 805.2c, 3J>) ."

2. Members of the General Agencies shall be
elected using a formula to ensure the following
from each annual, missionary and central confer-
ence.

a) Five persons from each annual and mis-
sionary conference.

1 .) At least thirty (30) of these persons will be
women elected by the Women's Division process
as members on the General Board of Global Min-
istries.

b) Five persons from each Central Conference.

c) Supplemental members — Each annual, mis-
sionary and centred conference whose member-
ship exceeds 75,000 (as determined by the offi-
cial records of the denomination on December 31
of the year immediately preceding the General
Conference), shall have the following supplemen-
tal members of General Agencies:

ber

75,000-225,000— one supplemental mem-

225,001 or more — a total of two supplemental
members

d) Seven persons from the Iglesia Metodista
Aut6noma Afiliada de Puerto Rico.

e) A total of 124 additional at-large members
for inclusiveness and expertise.

f) All active Episcopal leaders

g) Members identified in 805.2a-f will be
elected as follows:

1) categories a and c (as applicable) shall be
elected by the jurisdictional and central confer-
ences;

a.) Category a.l will be elected by the
Women's Division process;

2) category b and c (as applicable) shall be
elected by the central conferences;

3) category d shall be elected by the Iglesia
Metodista Autonoma AfiUada de Puerto Rico and

4) category e shall be elected by the general
agencies for inclusiveness and expertise.

5) The secretary of the General Conference
shall assign the number of members to be elected
to each general agency by each Jurisdictional Con-
ference and the Central Conferences. The number
of members will be determined on an equitable
basis taking into consideration the total number to
be elected by each jurisdiction and Central Con-
ference.

S3. General Program Board Membership. — a) Each
general program board shall have the number of
members specified in ff 1106, 1204, 1412 and
1507. The total membership of all general agen-
cies shall not exceed 630.

b) Besie Jurisdictional Membership. — Each jurisdic-
tion shall elect the number of persons listed in the
specific legislation for membership on each of the
four General Program Boards one person from each
of its Annual and Missionary Conferences to each pro
gram board.

In the jurisdictional nominating process... persons
with disabilities handicapping conditions, and persons
from small membership churches....^ wffiJcrf, however,
that effective immediately when a new Annual Confer-
ence or conferences arc created by a Jurisdictional Con-
ference and come into being following the Jurisdictional
Conference, each such new Annual Conference or con-
ferences shall be authorized to elect one person directly
to General Council on Ministries and each general pro-
gram board on which no person from the new Annual
Conference already has been elected by the Jurisdic-

General and Judicial Administration

699

k

tional Conference under the proviaiona of this para-
grapn.'

c) Central Conference Membership. — Each general
program board shall elect at least five (5) persons
from the Central Conferences, and one alternate
for each who may attend if the elected member
cannot attend. In the election of the Central Con-
ference members, it is recommended that it is
recommended that at least one clergy, one lay-
man, and one laywoman be elected.

k d) Episcopal Membership. — ^The episcopal mem-
bership of the general program boards shall be of
not less than five nine (9) nor more than te» thirteen
(13) members shall be nominated by the Council of
Bishops...

# e) Additional Membership. — (1) United Method-
ist.— Additional members... women and men, persons
with e disabilities handicapping condition, and per-
sons.. .?%efe--9hftH-be--B©t4es»-Aftfr#ve-ftef-i«©f=e-thftft
fme Each general program board shall elect at
least nine (9) additional members of each general
program board . In so £ar as possible no more than
one person shall be elected from each episcopal
area. It is recommended that such additional member-
ship shall maintain the one-third laymen, one-third lay-
women, and one-third clergy balance. It is also rec-
ommended that such additional members shall
maintain a membership total of at least 10% youth
and/or yoimg adults. In addition, each board shall
elect six persons from the Central Conferences, and one
alternate for each who may attend if the elected member
cannot attend. In the election of the Central Conference
members, it is recommended that two be clergy, two be
laymen, and two be laywomen.

This action shall toltc effect immediately after the
conclusion of General Conference.

(2) Other Consultation Membership. — It is recom-
mended that each general program board agency elect
at least one member without vote from among the mem-
ber churches of the Consultation on Church Union
other than The United Methodist Church as an addi-
tional member.

S 4. b) Episcopal and additional members, if any, of
the general agencies listed in ^ 805.3 4a shall be nomi-
nated and elected by the procedures specified in the
paragraphs listed in ^ 805.S 4a. The agencies shall
consider names forwarded to them by the jurisdictions
General Coimcil on Ministries as having been nomi-
nated by the Annual and Missionary Conferences in the
United States and Puerto Rico or the Central Confer-
ences but not elected by the Jurisdictional Conferences

to general agency membership. Additional names may
be considered in order to perfect the representation as
provided in ^ 805.2e 36. It is further recommended
that the membership of other general agencies
maintain a membership at least 10% youth and/or
young adults..

4. [Delete.]

5. This action shall take effect immediately
upon adjournment of the 1996 General Confer-
ence.

SI805.

Petition Number: 20320-GJ-805.1-D;WPA
General Agency Membership
Amend ^ 805:

l.b) [Second sentence] ...and (8) persons with a
handicapping condition people with disabilities.

2.a^ [Second sentence] ...persons with handicap-
ping conditions people with disabilities,...

c) (1) United Methodist. — ^Additional members...pef-
sons with a handicapping condition people with dis-
abilities,...

^805.

Petition Number: 21059-GJ-805.2-D; GCCUIC.
Other Membership
Amend "B 805.2c(2):

2.c) (2) Other. — It is recommended that cEach gen-
eral agency shedl elect at least one member wthoutvotc
with vote and voice from among the member
churches...

^805.

Petition Number: 21304-GJ-805.2-D; GBGM.
Basic Membership
Amend 1 805.2a:

2.0^ Basic Membership. — Each jurisdiction shall
elect one person from each of its Annual and Missionary
Conferences to each program board except as pro-
vided for the General Board of Global Ministries
in % 1412. In the jurisdictional nominating process for
membership on those all program boards, special at-
tention shall be given to

700

DCA Advance Edition

^805.

Petition Number: 21652-GJ-805.2-D; GCOM.
Other Members
Amend ^805.2.c(2):

2. c) (2) Other. — It is recommended that Eeach
general agency shall elect at least one additional mem-
ber with ¥F4th©ttt vote and voice from among the mem-
ber churches...

^806.

Petition Number: 20162-GJ-806-D;NGA

Committee to Nominate additional Members
Amend "J 806:

1. Giving due consideration to inclusiveness (see
"2^103, 113), each jurisdiction shall designate one
clergy, one laywoman, and one layman whom it has
elected to a general program agency or to the General
Council on Ministries to nominate.. .The fifteen mem-
bers thus designated by the five jurisdictions in each
general program agency and in the General Council on
Ministries shall constitute a committee...

2. ...nominated by the Annual and Missionary Con-
ferences in the United States and Puerto Rico to their...

^806.

Petition Number: 20614-GJ-806-D;WNC.

Eliminate Committee to Nominate Additional

Members
Delete % 806.

^808.

Petition Number: 20720-GJ-808-D;HOL.
Board of Organization
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^808:

Neither ofBcers nor staff of program boards
shall be eligible to serve as officers of correspond-
ing Generzil Conference Legislative Committees.

^808.

Petition Number: 21060-GJ-808.1-D; GCCUIC.
Board Organization
Amend *n808.1:

1. ...provided that all officers the president and
vice presidents shall be members of The United Meth-
odist Church.

^810.

Petition Number: 20721-GJ-810-D;HOL
Provisions Pertaining to General Agency Membership
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 810:

Neither officers nor staff of general agencies
shall be eligible to serve as officers of correspond-
ing General Conference Legislative Committees.

1810.

Petition Number: 20757-GJ-810.1-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

Provisions pertaining to General Agency Membership

Add a new sentence at the end of % 810.1:

Members of all general eigencies shall be en-
cotiraged to join the Historical Society of The
United Methodist Church, \^ose programs and
publications help keep the connectional principle
alive (see ^112).

1810.

Petition Number: 21423-GJ-810.1-D; GBOD.
Provisions Pertaining to General Agency Membership
Amend ^ 810.1:

1. Members of all general agencies shall be pro-
fessing members of The United Methodist Church...

1810.

Petition Number: 20954-GJ-810.2-D;NIN.
Provisions pertaining to General Agency Membership
Amend % 810.2:

2. Members of all general agencies shall be persons
of genuine Christian character who love the Church,
uphold the Doctrinal Standards of The United
Methodist Church, are morally disciplined...

1810.

Petition Number: 21655-GJ-810.2-D; GCOM.
Provisions Pertaining to General Agency Membership
Add a new sub-point to ^ 810.2:

2. a) The membership of all agencies of The
United Methodist Church, at the level of General
and Jurisdictional Conferences and insofar as pos-
sible at the level of Annual and Missionary Confer-
ences and local chtirch, shall ensure adequate
representation of racial and ethnic groups — Asian

General and Judicial Administration

701

American, Black American, Hispanic American,
Native American, and Pacific Islanders; all such
boards, committees, and agencies whose member-
ship is set fortfi in TJte Book of Discipline shall be
authorized to elect as many additional members
as necessary to meet this requirement

^810.

Petition Number: 20889-GJ-810.3-D; NCJTown &
Country, Urban Network Committees, and, United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Length of Service on General Church Boards and
Agencies
Retain ^ 810.3 without change.

^810.

Petition Number: 20615-GJ-810.5-D;WNC.

General Agency Members on Annual Conference

Agencies

Amend ^ 810:

5. A voting member of a general agency, by virtue
of such membership, shall become an ex officio (voting)
member of the corresponding agency or its equivalent
structure, if any, in the Annual Conference...

^812.

Petition Number: 20073-GJ-812-D;lWA

Board and agency membership changes
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 812:

When the vacancy has been filled the secretary
of the agency will immediately notify the new
member's annual conference secretary.

^812.

Petition Number: 21656-GJ-812-D; GCOM.
Vacancies
Amend ^ 812:

Vacancies. — Unless otherwise specified,. ..avacancy
in the basic Jurisdictional or Central Conference
membership shall be filled by the corresponding Col-
lege of Bishops of that jurisdiction with notice of the
vacancy...

1813.

Petition Number: 20163-GJ-813-D;NGA.

General Secretary of General Program Agencies
Amend ^ 813:

The general secretary of each general program
agency that is accountable to the General Council on
Miniatrics shall be elected annually by ballot of the
General Council on Ministries upon the nomination of
the agency involved shall be elected annualfy by
ballot of the respective agency. Any general secretary
of a general program agency who has not been elected
by the General Council on Ministries said agency shall
not serve...

1813.

Petition Number: 20548-GJ-813-D;SNJ.
Election of General Secretaries of General Program

Agencies

Amend ^ 813:

The general secretary of each general program
agency that ia accountable to the General Council on
Ministries shall be elected annually by ballot of the
General Council on Ministries upon the nomination of
the agency involved. Any general 3ccrctar>' of a general
program agency who has not been elected by the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries shall not 9cr\'c in auch capac
it>' beyond the end of that calendar year. Each general
program agency...

1813.

Petition Number: 20616-GJ-813-D;WNC.

Election of General Secretaries
Amend ^ 813:

The general secretary of each general program
agency that is accountable to the General Council on
Ministries Council of Bishops shall be elected annu-
ally by ballot of the General Council on Ministries
Council of Bishops upon the nomination of the agency
involved. Any general secretary of a general program
agency who has not been elected by the General Council
on Ministries Council of Bishops shall not serve...

1814.

Petition Number: 21489-GJ-814.3-D; GBPHB.
Provisions Pertaining to Staff
Amend the last sentence of ^ 814.3:

All general agency staff personnel may elect to re-
tire from the employing general agency at any time

702

DCA Advance Edition

after attaining age 9ixt>' t>vo or completing thirty' five
years of aervicc to The United Methodist Church in
accordance with the policy in place at the general
agency or, if the general agency has a voting rep-
resentative on the Committee on Personnel Poli-
cies and Practices of the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration, with the policy
established by the General Council on Finance
and Administration upon reconmiendation of the
Committee on Personnel Pohcies and Practices.

^814.

Petition Number 21592-GJ-814.3-D; GCFA
Provisions Pertaining to Staff
Amend the last sentence of ^ 814.3:

All general agency staff personnel may elect to re-
tire from the employing general agency at any time
after attaining age sixty' two or completing thirty five
years of service to The United Methodist Church in
accordance with the policy in place at the general
agency or, if the general agency has a voting rep-
resentative on the Committee on Personnel Poli-
cies and Practices of the General Coxmcil on Fi-
nance and Administration, with the policy
estabhshed by the General Coimcil on Finance
and Administration upon recommendation of the
Committee on Personnel Policies and Practices.

^814.

Petition Number: 21490-GJ-814.5-D; GBPHB.
Provisions Pertaining to Staff
Delete ^ 814.5.

^814.

Petition Number: 20164-GJ-814.6-D;NGA
Provisions pertaining to staff
Delete % 814.6.

1814.

Petition Number: 20617-GJ-814.6-D;WNC.

Convening of General Secretaries
Amend TI 814.6:

6. The general secretary of the General Council on
Ministries president of the Council of Bishops

and/or the general secretary...

1814.

Petition Number: 21061-GJ-814.7-D; GCCUIC.
Provisions pertaining to Staff
Amend ^ 814.7:

7. All general secretariesr and deputy general sec-
retaries, associate general secretaries, and assistant
general secretaries of all general agencies shall be mem-
bers of The United Methodist Church. This provision
shall not apply to persons employed prior to the 1002
General Conference.

1814.

Petition Number: 21657-GJ-814.10-D; GCOM.
Provisions Pertaining to Staff
Amend ^814.10:

10. All management staff persons of general agen-
cies shall be persons who model themselves after the
servantfaood of Jesus Christ They shall be per-
sons of genuine Christian character...

1815.

Petition Number: 20321-GJ-815-D;WPA

Policies relative to nondiscrimination
Amende 815 (T>;:

(b) ...on the basis of race, color, age, sex, or handi
capping condition disability, including...

1816.

Petition Number: 21593-GJ-816-D; GCFA GCOM.
Policies Relative to Socially Responsible Investments
Amend 1 816:

...shall endeavor to avoid investments that appear
likely, directiy or indirectiy, to support racial discrimina-
tion, apartheid, violation of hiunan rights, gambling,
or the production...

1818.

Petition Number: 20618-GJ-818-D;WNC.

Consultation Concerning Use of General Church

Programs and Funds
Amend the first sentence of ^ 818:

...after consultation with the presiding bishopr^he
eonfercnec council director, the Council on Ministries,
and the appropriate...

General and Judicial Administration

703

^821.

Petition Number: 21594-GJ-821-D; GCFA, GCOM.
Meetings
Amend ^ 821:

In the spirit of openness.. .shall be open to news
media, both church and public. Portions of a particular
meeting may be closed for consideration of eertaift spe-
cific subjects, if such a closed session is authorized by
an affirmative public vote of at least three-fourths of
the voting majority vote of duly selected members
present when the vote is talccn in public session and
entered in the minutes. The vote shall be taken in
public session and recorded in the minutes. Docu-
ments distributed in open meetings shall be considered
public.

Great restraint should be used in closing
meetings; closed sessions should be used as sel-
dom as possible. Subjects which may be considered
in closed session are limited to considerations of sale or
purchase of real property real estate matters, nego-
tiations when general knowledge could be harmful
to the negotiation process, personnel matters, issues
related to the accreditation or approval of institutions,
discussions related to eivS litigation or collective bar-
gaining,...

A report on the results of a closed session i*4& shall
be made immediately...

^906.

Petition Number: 20165-GJ-906.1-D;NGA.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Amend ^ 906:

l.b) In the case of the World Service Fund, the
General Council on Finance and Administration and the
General Council on Ministries Coordinating Commit-
tee of General Agencies shall proceed...

(1) The General Council on Ministries Coordinat-
ing Conunittee of General Agencies shall, in consult-
ation with....

(2) The General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration shall then establish and communicate to the
General Council on Ministries Coordinating Commit-
tee of General Agencies the total sum...

(3) [Delete]

(4) (Delete]

(6) Before the beginning of each year the General
Council on Finance and Administration shall determine
and communicate to the General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies
the sum available at that time from World Service con-
tingency funds to meet requests for additional funding
from the general program agencies. The General Coun-
cil on Ministries Coordinating Committee of the
General Agencies shall be authorized.. .No money
shall be allocated by the General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies
from this source...

(7) [Delete]

c) ft The General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall recommend the formulas....

3. To perform the accounting and reporting func-
tions for the General Council on Minisfrics General
Council on Finance and Administration, the agcn
cics accountable to it (1{803.5), general agencies and
any administrative general agencies....

11. To make recommendations to the General Con-
ference, in consultation with the General Council on
Ministries and the Council of Bishops,...

^907.

Petition Number: 20166-GJ-907.2-D;NGA

Other Adminisfrative responsibilities
Amend ^ 907.2:

2. To act in concert with the General Council on
Ministries to establish a procedure...

^911.

Petition Number: 20167-GJ-911.2-D;NGA
General budget policies
Amend ^911:

2. ...represent unnecessary duplication of adminis-
frative function; in cooperation vyith and on recommen-
dation of the General Council on Ministries, it may
withhold approval....

4. Any general board, cause, agency, or institution
or any organization, group, officer, or individual of The
United Methodist Church or to which.. .are being con-
sidered. All such appeals shall be reviewed by the Gen
eral Council on Ministries and its actions shall be re
ported — te — the — General — Council — en — Finance — aft4
Administration. The council...

704

DCA Advance Edition

^912.

Petition Number: 20168-GJ-912-D;NGA.
The World Service Fund
Amend ^ 912:

1. [Delete.]

2. ...to represent the cause for which each is respon-
siblc, provided that such rcprcacntation has been pre
viously made to the Council on Mini3tric3.

^913.

Petition Number: 20169-GJ-913-D;NGA.
World Service Special Gifts
Amend "D 913:

World Service Special Gifts. ^A World Service

Special gift. .as a World Service Special project by the
General Council on Miniatrica Coordinating Commit-
tee. General agencies which qualify under the provi-
sions of % 1007.66(1) shall be eligible to recommend
projects for approval by the General Council on Minia
fe=ies Coordinating Committee as World Service Spe-
cial projects.

2. ...on recommendation of the General Council on
Miniatrics and the General Council on Finance and
Administration.

3. The World Service Special gifts program shall be
under the supervision of the General Council on Minia
fe4e9 Coordinating Committee,....

7. [Last sentence] Such expenses shall not exceed
amounts approved by the General Council on Finance
and Administration and the General Council on Minia
fe=ies under guidelines approved by the General Confer-

^914.

Petition Number: 20170-GJ-914.1-D;NGA.
The Advance

Amend ^914.1:

1. ...projects approved by the Advance Committee
of the General Council on Miniatrica General Board of
Global Ministries. (See % 1411.36.)

^914.

Petition Number: 20619-GJ-914.1-D;WNC.
The Advance
Amend % 914:

1. The Advance for Christ. .projects approved by the
Advance Committee of the General Council on Minia
tries constituted by the Coimcil of Bishops. (See
11411.3b.)

3.a) Churches and individuals shall give priority to
the support of the World Service and Conference Be-
ncvolencca and other apportioned funds.

^914.

Petition Number: 20074-GJ-914.3-D;NWT.

World Service/Conference Apportionment
Amend ^ 914.3a:

3.a) Churches and individuals shall give priority to
the support of the World Service and Conference Be
ncvolencca and other apportioned funds.

1915.

Petition Number: 21305-GJ-915.4-D; GBGM.
Advance Specials
Amend ^ 915.4:

4. ...of the General Commission on Communication
in consultation with the Misaion Education and Cultiva-
tion Department designated mission cultivation unit

of the General Board...

1915.

Petition Number: 21306-GJ-915.5-D; GBGM.

Promotion of Advance Specials and One Great Hour
of Sharing

Amend ^ 915.5:

5. ...One Great Hour of Sharing offerings through
conference and district miaaionary secretaries of
global ministries, conference and district miaaionary
inatitutca mission events, and other effective means as
it may determine.

General and Judicial Administration

705

^1001.

Petition Number: 20172-GJ-1001-D;NGA.

Name

Change the title of Chapter Six, Section III and
amend ^ 1001:

Section III. The General Council on Miniatrica The
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies.

^ 1001. Name. — ^There shall be a General Council
on Miniatrica Coordinating Committee of the Gen-
eral Agencies ofThe United Methodist Church, here-
inafter called the council coordinating committee.

^1001.

Petition Number: 20568-GJ-1001-D;WNC, SNJ.
Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 1001.

^1001.

Petition Number: 20569-GJ-1001-D$;SNJ.
Name
Add a new \ 1001:

There shall be an Inter-Agency Task Force
composed of the General Secretaries and Presi-
dents of the Program-Related General Agencies
and one Bishop, selected by the CoimcU of Bish-
ops, who shall be the permanent convener.

^1002.

Petition Number: 20173-GJ-1002-D;NGA
Incorporation
Amend the first sentence of % 1002:

Incorporation. — If necessary, tThe council coor-
dinating committee shall be incorporated in such state
or states as the General Council on Miniatrica Coordi-
nating Committee of the General Agencies shall
determine.

^1002.

Petition Number: 20570-GJ-1002-D;WNC, SNJ.
Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete 1 1002.

^1003.

Petition Number: 20174-GJ-1003-D;NGA
Amenability
Amend ^ 1003:

Amenability. — ^The council coordinating commit-
tee shall report to and be amenable to the General
Conference.

11003.

Petition Number: 20571-GJ-1003-D;WNC. SNJ.
Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 1003.

11004.

Petition Number: 20175-GJ-1004-D;NGA.
Purpose
Amend ^ 1004:

Purpose. — ^The purpose of the council coordinating
committee, as a part of the total mission of the Church,
is to facilitate the Church's program life as determined
by the General Conference. The council's coordinat-
ing committee's task is to encourage,...

11004.

Petition Number: 20572-GJ-1004-D;WNC, SNJ.
Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 1004.

11005.

Petition Number: 20176-GJ-1005-D;NGA
Objectives
Amend ^ 1005:

Objectives. — ^The objectives of the General Council
on Ministries Coordinating Committee of the Gen-
eral Agencies are:...

11005.

Petition Number: 20573-GJ-1005-D;WNC, SNJ.
Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 1005.

706

DCA Advance Edition

^1006.

Petition Number: 20177-GJ-1006-D;NGA
Responsibilities
Amend f 1006:

Responsibilities. — The responsibilities of the council
coordinating conunittee shall include, but not be lim-
ited to, the following:

1. Upon a two-thirds vote of the members of the
General Council on Miniatrics Coordinating Commit-
tee of the General Agencies present and voting,...

2.a) The General Council on Ministries Coordinat-
ing Committee of the General Agencies shall,...

b) The General Council on Ministries Coordinat-
ing Committee of the General Agencies Shan-
es The General Council on Ministries Coordinat-
ing Committee of die General Agencies, after re-
viewing...

d) Only when the General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies

and the...

e) Before the beginning of each year the General
Council on Finance and Administration shall determine
and communicate to the General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies
the sum available.. .The General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies
shall be authorized.. .No money shall be allocated by the
General Council on Ministries Coordinating Commit-
tee of the General Agencies from this source...

^1006.

Petition Number: 20574-GJ-1006-D;SNJ.

Responsibilities

Delete "J 1006 and reassign responsibilities in the
following sub-paragraphs as indicated:

1. Assign to GCFA in ^ 906.1.

2. Assign to GCFA in ^ 906.1.

3. Assign to Council of Bishops in new ^ 527.5.

4. Assign to Interagency Task Force in new ^
1001.1.

6. Assign to Interagency Task Force in new "J
1001.2.

7. Assign to GCFA in ^ 906.11.

9. Assign to Interagency Task Force in new ^
1001.3.

10. Assign to Book Editor in new ^ 1728.1.

ll.e^ Assign to Interagency Task Force in new ^
1001.4.

17. Assign to GCFA in new f 907.5.

18. Assign to GCFA in new ^ 907.6 and renumber
subsequent paragraphs.

20. Assign to Interagency Task Force in new ^
1001.5.

21. Assign to Book Editor in new ^ 1728.2.

23. Assign to BGM in new ^ 1402.16.

24. Assign to BGM in new ^ 1402.17.
26. Assign to GCFA in ^ 907.2.

^1006.

Petition Number: 20620-GJ-1006-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 1006.

^1006.

Petition Number: 20621-GJ-1006.2-D;WNC.
Funding of General Agencies
Amend ^ 1006:

2.b) The General Council on Ministries shall receive
the recommendation the General Council on Finance
and Administration proposes to make to the General
Conference as to that portion of the total World Service
budget to be available for distribution among the ap-
portioned funds for support of the general program
agencies.

24. [Delete.]

11006.

Petition Number: 21658-GJ-1006.6-D; GCOM.
Responsibilities of the General Council on Ministries
Amend 1 1006.6a:

a) Approve the scheduling and timing of all inter-
national or national/global conferences,...

General and Judicial Administration

707

\

I

^1006.

Petition Number: 21262-GJ-1006.13-D; GBHEM.
Responsibilities of the General Council on Ministry
Amend 1006.13:

13. To provide for the training of the Annual Confer-
ence Council on Ministries directors and to provide
jointly with the Division of Ordained Ministry of the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry...

^1007.

Petition Number: 20178-GJ-1007-D;NGA

Organization and membership. Amend 1007
Amend ^ 1007:

l.a) The membership of the council coordinating
committee shall consist oft the president and gen-
eral secretary of each general agency and one
bishop appointed by the Council of Bishops, who
shall serve as the chair.

(l)-(8) [Delete.]

b)-h) [Delete.]

2. Meetings. — Before the end of the calendar year
in which regular sessions of the Jurisdictional Confer
cnccs arc held, all persons who have been elected to
membership on the council, including additional mem-
bers nominated, shall be convened by an active bishop
designated by the president of the Council of Bishops
for the purpose of organiging.

The council coordinating committee shall meet at
least once...

3. Officers. — ^The council coordinating committee
shall have a president, one or more vice presidents,
chair appointed by the Cowicil of Bishops, and a
vice chair and a recording secretary, and a treasurer
elected from the membership of the council coordinat-
ing committee. The president of the council shall be its
presiding officer. Officers shall be elected for terms of
four years and shall continue until their successors arc
duly elected.

4. Internal Structure. — The council coordinating
committee shall determine...

5. [Second sentence] It shall be organized under the
authority and direction of the General Council on Min
iatrics General Board of Global Ministries. It shall
consist of twenty members of the General Council on
Ministries General Board of Global Ministries.

a) Director of Advance. — (1) There shall be a Direc-
tor of the Advance, nominated by the Advance Commit-
tee from the staff of one of the participating agencies and
elected by the General Council on Ministries General

Board of Global Ministries. The participating agen-
cies are National and World Divisions and United Meth-
odist Committee on Relief and Mission Education and
Cultivation Departments of the General Board of Global
Ministries; Division of Program and Benevolence Inter-
pretation of the General Commission on Communica-
tion; General Council on Ministries; and the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

(2) [Second sentence] Other administrative costs of
the Advance shall be borne by the General Council on
Ministries General Board of Global Ministries.

(3) [Delete.]

d) [Delete.]

6.a) There shall be a World Service Special Gifts
Committee within the council coordinating commit-
tee to give administrative oversight... and assuring pro-
gram accountability to the council coordinating com-
mittee by the administrating agencies. The council
coordinating committee shall make provisions...

b) In the World Service Special gifts program, it
shall be the responsibility of the General Council on
Ministries Coordinating Committee of the General
Agencies to determine which projects...

(1) ...for approval by the council General Council
on Finance and Administration, provided...

(2) The participating agencies shall report annually
to the council Coordinating Committee on the...

(3) No World Service Special gift project within the
boundaries of an Annual Conference shall be approved
by the council without...

7. Staff. — ^The council coordinating committee
shall elect annually a general secretary and associate
general secretaries as needed. The elected staff shall sit
with the council with voice but without vote shall be
served by staff of the General Boards as needed.

^1007.

Petition Number: 20575-GJ-1007-D;SNJ.

Organization and Membership
Delete ^1007.1, .2, .3. .4, and .7.

^1007.

Petition Number: 20576-GJ-1007-D;SNJ.
Organization
Amend ^ 1007.5 and assign to ^ 1402:

5. ...It shall be organized under the authority and
direction of the General Council on Ministries General

708

DCA Advance Edition

Board of Global Ministries. It ahall conaiat of twenty
mcmbcra of the General Council on Miniatrica.

a) (1) There shall be a Director of the Advance,
nominated and elected by the Advance Committee
from the staff of one of the participating agencies an4
elected by the General Council on Miniatrica. The par-
ticipating agencies are....Gcncral Council on Minia-

(2) ...Other administrative costs of the Advance
shall be borne by the General Council on Miniatrica
General Board of Global Ministries.

(3) [Delete]

d)...anA such other agencies as are designated by
the General Council on Miniatrica Advance Commit-
tee. The administering agencies...

[Second paragraph] ...withoutconsultation with the
Annual Conference Council on Miniatrica and the board
or agency delegated responsibility for missions by the
Annual Conference and the resident bishop.

Amend 1 1007.6 and assign to % 907:

6. a) There shall be a World Service Special Gifts
Committee within the eCouncil on Finance and Ad-
ministration to give administrative oversight... The
council shall make provisions for the General Council
on Finance and Administration and administering agen-
cies...

h) ...it shall be the responsibility of the General
Council on Miniatrica Genered Council on Finance
and Administration to determine...

(3) ...without consultation with the director of An-
nual Conference Council on Miniatrica bishop and
cabinet

^1007.

Petition Number: 20622-GJ-1007-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Delete 1 1007.

^1007.

Petition Number: 21659-GJ-1007-D; GCOM.
Membership of the General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 1007:

1. a) The membership of the council shall consist
oft sixty-three (63) members constituted in ac-
cordance with (^ 805.3a) of the General Provi-
sions. The membership shall be constituted as
follows:

(1) Jurisdictional members-Clergy, laywomen
and laymen shall be elected to the council by the
jiuisdictional conference upon nomination from
the annual conference in accordance with %
805.3b, based on the following formula: North
Central - 6, Northeastern - 5, South Central - 9,
Southeastern - 10 and Western - 4.

(a) (1) One member from each Annual Conference
and Miaaionary Conference within the United Statca and
Puerto Rico These members shall be elected by the
Jurisdictional Conference.. .the inclusion of clergy-
women and racial ethnic persons. The nominations
from the Annual Conference Jurisdictions shall be
made.. .they may be selected from the membership of
the Jurisdiction Annual Confcrcnec. The above mem-
bers...

(3) One additional youth from each the North-
eastern and Western Jjurisdictions under the age of
eighteen...

(4) One young adult under age thirty at the time of
their election from eaeh the North Central, South
Central and Southeastern Jjurisdictions elected by
the jurisdictional conference;

(5) (6) Fifteen Ten (10) additional members to be

elected by the council;

(a) Of the additional members elected by the
council, in order to ensure that one-fourth of the
council's membership may represent racial and
ethnic groups, it is recommended that there shall
be not less than two representatives from each of
the following groups: Asian Americans, Black
Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Ameri-
cans and Pacific Islanders. (The council shall re-
ceive nominations from the racial and ethnic cau-
cuses and ethnic annual conferences of these
respective groups prior to the report of their nomi-
nating committee.) Insofar as possible, these ad-
ditional members should be one-third laywomen,
one-third laymen, and one-third clergy, with spe-
cial attention to the inclusion of at least one cler-
gywoman from each jurisdiction. Insofar as possi-
ble, these additional members will come from
annual conferences not currently represented.

(b) It is further recommended that the cotmcil
elect at least one member without vote from
among the member churches of the Consultation
on Church Union other than The United Methodist
Chiu'ch as an additional member.

(6) (7) Three Six (6) persons from Central Confer-
ences, two ©fte clergy, two laywomen one laywoman,
two laymen one lajmian, and one alternate for each
(who may attend if the elected member for whom
he/she is the alternate cannot attend) nominated by the
Council of Bishops and elected by the General Council
on Ministriest.

General and Judicial Administration

709

(7) One member elected by the Iglesia Meto-
dista Aut6noma Afiliada de Puerto Rico.

(8) The Council shall also include Tthe general
secretaries who serve as the chief executive officers of
the general program agencies; the publisher and a rei>
resentative of the General Board of Publication; the
general secretary and a rcprcacntntivc of the General
Commission on Archives and History; the general sec-
retary and a representative of the General Commission
on Communication; and the director of the Adyancc
shall be mcmbcra with voice but without vote. The
agency may provide additional representatives
with voice at tiie expense of the agency.

(9) If not otherwise provided at the beginning
of the quadrennium, one Conference Council Di-
rector per jurisdiction shall be elected as a voting
member of the council.

b) No member s of the council representing Annual
Conferences, members at large, and bishops, except the
bishop from the Western Juriadietion, shall ft©t serve on
any boards or commissions or the divisions thereof
having representation on the General Council on Minis-
tries.

c) Of the additional members elected by the council,
in order to ensure that one fourth of the council's mem
bership may represent racial and ethnic groups, it is
recommended that there shall be not less than two
representatives from each of the following groups; Asian
Americans, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and
Native Americans. (The council shall receive nomina-
tions from the racial and ethnic caucuses and ethnic
annual conferences of these respective groups prior to
the report of their nominating committee.) Insofar as
possible, these additional members should be onc' third
laywomcn, one third laymen, and onc' third clcrg>', with
special attention to the inclusion of at least one clergy
woman from each jurisdiction.

4 c) In order to ensure representation...

d) In order to ensure representation of youth
and yoimg adults, it is recommended that the total
membership be constituted by at least 10% youth
and/or young adults.

f) [Second sentence] If the number is less than ten
twenty, the Nominating Committee is encouraged to
shall nominate enough persons from the eligible mem-
bership of the council in the previous quadrennium to
bring this number to ten. twenty. These persons shall
be in addition to the fifteen additional members.

i) This action shall take effect immediately
upon adjournment of the 1996 General Confer-
ence.

5. d) Administering Agencies. — ^Agencies authorized
to recommend projects and receive and administer

funds for general Advance special projects shall be the
World and National Divisions and the following desig-
nated programmatic units of the General Board of
Global Ministries: Evangelization and Chtu-ch
Growth Program Area, Community and Institu-
tional Ministries Program Area, Mission Contexts
and Relationships Program Area, Mission Person-
nel Program Area, United Methodist Committee on
Relief, Department of the General Board of Global Min-
istries, and such other agencies...

^1007.

Petition Number: 21307-GJ-1007.5-D; GBGM.

Administering Agency

Delete the first paragraph of ^ 1007.5d and substi-
tute new text:

5.d) Administering Agency. — The General Board
of Global Ministries shall be the agency authorized
to recommend projects and receive and adminis-
ter funds for general Advance special projects. The
following units of the board shall be eligible to
participate: United Methodist Committee on Re-
lief, Mission Personnel, Mission Contexts and Re-
lationships, Community and Institutional Minis-
tries, and Evangelization and Chiu^ch Growth. The
administering agency shall report annually to the
Advance Committee on the financial progress of
projects and assist in providing programmatic in-
formation as requested.

^1221.

Petition Number: 20179-GJ-1221.4-D;NGA

Membership of the Committee on Older Adult
Ministries

Amend ^ 1221.4:

4. Membership. The committee shall be composed
of.. .the General Board of Higher Education and Minis-
try, and the General Council of Ministries; one mem-
ber...

11307.

Petition Number: 20180-GJ-1307.1-D;NGA

Membership of the National Youth Ministry
Organization Steering Committee
Amend the third sentence of ^ 1307.1:

In addition, there shall be.. .the Curriculum Re-
sources Committee, the General Council on Ministries
Coordinating Committee of the General Agencies,
the General Commission...

710

DCA Advance Edition

^1429.

Petition Number: 20181-GJ-1429-D;NGA
Membership
Delete the first sentence of ^1429 and replace with
the following text:

Membership. — ^The Women's Division shaD be
composed of fifty women, five of whom will be

Jurisdiction United Methodist Women Presidents;
forty women elected by the Jurisdiction Quadren-
nial meetings (1634.4); and five others elected by
the Women's Division members. Thirty of these fifty
women chosen by the Women's Division will serve
on the General Board of Global Ministries.

General and Judicial Administration

711

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20070-GJ-NonDis-O;AUS, MOW,
NYK

Reconsider Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the General Board of Global Ministries
(GBGM) located at 475 Riverside Drive, New York is a
viable international agency operating within the world
capital; and

Whereas, the location of the GBGM makes it easily
accessible to the whole world; and

Whereas, the proposed move of the GBGM will cost
The United Methodist Church no less than sixteen
million dollars; and

Whereas, the current economic plight of millions
around the globe leaves them in a state of poverty and
near starvation; and

Whereas, the Church of Jesus Christ is called to
feed the hungry; and

Whereas, we believe that the funds to be used for
the move of the GBGM should be used to minister to
the needs of the poor and marginalized; and

Whereas, The National Black Methodists for
Church Renewal call on the whole United Methodist
Church through the 1996 General Conference to recon-
sider their decision to relocate the General Board of
Global Ministries and to find more Christian ways of
using the resources given by God that are in keeping
with the model of stewardship as defined by our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence reconsider the move of the General Board of Global
Ministries from New York City and use the financial
resources of the church in ways that are faithful to the
mandate of service to the whole world as given by Christ
and followed by our founder John Wesley.

Petition Number: 20158-GJ-NonDis-O;NGA

Rationale for General Church Restructuring

Whereas, the costs of meetings of the General
Council on Ministries and the four program boards take
substantial funding from the vital mission and ministry
of the Church as shown below:

Costs of General Program Board
and GCOM Meetings

General Council on Ministries 133 members

1993 $192,789 (2 full board meetings)

1994 $219,703 (2 full board meetings)

General Board of Church and Society 82 members

1993 $132,000

1994 $137,500

General Board of Discipleship

1993 $126,254

1994 $128,408

General Board of Global Ministries

99 members

176 members

1993
1994

$826,911
$702,000

(2 full board meetings)

(1 full board meeting,
1 executive committee
neeungj

meetmg)

General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry 98 members

1993 $57,236

1994 $61,376

Note: This does not include various committee
meetings of these agencies, nor does it include the costs
of bishops attending full board, council, or committee
meetings of these agencies.

And whereas, the number of members of these
agencies (see above) is excessive in making their or-
ganizations effective;

Be it resolved, that the General Council on Minis-
tries be eliminated and replaced by a Coordinating Com-
mittee of General Agencies represented by the General
Secretaries and Presidents of all general agencies. The
Council of Bishops shall designate a bishop, who does
not chair a general agency, to serve as chair of the
Coordinating Committee. Other officers shall be elected
by the members of the committee. The Coordinating
Committee of General Agencies will make referrals to
the various agencies and see that overlapping of pro-
grams is avoided. Financial matters coming to the com-
mittee shall be referred to GCFA for action. The Coor-
dinating Committee shall have oversight
responsibilities for the World Service Special Gifts pro-
gram. All other matters which cannot be resolved shall
be referred to the Executive Committee of the Council
of Bishops for resolution and action.

Be it further resolved, that the General Boards of
Church and Society, Discipleship, and Higher Educa-

712

DCA Advance Edition

tion and Ministry have no more than sixty (60) mem-
bers, and the Board of Global Ministry have no more
than ninety (90) members, including members from the
Women's Division. (See ^1429 of 1992 The Book of
Discipline ofTTie United Methodist Church.)

Petition Number: 20207-GJ-NonDis-O;TRY.

Size of General Boards

Whereas, personal interaction, communication, in-
terpretation, and inspiration are essential and critical to
getting persons excited about stewardship and mis-
sional giving; and

Whereas, representation of each Central and An-
nual Conference on General Boards and the General
Council on Ministries leads to ownership and participa-
tion of those conferences in regards to those General
programs and budgets; and

Whereas, there are meeting locations, such as Con-
ference Campsites, colleges, etc., that are more cost
effective for meetings; and

Whereas, there are alternative ways of meeting and
times, such as teleconferences, regional meetings, to-
gether with full annual meetings;

Therefore, be it resolved, that each Annual and
Central Conference, or Episcopal Area directly and per-
sonally related to their Conferences, be represented on
each General Board and the General Council on Minis-
tries, and that each General Board and/or the General
Council on Ministries find alternative ways to save meet-
ing expenses other than cutting representation.

Petition Number: 20236-GJ-NonDis-O$;MOW.

A Quadrermium of The Worker and Ministries
to ' Working People and The Worlq)lace

Whereas, many working people believe there is a
crisis in our economy and that it is felt first and most
acutely in America's workplaces. Blue collar, white col-
lar and pink collar workers confront many forces that
can turn a workplace from the sacred to the sordid to
the deadly. Many working people still endure unsafe and
unhealthy workplaces, unlivable wages, job insecurity
and sexual and racial harassment. In the United States,
sweat shops are more common and child labor is in-
creasing. While productivity and the Dow Jones reach
all-time highs, real wages decline. Working people labor
longer hours and many must hold two and three jobs to
make ends meet Workers suffer the constant threat and
frequent reality of job loss. Lack of owner succession
planning, corporate mergers and acquisitions, unbri-
dled technology, capital flight, production mobility and
consumer apathy often precipitate downsizing, redun-
dancy, layoffs and plant closings;

Whereas, The United Methodist Church must look
to its own house, too. Tlie same churches, judicatories,
agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers
and schools that serve, heal and educate also employ;

Whereas, other nations feel the effects of globaliza-
tion. The internationalization of economics has led to
increasing competition for profit and market shares.
International competition has become the rationale for
the violation of workers' rights and the diminishment of
working conditions in many communities of the world.
National and local economics have become internation-
alized so that decision-making bodies are far removed
from workers and local communities;

Whereas, workplace injustices do not remain neatly
confined to the shop floor. They regularly overflow into
our families and neighborhoods. Left to fester, they
spawn the urban, suburban and rural pathologies so
often attributed to the sins of the individual. Unemploy-
ment and underemployment contribute to drug and
alcohol abuse, liver disease, domestic violence, divorce,
teen pregnancy, racism, sexism, homophobia, militia
and gang activity, suicide, homicide, pornography, pros-
titution, AIDS, etc.;

Whereas, our political system should be more help-
ful. But soft economics contribute to voter apathy and
anti-incumbency fever. Where effective political leader-
ship is most essential, it is often impeded;

Whereas, working people need a church to hear
their stories, their songs and their cries, stand with them
in struggle and heal broken workplaces. Except for
trade unions, there are few institutions available for
working people to share their stories much less address
their grievances;

Whereas, The Book of Discipline calls upon "the
church to recognize the right of all God's children to
realize their potential as human beings in relationship
with each other.... "The most significant human relation-
ships in the lives of Americans exist within the family,
the church and the workplace. Unfortunately, the global
economy and the structure of many workplaces impede
workers fi^om realizing fuU and even minimal potential;

Whereas, our 1988 General Conference proclaimed
that "The General Board of Church and Society and the
General Board of Global Ministries in conjunction with
Annual Conference and local church leaders, shall spon-
sor religion and labor programs that a) study the theo-
logical significance of work and employment; and, b)
initiate cooperation with workers and labor unions about
how best to protect and enhance the rights of all work-
ers, especially those of women, children, and people of
color"; and

Whereas, John Wesley felt the Anglican Church
served mostiy the interests of the aristocracy and the
educated privileged. He made a deliberate search for
holiness within the poor and working class. He discov-

General and Judicial Adnninistration

713

ered spiritual leadership and founded a loving and won-
derful church. The early Methodist Church directly
supported the efforts of garment workers, coal miners,
farm laborers to better their lives.

Therefore, be it resolved: The 1996 General Confer-
ence proclaims the United Methodist Quadrennium of
the Worker. The Quadrennium will provide opportuni-
ties for our denomination, its boards and commissions,
agencies, judicatories, congregations and its faithful to
explore the history of our church and its relationship to
workers and their struggles for workplace peace and
justice. During this Quadrennium, United Methodists
will celebrate workers and their economic importance
to our community and their contributions to a free and
just society. We will explore the new challenges that
confront them in an international economy and find
ways we can stand with them in their continuing strug-
gles.

Be it further resolved: The General Board of Church
and Society and the General Board of Global Ministries
be instructed to give priority in programming and fund-
ing to the implementation of the actions called for in the
Resolution entitled 'The Right of Workers" passed at the
1988 General Conference (BORpp. 369-370).

Be it further resolved: The General Conference calls
upon the General Board of Global Ministries in partner-
ship with the General Board of Church and Society to
appoint and fund a task force to implement the call of the
1988 resolution and organize The Quadrennium of the
Worker and subsequent ministries. This fast force will
consist of no more than nine people, including both
clergy and laity. This task force will coordinate the
research of old hymns and composition of new hymns,
prayer, liturgy, lectionary, sermon material and Sunday
school curricula. The Quadrennium task force will de-
velop special materials to assist our efforts to recognize
Labor Day, Workers' Memorial Day, Martin Luther
King's Birthday and other celebrations of working peo-
ple. The General Conference will call upon other Gen-
eral Boards and Commissions and seminaries to assist
this effort. The task force will also explore and recom-
mend denominational procedures to listen to working
people and serve them directly.

Be it further resolved: The General Conference will
call each judicatory and congregation to explore and
develop their own ministries to working people. The
General Board of Global Ministries and General Board
of Church and Society will assist these local efforts to:

— Identify working people in congregations and, in
the best tradition of Wesleyan inclusiveness, design
procedures to hear their stories, survey their needs,
affirm their diverse gifts and nurture their leadership
skills;

— Encourage regular dialogue with local organized
labor communities and reach out to unorganized work-
ers;

— Advocate for the economic, social, political and
spiritual interests of workers within judicatories; and

— Be in special community with local workers and
management during grievances, organizing efforts, con-
tract negotiations, a strike or plant closing.

Be it further resolved: Our denomination, its
boards, commissions, agencies, hospitals, nursing
homes, seminaries and other higher education institu-
tions employ many workers. We will commit ourselves
to be model employers. To this end, we will:

— Listen to the stories or our employees and re-
spond to their grievances;

— Encourage, not impede, their efforts to organize
for the purpose of collective bargaining; and

— Develop and distribute written guidelines for
behavior within the church, its judicatories and its agen-
cies when confronted with organizing efforts.

Be it finally resolved: The General Conference rec-
ognizes that these ministries alone will not solve the
crisis in America's workplaces. Each United Methodist
must make a personal commitment to join the struggle.
We worship the Carpenter and admire the wisdom of
John Wesley. Both served working people. United
Methodists are well positioned to serve working people.
We are workers, bosses, farmers, shoppers, preachers,
educators, administrators, corporate officers, doctors,
bankers, stockholders and consumers. Embracing the
spirit and implementing the call of The Quadrennium of
the Worker, United Methodists can help working people
realize their full potential and find justice, peace and
wholeness within America's workplaces. Our actions
will enable our denomination and its faithful to proclaim
how sacred is the workplace, how holy are its workers,
and that wherever there is a United Methodist church,
there is a church that loves them.

Petition Number: 20237-GJ-NonDis-O;NNJ.

Annual AIDS Awareness Sunday

Whereas, TTie Book of Resolutions 1988 pp. 101-2
reads, "In the spirit of the One who makes all things new,
who empowers the people of God for ministries of heal-
ing and hope even in the midst of a frightening epidemic.
The United Methodist Church and its members are
called to respond to the epidemic of Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome by engaging in ministry, healing
and social responsibility consistent with the Church's
understanding of the Gospel imperatives";

Therefore, we recommend that the Sunday closest
to Valentine's Day be declared as the annual Aids Aware-

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ness Sunday. It will be a time to open our hearts and
show our love to the men, women, and children most
affected by the AIDS crisis — persons with AIDS, per-
sons who are HIV positive, and their families, friends
and care givers — as we learn more about the church's
ministry and responsibility in the midst of this pan-
demic.

Furthermore, during this service, we recommend
those churches place a permanent candle of hope and
healing on their altars, doing so as a permanent re-
minder of our Christian witness to people with AIDS,
and other incurable illnesses, and if a church is unable
to observe AIDS Awareness Sunday on the date sug-
gested, it may choose another Sunday for its obser-
vance.

Petition Number: 20238-GJ-NonDis-O;CNV, WYO.

The Church and God's Creation

As disciples of Christ we are called to be good
stewards of God's creation. Accordingly, we call upon
Tlie United Methodist Church to adopt fresh ways to
respond to the perils which now threaten the integrity
of God's creation and the future of God's children.

Specifically, The United Methodist Church:

— Designates one Sunday each year as a Festival of
God's Creation, or Earth Sabbath, celebrating God's
gracious work in creating the earth and all living things,
incorporating it into the Church's liturgical calendar and
developing appropriate ways for congregations to cele-
brate it;

— Endorses the work of the Inter-religious Coali-
tion for the Environment and urges conferences and
congregations to support their activities and programs;

— Recommends that annual conferences establish
annual awards to honor prophetic defenders of God's
creation from within their own constituencies;

— Encourages a simplified and environmentally
sound lifestyle throughout the Church, suggesting ways
in which Church agencies, conferences, and congrega-
tions can be stewards of God's creation, reducing levels
of consumption and participating in programs which
reuse and recycle goods.

Petition Number: 20274-GJ-NonDis-O;ORI.

Defining "Status" in the Constitution

Define "status" in the Constitution as follows:

Status refers to the position or standing of a
person in society. This position may be legally
determined or the result of social attitudes.

[The Judicial Council has ruled that the General
Conference must define the word "status" as used in the
Constitution of The United Methodist Church. Where
this definition should be added will be determined by
the General Conference once a definition is adopted.]

Petition Number: 20275-GJ-NonDis-O;NEB.

Interim report on the Findings

and Recommendations of the Connectional

Issues Study

Whereas, the general church has struggled with the
issues of declining morale, membership, and steward-
ship; and

Whereas, if we wish to fervently proclaim Christ in
the 21st Century, we must also address the increasing
limitations of a church structure that still represents the
18th and 19th Centuries; and

Whereas, our existing structures retain the patriar-
chal and hierarchical influences of the feudal and agrar-
ian systems of government prevalent in the time of the
Wesleys; and

Whereas, the Connectional Issues Study seeks to
address the needs of the information age with clearer
channels of communication and more democratic meth-
ods of decision making; and

Whereas, it is not reasonable to endorse a report
that is not yet completed or perfected;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence affirm in principle the work of the Connectional
Issues Study to improve the structure of the church.

And be it further resolved, that the General Confer-
ence work diligently to refine the report of the Connec-
tional Issues Study with the ultimate goal of improving
our structure.

And be it further resolved, that we not fravel the
road of altering structure merely for economic purpose,
nor for the purpose of concentrating power in the hands
of a few to the detriment of the many.

And be it further resolved that the spirit of our
restructuring process lead us into more democratic and
consensual models of ministry, that inclusiveness and
openness be enhanced by the process, and that improv-
ing the General, Regional, and Annual Conference's
ability to serve the local church be the primary goal.

General and Judicial Administration

715

Petition Number: 20292-GJ-NonDis-O;PNW.

Gambling Awareness Sunday

Resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church establish a Gambling Aware-
ness Sunday by the following means:

1. The General Conference of The United Method-
ist Church shall designate one Sunday annually as
"Gambling Awareness Sunday."

2. All congregations will be made aware of the offi-
cial position of The United Methodist Church concern-
ing gambling in the current United Methodist Discipline
during a Sunday morning worship service.

3. Each local church will support all efforts to limit
and reduce gambling. This would include contacting
national, state and local government legislators to vigor-
ously oppose further expansion of gambling, including
opposition to any initiative or legislation which would
allow unrestricted gambling. We also urge our congre-
gations to support those who are working within their
tribal governments to oppose reservation gambling and
develop other economic resources.

Petition Number: 20515-GJ-NonDis-O;CNV, NNY.

Retain the Headquarters of the General Board
of Global Ministries in New York City

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference directed a
site committee to recommend, not select, a site for the
General Board of Global Ministries, with plans and all
funding sources, this leaves the final decision on
whether to move up to the 1996 General Conference;

Whereas, the advantages of remaining in New York,
missional, financial, convenience, and inclusiveness,
outweigh those of other possible sites;

Whereas, it will cost 30 to 40 million dollars for an
unnecessary move, especially in a time of limited eco-
nomic resources;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence keep the headquarters of the General Board of
Global Ministries in New York City.

Petition Number: 20516-GJ-NonDis-O;WIS, WYO,
NEB.NYK

Vote to keep the Headquarters of the General
Board of Global Ministries in New York City

We urge the 1996 General Conference to vote to
keep the headquarters of the General Board of Global
Ministries in New York City.

Petition Number: 20517-GJ-NonDis-O;TRY, PNW.

Location of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, New York City is site of the United Na-
tions headquarters; and

Whereas, New York City has unparalleled air trans-
portation connections with every segment of United
Methodism and the areas of the world served by United
Methodism; and

Whereas, the most rapidly growing segments of
The United Methodist Church are in Africa, eastern
Europe and the Philippines, for whom the main point of
entry into the United States is New York City; and

Whereas, New York City is an amalgam and micro-
cosm of the world's diverse races, nationalities, religions
and ethnic groups; and

Whereas, United Methodism in New York City and
vicinity serves many of these racial, national, and ethnic
groups; and

Whereas, the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church in 1992 voted by a very narrow mar-
gin to approve relocation of the General Board of Global
Ministries, pending recommendation by a Committee
on Relocation created to investigate such relocation, its
costs and disruptions to services and staffing, and or-
dered to report its findings and recommendations to the
1996 General Conference; and

Whereas, the Committee on Relocation has now
ordered cost estimates for moving, renting, relocation
and start-up costs to five cities (Atianta, Chicago, Den-
ver, Dallas, and Washington) as well as cost estimates
of remaining in New York City; and

Whereas, the cost of remaining in New York City is,
by decision of the Committee, not to be released until
after the Committee has decided to recommend one of
the five cities for relocation of the Board;

Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Committee
on Relocation of the General Board of Global Ministries
release its data and findings concerning costs of remain-
ing in New York City at the time data and findings
concerning relocation to the five cities is released; and

Be it further resolved, that cost analysis for both
relocation to a selected city and for remaining in New
York City be included in tiie Committee report to the
1996 General Conference; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church is and should be a world church, not a provincial
one, and that relocation of the General Board of Global
Ministries at this time to a city in the interior of the
United States sends a negative message to the growing

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edges of United Methodism in Africa, eastern Europe
and the Philippines.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference rescind the 1992 action to force the General
Board of Global Ministries to relocate and decide to
support the General Board of Global Ministries at its
present location.

Petition Number: 20547-GJ-NonDis-O;NMX.

Support Efforts to Provide Economic
Development for Native Americans

Whereas, The United Methodist Church recog-
nizes and supports the sovereignty of Native American
nations; and

Whereas, sovereign nations have within their power
the ability to influence lives and spiritual values; and

Whereas, many Native American sovereignties
have chosen to use and promote gambling as a means
of economic development; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has his-
torically and strongly deplored gambling;

Therefore, be it resolved, that sovereign Native
American nations are urged to explore and implement
means of economic development not dependent upon
gambling; and

Be it further resolved, that United Methodists eve-
rywhere be urged to reaffirm the historical United Meth-
odist stand against gambling and to support the efforts
of sovereign Native American nations to provide means
and methods of economic development that do not de-
pend upon gambling.

Service Fund to the General Board of Global Ministries
be spent on the relocation of the board office; and

No money or interest from money received for
Advance Specials or any other special projects of the
board be spent on the relocation of the board office.

Petition Number: 20744-GJ-NonDis-O;KEN.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference voted to
relocate the General Board of Global Ministries; and

Whereas, the original petition to do so came from a
member of our Annual Conference; and

Whereas, the committee chosen to select a future
site for the location of the General Board of Global
Ministries has narrowed that selection to two cities not
much different from New York City; and

Whereas, Atlanta, Georgia, is hosting the next Sum-
mer Olympics; and

Whereas, any city with the capability of handling a
Summer Olympics can surely handle a few more United
Methodists; and

Whereas, the decision to remain in New York will
do irreparable harm to the trust level of many members
of our church who wanted the General Board to locate
to an area more representative of our grass roots con-
stituents;

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church select Atlanta,
Georgia, as the new site of the General Board of Global
Ministries.

Petition Number: 20719-GJ-NonDis-O;WOH.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the General Board of Global Ministries is
the mission agency of The United Methodist Church;
and

Whereas, members of local congregations give
money through apportionments to the World Service
Fund to support missions worldwide; and

Whereas, there is an increasing need for mission
support throughout the world and in the United States;
and

Whereas, we are called to be faithful stewards of
funds received;

Be it resolved, that no money or interest from
money received from annual conferences for the World

Petition Number: 20796-GJ-NonDis-O; Conf.
B.G.M.,MOW, Native American International, Cau-
cus, 2 local Churches.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the expenditure of an estimate of at least
twenty-five million ($25 m) dollars will be needed to
cover the costs incurred by the move;

Whereas, communications systems now made
available by the Information Superhighway would en-
able vastly improved avenues of communication and the
possibility of the decentralization of some staffpositions,
improving networking;

Whereas, the needs for mission oufreach nationally
and internationally are growing beyond the resources
already present;

General and Judicial Administration

717

I

Whereas, local churches, who may be expected to
partially fund the move, are needing available funds to
develop ministries and missions at the local and confer-
ence level;

Whereas, a vote differential of 15 (the outcome of
the vote at 1992 General Conference) does not necessar-
ily represent the level of commitment throughout the
church for this decision;

Whereas, the denomination is in the midst of a
major restructuring that may influence the location and
connection of all boards and agencies;

Whereas, the stewardship of time, money, and per-
sonnel may be best used toward addressing the needs
and demands of this current time;

Whereas, it is recognized that there are other com-
prehensive issues both for and against;

Therefore, in light of the above concerns, be it
resolved that the 1996 General Conference reconsider
the decision to relocate the headquarters of the General
Board of Global Ministries from New York City.

Petition Number: 20886-GJ-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration For Social Action, CPA, 2, Churches.

Relocation of the General Board
of Globed Ministiies

We urge the 1996 General Conference to vote to
keep the headquarters of the General Board of Global
Ministries in New York City.

Petition Number: 20887-GJ-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration For Social Action, CPA.

The Church and God's Creation

As disciples of Christ we are called to be good
stewards of God's creation. Accordingly, we call upon
The United Methodist Church to adopt fresh ways to
respond to the perils which now threaten the integrity
of God's creation and the future of God's children.

Specifically, The United Methodist Church:

— designates one Sunday each year as a Festival of
God's Creation, or Earth Sabbath, celebrating God's
gracious work in creating the earth and all living things,
incorporating it into the Church's liturgical calendar and
developing appropriate ways for congregations to cele-
brate it;

— endorses the work of the Inter-religious Coalition
for the Environment and the World Council of Churches
Consultation "Accelerated Climate Change: Sign of
Peril, Test of Faith" and urges conferences and congre-
gations to support their activities and programs;

— recommends that annual conferences establish
annual awards to honor prophetic defenders of God's
creation from within their own constituencies;

— encourages a simplified and environmentally
sound lifestyle throughout the Church, suggesting ways
in which Church agencies, conferences, and congrega-
tions can be stewards of God's creation, reducing levels
of consumption and participating in programs which
reuse and recycle goods.

Petition Number: 20888-GJ-NonDis-O$; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, CPA.

Meetings and a U. S. Convocation on
"Heterosexism And The Mission of The Church"

God speaks to us through pain and suffering, calling
us to the task of healing and reconciliation. Our Church
and societies are divided by heterosexism. We humbly
acknowledge that cultural and religious judgmentalism
contributes to disrespect, alienation, and violence
against persons. We seek to understand God's call to the
church to be in mission.

Therefore, before the General Conference meets in
2000, The United Methodist Church will hold a series of
five regional meetings and a United States Convocation
on "Heterosexism and the Mission of the Church." The
purpose of these gatherings will be to:

1. Hear the pastoral and social needs of people both
within and outside the church who are affected by het-
erosexism.

2. Explore how heterosexism adversely affects both
the oppressed and the oppressors.

3. Discern how God is calling the church to respond
to these needs.

4. Propose appropriate mission responses to guide
the church in the 21st century for:

a) Local churches

b) Annual conferences

c) Boards and agencies

d) United Methodist-related institutions (seminar-
ies, colleges, hospitals, etc.)

The 1996 General Conference authorizes the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries to form a planning committee
of 21 persons representing diversity of geography, eth-
nicity, and sexual orientation. Members of the planning
committee will include persons from the General Board
of Church and Society, General Board of Discipleship,
General Board of Global Ministries (each division rep-
resented) , General Board of Pensions, General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, General Board of Pub-

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lications, General Council on Ministries, Commission
on Religion and Race, and the Commission on the Status
and Role of Women.

The 1996 General Conference will instruct the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration to provide
funding for such a convocation and regional meetings.

Petition Number: 20955-GJ-NonDis-O;NIN.

Granting of Advance Special Status to Applachia
Service Project, Inc

Whereas, ./^palachia Service Project, Inc. has been
affiliated with The United Methodist Church since its
inception in 1969 and continues to grow and serve as an
arm of United Methodist mission;

Whereas, Appalachia Service Project, Inc. through
its ministry of home repair and home building is a vital
mission outreach of the Church in Central Appalachia;

Whereas, Appalachia Service Project, Inc. has oper-
ated out of fifteen centers in the summer of 1995, ena-
bling some 7,000 volunteers to work on 260 to 300
homes;

Whereas, additional funding would allow Ap-
palachia Service Project, Inc. to expand its ministry of
home repair and building;

Whereas, the present route for churches to give to
Appalachia Service Project, Inc. and receive mission
credit goes through conference treasurers and the Gen-
eral Board of Discipleship and proves circuitous and
time-consuming;

Whereas, local churches seeking to give to Ap-
palachia Service Project, Inc. are sometimes discour-
aged by its lack of Advance Special status;

Whereas, Advance Special status would bring in-
creased recognition and promote giving to Appalachia
Service Project, Inc.; and

Whereas, two Annual Conferences have already
granted Advance Special status within their own confer-
ences for Appalachia Service Project, Inc.;

Therefore, the General Conference recommends to
the Advance Committee of the General Council on Min-
istries that Appalachia Service Project, Inc. be granted
General Advance Special status and that any denomina-
tional processes and structural changes which may be
necessary to enable Advance Special status for Ap-
palachia Service Project, Inc. be enacted.

Petition Number: 21556-GJ-NonDis-0;NMX.

General Council on Ministries

We recommend the abolition of the General council
on Ministries of The United Methodist Church (Section
III of the Administrative Order as found in the 1992
Discipline ^ 1001-1007). The several objectives as de-
fined in ^ 1005 would be divided as follows:

1. 'To study the missional needs and propose priori-
ties of the general church; and when necessary, to adjust
emphases between sessions of the General Confer-
ence." Re: Assigned to the Council of Bishops and listed
under ^527.5.

2. 'To establish the process and relationships per-
taining to the coordination and funding of the ministries
and program emphases of the denomination through its
general agencies and to minimize unnecessary overlap-
ping approaches to the local church and the annual
conference." Assigned to the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration and listed under ^ 907.2.

3. 'To enhance tlie effectiveness of our total minis-
tries by reviewing and evaluating the performance of the
general program agencies and their responsiveness to
the needs of the local churches and to the annual con-
ferences." Assigned to the Council of Bishops and listed
under ^ 527.6.

4. 'To facilitate informed decision-making at all lev-
els of the church by engaging in research and planning
in cooperation with the general agencies and the annual
conferences." Assigned to the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration and listed under ^ 907.2.

Petition Number: 21723-GJ-NonDis-O; Commission
on Pan-Methodist Cooperation.

Progranunatic Responsibilities for Strengthening
the Black Church (Pan-Methodist)

The United Methodist delegation to the Commis-
sion on Pan-Methodist Cooperation requests that each
board and agency that has programmatic responsibili-
ties for strengthening the Black Church in the coming
quadrennium (century) address said programs Pan-
Methodistically. Further that the General Council on
Ministries evaluation process request specific informa-
tion as to how it was addressed and completed in each
board.

DC A Advance Edition

Global Ministries

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

General Board of Global Ministries

\

Introduction

The global Christian community is in transition.
Church institutions face new opportunities and chal-
lenges. Witness, service, leadership, and stewardship
are being reshaped. In such a day, on the edge of the
twenty-first century, the church is called to consider
anew its understanding of mission.

Inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, the General
Board of Global Ministries across the last four years
evaluated its ministries, relationships, and structure. Is
it equipped, we asked, for dynamic, effective, and ex-
panding mission in the new century-in a post-Cold War
world of great cultural diversity and conflict? The expe-
rience was frightening and exhilarating. Directors, staff
and every annual conference took part in the process.
One description of mission especially compelled us:

'To discern those places where the Gospel has not
been heard or heeded and to witness to its meaning
throughout the world, inviting all persons to newness of
life in Jesus Christ through a program of global minis-
bies." (1992 Discipline, ^ 1402.1)

The obligation to pursue Christian mission in places
where the Gospel has not been heeded provided a som-
ber, yet hopeful, reminder that the work of the church
is never finished in any nation, community, congrega-
tion, or family.

The Board in the twilight of the twentieth century
interprets Christian mission as servanthood in action.
The quadrennium was a time of mission action around
the world; for example, new church development in
Russia and Africa, sustained relief and refugee minis-
tries in Zaire and Bosnia, aggressive new Hispanic min-
istries in the United States, unprecedented work against
drug abuse and related violence, and the expanding
globalization of Tlie United Methodist Church.

Preparation for mission in a truly global church is a
paramount concern throughout the agency. This con-
cern reflects both international and local realities. The
phrase "global village" aptly describes contemporary
economic, political, cultural and religious momentum-
recognizing that no village is monolithic. Within this

village, local churches and annual conferences rightfully
want more direct experience of mission. The Board is
equipping itself to become a partner and facilitator in
such mission. Christian mission is highly personal,
global in scope but personal in utterance: servanthood
in action.

What follows is information on the Board's engage-
ment in-and preparation for-mission as active servan-
thood since 1992. The report is unlike those of the past
Rather than describe the functions of divisions, depart-
ments, and offices, we offer a composite of many units
collaborating in a common objective. This is the style
and the organizational pattern the Board projects for the
future.

We submit this report to the 1996 General Confer-
ence with profound appreciation to the United Method-
ist people for their commitment to global mission and
ministry, for their material support, and for their prayers
and witness to the living Christ.

Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, President of the General
Board of Global Ministries

The Rev. Dr. Randolph W. Nugent, General Secre-
tary, General Board of Global Ministries

Mandates and Mission Initiatives

The General Conference in 1992 assigned a group
of mission mandates and initiatives to the General Board
of Global Ministries. The Board received these as trusts
fi-om the Church and wishes here to account for its
servanthood, and its stewardship, in eight mission areas.
(Some of these are treated in more detail in documenta-
tion accompanying proposed resolutions, legislation or
budget items.)

1. National Plan for Hispanic Ministry, While
administratively linked to Global Ministries, this re-
markable plan relates to all agencies and annual confer-
ences. The first coordinated, comprehensive effort of its
kind within The United Metiiodist Church, the plan
produced a great and continuing harvest in its first three
years.

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The Church can clearly see the "mighty deeds of
God" (Acts 2:11) in this ministry. Before the end of 1996,
a total of 450 lay missioners, 200 pastor/mentors, and 95
facilitators and trainers will be in place through the plan.
The Committee on Hispanic Ministries works with all
parts of the Board and other agencies. In addition, the
National Program Division continued its work on the
U.S./Mexican border. (See "U.S./Mexico Border Bilat-
eral Mission Advisory Committee" further in this re-
port.)

For a full report of the work of the Committee on
Hispanic Ministries and the progress of the National
Plan for Hispanic Ministry, please see the pages imme-
diately following the GBGM report.

2. Special Program on Substance Abuse and
Related Molence. Developed in collaboration with the
Council of Bishops and the General Board of Church
and Society, this program has reached beyond the
United States into the Central Conferences of Europe
and the ecumenical community. It engages in program
design and training to equip congregations and commu-
nities to prevent and reform drug/alcohol abuse and the
violence it causes. Five program components are com-
munity-based demonstrations, support for other church-
related work of this kind, leadership development and
training, education and promotion, and advocacy. Five
demonstration projects are in Mississippi, Missouri,
California, West Virginia, and Nevada. The program
made 31 grants to United Methodist and ecumenical
projects. Special resources were developed, and training
provided to key lay missioners in the National Hispanic
Plan and the Native American Comprehensive Plan.

3. Native American Comprehensive Plan. The

national task force organized to foster this mandate set
four goals: congregational development, leadership de-
velopment, encounter with Native American Spirituality,
and denominational presence. Guidelines were forged
for partnership between the Church and Native Ameri-
can rural or reservation communities. Ten trainers were
prepared for Native American congregational develop-
ment, and the first grant in this area went to the Desert
Southwest Annual Conference for ministry on the
Navajo Reservation. The plan sponsored the participa-
tion of 21 persons to the Cooperative Ministries Convo-
cation in late 1995. Discussions were begun with
seminaries on the development of an ordination track
for future Native American pastors. More than 60 pas-
tors and lay persons took part in leadership training on
the connectional Church, and a half-hour video on this
topic was produced. A survey instrument to help define
Native American spirituality and Native cultural ways
was tested at the 1995 Native American Family Camp.
In cooperation with the General Commission on Chris-
tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, dialogues on
Native American Spirituality are projected for the next
quadrennium. A recommendation for the 1997-2000
quadrennium is being forwarded to the General Confer-
ence.

4. Communities of Shalom. Created by the 1992
General Conference in response to the urban crisis in
Los Angeles, Communities of Shalom (Shalom Zones)
grew into an international ministry incorporating
evangelism and community action. Pioneered in seven
communities in Greater Los Angeles, Shalom focuses
on spiritual renewal, congregational development,
community economic development, health care and the
strengthening of racial and class ties. Short-term
missionaries (US2s) have bolstered this work in some
locales. In early 1996, more than 250 urban and rural
communities in 16 annual conferences in the United
States and one in Afiica engaged in the Shalom concept.
Eight other conferences were organizing Shalom
ministries. During the quadrennium, joint efforts
generated $946,000 nationally and $500,000 in the
California-Pacific Annual Conference for Shalom.

5. Asian-American Language Ministry Study.

Ten different Asian-language ministries exist within The
United Methodist Church. The 1992 General Confer-
ence mandated a study and recommendations on this
issue. The resulting reports strongly advocate Asian-lan-
guage ministries, especially for first- generation immi-
grants, in the same model that the Church provided
language ministries to non-English speaking immi-
grants in the nineteenth century (for example, the Ger-
man-language ministry). Steps are recommended for
strengthening the particular mission needs of each
Asian subculture. Language-specific resources and
community ministries are also advanced. For further
information, see the "Report of Asian-American Lan-
guage Ministry Study" at the end of this General Board
of Global Ministries report.

In a separate but related development, the National
Committee on Korean American Ministries recom-
mended the formation of a Korean American Missionary
Conference for parts of the United States. Following
long and prayerful consideration, the Directors of the
National Program Division declined to endorse this pro-
posal, while strongly commending Korean mission and
ministry within the annual conferences.

6. Homelessness. The 1992 Resolution on Home-
lessness set forth a broad-based agenda for the involve-
ment of clergy and laity in the prevention of
homelessness and the care of the homeless. It included
education, collaboration, model identification, promo-
tion of prevention programs, and the conduct of local
surveys on the extent of homelessness. The Board re-
sponded with a stratified research plan that includes the
survey and assessment of United Methodist ministries
to the homeless and the initiation of a data bank on this
work. Survey responses from annual conferences, dis-
tricts, and mission institutions showed a lack of firm
local figures on homeless persons. Statistical analysis of
the preliminary data suggests that hundreds of thou-
sands of homeless persons live in communities served
by United Methodist congregations. Research findings
will facilitate the development of comprehensive local

Global Ministries

721

and national approaches to the scourge of homeless-
ness.

7. Ministry to the Deaf. The 1992 General Confer-
ence established the National Committee on Deaf Min-
istries as a mission initiative assigned to the Board. In
the United States alone, some 24 million persons, or 8.8
per cent of the population, suffers some degree of hear-
ing loss. A 1994 survey by the General Council on
Ministries found that while 5,000 local churches offer
sound amplification, less than 1,500 have other assistive
listening devices, and less than 200 offer sign language
in worship, Christian education, or counseling. A major
objective of the national committee during the past
quadrennium was to research the issue of hearing im-
pairment with respect to the Church and to plan a
comprehensive approach to this ministry. The result of
that arduous work is contained in "National Committee
on Developing Deaf Ministry," found at the end of this
General Board of Global Ministries report to the General
Conference.

8. The Church and the AIDS/HIV Epidemic.

The actions of the 1992 General Conference on
AIDS/HIV were assigned to Global Ministries by the
General Council on Ministries for continuation through
an Interagency Task Force. One priority of the task force
is the Covenant to Care Program. The covenant, a con-
gregation-based ministry, provides Christian welcome
and love. It involves a highly developed electronic net-
work of committed individuals and local churches. With
leadership provided by the Health and Welfare Minis-
tries Program Department, the Board focused on the
discovery of ways in which the Church can play a role
in the prevention of HIV infection and in the care and
comfort of those already ill. These findings are summa-
rized and presented to the General Conference in the
proposed resolutions, "Recognizing and Responding to
the Many Faces of HIV/AIDS in the USA," and "World
AIDS Day Observance." The immensity of the challenge
can be summarized in two sentences from the resolu-
tion: "AIDS will increasingly affect and infect our next
generation of leaders. Since 1991, AIDS has been the
sixth leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds
in the United States."

More than 400 church leaders from three conti-
nents gathered during the quadrennium to take part in
HIV/AIDS consultations in Brazil, Zimbabwe, India and
the United States.

Report of the Treasurer

"But to what will I compare this generation? It is like
children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one
another, We played the flute for you, and you did not
dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' For John
came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has
a demon'; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and
they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax

collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her
deeds." (Matthew 11:16-19, NRSV)

The last full year before the baseball strike, 70
million Americans visited ballparks; 92 million Ameri-
cans went to casinos and wagered more than $400 bil-
lion.

When people do not know what they need, they are
likely to be discontented with everything they get. Our
world is torn by restless discontent of every variety.
Advanced technology promises everything to every-
body, but only solid commitment to the right virtues and
values brings peace with justice, which is what we really
need.

Jesus humorously chides his audience and com-
pares them to children who complain about the tune
when they want to escape fi"om a challenge to change
their way of living. No tune pleases them, so they just sit
and pout.

PERCENT OF WORLD SERVICE
GOAL RECEIVED

Figure 1

0.94

0.92

0,90"

X

0,88

\^__

^

0,86

•t

0,84

1 1 1 1 1 1

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 19

■ Denom Goal
GBGM

WORLD SERVICE ALLOCATIONS TO GBGM

Figure 2

1990
^B Denom, Goal
CH Actual

722

DCA Advance Edition

The General Board of Global Ministries hears the
music of the gospel and tries to be faithful to its call. We
are thankful for the stewardship of United Methodists
and report that we have been true to the charge that has
been given us by God through Jesus Christ.

It is estimated that 75 million Americans went to
church in 1994. Those who call themselves United
Methodists contributed approximately $170,000,000 to
general church benevolences.

World Service receipts for the year ending Decem-
ber 31, 1994, were $20,607,182. This is the first year that
the Global Ministries portion exceeded $20,000,000, and
although it is approximately $3,500,000 short of the
denomination's goal for 1994, it represents the first time
the percentage of World Service paid by the denomina-
tion turned upward since 1985. The percentage of the
World Service asking paid in 1994 was 86.2, and (after
prior claims) the distribution to the boards and agencies
was 85.3%. (See Figures 1 and 2.)

Undesignated giving by United Methodist Women
in 1994 was $19,966,611, a decrease of $296,971 or
(1.5%). Total support for mission through the Women's
Division was $34,878,078, the largest single source of
support for United Methodist missions. The reduction
in giving continues the strain on the programs pre-
viously administered by the Women's Division until the
1964 agreements, when these ministries moved to the
National Program Division and the World Program Di-
vision. (See Figure 3).

Advance giving in 1994 was $30,459,756, a decrease
of 9.1% from the prior year's receipts of $33,495,348. The
Advance program is second-mile giving by the denomi-
nation. It is expected that churches first meet World
Service and then express support for specific ministries
through the Advance.

Advance giving to the World Program Division in-
creased 8.8% over the 1993 amount of $9,411,974 to a
total of $10,239,400. Of this increase, $260,541 went

WOMEN'S DIVISION GENERAL FUND

Figure 3

WORLD DIVISION ADVANCE RECEIPTS

Figure 5

I

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

BIMI

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

^ PIM
CD OtrierAdv.

GBGM ADVANCE RECEIPTS

Figure 4

NATIONAL DIVISION ADVANCE RECEIPTS

Figure 6

I I I I I

1989 1990 1991

^ World
■I National
Cn UMCOR

1992 1993 1994

I I I I I

I I I I I

I I I I I

I I I I I

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

Global Ministries

723

towards the support of persons in mission. Total support
for persons in mission in 1994 was $5,864,920. This
continues the plateau of approximately $6,000,000 that
has prevailed since the early 1980s. (See Figure 5.)

The National Program Division Advance Income in
1994 was $4,231,403. It represents a decrease of
$169,095 (3.8%) from the prior year's receipts of
$4,400,498. (See Figure 6)

Advance giving to UMCOR was $15,957,811, a de-
crease of $3,680,914. Contributions fluctuate in direct
relationship to the number of severe international disas-
ters. We can be thankful that there were few of them in
1994. Unfortunately, people suffer many of the same
hardships from other causes, such as poverty, and these
causes must be addressed. (See Figure 7.)

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering decreased
by $59,992 from $2,769,096 in 1993 to $2,709,104 in 1994.
This offering is the backbone of the work of UMCOR.
Investment income usually pays for all administrative
costs and promotional costs. When that income is ex-
pended, the balance of running costs comes from One

Great Hour of Sharing. Practically all of the remainder
of UMCOR income is for donor-designated projects.

This pattern of UMCOR work continues to change.
In many emergency programs, there is no ecumenical
agency available to respond. In those cases, UMCOR
staff and volunteers respond directly at the emergency
site. Greater emphasis must be put on the One Great
Hour of Sharing offering to ensure the denomination's
ability to respond to human suffering. (See Figure 8.)

The World Communion Sunday offering was
$434,576, an increase of $39,576 (1.1%). This limited
increase is disappointing considering the promotion of
the 50th anniversary of the Crusade Scholarship Pro-
gram. One-half of this offering, after promotional costs,
finances the program, which enables students in this
country and abroad to pursue postgraduate studies.
Many of the Church's finest leaders were Crusade
Scholars. (See Figure 9.)

Human Relations Day offering receipts in 1994 were
$294,578, a decrease of $16,280 from the previous year.
This continues a decline for every year since 1985, with
the exception of 1990. The portion of this fund adminis-

UMCOR ADVANCE RECEIPTS

Figure 7

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY OFFERING

Figure 9

III

I I I I ■

Mill
Mill

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

Figure 8

HUMAN RELATIONS DAY OFFERING

Figure 10
500

3
2

1

c

.2

300
200

fioo

1 1

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1989

1990

1991

1992

1993 1994

I

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

724

DCA Advance Edition

tered by GBGM through the National Pro- ^'9"^'* ^ ^
gram Division is used to support United
Methodist Voluntary Services and Com-
munity Developers. (See Figure 10.)

Native American Awareness Sunday
serves to remind the Church of gifts and
contributions made by Native Americans
to society. Half of this offering stays in
annual conferences with Native American
ministries, and half of the remainder goes
to GBGM for National Program Division
Native American Initiative programs. This
offering was $76,366 in 1994, a decrease of
$2,129 from 1993.

The special programs, parts of which
were assigned by the 1992 General Con-
ference to the General Board of Global
Ministries, in total exceeded the annual
goal for two years in a row. The increase
in 1994 over 1993 was 4.1%. The denomi-
nation has shown the deserved respect for
these ministries. (See Figure 11 .)

Following are two exhibits. One is a
consolidated, unaudited balance sheet for
the period ending December 31, 1994. The
balance sheet shows total fund balances
held by all the divisions and departments
of GBGM as $258,316,537. Of these bal-
ances, $194,805,234 (or 75.4%) represent
restricted funds. The principal of these
funds is not invadable; the income is re-
stricted to a specific program by the donor
or contract

Designated Funds balances were
$40,881,027 (15.8%) of the total and repre-
sent Board of Directors' designations usu-
ally covering commitments of a
multiple-year nature.

Undesignated Funds were

$22,630,276 (8.8%), most of which will be
designated during 1995. (For a chart of
relative balances, see Figure 12.)

The Consolidated Statement of In-
come indicates that for the year ending
December 31, 1994, income was
$133,173,640. Of that income, 34.6% was
donor-designated. This is consistent with
our history, which usually shows donor-designated in-
come between 35% and 39% of all income.

Administrative expenses in 1994 were $10,493,974,
or 6.9% of income. Fundraising costs were $1,608,236,
or 1.1% of income. The residue of $139,509,969, or 92.0%,
was designated to program.

Any report on resources would not be complete
without acknowledging the thousands of hours
volunteered by United Methodists in the name of our

GBGM

ANNUAL

GOAL

1994
ACTUAL

1993
ACTUAL

PERCENT
INCREASE

Native American Plan
(World Service)

$153,000

$132,261

$128,800

2,6%

Substance Abuse*

$114,750

$359,797

$351,317

2.4%

National Hispanic Plan

$250,000

$225,837

$210,457

7,3%

National Hispanic Plan
Mission Initiatives*

$ 26,826

$ 87,950

$ 82,189

7,0%

Native American
Comprehensive Plan*

$ 25,500

$ 79,954

$ 78,070

2.4%

Development of
Deaf Ministries*

$ 3,187

$ 9,994

$ 9,759

2.4%

Total

$573,263

$895,793

$860,592

4.1%

Mission Initiatives

GBGM FUND BALANCES 12/31/94

Figure 12

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, starting with our Board of
Directors and widening to encompass United
Methodists around the world.

listening and Restructuring

In his first address to the Directors, Bishop F.
Herbert Skeete, the Board president, expressed his
conviction that the full embrace of mission requires
active witness modeled on the life of Jesus Christ;

Global Ministries

725

GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Combined Financial Statements — Unaudited*
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET December 31, 1994

(With Comparative Totals as of December 31, 1993)

December 31,

December 31,

1994

1993

ASSETS:

Cash and Savings Deposits

$ 41,559,934

$ 56,787,990

Investments

196,450,087

194,165,288

Receivable from General Council

on Finance & Administration

12,812,790

13,029,393

Receivables and Advances

8,668,248

2,070,811

Mortgages, Loans & Notes Receivable

13,778,574

15,021,848

Property and Buildings

4,168,503

4,417,192

Equipment, net of accum. depreciation

1 ,065,660

1,043,832

Other Assets

17,452,403

15,282,521

TOTAL ASSETS

$295,956,199

$301,818,875

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES:

Liabilities:

Accounts Payable

$ 12,327,301

$ 20,449,623

Deferred Income

636,964

707,087

Post Retirement Benefits

23,667,815

22,125,569

Other Liabilities

1,007,582

2,855,961

TOTAL LIABILITIES

37,639,662

46,138,240

(1) Fund balances:

Restricted

194,805,234

192,199,025

Director Designated

40,881,027

43,350,890

Undesignated

22,630,276

20,130,620

Total Fund Balances

258,316,537

255,680,535

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

$295,956,199

$301,818,775

(1) The above funds are held by the divisions and departments

as follows:

Director

1994

1993

Restricted

Designated

Undesignated

TOTAL

TOTAL

National Division

$ 25,477,614

$ 8,361,505

$ 1,468,944

$ 35,308,063

$ 33,333,602

Women's Division

82,852,001

6,702,436

3,357,498

92,911,935

97,308,264

World Division

64,719,047

22,075,723

233,827

87,028,597

82,243,926

Health & Welfare Ministries Department

327,050

384,211

695,309

1,406,570

1,760,563

Mission Education & Cultivation Department

157,710

444,177

601,887

139,168

Mission Personnel Resources Department

501,571

287,083

52,999

841,653

463,254

United Methodist Committee on Relief

16,414,593

31,504

13,784,495

30,230,592

30,091,956

Management and Program Services Unit

4,513,358

2,880,855

2,593,027

9,987,240

10,339,802

$194,805,234

$40,881,027

$22,630,276

$258,316,537

$255,680,535

75.4%

15.8%

8%

100.0%

Financial information used to prepare these combined statements is compiled from the audited financial statements of each division and department
of the General Board of Global Ministries. Certain funds of the various divisions and departments may have restricted funds for non-specific purposes,
for example, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has funds w/hich may be used for relief purposes only. Excluded from these statements is the
United Methodist Development Fund since UMDF has a fiduciary responsibility to its investors and the assets are not at the disposal of the General
Board of Global Ministries. UMDF comes under state security regulations and is reported separately in a prospectus. Collins Pension Trusts have also
been excluded from the combined statements as they have a separate governance body and the assets of each trust are not at the disposition of GBGM.
Each trust was established as an ERISA "qualified" plan.

726

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through faith, the humbling and emptying of selves,
taking the form of servanthood even as Jesus did.
Mission means taking up residence where and as people
live-living with and on behalf of others for the sake of life
abundant. Bishop Skeete also suggested four objectives
for the quadrennium: 1) reducing costs, including that
of the semiannual meetings of Directors, 2) greater
Director concentration on policy rather than micro
management, 3) development of new partnerships with
annual and central conferences, and 4) achieving a
servant ministry.

Costs have been reduced, directors collectively
have become policy-makers, partnerships with confer-
ences have been forged and the high calling of servan-
thood has become the guide for the Board's journey in
faith. Particular strength has come from dialogues with
annual and central conferences, and from the process of
considering how mission should be structured for ser-
vanthood.

1. Conference Dialogues. By the end of 1995,
dialogues involving directors, st^, and conference
leadership had been held in every annual conference
and the central conferences (in Europe, Africa and the
Philippines). Also included were the three Missionary
conferences (Alaska, Red Bird, and Oklahoma Indian)
and the Spanish-language Rio Grande Conference.
Directors and staff listed to the grassroots mission
concerns and immediately began laying plans to follow
up with each annual or central conference. Among the
major themes arising from this valuable enterprise are:

A Strengthening of the mission volunteer program,
with the Board increasing its role as facilitator of this
person-centered, active ministry

B. Increased opportunities for direct local church
participation in mission

C. Greater focus on mission education, including
the sharing of mission stories

D. Increased opportunities for children and youth
in mission

The conference dialogues fed directly into the proc-
ess of considering the most effective, Christ-centered
structures for mission in the new century.

2. Realizing a New Vision: Proposal for the
Structure of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries. The proposed structure before the General Con-
ference emerged from a long, deliberate process of
listening, testing and refining. The plan, which would
foster a global approach to all mission, envisions a ser-
vant-church in which all program units of the Board
engage in mutual support. The functional operations of
the Board would operate as program areas. The
Women's Division, Health and Welfare Ministries, and
United Methodist Committee on Relief would continue
as fundamental features of the agency.

"We have done remarkable work in shaping a new
structure for a new time," Bishop Skeete told GBGM
directors. "Jealousy, self-protection, and rigid adher-
ence to old lines are absent.. .Even before the new struc-
ture is enacted, we have seen a remarkable confluence
of energy and resources in situations like the crisis in
Africa. Here, World, National, UMCOR, Mission Per-
sonnel, Mission Education, Health and Welfare all work
in concert in tackling massive problems of millions of
uprooted people."

New Mission Thrusts

The quadrennium began with new mission doors
open around the world and the Church has responded
aggressively to those opportunities. The exciting work
of church development is shared in "Witnessing in
God's World," a series of new materials that show how
The United Methodist Church is carrying out evangel-
ism and church growth in all the regions of the world.

1. Russia and Eastern Europe: Church Expan-
sion. The Russian Initiative flourishes. The Russia
United Methodist Church is a renewal of the historic
witness of Methodism in Russia which began at the end
of the nineteenth century in St. Petersburg. The church
is now registered and has ordained 12 deacons and 13
local pastors. The Moscow Theological Seminary, with
20 students, operates in cooperation with four United
Methodist theological schools. United Methodist con-
gregations and institutions exist in 30 locations, and The
First United Methodist Church of Ekaterinburg is build-
ing its own structure.

The historic witness of Methodism in other coun-
tries of the former Soviet Union (Latvia, Lithuania, and
Ukraine) has also been renewed and expanded. Three
Latvian congregations recovered property and are being
redeveloped. The oldest "Methodist" congregation in
the Old Russian Empire, dating from 1900, in Kaunas,
Lithuania, was reorganized on August 30, 1995, with
both some surviving and some new members of the
congregation. Capital fund collection was begun for
construction of the Baltic Mission Center in Tallinn and
the Agape Center in Parnu, Estonia. Three missionaries
were assigned to Bulgaria, the first United Methodist
personnel there in 50 years.

The World Program Division has a new area office
for Europe, including Russia, and other Board units have
cooperated in developing these significant new minis-
tries.

2. Kazakhstan: Radiation, Ecology and Health.

The end of the Cold War brought more open relations
between the United States and countries of the former
Soviet Union, including a greater sharing of the effects
of nuclear weapons testing on human populations and
the environment. The Board convened two scientific
dialogues on this issue during the quadrennium, one in
Kazakhstan and the second in the United States. A major
topic was the effect of 40 years of nuclear testing by the

Global Ministries

729

governments of the United States and the Soviet Union.
To foster ongoing cooperation, and to develop channels
through which the truth may become known, the Board
in 1995 established the U.S.-Kazakhstan International
Foundation on Radiation, Ecology and Health. The foun-
dation will be a repository of research materials on the
results of nuclear blasts at the Semipalatinsk test
grounds, and will organize forums on the health effects
of radiation.

3. Church Growth in Africa. The mission of The
United Methodist Church in Africa continued to expand
with increasing interaction among the churches in the
various countries: outreach from Zimbabwe into South
Africa and Malawi and from Zaire into Zambia and
Tanzania; an Angolan relationship to United Methodists
in Namibia; new church development in Uganda and
Kenya under the leadership of the bishop in Burundi,
and other new church efforts undertaken by the
Liberian Annual Conference in Liberian and Guinean
refugee camps.

The intertribal violence in Burundi left virtually no
United Methodist congregation untouched. The lives of
many pastors and lay members were lost. Among those
murdered were an assistant to the bishop and his wife.

A first class of 27 persons was graduated in 1995
from Africa University in Zimbabwe, a new United
Methodist institution to which the Board assigns
mission personnel.

4. Zaire: Children. The Goma United Methodist
Village D'Enfants moved from concept to reality — in-
itially serving 40 Zairian and Rwandan sfreet children.
Located on three and one-half acres on a hill overlooking
Lake Kivu, this village of love was built in two and a-half
months. The construction team was composed of Board
staff, a community center director, four students from
Clark University (Atlanta), Zairian United Methodists
and 100 Rwandan refugees. The United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, and other agen-
cies lent assistance. The village is designed to serve a
potential 100 children.

5. Bosnia-Herzegovina: Relief and Redevelop-
ment UMCOR began work in the former Yugoslavia in
the spring of 1993; there was no other Church-related
agency on the ground to respond to the acute needs and
refugee migration. Over the next two years, the staff
grew from five to 60 persons, addressing emergency and
redevelopment needs within a large part of Bosnia.
Among the minisfries is the Youth House in Zenica, a
city of 120,000 local, refugee and displaced persons. The
Zenica facility serves youths aged sbc to 18 with educa-
tional, recreational, cultural and therapeutic programs.
Some 1,500 to 1,800 young people register for each
course cycle of 12 weeks. So crucial is UMCOR's work
to Bosnia that it is also supported by European churches
and governments, the United States and the United
Nations. After visiting Bosnia in 1995, Bishop William B.
Oden of Louisiana, said: "We came away with great
appreciation-even pride-in what United Methodists are

doing to alleviate the raw, unbelievable human suffering
of war-ravaged people who throughout history have
been the same in all aspects except religion and cultural
stories."

6. New Relationships. The World Program
Division, working with CIEMAL (the Latin American
Council ofEvangelical Methodist Churches), developed
new relationships with churches in several countries,
including Colombia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. In Asia,
teams explored mission possibilities in Cambodia,
Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. This was done with the
Indochina United Methodist Caucus in the United
States. International mission work has begun to rely
more on ethnic/language groups in the increasingly
diverse United States. The Senegal Initiative saw the
placement of a missionary team and the regisfration of
The United Methodist Church of Senegal under
episcopal supervision.

7. United States: Hate Crimes and Violence.

The bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City
in April, 1995, dramatized the potent combination of hate
and violence in contemporary societies. The Board
initiated and contributed the first $100,000 to a special
Advance to rebuild the First United Methodist Church
of Oklahoma City, badly damaged by the blast. The
National Program Division convened 100 members of
the Rural Chaplains Association for two 48-hour fraining
sessions on how to counteract and fransform organized
hate. The Women's Division developed a component on
hate and violence for its Regional Schools of Christian
Mission. In July 1995, the Board brought together
leading specialists and Church leaders to consult on the
issue. The result was a new emphasis on preparing
communities and congregations to deal with organized
hate and the violence it foments.

8. Global Mission Organizing: Women. When
the Women's Division celebrated its Centennial in 1988,
it made a pledge to hold a series of working conferences
with Methodist and United Methodist women around
the world. These events were aimed at sfrengthening
the women's organizations and their advocacy minis-
tries. By May 1995, nine working conferences, all but
two in this quadrennium, had involved more than 1,000
women in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa,
and Europe. Women from Russia to Papua New Guinea,
from Vietnam to Togo, were enriched by their Christian
interaction. Participants worked to build a global agenda
for justice for women, children, and youth.

For the first time in history. United Methodist
women and Russian Orthodox women met together in
1994. The conference paved the way for the creation of
the Christian Association of Women in Russia.

Direct Experience in Mission

Many initiatives and programs of the quadrennium
were designed to involved greater numbers of United

730

DCA Advance Edition

Methodists in direct mission experience and to bring
them into the planning of mission witness and outreach.

1. Mission Volunteers. A considerable part of the
mission future belongs to volunteers, as was clearly
suggested by the upsurge in the Volunteers in Mission
(VIM) program over the last four years. The total
number rose from 18,385 in 1992 to 31,715 in 1995, with
every jurisdiction showing a large numerical increase.
Volunteers work in ministries of evangelism, health,
education, and disaster rehabilitation. The Board
published "Volunteers in Mission 1995," a special report
by New World Outlook that contained first-hand reports
from volunteers in 23 annual conferences. During the
quadrennium, volunteers worked in 46 countries,
including Russia, Zaire, Guatemala, Cuba, The
Philippines, and Mexico. Cleanup from natural disasters
in the United States took teams to the Midwest, the
Southeast, and California.

The most powerful illusfration of the effectiveness
of mission volunteers is that in Zaire, Africa. Following
the devastating wars in Rwanda and Burundi, Zaire
found itself the home of hundreds of thousands of refu-
gees. The efforts of the volunteers from the United
States, Europe, and other nations in Africa, augmented
the work of the Zairian Methodists. Volunteers contrib-
uted thefr professional services on the front line. The
expertise was given from vocations related to medicine,
social work, child care, aviation, construction, educa-
tion, and pastoral ministry.

2. Congregational Health Ministries. This em-
phasis enables local churches to play a major role in
addressing the critical health needs of individuals, fami-
lies, and communities. A consultation on the health
needs of racial/ethnic minorities was held in San Anto-
nio in 1993. Fifty "volunteer" health consultants were
frained in 1995 to work with local churches and annual
conferences in the development of congregational-
based health ministries.

Working together, the World Program Division and
the Health and Welfare Minisfries Program Department
held international consultations on community-based
health care.

3. Other Health Ministries. Through the Institu-
tional Partner Relationship Program, mutually reward-
ing ties exist between United Methodist-related
hospitals, child care facilities, and retirement/long-term
care centers in the United States and similar institutions
in Lithuania, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Cuba.

The Medicine Box Program, launched in 1995, pro-
vides medicines to more than 120,000 individuals for an
average of three months. More than 100 congregations
and annual conferences quickly raised more than
$50,000 for Medicine Box programs in Zaire, Bolivia,
Haiti, Cuba, Bosnia and Russia.

4. Congregational Development Through 1995,
more than 700 persons in the United States took part in

Board-sponsored events for new church development
and congregational transformation. Seven annual con-
ferences completed training for congregational fransfor-
mation. Local churches and annual conferences raised
$60 million (through December 1995) with the assis-
tance of the Office of Finance and Field Service, and
$32,000,000 in loans and $244,000 in grants were proc-
essed by the Board. Of the loans, $8.5 million came from
the United Methodist Development Fund through
which church members make investments in church
construction. The fund had assets of $82 million in late
1995.

5. Women, Children, and Youth. The entire
Board of Global Minisfries is deeply committed to min-
istries among and for women, children, and youth
around the world. In 1994, the Women's Division voted
to move into a second phase of its Campaign for Children
through which 8,500 local units of United Methodist
Women signed commitments to study the needs of
children and to develop models for action.

A National Program Division partnership with the
Women's Division began a three-year initiative. Youth
Empowerment Sfrategies (YES), launched in 1993 by
bringing together 300 young people, aged 13 to 21, from
poor and neglected neighborhoods. This program
sfresses self-esteem, leadership, and communications
skills. YES participants were recruited primarily
through the some 85 United Methodist community cen-
ters related to the Board.

The World Program Division established a Joint
Committee on International Minisfries with Women,
Children and Youth with the Women's Division. The
committee recognized the role of women in vital pro-
grams of churches and mission agencies. This commit-
tee developed guidelines for the funding of significant
programs for women, children, and youth in the inter-
national arena.

In the United States, the Board helped in the frain-
ing of 200 advocates for victims of sexual harassment
and abuse in the Church. It also provided specialized
fraining on the prevention of child abuse for groups such
as new missionaries. Rural Chaplains, and racial/lan-
guage caucuses.

6. Mission Personnel. In October 1995, the Board
had a roster of 647 missionaries, including 423 assigned
through the World Program Division and 224 through
the National Program Division. In addition, there were
51 short-term missionaries in the United States, and an
additional 66 persons in the noncommissioned capacity.
On the international scene, another 319 persons related
to the Board as partner church missionaries or in other
roles. The total number of persons receiving support or
assistance from the World Program Division was 976.
Many World Program Division missionaries continue to
be supported through the Covenant Churches and
Global Mission Partner programs through which funds
come from congregations, districts, and annual confer-
ences. An increase in the number of young people seek-

Global Ministries

731

ing short-term mission appointment-as US-2s, mission
interns or summer interns-was noted across the quad-
rennium.

Fourteen services of commissioning were held
through the end of 1995, with 218 persons commis-
sioned as persons in mission.

The Mission Resource Center in Atlanta continued
to provide education, preparation, and training for mis-
sionaries and others participating in God's mission
through The United Methodist Church, not only in the
United States but from many other countries.

A Missionary Wellness Program for World Division
personnel was established in cooperation with the
Board's Mission Resource Center and the Emory Clinic
in Atlanta. All mission personnel participate in this pro-
gram upon return home from assignment Medical and
emotional health services and provided. New personnel
are also required to take part

Progressive steps were taken toward the formation
of a Missionary Association to formalize the communi-
cation and consultation process regarding mission per-
sonnel in various countries and regions of the world.

7. Theology and Mission. For the first time in 40
years, a major consultation on a theology of mission and
evangelism was held. Sponsored by the Mission
Evangelism Committee, the 1995 event brought
together 65 professors of mission, evangelism and other
disciplines from 11 United Methodist seminaries and
other theological schools in Latin America, Africa and
Asia. The theme was 'Toward a Theology of Mission

and Evangelism for a New Century." This represented
the beginning of new linkages between the Board and
the seminaries. Also in 1995, representatives of
Methodism in Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines and
Singapore met to discuss Christian lifestyles and
oufreach in countries with sfrong Muslim cultures.

8. United Methodist Women. Envisioning a sec-
ond century of women in mission, the Women's Division
completed a four-year sfrategic planning process to ex-
pand membership and revitalize the organization. TTie
emphasis in the process was on listening to the concerns
and hopes of United Methodist Women to shape a more
effective organization. A questionnaire was sent to 1,500
local churches in 1992 asking for the ideas of both
members and nonmembers of United Methodist
Women. The next year, women in 20 districts and 10
annual conferences responded with suggestions for the
future. In 1994, face-to-face focus groups were held in 25
member groups, making it easier for small units to carry
out mission conferences, 50 districts, 150 local churches
and 25 nonmember settings. The result was a new, more
flexible structure for work. Outreach to women in the
church also included an emphasis on Korean and Span-
ish language resources.

9. Urban Ministry. A revival of United Methodist
commitment to urban ministry was evident across the
last four years. In early 1995, the Church sponsored its
first Urban Convocation in 20 years. The event in
Birmingham, Alabama, drew almost 700 clergy and lay
members, when 200 was the initial goal. Sparking this
new concern is a new generation of men and women of

Women's Division Appropriations

1993

1994

1995

1996

World Division

$5,348,418

$5,347,518

$ 5,322,351

$ 5,042,320

National Division

5,348,418

5,347,518

5,322,351

5,042,320

Mission Education and Cultivation

799,678

799,677

800,000

749,999

Board Admin.

2,376,370

3,387,629

2,475,840

2,654,142

Deaconess and Missionary

450,000

345,000

345,000

345,000

Mission & Membership Development

647,700

691,560

661,560

661,560

Finance

207,400

212,430

202,230

202,230

Christian Social Relations

683,196

681,743

505,385

505,385

Division-Wide

1,256,250

1,261,924

1,224,868

1,194,868

Salaries/Benefits

3.468.576

3,490.319

3,403,996

3,568,787

20,586,006

20,565,318

20,263,582

19,966,611

732

DCA Advance Edition

all races committed to Christian witness and service in
urban settings.

"Holy Boldness, A National Plan for Urban Minis-
try" was developed out of the convocation and is before
the General Conference for consideration.

10. Rural Ministry. New programs in rural minis-
try brought the Church's ministry closer to the small
towns and open countryside. A new organization, the
Rural Chaplains Association, emerged as a movement
of laity and clergy committed to ministry beyond tradi-
tional forms in rural communities. A delegation from this
group visited colleagues in England, and the Board
made an exploratory investigation of agricultural mis-
sion possibilities in parts of the former Soviet Union. The
rural network had a particular concern for a new empha-
sis on strengthening the small membership church. An
inventory of resources was conducted and a new guide
for small membership congregations prepared.

11. U.S./Mexico Border Bilateral Mission
Advisory Committee. Underscoring the significance
of Hispanic ministries was the work of the U.S./Mexico
Border Bilateral Mission Advisory Committee which is
concerned for the spiritual, economic and environ-
mental welfare of people on both sides of the U.S./
Mexican border. In 1995 the committee celebrated its
15 years of existence. A major change since its inception
has been the inclusion of bishops from both sides of the
border on the committee. A continuing priority is the
urgency of problems on the border that need to be
addressed by the Church, other nongovernmental
organizations, the private sector, and governments.

12. Relief, Hunger and Refugee Ministries.

When Hurricane Andrew devastated south Florida and
southwestern Louisiana in 1992, UMCOR was chal-
lenged to look at its traditional response to disasters.
The destruction was so catasfrophic that the agency
identified the areas of expertise needed to respond, and
has built upon that in responding to subsequent disas-
ters in the United States and around the globe. The
UMCOR Catastrophic Disaster Response Team was at
work after the Midwest floods of 1993, the Los Angeles
earthquake in 1994, and multiple hurricanes in 1995.
The approach is one of church personnel and volunteers
equipped to organize victims and resources as quickly
and humanely as possible.

Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand, a global hunger
campaign, was launched during the quadrennium, and
UMCOR's hunger/poverty office was moved to
Washington, D.C., to provide access to the govern-
mental and private hunger network centered there.

UMCOR took an increased role in advocating for
refugee issues as the Congress of the United States
considered new legislative policies, including the possi-
bility of limiting the entrance of refugees and immi-
grants. UMCOR resettled 2,107 refugees in the United
States in 1993, 2,247 in 1994 and 1,995 in 1995.

UMCOR and the Health and Welfare Ministries
Program Department developed a coordinated ministry
approach, demonstrated by the sharing of office space.
The effectiveness of each is enhanced by the relation-
ship.

Mission Celebration/Education

The people of God celebrate and share their mission
in song, dance, the breaking of bread and study of the
Word; the 1993-96 quadrennium was blessed with spir-
ited celebration and education.

1. Global Praise. Methodism was bom in song,
and its life and mission are sustained in song. Global
Praise is a program which fosters, receives, and shares
the music from around the world which witnesses to
faith in Jesus Christ In October 1993, the first opportu-
nity for a gathering of church musicians (including
composers, song leaders, and worship leaders) from
around the world was held in London, England. Begin-
ning with the question, "How do we sing the Lord's song
in every land?" the answer came in multiple rhythms,
languages, and instruments. The second Global Praise
Consultation assembled at the Scarritt-Bennett Center
in Nashville, Tennessee (USA). In this instance, the
thrust was to make the international music experience
available to music ministry in local churches and semi-
naries.

2. Globed Gathering. More than 4,200 persons
gathered in Indianapolis in 1993 for a Global Gathering
with the theme "Called by the Spirit" Worship, study,
and sacramental sharing gave a deep sense of the pos-
sibility of a peaceable global village of diversity and
cooperation. Preceding the Global Gathering was Youth
Go Global, an international youth consultation that drew
300 young adults from 30 countries on five continents.
The theme was "From Strangers to Neighbors."

3. Women's Assembly. "Count Me In" was the cry
of 11,300 United Methodist Women who met in
Cincinnati for the 1994 Assembly: "count me in" for the
mission of Jesus Christ, "count me in" for women,
children, and youth, and "count me in" to work for an
end to racism and war. A taped message from First Lady
Hillary Rodham Clinton encouraged participants to
continue their witness for mission and justice.

4. Nationzd Seminar. The quadrennial Women's
Division National Seminar, held at Scarritt-Bennett Cen-
ter in 1995, featured the theme "Bread of life. Spirit of
Justice." It focused on poverty as it affects women, chil-
dren, and youth. Each annual conference sent two par-
ticipants, one of whom was less than 40 years of age and
one a woman of color.

5. Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC)
marked its 150th anniversary in 1994. Methodism went
into Oklahoma with Native Americans along the 'Trail
of Tears" in the nineteenth century. The theme of the

Global Ministries

733

anniversary was: "Where We Walk, What Can We do
For You, Jesus?"

6. Crusade Scholarship Anniversary. A year-
long celebration of the Crusade Scholarship Program
began with World Communion Sunday (in October) of
1994. This program supports graduate study for interna-
tional and national ethnic scholars who show promise of
leadership in church and society. It was created in 1944
to assist with the education of a new generation of
leaders following World War II. The Board awarded 121
U.S. and 3 international Crusade Scholarships, as well
as block grants in more than 60 countries.

7. United Nations. The 50th anniversary of the
United Nations coincided with the 40th anniversary of
the Church Center for the U.N., which is a project of the
Women's Division. Board directors and personnel took
part in many U.N. gatherings during the quadrennium,
including the Earth Summit in Brazil, the Population
Conference in Egypt, and the Women's Conference in
China.

8. Caravans and Study Seminars. "Decade for Dif-
ference" was launched in 1995 to enhance direct contact
with mission projects. Two initial caravans included
district superintendents and diaconal ministers. Travel
study seminars went to the Caribbean, three regions of
Africa and several European countries, including Rus-
sia.

9. Mission Studies. The Board offered resources
for 12 churchwide mission studies during the quadren-
nium. One of these each year is the spiritual growth
study of the Women's Division and two are prepared in
cooperation with ecumenical partners, and one of those
is always a geographical topic. The studies are:

1993-94

Jesus in the Gospel

of Matthew
The Caribbean
Global Economics

1994-95

Families from Scripture

to Today
African Churches Speak
Making the World Safe for

Children

1995-96
Ecclesiastes
Europe
The United Nations

1996-97
John Wesley
Hong Kong & China
Living in a Multicultural
Society

The Board's two magazines. New World Outlook and
Response, the latter the publication of United Methodist
Women, chronicled these celebrations and studies, as
did video productions. The Cincinnati-based Service
Center-owned and operated by the Women's Division
-distributed the mission study material and vast amounts
of other printed resources.

10. Electronic Communications. New ways of
communicating have helped the Board to meet new

challenges. In Moscow, the Mission Education and Cul-
tivation Program Department started Open Radio, the
first regular, unfettered broadcast of religious news and
features in Russia. Special telephones operated by satel-
lite put Board personnel in touch wath staff and volun-
teers in Africa and enabled Mission Partners to have
first-hand reports from the front lines of mission.

The Board of Global Ministries has its spot on the
Worldwide Web of the computer Internet. Two Web
pages were receiving more than 800 visits per day in
September 1995. The computerized AIDS ministries
bulletin board (CAM BBS) receives some 4,500 calls a
month.

Mission Fax gave congregations up-to-date informa-
tion on geographical areas and issues. For the first time
at a Women's Assembly, a nationwide satellite broadcast
brought highlights to United Methodist Women gath-
ered in 100 "downlink" sites. An older technology, the
telephone, has confributed to the availability and user
friendliness of the Board as 1-800-UMC-GBGM re-
sponds to thousands of calls each year.

Resolutions

The Board of Global Ministries endorsed a total of
21 resolutions for consideration by the 1996 General
Conference. Texts and supporting documents are found
elsewhere, but the following list is provided for the
convenience of the General Conference:

Putting Children and Their Families First-To
replace "Supportive Polices for Feunilies with Chil-
dren" (1988); sponsored jointly witii the GBOD

Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the
Church-New; sponsored jointly with GBOD

Conmiunities of Shalom-New

Holy Boldness, A National Urban Ministiy
Plan-New

National Comprehensive Plan for Town and
Country Ministry-New

Recognition of Cuba-To revise "Recognition of
Cuba" (1984)

God's Shalom for the People of Central Amer-
ica— ^To replace "Central America: Peace and Justice
with Freedom" (1992)

Africa Reconstruction and Development-New

Middle East and North Africa-New

Liberia-New

East Timor-New

Gun Violence in the United States-To replace
"Gun Control" (1976)

Rape in Times of Conflict and War-New

734

DCA Advance Edition

Global Racism: A Violation of Human Rights-

To replace "Eradication of Racism" (1992) and "Global
Racism" (1984; revised 1988)

The Church and People with Mental, Physical
and/or Psychological Disabilities-To revise "The
Church and Persons With Mentally, Physically, and
Psychologically Handicapping Conditions" (1984; re-
vised 1992)

Communications Access for Persons Who
Have Hearing and Sight Impairment-To revise
"Communications Access for Persons Who Have Hear-
ing and Sight Impairments" (1992)

Compliance with the Americans with Disabili-
ties Act for Employers-To revise "Compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act for Employers"
(1992)

World AIDS Day Observance-New; also en-
dorsed by GBOD, GBCS, NYMO

Recognizing and Responding to the Many
Faces of HIV/AIDS in the USA-New; also endorsed
by GBOD, GBCS, NYMO

Immigrants and Refugees: To Love the So-
joumer-To replace "Immigration" (1984)

The Church in a Mass Media Culture-To re-
place "The Church in a Mass Media Culture" (1984)

General Board of Global Ministries (As of November 1995)

Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, president

Randolph W. Nugent, general secretary

Lorene F. Wilbur, associate general secretary,
administration

Stephen F. Brimigion, treasurer
National Program Division

Paul Dirdak, president

Randolph W. Nugent, interim deputy general
secret^

Women's Division

Carolyn Johnson, president

Joyce D. Sohl, deputy general secretary

World Program Division

Bishop Dan E. Solomon, president
Robert]. Harman, deputy general secretary

Health and Welfare Ministries Program Department

Daniel K Church, chairperson
associate general secretary, open

Mission Education and Cultivation Program

Department

Claudia Webster, chairperson

Rena M. Yocom, associate general secretary

Mission Personnel Resources Program Department

Ernest L Swiggett, chairperson

John L. McCullough, associate general secretary

United Methodist Committee on Relief Program
Department

Charlene Kammerer, chairperson

Kenneth R. Lutgen, Jr., associate general secretary

Global Ministries

735

The Committee on Hispanic Ministries: A Report
to the 1996 General Conference

Vision and Mission

The National Plan for Hispanic Ministry represents
the first coordinated, comprehensive effort of The
United Methodist Church to focus on the development
and strengthening of Hispanic ministries. [1] The Gen-
eral Conference was moved to enthusiastic endorse-
ment of the National Plan because it proposed a
well-coordinated response to an undeniable challenge.
The Plan grew out of our denomination's long experi-
ence in Hispanic ministry and was based on a vision of
the future to which God is calling United Methodists.

Ours is a vision of a church [in] which, as in the first
Pentecost, all can hear the mighty works of God in their
own tongue (Acts 2.8) -which is not merely a matter of
language, but also of cultural identity, family traditions,
etc. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit did not destroy or ignore
the cultural identity of those present, but rather made the
Gospel available to them in whatever language they spoke.
This led the early church to new life and new growth.
Likewise, in the church today, we must find ways to affirm
the various cultural identities of those among whom we
witness. And they in turn must be encouraged to speak of
the mighty works of God "in their own tongue. "As in that
first Pentecost, some will not understand; some may even
accuse the Church of being "filled with new wine" (Acts
2.13). In such a case, our task, like Peter's, will be to rise
up and proclaim that what the world is witnessing is none
other than the action of God (Acts 2. 16: "this is what was
spoken through the prophet..."). [Daily Christian Advo-
cate (DCAJ: 1992 Vol. I, p. 716]

To begin movement toward this vision, the 1992
General Conference apportioned a total of $2.7 million
fi-om World Service and Mission Initiatives funds and
approved a General Advance Special, the Challenge
Fund, with a goal of $4 million for the quadrennium.

As we report to General Conference, we are again
drawn to Acts 2. What now stands out in the text is not
only that the people all heard "each in their own tongue,"
but that they also heard of "the mighty deeds of God."
That is what we have seen and heard during this quad-
rennium: God has done and is doing mighty deeds
among us.

At a time when we often hear negative and dispirited
comments about the church and its mission, we must
proclaim to the General Conference, to the Church at
large, and to the world, that we have seen the Spirit of
God working among us. Four years ago, the National
Plan for Hispanic Ministry was but a tiny mustard seed.
Now it is becoming a tall plant, inviting others to come
and build their nests amid its branches (Matthew 13.31-

32)! This growth bears witness to the faithfulness of
many to the Great Commission where our Lord man-
dates us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything that I have commanded you."(Matthew
28.19-20).

Accomplishments

Preliminary reports of the first two and a half years
of the quadrennium show:

51 new Hispanic congregations started in 17 annual
conferences

220 faith communities established in 35 annual
conferences

35 existing congregations revitalized in 14 annual
conferences

337 community or outreach ministries started in 36
annual conferences

14 annual conferences starting new Hispanic
ministries

389 lay missioners recruited and trained fi-om 32
annual conferences

62 new church school extension programs started in
17 annual

6 home missionaries commissioned and placed and
23 more are in process

It is estimated that by the end of the 1992 quadren-
nium, with plans already in place and others in process,
there will be at least an additional 450 lay missioners,
200 pastor/mentors, and 95 facilitator/ trainers who will
have been trained and will be at work. We are indeed
witnessing "the mighty deeds of God!"

Much in this vision was new and needed definition.
Such was the case, for instance, with the concepts of
"faith communities" and "lay missioners." These ideas
required time to be properly developed. A number of
consultations on community ministries, on revitalization
of churches, on women and families, on town and coun-
try ministries, as well as with seminary representatives,
have provided insights and learning needed to develop
training modules, resources, and programs for the de-
velopment of Hispanic ministries. These have given
voice and participation to countiess numbers of Hispan-
ics, Anglos, and non-Hispanics who are clauning a more
active role in the mission of the Church. Mighty deeds
of God!

736

DCA Advance Edition

Curriculum for Training Lay Missioners/Pastor-Mentor
Teams

Perhaps the most impressive achievement this
quadrennium is that the Committee on Hispanic Minis-
tries, in collaboration with the four general program
agencies, has designed three modules for the training
of lay missioner/pastor-mentor teams. The first two
modules constitute the basic curriculum for training lay
missioner/pastor-mentor teams, and the third module
offers continuing formation. All three modules incorpo-
rate the basic action/reflection/transforming action
methodology.

Since, according to the Plan approved by General
Conference, lay missioners will be the primary vehicle
for creating faith communities, the entire curriculum is
based on a methodology which ties together the action
and practice of life with reflection. Action must be borne
out of a biblical and theological reflection which in turn
must lead to action and so on. Three simple verbs
undergird this dynamic: To See (where we are now; our
reality)-To Judge (to let our reality be judged by the
Word of God)-To Act (to be moved to action by the Holy
Spirit who has enabled us to see with different eyes) .

Resources for the first two modules are available
from the General Board of Discipleship. All four general
program agencies are developing continuing education
events and resources for lay missioners and pastor-
mentors. This is a remarkable achievement that the
Committee celebrates, not only because so much has
been accomplished where nothing existed before, but
also because of the exemplary cooperative manner in
which this work was done by the four program agencies-
a model of inter-agency collaboration about which we
rejoice. Again, mighty deeds of God!

Collaboration in Ministry

The National Plan called for a Committee on His-
panic Ministries to oversee the implementation of the
Plan, and called also for a high degree of collaboration
and joint planning by the general program agencies.
Once organized, the Committee collaborated with the
General Board of Global Ministries in selecting the Rev.
Jose L Palos to serve as Coordinator for the Plan.

These agencies, under the guidance of the Commit-
tee, have worked:

• to produce other resource materials for developing
Hispanic ministries

• to provide training for Hispanic and non-Hispanic
leaders interested in starting and strengthening
Hispanic ministries

• to interpret the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry

TTie Coordinator, along with the general program
agencies' staff and Committee members, provided re-
sourcing to many annual conferences and regional
groups. This was done by sharing the vision and the

basic concepts of the Plan, and by providing interpreta-
tion and training. The Coordinator, along with some
trained consultants, have been involved in many of the
training events taking place across the nation and Puerto
Rico. This resourcing has enabled the movement of the
Plan's implementation in annual conferences and juris-
dictions. Here, too, we have seen the mighty deeds of
God!

Other Mighty Acts of God

The Spirit is leading our denomination to respond
in various ways to God's call to Hispanic ministries.
Some of the evidence is tangible and expected, resulting
from the initiatives of the Plan. Other signs indicate that
the seeds of the Spirit's sowing are sprouting through-
out the Church. For example, bilingual curriculum for
children is available for the first time. With the whole
Church, we rejoice in the publication of the new Spanish
language hymnal, Mil Voces para Celebrar: Himnario
Metodista. Featuring original works by several Hispanic
United Methodists, this hymnal allows the Church to
hear the voices and join the song of Hispanic Christians.
Together, we sing the mighty acts of God!

Less tangible signs reveal the stirring of new enthu-
siasm among Hispanics, both lay and clergy, and among
non-Hispanics. A new level of interest in the partnership
of laity and clergy is evolving from participation in the
Plan's training modules. Hope for strengthened His-
panic ministries in annual conferences is growing as
current leaders find renewal and new leaders emerge.
God is preparing us for an abundant harvest of new
disciples!

Key Components of the Plan

There are some basic elements and concepts in the
National Plan for Hispanic Ministry that we affirm and
want to continue. Therefore, the Plan envisions that local
congregations-both new and existing-shall organize its
life and program so as to become training centers for
mission, creating faithful disciples who enthusiastically
share and witness to their faith in words and deeds.

A key concept of the Plan is the understanding of
Christian mission that congregational development and
community ministries are inseparable. This concept has
been the basis for the development of faith communities
and community ministries, for the revitalization of exist-
ing congregations, and in the training of lay missioners
and pastor-mentor teams.

Faith Communities

Establishing and nurturing faith communities will
continue as a top priority for Hispanic ministries. The
Plan envisions that congregations or community out-
reach ministries, led by teams of lay missioners and
clergy, will form faith communities. These faith commu-
nities take the church to the people, meeting informally

Global Ministries

737

in homes and other non-church settings. Expectations
for faith communities were clearly spelled out in the
1992 Plan and are reaffirmed here.

Faith communities will:

• gather regularly for the worship of God, the study of
the Scripture, for prayer, and to seek God's will for
themselves in their setting.

• promote full congregational development by sharing
their faith, inviting others to follow the Lord, and by
seeking ways to be involved in whatever forms of
ministry and advocacy for justice the Lord requires
in their communities.

• understand themselves as centers for evangelism,
mission action, and mission training, both at the local
level and globally.

• understand stewardship as crucial to Christian
discipleship, and will be encouraged to contribute
financially to their own support as well as to the total
mission of the Church.

• be organically related to existing charges (Hispanic
and/or non-Hispanic) until such a time as they may
develop into congregations, or join other similar
groups to form a new congregation.

• reach people where no congregations are accessible,
or who are not reachable using conventional
methods, thus representing another way of being
church.

Lay Missioner and Pastor-Mentor Teams

The vision presented in 1992 emphasized the par-
ticipation of the entire United Methodist Church-laity
and clergy, Hispanic and non-Hispanic-in a common
ministry.

The vision which informs this Plan requires a close
partnership between clergy and laity, and the recruit-
ment of vast numbers of laity committed to the further-
ance of Christ's mission among the growing Hispanic
population.

Lay missioners are committed lay persons, mostly
volunteers, who are willing to be trained and work in
Hispanic ministries in a team with a pastor-mentor.
While lay missioners are engaged in a variety of minis-
tries, they are not trained to take the place of pastors.
Lay missioners and pastor-mentors may be either His-
panic or non-Hispanic. The partnership of laity and
clergy envisioned in the Plan is exemplified in the team
ministry of lay missioners and pastor-mentors.

The task of lay missioner and pastor-mentor teams
is primarily to be engaged in creating and nurturing new
faith communities or new congregations, but it also
involves revitalizing existing congregations, participat-
ing in community or outreach ministries, and develop-
ing church school extension programs.

The Ordained Clergy

In the National Plan, pastors will be partners with
lay missioners. Pastors will principally act as members
who identify lay missioners, train them, work with them,
encourage them, assign them to specific mission oppor-
tunities, support them, and exercise mutual account-
ability in their common ministry. The pastor and the lay
missioner(s) together form a partnership dedicated to
furthering the Reign of God in the Hispanic context.

In many situations, the pastor of a Hispanic or non-
Hispanic established congregation needing revitaliza-
tion can give new vision to the church in exploring its
immediate context to discover unchurched Hispanics.
A congregation in the process of revitalization would
define or redefine its mission contextually. The pastor
plays a key role in encouraging the congregation to
consider possible mission opportunities to and with
unchurched Hispanics such as faith communities, com-
munity ministries, church school extension programs,
and outreach ministries.

A Continuing Challenge

God's action requires our response: first in joy and
thanksgiving, and then in further commitment. Thus,
while we celebrate what has been accomplished, we call
the entire church to recall and reaffirm the words of the
report approved by General Conference in 1992:

We are aware that such a mission will require a
commitment far beyond the upcoming quadrennium. It
will require the commitment of an entire generation.
Thus, while we present this Plan to General Conference
with the request that it [he adopted], as the Discipline
allows, for a quadrennium, we also present this vision to
The United Methodist Church, with the hope that we shall
all grasp it for a lifetime! [DCA, 1992, Vol I. p. 716]

Three important reasons that the ministry which
has begun must continue are:

• The Hispanic population continues to grow
significantly all over the United States and in Puerto
Rico. On the basis of current projections-which may
still be too low-almost half of all United Methodist
annual conferences in the United States will have
over 100,000 Hispanics within their borders-several
over a million-and another 15 of those annual
conferences will have at least 50,000 Hispanics by the
year 2010.

• At the beginning of the last quadrennium, most
annual conferences in the United States felt
unprepared to respond to this reality. Now, however,
a growing number are beginning to respond to this
challenge and opportunity for ministiy, and are
coming to the National Plan's Office for guidance and
support and have begun to organize.

• We observe with concern a mood of suspicion and
resentment toward Hispanics in the United States. A

738

DCA Advance Edition

major issue before the nation is how it will respond
to the racial and cultural diversity that increasingly
characterizes its life. The adoption of Proposition 187
in California and the proposed legislation to end
affirmative action guidelines in the Congress are
examples of the growing tension.

In this climate, the mission of the Church, and
especially in the United States, is clear. God calls us to
proclaim the good news of reconciliation, and to model
a new humanity united in Christ. We have already begun
that ministry. The National Plan has positioned The
United Methodist Church to lift up a model of hospitality
to the nation (Hebrews 13:12). We must build upon the
foundation laid these past four years to fulfill the vision
and engage the Church in meeting the challenge to
which God calls us.

Given these facts, the Committee on Hispanic Min-
istries believes that the Lord of history continues to call
our denomination to commitment and follow- through
in Hispanic ministries. The Committee is deeply con-
vinced that the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry must

be continued and strengthened in the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium, and urgently calls for its continuance as pre-
sented in the recommendation which has been
forwarded to the 1996 General Conference under sepa-
rate cover.

To God be all praise and glory!

Endnote

[11 The Puerto Rico Annual Conference decided, with the
approval of the 1992 General Conference, to become an Affiliated
Autonomous Church on January 1, 1993. However, there exists a
lasting bond between the new church in Puerto Rico and The United
Methodist Church. Puerto Rico continues to provide significant pas-
toral leadership for Hispanic ministries in The United Methodist
Church. The Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico continues serving
as a center for theological education of Hispanic ministers, both for
Puerto Rico and for the United States. Also, Puerto Rico continues
purchasing and employing materials published by the United Meth-
odist Publishing House and other agencies of The United Methodist
Church. For all these and many other connections, the church in
Puerto Rico continues to participate in the National Plan for Hispanic
Ministry, both providing resources for, and drawing them from, The
United Methodist Church.

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DCA Advance Edition

Report of Asian-American
Language Ministry Study

Preamble

The 1992 General Conference of The United
Methodist Church mandated the General Board of
Global Ministries (GBGM) to create a National Study
Committee for Asian-American Language Ministries for
the purpose of studying the problems and challenges
facing the Asian-American communities and formu-
lating recommendations for action to the 1996 General
Conference. With an initial consultation with seven
Asian-American sub-ethnic groups related to the
National Federation of Asian-American United
Methodist Churches (NFAAUMC), a National Study
Committee for Asian-American Language Ministries
QviSCAALM) was formed to conduct a comprehensive
study of Asian-American communities in 1994 by the
General Board of Global Ministries.

As a result of a series of consultations with various
Asian-American ethnic sub-groups throughout 1994, the
National Study Committee, in conjunction with the
NFAAUMC and the General Board of Global Minis-
tries/National Division developed the report on Asian-
American language ministries.

Asian-American Communities
in the United States

Despite the American propensity to consider
Asian-Americans as one demographic ethnic group,
they come from over two dozen countries and represent
a wide variety of languages (i.e., Cantonese, Mandarin,
Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian,
Bahasa Indonesian, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil,
Bengali, Thai, Hmong, Laotian, etc.), religions and
cultures. Since the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization
Act, which went into effect in July 1968, previously-
excluded Asian groups have entered into the United
States. New immigrants from such countries as Korea,
The Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India, and
refugees from Indochina have increased the Asian-
American population to over 7 million. Currently, the
largest Asian groups in the United States are the
Chinese-Americans, followed by the Filipino-, the Indo-
chinese-, and the Korean-Americans.

There is a wide gap between the American and
Western cultures in each of the following four commu-
nication elements: perception, verbal process, nonver-
bal process, and communication context TTiese
differences have made it doubly difficult for Asian-
American groups to function effectively and easily in the
American society. When these differences have not
been recognized by both parties, they have been
sources of tremendous misunderstanding.

For example, sociologists categorize societies into
either high-context or low-context cultures, with Asian
cultures being high-context and the American society,
low-context. This means that in Asian cultures most of
the information is either in the physical context (envi-
ronment) or is internalized in the people who are a part
of the interaction. Very little information is actually
coded in the verbal message. In contrast, in low-context
cultures like the American society, most of the informa-
tion is contained in the verbal message itself, not in the
surroundings or in the participants themselves.

Sociologists point out that there exists maximum
socio-cultural differences between Asian and Western
(American) cultures. For example, Americans place re-
sponsibility for decisions on the individual or the people
who will be affected. But in Asian cultures, decisions are
left to those with proper authority since decisions are
seen as a function of a group. Or, Americans generally
relate to others whose status is different by stressing
equality and minimizing the differences and by stress-
ing informality and spontaneity. But in Asian cultures,
people stress hierarchical ranks and differences, espe-
cially to their superiors. And by stressing formality,
Asian cultures anticipate behaviors more easily. While
American culture turns to persuasion and appeals to the
individual to bring about change, Asian cultures turn to
formal and authoritative sources as the basis of social
control.

Given such differences in our cultures and in our
communication processes, what is needed is mutual
recognition and acceptance of our differences as we
work together on common church and community is-
sues which are close to our hearts. So now we turn to
ministry in the Asian-American community.

Ministries in the Asian-American
Communities

As noted earlier, the general public looks at the
Asian Americans as a homogeneous group. But they
represent many diverse languages, cultures, and values.
Even among the same ethnic groups, many different
languages are spoken. For example, the Chinese cannot
communicate among themselves with the so-called
standard Chinese dialect, Mandarin. There are at least
two other major dialects spoken by the Chinese-Ameri-
cans, namely, Cantonese and Taiwanese. Even though
the majority of Filipino Americans can command Eng-
lish well enough to manage everyday life, they still need
Tagalog-speaking ministers to service the elderly. Al-
most every Japanese-American church has a Japanese-
speaking congregation along with the English-speaking
one, and the necessity for strengthening the Japanese
language ministry is growing, particularly because more

Global Ministries

740

and more employees of the branch offices of Japanese
corporations are settling in America at afast rate. Almost
all of the Korean congregations use the Korean lan-
guage as their worship language as well as in their
everyday life. The reality is that the majority of Asian-
Americans are still first-generation immigrants, and
their ability to manage English is very limited. There-
fore, there is a great need for language ministries.

Most Asian-American churches maintain some
form of connection with their countries of origin. Many
groups also have compatriots in the "diaspora" in other
countries of the world, and the mission of the general
Church can reach out to various diaspora groups
dirough the language ministries in the United States.

Currently, ten different Asian language ministries
exist in The United Methodist Church. With their cul-
tural heritage intact, these Asian language ministries are
building cohesive communities and carrying out effec-
tive programs of evangelism in their communities.
TTierefore, The United Methodist Church needs to fur-
ther strengthen Asian-American language ministries to
meet the particular missional needs of each Asian-
American sub-ethnic communities as outlined below.

One strength of the Asian-American churches is
that they have a strong community-orientation. Not only
do they serve the immigrant community as the spiritual
and moral center, they are regarded as the community
centers, social services providers, senior citizens cen-
ters, job training centers, and leadership development
centers. Resources, training, and support should be
made available so that the Asian-American churches will
continue to serve the growing immigrant communities-
spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially-offering
them the Gospel of life.

Ministry Needs of Asieui-American
Ethnic Subgroups

Chinese-American Community:

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership in both Cantonese and Mandarin
languages

• Development of 20 new congregations during the
next ten years (1995-2005)

Filipino-American Commimity:

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership

• Development of new congregations

• Provision of continuing education for clergy

• Development of ministry to the Filipino elderly

• Development of youth ministry
Indochinese Commimities:

Cambodian-American

• Development of new congregations

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership

• Development of scholarship funds for clergy training

• Development of ministry around the issues of school
dropouts and related problems

• Development of Asian-American summer camps

• Development of Sunday school curriculum and
worship materials in Cambodian language

• Development of women's leadership

• Strengthening of Cambodian advocacy work

• Development of an exchange program, including
study tours and ministry exchanges

• Increased ecumenical cooperation
Hmon^American

• Development of new congregations

• Development of resource materials in the Hmong
language, including Sunday school curriculum,
hymnals, membership study handbook, and
leadership guidelines

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership

• Development of Hmong fellowships into chartered
UMC congregations

Laotian-American

• Development of Lao fellowships into chartered UMC
congregations

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership

• Increased ecumenical cooperation
Vietnamese-American

• Development of new congregations in 18 cities by the
year 2000

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership

• Development of printed resources in Vietnamese
language, including portions of the Bible and the
entire Bible, worship materials, and Sunday School
curriculum

Global Ministries

741

Japanese-American Community:

• Development of a new missional structure in order
to:

a) educate the 80% of Japanese-Americans who are
English-speaking on Japanese culture and life;

b) recruit and train Japanese-speaking ministers;

c) develop a coordinated strategy for language min-
istries; and

d) identify spiritual challenges for Japanese-Ameri-
cans.

• Development and coordination of a nationwide
network of Japanese language-speaking people

Taiwanese-American Community:

• Development of new congregations

• Recruitment and training of pastoral and lay
leadership in Mandarin and Amoy languages

Korean-American Community:

• Development of a Korean-American Missionary
Conference

• Development of a more inclusive United Methodist
Church at the local church, district and annual
conference levels

• Adoption of a more "global" mind set for the UMC

• Development of multi-cultural and multi-lingual
leadership across the Church

South Asian Community:

• Development of 25 new congregations in South Asian
native languages, i.e., Urdu and Hindi, the two main
South Asian languages

• Development of outreach ministries

A recommendation for development of these minis-
tries in the next quadrennium has been forwarded to the
1996 General Conference for consideration.

United Methodism —
Past, Present, Future

To Serve the Present Age: The Gift & Promise of United Methodism,

by /. Philip Wogaman. United Methodism's ability to engage in
constructive self-criticism (a treasured legacy from John Wesley) and
its mission sometimes cause it to overlook the many assets, strengths,
and successes it celebrates in its history, its present, and for its future.
Drawing upon United Methodism's heritage of preaching grace,
justification, sanctification. Christian perfection, good works, and
mission to a global community, Wogaman examines the many
Spirit-inspired gifts and evidence of God's promise at work within
The United Methodist Church: its inclusiveness, its connectional
organization, its thoughtful approach to faith, its social witness, its
ecumenical spirit, and its hopeful message. To Serve the Present Age
enlivens the conversation about The UMC's future with candid and
edifying examples of what works in the Church.

Wogaman bucks the trend toward denominational malaise
to provide valuable information that affords United
Methodists a vision of the work of ministry in
the present age and the age to come.

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Global Ministries

742

Report of the National Committee
on Developing Deaf Ministry

How would the 25th chapter of Matthew be written
today?

• "I was deaf and you provided sign language
interpreters."

• "I was hearing impaired and isolated and you
provided devices to help me hear God's Word and
stay connected with God's people."

• "I was in a wheelchair and you made a way for me to
approach the communion table."

TTie National Committee on Deaf Ministries, estab-
lished as a mission initiative by the 1992 General Con-
ference, affirms as a foundational Christian belief that
the ministry of God's people should be experienced
without barriers to any of God's sons and daughters.
Seeking to be faithful to the task of exploring how United
Methodists have been and can be in ministry together
wit persons who are deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing,
we offer to the Church the results of our study and
experience (as well as recommendations which have
been forwarded under separate cover).

The people of God come in all shapes, colors and
conditions. The Word of God is made incarnate only
when communicated in a way that is understood. The
love of Jesus shows us God's love for everyone-including
those who are deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing.

Ministry with sisters and brothers who happen to
be deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing is critical. The
church has not fuUy claimed the unique gifts that these
brothers and sisters have, and we have often not been
fuUy sensitive to the changing communication patterns
that occur with aging or changing life conditions.

The National Information Center on Deafness re-
ports that about 24 million Americans have some degree
of hearing loss, which is approximately 8.8 percent of
the population. This number is increasing because the
population is getting older and the environment is get-
ting noisier. Recent estimates have noted that, by the
year 2000, one of every two Americans will have some
degree of hearing loss. Causes of hearing loss range
from heredity or accident of birth to injury and illness to
aging and sensory failure. Numerous environmental,
genetic, and medical factors contribute to the incidence
of hearing loss and deafness.

While it has been traditional to consider persons
who are deaf as similar because of their inability to hear,
the reality of ministry among persons who cannot hear
reveals a mixture of language, culture, world view, and
physical challenges.

Categories of Hearing Loss

A common misunderstanding of deafness is that all
such persons can lip-read or use sign language. But this
is not true. Actually, when we seek an understanding of
the experience of deafness, three groups general J
emerge. '

One group consists of persons who are culturally
deaf. Usually, these persons are bom deaf or became ,
deaf in infancy and before the establishment of Ian- |
guage. The firs language of such persons is American 1
Sign Language-a recognized, modem language with
grammar, syntax, and vocabulary on par with other
languages such as French or Spanish. These deaf indi-
viduals state that theirs is a unique culture and describe
their deafness as "difference," not disability.

A second group is audiologically deaf and become
deaf after language is established. Their first language
is the language of the hearing culture, and their family
and friends tend to be hearing. Many have gradually lost
their hearing during adulthood. If they sign, their lan-
guage usually follows a spoken English pattem. They
may consider themselves as disabled and often see
themselves as living between two worlds-the world of
the hearing and the world of the deaf.

The third group, and statistically the largest, are
those who are hard-of-hearing. Such persons are cultur-
ally hearing. They may have some residual hearing and
benefit from hearing aids and assistive listening tech-
nologies. Few hard-of-hearing persons understand sign
language, and many are still active in their established
church-often denying their hearing loss until it becomes
too burdensome to maintain communication with oth-
ers. When acknowledged, it is often experienced as a
disability, not just as "difference."

We are all only temporally able-bodied. Hearing loss
and deafness do not discriminate due to age or gender.

Tlie Rubella outbreak in the mid-1960s resulted in
an abnormally high percentage of deaf or hard-of-hear-
ing young adults, now in their thirties. Presbycusis, or
hearing loss associated with aging, is more prevalent as
the average age of the general population increases.
About 25 percent of persons over age 65 and about 35
percent of those over age 79 have some degree of hear-
ing loss.

Hearing loss frequently creates a barrier against
interpersonal relationships. Removal of such barriers is
central to the gospel.

Committed to an inclusive gospel. The United
Methodist Church is compelled to reach out to persons
who are deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing using the

743

DCA Advance Edition

most effective mode of communication, whether it may
be sign language by pastors, sign language and/or oral
interpreting, and/or assistive technologies.

What We Have Learned

A 1994 survey on deaf ministry, developed by the
General Council on Ministries, underscores the enor-
mous need for inexpensive and adaptive ways of making
the message of Christ and his church available to all
persons. While over 5,000 churches offer amplification,
less than 1,500 offer any kind of other assistive listening
device to benefit a hard-of-hearing person. Of the
churches responding to the survey, less than 200 offer
any type of sign language interpretation for worship.
Christian education, or counseling.

Committed to an Inclusive Gospel

Our commitment as United Methodists to the inclu-
sive ministry of Jesus Christ demands ministry with all
of God's children. Deaf, deafened, and hard-of hearing
persons have special communication needs that affect
academic achievement and opportunity for occupational
attainment within society as well as full participation
within the life of the church. TTiese persons also have
special gifts and evidence of God's grace.

The Social Principles call our Church to receive the
gifts of such persons, including their participation in the
vocations of ordained and diaconal ministry.

We have discovered that clergy and laity often do
not understand the unique communication and social
needs of the deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing, and
frequently they do not engage in adequate ministry
because of a lack of training.

Annual conferences, likewise, offer few training and
educational opportunities to clergy, diaconal ministers,
or other lay persons in the area of deaf ministry. Many
conference events are typically inaccessible to persons
who are deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing. There are
few programs for local churches to train congregations
on how to become accessible. It is a common experience
that hard-of-hearing persons slowly remove themselves
from the life of the church due to increasing frusfration
with communication. Few congregations and programs
sponsored by the denomination seek to bridge deaf and
hearing cultures.

Current opportunities are greatly limited for semi-
nary training and continuing theological education in
the areas of deafness for ordained and diaconal minis-
ters.

There is an urgent need for The United Methodist
Church to encourage, recruit, and frain deaf, deafened,
and hard-of-hearing persons for ordained and diaconal
ministry. The same urgent need applies to hearing per-
sons who seek to serve this population.

In addition, there is a need for coordinated efforts
of the various program boards and agencies of The
United Methodist Church to provide fraining for laity in
ministry with persons who are deaf, deafened, and hard-
of-hearing.

It is imperative that annual conferences understand
their roles as models and examples for effective minis-
try. One way this is accomplished is by insuring that the
annual conference sessions are full accessible to both
members and visitors. Such a commitment would be
made visible through the use of assistive listening tech-
nologies such as FM systems; audio loops; the use of
visual augmentation, like computer-assisted note taking
or real-time captioning; and the provision of sign lan-
guage interpretation.

744

DCA Advance Edition

Report and Recommendations
of the Interagency Task Force on AIDS

Petition Number: 21674-GM-NonDis-0$; Interagency
Task Force on AIDS

The 1988 General Conference created (Calendar
Item 1340, Daily Christian Advocate, pp. 332-333) and
the 1992 General Conference continued (Calendar Item
221, DCA, p. 221) an Interagency Task Force on AIDS
and resolved that the:

"Task Force be charged with coordinating a network
of AIDS ministries already in place in annual conferences,
offering assistance to those conferences which wish to es-
tablish such ministries, and developing and providing
educational and interpretive materials to assist the church
in an effective response to the AIDS epidemic both in the
United States and around the world. "

The 1988 and 1992 General Conferences did not
assign the implementation of these Calendar Items to an
agency. Consequently, GCOM, through its role as re-
flected in ^ 1006, referred this assignment to the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries.

Membership

The original legislation went on to require the fol-
lowing membership on the Task Force which was aug-
mented at the Task Force's request and with the General
Council on Ministries' concurrence: two members and
one staff person each from the General Board of Global
Ministries, the General Board of Church and Society,
the General Board of Higher Education and Ministiy,
the General Board of Discipleship and the National
Youth Ministries Organization; one member and staff
each from the General Commission on Religion and
Race and the General Commission on the Status and
Role of Women with at least two of these being young
adults; and also staff from the United Methodist Com-
munications and the General Council on Ministries.

Each agency authorized by the legislation to seat
members on the Task Force chose its representatives.
Additional persons were added in order for the Task
Force to include persons with HIV infection and AIDS,
a care provider of a person with HIV/ AIDS, and a parent
of a person living with AIDS. The Task Force member-
ship represented ethnic diversity.

Organization and Responsibilities

In its report to the 1992 General Conference, the
Task Force included a recommendation that it be con-
tinued through the 1993-96 quadrennium. General Con-

ference, by accepting the report, accepted the contin-
uation of the Task Force. Hie Task Force continued to
operate during this quadrennium in a fashion similar to
that of the previous quadrennium. The 1993-96 Task
Force used die same criteria as in the previous quadren-
nium to establish membership. The responsibilities of
the Task Force included: monitoring, coordinating, and
interagency communicating.

Work of Task Force

The Task Force met three times. Meeting agendas
included time for reports on each member agency's
work with regard to HIV/ AIDS infection as well as
suggestions for improvements and interagency offer-
ings of help.

All member agencies worked in support of a request
to the Council of Bishops to update their pastoral state-
ment on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, dated
April 20, 1988. The Task Force commended the Council
of Bishops for their straight-forward, caring and compas-
sionate statement of 1988. The Task Force was in agree-
ment that while the content of the Bishops' Statement
was clear, new issues had arisen since 1988 which
needed to be addressed.

In addition, the Task Force reviewed and recom-
mended revisions of general agencies' employment poli-
cies and procedures that are established by the General
Council on Finance and Administration's Committee on
Personnel Policies and Procedures. These recommen-
dations were intended to strengthen the church's poli-
cies related to emplojmient and HIV/ AIDS as well as to
bring those policies more closely in line with the Ameri-
cans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

The Task Force worked with the Lutheran AIDS
Network and the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition in
the planning and implementation of a Hope and Healing
Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in September, 1995.
The purpose of this collaboration was to use the learn-
ings from participating in this ecumenical event as the
basis for the development of a United Methodist
HIV/AIDS consultation during the next quadrennium.

Task Force meetings provided an opportunity for
substantial continuing education for the member repre-
sentatives from each general agency, and at each meet-
ing agency representatives reviewed and discussed
current HIV/ AIDS information made available through
the Computerized AIDS Ministries Resource Network.
This information included surveillance findings fi'om
the United States Department of Health's Centers for

General and Judicial Administration

745

Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, reports from the
World Health Organization and materials from United
Methodists throughout the United States.

The Task Force celebrates the effective ministry
with persons living with HIV/ AIDS, local pastors, con-
gregations and outreach to the unchurched which is
being conducted through the Computerized AIDS Min-
istries Resource Network (CAM), a computerized bul-
letin board service, which was recommended by the
previous Task Force. This ministry has been expanded
to include Internet access and world coverage through
the World Wide Web. The Task Force has noted that for
hundreds of individuals, CAM has become their church
home. CAM has been referred to in the media as "The
On-line Church" on the new information super-highway.

Task Force members during the quadrennium re-
sourced numerous local, regional and national
HIV/ AIDS events representing the Church. One Task
Force member, infected with AIDS, was invited to be the
keynote speaker for the State of Iowa at a display of a
portion of the AIDS memorial quilt by the Names Project
in Dubuque, Iowa. Another Task Force member played
a major role in bringing together leaders of African-
American religious communities in Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia for a Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. Task
Force members also participated in meetings of the
National Council of Religious AIDS Network of the AIDS
National Interfaith Network. One member of the Task
Force living with HIV disease was selected by the World
Council of Churches to participate in their international
health meeting in Madras, India in 1995.

General Agency Summaries:

General Board of Global Ministries

Through the General Board of Global Ministries'
Health and Welfare Ministries Program Department
and its World Program Division, the following
HIV/AIDS Consultations were held: 1) 1992 - Sao Paulo,
Brazil (in association with CEEMAL and other Latin
American agencies) for 100 Methodist Church leaders
from 15 countries throughout the Latin American re-
gion; 2) 1993 - Harrare, Zimbabwe for 36 United Meth-
odist Church leaders from West and East Angola Annual
Conferences, Zimbabwe and Mozambique; and 3) 1994
- Delhi, India (in association with the Methodist Church
of India, Christian Medical Association of India, Seventh
Day Adventist Church of India and Adventist Develop-
ment and Relief Association) for 125 Methodists and
Seventh Day Adventists from India. In 1995 the Depart-
ment worked with the Lutheran AIDS Network and
National Episcopal AIDS Coalition to participate in a
Hope and Healing Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Health and Welfare Ministries Program De-
partment conducted seminars within Northwest Texas,
Virginia, New Mexico, East Ohio and Florida annual

conferences. The Department conducted workshops at
the following events during the quadrennium: 1) 1992,
1993 and 1994 HIV/AIDS Skills Building Conferences;
2) 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Annual Convention of the
United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare
Ministries; 3) Health and Welfare Chairpersons train-
ings in 1993, 1994 and 1995; 4) Women's Assembly in
Cincinnati, Ohio in 1994; 5) Southeast Jurisdictional
Church Business Administrator Annual Meeting at
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina in 1994; and 6) Global
Gathering 1993 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Department continued to develop the re-
sources which were added to the Department's
HIV/AIDS library available to individuals, local
churches and annual conferences including: Meditation
for HIV/AIDS Ministries, Worship Resources for
HIV/AIDS Ministries, HIV/AIDS Ministries: A Practical
Guide for Pastors, 27 FOCUS Papers covering topics
including women and AIDS, children and AIDS, basic
HIV/AIDS information and pastoral resources for
HIV/AIDS ministries. Covenant to Care Manual and
associated resources. Local church and annual confer-
ence resources including Suggested Activities for Indi-
viduals and Local Churches, Suggested Principles and
Guidelines Regarding Workplace Policies on HIV Infec-
tion and Related Illnesses, Tilings Annual Conferences
Can Do and Suggested HIV/AIDS Education Outline.

One of the most significant developments during
the quadrennium was the establishment of the Comput-
erized AIDS Ministries Resource Network (CAM), a
computerized bulletin board system which allows per-
sons to get the latest HIV/AIDS information, communi-
cate with others doing HIV/AIDS ministries and provide
support to persons infected with HIV/AIDS. The system
is operated 24 hours a day, receives an average of 5,000
calls per month, contains more than 4,000 pieces of
information and is used by more than 2,(XX) individuals
per year. By expanding access to CAM through the
Internet and the World Wide Web has opened its re-
sources to the world. Individuals from as far away as
Great Britain, Spain and Ausfralia have already taken
advantage of their new ability to access the resources of
CAM.

United Methodist Communications

United Methodist Communications produced a
Catch the Spirit segment about the experiences of a HIV
positive woman in 1993, who contracted the virus
through a blood transfusion after surgery.

EcuFilm has promoted and distributed 3 videos
about HIV/AIDS. Unconditional Love ■ A warm, caring
story about St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the
oufreach program that members of the congregation
organized to help persons living with HIV/AIDS in their
community. (First distributed in 1990.) Spread The
Wor<i - Presents information, stories, attitudes and feel-
ings shared by teens whose lives have been affected by

746

DCA Advance Edition

AIDS. (First distributed in 1991.) HIV/AIDS: Stories of
Mutual Ministry - This program introduces viewers to
ordinary people who have been forced to confront HIV
disease and the stigmas and isolation that are often part
of the crisis. (1993)

EcuFilm continues to distribute the Why We Care
AIDS program and the CTS AIDS program on request.

United Methodist News Service has produced and
distributed 18 news releases on various aspects of
HIV/AIDS during the quadrennium.

The Interpreter has published one major article
Guly-August, 1993, "Show That We Care") and two
success stories about local church ministry or activity
with people living with HIV/AIDS.

General Board of Discipleship

The General Board of Discipleship included in TJie
United Methodist Book of Worship a section on "Sendees
and Prayers, Ministry with Persons with AIDS" with
suggested scripture readings. The September/October
1992 issue of alive now was devoted to AIDS. In partner-
ship with the National Hispanic Plan, SIDA: Manual de
Estudio para Adultos was produced. LINKS, the Laity in
Ministry Unit newsletter, continues to produce articles
that develop an awareness of HIV/AIDS, educational
articles on prevention and ways congregations can be in
ministry with persons with HIV/AIDS.

General Board of Church and Society

The General Board of Church and Society anchored
its work in HIV/AIDS in two specific goals: to advocate
for public policy in support of persons with HIV/AIDS
and to educate about HIV/AIDS.

The public policy challenges concerning HIV/AIDS
have required constant vigilance and creative strategies.
The quadrennium began with the hope of major reform
of our nation's health care system, and ended in a battle
to sustain critical social spending amidst drastic budget
cuts. To strengthen the religious voice and maximize
impact, the board coordinated its efforts through an
interfaith coalition, AIDS National Interfaith Network
(ANIN). National AIDS Lobby Days were coordinated
from the United Methodist building, joining the secular
and faith communities in public policy advocacy on
issues of housing, medical research, Medicaid, public
education, etc., as related to HIV/ AIDS. Sadly, the work
of our faith community to protect people and the critical
programs that sustain individuals disabled by illness,
was more often thwarted than affirmed by our nation's
lawmakers. One major accomplishment, however, will
be the re-authorization of the Ryan White Care Act The
funding to states and cities sanctioned by this legislation
is critical to programs across our country supporting
persons with AIDS and public education about AIDS.

Education about AIDS and the needs of persons
struggling with AIDS has been the second focus of the
General Board of Church and Society. An educated
public is critical to the process of assuring justice in
public policy. The General Board of Church and Society,
with the support of the Health and Welfare Ministries
Department, sponsored two art exhibits in the United
Methodist Building to raise awareness around the is-
sues of AIDS. The first, in October of 1992, We See Face
to Face, was a collection of portraits of homeless persons
with AIDS, painted by David Johnson. Members of Con-
gress (and stafO were invited to view this unique pres-
entation, giving a human face to AIDS; a press event was
held to open the exhibit, enabling national coverage of
the issue. In March of 1995, an international collection
of poster art Imagenes Contra el Sida was displayed in
the building during National AIDS Lobby Days. This
dramatic exhibit, interspersed with official statements
on AIDS by faith groups, was designed to enhance
understanding between the faith and secular communi-
ties working on the issues. During the peak of the
Congressional Medicaid debate in the fall of 1995, an
exhibit of pictures and stories of persons dependent
upon Medicaid cuts. A quote from a letter by Joe Miler,
a person with AIDS, received national attention as the
focal statement of the exhibit.

The General Board of Church and Society has also
employed its publication Christian Social Action to teach
church members and leaders about AIDS. In addition to
feature stories on the church and AIDS, news of the
legislative issues surrounding AIDS has been carried in
Word from Washington. Tvjo educational resources were
developed during the quadrennium. Faithful Witness on
Today's Issues: AIDS contains the church's official state-
ments on AIDS, formatted to facilitate a study of the
issues. The ATOS Resource Packet, available through the
Ministry of God's Human Community, provides addi-
tional resources for developing a church study about
AIDS. A major educational focus for the board has been
the annual promotion of World AIDS Day. Materials
have been distributed to conferences and individual
members as requested. A worship service to lift up the
needs of persons with AIDS and the role of the church
has been developed and published annually in Christian
Social Action for use on World AIDS Day. The board has
promoted ANIN's 'Tolling of Steeple Bells" and the
"Council Call" on World AIDS Day as strategies to
increase awareness of AIDS and encourage commit-
ment to action by people of faith.

Throughout the quadrennium, the General Board
of Church and Society has led people of faith on Capitol
Hill in worship, lifting up the needs of persons with
AIDS. Interfaidi worship services have been conducted
during national awareness events and annually on
World AIDS Day.

General and Judicial Administration

747

National Youth Ministries Organization

The National Youth Ministries Organization
(NYMO) assisted in the development of To the Point:
Confronting Youth Issues, AIDS. Abingdon Press, 1993.
Edited by Diana L Hynson and Carmen M. Gaud. This
resource offers practical ways to talk to teens and adults
about AIDS in a sound biblical and theological context.
It contains teaching articles, group programs, leaders
guides, helps for pastoral care, worship resources, facts,
figures and where to go for help. This resource also
contains a sizeable section of resources in Spanish.

NYMO distributed grants to the following organiza-
tions for work in the area of HIV/ AIDS through Youth
Service Fund Grants including:

• 1994 - Homeless Youth Shelter Project, San Jose, CA
($3,000) . Youth took part in workshops and activities,
focused on independent living, relationship skills,
substance abuse and health education.

• New Generation Youth Advocates, Washington Park,
IL ($9,000). This program combines education and
recreation to heighten awareness of such issues as
HIV infection, alcohol and drugs, and premature
sexual activity.

• 1995 AIDS Awareness and Nonformal Education
Program ($6,491) . Youth in the lowest castes in India
are at high risk for AIDS. This project provides basic
health education and medical assistance; teaches
occupational and life skills so they can earn a safe,
respectable and sustainable income; and shows them
how to organize and work cooperatively for a better
life. They also have recreational and cultural
experiences that bring much needed joy.

Second Decade of HIV/AIDS Pandemic:

The Context for Task Force

Recommendations

The second decade of the HIV/AIDS pandemic
(world-wide epidemic) brought clarity to the reality that
HIV disease is absolutely not a homosexual disease,
though in the United States the vast majority of people
who are dying horribly are gay men. Throughout the
world, including within particular segments of United
States society, women, children, youth, and racial ethnic
communities continue to be at greatest risk for HFV
infection. Dr. Morton Merson, former Director of the
World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS
stated that "women are at risk for HIV, not because of
what they do. Rather they are at risk because of what
their spouses do." It is a tragic reality that women
throughout the world do not have the power to say when
they have sex, how they have sex, or with whom they
have sex. Task Force members recognized that, while
progress has been made in getting churches to respond
compassionately to people living with HIV/ AIDS, far too

many churches and people of faith have yet to compre-
hend fully just how their attitudes have left gay men,
intravenous drug users, women, and children infected
with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones and families unable
to weather the assault of HFV disease. Task Force mem-
bers realized that the credibility of the church is at stake
whenever and wherever the church remains aloof or
fretful.

Early in its work the Task Force reviewed the mis-
sion statement of the original Task Force and unani-
mously agreed to continue to use it to guide it in the
fulfillment of its assignment. Its opening paragraphs are:

In response to the Gospel accepting that the Church is
the body of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:24) and following
the mandate of General Conference, it is our mission to
envision "effective response (s)" by The United Methodist
Church to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to those affected
by it.

Effective response by the faith community is de-
manded by the Gospel and requires theological and con-
fessional openness to God's revelation. In this health crisis,
that revelation will come to the church partly through the
proximity to the experiences of the HIV positive commu-
nity— the experiences of disease, trauma, indignity, insult,
death, grief, separation, fear, remorse, sorrow, grace, heal-
ing, reconciliation, community, commitment and salva-
tion.

Task Force Recommendations
to General Conference

The Interagency Task Force on AIDS which was
commissioned by the 1988 General Conference and
recommissioned by the 1992 General Conference rec-
ommends the continuation of a downsized Interagency
Task Force on HIV/AIDS in the 1997-2000 quadren-

• That each required agency (General Board of Global
Ministries, General Board of Church and Society,
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
General Board of Discipleship, National Youth
Ministries Organization, General Commission on
Religion and Race, General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women) appoint one director and
one staff person to serve on the Task Force, in order
to provide greater efficiency and economic restraint,
also staff from United Methodist Communications
and General Council on Ministries;

• That one of the two agency representatives will serve
as the HIV/AIDS coordinator and Task Force liaison
of that agency;

• That two of the members of the Task Force be Youth
or Young Adults;

748

DCA Advance Edition

That additional persons be included in the Task
Force, for the inclusion of persons with HIV/AIDS,
care providers of persons with HIV/AIDS, parents
and/or family members of persons with HIV/AE)S,
and ethnic diversity;

The creation of an organized and active HIV/AIDS
task force, committee or work area in each annual
conference where it does not already exist;

Funding in the amount of $25,000 to ensure the
participation in the Interagency Task Force on
HIV/AIDS of individuals, families and care providers
whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS.

In response to frequent requests from individuals,
local churches, and annual conferences, we will hold the
second United Methodist training consultation on
HIV/AIDS, the first in ten years. In view of the involve-
ment of eight program agencies in the Interagency Task
Force on HIV/AIDS, the cost of the event up to $100,000
will be borne by the budget of the General Council on
Ministries. The event will be held by the end of the
1997-2000 quadrennium.

Paul Dirdak, Chairperson
Interagency Task Force on AIDS

Wake Up to the
Healing of Doctrine

Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia: The Healing of Doctrine in The United
Methodist Church, by William J. Abraham. According to William Abraham,
United Methodists are "deeply confused about their doctrinal identity" which
accounts not only for many of the problems they face, but also the distrust
and anger which surfaces when they attempt to talk to one another. Dr.
Abraham offers a careful analysis of United Methodist doctrine, concluding
that the Quadrilateral is not, and should not be. United Methodist doctrine.

"William Abraham's argument will occasion much debate, but it must be
dealt with if Methodism in North America is to have a theological future.
This book needs to be read carefully by all lay and clergy leaders, and it needs
to be considered by Boards of Ordained Ministry, and used in
seminaries. This is an important work deserving of wide exposure."
— Dennis M. Campbell

Dean of Divinity School and Professor of Theology

Duke University

Published by /D^y^

mking

Dfrom °
octrinal

Am

WILLIAM J, ABRAHAM

Cokesbury

ISBN 0-687-01718-1. Paper, $9.95

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DCA-323-6 Prjces iuhjfct tu cktrige ti>it/iont notice S/iipping and litinti/intj

Global Ministries

749

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

1634.

Petition Number: 21308-GM-634.4-D; GBGM.

Meetings and Elections

Delete the second sentence of ^ 634.4a and substi-
tute new text:

At that time the jurisdiction president and
other Core Planning Group ofBcers shall be
elected, and directors of the Women's Division
shall be elected according to the Discipline OT
743.6d, 1429).

^731.

Petition Number: 20079-GM-731-D;MOW, MOE.
The Responsibilities of the Board of Global Ministries
Amend TI 731:

1. ...the General Board of Global Ministries as set
forth in n 1402-1403. The responsibilities of the
Board of Global Ministries may be assigned to an
existing or newly created multifunctional agency of
the Conference Coimcil that cares for the func-
tions of and die connectional relationships of The
General Board of Global Ministries, the Confer-
ence, districts, and local churches.

2. ...The mission coordinator of Christian global
concerns of the conference United Methodist Women,
by virtue of office, shaH may be a member...

3. There sh^ may be elected annually a conference
secretary of global ministries who shall be a member of
the Annual Conference board and shall be a member of
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries. This per-
son shall work with the Annual Conference Board of
Global Ministries and the Annual Conference Council
on Ministries to provide...

5.a) The committee shril may include persons...

i) (4) enlisting the support of the bishop, Cabinet,
Conference Council on Ministries, and conference
staff...

}) ...representativesfrom district Council(s) on Min-
istries or alternate structure;...

6.a) The coordinator shall may be elected annually
and shall may be a member...

SI731.

Petition Number: 20322-GM-731-D;WPA
Responsibilities of the Conference Board of Global

Ministries

Amend ^731.4:

b) (18) To develop strategies in response to critical
community issues, with special attention to the needs of
ethnic and language groups, persons with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities,...

(35) [Second sentence] This offering shall provide
financial support to care for sick persons, older persons,
children and youth, and persons with handicapping con
ditions people witih disabilities.

^731.

Petition Number: 20478-GM-731-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Annual Conference Board of Global

Ministries

Delete ^731.

^731.

Petition Number: 20503-GM-731-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Global Ministries
Amend ^ 731:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize a Board of
Global Ministries or equivalent structure (or the re-
sponsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides piu-suant to % 707. 1) which shall provide...

1731.

Petition Number: 21660-GM-731-D; GCOM.

Conference Board of Global Ministries
Amend % 731:

1. The Annual Conference shall organize a Board of
Global Ministries or an equivalent other structure to
which shall maintain the connectional relationship

and provide for global ministries responsibilities...

2. [Add at end.] A person or persons serving as
member(s) of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries from the Annual Conference shall, by virtue

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of their office, be nieniber(s) of the conference
Board of Global Ministries (see ^707.5 and
810.5).

5. h) Responsibilities of the subcommittees on
Town and Country Ministries sliall include the follow-
ing:

(1) consulting with the bishop,... and in initiating
and strengthening these ministries;

(2) developing of a comprehensive related mis-
sional strategy... for purposes of larger geographical co-
ordination; and

(3) initiating and/or assisting with programs to deal
with needs such as:

(a) local church/community outreach organization
and development;

(b) ministries with specialized consistences and
sectors of community life, agricultural and industrial
production and other issue-oriented ministries;

(c) the development and strengthening of regional
and/or national networks and/or associations;

(d) ethnic and language groups;

(e) churches in transitional communities;

(f) small membership churches;

(g) the impact of oppressive systems on town and
country and urban people and their communities; and

(h) to fulfill other functions as related to the objec-
tives and scope of work of the National Division, General
Board of Global Ministries as set forth in ^1414.

^731.

Petition Number: 20452-GM-731.1-D;NMX.

Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries
Amend ^731.1:

1. The Annual Conferences shall organize a pro-
vide for the fulfillment of the purposes, duties, and
responsibilities assigned to die Board of Global Min-
istries or an equivalent atructurc which by 1731.4 by
structuring themselves as they deem appropriate.
The Board, or the structure, shall also provide for
global ministries responsibilities related to the objec-
tives and scope of work of the General Board of Global
Ministries as set forth in SIK1402-1403. References to
the "Board of Global Ministries" or to "the "board" in
appropriate context shall be construed and interpreted
to refer to the structure provided pursuant to this para-
graph, whatever named or titled.

^731.

Petition Number: 20453-GM-731.2-D;NMX.

Membership of the Conference Board
of Global Ministry
Amend ^ 731.2:

2. The membership of the structure shall be
determined by the Annual Conference. It may be
assigned other duties and responsibihties, and
may have membership in common with structures
performing other duties and responsibilities.
When the structure sits asTthe conference Board of
Global Ministries, or equivalent atructurc ahall bo com-
posed of those persons as determined by the Annual
Conference and shall fulfill those responsibilities aa as-
signed. Tthe mission coordinator of Christian global
concerns of the conference United Methodist Women,
by virtue of office, shall be a member of the conference
Board of Global Ministries, should sit and may have
voting privileges.

The structure should work The chairperson of
the conference Board of Global Ministries shall work
with the conference secretary of global ministries to
relate the Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries
to the objectives and scope of work of the General Board
of Global Ministries.

^[731.

Petition Number: 20454-GM-731.3-D;NMX.

Conference Secretary of Global Ministries
Amend ^ 731.3:

3. There shaH may be elected annually a conference
secretary of global ministries who shall be a member of
the Annual Conference board and shall be a member of
the Annual Conference Council on Ministries. This per-
son shall to work with the Annual Conference Board of
Global Ministries and the Annual Conference Council
on Ministries, however structured, to provide...

^731.

Petition Number: 21309-GM-731.4-D; GBGM.

Responsibilities of the Conference Board
of Global Ministries
Amend 1731.4ft(3):

4.W(3) To receive reports of the liaison to the
Annual Conference member to from the General Board
of Global Ministries.

Global Ministries

751

^731.

Petition Number: 21310-GM-731.4-D; GBGM.

Responsibilities of the Conference Board of Global
Ministries

Amend ^731.4ft(10):

A.b) (10) To cultivate, through the channels of the
Church other than United Methodist Women, the Ad-
vance special gifts for national and ovcracas ministries
administered by the National and World Diviaiona, and
the designated units of the General Board of
Global Ministries, including United Methodist Com-
mittee on Relief Department.

^731.

Petition Number: 20455-GM-731.5-D;NMX.
Committee on Parish and Community Development
Amend ^ 731.5:

5. The Annual Conferences or the Conference
Councils on Ministries, shall provide for the fulfill-
ment of the purposes, duties and responsibilities
assigned by this paragraph to establish a Committee
on Parish and Community Development or assign this
responsibility to an existing agency in the Annual Con
fcrcncc that by structuring themselves as they
deem appropriate. The structure may be assigned
other duties and responsibilities, and may have
membership in common with other structures.
The structure will fulfill the responsibilities related to
the objectives and scope of the National Division, Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries (^1414) . References in
this TI731.5 and elsewhere in the Discipline to "the
committee," and to subcommittees, in appropri-
ate context, shall be interpreted to refer to the
structure provided pursuant to this paragraph,
whatever called or named. The purpose of the
structure committee shall is to initiate and develop
programs with institutional and voluntary ministries re-
lated to the National Division, Church and Community
Ministry, Congregational Development, Town and
Country Ministries, Urban Ministries, churches with
small membership, and other concerns as desired. ^¥he
committee may form subcommittees for these arcao.
The committee shall be accountable to the conference
Board of Global Ministries, or to such other agency as
the confcrcnec may determine. The chairperson of the
committee and the chairpersons of the subcommittees
shall be members of the conference Board of Global
Ministries or such body to which the committee shall be
amenable.

1731.

Petition Number: 20456-GM-731.-D;NMX.

Membership of the Committee on Parish and
Community Development

Delete ^ 731.5.a) and replace with new text

5.a) The Annual Conference or the structure
performing the functions of the Conference Coim-
cil on Ministries shall determine the membership
of the Committee, and any subcommittees which
may be organized, and shall endeavor to provide
membership of persons working with or in minis-
tries in churches of all sizes and locations.

1731.

Petition Number: 21058-GM-731.5-D; GCCUIC.
The Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries
Amend ^ 731.5ft:

b.b) ...local and national liaison (denominational
and ecumenical) related to...

1743.

Petition Number: 20504-GM-743-D;NNJ.
United Methodist Women
Amend ^743:

1. Name. — In each Annual Conference there shall
be a conference organization named United Methodist
Women (or the responsibilities outlined below may
be assigned to such other organization as the An-
nual Conference provides pursuant to 1707.1),
auxiliary to...

1743.

Petition Number: 21311-GM-743.6-D; GBGM.
United Methodist Women
Amend ^ 743.6rf:

6.d) ...nominate three women for membership on
the General Board of Global Ministries Women's Divi-
sion, the names to be sent...

11405.

Petition Number: 21312-GM-1405-D; GBGM.

Authority of Divisions and Departments
Delete ^ 1405.

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^1406.

Petition Number: 21313-GM-1406.1-D; GBGM.
Incorporation
Delete % 1406.1 and substitute new text:

1. The General Board of Global Ministries shall
be incorporated and shall function through the
board and its units.

^1406.

Petition Number: 21314-GM-1406.3-D; GBGM.

Incorporation of the General Board
of Global Ministries
Amend ^ 1406.3:

. ..the Board of Missions of the Methodist Protestant
Church; the Board of Missions of The Methodist
Church; such other incorporated or unincorpo-
rated divisions and departments and their prede-
cessors as may have been merged into the board;
and such other corporations or agencies...

^1406.

Petition Number: 21315-GM-1406.4-D; GBGM.
Corporation within the Board
Amend ^1406.4:

4. Subject to the limitations hereinafter specified,
each of the incorporated divisions any corporations
within the board shall be subject...

^1407.

Petition Number: 21316-GM-1407-D; GBGM.
Executive Committee
Delete ^ 1407 and substitute new text

Executive Committee. — There shall be an execu-
tive committee which shall exercise the powers of
the board ad interim and whose membership and
responsibilities shall be determined by the bylaws
of the board.

11407.

Petition Number: 20080-GM-1407.2-D;NWT.
Committee on Audit and Review
Amend ^ 1407:

Committees. — 1. Administrative Committee. —
There shall be an administrative committee whose

membership and powers shall be determined by the
board.

2. Committee on Audit and Review. — There shall
be a Committee on Audit and Review elected by
the board, whose duty it shall be to perform finan-
cial oversight and review audits (internal and ex-
ternal) of all General Board of Global Ministries
activities. No member of the committee shall be
an officer or a member of the administrative com-
mittee. The committee shall consist of five mem-
bers, at least three of whom shall not be members
of the board but shall be chosen because of their
independence and technical knowledge and ex-
pertise in financial accoimtability and oversight
The committee shall report its findings to the an-
nual meeting of the board.

11408.

Petition Number: 21317-GM-1408.1-D; GBGM.
Board Officers
Amend ^ 1408.1:

1. Board Officers. — The board shall elect as its cor-
porate officers a president, three vice-presidents ffh»
shall be the presidents of the divisions, a treasurer, a
recording secretary, and such other officers as it shall
deem necessary. The board shall determine the
powers and duties of its officers.

The president, general secretary, and treas-
tu'er of the board are ex officio members of all
units, and their executive committees, and stand-
ing committees of the board without vote.

The Women's Division shall elect its president, who
shall be one of the three vice-presidents of the board.
The board shall determine the powers and duties of its
officers.

11408.

Petition Number: 21318-GM-1408.2-D; GBGM.
Division and Department Officers
Delete ^ 1408.2.

11409.

Petition Number: 20549-GM-1409-D;SNJ.
Board Staff
Amend the first sentence of ^1409. Ic:

1. a) The board, through a personnel and nomina-
tions committee, shall moltc nominations to the General
Council on Ministries for the office of elect the general
secretary of the board.

Global Ministries

753

^1409.

Petition Number: 21319-GM-1409-D; GBGM.
Elected Staff
Delete ^ 1409 and substitute new text:

Elected Staff. — 1. Board Cabinet. — a) The board,
through a personnel committee, shall make nomi-
nations to the General Council on Ministries for
the office of general secretary. As chief staff officer
of die board, the general secretary shall have di-
rect involvement in staff selections.

b) The board shall elect a deputy general sec-
retary for administration, a maximum of five other
deputy general secretaries, and a board treasurer.
In addition, the Women's Division shall nominate
its deputy general secretary for election by the
division and the board after consultation witih the
president and the general secretary of the board.

c) The board personnel committee, in constilt-
ation with the general secretary of the board, shall
recommend candidates for the positions of deputy
general secretaries and board treasurer for elec-
tion by the board. The deputy general secretaries
shall have administrative responsibility as as-
signed by the general secretary and shall be re-
sponsible to the general secretary.

d) The general secretary may add positions to
the Cabinet

2. Unit Staff.— a) The Women's Division shaU
nominate for election by the board such other staff
persons of the Women's Division as are deemed
necessary to carry out the work assigned.

b) The board shall elect additional staff as
needed.

3. The board shall elect, on nomination of the
board personnel committee and in constdtation
with the general secretary, one or more associate
treasurers of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries, one of \^om shall be the treasurer of the
Women's Division and nominated by the Women's
Division. The associate treasurer(s) will be re-
sponsible to the treasurer of the General Board of
Global Ministries for board fiscal procedures and
to the assigned deputy general secretary for ad-
ministrative procedures (^ 803. 7e).

^1409.

Petition Number: 20623-GM-1409.1-D;WNC.

Election of General Secretary of General Board of
Global Ministries
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1409.1a:

l.a) The board, through a personnel and nomina-
tions committee, shall make nominations to the General
Council on Miniatrica Council of Bishops for the office
of general secretary....

^1410.

Petition Number: 21320-GM-1410.1-D; GBGM.
Selection of the Staff
Amend ^1410.1:

1. Selection. — ^The staff of the board and ita divi-
sions and dcportmcnta shall elect and appoint staff be
selected on the basis of ....

^1410.

Petition Number: 21321-GM-1410.2-D; GBGM.
Staff Participation of Women
Delete ^ 1410.2 and replace with new text:

Staff Participation of Women. — a) Of the cabinet
level staff positions within the board, a minimum
of 40 percent shall be occupied by women.

b) A minimum of 40 percent of all elected staff,
as well as a minimum of 40 percent of the ap-
pointed staff, shall be women.

11411.

Petition Number: 21322-GM-1411.1-D; GBGM.
Appropriation of Funds
Amend ^ 1411.1:

All properties, trust funds, annuity funds, perma-
nent funds, and endowments now or formerly held and
administered by.. ..the Board of Missions of The Evan-
gelical United Brethren Church or their successors;
and their respective divisions and departments or
their successors shall be carefully safeguarded. The
General Board of Global Ministries of The United Meth-
odist Church and its divisions and departments shall
endeavor... the General Board of Global Ministries of
The United Methodist Church or ita respective diviaiona
and departments from merged boards.. .on the recom-
mendation of the rcapcetivc divisiona and dcpartmcnta
board and the approval of such boards and societies.
Funds of the administrative divisions and departments
board and thetf its preceding corporations.. .on recom-

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DCA Advance Edition

mendation of the respective diviaiona and dcpartmcnta
board. (See Vi 906.6, .8.)

^1411.

Petition Number: 21323-GM-1411.2-D; GBGM.
Former Mission Agencies
Amend ^ 1411.2:

2. Former Evangelical United Brethren mission
agencies located within the United States not directly
owned by the National Program Division General
Board of Global Ministries or the Women's Program
Division of the General Board of Global Miniatrica
board and which receive more that fifty percent....

^1411.

Petition Number: 20220-GM-1411.3-D;VIR.
Reaffirmation of Bishop's Working Group on Mission
Insert a new sub-point after ^1411.3c:

d) in the allocation of funds received from
World Service apportionments, the board and its
respective divisions and departments shall give
highest priority to providing full support to mis-
sionaries of The United Methodist Church.

^1411.

Petition Number: 20624-GM-1411.4-D;WNC.

General Board of Global Ministries Funding
Amend ^ 1411.4:

4. ...and this combined budget shall be presented to
the General Council on Miniatrica Cotmcil of Bishops
in accordance with ^906.

^1411.

Petition Number: 21324-GM-1411.4-D; GBGM.
Preparation of Budgets
Amend ^ 1411.4:

4. Askings shall be received from the fields, and
budgets shall be prepared by the diviaiona and depart
menta in auch manner aa the board may prcacribc,
consistent with its constitution and charter, and this
combined the budget shall be presented...

^1412.

Petition Number: 21325-GM-1412-D; GBGM.

Membership of the General Board
of Global Ministries
Amend the first paragraph of ^ 1412:

Membership. — The policies, plans of work, manage-
ment, business, and all affairs of the General Board of
Global Ministries of The United Methodist Chiu-ch
shall be governed and administered by the board,
which shall be composed according to the conditiona
defined in 1HI805, 800 of the General Proviaiona, with
the following conditions:

11412.

Petition Number: 21326-GM-1412.1-D; GBGM.

Membership of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Amend f 1412.1:

1. The basic members (clergy, laymen, and lay-
women) are elected by the jurisdiction upon the nomi-
nation of the Annual Conferences in accord with ^ 805.1.
Each annual conference shall have representation
from this category on the General Board of Global
Ministries at least once within a three quadrennia
period.

The jurisdictions shall use the following for-
mula when electing members: Northeastern Juris-
diction— 7; Southeastern Jurisdiction — 8; West-
em Jtuisdiction — 4; North Central Jurisdiction
— 7; and South Central Jurisdiction — 9 (at least
one of whom shall be from either the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference or the Rio Grande
Annual Conference). Each Central Conference
shall elect one member to the basic membership
of the board for a total of seven (7).

The additional members of the board are nominated
by a committee composed of three persons from each
jurisdiction — a clergy member, a layman, and a lay-
woman — elected within each jurisdiction. The commit-
tee is to be convened by the president of the board, or if
there be none, the secretary of the Council of Bishops.
There shall be one (1) additional member from
each of the five jurisdictions (the member from the
South Central Jurisdiction shall be from either the
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference or the
Rio Grande Annual Conference, tmless they are
afready represented in the basic membership of
the board). There shall be five (5) additional mem-
bers from the Central Conferences elected from
those nominated according to %% 805.1c,
805.2c(l). An intentional effort shall be made to
rotate representation among the Central Confer-
ences.

Global Ministries

755

^1412.

Petition Number: 21661-GM-1412.1-D; GCOM.
Membership of the General Board of Global

Ministries

Amend ^ 1412:

1. ...in accord with ^ 805.1. Each annual confer-
ence shall have representation from this category
on the General Board of Global Ministries at least
once within a three quadrennia period. The juris-
dictions shall use the following formula when
electing members: Northeastern — 7; Southeast-
em — 8; Western— 4; North Central — 7; and South
Central-9 (at least one of whom shall be from
either the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Confer-
ence or the Rio Grande Annual Conference). Each
Central Conference shall elect one member to the
basic membership of the board for a total of eight
(8), including at least one member from the Nige-
ria Annual Conference. The additional members
...The committee is to be convened by the president of
the board, or if there be none, the secretary of the
Council of Bishops. There shall be one (1) additional
member from each of the five jurisdictions (the
member from the South Central Jurisdiction shall
be from either the Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference or the Rio Grande Annual Conference,
unless they are already represented in the basic
membership of the board). There shall be five (5)
additional members from the Central Conferences
elected from those nominated according to ^^
805.1c, 805.2c(l). An intentional effort shall be
made to rotate representation among the Central
Conferences.

6. In addition to the episcopal members provided for
by']I805, oOn nomination of the Council of Bishops, the
General Conference shall elect to the board thirteen
(13) bishops; at least one bishop from each juris-
diction, and at least three Central Conference Bish-
ops, and each Central Conference shall elect to the
board one clergy, one laywoman, and one layman.

^1412.

Petition Number: 21327-GM-1412.2-D; GBGM.

The Women's Division Membership
on the General Board of Global Ministries
Amend f 1412.2:

2. [Second sentence] This formula Women's Divi-
sion membership is defined in ^ 1429. The basic
fftMembers of the Women's Division who are mem-

bers of the board shall also serve on the membership
of other divisions, deportments, units and committees
of the board.

^1412.

Petition Number: 21328-GM-1412.3-D; GBGM.

The Composition of the General Board of Global

Ministries
Amend <1I 1412.3:

3. The composition of the board and its divisions and
departments units should reflect.. A minimum of
oGne-half of the membership should be women.

^1412.

Petition Number: 20625-GM-1412.6-D;WNC.
Membership of General Board of Global Ministries
Amend ^1412.6:

6. ...and each Central Conference shall elect to the
board one clergy, one laywoman, and one layman lay
person.

11412.

Petition Number: 21329-GM-1412.6-D; GBGM.

Membership of the General Board of Global
Ministries from the Council of Bishops

Amend TI 1412.6:

6. In addition to the episcopal members provided for
byllSOS, oOn nomination of the Council of Bishops, the
General Conference shall elect to the board one bishop
from each jurisdiction, and three Central Conference
bishops, and each Central Conference shall elect to the
board one clergy, one laywoman, and one layman.

11412.

Petition Number: 21330-GM-1412.7-D; GBGM.

Membership of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Amend ^1412.7:

7. The general secretary ttftic, the treasurer of the
board, and the deputy general secretaries, and the as
sociatc general aeeretorics shall be members without
vote.

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^1413.

Petition Number: 21331-GM-1413-D; GBGM.

National Division

Delete heading "NATIONAL DIVISION" and ^
1413 through ^ 1417 and substitute new text:

Six program areas shall be assigned responsi-
bilities within the General Board of Global Minis-
tries as it seeks to enhance the involvement of all
United Methodists in mission and develop ways to
facilitate their mission involvement The member-
ship of the program areas shall be constituted in
accord with the bylaws of the General Board of
Global Ministries.

1. The Evangelization and Church Growth Program
Area exists to facilitate the proclamation and wit-
ness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ through
word, deed and sacrament in every sphere of hu-
man existence, the establishment of faith commu-
nities or new churches, and the strengthening of
existing congregations. The responsibilities of
Evangelization and Church Growth shall be:

a) To support evangeliiation among people
who have not heard or heeded the Gospel.

b) To undertake strategic new mission initia-
tives and to estabUsh new congregations where
United Methodism and/or cooperative church re-
lationships do not exist

c) To identify, prepare, train and empower
persons for leadership in the church and commu-
nify so that vital mission oriented congregations
may be developed.

d) To prepare persons to share their Christian
faith and witness among persons of other faiths.

e) To revitalize existing congregations and faith
communities.

f) To provide technical and architectural serv-
ices to support mission programs and church ex-
tension.

g) To assist congregations with the develop-
ment of financial stewardship.

h) To work with the General Board of Disci-
pleship for the extension of the Church through a
Joint Committee on Congregational Development
composed of equal representation from the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries and the General
Board of Discipleship which shall meet at least
annuaUy to expedite cooperation between tiiese
two boards in the field of congregational develop-
ment of both new congregations as well as the
revitalization of existing congregations.

i) To administer the United Methodist Devel-
opment Fund in accord with policies set by the
General Board of Global Ministries for the pur-
pose of making first mortgage loans to United
Methodist Churches, districts, cify societies, dis-
trict unions, or conference church extension agen-
cies for the purchase of sites, and for the pur-
chase, construction, expansion, or major
improvement of churches, parsonages, or mission
buildings.

2. TJie Community and Institutional Ministries Pro-
gram Area exists to facilitate, resource and support
missional outreach to meet himian needs, witii
special emphasis on ministries with women, chil-
dren, youth and older adults through the follow-
ing: direct services; specialized ministries; com-
mimify organizing and development, including
economic development; and commtmify justice
advocacy. The responsibiUties of Community and
Institutional Ministries shall be:

a) To develop strategies for church and com-
munity development including grants, loans and
technical assistance for programs of self-develop-
ment and self-determination pertaining to social
needs arising from concerns for ethnic and cul-
tural pluralism, economic and sexual exploitation,
and poUtical/racial oppression.

b) To develop community-based progrzuns in
areas such as agricultural mission, communica-
tions, student and youth ministries.

c) To provide funding, consultation, training,
resources and coordinated mission strategy to
new and historicaUy related community centers,
residences, health-care agencies, multi-service
mission complexes, child-care institutions,
schools and other educational institutions.

d) To use institutions as places to develop
models of community transformation.

e) To develop strong local and regional organi-
zations and capacity to network and become part
of an internationally-related program.

f) To foster and facilitate cooperative patterns
of ministry such as cooperative parishes, metro-
politan ministries, rural and town and country
ministries; work with denominational, ecumenic^
and secular coalitions; and, as appropriate, to de-
velop new patterns of joint mission.

g) To faciUtate and coordinate program rela-
tionships of other agencies of The United Method-
ist Church with community and institutional min-
istries.

3. The Mission Contexts and Relationships Program
Area exists to analyze and evaluate the context in

new

Global Ministries

757

which the Chxirch is called to ministry, including
factors such as culture, religion, history, politics,
economics, environment, and demographics; to
develop and sustain covenant relationships and
mission partnerships; to explore dialogues with
persons of other faiths and engage in ecumenical
cooperation; and to develop concerted actions and
advocacy for global justice, peace and freedom. The
responsibilities of Mission Contexts and Relation-
ships shall be:

a) To identify and analyze the missional con-
cerns tfiat shape the conditions under which the
Church is called to minister.

b) To develop and sustain covenant relation-
ships and mission peirtnerships that include shar-
ing of opportunities and resoiu-ces, networking,
and cooperation. This includes maintaining and
fiilfiUing the connectional relationships with an-
nual and central conferences; autonomous, affili-
ated autonomous, and united churches; and ecu-
menical chiu'ch bodies.

c) To develop missional relationships in coun-
tries and communities where The United Method-
ist Church has no commitments by pursuing a
working agreement with the church, churches, a
united mission organization or ecumenical bodies
related to the area. If these approaches are not
available, the board may participate in the forma-
tion of a new United Methodist denominational
structure, in which case it may request the Coun-
cil of Bishops to provide any necessary episcopal
oversight

d) To request each Central Conference and its
conferences, both annual and provisional, each
Affihated Autonomous Methodist Church or
United Church, where apphcable, to make provi-
sion for liaison functions with the board.

e) To provide information and assist in devel-
oping action and advocacy for global justice,
peace, and freedom through working coopera-
tively with other agencies of the Church, other
denominations, and ecumenical, interfaith, and
sectdar coalitions.

f) To foster interaction of churches and ecu-
menical groups for the purpose of mutuality in the
definition and implementation of Christian mis-
sion and international concerns.

g) To administer funding and other forms of
resource sharing for projects and programs, espe-
cially those serving women, children and youth, of
partner churches and ectunenical bodies.

h) To relate to persons in mission of partner
churches.

i) To resource leadership training programs
and administer scholarships, including the Cru-
sade Scholarship Program.

4. The Mission Education Program Area exists to
develop a mission education philosophy for the
General Board of Global Ministries that is rooted
in a biblical and theological understanding of
Christian global mission and to imdergird the total
progremi of the Board through mission education.
The responsibilities of Mission Education shall
be:

a) To provide opportunities for United Meth-
odists to understand the global mission of The
United Methodist Church and for personal and
corporate witness through involvement in and
support of the mission.

b) To initiate and develop, in consultation with
appropriate units of the Board, programs and re-
sources that will encourage persons of peulicular
cultures to become receivers and bearers of

the gospel across boundaries and to live faith-
fully within a multicultural world.

c) To provide for mission interpreters a spe-
cific period of training and assistance in effective
communication, including audiovisual tech-
niques, public speaking, briefings on current is-
sues, and an overview of the Board's work.

d) To tell the story of global mission through-
out the church including its relationship to the
World Service funds and other apportioned funds
and special offerings.

e) To train mission leaders, in cooperation
with other units of the Board and others in the
Church, to fulfill their responsibilities.

f) To work with schools of theology and profes-
sors of mission in providing an emphasis on edu-
cation for mission, in cooperation with the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

g) To cooperate with the General Board of
Discipleship, especially the Ciuriculum Re-
sources Committee, in providing opportunities for
mission involvement and understanding of all age
levels.

h) To initiate and develop special programs
and resom-ces through which children and youth
may understand the mission of the Chiu-ch.

i) To work with ecumenical agencies in fulfill-
ing mission education responsibilities.

}) To provide opportunities for United Method-
ists to gather and witness as a global church.

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DCA Advance Edition

5. TTie Mission Volunteers Program Area exists to
enable the participation of persons from through-
out the world in global mission volunteer pro-
grams and projects so that affirming, empowering
and trusting relationships are established. The re-
sponsibiUties of the program area, Mission Volun-
teers, shall be:

a) To plan for and develop a broad range of
mission volunteer opportunities for short-term as-
signments.

b) To promote and interpret the need for vol-
unteers with a variety of sldUs and abilities.

c) To work in close relationship with confer-
ence and jurisdictional officers to assist in identi-
fying, developing and supporting opportunities for
mission volunteer service (i.e., Volimteers in Mis-
sion, disaster response volunteers, and special
volunteer programs).

d) To provide information enabling the rela-
tionship between volunteers and projects.

e) To provide guidelines and procediu"es for
participation and training of mission volunteers.

f) To develop standards by which projects
qualify for mission volunteers and to evaluate a
project upon request

g) To encourage local churches, districts, cen-
tral conferences and annuzd conferences to pro-
vide funds and/or materials and spiritual support
for those who offer their skills, talents and com-
mitment.

h) To work cooperativefy with agencies of the
Church, other denominations and coahtions, both
ectunenical and secular.

6. The Mission Personnel Program Area exists to
serve the Church in the identification, recruit-
ment, selection, preparation, training, assign-
ment, supervision and support of mission person-
nel for short and long term assignments. It also
exists to assist in the identification of opportuni-
ties for Christian service in representing mission
personnel concerns before the General Board of
Global Ministries. The responsibihties of Mission
Personnel shall be:

a) To promote the opportunities for mission
service related to the General Board of Global
Ministries throughout the constituencies of the
Chiu-ch.

b) To recruit, select, prepare and assign mis-
sion personnel including, but not limited to, mis-
sionaries, deaconesses, US-2s, Mission Interns
and Church and Community Workers.

c) To provide all mission personnel with
preparation and training for effective service in
mission.

d) To evaluate mission personnel for appropri-
ate placement.

e) To recommend persons as candidates for
commissioning as deaconesses and missionaries,
and to supervise and confirm the completion of all
requirements for commissioning.

f) To engage in supervision and support of
mission personnel through referral, transfer pro-
cedures, career counseling, missionary wellness
and personnel development, assisting them in the
fuffillment of their missional vocation.

g) To administer a diverse program of remu-
neration and benefits for personnel service.

h) To offer training for mission service
throughout the global church.

i) To work with ecumenical agencies in fuffill-
ing mission personnel responsibilities.

j) To facilitate the receiving and assigning of
missionaries, lay and clergy, from Central Confer-
ences, autonomous, affihated autonomous, and
united churches in cooperation with other boards
and agencies, and with Annual Conferences.

^1415.

Petition Number: 20626-GM-1415.1-D;WNC.
Authority of National Division
Amend ^1415.1fl:

l.a) World Service and other funds designated for
the program of the National Division;

^1418.

Petition Number: 21332-GM-1418.2-D; GBGM.
The Office of Deaconess
Amend ^ 1418.2:

2. [Second sentence] They are approved by the
General Board of Global Ministries upon recommenda-
tion of the Mission Personnel Resources Deportment
and the National Division. They are and commissioned
by a bishop at a session of the General Board of Global
Ministries board or at a setting approved by the
board. They shall have...

[Second paragraph, second sentence] Deaconesses
may also serve.. .that approval be given by the National
Di^dsion board in consultation with the bishop of the
receiving area.

Global Ministries

759

^1420.

Petition Number: 21333-GM-1420.2-D; GBGM.
The Committee on Deaconess Service
Amend ^ 1420.2:

2. The Committee on Deaconess Service.. .two ac-
tive home missionaries selected by national vote of the
active deaconesses and home missionaries who relate
to the board; two dircctora of the National Division and
two directors of the Women's Division chosen by the
respective divisions, at least one of whom shall also be
a director of the Mission Personnel Resources Depart
tnetrt and four directors of the General Board of
Global Ministries, at least two of whom shall also
be directors of the Women's Division.

^1421.

Petition Number: 21334-GM-1421.2-D; GBGM.
The Deaconess Program Office
Amend ^ 1421.2:

2. The General Board of Global Ministries shall
assign the administration of the program office to the
National Division Mission Personnel program iirea
or saefe another division or department unit as it may
determine (11403.lt).

^1425.

Petition Number: 21335-GM-1425-D; GBGM.
Organization of The Women's Division
Delete ^ 1425 and replace with new text

Organization. — ^The Women's Division shall
elect an executive committee of nineteen mem-
bers which shall exercise the powers of the divi-
sion ad interim. The Women's Division shall name
members of its executive committee to serve on
the board executive committee. The number
named shall be at least one-third of the board
executive committee membership. Members of
the Women's Division executive committee shall
be elected by the Women's Division to serve on
executive cotamittees of board units and commit-
tees as defined in board bylaws. The president,
general secretary and treasurer of the board d
1409.3); and the deputy general secretary, treas-
urer and assistant general secretaries of the
Women's Division shall be members ex officio
widiout vote.

11429.

Petition Number: 20627-GM-1429-D;WNC.
Membership of Women's Division
Amend ^ 1429:

Membership. — ^The Women's Division shall be com-
posed of board members as follows:. ..and fifty eight
twenty-eightwomen, forty twenty-three of whom shall
be nominated by the jurisdictional organizations of
United Methodist Women and elected by the Jurisdic-
tional Conferences d634.4)t and five of whom shall be
the jurisdiction presidents of United Methodist Woment
and thirteen shall be elected by the division to board
membership....

11429.

Petition Number: 21336-GM-1429-D; GBGM.
Membership of the Women's Division
Delete ^ 1429 and replace with new text

Membership. — The Women's Division shall be
composed of fiifty members as follows: forty shall
be laywomen elected by the jurisdiction organiza-
tions of United Methodist Women at quadrennial
meetings (^ 634.4); five shall be the jurisdiction
presidents of United Methodist Women; and five
shall be elected by the Women's Division. The
president, general secretary and treasurer of the
boardd 1409.3); and the deputy general secre-
tary, treasurer and assistant general secretaries of
the Women's Division shall be members ex officio.
The Women's Division shall elect fi-om its mem-
bership to board membership a number equiva-
lent to one-third of total board membership but
not less than thirty. It shall also elect members to
units and committees of the board as defined in
board bylaws.

11431.

Petition Number: 21337-GM-1431-D; GBGM.

The World Division

Replace heading WORLD DIVISION with HEAUTH
AND RELIEF; delete ^ 1431 through f 1468 and substi-
tute new text:

Purpose.— The Health and Relief Unit exists to
assist United Methodists and churches to become
involved globalfy in health and welfare ministries,
and in direct ministry to persons in need throu^
programs of relief, rehabilitation, and service in-
cluding issues of refugees, hunger/poverty and
disaster response; and to assist organizations, in-
stitutions, and programs related to Annual Confer-
ences and other imits of The United Methodist
Chiu-ch in their involvement in direct service to

760

DCA Advance Edition

persons in need through both residential and non-
residential ministries.

Authority.— The Health and Rehef Unit, a single
administrative unit with two functional areas,
United Methodist Committee on ReUef and Health
and Welfare Ministries, shall operate under poli-
cies set by the General Board of Global Ministries.

Membership. — ^The membership of Health and
Relief shall be constituted in accord with the by-
laws of the General Board of Global Ministries.

United Methodist Committee on Relief

Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of the
United Methodist Committee on Relief shall be:

1. To provide immediate rehef of acute human
need and respond to the suffering of persons in
the world caused by natural, ecological, political
turmoil and civil disaster.

2. To work cooperatively with the appropriate
conference units, ecumenical bodies and interde-
nominational agencies in the identification of, ad-
vocacy for, and assistance with ministries with
refugees, hunger/poverty and disaster response.

3. To work cooperatively with United Method-
ist Communications in promotion of the One
Great Hour of Sharing oflfering.

4. To initiate printed, audiovisual, electronic,
and other resoiu-ces to interpret, support and
communicate with conferences and chiwches con-
cerning appeals for help and information related
to ministries with refugees, himger/poverty emd
disaster response.

5. To assist and train conference coordinators
to address emerging and ongoing issues related to
refugee ministries, root causes of hunger/poverty,
disaster rehef and rehabilitation.

Financial Support. — Sources of funds shall in-
clude: voluntary gifts. One Great Kour of Sharing
offering. Advance Special gifts, supplementary
gifts of United Methodist Women, churchwide ap-
peals made by authority of the Council of Bishops
and the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration, and designated benevolence funds.
Sources of funds for administrative functions of
the General Board of Global Ministries shall be
other than designated funds to the United Metii-
odist Committee on ReUef

Consultation. — The response of United Method-
ist Committee on Relief growing out of natural or
civil disaster shall be made at the request of the
appropriate body related to The United Methodist
Chiu-ch. Repair and reconstruction of local church
property and other church-related property shall

be included in the funding response of the United
Methodist Committee on ReUef only when such
response has been included in the appeal made for
funds or the Advance special gifts made for this
purpose. When this condition has been met, the
United Methodist Committee on Rehef shall re-
spond in cooperation with the General Board of
Global Ministries as follows:

1. UMCOR, in consultation with conference
disaster response coordinators, bishops, and dis-
trict superintendents, shall identify specific loca-
tions where local church property and church-re-
lated properties have suffered damage.

2. This information shall be relayed to the
General Board of Global Ministries, which shall
contact the conference disaster response coordi-
nator to arrange an onsite visit to evaluate dam-
ages and initiate an ongoing consultative process.

Health and Welfare Ministries

Responsibilities. — The responsibihties of Health
and Welfare Ministries shall be:

1. To assist conference units in addressing
emerging and ongoing global health issues, in-
cluding comprehensive community-based pri-
mary health care, HIV/AIDS, ministries with per-
sons with physically and mentaUy challen^g
conditions, environmental health, and particularfy
the health needs of women, children, youth, the
communities of color in the United States and
racial/ethnic commimities globaUy.

2. To provide upon request of the appropriate
conference unit consultation services to existing
and emerging health and welfare institutions and
programs, and to jurisdictional, conference, dis-
trict, and local church units.

3. To assist local chiu-ches, districts and An-
nual Conferences to develop ministries of health,
healing and wholeness.

4. To provide help to conferences and health
and welfare institutions to clarify their relation-
ship with one another, including matters of legal
and financial responsibiUty, and to help health
and welfere institutions to become involved in out-
reach ministry globalty.

5. To provide programs for Annual Confer-
ences, districts, and local churches wliich encour-
age awareness of the gifts and needs of persons
with disabihties and to promote the leadership
and employment throughout the connectional sys-
tem of persons with disabihties.

6. To initiate printed, audiovisual, electronic,
and other resources to interpret, support and
communicate with conferences and chtu'ches con-

Global Ministries

761

ceming development of health and welfare minis-
tries and promotion of Golden Cross and similar
offerings.

Financial Support. — Sources of funds shall in-
clude financial support from World Service and
other funds designated for the program of health
and welfare ministries, including such proportion
of undesignated gifts as may be determined by the
board, and from gifts, wills, and trust funds given
especially to Health and Welfare Ministries.
Heiilth and Welfare Ministries is authorized to
receive financial grants and trusts from private
foundations and funds fi'om public agencies and
is empowered to act as trustee for the administra-
tion of bequests.

Relationship with the United Methodist Association
of Health and Welfare Ministries. — Health and Welfare
Ministries shall work with the United Methodist
Association of Health and Welfare Ministries in
leadership development and may make services
available to the association.

Limitation of Responsibility. — Health and Welfare
Ministries shall not be responsible, legally or mor-
ally, for the debts, contracts, or obligations or for
any other financial commitments of any character
or description created, undertaken, or assumed
by any institution or interest related to a unit of
The United Methodist Chiwch, whether or not
such institution or interest shall be approved, ac-
cepted, or recognized by Health emd Welfare Min-
istries, or shall be afBliated with Health and Wel-
fare Ministries, or whether or not the promotion
or establishment of the same shall be approved by
the constitution of Health and Welfare Ministries.
No such institution or interest related to a unit of
The United Methodist Chitfch and no officer or
member of Health and Welfare Ministries shall
have any authority whatsoever to take any action
directly or by implication at variance with, or de-
viating from, the limitation contained in the pre-
ceding sentence hereof, except as Health and Wel-
fare Ministries may directly own and manage an
institution in its own name.

^1432.

Petition Number: 21272-GM-1432.5-D; GBHEM.

Assignment of Ordained Clergy from Nations other
than the United States Serving as Missionaries
Amend the first sentence of % 1432.5a:

5.a) Ordained clergy.. .may be affiliate clergy mem-
bers of the Annual Conference.

^1440.

Petition Number: 20323-GM-1440-D;WPA

Purpose of the Health and Welfare Ministries

Department
Amend ^1440:

Purpose. — The purpose of the Health and Welfare
Ministries Department...and persona with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities;...

11441.

Petition Number: 20324-GM-1441.5-D;WPA
Responsibilities of the Health and Welfare Department
Amend ^ 1441.5:

5. To provide a program to encourage awareness of
the gifts and needs of persons wth handicapping condi-
ti©fts people with disabilities for Annual Conferences,
districts, and local churches and to promote the leader-
ship and employment of persons with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities throughout the
connectional system.

11442.

Petition Number: 20325-GM-1442-D;WPA
Responsibilities of the Health and Welfare Department
Amend ^ 1442:

.. .and persons with handicapping conditions people
witii disabilities, especially emphasizing...

11446.

Petition Number: 20628-GM-1446-D;WNC.

Financial Support of Health and Welfare Ministries
Department
Amend the first sentence of ^1446:

Financial Support.— The department shall derive
its financial support from World Service and other funds
designated...

762

DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20076-GM-NonDis-O;IWA.

Welfare to Wholeness

Whereas, the Iowa Annual Conference changed the
name of the Division of Health and Welfare to Health
and Wholeness;

Whereas, the word "Wholeness" more clearly de-
fines the scope of the Division's work. "Welfare," as
defined by Webster, means health or public relief. It has
come to have the latter meaning more consistently in
everyday life; and

Whereas, "whole" means complete, restored and
healed. TTie word "wholeness" includes a person's re-
sponsibility and society's responsibility for helping an
individual integrate body, mind, and spirit;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church request the Divi-
sion of Health and Welfare be changed to the Division
of Health and Wholeness.

Petition Number: 2{)077-GM-NonDis-O;DET.

An AfBrmation of Basic Rured Wortii

Rural people, rural communities and rural congre-
gations are of great value in God's creation.

While only 2% of people in the United States are
direcfly involved in farming, approximately 30% live in
rural areas.

Many rural communities are growing. Families and
individuis are moving back to rural communities be-
cause of the quality of life there.

Recent developments in communications technol-
ogy and improved transportation systems have done
much to eliminate problems of isolation and distance.

Approximately 50% of United Methodist churches
are located in rural areas of 2,500 population or less.

Rural people and rural churches have many gifts
and strengths to share with the Church of the future.

Rural peoples are employed in farming, ranching
and other agriculture endeavors, trucking migrant
work, timbering, recreation, fishing and river work, ru-
ral factories and small businesses of numerous kinds.

Therefore, be it resolved that The United Methodist
Church affirm that

1. Persons who live in rural places, like other peo-
ples, are persons of sacred human worth for whom
God's grace is available and operative.

2. Each rural church, regardless of size or location,
is valuable to the United Methodist Church.

3. Rural communities are significant and valuable
places of ministry where new congregational develop-
ment and congregational redevelopment should be, can
be, and is happening.

4. Rural residents deserve the option of living and
prospering in the communities where they live, and the
goals and policies of the governments that relate to rural
places should provide this option.

5. Rural peoples deserve equitable and continuing
spiritual care, recreational opportunities, security for the
elderly and those whose abilities are challenged, nur-
ture and protection for children and youth, satisfying
economic opportunity, and a sense of purpose and hope.

6. As stewards of creation, rural people have a right
to determination of how land, water, air and other re-
sources within their communities, especially in areas of
limited population, are to be used, with particular atten-
tion given to land use and control being exercised by all
who live within an area.

Petition Number: 20078-GM-NonDis-O$;BMW, NNJ,
NEB, SNJ, CAP, EOH, NYK, WOH, NIL, GBCS.

Continue Emphasis on the Implementation

of the National Plan for Hispanic-American

Ministries

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference adopted the
National Plan for Hispanic-American Ministries largely
in response to the rapid growth of the Hispanic-Ameri-
can population in the United States; and

Whereas, the Hispanic-American population within
the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference is close to
two million and growing; and

Whereas, the Northern New Jersey Annual Confer-
ence has committed itself to the implementation of the
National Plan's goals; and

Whereas, we have had some success, including
training of lay missioners and pastors as mentors, in
implementing the Plan; and

Global Ministries

763

Whereas, there is virtually unlimited potential for
mission and ministry in our conference among Hispanic-
American people and communities; and

Whereas, we dare not stop the momentum of the
Plan at this time.

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference continue the emphasis for the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium on the implementation of the National Plan for
Hispanic-American Ministries.

Petition Number: 20183-GM-NonDis-O$;NGA.

Establish an Office on Hunger
and a Hunger Challenge Fund

Whereas, in the United States 10.4 percent of the
population relies on soup kitchens and food pantries for
food assistance and 43 percent of food pantry/soup
kitchen clients are children;

Whereas, in recent years the number of requests for
emergency food assistance increased 13 percent and at
least 17 percent of the requests went unmet;

Whereas, the funding needed to assist agencies in
this ministry to the needy is decreasing;

Whereas, the 1992 Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church, page 552, ^1460.5 states that one of
the responsibilities of the United Methodist Committee
on Relief Department is 'To attack root causes of hunger
and their consequences through programs of economic
and social development";

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church expand the
focus of the United Methodist Committee on Relief
Department as it relates to its emphasis on Hunger to
include a National Office on Hunger to network, pro-
mote and model effective ministries;

Be it further resoked, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence institute a Hunger Challenge Fund to assist in the
development of this initiative of which 50 percent would
be used to fund the expanded focus and 50 percent to
remain in the Annual Conferences to be used for Hunger
Awareness Ministry.

Petition Number: 20219-GM-NonDis-O;TRY.

Teens at Risk

Whereas, we recognize that teens dealing with
questions about sexual orientation are at a greater risk
of suicide; and

Whereas, an individual of any age confronting their
own homosexual orientation and/or that of a close fam-
ily member, friend or associate often experiences isola-

tion, confusion, and fear when they need information,
guidance and support; and

Whereas, United Methodist Women have many ef-
fective channels for disseminating information and are
known for providing a supportive community; and

Whereas, the concerns and action embodied in this
resolution were originally proposed by the Troy Annual
Conference United Methodist Women Mission Team;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Women's Divi-
sion is directed to use its available channels (such as the
Response magazine, reading program, program book,
spiritual growth study and others) to provide factual
information, program ideas and resources on this topic
for use by individuals and groups. These materials could
include: books, guides for developing support groups,
suggestions for ways to find counselors/therapists, sup-
portive clergy and/or congregations and organizations
in a particular area.

Petition Number: 20239-GM-NonDis-O;IWA, RBM.

Encounter with Christ Program

Whereas, colleague churches of Methodist heri-
tage in Latin America and the Caribbean now have
extraordinary new opportunities for mission and minis-
try, with many experiencing marked numerical growth
and renewed vitality in witnessing to God's redemptive
work through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and

Whereas, many of these same churches are strug-
gling with severe financial problems rooted in the mas-
sive poverty that besets the majority of peoples in this
region of the world; and

Whereas, Methodist churches of the Caribbean and
Latin America have made costiy decisions in their his-
tory for self-determination, seeking to be more faithfully
incarnate within the diversity of nations within this re-
gion; and

Whereas, the churches represented by the Council
of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America
and the Caribbean (CIEMAL) and the Methodist
Church of the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA)
urgentiy need sisters and brothers who will share with
them in supporting new church development, evangel-
istic initiatives, and programs that nurture justice minis-
tries and respect for all persons; and

Whereas, many of these colleague churches are
being led to make costiy new commitments in order to
strengthen their solidarity and faithful ministry with
children, women and youth;

Therefore, be it resolved, that we will encourage and
invite support for the General Board of Global Ministries
Permanent Fund entitled, "Encounter with Christ in
Latin America and the Caribbean" O^o. 025100), a des-

764

DCA Advance Edition

ignated giving channel that provides a special means for
current and deferred giving in order to strengthen our
shared ministries with the Methodist churches of Latin
America and the Caribbean.

Petition Number: 20378-GM-NonDis-O; WNY.

Holy Boldness and Urban Ministry

Whereas, there is a need for a clear vision for urban
ministry within the church; and

Whereas, we have the opportunity through the
United Methodist connection to impact urban areas
across the country;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence supports the emerging Holy Boldness movement,
which:

Affirms that urban ministry is based on the life and
teachings of Jesus Christ

Commits to strengthen urban congregations as the
primary vehicle for urban ministry.

Seeks to develop urban conimunities economically.

Commits to eradicate racism.

Believes the church must work multiculturally to
develop urban churches and communities.

Calls us to minister for Christ among the poor and
marginalized.

Be it further resolved, that we encourage individu-
als and churches to take responsibility for the future of
urban churches and communities.

Petition Number: 20527-GM-NonDis-O;CAP.

Reaffirming Shalom Zone Ministries

AVhereas, in response to the need to proclaim the
Gospel in word and deed in deteriorating urban condi-
tions, the General Conference created the National Sha-
lom Zone Ministries;

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference felt so
strongly about the urgent need for Shalom Zone minis-
tries that it interrupted its own orders of the day in order
to make a timely response;

Whereas, Shalom Zone Ministries have begun to
bear fruit in local communities despite a response of only
$267,000 to the 1993 Bishops' $5,000,000 appeal;

Whereas, it fell to the California-Pacific Annual Con-
ference to take up this cause and to provide significant
funding for the Long Beach, Los Angeles and San Fer-

nando Valley Shalom Ministries through the "Called to
Follow Jesus" campaign;

Whereas, the need for Shalom Zones is greater
today than it was in 1992, and the shortfall in the Bishops'
Appeal has severely hampered the work of Shalom Zone
Ministries;

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference reaffirms
its support of the Shalom Zone Ministries;

Further, the 1996 General Conference requests the
Council of Bishops to renew the special appeal to provide
adequate funding for resourcing Shalom Zone Minis-
tries already begun in the Greater Los Angeles Metro-
politan area and for additional Shalom Zone Ministries
throughout the United States and Africa;

Further, the 1996 General Conference expresses its
gratitude and appreciation to the clergy and laity who
have pioneered the work of Shalom Zone Ministries
during the last quadrennium.

Petition Number: 20528-GM-NonDis-O; DET, TRY,
SCA NAL, KSE, NGA, MSS Conf. UMW + 1 Dist..

Affirm the Purpose of United Methodist Women

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
reaffirms the reasons for which United Methodist
Women came into existence over 100 years ago: to
spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through Mission out-
reach of the church, especially to women and children
throughout the world, and are therefore committed as
United Methodists and United Methodist Women to
continue giving through the proper channels of the
organization.

Petition Number: 20860-GM-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation For Social Action, CPA

Opposition to Abusive Treatment Methods
of Persons with Mental Disabilities

A large part of the ministry of our Lord focused on
persons with mental disabilities; and

Persons with mental disabilities are children of God
and are, therefore, our brothers and sisters within the
human family; and

The full and equal rights of persons with mental
disabilities are enshrined in the Social Principles of The
United Methodist Church, as well as in the Constitution
and laws of the United States of America; and

We note that the use of abusive treatment methods
as "therapy" for persons with mental disabilities still
occurs in the United States, and that such abusive treat-
ment methods are used on both adults and children, and
that programs which rely on such abusive treatment

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765

methods are usually funded by federal, state, and/or
local tax revenues; and

A number of organizations which advocate for per-
sons with mental disabilities have already taken stands
against abusive treatment methods.

The United Methodist Church affirms the right of
persons with disabilities to freedom from abusive treat-
ment methods.

The United Methodist Church opposes the use of
any form of punishment for children or adults with
mental disabilities in any case where such punishment
would be considered illegal, abusive, or unconscionable
if applied to a child or adult who is not disabled. In
particular, we condemn as unacceptable the following
practices:

1) Treatment methods which result in physical in-
jury or tissue damage to the person.

2) Verbal abuse or insult, humiliation, or degrada-
tion.

3) Prolonged isolation from others.

4) Denial of food, warmth, hygiene, contact with
other human beings, or other necessities of life.

5) The use of electric shock or noxious substances
as a form of punishment.

6) The use of any punishment on a child with a
mental disability that would be considered child abuse
if used on a child with no disabilities.

7) Neglect.

8) The misuse of physical or chemical restraint.

9) The threat of any of the above treatments.

Any therapy used in the treatment of persons with
mental disabilities must be potentially beneficial to the
person. As an alternative to abusive treatment methods,
we support the use of positive approaches in the treat-
ment of persons with mental disabilities. Positive ap-
proaches affirm the humanity of persons with mental
disabilities and recognize that the needs and desires of
such persons are not significantly different from those
of other persons. Our obligation to persons wdth mental
disabilities is to support and assist them in their efforts
to live lives as rich and rewarding as possible. We call
upon all public and private agencies and service provid-
ers involved in treating persons with mental disabilities
to adopt and uphold the standards set forth in this
resolution.

We call upon United Methodist Church-affiliated
institutions and agencies, including hospitals, homes,
schools, and universities to adopt and uphold the stand-

ards set forth in this resolution, and to support research
on positive treatment methods.

We call upon federal, state, and local governments
to end immediately the expenditure of public revenues
on any agency or program which fails to adopt and
uphold the standards set forth in this resolution.

The United Methodist Church declares itself to be
open to persons with mental disabilities and their fami-
lies, commits itself to support such persons and families
and accommodate their needs within our community.
We further pledge our support to help persons with
mental disabilities and their families find appropriate
services, programs, and supports, and to protect them
from abusive treatment methods.

Petition Number: 20891-GM-NonDis-O; Southwest
Texas Conference United Methodist Women, STX.

The Authority of the Women's Division

Whereas, we, the Executive Committee of the
Southwest Texas Conference United Methodist
Women, strongly affirm the integrity of the 1964 Re-
structuring Agreement which defined the autonomy of
the Women's Division of the General Board of Global
Ministries and ensured proportional representation in
decision-making positions on said Board;

Therefore, we petition the 1996 General Conference
of The United Methodist Church in reference to ^ 1424
of the 1992 Discipline: that, in any restructure of the
General Board of Global Ministries, the agreements
made in 1964 be honored in the matter of representation
on said Board and the autonomy of the Women's Divi-
sion of the General Board of Global Ministries of The
United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20917-GM-NonDis-O; NCJTown &
Country and Urban Network Committees.

Continuation of the Shalom Initiative

Whereas, the Shalom Initiative has made a differ-
ence in several urban neighborhoods as congregations
have worked with community leaders locally to share
God's love with all persons; and

Whereas, the blight and decay of many urban neigh-
borhoods and communities continue growing at an
alarming rate; and

Whereas, many town and rural communities con-
tinue in crisis due to the loss of family farms and other
rural-related businesses and industries, resulting in un-
employment and underemployment; and

Whereas, there are critically diminishing supports
for basic human services in numerous rural communi-
ties; youth continue to struggle in hopelessness in many

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DCA Advance Edition

rural communities, and many rural communities and
urban neighborhoods are sti-iving for wholeness and
health; and

Whereas, there are lay and clergy persons who
sense God's call to offer themselves and their gifts for
service in rural and urban communities and neighbor-
hoods so that personal and family life again can be
meaningful, and creative patterns of congregational
ministry and community life can again be established;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence continue the Communities of Shalom Initiative in
urban neighborhoods while continuing to expand the
Initiative into town and rural communities.

Petition Number: 20956-GM-NonDis-O;GBCS.

Continue Interagency Task Force on AIDS

The General Board of Church and Society recom-
mends to the 1996 General Conference that the Inter-
agency Task Force on AIDS be continued through the
1996-2000 quadrennium.

Petition Number: 21062-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM,
GBCS.

World AIDS Day Observance

Each year. World AIDS Day is observed on Decem-
ber 1. It is a time for special programs on HIV/AIDS
education and religious worship services that focus on
intercessory and healing prayer, hope in God, and love
and compassion in the midst of the HIV/AIDS pan-
demic.

We recommend that United Methodists be encour-
aged to observe World AIDS Day on or around Decem-
ber 1. We further recommend that voluntary offerings
may be channeled through the Advance Special for
HIV/AIDS Ministiies (#982215-6). We ask that tiie Ad-
vance Committee include information in a mailing about
World AIDS Day (December 1) , which may be used as
a vehicle for raising United Methodist awareness of
ministries addressing this issue.

Materials for World AIDS Day are available each
year from the World Health Organization, the General
Board of Church and Society, and the General Board of
Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 21063-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM,
GBCS.

Recognizing and Responding to the Many Faces
of HIV/AIDS in the USA

The United Methodist Church has resolved to min-
ister compassionately with all persons living with

HIV/AIDS and their loved ones, following in the way of
healing, ministry, hospitality, and service shovra by Je-
sus. Churches and other concerned United Methodist
communities have been in ministry since the beginning
of the pandemic.

The Context Of Caring Ministry

HIV/AIDS affects and infects a broad cross-section
of people in the United States and Puerto Rico: all ages,
all races, both sexes, all sexual orientations. In 1995, the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted that the pro-
portion of AIDS cases among women, racial/etiinic peo-
ple, and children continues to increase, while the rate of
AIDS among gay/bisexual men has leveled. From a
geographic perspective, more persons in the South and
Northeast conti-acted AIDS in 1994 tiian in 1993.^

The United Methodist Church can help to stop the
spread of HIV/AIDS through providing sound compre-
hensive age-appropriate prevention education, includ-
ing information that abstinence from sex and injection
drug use is the safest way to prevent infection. In
addition, the church can provide a grounding in Chris-
tian values for children, teens, and young adults, some-
thing that cannot be done in public schools or in official
government prevention materials.

Teens and Young Adults

AIDS will increasingly affect and infect our next
generation of leaders. Since 1991, AIDS has been the
sbcth leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds
in the United States. In 1994, 50 percent of new infec-
tions of HIV were among persons under 25. Older teens,
males, and racial/ethnic people were dis-proportion-
ately affected.

The CDC reported:

"Many American teenagers are engaging in behav-
iors that may put them at risk of acquiring HIV infection,
other sexually transmitted infections, or infections asso-
ciated with drug injection. Recent CDC studies con-
ducted every 2 years in high schools (grades 9-12)
consistently indicate that by the twelfth grade, approxi-
mately three-fourths of high school students have had
sexual intercourse; less than half report consistent use
of latex condoms, and about one-fifth have had more
than four lifetime sex partners. Many students report
using alcohol or drugs when they have sex and, in the
most recent survey, 1 in 62 high school students re-
ported having injected an illegal drug.'

By 1993, HIV became the leading cause of death in
the United States among all persons aged 2544. Ra-
cial/ethnic groups have been especially hard hit. By
1991, HIV infection had become the leading cause of
death for African Americans and Hispanics among
males aged 2S44 years. By 1993, it was the top cause of
death for African American women in the same age
group. Among Asians/Pacific Islanders and American

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767

Indians/ Alaska Natives young adults, AIDS ranks in the
top ten leading causes of death.

Racial and Ethnic Groups

African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Ameri-
cans have been dis-proportionately infected with
HIV/ AIDS. In 1993, racial/ethnic people accounted for
51 percent of the cases of AIDS among adolescent and
adult males, 75 percent among adolescent and adult
females, and 84 percent of the cases among children.

Race and ethnicity are not in themselves risk factors
for HIV. The CDC observes that "unemployment, pov-
erty, and illiteracy are correlated with decreased access
to health education, preventive services, and medical
care, resulting in an increased risk for disease. In 1992,
33% of blacks and 29% of Hispanics lived below the
federal poverty level, compared with 13% of Asians/Pa-
cific Islanders and 10% of whites." HIV/AIDS preven-
tion education must therefore take into account the
racial, cultural, economic realities of each group. Addi-
tionally, as the church, we are called to work for the
conversion of those principalities and powers that pro-
mote racism, poverty, drug addiction, and other oppres-
sion.

Women

AIDS among women has been mostly "an invisible
epidemic," even though women have been affected and
infected since the beginning. Since 1992, HIV/AIDS
has been the fourth leading cause of death among U.S.
women aged 25 to 44. African American and Hispanic
women make up 21 percent of all U.S. women; these two
groups accounted for 77 percent of the AIDS cases
reported among women in 1994. That same year, the
AIDS case rate per 100,000 population was 3.8 for white
women; 62.7 for African American women; 26.0 for His-
panic women; 1.3 for Asian/Pacific Islander women; and
5.8 for American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Dr. Michael Merson of the World Health Organiza-
tion has identified the following reasons for the growing
number of HIV infections in women. His observations,
though made in the context of global AIDS, are also
applicable to women in the U.SA and Puerto Rico. He
says that (1) women are biologically more vulnerable to
heterosexual transmission of HIV and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) ; (2) women tend to marry
or have sex with older men, who have often had more
sexual partners and therefore are liable to be infected;
and (3) women often live in cultures of situations of
subordination to men, which often means they cannot
insist that their partner use a condom. Merson has said,
"Women face extra challenges in protecting themselves
and their children from HIV infection. But this vulner-
ability is hard for women to challenge as individuals, or
even through female solidarity alone. It will take an
alliance of women and men working in a spirit of mutual
respect."^^

Older Adults

By the end of 1993, persons age 50 and older ac-
counted for 10 percent of all cases of AIDS nationwide.
That same year, the increase in persons with AIDS age
60 and older increased 17 percent over the previous
year. The most prevalent behavioral risks for older
adults are multiple sexual partners and having a partner
with a behavioral risk. "The myth that people become
sexually inactive as they age has produced dreadful
consequences in the age of AIDS."

Most older people believe they are not at risk if they
are heterosexual and do not inject drugs. Since they are
not worried about pregnancy, older people are less likely
to use condoms. One HIV/ AIDS social worker says,
"Reaching significant numbers of older adults with the
HIV prevention message will entail exploring creative
venues — the widows' support group at the senior center,
the seniors' bowling league, the Gold Age clubs at com-
munity centers and churches. Wherever seniors gather,
the HIV message must be visible, accessible, relevant,
and respectful."

The Challenge For Church Action
Into The Next Century

Churches and other United Methodist organiza-
tions need to continue compassionate ministry with
persons living with HIV/ AIDS and their loved ones. In
terms of prevention education. United Methodists have
an opportunity to teach not only the facts about HIV
transmission and how to prevent infection but also to
relate these facts to Christian values. We can do
HIV/AIDS prevention education in broader contexts,
such as human sexuality and holistic health and address-
ing societal problems, such as racism, sexism, and pov-
erty. We call on United Methodists to respond.

1. We request that the General Board of Disci-
pleship (a) prepare curriculum resources for all age
levels that is sensitive to cultural diversity, in consult-
ation with the General Board of Global Ministries and
the General Board of Church and Society. The curricu-
lum will include biblical, theological, and ethical ground-
ing, information on what individuals and communities
of faith can do in the areas of compassionate ministry
and HIV/ AIDS advocacy, and age-appropriate compre-
hensive prevention education, including teaching that
abstinence from sex and injection drug use is the safest
approach to HIV/AIDS prevention. This material is to
be made available in the first half of the quadrennium;
(b) revise the United Methodist sexuality curriculum
across age-levels to include HIV/AIDS prevention edu-
cation; (c)prepare worship resources to assist in
HIV/AIDS ministry, which can be used by both laity and
clergy.

2. We call upon the Interagency Task Force on AIDS
to coordinate a second national United Methodist
HIV/AIDS consultation for the 1997-2000 quadrennium

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DCA Advance Edition

(the first one was held in San Francisco in 1987) in
response to fi-equent requests from individuals, local
churches, and conferences for HIV/AIDS training to
equip them for ministry in the 21st century. We ask that
the event be planned in consultation with appropriate
United Methodist racial/ethnic national organizations.
Tlie event will equip United Methodist adults and youth
to address HIV/ AIDS issues and concerns into the 21st
century, including the trends noted in this resolution,
such as HIV/AIDS and women, youth, children, and
cultural and racial diversity. The emphasis will be on
HIV/AIDS in the United States but will have a global
component.

3. We urge all national leadership training spon-
sored by general church agencies include an HIV/ AIDS
education awareness component basic facts about
HIV/AIDS, work-place issues when appropriate, and
ministry concerns.

4. We ask local churches and all United Methodist
organizations and communities to respond to the con-
cerns of this resolution through use of the planned
resources and materials, such as the United Methodist
HIV/ AIDS Ministries Network Focus Papers, and work-
ing with religious and/or community-based HIV/ AIDS
organizations to do prevention education with church
and community. The United Methodist Church has a
congregational HIV/AIDS ministry called the Covenant
to Care Program, whose basic principle is "If you have
HIV/ AIDS or are the loved one of a person who has
HIV/AIDS, you are welcome here...." We commend
those who have been in ministry through this program
and recommend A Covenant to Care to all United Meth-
odist organizations.

Endnotes

1. "AIDS and the Healing Ministry of the Church,"
General Conference 1988.

2. CDC, "Current Trends: Update, Acquired Immu-
nodeficiency Syndrome — United States, 1994,"
02/03/95.

3. By injection drug use, we are referring to sharing
of needles and works done by injection drug users.
Usually this refers to use of heroin on the streets or
steroids in sports contexts. We are not referring to
person who are diabetic, for instance, who use only
sterile needles and inject insulin to maintain health.

4. CDC Hotline Training Bulletin #114, 01/06/95.

5. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [MMWRJ,
02/03/95.

6. MMWR. 09/09/94

7. MMWR, 09/09/94

8. See Gena Corea, TJie Invisible Epidemic: The Story
of Women and AIDS (New York: HarperCollins, 1992)

9. CDC Fact Sheet, "Facts about...Women and
HIV/AIDS," 02/09/95.

10. Press release published in Edinburgh, England
on September 7, 1993 during the 2nd International Con-
ference on HIV in Children and Mothers.

11. National Institute of Health, "Older American at
Risk of HIV Infection Take Few Precautions," 01/04/94.

12. New York Times, 08/09/94.

13. NIH, "Older People," 01/04/94

14. Gregory Anderson, "HIV Preventions and Older
People," Siecus Report, December 1994/January 1995,
p.l9.

15. Rebecca A. Clay, "AIDS Among the Elderly,"
Washington Post, 01/16/93.

16. Anderson, p.20.

17. For more information about the Covenant to
Care program and HIV/AIDS ministries resources con-
tact: HIV/AIDS Ministries Network, Health and Welfare
Ministries, General Board of Global Ministries, The
United Methodist Church, Room 350, 475 Riverside
Drive, New York, New York 10115.

Petition Number: 21064-GM-NonDis-O; GBCS.

National Observance of Children's Sabbaths

More than 14.6 million American children live in
poverty. Today, 100,000 children are homeless each
night, 9.3 million are not covered by insurance at any
time, only 55.3% of the U.S. two-year-olds were immu-
nized against preventable diseases in 1992, and 5,356
children and teenagers died in 1991 as a result of firearm
injuries including homicide, suicides, and accidents.
Between 1979 and 1991, nearly 50,000 American chil-
dren were killed by guns. Four million low-income chil-
dren under age 12 are hungry in this country. According
to UNICEF, about one million children die of measles
every year, about thirty million children will die of pneu-
monia during the 1990's decade, and approximately
three million children die of diarrhea every year.

The National Observance of Children's Sabbath was
born out of the concern for children's conditions in the
U.S. and the world. A growing religious and social move-
ment for children's well-being, across a range of denomi-
nations, coalesced their concern for poor and neglected
children in a united moral witness.

This effort has been supported and led by the Chil-
dren's Defense Fund (CDF), a nonprofit, non-partisan
organization that provides a strong and effective voice

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769

for the children of our nation, who cannot vote, lobby,
or speak out for themselves.

Since 1981 CDF has worked in partnership with the
religious community to mobilize congregations across
the U.S. to increase their awareness on the conditions
of children. In 1993 CDF distributed more than 30,000
children's Sabbath kits in response to requests from
clergy, lay persons, and religious organizations.

Our Biblical tradition beseeches us to make chil-
dren one of our major concerns for ministry (Matthew
18:1-7, 10). We are called to protect our children and to
guide them in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 22:6;
Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-15).

The Social Principles of The United Methodist
Church state that "children have the rights to food,
shelter, clothing, health care, and emotional well-being,
as do adults, and these rights we affirm as theirs regard-
less of actions or inactions of their parents or guardi-
ans" (^72.C).

The United Methodist Resolution on "Protecting
and Supporting Children" states that the future of the
human race is in our children, but in decision-making
they are voiceless and powerless. Children cannot speak
for themselves. They depend on us to speak for them and
to be their advocates. They suffer most when resources are
misappropriated. They need us to bring their very special
needs to the notice of societies and those in power. That
resolution calls all levels of the Church to engage in
denominational and ecumenical efforts to end child pov-
erty.

The United Methodist Church is one of over 150
denominations and religious organizations that cooper-
ate in the national observance of Children's Sabbath.

The religious affairs division of the Children's De-
fense Fund has collaborated extensively with the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist
Women's Campaign for children, and the Conference
Schools of Christian Mission.

The United Methodist Church is one of the Chil-
dren's Sabbaths' greatest supporters, with nearly 700
churches receiving materials to assist them in planning
for the observation.

We strongly urge all United Methodist churches to
celebrate the National Observance of the Children's
Sabbath annually, for as long as our children are at risk.

Petition Number: 21065-GM-NonDis-O; GBCS.

Eradicating Abusive Child Labor

In the Gospels, the disciples' attitude toward God
was measured by their attitudes toward children and
their ability to "become as a little child." The protection
of childhood and the nurture of children are, therefore,

among our most sacred human responsibilities. Reflect-
ing this, The Social Principles of The United Methodist
Church "upholds the rights of children to growth and
development, adequate nutrition, health services, hous-
ing, education, recreation, protection against all forms
of racial discrimination, cruelty, neglect, and exploita-
tion." [See Book of Resolutions, p.350.]

However, throughout the world, childhood itself is
under assault by new as well as historic forces. Today's
child in too many parts of the world must not only cope
with warfare, famine, and pestilence at an early age, but
is too often denied childhood itself by being forced into
labor under abusive and destructive conditions. Many
millions of children around the world labor in work that
is coerced, forced, bonded, enslaved or otherwise unfair
in wages, injurious to health and safety, and/or obstruc-
tive of educational or moral development.

Whereas the majority of child labor is found in
informal sectors of the world's poorest economics, a
growing element in global competition is the employ-
ment of children in developing country export industries
making products such as glass, garments, brasswaie,
leather goods, and hand-knotted carpets for sale on the
international market. The oriental carpet industry em-
ploys one of the most abusive forms of bonded child
labor involving perhaps as many as 1 million children in
South Asia.

The United Nations and the International Labor
Organization have established universal principles to
protect children from such abuse, including the Interna-
tional Covenant on the Rights of the Child and the ILO
Convention No. 138 for Minimum Age for Admission to
Work. These international conventions have been rati-
fied by many countries, not including the United States.

There is growing awareness in international devel-
opment agencies that child labor is not a by-product of
generalized poverty, but is rooted in specific policies that
disproportionately neglect or disadvantage certain
populations, ethnic, caste or gender groups, and that
unbalanced development policies have contributed to
the exacerbation of child labor.

We therefore call on The United Methodist Church:

1. to support public policies that include the ratifica-
tion and enforcement of international labor conventions
regarding child labor, affirmed by The United Method-
ist Church in the resolution on the "Rights of Workers,"
(adopted 1988) and the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, affirmed by The United Methodist Church in the
resolution on the Ratification of Human Rights Cove-
nants and Conventions;

2. to work to eradicate the evils of child labor
through encouraging the appropriate agencies and units
to join the Child Labor Coalition, a broad-based coalition
of medical, welfare, religious, consumer, labor and hu-
man rights organizations in the United States, and to

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DCA Advance Edition

support such consumer initiatives as the RUGMARK
campaign, initiated in India by UNICEF, the South Asian
CoaUtion on Child Servitude and others to label and
market oriental carpets made without exploited child
labor;

3. to support legislative and administrative meas-
ures to ban the international trafficking in goods made
by child labor; and

4. to support unilateral and multilateral aid and
development policies that attack the root causes of child
labor, such as lack of basic education, gender and caste
prejudice, and unbalanced development schemes that
disadvantage certain populations.

^ Cf. A Bequele and W.E. Myers, First things first
in child labour: Eliminating work detrimental to children,
ILO and UNICEF, 1995, pp. 1-27.

U.S. Department of Labor, By the Sweat and Toil
of Children, passim. 1994.

^ Pharis J. Harvey, "Where Children Work: Child
Servitude in the global economy," The Christian Cen-
tury, April 5,1995, pp. 362-365.

Petition Number: 21066-GM-NonDis-O; GBCS,
GBGM.

Liberia

The West African nation of Liberia experienced a
brutal civil war which lasted over five years. As a result,
there were hundreds of thousands of casualties in which
one in 17 Liberians lost their lives. Over 150,000 people
were displaced within the country, and more than
160,000 people were forced to live as refugees in neigh-
boring African countries.

Liberia's economic and social infrastructure were
virtually destroyed, including the pertinent services of
hospitals and schools. People have been dying on a daily
basis from diseases and malnutrition. The closure of
industries and business has led to high unemployment
and, consequently, a lack of resources for families to buy
food.

The lives of Liberia's children have been disrupted.
Often they were kidnapped and coerced into becoming
soldiers. Children participated in and viewed the grisly
murders of relatives and friends. As the war intensified,
the bombing and destruction of school buildings pre-
vented students from continuing their education.

Attendance in The United Methodist Church gradu-
ally declined because members in rebel-controlled areas
were not able to fravel to attend services. Church lead-
ers and members have been displaced or have become
refugees. Many Church leaders remained in Liberia and
ministered to the people during the war. We commend
Liberian Bishop Arthur Kulah and other Church leaders

for remaining in the country during a heightened period
of the civil war and actively participating in the process
of peace and national reconciliation.

Following the signing of the August 1995 peace
accord in Abuja, Nigeria, Liberians continue to struggle
towards healing and reconstructing their broken nation,
improving their standard of living, and maintaining last-
ing peace.

TTie Social Principles of The United Methodist
Church (^ 74) state that the Church must commit itself
"to the achievement of a world community that is a
fellowship of persons who honestly love one another.
We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel
in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth
of world community."

Such conditions call upon The United Methodist
Church to pray, sympathize and stand in solidarity with
over 70,000 Liberian United Methodists and the Libe-
rian nation as a whole. We commit ourselves to:

— Repatriate, resettle and provide shelter for refu-
gees, displaced persons, and war victims;

— Rebuild homes through efforts by Volunteers in
Mission and Habitat for Humanity;

— Assist the transition of soldiers into the civilian
sector through counseling, vocational and general edu-
cation;

— Engage in reconciliation and healing at a grass-
roots level between and among various ethnic groups;

— Train pastors to be agents of reconciliation, peace

and healing;

— Set up counseling and educational programs to
help children, women and others traumatized by war;

— Stabilize the country's economic structure by:

a) calling on the governments and international
lending agencies to provide development grants, loans,
and to forgive debts;

b) encouraging private investment in the country;

c) encouraging United Nations agencies such as the
World Health Organization, the United Nations Chil-
dren's Fund and the United Nations Development Pro-
gram to generate programs in Liberia; and

d) helping Liberians establish and maintain their
own businesses.

United Methodists are urged to visit Liberia and
identify with the people, especially through short-term
volunteer service. Teachers, doctors, writers, stu-
dents— all are needed and welcome.

Global Ministries

771

Petition Number: 21296-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

Restructure of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, a new organizational structure for the
General Board of Global Ministries of The United Meth-
odist Church is being considered by the 1996 Session of
the General Conference; and

Whereas, the proposal also changes the nomencla-
ture as to divisions and departments within the General
Board of Global Ministries (i.e., "divisions and depart-
ments," "National Division," "Mission Education and
Cultivation Department," etc.) ; and

Whereas, there are numerous references to those
divisions and departments in The Book of Discipline of
The United Methodist Church, 1992 edition (^^ 238, 255,
262.7, 263.2, 275.1.a, 275.1.ft, 656.2, 657.3, 731.4.6.35,
731.5, 731.5.C, 731.5.d, 731.5.e. 731.5./J, 819, 1007.5.a.l,
1402.15, 1403.1.C, 1403.1.d, 1403.1.;, 1403.3, 1404,
1406.5, 1411.3.0, 1411.3.C, 1412.4, 1412.8, 1418.3.a,
1418.7, 1418.9.6, 1418.11, 1420.1, 1420.4, 1421.3, 1421.4,
1423.5, 1428, 1606.15, and 2301.2) which must be re-
moved or changed to reflect the new structure;

Therefore, be it resolved, that in lieu of 39 individual
petitions for editorial change, this resolution be ap-
proved;

And be it further resolved, that upon approval of the
new structure by the 1996 Session of the General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church, the editing
committee shall be instructed to correct all references
to divisions and departments of the General Board of
Global Ministries in The Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church, 1996 edition, in accord with the re-
vised structure of the board.

Petition Number: 21342-GM-NonDis-0$; GBGM.

Special Program on Substance Abuse
and Related Violence

A mandate of the 1992 General Conference enabled
the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related
Violence (SPSARV) to coordinate the drug and alcohol
ministries of The United Methodist Church in a coop-
erative effort with the Council of Bishops. Its purpose
has been to train, design and implement successful and
effective programs and resources for its constituents to
make a difference in their congregations and communi-
ties, and forge relationships with ecumenical partners.

The Inter-agency Task Force on SPSARV recom-
mends the continuance of this programmatic thrust for
the next quadrennium as the method used by the Gen-
eral Church to respond to the human needs related to
drug use/abuse and related violence.

It is further recommended that:

• the General Conference ensures that special
church-wide funding be continued at no less than the
current level ($360,000) per year and that participating
boards and agencies be encouraged to continue their
financial and in-kind contributions.

• the General Conference authorizes changing the
title of National Coordinator to International Director in
order to address work in the Central Conferences.

• the collaborative administration of the program
between the General Board of Global Ministries and the
General Board of Church and Society be continued.

Proposed Budget - 1997-2000

Budget (1997-2000) - Per Year

Program

1. Grants

$100,00

2. Leadership Development and Training

$ 50,000

3. Educational and Promotional Resources

$ 30,000

4. Advocacy

$25,000

Program Subtotal (per year)

$ 205,000

Administrative /Support Services

1. Director (salary /related costs) - % time

$ 47,000*

2. Coordinator (salary/related costs)

$ 45,000

3. Travel

$ 25,000

4. Support Staff (salary/related costs)

$30,000

5. Interagency Task Force Meetings

In-kind

Administrative Subtotal (per year)

$ 155,000

Total Per Year

$360,000

Quadrennial Total $ 1 ,440,000

Petition Number: 21343-GM-NonDis-0$; GBGM.

National Plan for Hispanic Ministry

Tlie National Committee on Hispanic Ministries rec-
ommends the following program for the quadrennium
1997-2000:

Local Congregations as the Focus of Mission

The understanding of mission envisioned in the
National Plan for Hispanic Ministry is that mission be-
gins at the local level. Therefore, all congregations,
Hispanic or not, should assess their communities in
order to identify needs for ministry with specific His-
panic groups. Based on the assessment, they should
develop an action plan to respond to the needs that are
identified. Drawing on the support of the appropriate
annual conference committee, their action plan should
include:

1. Identification of leadership including the possible
recruitment of lay missioners and pastor/mentors as
well as other volunteers and/or paid personnel.

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DCA Advance Edition

2. A training program.

3. An inventory of the necessary resources.

4. A plan for ongoing financial support.

5. Participation in ecumenical efforts for community
and justice ministry.

Annual Conferences as Agencies
of Empowerment

While the goal of the National Plan is to empower
the creation and strengthening of faith communities and
local congregations, the annual conference is the con-
text in which Hispanic ministry develops and grows
strong, in which leadership is discovered and devel-
oped, in which new opportunities for outreach and wit-
ness become evident.

Therefore, the Annual Conference shall organize a
conference Committee on Hispanic Ministries, or its
equivalent, which will relate to all conference agencies for
the implementation of the National Plan for Hispanic
Ministry as it may be adapted to meet the specific needs of
the conference. It is recommended that this committee
be composed of persons representing local Hispanic
ministries; representatives of those districts where
there is a significant Hispanic population; and a district
superintendent who provides linkage to the Cabinet.
The committee membership should reflect the diversity
of the conference.

The task of the conference Committee on Hispanic
Ministries shall focus on five specific tasks:

(1) interpreting and advocating for Hispanic minis-
tries

(2) planning

(3) training

(4) securing and providing resources

(5) supporting, monitoring, and evaluating the im-
plementation of its various Hispanic ministries

(1) Interpretation and advocacy include:

a. Securing information about the Plan and its re-
sources and sharing it with key conference leaders and
local leaders involved in Hispanic ministries.

b. Promoting the General Advance National His-
panic Ministries Challenge Fund to all local churches.

c. Finding stories that illustrate various aspects of
the Plan being implemented and sharing these with
local, conference, and national media.

d. Advocating for appropriate responses to issues
and concerns affecting Hispanics and Hispanic minis-
tries.

(2) Planning includes:

a. Assessing the Hispanic population growth trends,
or continuing to update the data that had previously
been secured, to develop or strengthen new or existing
Hispanic ministries.

b. Formulating a conference-wide plan (or re-exam-
ining and adjusting an approved plan) on Hispanic min-
istries for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic congrega-
tions, based on the assessment and review
recommended above (item a.) .

c. Identifying the human and financial resources
needed for the successful implementation of the Plan.

(3) Training includes:

a. Providing training opportunities for lay missioner
and pastor teams utilizing the developed curriculum
resources (Modules 1, 11, and III).

b. Training Hispanic and non-Hispanic local church
leaders to develop Hispanic ministries or to assist them
in strengthening and expanding Hispanic ministries
(utilizing developed resources as necessary).

c. Identifying and enlisting Hispanic and non-His-
panic candidates interested in the ordained or diaconal
ministry and in becoming lay missioners and referring
them to the appropriate conference agencies for follow-
up.

(4) Resoiu-ces include:

a. Securing and providing needed printed and audio-
visual resources for leaders.

b. Placing the necessary personnel.

c. Providing the necessary financial resources to
support needed personnel for specific Hispanic minis-
tries.

(5) Monitoring, supporting, and evaluating in-
clude:

a. Providing a support system for leaders involved
in Hispanic ministries, including networking, crisis man-
agement, recognition and affirmation.

b. Annually monitoring and evaluating the progress
of each specific Hispanic ministry by the Hispanic Min-
istries Committee or its equivalent. Part of the process
includes evaluating where sufficient and/or appropriate
resources have been assigned to it.

Resoixrces for Annual Conferences

In many annual conferences, the need for Hispanic
ministry is evident and the desire to initiate ministry is
real, but the resources (personnel with appropriate
skills and training, finances, models for ministry, etc.)

Global Ministries

773

are few. A major new feature of the National Plan for
Hispanic Ministry shall be the availability of grants for
strategic missional opportunities within the bounds of
an annual conference. Such grants are intended to mo-
bilize an annual conference toward the development and
utilization of its own resources for Hispanic ministry
now and into the future. Specific guidelines for grant
application shall be developed by The General Board of
Global Ministries in collaboration with the Committee
on Hispanic Ministries. These grants will normally re-
quire matching funds as well as a considered commit-
ment on the part of an annual conference.

The Plan also envisions continuing to develop and
produce various types of resources, including training
opportunities for leaders, curriculum, media and printed
resources, and grants, to support and assist the Annual
Conference.

With a view to this task, we recommend the use of:

• the curriculum for lay missioner/pastor teams
Modules HI, Training Program for the Development of
Hispanic Ministries; and

• a curriculum for non-Hispanic congregations. As-
sisting Local Churches for Hispanic Ministry Develop-
ment.

A complete list of other items is available from the
Office of Hispanic Ministries.

Jixrisdictions

A jurisdiction, through its Council on Ministries or
other appropriate structure, may organize and fund a
Committee on Hispanic Ministries to serve as a channel
of communications between annual conferences in a
geographical region and to assist in the development of
Hispanic ministries and training institutes among local
churches and annual conferences.

General Agencies

The National Plan for Hispanic Ministry continues
to be a ministry of the whole Church. The repre-
sentatives of general boards and agencies who have
worked on various elements of the Plan over the past
quadrennium affirm the creativity and effectiveness of
the collaborative process. Under the guidance of the
Committee on Hispanic Ministry, each will continue to
fulfill a unique responsibility to the overall plan as de-
scribed in the following paragraphs.

The General Board of Church and Society will:

• Provide its expertise in the training of lay mission-
ers/pastor-mentor teams for Hispanic Ministries, so
that they may see the intimate connection between the
proclamation of the Gospel and the justice issues of our
day.

• Identify those issues at which advocacy on behalf
of the Hispanic population, or of particular sectors of that
population, is required, and develop materials for such
advocacy, in collaboration with other appropriate agen-

• Communicate and assist annual conferences, and
subsequently local congregations, to discover the most
pressing issues among Hispanics within the bounds of
the conference so that all may become advocates for the
poor, the oppressed, and for justice.

• Develop continuing education events for lay mis-
sioners/pastor-mentor teams focused on specific justice
or community issues and type of outreach ministries.

• Design and produce materials and training pro-
grams to assist non-Hispanics to start and strengthen
Hispanic ministries, in collaboration with the Commit-
tee and other general program agencies.

• Collaborate with the Committee and other pro-
gram agencies in the design, testing, and perfecting of
model programs and resources for the training, support,
and continuing education of lay missioner/pastor-men-
tor teams for Hispanic ministry.

• Report annually to the Committee on Hispanic
Ministries.

The General Board of Discipleship will:

• Develop and produce the necessary materials and
training so that faith communities and local congrega-
tions may become centers of mission. These materials
will include Bible studies and guides to assist
unchurched persons to receive and understand the Gos-
pel of Jesus Christ and the basic tenets of the Christian
faith and our Wesleyan tradition. These materials and
training will also be related to evangelization, worship,
Christian education, spiritual formation, outreach,
church school extension programs, and ministry with
men, children and youth. All these shall be done in
collaboration with the Committee on Hispanic Minis-
tries and the three other general program agencies.

• Design and produce stewardship resources, train-
ers, and training programs to assist annual conferences
to work with local congregations engaged in Hispanic
ministries, in collaboration with the Committee and the
General Board of Global Ministries.

• Design and produce materials and training pro-
grams to assist non-Hispanics to start and strengthen
Hispanic ministries, in collaboration with the Commit-
tee and other general program agencies.

• Develop guidelines and support for Hispanic Min-
istry Institutes in collaboration with the Committee.

• Provide annual conferences with guidelines and
resources for the recruitment, training, assignment, and

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DCA Advance Edition

support of lay missioner/pastor teams for Hispanic min-
istries, with the advice of the Committee on Hispanic
Ministries.

• Offer the necessary research, consultation, plan-
ning, and funding assistance to develop liturgical re-
sources for Hispanic and for bilingual and bicultural
churches.

• Collaborate with the Committee on Hispanic Min-
istries and other program agencies in the design, test-
ing, and perfecting of model programs and resources for
the training, support, and continuing education of lay
missioner /pastor-mentor teams for Hispanic ministry.

• Assist the General Board of Global Ministries in
preparing the materials necessary to guide those in-
volved in congregational development, church revitali-
zation, and community ministries to assess their local
communities in order to identify needs as well as re-
sources in Hispanic ministries.

The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry will:

• Design, test, and promote an intensified compre-
hensive recruitment program for ordained and diaconal
ministers, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, committed to
serve in Hispanic ministries. This program will be de-
signed and implemented in collaboration with the Com-
mittee on Hispanic Ministries, appropriate agencies of
the annual conferences, and United Methodist seminar-
ies. Records of those persons recruited shall be main-
tained to assist both annual conferences and seminaries.
Annual reports regarding the number of persons re-
cruited and their progress or status shall be made to the
Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

• Develop strategies and programs to strengthen
the recruitment and retention of Hispanic students in
both United Methodist and non-United Methodist insti-
tutions of higher education.

• Seek ways to expand scholarship programs and
report to the Committee annually the number of Hispan-
ics funded through the various scholarship programs.

• Encourage seminaries, in consultation with the
Committee on Hispanic Ministries, to develop programs
enabling seminarians and those following the Course of
Study to relate their studies to the specific issues in-
volved in Hispanic ministries.

• Design, test, and produce a program of study for
ordained and diaconal Hispanic ministers who have
recently come from other denominations and/or other
countries. This program will enable such persons to
understand and appropriate United Methodist history,
polity, and theology; and to understand the church's
mission within the Hispanic reality in the United States
and Puerto Rico. The program will be implemented

through the Course of Study schools; and will be in a
form usable by annual conferences.

• Collaborate with the Committee on Hispanic Min-
istries and the Council of Bishops on the task of devel-
oping and suggesting structures for the more efficient
recruitment, assignment, and support of pastors en-
gaged in Hispanic ministry, including cros&conference
appointments.

• Consult with the Committee on Hispanic Minis-
tries regarding the specific curricular needs of Hispanic
students within their particular context, including in-
ternships in Hispanic settings, as well as the estab-
lishment of new Spanish-language Course of Study set-
tings, in appropriate locations.

• Collaborate with the Committee and other pro-
gram agencies in the design, testing, and perfecting of
model programs and resources for the training, support,
and continuing education of lay missioner /pastor-men-
tor teams and other pastors and diaconal ministers en-
gaged in Hispanic ministries.

The General Board of Global Ministries will:

• Produce resources and training for congrega-
tional development, church revitalization, community
ministries, for Hispanics and non-Hispanic persons and
congregations interested in Hispanic ministries.

• Prepare materials, consultants, and trainers nec-
essary to guide and assist those involved in congrega-
tional development and community ministries to assess
their local communities and develop plans or programs
to respond to such assessments. Collaboration with the
General Board of Church and Society and the General
Board of Discipleship will take place as needed to fulfill
this task.

• Seek continuation and promotion of the Advance
for the National Hispanic Ministries Challenge Fund,
and then continue to manage it in collaboration with the
Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

• Provide resources, consultants, expertise, and
training to assist conferences and local church leaders
to address issues and concerns affecting Hispanic
women.

• Provide grants to annual conferences for strategic
missional opportunities based on guidelines developed
in collaboration with the Committee on Hispanic Minis-
tries.

• Identify, support and help deploy persons who
specialize in the development of new Hispanic congre-
gations and faith communities.

• Following its guidelines and procedures, work
with annual conferences and jurisdictions to recruit,
train, seek financial support for, and place missionary

Global Ministries

775

personnel in situations of Hispanic ministry, with an
expectation of 25 full-time commissioned and non-com-
missioned persons during the quadrennium.

• Design and produce materials and train persons
to assist conferences strengthen existing congregations
to become centers of mission and revitalized ministry.

• Provide materials and expertise to help Annual
Conferences and congregations deal with issues arising
out of the sharing of facilities, new congregational devel-
opment, revitalization of existing congregations, and
community ministries.

• Design and produce materials and training pro-
grams to assist non-Hispanic persons and congregations
to start and strengthen Hispanic ministries, in collabo-
ration with the Committee and other general program
agencies.

• Collaborate with the General Board of Disci-
pleship, under the guidance of the Committee on His-
panic Ministries, to provide stewardship development
and training and financial planning to annual confer-
ences and local congregations, Hispanic and non-His-
panic, engaged in Hispanic ministries.

• Collaborate with the Committee and other pro-
gram agencies in the design, testing, and perfecting of
model programs and resources for the training, support,
and continuing education of lay missioner/pastor-men-
tor teams for Hispanic ministry.

• Report annually to the Committee on Hispanic
Ministries.

The General Commission on Religion and
Race, and the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women will advocate and monitor the
implementation of the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
try, consistent with their disciplinary obligations.

The United Methodist Publishing House will
continue to provide the necessary Spanish and bilingual
curriculum resources for existing and developing faith
communities, local congregations, and church schools.
These shall be done in collaboration with the Board of
Discipleship and the Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

The Commission on Communications will con-
tinue providing interpretive resources to enable existing
and developing Hispanic congregations and faith com-
munities to share in the understanding and support of
all the connectional system. El Interprete, as well as
other publications and audio-visuals, will be required to
support and interpret the Plan in local churches.

The General Board of Pensions and the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration will
respond to the Plan as it affects their mission as an
agency of The United Methodist Church.

The General Council on Ministries will coordi-
nate and evaluate the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
try, consistent with its disciplinary responsibilities.

Council of Bishops

It is also recommended that the Council of Bishops:

• Develop guidelines for cross-conference/jurisdic-
tion appointments for Hispanic Ministries to facilitate
leadership development and utilization across the entire
church.

• Review recruitment and appointment processes
with their Cabinets so that issues of legal status, benefits
and pensions, and continuing support and nurture of
pastors from outside the United States are addressed in
consultation with churches and/or conferences in their
countries of origin.

National Structure

An essential component of the National Plan for
Hispanic Ministry approved in 1992 is a National Com-
mittee and an Office headed by a Coordinator. The
Coordinator is to resource the components of the Na-
tional Plan for Hispanic Ministry among all the agencies
and annual conferences of the Church, under the direc-
tion of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries. We rec-
ommend the continuation of the Office and the Coordi-
nator.

We recommend that for the next quadrennium the
membership of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries
be reduced from the current 29 to 18, as follows:

• Two bishops named by the Council of Bishops,
attending with funds from the Episcopal Fund

• One representative named by MARCHA {Meto-
distasAsociados Representando la Causa Hispano-Ameri-
cana)

• One representative named by CIEMAL (Consej'o
de Iglesias Evangelicas Metodistas de America Latina y
el Caribe)

• One representative named by the Rio Grande
Conference

• One representative named by the Iglesia Meto-
dista de Puerto Rico

• One representative each, selected by their respec-
tive agencies and attending meetings at the expense of
their respective agencies, from the General Board of
Church and Society, the General Board of Discipleship,
the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
the General Board of Global Ministries, and the General
Council on Ministries

• Up to seven at-large members selected by the
Committee on Hispanic Ministries, including at least

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DCA Advance Edition

one lay missioner and one pastor-mentor. In the selec-
tion of these members, care should be taken to insure
that the Committee as a whole is representative of The
United Methodist Church, including gender, laity and
clergy, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, and jurisdictional
inclusiveness.

In addition to the membership of the Committee, a
representative each from the General Commission on
the Status and Role of Women, and the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race will be invited to attend
meetings of the Committee in order to fulfill their moni-
toring roles. Likewise, to facilitate communications, a
representative of the United Methodist Commission on
Communications, and another of the General Board of
Publications, will be invited to attend. These four per-
sons will also attend at the expense of their respective
agencies.

The functions of the Committee on Hispanic Minis-
tries will be:

1) To set policy and direction for the development,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the His-
panic Plan.

2) To collaborate on development of Hispanic min-
istries with general agencies, seminaries, annual confer-
ences, and others.

3) To provide guidelines for the Hispanic Ministries
Institutes with the general agencies, theological semi-
naries. Annual Conferences, and other bodies (as listed
elsewhere in this document) in the implementation of
the Plan.

4) To coordinate the response of all general agen-
cies and annual conferences to the National Hispanic
Plan.

5) To monitor and assist the evaluation of program
in Hispanic ministries by general agencies and annual
conferences.

6) To give support and direction to the Office of
Hispanic Ministries.

7) To undertake program initiatives in the develop-
ment of the community and lay missioner program in
collaboration vdth general agencies, seminaries, and
annual conferences.

8) To promote and support the necessary research
on issues affecting the Hispanic community, and the
mission of the church in that community.

9) To report to the 2000 General Conference.

General Church Support for the Plan

We recommend and request that the 1996 General
Conference approve $3,100,000 for the implementation
of this Plan during the 1997-2000 quadrennium, allocat-

ing it to the general program boards in consultation with
the Committee on Hispanic Ministries. The funds allo-
cated to the agencies through this Plan, except those
designated for the Office of the Coordinator of Hispanic
Ministries and the Committee on Hispanic Ministries,
shall be used for program initiatives to strengthen and
support local churches and annual conference Hispanic
ministries.

In order to fulfill the functions of the Committee on
Hispanic Ministries, an Office of Hispanic Ministries
shall be continued with one full-time unencumbered
executive staff person, administratively placed within
the General Board of Global Ministries under the direc-
tion of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries. The ex-
ecutive staff is selected by the General Board of Global
Ministries in consultation with the Committee, and func-
tions within the personnel policies of that board.

A portion of the program initiatives outlined in the
National Plan shall be funded through the budgets of
the various program agencies and governing bodies of
The United Methodist Church, including local congre-
gations, Annual Conferences, and others. This contribu-
tion and full participation by all is essential to this Plan.

The following quadrennial budget reflects the major
program initiatives of the Plan for next quadrennium:

Proposed Budget - 1997-2000

I. Program Implementation $ 1,900,000 (61.3%)

A. Lay Missioners Training

B. Pastors and Mentors Training

C. Mission Initiatives grants

D. Deployment of National Missionaries

II. Development of Resources $ 600,000 (19.3%)

A. Curriculum

B. Congregational Development

C. Community Ministries

III. Program Support Services

and Administration $ 600,000 (19.3%)

Total $ 3,100,000 (100%)

We recommend that these funds be allocated to the
general program boards approximately as follows, with
final allocations to be determined by the Committee on
Hispanic Ministries through the General Council on
Ministries in consultation with the program boards:

I. General Board of Church

and Society $ 375,000 (12.1%)

II. General Board of Discipleship $ 375,000 (12. 1%)

III. General Board of Higher Education and
Minisry $375,000 (12.1%)

Global Ministries

777

IV. General Board of Global Ministries

A. Annual Conference Mission

Initiative Grants

B. Program

C. Program Support

ana Administration

$ 1,000.000
$ 375.000

(32.3%)
(12.1%)

(19.3%)

Subtotal for GBGM
Total

$ 600,000
$ 1.975,000
$3,100,000 (100%)

All the allocated funds through the Plan shall be
designated as separate line items within the general
agencies.

We recommend that the Plan be supplemented with
the renewal and continuation of the General Advance
Special, the National Hispanic Ministries Challenge
Fund. The purpose of the Fund will be to support the
development of congregational and community minis-
tries in Hispanic communities in the United States and
Puerto Rico. Its goal will be a total of $4,000,000 for the
quadrennium, or an average of $1,000,000 per year. The
guidelines developed by the General Board of Global
Ministries with the Committee on Hispanic Ministries
this quadrennium shall be continued and shall be re-
vised as needed.

A Final Recommendation

Finally, we request General Conference and The
United Methodist Church at large to join us in thanks-
giving for what God is doing in our midst, and in prayer
that we may all be equal to the task set before us. To God
be all praise and glory!

Endnote

1. Along these lines, we recommend the document
Hispanic Ministries: Challenge and Opportunity, pre-
sented to the General Conference as a support docu-
ment in 1992. and currently available through the Office
of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries.

Petition Number: 21344-GM-NonDis-0$; GBGM.

Asian-American Language Ministry Study

The National Study Committee for Asian American
Language Ministries recommends the following program
for the quadrennium 1997-2000:

Recommendations: Common Needs
and Strategies

Recruitment and Training of Pastoral
and Lay Leadership

One of the most pressing needsfor the Asian-Ameri-
can United Methodists is recruitment and training of
language ministers. Exceptfor the Korean United Meth-
odist community where there is an ample supply of
ministers due to the concerted efforts of the general

boards and agencies, particularly the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry and the General Board
of Global Ministries, Asian-American churches are in
dire need of ministers who can speak native tongues of
new immigrants. A small number of diverse ministers
fluent in different languages is needed who have a com-
mand of Mandarin, Cantonese. Amoy (Taiwanese) . Ta-
galog. Vietnamese, Cambodian. Laotian, Hmong. Urdu,
Hindi, Gujirati, Telegu. Tamil, and/or Japanese. While
the long range plan is to recruit and train committed
persons for the ordained ministry, many communities
face competition from secular fields when recruiting
young people for pastoral ministry. There is, therefore,
a need to develop lay persons who can serve churches
on a voluntary basis. Developing such programs should
be by a self-determining process initiated by the respec-
tive ethnic groups.

Development of New Congregations

Once there is a pool of strong leadership, new con-
gregations can be developed without much difficulty.
The "house church" or fellowship can be developed later
into a "preaching station." and the station into a church
with or without a charge conference structure. The
General Board of Global Ministries and each sub-ethnic
caucus can provide helpful information concerning the
demographics in communities. We suggest that a team
of consultants for each language group be formed to
help the general church for its development of language
ministry.

Development of Community Ministries

The immigrant congregations have other important
sociological dimensions. The immigrant churches are
and can be important vehicles to transmit one's own
cultural heritage to the following generations. The im-
migrant churches are not only faith communities, but
they function in our society as a place where meaningful
programs and activities can take place. Cultural activi-
ties, language schools, and social welfare programs for
new immigrants, for instance, can be carried out by
these faith communities. Immigrant churches are most
suited to strengthen outreach ministries and family min-
istries. The church can be the most important social
entity for the immigrant community. This is already
proven by the Korean community where more than 70%
of the population are Christians.

Development of Language Resotu'ces
and Materials

Successful language ministries cannot be achieved
without being strongly supported by adequate resource
materials. Language materials from their native coun-
tries do not reflect the different social settings in the
United States, and consequently they are not useful for
the American congregations. The Asian-American
churches have come to the conclusion that they need to
develop their own resource materials that would ade-
quately cover and support their ministry. Worship re-

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sources such as hymnals and liturgies are needed. The
original material must be user-friendly to the Asian-
Americans. Leadership training materials such as sum-
maries of The Book of Discipline and "Guidelines for
Leading Your Church" will greatly help emerging Asian-
American congregations. At present, only Korean lan-
guage materials are available. Other Asian groups need
language materials.

The following budget is recommended for Asian-
American Language Ministry in the next quadrennium:

Proposed Budget - 1997-2000

Program

$ 920,000

Grants

$ 560,000

Leadership Development

$ 160,000

Resource Development

$ 200,000

Program Support Services

$ 200,000

Total

$ 1,120,000

Annual Budget

Program Grants

$ 140,000

Community Developers

$70,000

New Congregational Development

$ 70,000

Leadership Development

$ 40,000

Lay, Women, and Youth

$ 25,000

Ministerial Leadership

$ 15,000

Resources Development

$ 50,000

Worship

$ 15,000

Educational Resources

$ 35,000

Program Support Services

$ 50,000

Administration

$ 10,000

Consultant Services

$ 40,000

Total

$ 280,000

Petition Number: 21345-GM-NonDis-0$; GBGM.

Native American Comprehensive Plan

Native American Comprehensive Plan: Recommen-
dations for Continuation in the 1997-2000 Quadrennium

In the 1997-2000 quadrennium, the Native Ameri-
can Comprehensive Plan (NACP) will continue to focus
its work around the four goals, developed in this quad-
rennium:

Congregational Development

To develop in partnership with the Native American
International Caucus, National United Methodist Native
American Center, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Confer-
ence, four general program boards and agencies, annual
conferences, and local Native American communities,
new churches and/or ministries and revitalize and
strengthen existing churches in each jurisdiction.

Work with the General Board of Global Ministries
(GBGM) to develop criteria and a manual related to

Native American congregational development, using
the Rural/Reservation Initiative developed by the
NACP; work with the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry (GBHEM) to hold a Native American
Convocation on the Ordained Ministry within the next
quadrennium, to look at ways to recruit more Native
Americans into the ministry, and to learn how to support
present pastors; work with GBHEM and GBGM on a
Seminarians' Educational Assistance Program to pro-
vide seminarians with tuition assistance in exchange for
providing pastoral leadership for reservation/rural Na-
tive American churches/ministries for a stated number
of years; work vnih seminaries to develop ways to recruit
more Native Americans by designing a scholarship
package to develop specialized programs which focus
on Native American ministries through ordained, dia-
conal, chaplaincy and Course of Study programs; work
with Annual Conference Boards of Ordained Ministry
to develop a mentoring program to assist Native Ameri-
cans who are in seminary and course of study; continue
to work with all program agencies to strengthen the
Native American Intern Program.

Leadership Development

To identify, recruit, train and provide for the whole
support of Native Americans interested in the ministry
and mission of Christ in and through The United Meth-
odist Church.

Work with the General Board of Church and Society
(GBCS) on a Native American Justice Issue Training
Program to assist local Native American congregations
on how to confront and advocate for justice issues in
their communities; develop a Native American Lay Wit-
ness Mission Training Program through the General
Board of Discipleship (GBOD) ; develop a Native Ameri-
can Health Ministry Program with the assistance of
Health and Welfare Ministries of the GBGM and to plan
an AIDS Training Program for pastors and laity; work
with the GBHEM to hold a Native American Diaconal
Consultation to discuss Native American Diaconal re-
cruitment and intern program; work with the GBOD to
plan a National Native American Lay Speakers training
school, the curriculum developed to include a Native
American perspective to be used in annual conference
training; work with the GBOD to plan another Native
American School of Evangelism, with an emphasis on
curriculum and resource development; work with the
GBCS to schedule open forums on Native American
issues across the denomination, particularly in the area
of Social Witness and Sovereignty, and to develop a
process by which information on Native American is-
sues could be distributed routinely to The United Meth-
odist Church and ecumenically; work with all four pro-
gram boards regarding the rural/reservation
Chaplaincy Program, and conduct a quadrennial Gath-
erers Training; and to develop a Native American Parish
Assistance training program, the curriculum to include
a Native American perspective.

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779

Native American Spirituality

To help Native American United Methodists and
The United Methodist Church develop an under-
standing of Native American Spirituality and Native
ways of life.

Continue and strengthen the theological forum co-
ordinated by the NUMNAC; assist program agencies to
develop curriculum and resource materials for the gen-
eral church which are culturally sensitive and include
appropriately Native American culture, history and heri-
tage. Support the continuance and the strengthening of
the dialogues coordinated by the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns; develop
a Native American Theological Mission Statement to be
the foundation for mission and ministry with Native
Americans which will affirm tribal identity, sovereignty
and leadership styles of Native Americans and Native
American cultural and spiritual values. These affirma-
tions will enable the appropriate forming of ministries
and leadership programs sensitive to, and compatible
with, Native American spiritual and cultural traditions.

Denominational Presence

To help annual conferences establish Committees
on Native American Ministry as required by ^748 of The
Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
Also, to work with program boards and agencies in the
formation of board-wide Native American Advisory
Committees.

Work with all four general program boards to utilize
Native Americans as consultants whose responsibilities
would include, but not be limited to, conducting local
need assessments, working with annual conference Na-
tive American Committees on Ministry, and utilizing the
gifts and talents of Native Americans to work with non-
Natives and Native American ministries; encourage all
entities of the General Church to hire Native American
staff in elected and support staff positions, especially the
GBHEM and the GBCS; encourage the entities of the
Church to utilize resources such as the Native American
Communications Office and The Echo of the Four Winds;
request the General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women to include in their quadrennial strategy an
opportunity to hear the needs of Native American
women, (clergy and laity) and how those needs can be
incorporated in the Commission's existing program di-
rectives, especially in the area of networking opportuni-
ties for strengthening self-esteem and profes-
sional/spiritual development; request that the General
Commission on Race and Religion (GCORR) sponsor a
training event at the beginning of the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium for Native Americans who will be repre-
sentatives on general board and agencies regarding
their roles and responsibilities; request the GCORR to
continue to monitor boards and agencies with an annual
report on their findings to the NACP Task Force; con-

tinue the Office of Native American Communications,
especially its work with the Fax Network; work with
each jurisdiction to develop a Native American Jurisdic-
tional Structure and to establish Native American staff
position (full or part-time) to work with the Jurisdictional
structures to ensure that Native American ministries will
continue in the jurisdictions beyond this Native Ameri-
can Comprehensive Plan; to help Annual Conference
Committees on Native American Ministry within the
Northeast and North Central Jurisdictions understand
their roles and responsibilities.

It is recommended that by tiie end of the 1997-2000
quadrennium, the work of the NACP be a part of an
existing church entity to make sure that Native Ameri-
can ministries and issues are a part of the work and life
of this denomination.

It is recommended that General Conference ap-
prove the following budget for the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium:

Proposed Budget - 1997-2000

Administration

Full-time Coordinator ($ 60,000 x 4 years) $ 240,000

Benefits (computed at 25% of total) 60.000

Total salary for 4 years $300,000

Administi-ative Assistant ($ 37,500 x 4 years $ 150,000

Benefits (computed at 25% of total) 50,000

Total salary for 4 years $200,00

Total Administration $ 500,000

General Operating Expenses

Phone, conference calls, facsimile

network ($4,000/yr.) $ 16,000

Postage and printing ($ 2,000/yr.) 8.000

Office supplies ($ 1,500/yr.) 6,000
Travel and related expenses

Coordinator ($ 7,000/yr.) 28,000

Task Force Meetings ($ 12,000/yr.) 48,000
Task Force Committee Meetings ($ 9,900/yr.) 39,600

Rent ($ 3,000/yr.) 14,400

Total operating expenses 160,000

Programs 540,000

Grand Total Requested $ 1,200,000

Petition Number: 21346-GM-NonDis-0$; GBGM.

National Committee on Deaf Ministries

The National Committee on Deaf Ministries recom-
mends the following program for the quadrennium 1997-
2000:

I. All areas of the church need to be accessible.

We recommend that:

A. All annual conference sessions and conference
events become accessible to persons with hearing loss.

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by making every reasonable effort to provide the follow-
ing services; interpreters with American Sign Language
skills, interpreters with skills in Conceptually Signed
English, oral interpreters, sign/voice interpreters, real-
time captioning, listening devices, telephone devices for
the deaf. Computer Assisted Note Takers; and FM sys-
tems.

B. All United Methodist seminaries and educational
institutions voluntarily move toward full accessibility as
exemplified by the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 by the next general conference and to provide
reasonable accommodations for deaf, deafened, and
hard-of-hearing persons who desire to pursue deaf min-
istry as a vocation.

n. Qualified persons need to be invited and encour-
aged in the vocation of ordained or diaconal ministry and
other lay persons should be provided with ways of offer-
ing their gifts to deaf ministry.

We recommend that:

A. Each bishop and district superintendent in their
respective annual conferences reach out to churches to
encourage deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons
to consider ministry as a vocation;

B. Each annual conference board of ordained min-
istry and board of diaconal ministry adopt a policy that
requires candidates for ordination and consecration to
have educational preparation in ministry to persons who
are deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing.

C. Every annual conference recruit, train, and de-
ploy deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing persons as lay
pastors and lay speakers.

III. The church must equip persons for ministry to
persons who are deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing.

We recommend that:

A. Annual conferences have available to hearing
people brochures containing information concerning
ministry with persons who are deaf, deafened and hard-
of-hearing.

B. Each annual conference offer, at least biennially,
continuing education and formation training events for
ordained and diaconal ministers in the area of ministry
with persons who are deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hear-
ing.

C. Each annual conference provide workshops in
their area that will prepare local church laity and clergy
to work with persons who are deaf, deafened, and hard-
of-hearing.

D. United Methodist seminaries include education
for ministry to person who are deaf, deafened, and
hard-of-hearing within their curriculum. We further ask

the University Senate to advise the approved schools of
theology of our concern for education for ministry with
these persons.

E. The General Board of Discipleship develop train-
ing programs and resources with the assistance of the
United Methodist Congress of the Deaf to assist local
churches with such training.

IV. The United Methodist Book of Discipline lan-
guage should reflect the current language and descrip-
tive preferences of persons who are deaf, deafened, and
hard-of-hearing. (In accordance with ^ 608 of The Book
of Discipline, two petitions asking for a change in the
wording of The Book of Discipline have been forwarded
to the 1996 General Conference. The first asks to change
the term "handicapping conditions" to "special needs"
in ^ 72G; the second asks to insert the following as the
second sentence in ^ 530.2: "This is especially important
for congregations and ministries having special lan-
guage and cultural needs.")

V. Proposal to General Conference From the Na-
tional Committee on Deaf Ministries

We recommend the continuation of the National
Committee on Deaf Ministries for the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium to be accountable to the General Board of Global
Ministries and to work in cooperation with the other
general boards and agencies.

Description of the National Committee

A. Purpose and Organization of the Committee:

The National Committee on Deaf Ministries shall
be accountable to the General Board of Global Minis-
tries to ensure coordination among general program
boards. This Committee shall provide an arena for net-
working, cooperative planning, and implementation of
programs designed to empower and enable a ministry
by, with, and for deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing
persons. The Committee shall serve as an advocate for
deaf ministries with all general agencies of The United
Methodist Church.

B. Responsibilities of the Committee:

The responsibilities of the Committee shall include,
but not be limited to the following:

1. Identifying the needs and concerns of deaf, deaf-
ened and hard-of-hearing individuals.

2. Collecting and disseminating information on suc-
cessful models, programs, and resources that will in-
form the work of all boards, agencies, and annual con-
ferences to strengthen, enrich, and enable individual
family living consistent with Christian teaching and
practice.

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3. Encouraging exploration of the biblical, theologi-
cal, and experimental understandings of family living
and the church's role in ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons.

4. Advocating for the development and implementa-
tion of programs, policies, and services by general agen-
cies of The United Methodist Church that are designed
to have an impact on those systems and concepts that
adversely affect persons with hearing loss.

5. Assisting in the recruitment, training, and deploy-
ment of diaconal and ordained deaf, deafened, and hard-
of-hearing ministers.

6. Advocating for the accessibility potential for an-
nual conference sessions and programs as models for
local churches.

C. Membership of the Committee and Organizing
for Ministry:

Each member of the Committee, as designated be-
low, shall have voice and vote.

1. The Committee shall consist of one bishop, 15
members of the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf,
and a representative from each of the general boards and
agencies listed below in item 4.

2. The bishop shall be selected by the Council of
Bishops and shall have experience in deaf ministry
within his/her annual conference.

3. There shall be fifteen members elected from the
United Methodist Congress of the Deaf. Of those mem-
bers, there will be six deaf and two deafened persons;
two professional interpreters; one educator; one deaf
institutional ministry professional; one mental health
professional who has experience in the deaf and deaf-
ened community; and two ordained ministers, at least
one of whom is deaf or hard-of-hearing.

4. There shall be either a staff person or a voting
member from the General Council on Ministries, the
General Board of Discipleship, the United Methodist
Publishing House, the General Board of Church and
Society, the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, United Methodist Communications, and the
General Board of Global Ministries. (If theGBGM mem-
ber is a director of the Board, a staff member shall also
serve with the understanding that the staff member will
serve as executive director of NCOD.) Each agency will
pay the expenses of its staff representatives.

5. Representatives from other general agencies or
groups may be invited to be present as observers or
consultants without vote. Their expenses will be paid
by their agencies.

6. It is sfrongly urged that the Committee be inclu-
sive with regard to gender, ethnicity, jurisdictions, and
different sign languages and hearing abilities.

7. The Committee shall be convened by the bishop
and shall have its organizational meeting no later than
July 1, 1997. The members shall elect their own officers.

Objectives of the National Committee of Deaf
Ministries

The objectives of the National Committee on Deaf
Ministries shall be as follows:

A. To facilitate fraining programs for the develop-
ment of deaf ministries in local churches, districts, an-
nual conferences, and general church.

B. To serve as an advocacy group against the stigma
and fear of having hearing loss and against those policies
and practices in church and society that discriminate
against deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons.

C. To identify critical issues and program implica-
tions of the gifts of deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing
persons with special attention to the needs of all deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons; racial and ethnic
constituencies; and persons with handicapping condi-
tions; as well as to address issues such as abuse, care
giving, poverty, legal rights, and ethical choices facing
deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

D. To rally deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing per-
sons to a new consciousness of their potential and power
in church and society.

E. To share in the initiation and planning of events
for deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons to be
conducted at all levels of the church (including the
United Methodist Congress of the Deaf).

F. To coordinate information and to make referrals
of requests and proposals to the appropriate agencies.

G. To advocate for the purchase and use (including
training) of various communication technologies and
methods including, but not limited to, telecommunica-
tion devices for the deaf (TDD), assistive listening de-
vices and captioning services, and interpreters for more
effective communications with and among deaf, deaf-
ened, and hard-of-hearing persons.

H. To keep abreast of technological developments
in communications devices and update those services
and training for those services.

Recommendations to General Agencies

A. We recommend that the General Council on Min-
istries give priority to the development of coordinated
research at all levels of the church to provide demo-
graphic information concerning programs, needs, and

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opportunities by, with, and for deaf, deafened, and hard-
of-hearing persons in The United Methodist Church.

B. We recommend that the General Board of Disci-
pleship give priority to ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons by:

1. Continuing the development of guidelines for the
Council on Ministries/Administrative Council and the
adult ministries work areas that significantly address
issues and needs for ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons in local congre-
gations.

2. Identifying effective lay leadership models for
deaf ministry for deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing
persons.

3. Continuing and increasing the involvement and
training of deaf, deafened, hard-of-hearing, and hearing
persons in the leadership of the local church, such as lay
leadership, lay speaking, teaching ministries, and evan-
gelism and outreach.

C. We recommend that the United Methodist Pub-
lishing House give priority to ministry by, with, and for
deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons by:

1. Producing curriculum resources in American
Sign Language (ASL) for all age levels.

2. Adapting existing print or visual curriculum for
use by, with, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

3. Cooperating ecumenically in the production of
curriculum and other resources by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons.

4. Including deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in the
planning, writing, signing, and testing of curriculum
resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

5. Having a deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing edi-
tor (s) on staff or on contract who is fully knowledgeable
about the needs of culturally deaf, deafened, and hard-
of-hearing persons to work on curriculum prepared for
deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

6. Researching within the deaf community the
needs for curriculum and the appropriate design of
curriculum resources for the different age levels and
language abilities of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

D. We recommend that the General Board of Global
Ministries give priority to ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard- of-hearing persons by:

1. Holding yearly meetings with program-related
general agencies to monitor progress and to receive
progress reports. The General Board of Global Minis-
tries will have responsibility for leading the denomina-
tion toward greater sensitivity to the deaf community
and will also stress the importance and monitor the

presence of interpreters at all national and international

events.

2. Continuing and encouraging the inclusion of deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons in mission edu-
cation and outreach.

3. Identifying and supporting effective models for
deaf ministries in urban and rural settings, large and
small membership churches, and among racial and eth-
nic groups.

4. Supporting the involvement of deaf, deafened,
and hard-of- hearing persons in education and action in
national and international affairs.

5. Planning and implementing programs that signifi-
cantly include racial and ethnic deaf, deafened, and
hard-of-hearing persons.

6. Initiating consultations with churches in other
countries to identify concerns and needs of deaf, deaf-
ened, and hard-of- hearing persons, with follow-up out-
reach and ministry.

7. Including residents of United Methodist related
retirement homes in decision-making on programs af-
fecting deaf and hard-of- hearing residents.

8. Continuing to maintain a mailing list and dissemi-
nating a semi-annual newsletter in consultation with the
United Methodist Congress of the Deaf.

9. Relating to and providing liaison services for
interdenominational and ecumenical agencies in the
area of deaf ministries, including the United Methodist
Congress of the Deaf.

E. We recommend thatthe General Board of Church
and Societv give priority to the ministry by, with, and for
deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons by:

1. Monitoring and supporting local, state, and fed-
eral legislation that has an impact on deaf, deafened, and
hard-of- hearing persons.

2. Developing a network of deaf, deafened, and
hard-of-hearing advocates for public policy issues, work-
ing in conjunction with the National Association of the
Deaf, Self-Help for Hard-of-Hearing (SHHH), and the
Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA), when
appropriate.

3. Planning and implementing programs and re-
sources that significantly include racial and ethnic deaf,
deafened, and hard- of-hearing persons.

4. Providing financial assistance through the Office
of Loans and Scholarships for persons preparing for deaf
ministry.

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783

G. We recommend that United Methodist Commu-
nications give priority to ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard- of-hearing persons by:

1. Continuing to advocate open and closed cap-
tioned video from their constituents as well as with their
own resources.

2. Purchasing and using appropriate technology to
communicate with deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing
persons through its various media.

3. Considering use of computer bulletin boards to
fecilitate contact between deaf and hearing leaders.

4. JYoviding information and education about the
technology of assistive listening devices (such as, but
not linked to, audio loop and FM infrared systems),
captioned video, and real-time computer assisted cap-
tioning for use in local churches and at meetings beyond
the local church.

5. Helping spread the word through various media
about successful models for deaf ministry and the nec-
essary conditions supporting such effective models.

6. Continuing to develop and provide educational
resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons (such as
access to TDD's and computers).

7. Employing deaf and hard of hearing person in all
phases of media production, including on-camera talent,
that is relevant to deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.

H. We recommend that all general agencies:

1. Evaluate all programs related specifically to deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons to identify
whether these programs are by, with, and for deaf and
hard-of-hearing persons and to what extent the pro-
grams enable the deaf and hard-of-hearing person to be
participating, contributing and resourceful persons in
church and society.

2. Develop deaf ministries that recognize the par-
ticular diverse needs of various groups of deaf and
hard-of-hearing persons (age, gender, race, language,
culture, geographic location, and handicapping condi-
tions).

3. Provide regular board and staff training on deaf-
ness and hearing loss and support groups for both.

4. Allocate staff time and other resources to increase
their effectiveness in ministry by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons. Resources in-
clude, but are not limited to, interpreters, real-time com-
puter assisted captioning, TDD's, and budget for cap-
tioning video materials.

5. Voluntarily comply with federal or state legisla-
tion that has a positive impact on the lives of deaf,
deafened, and hard-of- hearing persons.

6. Develop affirmative action goals for the employ-
ment ofpersons with handicapping conditions including
persons who are deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing.

I. We recommend that each annual conference:

1. Purchase a TDD for the conference office, train
responsible staff to use it, and publicize the TDD
number whenever the conference office telephone
number is publicized.

2. Provide sign language interpreters at annual con-
ference and other events within the conference.

3. Elect deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons
as members to annual conference and as elected mem-
bers to jurisdictional and general conference meetings,
recognizing that adaptations to facilitate communica-
tions must be made.

4. Support, through its program agencies, education
and awareness building about the varieties of ministry
with deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons.

5. Set goals for new congregational formation and
transformation with deaf persons; involve church devel-
opment and redevelopment committees to find vacant
churches or to build churches for deaf ministries.

6. Develop and maintain a census of deaf ministries
within the annual conference.

7. Evaluate all programs related specifically to deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons to identify
whether these programs are by, with, and for deaf,
deafened, and hard-of-hearing persons and to what ex-
tent the programs enable the deaf and hard-of-hearing
persons to be participating, contributing, and resource-
ful within their annual conferences, districts, and local
churches.

Budget and Administrative Responsibility

The budget for the National Committee on Deaf
Ministry shall be for the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

A. The budget for the Committee shall include ex-
penses for members named in section V.C.3 and an
adequate program budge to include identification of
models and coordinating strategies for deaf ministry in
The United Methodist Church.

B. The budget shall be $26,125 per year in the
quadrennium.

C. It is recommended that funds be allocated for this
budget to the National Committee on Deaf Ministries by
the General Council on Finance and Administration,
included as a line item in World Service, and adminis-
tered by the General Board of Global Ministries.

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Proposed Budget - 1997-2000

Meeting of members

(15 members, 4 meetings) $ 50,000

Subcommittee meetings 25,000

Consultants (Research and other services) 10,000
Printing/mailing 10,000

Literature 5,000

Contingendes 4.500

Total $ 104,500

Petition Number: 21356-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

National Comprehensive Plan
for Town and Country

Whereas, town and country churches make up two
thirds of the congregations in the United Methodist
Church;

Whereas, ministry in town and country settings are
faced with declining population, poverty, presence of
hate groups, loss of jobs, economic decline, and sense
of hopelessness and despair;

Whereas, in town and country settings there are
opportunities to impact life through the collective work
of the Church and the faithful servants who live, worship
and witness in those settings;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church mandate
a comprehensive national plan for town and country
ministry. This plan is to grow out of a process overseen
by the General Board of Global Ministries' National
Division, or its successor agency, and involving local
church and annual conference leadership in conjunction
with appropriate staff from general church agencies
including, but not limited to, Discipleship, Church and
Society, Religion and Race, Higher Education and Min-
istry, Communications, and Council on Ministries.

Petition Number: 21357-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

Africa Reconstruction and Development

We applaud international efforts to develop a more
just international economic order, in which the limited
resources of the earth will he used to the maximum benefit
of all nations and peoples. We urge Christians, in every
society, to encourage the governments under which they
live, and the economic entities within their societies, to aid
and to work for the development of more just economic
orders. — from Social Principles, % 75, The Book of Disci-
pline.

The continent of Africa is in crisis. The international
community singled out Africa as the area of greatest
human suffering at the United Nations' World Summit
for Social Development held in Copenhagen, Denmark
in March, 1995.

A century of colonial rule, preceded by two centu-
ries of a vicious slave trade and followed by a generation
of neo-colonialism, has left much of Africa's social, po-
litical and economic life in a shambles. The decade of
the eighties was disastrous. Real wages for Africa's
workers fell by 30% in a decade, and unemployment
quadrupled. Infant mortality rates, a powerful index of
human well-being, are now more than three times the
rate for Southeast Asia and over double the rate for Latin
America and the Caribbean. A destructive combination
of military dictatorship, apartheid, economic collapse,
social unrest, civil war, and natural disasters created 7
million refugees, 50 million disabled persons, and 35
million displaced people. Armaments poured into Africa
during and following the Cold War are now used by
some governments to oppress their own people; by
armed bands who enrich themselves at the point of a
gun and in inter-ethnic conflicts.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President of the All
Africa Conference of Churches, observes with alarm
that "The magnitude of the economic crisis is manifest
by rising cost of living, adverse commodity prices, a
ruthless free market, the unfair and heavy debt burden,
the falling prices of raw materials, the over-burdening of
social services, rising unemployment, especially among
women and young men, unacceptable high mortality
and morbidity rates among children and women and
noticeable increases in general abuse and violence."

Yet the continent is a place of hope and promise.
Peace has been achieved in a number of nations which
were wracked by civil war for years. Democratic reforms
are being demanded by the people of those countries
still suffering under military dictatorship and govern-
ment corruption. Democracy is struggling into life in
more than a dozen nations. The whole world is rejoicing
at the miracle of liberation in South Africa, as the old
wine-skins of apartheid have been broken. New models
of sustainable and equitable development are being cre-
ated by the people of the continent, as they see the
destructiveness of inappropriate Western and neo<;olo-
nial models. The continent is rich in natural resources
needed by the entire world. Africa is blessed with people
of remarkable energy, spirit and ingenuity. The United
Methodist Church, continuing to grow rapidly, is a frans-
forming presence in many countries, influential beyond
its numbers, engaging in a holistic Wesleyan ministry of
outreach evangelism and humanitarian service.

The Copenhagen Commitment

In response to the crisis and mindful of the new
possibilities emerging in Africa, governments and non-
governmental organizations meeting at the United Na-
tions' World Summit for Social Development made a
solemn pledge:

We commit ourselves to accelerating the economic,
social and human resource development of Africa and the
least developed countries.

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To this end, we will:

a. Implement, at the national level, structural adjust-
ment policies, which should include social development
goals, as well as effective development strategies that es-
tablish a more favourable climate for trade and invest-
ment, give priority to human resource development and
further promote the development of democratic institu-
tions;

b. Support the domestic efforts of Africa and the least
developed countries to implement economic reforms, pro-
grammes to increase food security, and commodity diver-
sification efforts through international cooperation, in-
cluding South-South cooperation and technical and
financial assistance, as well as trade and partnership;

c. Find effective, development-oriented and durable
solutions to external debt problems, through the immediate
implementation of the terms of debt forgiveness agreed
upon in the Paris Club in December 1994, which encom-
pass debt reduction, including cancellation or other debt-
relief measures; invite the international financial institu-
tions to examine innovative approaches to assist
low-income countries with a high proportion of multilat-
eral debt, with a view to alleviating their debt burdens;
and develop techniques of debt conversion applied to social
development programmes and projects in conformity with
Summit priorities. Tliese actions should take into account
the mid-term review of the United Nations New Agenda
for the Development of Africa in the 1990s and the
Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries
for the 1990s , and should be implemented as soon as
possible;

d. Ensure the implementation of the strategies and
measures for the development of Africa decided by the
international community, and support the reform efforts,
development strategies and programmes decided by the
African countries and the least developed countries;

e. Increase official development assistance, both over-
all and for social programmes, and improve its impact,
consistent with countries' economic circumstances and
capacities to assist, and consistent with commitments in
international agreements;

f Consider ratifying the United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experienc-
ing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly
in Africa , and support African countries in the imple-
mentation of urgent action to combat desertification and
mitigate the effects of drought;

g. Take all necessary measures to ensure that commu-
nicable diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, malaria and
tuberculosis, do not restrict or reverse the progress made
in economic and social development.

United Methodist Response:

As Christians, our faith is in the God of Jesus Christ,
who stands with the most vulnerable and oppressed
people in our societies. Their well-being must serve as
a guidepost for justice. God, sovereign over all nations,
had made of one blood all the peoples of the earth.
United Methodists, therefore, remain ever-vigilant, lis-
tening more attentively than ever to churches and move-
ments around the world, as they struggle for social,
political, economic spiritual development Therefore, we
call upon the United Methodist people, local churches
and agencies to:

1. Participate fully in the Campaign for Africa of
the Council of Bishops and the General Board of Global
Ministries and to urge the continuation of the Campaign;
and urge the General Board of Church and Society to
advocate for policies that address the economic crises,
peacekeeping and human rights concerns in Africa.

2. Encourage United Methodist churches to in-
crease their participation in programs of emergency
relief, aid to refugees, reconstruction and development
through the appropriate units of the General Board of
Global Ministries, regional councils of churches and the
World Council of Churches.

3. Encourage United Methodists to participate in
Volunteers in Mission programs and educate them-
selves (orientation, cultural sensitivity and contingency
planning) , for working alongside African brothers and
sisters in , e.g. reconstructing schools, clinics and
churches. There is also a need to emphasize the impor-
tance of preparation for the cross-cultural experience for
both the volunteer in mission and the receiving partner.

4. Be faithful witnesses to government leaders in
every country to the need for concerted national and
international efforts toward sustainable equitable devel-
opment and reconstruction on the continent of Africa,
guided by the Copenhagen Commitment, World Sum-
mit for Social Development

5. Urge United Methodists to persuade their gov-
ernments to ratify the United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertificiation in Those Countries Experienc-
ing Serious Drought and /or Desertification.

6. Press the World Bank and International Mone-
tary Fund to reform its structural adjustment programs,
which have contributed to debts, declining economic
and health systems, and deteriorating education in Afri-
can nations.

7. Urge an embargo on present and future arms
sales to Africa, and measures to rid Africa of the weapons
which were poured into the continent, including the land
mines which kill innocent people, predominantly
women and children.

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8. Continue and further develop the General Board
of Global Ministries' commitment to comprehensive
community-based primary health care, recognizing the
role which poverty, poor sanitation, and polluted water
play in the spread of communicable diseases across the
continent; the collapse of the health care systems in
many countries; and the ineffectiveness of Western
medical models.

9. Monitor all programs of relief and development
with special attention to these criteria:

a. Give priority to women and children, who suffer
the most during times of social unrest and war.

b. Involve full participation of African United Meth-
odists in setting priorities , designing, managing and
coordinating projects, relying upon their experience,
wisdom and resourcefulness.

c. Design programs to alleviate the root causes of
poverty, oppression and social unrest.

d. Program for sustainability, both in terms of eco-
logical integrity, and the avoidance of dependency by
utilizing appropriate technologies which do not require
continuing input of resources from other countries.

Endnotes:

1. General Assembly resolution 46/151, annex,
sect. II

2. Report of the Second UN Conference on the Least
Developed Countries, Paris, 3-14 September, 1990
(A/CONF: 147/18), part one.

3. Ibid: A/49/84/Add.2, annex, appendix II

Petition Number: 21358-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

Rape in Times of Conflict and War

"Their littie ones also will be dashed to pieces before
their eyes; their houses will be plundered, and their
wives ravished." (Isaiah 13:16)

"They ravished the women in Zion, the virgins in
the cities of Judah." (Lamentations 5:11)

"For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem
to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plun-
dered, the women ravished, and half of the city exiled,
but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city."
(Zechariah 14:2)

We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and
example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instru-
ment of national foreign policy and insist that the first
moral duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful means
every dispute that rises between or amongst them; that
human values must outweigh military claims as govern-

ments determine their priorities; that the militarization of
society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufac-
ture, sale and deployment of armaments must be reduced
and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use
of nuclear weapons be condemned. — from Social Princi-
ples, ^ 75, Vie Book of Discipline.

For centuries women have been raped as an act of
violence and a demonstration of power — most especially
in times of conflict and wars. Rape has been and is
sanctioned by military organizations for the gratification
of soldiers as was seen in several Asian countries during
World War II. The "Comfort Women" of Korea are a
most blatant example of this practice. Rape during war-
time constitutes many individual and group acts of vio-
lence perpetrated by soldiers against girls and women
of "enemy" countries or opposing sides, often under
orders. Thus rape, in effect, is used as an extension of
warfare. But rape is rarely mentioned in resolutions and
statements on war and peace. And the conquest of
women as "spoils of war" continues to be tolerated in
times of conflict.

Mass rape is an increasingly sophisticated weapon
of war, as it is being used in the Bosnia-Herzegovina
conflict and in other conflicts — such as in Haiti, Georgia
and Rwanda — in the world today.

Survivors of conflicts speak of "rape on the front-
line" and "third-party rape"; these rapes are carried out
publicly by soldiers to demoralize family members and
opposition forces compelled to witness them.

Many stories refer to village communities being
rounded up in "camps" — perhaps a school or commu-
nity center — and that a space is cleared in the middle. It
is in this space that public raping takes place. It is
reported as repeated and violent and "procedural." It is
claimed that many of the victims and witnesses know
the rapists.

The use of rape as a weapon of war is perceived as
having its roots in patriarchal systems. Destruction and
violation of women is one way of attacking male oppo-
nents who regard the women as their property — and
whose male identity is therefore bound to protection of
"their" property.

The current tribunals against war crimes under-
taken in Rwanda and Bosnia have acknowledged rape
as a form of torture, since it is not specifically mentioned
in existing international laws.

The United Methodist Church affirms the sacred-
ness of all persons and their right to safety, nurture and
care. And, together with the international community, it
is challenged to respond to the rape of women in military
conflicts. The extent and frequency of the violation of
women in war must not be allowed to deaden sensitivity
to this as gross injustice. There must be greater under-
standing of the use of rape in this manner (as a weapon
of warfare) Documentation and analysis of such planned

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violations of human rights and its root causes must be
developed. Strategizing to confront systems which give
rise to it and the needs of those who are its victims must
be undertaken.

International instruments such as Geneva Conven-
tions must be strengthened to ensure condemnation of
rape as a war-crime with appropriate enforcement and
monitoring.

At local and regional levels, churches and con-
cerned groups must pressure for legal and political
decisions to protect victims of rape. It is not sufficient to
articulate condemnations of crime; practical actions to
effect change must follow.

As part of the overall humanitarian responses to
physical and emotional needs, it is a matter of urgency
that adequate and appropriate attention be given to the
psychological needs of women raped in war.

The task of supporting these survivors — their chil-
dren, families and communities — requires massive
commitment, resources and expertise.

We call on The United Methodist Church:

1. To condemn all forms of rape as incompatible with
the church's understanding of the sacredness of life; and
to affirm the right of all persons to safety, nurture and
care.

2. To urge the United Methodist Office for the UN
to work towards including the condemnation of rape as
a war-crime in international instruments such as the
Geneva Conventions.

3. To urge the General Board of Global Ministries
to develop an anthology of theological and biblical per-
spectives of rape in times of war, written by survivors
and other women who have observed and reflected on
this grave concern.

4. To urge both the General Board of Global Minis-
tries and the General Board of Church and Society to act
as resources for churches who wish to pressure for legal
and political decisions to protect victims of rape in times
of war.

5. To urge UMCOR to continue developing assis-
tance and support for women victims of war and their
families, to meet their physical and emotional needs.
This may mean supporting as wartime refugees, women
who cannot return to their homes because of fear of
rape, violence and condemnation.

Petition Number: 21359-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

East Timor

East Timor is part of an island on the far eastern end
of the Indonesian archipelago, only 300 miles from Dar-

win, Australia. It had been under Portuguese control for
some three centuries, unlike the other islands of present
day Indonesia which were all Dutch colonies. During
1974-1975, following a coup and change of government
in Portugal, East Timor was in the process of decoloni-
zation. There was a brief civil war between the newly
formed political parties, which was subsequently won by
Fretilin, the party favoring independence. But hardly
had Fretilin declared independence for East Timor
when, on December 7, 1975, Indonesia launched a mas-
sive invasion and annexed the half island. (Ninety per-
cent of the weapons used by Indonesian armed forces
were US made weapons.) Twenty years later, Indonesia
continues to occupy East Timor in spite of repeated
United Nations Resolutions deploring the invasion, af-
firming the right of the East Timorese to self-determina-
tion and calling on the Indonesian government to with-
draw its troops.

The events in East Timor went unnoticed and unre-
ported in the outside world because it was closed off to
foreign presence until 1989. However, during the inva-
sion and subsequent occupation over a third of the
population died fi'om killing, starvation or disease. Ti-
morese culture was suppressed, local languages were
discouraged and the majority of population living in the
mountains and forests were forced to come out and
re-settle in planned villages built by the Indonesian
army.

World attention was finally brought to the plight of
East Timor when, on November 12, 1991, Indonesian
troops massacred between 50 and 250 peaceful demon-
strators at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili, East Timor.
The number of dead has never been determined be-
cause many people who disappeared on that day have
not been found. This tragedy was witnessed by western
journalists whose reports helped to stimulate interna-
tional efforts to bring about a just resolution to the
problem in East Timor. The United States Congress
authorized a moratorium on military training and small
arms sales to Indonesia in protest of the massacre.

In January 1995, a delegation from the National
Council of Churches of Christ, USA and a representative
of the Canadian Council of Churches visited East Timor
to express solidarity with the churches and people of
East Timor. The region is 90% Christian, predominantly
Catholic with a small Protestant minority. The popula-
tion has come to identify being Catholic with being
patriotic and supporting the East Timor cause. The
Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo is recog-
nized and respected as the leader and spokesperson of
the East Timorese people. It has been said that relations
between Catholic and Protestants have not been good.
The National Council of Churches of Christ/Church
World Service and Witness (CWS&W) delegation found
this to be exaggerated, however, and witnessed many
examples of Catholic/Protestant cooperation. The main
Protestant church, the Christian Church of East Timor,
has begun to find its voice and recently received mem-

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bership in the World Council of Churches. Previously,
it had been represented in religious fora only through
the Indonesia Communion of Churches which always
spoke on its behalf.

Human rights groups such as Amnesty Interna-
tional, as well as individual observers, have reported
continued serious human rights abuses against the East
Timorese, including beatings, abductions, torture, rape,
extrajudicial killing, and imprisonment for any acts of
political expression. In addition, the Indonesian govern-
ment has encouraged thousands of Indonesians from
more crowded islands to migrate to East Timor. These
transmigrations have displaced many East Timorese
from their traditional homes and land, taken over much
of the trade and filled many of the civil service jobs. This
has exacerbated the unemployment problem, particu-
larly among the youth, and created social tension which
has provided the military with justification for further
repression.

Following its visit to East Timor, the
NCCC/CWS&W delegation recommended "an advo-
cacy effort which calls for the demilitarization of East
Timor and supports a process which would lead to the
determination of the political status of East Timor, with
the full participation of the East Timorese people."

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, its members, local churches, annual confer-
ences, central conferences and agencies:

Deplore the continuing occupation of East Timor
and the resultant abuse of human rights and climate of
oppression.

Support the witness of the Christian Church of East
Timor and the Roman Catholic Church, and other
groups in their commitment to human rights, peace and
restoration of the East Timorese national identity.

Support the rights of the East Timorese to self-de-
termination and calls for the full participation of the East
Timorese people in the just resolution of the political
status of East Timor.

Urge the United Nations to intensify efforts to re-
solve the political status of East Timor.

Support the East Timorese people and the East
Timorese churches who struggle for justice, dignity,
freedom from fear and the preservation of their ethnic
and cultural identity.

Celebrate the membership of the Christian Church
of East Timor in the World Council of Churches and its
participation in ecumenical bodies in order that this East
Timorese church may have an independent voice.

Encourage in the spirit of partnership, the Indone-
sian churches and the Communion of Churches in In-

donesia to stand in solidarity with those who are op-
pressed in East Timor.

Call on the United States government to cease mili-
tary aid, including military training, and the sale of arms
to Indonesia as long as it continues its de facto military
occupation of East Timor.

Call on the United Methodists to make efforts in
mission, education, witness and advocacy to alleviate the
plight of the East Timorese by:

1) Making available through general boards and
agencies resources regarding East Timor to assist
United Methodist congregations in initiating programs
in education, mission, witness and advocacy;

2) Working to increase awareness of the on-going
crisis in East Timor among US policy-makers, the gen-
eral public, and United Methodist congregations
through general boards and agencies and ecumenical
bodies;

3) Supporting the East Timorese, both within East
Timor and in exile, who are struggling to end the Indo-
nesian occupation and attempting to achieve self-deter-
mination in their land.

Be it further resolved, that we urge the United
States government and other governments to:

1) Take legislative and administrative action to pres-
sure Indonesia to comply with the United Nations' reso-
lutions on East Timor, to withdraw its military occupa-
tion forces from

East Timor, and to cooperate with the United Na-
tions in a process bringing about self-determination for
East Timor, and

2) Send copies of this resolution to the Secretary
General of the United Nations, the President of the UN
General Assembly, the President of the United States,
all U.S. Senators and Representatives and all appropriate
ecumenical colleagues.

Petition Number: 21360-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.
The Middle East and North Africa

Introduction

The Middle East and North Africa, the region of the
world stretching from Mauritania on the west to fran on
the east and from Turkey on the north to Somalia on the
south, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of
United Methodists. The Methodist presence in the re-
gion dates back to 1887 when the Methodist Church in
France answered a request for an organized Protestant
church to be engaged in mission in North Africa. The
Methodist Church responded by establishing a mission
station in the Mountains of Kabylia in North Algeria. The

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mission station provided evangelistic, medical, educa-
tional and technical programs for the whole population.
Methodist mission work later spread to other parts of
Algeria and Tunisia.

The United Methodist connection to the region
dates back to 1924 when United Methodists jointed
other Protestants in forming the International Mission-
ary Council in North Africa. The Methodist Church in
North Africa was also a founding member of the Near
East Christian council (NECC) in 1956. The United
Methodist Church maintained its membership in the
NECC when it became the Middle East Council of
Churches in 1974. Following the 1948 War and the
establishment of the state of Israel, The United Method-
ist Church began responding to the critical needs of
hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees as well
as the other human needs in the region caused by wars,
invasions, liberation struggles, natural disasters and
devastating economic and social conditions.

United Methodist engagement in mission in the
Middle East and North Africa has challenged our under-
standing of the theological foundations for our presence
there. For several quadrennia, the General Conference
of The United Methodist Church has encouraged
United Methodist members, local churches and agen-
cies to pray for peace and become actively involved in
justice and peacemaking efforts in the Middle East. The
United Methodist Church has given special attention to
the Arab-Israel conflict and the homelessness of the
Palestinian people, with the hope that the

resolution of these long-standing conflicts would
create the conditions for resolving other crises in the
region.

Throughout our history of involvement in the Mid-
dle East and North Africa, we have gained a deeper
understanding of the region in its full human and spiri-
tual context. We join our Jewish and Muslim brothers
and sisters in feeling a deep sense of rootedness to the
land where our three religious traditions were born. We
also celebrate the diversity of religious customs and
traditions in the Middle East and North Africa which
provide United Methodists with the opportunity to
strengthen our understanding of and commitment to
interfaith encounters and explorations. This challenge
includes not only Islam and Judaism but the variety of
Christian traditions indigenous to the region as well.
Our United Methodist presence is primarily through
our relationship with the Middle East Council of
Churches (MECC). The MECC is an inclusive fellow-
ship of churches from four Christian families: the East-
em Orthodox, the Oriental Orthodox, the Catholic and
the Protestant.

Over the past four years, the Middle East and North
Africa has experienced dramatic and profound political,
civil, social, economic and religious developments. The
strategic location of the region, its natural resources,

ethnic richness and religious passions attract a variety
of powerful influences and interests from around the
world. The result has too often brought exploitation,
violence and death to the peoples there. As we reflect
upon these developments, in light of our Christian voca-
tion, we are challenged to re-examine and reaffirm our
United Methodist commitment to service and witness
there.

Sustainable Development

The Middle East and North Africa is diverse in its
topography, climate, physical and social environments,
and covers an area approximately equal in size to the
United States. The area is defined by a variety of inde-
pendent states with diverse political systems, ethnic
groups, languages, custom and traditions. These defini-
tions join factors such as rapid population growth, in-
creasing urbanization, scarcity of land, water and other
economic resources, and limits on women's social and
economic autonomy in playing a critical role in ques-
tions of sustainable development there.

Since the Gulf War of 1990, the social, economic and
political situation has deteriorated drastically. Many
countries are facing a major economic crisis which is
rapidly getting worse. The struggles of people through-
out the region are similar: an extremely high unemploy-
ment rate especially among the young population, falling
per capita consumption, shortages of basic food com-
modities, no access to basic social services, high levels
of illiteracy, an absence of accountable government, and
governmental corruption.

Against this backdrop of deteriorating social, eco-
nomic and political conditions, the region suffers from
environmental degradation. Concentrations of air pollut-
ants such as sulfur dioxide and lead are well above levels
considered safe. The quality and productivity of agricul-
tural land is threatened by salination. This limits the
amount of land available for cultivation which is already
threatened by dwindling sources of fresh water. The
water needs of giant and overcrowded cities compete
with agricultural methods demanding large amounts of
water resulting in a water shortage of major proportions.
Much of the water that is available is highly contami-
nated from industrial wastes, agricultural pesticides and
other chemicals. While water shortage is a global prob-
lem, the political implications are most vulnerable in the
Middle East and North Africa where a number of con-
flicts between states are rooted in disagreements over
gaining unrestricted access to sources of water. The
results of this environmental crisis are poor health,
inferior housing, and poor sanitation for both rural and
urban populations, especially those who are marginal-
ised.

As people begin to demand more equitable access
to jobs, schooling, housing and health care, it becomes
clear that questions of population and development must
be framed within a context of equity. Governments will

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continue to be unsuccessful in their efforts to slow rates
of population growth until policies designed to protect
the lifestyles of wealthy elites while ignoring the basic
needs of the majority population undergo drastic
changes. Family planning strategies must become more
holistic to include factors that influence women's repro-
ductive choices such as women's other health needs,
their education, job opportunities and overall status and
the role that men play in reproductive behavior.

Human Rights Concerns

Over the past decade, the human rights movement
in the Middle East and North Africa has expanded
rapidly. We applaud the commitment and determination
of thousands of individuals and groups dedicated to
documenting and publishing information about human
rights abuses in their countries. These efforts have
enabled people in the West to gain a better under-
standing of human rights violations. Their work has also
helped to challenge stereotypes about Middle Eastern
and North African societies.

Perhaps the most destructive of these stereotypes
is the notion that political absolutism is generic to the
region. There is a pervasive sense that the problem in
the region is an absence of "civil society" — networks of
non-governmental institutions and civic culture to which
the state is accountable. However, in fact there are
vibrant and diverse communities and nongovernmental
organizations knowledgeable about and critical of struc-
tures of power in and among their own societies.

The commitment to reforming the political and eco-
nomic problems of the region has been threatening to
authoritarian governments bent on maintaining power
in the Middle East and North Africa. Many states
throughout the region have implemented restrictions
on basic civil and political participation, including free-
dom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and
freedom of association. Corrupt justice systems allow
politically motivated killings, arbitrary arrest, torture
and denial of fair public frials. The rights of minorities,
such as the freedom of religious and ethnic groups to
express their culture, practice their religion and even
use their own language are resfricted and denied in
many states. Fundamentalist religious groups, intoler-
ant of those who disagree with their vision of society,
have used violence to challenge and destabilize existing
political orders. The struggle for women's rights has
also been long and hard in the region. Women in many
countries suffer from resfrictions on their movements,
activities and personal freedoms from both the state and
religious fundamentalist groups. Immigrant women
working in the Middle East are especially vulnerable to
human rights violations with little if any access to re-
dress their oppression.

Peace and Justice Concerns

In recent years, The United Methodist Church has
become more active in justice and peacemaking efforts
in the Middle East and North Africa. The church has
worked with ecumenical and interfaith bodies advocat-
ing self-determination for Palestinians, affirming Israel's
right to exist within secure borders, calling for region-
wide disarmament and urging the United States govern-
ment to initiate a US embargo on arms to the entire
region.

United Methodists are committed to the objective
of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agreement which
would bring recognition and security to Israel and na-
tional and human rights to the Palestinians. We com-
mend those who have actively worked to end the Israeli
occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, Southern Lebanon
and the Golan Heights, while seeking the revocation of
those articles in the PLO covenant that call for the
destruction of Israel. We are hopeful that the signing of
the Israel-Palestinian Authority Interim Agreement will
begin the long-awaited withdrawal of Israeli forces from
the West Bank in partial compliance with United Nations
Security Council Resolution 242, the release of Palestin-
ian political prisoners and the initiation of democratic
political rights for Palestinians. The most important is-
sues have not been resolved: Israel's claim to exclusive
sovereignty over all of Jerusalem, the presence of exist-
ing Israeli settiements and the construction of new ones,
the future of the Palestinian refugees in the diaspora,
and Palestinian national rights. Israelis and Palestinians,
the peoples of the three Abrahamic religions, should
shape the future status of Jerusalem.

In the aftermath of the Gulf War, we deeply grieve
for the Iraqi people. Massive declines in levels of educa-
tion, health, water purification, and sanitation have hit
women, children, and the elderly particularly hard. The
imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq following the
devastating war compounded by the fraqi government's
abusive and divisive social and political policies have
resulted in massive cases of malnutrition, illness and
death.

We uplift those groups and individuals who have
worked tirelessly to bring human dignity, reconciliation,
justice and peace to the region. We are especially mind-
ful of those committed to resolving the conflicts and
injustices suffered by people in Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt,
Iraq, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan and the West-
ern Sahara. We know that the interests of our govern-
ments, including the massive exportation of military
weapons and technical assistance to the region, play a
critical role in these conflicts. As citizens our responsi-
bility is to stand with those laboring to redress all injus-
tices in the Middle East and North Africa.

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Call to Action

We call upon United Methodists individually, in
their local churches, and through their boards and agen-
cies to take the following actions:

1) to pray for all people in the region;

2) to continue United Methodist support, through
the General Boards of Church and Society and Global
Ministries, working with the people of the region to
address their needs;

3) to strengthen our relationship with the Middle
East Council of Churches and other indigenous partners
in the region;

4) to seek a deeper understanding of the region and
its peoples. We ask that leaders of Holy Land "pilgrim-
ages" and volunteer in mission visits contact United
Methodist missionaries, representatives of the Middle
East Council of Churches, and other partner organiza-
tions in the region in planning their itineraries;

5) to urge governments to stop military assistance
and arms exports to the region and to support sustain-
able development initiatives;

6) to urge the United States government to lead the
United Nations Security Council in calling for a relaxa-
tion of UN economic sanctions against Iraq in order to
end the cruel and devastating affect they are having on
the Iraqi people, especially on the elderly, women and
children;

7) to urge the Iraqi government to cease its abusive
and divisive social and political policies and to encourage
it to bring human dignity and justice to its people;

8) to provide a forum in United Methodist churches
for voices of women, especially from Algeria, Egypt,
Palestine, Tunisia, and the Western Sahara;

9) to support nongovernmental organizations dedi-
cated to working for peace and justice, reconciliation,
and human dignity in the Middle East and North Africa;

10) to urge the United States and other govern-
ments to support the internationalization of Jerusalem;

11) to urge the United States and other govern-
ments to encourage strongly the state of Israel to cease
the confiscation of Palestinian lands; to cease the build-
ing of new, or the development of existing, settlements
in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem;
to lift all closures of Jerusalem to Palestinians; and to
release Palestinian political prisoners;

12) to urge the United States and other govern-
ments to encourage strongly the Palestinian National
Authority to cease human rights violations including
extra-judicial punishment, abduction and torture, and
call upon the Palestine National Authority to establish a

civil and independent judiciary in the West Bank and
Gaza;

13) to organize educational events and community
prayers for peace in the Middle East, in order to bring
together in each community Jews, Muslims, and Chris-
tians.

Petition Number: 21361-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM,
GBOD.

Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse
in the Church

Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes [a] child. ..wel-
comes me." (Matthew 18:5, NRSV). Children are our
present and our future, our hope, our teachers, our
inspiration. They are full participants in the life of the
church and in the realm of God.

Jesus also said, "If any of you put a stumbling block
before one of these little ones..., it would be better for
you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck
and you were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Mat-
thew 18:6, NRSV). Our Christian faith calls us to offer
both hospitality and protection to the little ones, the
children. The Social Principles of the United Methodist
Church state that "...children must be protected from
economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse."

Tragically, churches have not always been safe
places for children. Child sexual abuse, exploitation and
ritual abuse* occur in churches, both large and small,
urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic,
cultural and racial lines. It is real, and appears to be
increasing. Most annual conferences can cite specific
incidents of child sexual abuse and exploitation within
churches. Virtually every congregation has among its
members adult survivors of early sexual trauma.

Such incidents are devastating to all who are in-
volved: the child, the family, the local church and its
leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the
legal, emotional and monetary consequences of litiga-
tion following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places,
protecting children and other vulnerable persons from
sexual and ritual abuse. God calls us to create commu-
nities of faith where children and adults grow safe and
strong. In response to this church-wide challenge, the
following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of
child sexual abuse.

A. Local churches should:

1. Develop and implement an ongoing education
plan for the congregation and its leaders on the reality
of child abuse, risk factors leading to child abuse and
strategies for prevention.

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2. Adopt screening procedures (use of application
forms, interviews, reference checks, background clear-
ance, etc.) for workers (paid and unpaid) directly or
indirectly involved in the care of children and youth.

3. Develop and implement safety procedures for
church activities such as: having two or more non-re-
lated adults present in classroom or activity; leaving
doors open and installing half-doors or windows in doors
or halls; providing hall monitors; instituting sign-in and
sign-out procedures for children ten or younger, etc.

4. Carry liability insurance that includes sexual
abuse coverage.

5. Assist the development of awareness and self-pro-
tection skills for children and youth through special
curricula and activities.

6. Be familiar with Annual Conference policies re-
garding clergy sexual abuse.

B. Annual Conferences should develop safety and
risk-reducing policies and procedures for conference-
sponsored events such as camps, retreats, youth gath-
erings, chOd care at conference events, mission trips,
etc. Annual Conferences shall also develop guidelines
and training processes for use by church leaders who
carry responsibility for prevention of child abuse in local
churches. Both sets of policies shall be developed by a
task force appointed by the cabinet in cooperation with
appropriate conference agencies. These policies shall be
approved by the Annual Conference and assigned to a
conference agency for implementation. It is suggested
that the policies be circulated in conference publications
and shared with lay professionals and clergy at district
or conference seminars.

C. The General Board of Discipleship and the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries should cooperatively
develop and/or identify and promote the following re-
sources:

1. Sample policies, procedures, forms, etc. for reduc-
ing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation of children
and youth in local churches, both in relation to their own
sponsored programs and to any outreach ministries or
other programs for children or youth that use church
space.

2. Child abuse prevention curricula for use in local
churches.

3. Training opportunities and other educational re-
sources on child sexual abuse and exploitation and on
ritual abuse.

4. Resources on healing for those who have experi-
enced childhood sexual trauma.

*Ritual abuse refers to abusive acts committed as
part of ceremonies or rites; ritual abusers are often
related to cults, or pretend to be.

Petition Number: 21362-GM-NonDis-O; GBGM.

Holy Boldness: A National Plan
for Urban Ministry

Whereas, Change is inevitable but transformation
is optional. As United Methodists our biblical and
Wesleyan heritage calls us to transform urban churches
and communities with holy boldness. We are called to
provide prophetic vision for the future as well as identify
goals and strategies to mobilize resources and people
for the transformation of urban congregations and com-
munities. A new comprehensive urban ministry plan
called Holy Boldness was developed for this purpose.

The Holy Boldness National Urban Ministry Plan
was developed by more than 1000 United Methodists
representing urban, suburban and rural communities,
congregations as well as annual conferences and na-
tional leadership. The Plan sets forth a vision, goal areas
and outcomes to organize and resource congregations
and church-based community organizations for trans-
forming urban congregations and communities through
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is a grass-roots movement that will empower
congregations and church-based organizations to de-
velop local strategies for urban ministry. The objective
is not to create new national structures or priorities, but
work within present structures and existing resources
to leverage new opportunities for urban ministry.

Therefore, be it resolved that The United Methodist
Church:

Commend the ministry of urban churches and
church-based organizations that share the Gospel of
Jesus Christ through prophetic vision and proclaiming
God's Word.

Urge congregations and church-based organiza-
tions to become covenanting sponsors of the Holy Bold-
ness Urban Ministry Plan and work toward developing
and carrying out local strategies that address Holy Bold-
ness goal areas: contextual urban theology, urban evan-
gelism, leadership development, community economic
development, eradication of racism, strengthening multi
cultural collaboration, health and healing.

Mandate the General Church agencies' staff having
responsibility for urban concerns and/or the General
Secretary's designee (s) from Religion and Race, Disci-
pleship, Global Ministries, Communications, Higher
Education and Ministry, Council on Ministries, and
Church and Society, and a representative from the
Council of Bishops to work together to develop collabo-
rative agency strategies for resourcing as well as review

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existing resources which may be channeled for the Holy
Boldness Urban Ministry Plan.

Charge the designated representative staff of the
previously mentioned General Church agencies to work
with the National Urban Strategy Council to report to
the 2000 General Conference on the effectiveness of the
Holy Boldness Urban Ministry Plan's ability to: 1) organ-
ize and mobilize congregations and church-based or-
ganizations to accomplish local church and community
transformation, and 2) evaluate how well the General
Church agencies collaborated to resource and enable
the Plan to be carried out in local urban contexts.

Affirm the Holy Boldness effort and Plan (attached)
as a movement and plan for United Methodist urban
ministry.

Holy Boldness: a National Urban Ministry Plan

Change is inevitable but transformation is optional.
As The United Methodist Church, we have the opportu-
nity to transform urban churches and communities with
holy boldness. The Holy Boldness Plan is not a perfect
plan but a dynamic tool for organizing and mobilizing
people for urban transformation. It recognizes that there
are regional and local differences and invites churches
and church-based community organizations to develop
local strategies to carry out the goals.

The material in the Urban Ministry Plan was identi-
fied by the more than 650 participants at the 1995 Na-
tional Urban Ministry Convocation. The material devel-
oped by the participants over a three-day period was
further refined through more than 50 focus groups
across the country. The goal of the process and Plan
is to provide a vision for the future, identify areas
of focus, and organize and mobilize resources and
people to carry out the Plan. Ultimately, the plan wall
be effective if local churches and church-related commu-
nity organizations and agencies develop strategies and
carry out the agreed- upon goals. It is also critical for the
whole church (congregations in and outside urban ar-
eas, annual conferences, and General Church agencies)
to work in collaboration to support those working locally
to transform urban congregations and communities.

Goal Areas

The goal areas identified for this plan were deter-
mined through a national survey of laity, pastors,
church-related community organization staff, confer-
ence staff, and bishops. The plan does not claim to meet
every urban church and community need, but it is a first
step toward organizing and mobilizing United Method-
ists to work locally on goals for church and community
transformation. The goal areas are:

1. Urban theology

2. Evangelism and congregational development

3. Eradication of racism

4. Strengthening of multi-cultural relationships

5. Leadership development

6. Community economic development

7. Health and healing

Asset Based

While there are serious urban problems inside and
outside the church, transformation is possible through
the resources and strengths of the church and commu-
nity. The Holy Boldness Plan calls for churches and
communities to identify their assets and build on these
assets as people are mobilized for transformation. Some
of the assets identified by the 650 planners who helped
to prepare this document are:

1. God's transforming power through Jesus Christ

2. The local church and church-based community
organizations

3. The people of our churches and cities who repre-
sent a wide variety of racial and ethnic traditions and
have the talents for transformation

4. United Methodist general agencies and schools

5. Ecumenical and inter-faith partners

Congregation Based

As a church we are blessed with congregations,
church-related community organizations, and institu-
tions that seek to transform urban communities. All are
important to the life of urban communities and will be
challenged to work toward the goals of the Urban Plan.
The Plan calls for a significant focus on local urban
congregations which, because they are strategically lo-
cated, have the opportunity to share God's love in word
and deed and are in need of development. If the Church
is to transform communities, the local church is critical.

Collaborative Effort

Urban transformation will require a collaborative
effort by local churches working in cooperation with
other denominations, community organizations, busi-
nesses, and governmental institutions. Collaboration
will need to occur beyond city limits by collaborating
with rural churches which share similar problems and
suburban churches which have committed volunteers
and resources and relational roots in urban neighbor-
hoods, all of which strengthen ministry.

Collaboration will also need to occur at the national
level. General Church agencies will need to work to-
gether to identify common strategies that they can mu-
tually accomplish. The national strategies should link

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with local strategies and needs. National collaboration
must also involve other ecumenical and inter-faith bod-
ies and national urban resources.

Covenant Inspired

The Urban Plan invites people, churches, church-
based community organizations and church agencies to
covenant to work toward the established goals.
Churches and organizations will review the Plan and
make a commitment to work toward the goals in their
setting. Covenanting churches and groups will become
part of a nation-wide network for support, idea develop-
ment, and resourcing. Three thousand churches and
church-related organizations/agencies will be invited to
covenant to work toward the Plan's goals.

Local Strategies

This Plan does not identify how the goals will be
implemented. It is believed that strategies and action
plans for these goals are best developed at the local level
and by others who commit to carry out the strategies.

Holy Boldness

Churches and church-related community organiza-
tions are encouraged to take authority and responsibility
in being bold and holy to accomplish the Urban Ministry
Plan goals. This will require local strategies and local
ownership. With God's help, transformation of urban
congregations and communities is possible.

United Methodist Urban Ministry Vision

We will become a church that practices "holy bold-
ness" in urban areas as evidenced by the church:

1. Risking all we have to share God's transforming
love as experienced through Jesus Christ in both word
and deed

2. Ministering with and among the poor

3. Transforming and developing urban congrega-
tions

4. Celebrating and honoring diversity within the
congregation, church-related organizations, agencies
and the community

5. Living and proclaiming God's justice and equality
in every situation without fear of being isolated and
ridiculed

6. Being an agent for healing in the midst of broken
lives and communities

7. Effectively developing the spiritual, social and
physical well-being of individuals and communities

Goals

Urban Theology

1. Teach within churches and church-related or-
ganizations, and be a living example in the community
that urban ministry is based in the person, ministry, and
stories of Jesus Christ, who provided an example of
meeting the physical needs of others and proclaiming
the saving power of God.

2. Develop an urban academy with a strong urban
theology component, as well as practical components for
carrying out theology in the world through community
development, eliminating racism, developing multi-cul-
tural collaboration, urban evangelism, and leadership
development.

3. Encourage congregations to model a theology
that serves all people and focuses on the poor and
marginalized.

Urban Theology Outcomes Anticipated by the Year
2000

1. An urban theology academy will train and re-train
400 people for urban ministry who will resource other
churches for urban ministry.

2. Fifty United Methodist and congregations from
other denominations who effectively minister to the
poor and marginalized will be identified as models for
other urban churches.

3. Seventy congregations (at least one in each an-
nual conference) will covenant to focus their ministry
with the poor and marginalized and incorporate the
worshiping congregation.

4. A video and discussion guide will be produced
and utilized in 500 urban churches to help congrega-
tions explore and begin to identify God's vision for their
church and community.

5. Three thousand churches will covenant to base
their ministry in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and
develop ministries that respond to urban spiritual, physi-
cal and social needs.

Urban Evangelism and Congregational Development

\. Develop the necessary support and systems to
enable longer pastoral appointments.

2. Design resources and training to help congrega-
tions communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ effectively
in a diverse and changing urban environment.

3. Use existing resources and develop new re-
sources for urban congregational Bible study to deepen
people's faith and challenge them to live the Gospel.

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4. Develop a prayer network that links churches in
partnerships (this can include urban churches with
other urban or rural or suburban churches).

5. Increase the number of worshipers in urban con-
gregations through evangelism and outreach to the
neighborhood in which the church is located and other
community networks.

Urban Evangelism and Congregational Development
Outcomes Anticipated by the Year 2000

1. A printed resource will be developed to assist
bishops/district superintendents with ideas for support-
ing urban pastors.

2. Fifty bishops/district superintendents will cove-
nant to use the resource with urban pastors.

3. Five hundred urban congregations will covenant
to explore and identify strategies for urban evangelism
and congregational development.

4. One thousand congregations and church-based
community organizations will develop at least one new
Bible study that will disciple people in the faith and
strengthen people to work in the community.

5. Five hundred congregations will be linked in a
prayer network.

6. The development of a voluntary clergy salary
equalization program will be explored.

Eradicating Racism and Other Forms of Oppression

1. Organize a local and national support system for
those willing to risk pursuing the vision and agenda of
eliminating racism.

2. Highlight model programs that are challenging
and working toward eradicating racism and other forms
of oppression in the congregation and the community
so that other congregations can develop similar efforts.

3. Be sensitive to racism in all urban training expe-
riences.

Eradicating Racism Outcomes Anticipated by the
Year 2000

1. Identify and link 500 people and churches/organi-
zations.

2. Identify and produce a resource guide on 20
effective models that challenge racism in churches and
communities and use the resource in 200 churches.

3. Design a resource that will help address racism
in urban training sessions and distribute to 400 urban
trainers.

Developing and Strengthening Multi-cultural
Collaboration

1. Develop the resources for, and encourage con-
gregations to participate in, cultural immersion and
cross-cultural experiences.

2. Design new and use existing church resources
for the arts, music, worship, and Bible study which
model, encourage, and strengthen multi<ulturalism.

Developing and Strengthening Multi<ultural Col-
laboration Outcomes Anticipated by the Year 2000

1. Identify/develop ten (10) models and supporting
resources for ministry in cross cultural experiences. At
least two of the models will be youth focused. The
models and supporting resources will be utilized in 200
churches.

2. Solicit 1000 churches to participate in cross-cul-
tural experiences.

3. Invite the 1000 covenanting churches to commit
to an intentional program that broadens multi-cultural
understanding and enables congregations to collabo-
rate multi-culturally.

Leadership Development

1. Extend the Hispanic Plan model of lay missioner
for urban leadership.

2.Empower laity and clergy for ministry and mission
by freeing them from unnecessary bureaucracy within
the church.

3. Assertively train lay and clergy leadership for
urban ministry, including advocating and effecting
change in public and private life.

4. Intentionally recruit more clergy and laity for
urban ministry and offer them opportunities to be in-
volved in "hands-on" experiences.

Leadership Development Outcomes Anticipated by
the Year 2000

1. Adapt the lay missioner model for use in 200
urban situations.

2. Identify 300 churches who will analyze their struc-
tures for unnecessary bureaucracy and develop meth-
ods for freedom for urban mission and ministry.

3.Conduct ten (10) regional and two (2) national
opportunities for training in urban ministry.

4. Identify and work with 100 sites where children
and youth can be introduced to urban ministry.

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Community Economic Development

1. Create a national United Methodist community
development loan fund that helps United Methodist
congregations and individuals invest money for commu-
nity development through churches.

2. Continue and further develop the Communities
of Shalom Initiative as a wholistic strategy for develop-
ing communities and strengthening congregations.

3. Provide training and technical assistance to help
churches engage in systemic change and community
economic development by

working with an existing community development
corporation or starting a community development cor-
poration when necessary.

4. Assist churches in learning how they can raise
additional dollars for community development from
sources outside the church.

5. Assist congregations in utilizing their buildings
for community economic development and outreach.

Community Economic Development Outcomes An-
ticipated by the Year 2000

1. Establish a United Methodist Community Eco-
nomic Development Loan Fund which will have a $50
million revolving loan fund.

2. Establish 300 Communities of Shalom as a strat-
egy for developing communities and strengthening con-
gregations.

3. Identify training and technical assistance models
to help 500 churches engage in systemic change and
community development.

4. Identify 25 financial consultants to assist the five
(5) jurisdictions in training to raise money and package
resources to develop communities and strengthen local
congregations.

5. Identify 20 models that exemplify how churches
have creatively utilized their church buildings to be in
expanded and extended ministry for community eco-
nomic development.

Wholeness, Healing and Health

1. Increase the understanding of how people are
marginalized, and what can be done to develop whole-
ness, healing and health.

2. Assist congregations in developing a comprehen-
sive understanding of how they can be healing agents
in their neighborhoods, and bring about a healthy com-
munity.

3. Challenge congregations and agencies to develop
ways to improve the spiritual, social and physical well
being of individuals and communities.

4. Communicate through the Holy Boldness net-
work, models of ministry with the homeless, the hungry,
people that are HIV positive, physically and mentally ill
individuals, victims of violence, and people with addic-
tions.

5. Publicize successful models where spiritual de-
velopment by congregations and/or community organi-
zations has brought about wholeness, healing, and
health in urban settings.

Wholeness, Healing and Health Outcomes Antici-
pated by the Year 2000

1. Identify 40 models that demonstrate the spiritual
as well as the social aspects in developing wholeness,
healing and health.

2. Provide technical assistance to 100 congregations
and agencies that are seeking to develop effective social
ministries.

3. Establish a national network for United Method-
ist churches addressing key health and healing con-

4. Identify 40 models of collaboration through which
barriers to mission and ministry have been removed.

Immediate Actions

1. Establish a telephone technical assistance pro-
gram by using experienced volunteer urban ministry
practitioners from around the country.

2. Publish a newsletter listing urban ministry re-
sources and accomplishments toward the established
goals.

3. Develop an urban covenant that can be used by
covenanting churches and organizations.

4. Hold a November 6-9, 1997, Urban Ministry Con-
vocation in the Western Jurisdiction.

5. Publish an occasional journal on urban ministry
issues.

Petition Number: 21363-GM-NonDis^O; GBGM.

Communities of Shalom

Whereas, the General Conference responded to the
Los Angeles crisis of 1992 by creating a new strategy
called Communities of Shalom which incorporates evan-
gelism and community action by focusing on spiritual
renewal, congregational development, community eco-

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797

nomic development, health, and strengthening race and
class relationships;

The Communities of Shalom concept was piloted in
seven communities in Greater Los Angeles and through
struggle and determination enabled a new and compre-
hensive paradigm for ministry. The Communities of
Shalom strategy has spread throughout the Church and
in early 1996 engaged more than 250 urban and rural
churches and community organizations in the United
States and one in Africa;

The United Methodist Church through the General
Board of Global Ministries in consultation with the Na-
tional Shalom Committee designed and carried out a
successful training and technical assistance program for
those developing Communities of Shalom. These new
resources are enabling churches and communities to
develop and renew community life. The training has
been utilized in 16 annual conferences and stimulates
new enthusiasm and plans for creative ministry;

The need for Communities of Shalom within urban
and rural areas continues to grow. Additional communi-
ties and churches in Los Angeles, the nation and the
world are seeking effective ministry models that trans-
form congregations, communities and individuals for
God's ministry of shalom.

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church:

• Commend the ministry of churches and
communities in Greater Los Angeles that pioneered
the Communities of Shalom strategy;

• Urge the continual expansion of Shalom ministries
throughout the United States and the world for
churches in urban and rural communities in crisis
and transition;

• Affirm the Shalom Committee and its continued
work with the General Board of Global Ministries
and other General Church agencies;

• Mandate that The United Methodist Church at its
General and local levels continue to collaborate with
other denominations, businesses, and community
organizations to transform congregations and
communities through the Shalom strategy;

• Charge all General Church agencies in the next
quadrennium to explore and develop opportunities
to work collaboratively to assist local churches wath
the Communities of Shalom strategy;

• Endorse the solicitation of Shalom resources from
foundations, corporations, government sources,
individuals and churches utilizing the Advance, a
foundation structure and other necessary
strategies.

Petition Number: 21347-GM-R135-U; GBGM, GBOD.

Putting Children and Their Families First

Delete "Supportive Policies for Families with Chil-
dren," pp. 135-140 and replace with the following:

Putting Children and Their Families First

Once considered to be the property of their parents,
children are now acknowledged to be full human beings
in their own right, but beings to whom adults and society
in general have special obligations.. ..All children have the
right to quality education.... Moreover, children have the
rights to food, shelter, clothing, health care and emotional
well-being as do adults, and these rights we affirm as theirs
regardless of actions or inactions of their parents or
guardians. In particular, children must be protected from
economic, physical and sexual exploitation and
abuse. — from Social Principles, % 72, The Book of
Discipline

The Problem

Growing up whole and healthy is increasingly
difficult for children. They face weakened support
systems throughout society, from home to school
to church, at the very time they are struggling with
unprecedented sfresses. They are forced to grow
up too quickly, to make significant life choices at
a younger and younger age.

Every day in America:

3 children die from child abuse.

15 children die from gtms.

27 children — a classroomfiil — die from
poverty.

95 babies die before their first birthday.

564 babies are bom to women who had late
or no prenatal care

788 babies are bom at low birth weight (under
5 pounds, 8 ounces).

1,340 teenagers give birth.

2,217 teenagers drop out of school (each
school day).

2,350 children are in adult jails.

2,699 babies are bom into poverty.

3,356 babies are bom to unmarried women.

8,189 children are reported abused or
neglected.

100,000 children are homeless.

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DCA Advance Edition

• 135,000 children bring guns to school.

• 1 ,200,000 latehkey children come home to a
house in which there is a gun.

The percentage of children in poverty is per-
haps the most dependable indicator of childhood
well-being. In 1992, one in every five of America's
children lived below the poverty line. Very young
children, those under age six, are among the very
poorest groups in the country, with over a quarter
of them living in poverty.

The share of children living in single-parent
families increased from 21% in 1985 to 25% in
1992. The poverty rate for single-parent families
is 42%, compared to 8% for two-parent families.

Public Policy Implications

In light of the critical nature of the problems
described above. The United Methodist Church
should press for public policies that

1 . Guarantee basic income for all families re-
gardless of structure (some states exclude from
welfare programs two-parent families and persons
who work yet earn well below the poverty line.)

2. Provide basic support services for families
in economic crisis, including food and nutrition
programs (such as food stamps; Women, Infants
and Children's programs; child care; school food
programs; ete.), crisis respite care and home care
services.

3. Mandate full and complete access to health
and medical care including health maintenance,
prenatal and well-baby services, mental health
services for all family members, including the
highly underserved group of young children and
teens.

4. Assure safe and affordable housing for fami-
lies without regard to number and ages of chil-
dren.

5. Safeguard protective services for children at
risk of abuse.

Too often we engage in public policy debate,
make new laws and cut budgets and programs
without putting the highest priority on how any
change or policy will affect children and their fami-
lies. We have seen this tendency in a number of
federal, state and local legislative batdes in recent
years.

We Call upon United Methodists to Ask the
Following Questions of Any Pending Legislation,
Any Budget Cut, Any New Policy:

1 . Are children's needs and well-being consid-
ered first and foremost in evaluating health and
welfare reforms, or any other national, state or
local policy?

2. Will this program or pohcy make fewer chil-
dren poor and increase the likelihood of children
growing up healthy, educated and prepared to
work and contribute to the future productivity of
the economy?

3. Will this program or policy make families
more self-sufBcient, enabling parents to work by
providing them with jobs and the tools of work
(education and training, child care, health care,
child support enforcement)?

4. Will this program or policy support families
in providing care, nurture, safety and stability to
children?

5. Will this program or policy help the many
who have litde rather than the few who have
much?

6. Will this program or pohcy help families
stay together and care for their children?

7. Does this program or policy refi-ain from
punishing children for the actions or inactions of
their parents or guardians?

8. Will this program or policy actually save
money in the long run, rather than gain a short-
sighted savings that leaves the next generation to
pay the price?

9. Is this program or policy as fair to children
as to adults, and to women as to men?

10. Will this program or pohcy provide young
people with opportunities for a meaningful future?

11. Will this program develop in children a
sense of responsibiUty for themselves and their
communities?

Legislators and other public leaders should be
held accountable to citizens and voters for their
answers to these questions and for the results of
their actions.

Church Program and Policy Implications

Churches must strengthen and expand their
ministry and advocacy efforts on behaff of children
and their families. A coordinated ministry that
serves families with children in the congregation
and in the larger community, that joins hands with
human service providers and ectunenical col-
leagues and that addresses the public pohcy con-
cerns listed above is needed in eveiy church and
conununity.

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The church has traditionally emphasized the
integrity of the institutions of marriage and family,
and the responsibilities of parenthood. While
these emphases should be maintained, a wholistic
ministry with families must, of necessity, be based
on the broadest possible definition of family so
that the great variety of structures and configura-
tions will be included. Grandparents often func-
tion as parents and many families are headed by
single parents or "blended" through divorce and
remarriage. Adoption, fostering and extended
family structures are among those that need the
chtirch's ministry.

Churches need to understand that all the
problems described here happen to individuals
and families inside the congregation as well as in
the wider community. A 1992 survey of active
United Methodists across the country concerning
women and families in crisis revealed that among
the nearly 2,500 respondents:

• One in every 50 had abused illegal drugs; one
in every 19 had abused alcohol.

• One in every 23 had experienced a teenage
and/or unmarried pregnancy; one in four
reported that a family member or close friend
had such an experience.

• One in every 14 had an abortion.

• One in every five had experienced divorce;
one in eight had been a single parent

• One in every five had experienced job loss or
other financial crisis.

• One in every six had been victims of incest or
other sexual abuse when they were children.
One in every 15 had been physically abused
as children.

• One in every 14 had been battered by a
spouse.

• One in every 11 had been raped, most by
acquaintances or a spouse.

In light of these statistics, which initially
sound shockingly high but are in fact somewhat
lower than national statistics, it is critically impor-
tant that each congregation deal openly with the
needs of its members and its community, and
begin developing appropriate ministry responses
for children and their famiUes. Support groups,
hot lines, shelters, parenting classes, treatment
programs, home care services, nutrition and feed-
ing programs and after-school tutoring and men-
toring programs are especially needed in many
communities, and are programs that churches are
often well-suited to sponsor or support

A network of child-serving institutions and
agencies, fi"om community centers to residences
for at-risk children and youth, exists across the
church. Many are local expressions of national
mission, and others are related to annual confer-
ences. These agencies meet critical needs and ur-
gentiy require the financial, volunteer and prayer
support of congregations. Recent cuts in public
funding to these programs make support from the
church even more critical.

The 21st century is nearly upon us. If the
church is to be a faithful advocate for children,
protecting and nurturing them into healthy adult-
hood, increased awareness and vigilance will be
required. In preparation for this daunting task, we
call upon The United Methodist Church to:

1. Generate a plan in every local church for
assessing ministry with children (in the congrega-
tion and in the community) and implementing a
vision for ministry with children and their families
that takes seriously the facts and perspectives pre-
sented above. This plan is to be overseen by the
official decision-making body of each local church.

2. Celebrate the Children's Sabbath in every
local church each October. For information and
resources, contact Children's Defense Fund, Chil-
dren's Sabbath Office, P.O. Box 90500, Washing-
ton, DC 20090-0500.

3. Increase awareness of the needs of children
and their families by challenging the church's
leaders (including bishops, general agency staff,
CCOM directors and district superintendents as
well as local church clergy and lay leadership) to
spend the equivalent of one full day during the
1997-2000 quadrennium as a volunteer at a local
outreach ministry that serves children, such as a
community center, child care center, tutoring or
peirenting program, shelter for homeless families,
etc.

4. Continue and strengthen a task force
formed of persons from general church agencies
who work on issues of child and family advocacy
in order to coordinate work, implement this reso-
lution, and advocate cooperatively for the needs of
children (to be convened annually by the Chil-
dren's Ministries Office of the General Board of
Discipleship).

Endnotes:

1. Children's Defense Fund, The State of Amer-
ica's Children 1995.

2. Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count Data
Book 1995.

3. Md.

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4. Adapted from Children's Defense Fund bro-
chure, "Protecting Children in Shifting Political
Winds," 1995, and Children Navy's flyer, "Con-
tract with America's Children: Why Children Need
Policies for Change," 1995.

5. From 1992 church-wide survey conducted
by Office of Ministries with Women and Families,
National Division, General Board of Global Minis-
tries. Total sample of 2,310 included: responses
from readers of Response magazine and The United
Methodist Reporter, a random sampling of local
churches suppUed by the research department of
GCOM; and surveys distributed to all attendees at
a number of local units of United Methodist
Women and Schools of Christian Mission.

Petition Number: 20893-GM-R157-U; NCJTown &
Country and Urban Network Committees.

Basic Rural Worth

Replace "An Affirmation of Basic Rural Worth," p.
157 with the following resolution:

Rural people, rural communities, and rural
congregations are of great value in God's creation.

While only 2% of people in the United States
are directiy involved in farming, approximately
30% live in nu-al areas.

Many rural communities are growing. Fami-
lies and individuals are moving back to rural com-
munities because of the quality of life there.

Recent developments in communications
technology and improved transportation systems
have done much to eliminate problems of isolation
and distance.

Approximately 50% of United Methodist
churches are located in rural areas of 2,500 popu-
lation or less.

Rural people and rural churches have many
gifts and strengths to share with the Church of the
future.

Rural peoples are employed in farming, ranch-
ing and other agriculture endeavors, trucking, mi-
grant work, timbering, recreation, fishing and
river work, rural factories and small businesses of
numerous kinds.

Therefore, be it resolved that The United
Methodist Chiu'ch affirms that:

1 . Persons who live in rural places, like other
peoples, are persons of sacred human worth for
whom God's grace is available and operative.

2. Each nu'al church, regardless of size or
location, is valuable to The United Metiiodist
Church.

3. Rural conununities are sigmficant and valu-
able places of ministry where new congregational
development and congregational redevelopment
should be, can be, and is happening.

4. Rural residents deserve the option of living
and prospering in the communities where they
live, and tihe goals and poUcies of the governments
that relate to rural places should provide this op-
tion.

5. Rural peoples deserve equitable and con-
tinuing spiritual care, recreational opportunities,
security for the elderly and those whose abilities
are challenged, nurture and protection for chil-
dren and youth, satisfying economic opportunity,
and a sense of purpose and hope.

6. As stewards of creation, rural people have
a right to determination of how land, water, air,
and other resources within their communities, es-
pecially in eireas of limited population, are to be
used, with particular attention given to land use
and control being exercised by all who live within
an area.

Petition Number: 21348-GM-R200-U; GBGM.

The Chiu"ch and People with Mental, Physical,
and/or Psychological Disabilities

Revise the title on page 200 to read: "The Church
and People with Mental, Physical, and/or Psychological
Disabilities," and add the following new text at the end
of the resolution:

Barrier-Free Construction for People with Disabili-

ties

Be it resolved:

That Church monies from agencies of The
United Methodist Church beyond the local church
be granted, loaned, or otherwise provided onfy for
the construction of church sanctuaries, educa-
tional buildings, parsonages, camps, colleges or
other chiu-ch-related agencies or facilities that
meet minimum guidelines in their plans for bar-
rier-free construction.

That local churches utilizing their own funds
or funds seciu'ed through lending agencies and
institutions beyond The United Methodist Church
be tu^ed to make adequate provision in their
plans to insiu'e that all new chtu-ch buildings shall
be of barrier-free construction.

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That local churches be urged to adapt existing
facilities through such programs as widening
doorways, installing ramps and elevators, elimi-
nating stairs where possible, providing handrails,
adequate parking facilities, and rest rooms so that
people with disabilities may take their appropriate
place in the fellowship of the church.

That the appropriate national agencies provide
technical information for local churches to assist
in providing barrier-free facilities.

Petition Number: 20894-GM-R204-U; NCJ Town &
County and Urban Network Committees.

The Church's Response to Changing
Riu'al Issues

Amend "The Church's Response to Changing Rural
Issues," p. 204. 205:

Be it resolved, that each board and agency of The
United Methodist Church, and district and conference
programming agencies, through its boards and
agencies at all levels of organization, encourage and
assist urban,...

* The-pPoor self-esteem and mental health ef
many rural residents and communities.

* The abandonment of the elderly...

* Poor basic government services such as good
Inadequate physical and psychological health care,
rural public transportation, children's services, and le-
gal assistance.

* Rttfal-eCrime and an absence of good police pro-
iccuon .

* The effects of regional consolidations...

* Lack of consumer goods and feelings that consum-
ers ore at the mercy of businesses and industries.

* Peef-sStewardship of the environment, including
the pollution care of the soil, air, and water.

* Ownership and control of land...

* Spiritual irrelevance.

* The changing role of the church within the rural
community.

Petition Number: 21349-GM-R207-U; GBGM.

Communications Access for People Who Have
Hearing and Sight Impairment

Revise the title on page 207 to read: "Communica-
tions Access for People Who Have Hearing and Sight
Impairment," and amend as follows:

BECAUSE The United Methodist Church believes
that all United Methodists are full members of the
church and is committed to ministry by and with per-
sons with handicapping conditions people with dis-
abilities; and

BECAUSE the churches arc cxcuacd from compli
ance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1000;

Public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels,
theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, retail stores, mu-
seums, libraries, parks, private schools and day care
centers, may not discriminate on the basis of disability,
effective January 26, 1992. Private clubs and religious
organizations arc exempt.

Auxiliary aids and services must be provided to
individuals with vision or hearing impairments or other
individuals with disabilities so that they can have an
equal opportunity to benefit, unless an undue burden
would result. — From a synopsis prepared by the Civil
Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice

And because,, despite sincere efforts on the part of
the church, persons yyith handicapping conditions peo-
ple with disabilities are still confronted by barriers to
communications within and without the church.

We call upon the church to:

•Increase its awareness...

•Use appropriate technologies to make essential
communications accessible to persons who are hard of-
hearing and deaf people who are deaf and hard-of-
hearing including:

Considering production of alternative versions of
church-produced video, films or other audiovisuals for
persons who arc hard-of-hcaring and deaf and persons
who arc partially sighted and blind at meetings for
people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing and peo-
ple who are blind and partially sighted.

Considering the use of assistive technologies for
persons who are hard-of-hearing and deaf and hard-of-
hearing for telephone communications.

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Petition Number: 21350-GM-R208-U; GBGM.

Compliance with the American with Disabilities
Act for Employers

Amend "Compliance with the Americans with Dis-
abilities Act for Employers," p. 208, 209:

[First paragraph] ...psychologically handicapping
disabling conditions, including their families"; and

[Third paragraph] Whereas, President Bush signed
into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
which, however, would not pertain to most churches;
and

Petition Number: 20892-GM-R401-U; United Method-
ist Appalachian Development Committee.

.^palachiEm Mission

Replace "Appalachian Challenge" and "The Appala-
chian Mission," pp. 401403 with the following resolu-
tion:

The United Methodist Church has engaged in
ministry and mission in the Appalachijin region
for over two centuries. Even though many re-
sources have been committed through ministries
such as Red Bird Missionary Conference (Ken-
tucky), Hinton Rural life Center (North Carolina),
Upper Sand Motmtain Cooperative Parish (Ala-
beuna), Jackson Area Ministries (Ohio), Heart and
Hand House (West Virginia), Connellsville Coop-
erative Ministry (Pennsylvania), Jubilee Project
(Tennessee), and in many other local and commu-
nity ministries, conditions among many people in
this region continue to worsen.

For instance, the average per capita income in
Appalachia is 80.8 percent of the U.S. average (in
Central Appalachia, it is only 60.9 percent) and
continues to experience decline: 23.09 percent of
rural families and 27.88 percent of children live
below the poverty level. Second, while entitiement
subsidies have raised the living standard some-
what for the elderly, reductions of federal and
state entitiements to other segments of the popu-
lation have resulted in increased suffering of nu-
merous Appalachians in terms of health care, edu-
cation, housing, transportation, and economic
opportunity.

Third, unemployment is above 20 percent in
many portions of the region, and employment op-
portunities decrease with the continuing exodus
of industry and the growing mechanization of coal
mining and timbering.

Fotuth, absentee ownership of land (80 per-
cent) by multi-national corporations and the fed-
eral government results in economic benefits for

outsiders, and vast areas of the region have become
a dumping ground for the entire eastern seaboard.
The result has been increasingly disastrous envi-
ronmental damage.

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist
Church:

reafBrms its commitment to ministry and mis-
sion, addressing the challenges of Appalachia de-
nominationally as directed by the General Confer-
ence of 1968, through the coordination of the
Appalachian Development Committee, and ecu-
menically through the Commission on Religion in
Appalachia; and

Further be it resolved, that all levels of the
Church be called upon to consider the worsening
conditions of Appalachia to reevaluate current
programs; to reorder priorities; and to work with
other religious groups ectmienically and in con-
junction with government and community organi-
zations to respond to the hurts and needs of Ap-
palachian people and communities through a
comprehensive program of spiritual renewal, so-
cial recovery, economic transformation, and politi-
cal responsibiUty and compassion.

Petition Number: 21352-GM-R484-U; GBGM.

The Church in a Mass Media Culture

Delete 'The Church in a Mass Media Culture," pp.
484-488, and replace with the following new text

Cyberspace, the inforrrution superhighway,
and other technologies have moved the world from
an agricultural and industrial dominance into the
information and communication age. The primary
communication method remains much the same
as it has been tiu-oughout all human history — tell-
ing stories. Today storyteUers have techniques
which have so improved the impact of visual im-
ages and so amplified their presence through
broadcast, cable, satellite, and VCRs, and through
video games, fiber-optics, interactive television,
CD-ROMs, and global computer communications,
that the traditional face-to-face storytellers — par-
ents, pastors, and teachers — frequently are un-
heard.

Global Context

Mass media have become so pervasive that
people in the developing countries are affected as
much as those in the developed coimtries. Yet the
centers of control of these media rest in the devel-
oped countries, and many of the questions about
the media relate to the bias of the people in these
countries toward the rest of the world:

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803

•The assumption in the developed countiies
is that free market forces are both necessary and
desirable in bringing media to the public, but
these materialistic forces have unfortunate histori-
cal and institutional ties to violence-driven and
oppressive cultures.

•The term "mass media" implies that all per-
sons have access to them and use of them, when
in practice media have a narrow base of ownership
among an elite group of affluent persons, mosdy
white Western men.

•The drive for mergers and consolidations
among broadcasting companies, entertainment
complexes, and electronic industries is basically a
drive for profits, cloaked in the deceptive public
relations language of consumer choice.

•What has been called the "homogenization"
of the media — that is, the tendency of mass media
to imitate each other in producing programming
that resembles the most successful formu-
las— ends in making highly biased cultural stereo-
types the norm throughout the world.

•Christian religious communities have some-
times been co-opted in a detrimental way by the
claim of the mass media to be all-powerful, leading
to passivity on the part of mainstream religions
and an endorsement of the distorted values of the
media by default

United Methodist Traditions

As proclaimers of the good news of salvation
in Jesus Christ, United Methodists have tradition-
ally been concerned about communication. Both
the individualistic tradition of pietism and the
conmiunitarian tradition of the social gospel have
led United Methodists to raise concerns about the
distorted images and values in mass media. The
Social Principles speak to values in the media,
decrying sensationalism and dehumanizing por-
trayals that "degrade humankind and violate the
teachings of Christ and the Bible" (from Social
Principles,^ 72, The Book of Discipline).

Thus The United Methodist Church has a heri-
t^e of expressing its concern for the perceptions
and images offered in the media, as well as the
actual workings of new media technology. We have
called in the past for inclusiveness in media insti-
tutions and for accountability of those who hold
power in the media. This heritage justifies oiu^
making this public statement of concern and pro-
test

The goals of The United Methodist Chiu-ch,
based on our understanding of the gospel, are
clear:

(1) to challenge owners and operators of mass-
media institutions to be more responsible in com-
municating truth and more humane values, (2) to
advocate for access to the media and, where feasi-
ble, ownership of media institutions by marginal-
ized groups, (3) to be more responsible as a com-
munity of faith by interacting with the media and
using media creatively, (4) to become a model of
communication by our own openness and wise
use of the media, and (5) to empower people to
tell their own story.

Affirmations

We invented these media, using the gifts of
God's creation. We can also be a part of the solu-
tion. We continue to affirm:

•Freedom of expression — ^whether by spoken
or printed word, or any visual or artistic me-
dium— should be exercised within a framework of
social responsibility. The church is opposed to
censorship.

•The principle of freedom of the press must
be maintained.

•The airwaves should be held in trust for the
public by radio and television broadcasters and
regulated in behalf of the public.

•Public broadcasting as it continues to de-
velop shoidd be supported by both public and
private sectors of the society to help further the
diversity of programming and information
sources.

•As difficult as it may be to achieve, the goal
is that all persons of every nation should have
equal access to channels of communication so
they can participate fully in the life of the world.

• No medium can be truly neutral. Each brings
its own values, limitations, criteria, authoritarian
or democratic structures and selection processes
with it

Evaluation

We continue to oppose the practices of per-
sons and systems which use media for purposes
of exploitation, which comes in many forms:

•Emphasizing violence.

•Marketing pornography.

•Appealing to self-indulgence.

•Presenting consumerism as a desired way of
life.

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DCA Advance Edition

•Favoring the mass audience at the expense
of individuals and minorities.

•Withholding significant information.

•Treating news as entertainment.

•Presenting events in isolation from a larger
context thatwould make them understandable.

•Stereotyping characters in terms of sex roles,
ethnic or racial bacl^ound, occupation, age, re-
ligion, nationality, handicapping condition, and
economic status.

•Dealing with significant political and social
issues in biased said superficial ways.

•Exhibiting an overriding concern for maxi-
mizing profit

•Discriminating in employment practices,
particularly by failing to include women and racial-
ethnic minorities in critical decision-making posi-
tions.

•Presenting misleading or dangerous product
information or omitting essential information.

Questions

Because the media bring their own values with
them, we as Christians must ask:

•How can the new media be used to proclaim
the gospel of Jesus Christ?

•Who controls the media in a country? Who
determines the structures of and the public's ac-
cess to the mass media? Who controls interna-
tional technologies of communication?

•Who determines message content and im-
ages and within what guidelines of responsibility?

•Who uses the media and for what purposes?

•What is the appropriate response to the
growing demands of developing countries for a
more just world information system?

•What rights do users have in determining
media structure and content? How can the user
bring critical appraisal to the messages received?

•And if we are to be subjected to the informa-
tion superhighway, how can users control the re-
ception of undesired information?

•How can we introduce ethical and moral con-
siderations into media programming without re-
sorting to censorship?

Call to Action

We call upon the chiu-ch to respond to the
mass media by:

•Developing media literacy resoiu-ces for
church members.

•Providing media literacy education to church
members, thus equipping them to analyze and
evaluate veuious forms of media instead of being
passive recipients.

•Empowering church members to use media
as a tool and be makers of media themselves to
share flie gospel.

•Participating in research on the effects of
new technologies, media mergers, and globaliza-
tion of media on commxuiities in the developed
imd developing countries.

•Advocating for those shut out of the media:
the poor, the less powerful, and other marginal-
ized people.

•Advocating for socially responsible media
and communication policies.

•Working to assure a public lane in the infor-
mation superhighway.

•Recognizing the close relationship between
media and message, and using media as channels
of education, witness, evangelism, information,
social services, advocacy, and ministry.

•Affirming traditional modes of face-to-face
communications like stotytelling, dialogue, songs,
and indigenous cultural modes of conununication.

In our own communication structures and
processes within the church, we need to estabhsh
models of commtmication which are freeing,
which respect the dignity of the recipient, and
which are participating and non-manipulative. We
need to democratize otu- own media to allow ac-
cess and open dialogue. As a major institution
within our society, we can demonstrate to other
institutions the power of a connectional church
which structures its communication patterns not
by concentrating media power but by emphasizing
the values of the gospel \^ich recognize the sanc-
tity of every individual.

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805

Petition Number: 21353-GM-R507-U; GBGM.

Immigrants and Refugees: To Love the Sojourner

Delete "Immigration," pp. 507-510 and replace with
new text:

1. Biblical/Theological Basis

The Bible is full of stories of sojoiuners,
strangers without homes, whom God called peo-
ple to protect The Israelites — God's chosen peo-
ple— ^were themselves sojourners for 40 years eif-
ter the exodus from Egypt as they sought the
promised land. God did not let the Israelites forget
that they had been without a homeland for such a
long time; the ethic of welcoming the sojourner
was woven into the very fabric of the Israelite
confederacy. It was more than an ethic, it was a
command of God. "Do not mistreat or oppress a
stranger; you know how it feels to be a stranger,
because you were sojourners in the land of Egypt"
(Exodus 23:9).

A "sojoxuTi" implies uprootedness; sojourners
are uprooted people. At times uprooted people in
the Bible were looking for a home, but other times
they were not. Often they were telling those that
would listen that the real home was a spiritual
home — ^with God providing accompaniment So-
journers were messengers. The message they sent
then as well as today is that the Spirit of God is
with each of us as we sojourn through life. We are
all on a journey, and God is with us. Such was the
message of Moses and many of the prophets; such
was the message of John the Baptist, a voice crying
in the wilderness; and such was the message of
Jesus Christ, whose own life was characterized by
uprootedness. The infant Jesus and his family had
to flee to Egypt to avoid persecution and death;
they became refugees sojourning in Egypt until
they could come home. Jesus was a person on the
move. Jesus' ministry occmred throughout the
countryside of Judea, and his life was marked by
uprootedness: "Foxes have holes, and the birds of
the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no-
where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). Jesus
made a point of spending time with the poor, the
powerless, the despised and rejected. Jesus did so
while spreading the word of God's steadfast love,
the same love spoken of in the Book of Hosea:
"And I will betroth you unto me forever; yes, I will
betroth you unto me in righteousness, and in jus-
tice, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies"
(Hosea 2:19).

Jesus embodied the love of God to the world
and modeled how we are to act with love and
compassion for the sojourner. In fact, Jesus' most
pointed description of how human beings should
behave once they are aware of God's love is in the
story of the Good Samaritan in which the love of

God is expressed through the compassion of a
stranger: "But a certain Samaritan, as he jour-
neyed, came to where he was: and when he saw him,
he had compassion on him, and went to him and
bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and
set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn ,
and took care of him" (Luke 10:33-34). This is the
radical love of God as expressed by Jesus Christ It
transcends race, nationality and religion and is a
love that cries for justice and peace; it is a love that
is sorely needed today.

2. Global Uprootedness

We live in a world where there are over 22
million people who are refugees, another 26 mil-
lion who are internally displaced, and millions
more who seek asylum or are migrants looking to
find a way out of poverty. No nation can afford to
turn a blind eye toward these realities. People who
must flee their lands because they have no choice
are today's uprooted populations. They are given
different labels depending on their circumstances:
refugees — persons who have been ofBcially recog-
nized by the United Nations as having a well-
founded fear of persecution because of their politi-
cal affiliation, religion, race, nationaUty or
membership in a particular social group or opin-
ion; asylum seekers — those who have left their home-
lands and are applying for political asylum in the
country to which they have fled (in the United
States, applying for asylum is a right which can be
exercised); internally displaced — people who are dis-
placed within the borders of their own lands be-
cause of civil strife but who cannot receive the
protection of the international community because
of the principle of national sovereignty; economic
migrants — those who flee dire poverty in search of
employment and a way to feed their families. No
matter what label they are given, they are usually
vulnerable people in need of compassion and pro-
tection. Most of them are women and children;
often the women are subjected to the brutality of
sexual violence.

Even when refugees are allowed to return
home they face monumental problems such as the
possibility of being kiUed or maimed by land
mines, milUons of which have been left behind by
former combatants. An example is Angola, a coun-
try which has more land mines than any other in
the world. It is estimated that 20 million mines
were laid during the 20-year civil war there. To-
day, it is estimated that 70,000 Angolans have
required amputations because of contact with
mines. It is also estimated that there are between
150 and 200 land mine victims every week in
Angola.

It is clear that the uprooted are vulnerable and
need the protection of the international commu-

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DCA Advance Edition

nity. Their numbers are growing as more people
worldwide become victims of wars, economic in-
justice, and environmental degradation. According
to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refu-
gees (UNHCR), it is estimated that one out of every
130 people worldwide has been forced into flight
Because of civil wars and ethnic-based conflict,
political repression and gross hiunan rights viola-
tions, refugees are being produced at a rate of
10,000 per day. The 1990s is fast becoming the
"decade of uprootedness."

Most refugees come from the South and re-
main in the South, often in countries of first asy-
lum where conditions are barely humane. It is a
myth that all people on the move wish to come to
the nations of the North, but those who do, come
because it is their last hope for life. They have no
choice. The nations of the industrialized North
who are better equipped to provide safe haven to
uprooted persons are currentiy lacking the moral
and political will to do so. Instead, the govern-
ments of these nations are reacting to a worldwide
rise in xenophobia and racism by sharply curtail-
ing existing programs benefiting newcomers and
by instituting restrictive legislation designed to
satisfy the nativists in their constituencies. Up-
rootedness is seen by die governments of the in-
dustrialized North as a problem to be dealt with
by force rather than as a complex phenomenon
needing coherent and humane solutions on a
global scale. Uprooted people are looked upon as
the cause of societal problems and are being
blamed for increasing economic difficulties. Con-
sequentfy, even refugees fleeing persecution are
denied their human rights and the protection they
need to save their lives, and they are sunmiarily
excluded and ostracized by governments. In
Europe, many governments are implementing
policies that are designed to prevent asylum seek-
ers from successfixlly finding refuge within their
borders. In Norway, for example, according to
law, asyltun seekers may not apply for asylum
unless they have close ties with Norway. Such a
law dispenses with equify in asylum procediu"es.
The recent increase in tiie niunber of uprooted
persons demonstrates that the international com-
munity, including the churches, must focus more
attention on understanding and alleviating the
causes of forced human uprootedness, as well as
responding to the consequences.

3. Immigration and Asylum in the United
States

Nearly all the citizens of the United States have
ancestors who emigrated from other parts of the
world. Since the 17th century, millions of immi-
grants went to the United States, often to seek
freedom from religious persecution and broader
opportunities in a new land. No other nation has

welcomed so many immigrants from so many parts
of the world, and no other nation has taken such
pride in its immigrant roots. Nevertheless, the his-
tory of immigration policy in the United States has
been heavily influenced by economic and labor
force needs, as well as by systemic racism. The
United States has attimes encouraged the presence
of immigrants who could provide the cheap hard
labor to build canals and railroads, help with the
harvesting of crops, and suppfy industry with
needed workers. At other times, however. United
States laws have systematicaUy excluded immi-
grants because of racial, ethnic, religious or other
prejudicial reasons. Examples are the Chinese Ex-
clusion Act of 1882, the Immigration Act of 1924,
the Immigration Act of 1965, emd the Immigration,
Reform and Control Act of 1986.

While the United States has a long history of
immigration, its experience as a coimtry of first
asylum is relatively new jmd appears minor in
comparison to that of many other countries of the
world. Coimtries in Africa have opened their bor-
ders to millions of asyltmi seekers, while the
United States has only had to work with niunbers
of asylum applications in the hundreds of thou-
sands. The 1980s and earfy 1990s witnessed an
influx of persons seeking asylum in the United
States from Central America, including Haiti and
Cuba. All of these groups fled a combination of
dire poverty, government repression or persecu-
tion, and general strife in their homelands. This
influx of refugees to the United States was imex-
pected, and many — particularly the Haitian, Sal-
vadoran, and Guatemalan people — ^were denied
the protection of asyltun tiiey so desperatefy
needed.

In the United States, the federal government
is proposing legislation to prevent further influxes
of migrants and asylum seekers by reinforcing the
borders and instituting restrictive measures. The
United States has engaged in a policy of forced
repatriation of unwanted Central American, Hai-
tian, Cuban, and Chinese asyltun seekers in viola-
tion of international law. It has also engaged in
detention practices and forced repatriation of Chi-
nese people and others without benefit of fair and
equal protection tmder law. Ctirrent legislative in-
itiatives seek to reduce famify immigration by 32
percent, slash refugee admissions by over 50 per-
cent, introduce a national identification system,
and bar legal immigrants' access to government
assistance, leaving them vulnerable when they fell
on hard times.

In California, the passage of Proposition 187,
an initiative which would deny public education to
the children of undoctimented persons, wotdd
also deny them non-emergency health care and
require government employees, private individu-

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807

als, and providers to report individuals whom they
suspect are undocumented to the authorities. The
implementation of the initiative is currently pend-
ing in court In the meantime, those who look or
soimd foreign already suffer from discrimination in
both the workplace and in daily life.

Immigrant bashing, a particularly virulent
form of anti-immigrant bias, seems stronger than
ever in this atmosphere of misinformation, mis-
trust, and fear of economic instability. Unwilling
to face the reality of their leaders' failure to deal
expeditiously and honestiy with their nation's ad-
justment to tiie new global society, many people in
the United States have let themselves be vulner-
able to the hysteria that says they are no longer in
control of their borders or their destiny.

Therefore, we call upon The United Methodist
Church, in collaboration with other ecumenical
and interdenominational organizations, to urge
the government of the United States:

1. To encourage and support international
economic policies that promote sustainable devel-
opment; and that use capital, technology, labor,
and land in a manner that gives priority to employ-
ment for all people and the production of basic
hiunan necessities, thereby reducing migration
pressures.

2. To alleviate conditions of uprootedness by
working toward the elimination of all forms of war-
fare and by supporting agrarian reform, social jus-
tice, and an adequate measure of economic secu-
rity for all peoples.

3. To take decisive action to eliminate the sale
and international trade in land mines and provide
technical assistance to facilitate their removal
from lands to which refugees are returning.

4. To withhold all support — diplomatic, mili-
tary and financial — to governments with a docu-
mented recent history of abuses and disregard for
human rights, particularly the right of asylum.

5. To provide a fair and generous resettlement
policy as one of the ways of ensuring meaningful
protection and a durable solution for refugees.

6. To adopt reasonable standards for consid-
eration as refugees for those seeking asylum and
eliminate within the Immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service (INS) all abuses of civil and human
rights including such practices as the violation of
due process, denial of bond, and hasty deporta-
tion of people who are undocumented or over-
stayed; and to eliminate restrictive measures ap-
plied to asylum seekers at ports of entry, such as
summary exclusion without benefit of adequate
counseling.

7. To monitor all attempted reforms on immi-
gration and refugee policy and practices in order
to ensure fair and adequate process in regard to
asylum petitions, judicial review, refugee resettie-
ment priorities, and immigrant categories.

8. To review and reject all legislative measures
that propose summary exclusion for bona fide asy-
lum seekers, and to ensure access to counsel and
meemingful review of asylum claims by an immi-
gration judge.

9. To ensure protection of the basic human
rights of immigrants and refugees such as the
right to an education, adequate health care, due
process and redress of law, protection against so-
cial and economic exploitation, the right to a cul-
tural and socicd identity, and access to the social
and economic life of the nation whether in docu-
mented or undocumented status.

As people of faith we are called to do justice,
love kindness, and wedk humbly with God (Micah
6:8). We must work for justice and peace for all
people and envision a world where institutions are
transformed into true servants of the people, full
of the compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ

Therefore, in addition to advocating for the
above measures, we call upon United Methodist
churches and agencies:

1. To support international efforts to promote
sustainable development policies designed to alle-
viate human suffering and counteract some of the
root causes of forced migration.

2. To advocate for protection of uprooted
women and children against all forms of violence
and to call for fiill legal protection of uprooted
children in the midst of armed conflict

3. To provide assistance for projects of relief
to refugees and displaced persons.

4. To provide assistance for projects of eco-
nomic development for refugees and returnees.

5. To provide sponsorships for refugees
through local congregations.

6. To denounce and oppose the rise of xeno-
phobic and racist reactions against newcomers in
the United States and elsewhere, and to support
any and all efforts to build bridges between people
of diverse ethnicities emd cultures.

7. To continue to work with community-based
organizations to provide forums for citizens to
voice concerns, educate one another, and con-
front the problems of racism and xenophobia as
obstacles to building community.

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8. To work with civic and legal organizations
to support communities that are now or will be
affected by the destructive enactment of policies
like California's Proposition 187.

9. To provide pastoral care and crisis interven-
tion to individuals and families who are refugees
and asylum seekers.

10. To speak out, make declarations, and
adopt resolutions to condemn and delegitimize
violence against foreigners.

We recommend that the General Board of
Church and Society and the General Board of
Global Ministries:

1. Monitor cases of possible human rights vio-
lations in the area of immigration and give guid-
ance to United Methodists in responding to such
cases.

2. Advocate for human rights (including politi-
cal, economic, and civil) for all people, and espe-
cially for the strangers who sojotim in the land.

3. Advocate against legislation that seeks to
establish national identification systems.

4. Continue explorations of solutions to the
problems of asylum seekers and un-docxunented
people.

5. Lead United Methodists throughout the
United States in the fight against nativism and
continue to respond to the current threat against
refugees and immigrants.

6. Lead the churches throughout the United
States in recognizing the contributions newcomers
have made which have cultiu"ally and economi-
cally enriched that nation.

7. Provide technical and financial assistance
to local chxu-ches in active ministry with refugees
and asylum seekers.

8. Continue the task of educating United
Methodists about issues related to refugees, im-
migrants, and migrants.

9. Organize campaigns to counter and prevent
racism, xenophobia, and hostiUty toward up-
rooted people.

10. Develop materials to educate the chm-ches
on inmiigration as well as on issues related to
refugees and asylum seekers.

1 1 . Assist the churches in advocating for fair
and just inmiigration laws and practice.

12. Support communities and congregations
by prayer and action where such measures as
Proposition 187 may be implemented at any time
in the future, and develop strategies and action
plans to coiuiter similar initiatives in other states.

Petition Number: 21354-GM-R557-U; GBGM.

God's Shalom for the People of Central America

Delete "Central America: Peace and Justice with
Freedom," pp. 557-561 and replace with new text

God's Shalom for the People of Central America

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the people rejoic-
ing, building houses, planting the fields and enjoy-
ing the fnut of their labor in peace (Isaiah 65:19-
25). It is easy for the people in Central America to
identify themselves with the vision of Isaiah. The
images of the Reign of God depicted by Isaiah
point toward the dignified life all human beings
have the God-given right to enjoy.

Many expectations of peace arose dtiring the
past decade. These expectations were created by
peace agreements like Esquipulas, the peaceful
transition of pohtical power in Nicaragua, the end
of the war in El Salvador, the peace negotiations
in Guatemala. Nevertheless, the reahty for most
people in Central America is that peace, justice
and the dignified life depicted by Isaiah have be-
come a fleeting hope. There are many reason for
this hope to be ephemeral. Some of the reasons
are the unfulfilled promises of judicial reform and
land redistribution, and the economic policies
that continue to favor the wealthy.

Most of the people of Central America live in
situations that cry out for justice. In Nicaragua, El
Salvador and Guatemala, people have endured tiie
loss of famify members and the destruction of
their environment throughout decades of war. The
people of Central America have suffered with the
intervention of foreign governments whose surro-
gate armies kidnapped their children, biuned
their food supplies, Mlled coxmtiess innocent peo-
ple, and threatened chtu-ch members who have
dedicated themselves to living out the Gospel.

In the aftermath of war, the daily lives of most
Central Americans entail facing siuvival in firac-
tured economic systems with very high tmemploy-
ment, ingrained structural injustices, suffering
drought and illness fi-om the pollution or destruc-
tion of their environment, and coping witii dis-
abled family members and psychological tratunas
in systems without health care. The ingrained
structural injustices keep the socio-economic situ-
ation in status quo. Massive debts acquired diu"-
ing wartime must be paid off to the World Bank,

Global Ministries

809

and loans received from the International Monetary
Fund take first priority. Loans from the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund and other international lend-
ing institutions increase debt without alleviating
human suffering to any reasonable degree or chang-
ing significandy the socio-economic prospects of
the poor.

There is no adequate financial support left in
the national treasuries to meet economic and so-
cial needs of the people due to the austerity meas-
ures imposed by the international lending institu-
tions, the payment of past debt, and the lack of
priority given to the elimination of dehumanizing
conditions. Multi-national maquiladoras (assembly
plants) take advantage of the meager financial
situation in many Central American countries. The
maquiladoras engage in economic exploitation and
deny human and labor rights with impunity be-
cause governments permit it and people have no
alternatives for income.

God's Shalom is also denied by the several hu-
man rights violations and the rampant violence
reported by different religious and htunan rights
organizations. Military and paramilitary groups in
different countries, such as Guatemala and EI Sal-
vador, have conducted arbitrary arrests, torture,
and extrajudicial executions. Sadly, the United
States government, through its Central Intelli-
gence Agency (CIA), has been linked with these
groups and individuals that violate human rights.
Actions of the CIA and the Guatemalan military
have caused unjustifiable loss of life and profound
grief for families.

The Church in the Face of Suffering

The Latin American church has borne the cost
of discipleship and continues to insist on God's
Shalom. The chiu"ch in Central America is divided
on issues of social, economic and political justice.
Nevertheless, prophetic voices continue to cry out
for social and economic justice, adequate health
care, and protection of the environment.

God's intention for humanity is expressed in
the Old Testament with the all-inclusive word sha-
lom which means wholeness, health, and harmony
with God and nature, with oneself and with others.
Shalom symbolizes justice and the presence of
God. [Shalom was Jesus' greeting: "Peace be unto
you." "Go in peace." The aposties began their New
Testament letters to the churches by saying:
"Grace and peace to you from God...."] Shalom
does not exist when there is injustice. Biblical
prophets exhorted those in authority to admit
their sins and offer restitution to the poor people.
Amos declared, "Hear this, you wiio trample the
needy and do away with the poor of the land...."
(Amos 8:4-6). Micah warned the leaders: "lis-

ten,...Should you not know justice? — ^you who hate
the good and love the evil. .." (Micah 3: 1 ,2a). Isaiah
told the leaders of his day: "When you spread out
yoiu- hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen . Yoiu-
hands are full of blood.. ..learn to do right! Seek
justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the
cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the
widow." (Isaiah 1:15,17); and "'It is you who have
ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in
yoiu- houses. What do you mean by crushing my
people and grinding the faces of the poor?' declares
the Lord, the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 3:14-15).

Shalom requires respect for the sanctity of life.
There will be no shalom until the basic hiunan
needs of bread, shelter, work, safety and freedom
are guaranteed to everyone. The possibiUty of
authentic peace is undermined by the frequent
cases of persons living under the tiu-eat of death,
or being "disappeared," or forced to migrate or
live in conditions of miserable poverty. It has been
reported that members of the Guatemalan police
have threatened citizens, including children, with
death if they have witnessed human rights viola-
tions perpetrated by the police, frightening them
to silence. Another serious threat against shalom is
the lack of fulfillment of die peace accords. In El
Salvador, refugees and ex-combatants have not
received land which rightfully belongs to them
under the United Nations Land Transfer Program.
Many families who seek legal redress have been
threatened or ignored.

It is essential to the Central American Peace
Process that international financial and political
commitments to reconciliation and development
continue. The Central American nations remain
very fragile. United States aid levels have dropped
drastically. To cut funding even more would put
the peace processes in jeopardy. Impoverished
citizens of the Central American nations would be
left without sufficient agrarian, environmental and
other developmental funds, thus weakening the
peace process as it is starting. There is no govern-
ment, lawful or unlawful, that can build peace on
hunger or the denial of the most basic human
rights from its citizens who are in need.

Whereas, religious leaders, labor union lead-
ers, peasants, students, merchants, women's as-
sociations, etc., in Centred America continue to
call for a concerted effort to change the course of
the political and economic processes toward an
alternative that may lead to lasting peace with jus-
tice in the region; and

Whereas, it is our conviction that injustice,
war, and economic and political oppression do not
lead to peace; and

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Whereas, the government of the United States
has actively supported war and participated in
low-intensity conflict, which includes clandestine
and covert operations, support for counterinsur-
gency and counterrevolutionary campaigns, ter-
rorist strikes and other low level missions, and
sparing use of United States soldiers; continues to
economically support miUtary forces; and main-
tains several military bases across the region, par-
ticularly in Honduras and Panama;

Therefore, The United Methodist Church calls upon
the government of the United States to:

1 . Fulfill its obligations to support reconstruc-
tion and development for Central American coun-
tries to promote healing by all means possible,
including a strong United States program in the
region.

2. Actively support accords made by the Cen-
tral American nations in search for peacemaking
alternatives other than military.

3. Withdraw all United States military pres-
ence in Panama and honor the Torrijos-Ceirter
treaty agreements; and fulfill its responsibilities
for damages to human life, property, housing, and
the economic system caused by the 1989 inva-
sion.

4. Recognize and respect each nation's sover-
eignty and rights to self-determination, and refi'ain
from any activity — military, economic or of any
other nature, covert or overt — directed against any
sovereign state in Central America.

5. Apply human rights certification based
upon U.S. law (Section 502b of the Foreign Assis-
tance Act of 1960 as amended) and data from
Amnesty International and the United Nations Hu-
man Rights Commission as criteria for economic
assistance to governments in the region.

6. Protect persons fleeing repression or war in
Central America.

7. Encourage multilateral institutions to ap-
prove debt reduction for all countries which are
impoverished and debt-ridden.

8. Replace the Structural Adjustment Pro-
grams which exacerbate the conditions of poor
people with humane policies that address the so-
cial and economic needs of the majority of the
people in Latin American nations.

9. Support United Nations peace talks on Gua-
temala, and seek the truth about persecution and
deaths in Guatemala, including those in which the
CIA may have been involved.

We call upon the United Nations to:

1 . Continue active support in finding political
and financial solutions that ensure the participa-
tion of all segments of the population find benefit
aU.

2. Continue to oversee and report any viola-
tions of human rights according to its Human
Rights Declaration.

3. Support governmental, nongovernmental
and civic organizations of the region in their eflforts
to work toward a unified solution so that peace
and justice may prevail in the region.

4. Work in support of efforts to demilitarize
the region and support alternatives for ecologically
sound and sustainable economic development.

5. Support the efforts of organizations in their
work to alleviate the plight of Central American
refugees.

We call upon The United Methodist Church, working
together with the Council of Evangelical Methodist
Churches of Latin America and the Caribbean (CIE-
MAL) and the churches it represents, the Latin American
Council of Churches (CLAI), the Caribbean Conference of
Churches (CCC), and other ecumenical partners in the
region to:

1. Learn about and better understand the
hopes and aspirations of the people of Central
America.

2. Strengthen our ties of solidarity with the
people of Central America by deepening oixr un-
derstanding of the history and cultures of the re-
gion.

3. Encourage the use of ecumenical curricu-
lum materials, study guides, and other resources
prepared by the general boards and agencies.

4. Encourage annual conferences and Central
American churches to continue to support each
other through prayer, exchange, and dialogue of
persons, and the physical accompaniment of per-
sons where appropriate.

5. Increase efforts to assist and participate in
the reconstruction of the war-torn nations through
sharing of resources.

6. Advocate and support poUcies and pro-
grams by The United Methodist Chm*ch directed
to the rehabilitation of youth and young adults;
victims of war; protection, defense, and promotion
of the indigenous communities; and the promo-
tion and support of health and other programs for
children and women.

Global Ministries

811

7. Pray that peace, justice, and political solu-
tions leading to development for life prevail in
Central America.

8. Support sustainable economic development
projects, encouraging the conservation of forests,
air, water and agricultural projects.

9. Resource church leadership in environ-
mental resources and ecological programs.

10. Help communities to affirm life and
strengthen their hope by supporting production
and credit programs of the poor which create jobs,
such as micro-enterprises, cooperative and
worker ownerships.

11. Nurture self-esteem among street children
and youth.

12. Facilitate projects for marginalized groups
to address discrimination and injustice.

Petition Number: 21355-GM-R634-U; GBGM.

Recognition of Cuba

Delete "Recognition of Cuba," pp. 634-636 and re-
place with new text:

Recognition of Cuba

The United Methodist Church is linked in
Christ with the Methodist Church of Cuba. We
share a common heritage and mission. We are
mutually responsible for the proclamation of
God's love and the nurturing of neighbor-love.

The Social Principles require us to make the
community of God a reality as we "pledge our-
selves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all
issues that divide people and threaten the growth
of world commimity." We believe that "God's
world is one world." However, such a world is
fragmented against the will of God when nations
refuse to solve their differences in respectful dia-
logue and give diplomatic recognition to one an-
other.

For over 35 years the government of the
United States has not maintained diplomatic rela-
tions with the government of Cuba and has, in-
stead, pursued an economic embargo prohibiting
all kinds of trade with Cuba. The Democracy Act
of 1992 (no. 22 U.S.C. 6001) has tightened tiie

I embargo restrictions by penalizing other countries
if tiieir ships stop in Cuba. This policy is heighten-
ing tensions in the Caribbean; it also creates ten-
sions between the United States and the many
nations that trade or want to trade with Cuba. The
objectives sought by the proponents of this policy
in the Cold War era were to force a change in

Cuban foreign policy and to halt the growth and
development of Soviet influence in that country.

Whereas, the Cold War is over and there is no
Soviet Union exercising any influence on Cuba's
foreign policy or posing any threat to the United
States; and

Whereas, the Cuban government has made
significant changes in its foreign and economic
policies; and

Whereas, the Methodist Church in 1964
made an historical statement entitied the "Re-ex-
amination of Policy Toward Mainline China, Cuba
and other Countries," which said: "The Christian
gospel involves reconciUation by encoimter and by
communication regardless of political considera-
tions. Therefore, we cannot accept the expression
of hostility by any country, its policies, or its ide-
ologies as excuses for the failure of Christians to
press persistentiy, realistically, and creatively to-
ward a growing understanding among the peoples
of all countries"; and

Whereas, the government of the United States
is the only major Western country ptu-suing a pol-
icy of non-relations with Cuba, while Canada,
France, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Mexico,
Argentina, BoUvia and almost all other countries
of the western alliance maintain normal diplo-
matic and/or economic relations with Cuba; and

Whereas, the General Assembly of the United
Nations voted successively in 1993 and 1994 for
a resolution called "Necessity of Ending the Eco-
nomic, Commercial and Financial Embargo Im-
posed by the United States of America Against
Cuba". In the 1993 resolution, the General As-
sembly is "reaffirming, among other principles,
the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention
and non-interference in their internal affairs and
freedom of frade and international navigation"
and calling "all States to refrain from promulgating
and applying laws and measures" aimed at "the
economic, commercial and financial embargo
against Cuba"; and

Whereas, the government of the United States
has in recent years strengthened its commercial
and diplomatic relations with other Communist
countries such as China and Vietnam, and has
also increased contacts and negotiations with
North Korea, independendy of thefr foreign policy
which differs and often collides with that of the
United States; and

Whereas, the Reagan administration declared
that the United States will not use food as a foreign
poUcy instrument when it lifted the grain embargo
imposed against the Soviet Union by the Carter

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DCA Advance Edition

Administration in order to protest the Soviet inter-
vention in the conflict in Afghanistan; and

Whereas, the Ufting of the economic embargo
against Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Com-
mon Market (CARICOM), would help relieve ten-
sions in the Caribbean; and

Whereas, the Council of Churches of Cuba of
which the Methodist Chiu"ch of Cuba is a member,
the Cuban Conference of Roman Catholic Bish-
ops, and several other international religious
groups and leaders such as CIEMAL, the Carib-
bean Conference of Churches, and Pope John
Paul II, as well as U.S. reUgious bodies such as
the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian
Church (USA), and the American Baptist
Churches have stated or passed resolutions in
favor of lifting the embargo; and

Whereas, the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992
and the 1994 additional measures to tighten the
embargo cxxrtails religious freedom by making
very difScult the relationship between churches in
the United States and chiu-ches in Cuba; and

Whereas, an abandonment of these hostile
measiu'es would facilitate improvements in demo-
cratic reforms and human rights in Cuba; and

Whereas, the Bible teachings give us the man-
date to "love one another, because love springs
from God...." (I John 4:7), and to practice mercy
as the good Samaritan did (Luke 10:25-37);

Therefore, be it resolved, tiiat The United
Methodist Church, from its Christian and humani-
tarian perspective, inspired by the love of God said
the historic Methodist commitment to peace and
social justice, and in light of historic changes with
the end of the cold war, hereby petitions the Presi-
dent and Congress of the United States to lift its
economic embargo against Cuba by repealing the
Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 6001
et seq.) as well as the 1994 additional restrictions
and any other laws or meastu^es related to the
embargo against Cuba, and to seek negotiations
with the Cuban government for the purpose of
resuming normal diplomatic relations.

Endnotes:

1. The United States broke diplomatic rela-
tions with Cuba on January 3, 1961. A partial
trade embargo against Cuba by the U.S. govern-
ment was declared on October 19, 1960. On July
8, 1963, "the Treasiuy Department, using its
authority under the Trading with the Enemy Act of
1917, issued more restrictive Cuba Assets Con-
trol Regulations" (Cuban Foreign Relations, A Chro-
nology 1959-1982).

DC A Advance Edition

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

The functions of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry are determined by The Book of
Discipline, especially ^^ 1504-06. Basically GBHEM is
responsible for the Church's care and attention to the
wide range of issues bearing upon higher education and
professional ministry in all of its forms. Many of those
responsibilities are described in detail in The Book of
Discipline, however, there are other related
responsibilities which emerge from the agenda facing
the entire Church.

Recognizing and supporting the global nature of the
Church is an important current agenda for the board.
Emerging arenas for global cooperation include:

• support of the International Association of Methodist-
related Schools, Colleges, and Universities;

• participation in the Education Committee of the
World Methodist Council, so that educational issues
might take on a global perspective and our
denominational institutions might contribute to a
world forum;

• support of the efforts to train ministerial leadership
for churches in Russia, Estonia, Bulgaria, and eastern
Europe;

• ongoing support for Africa University as it develops
additional faculties and expands the student body.

Africa University

The GBHEM continues to be responsible and
extensively involved in the development of Africa
University as one of the most significant projects of The
United Methodist Church. In following the Africa
University Progress Report 1989-92 and Plan of
Development 1993-96, which was submitted to the 1992
General Conference, the University has been making
steady progress.

With the issuance of the University Charter in
January, 1992, Africa University and The United
Methodist Church made history. The University
became the first United Methodist-related university in

Africa and Zimbabwe's first private university.
Supported by eight years of consultation and planning,
the University moved quickly to the business of
teaching. The University opened two colleges.
Theology and Agriculture and Natural Resources in
March, 1992, with 40 students and 16 teaching and
administrative staff members. Since then, the pace of
growth and development of the University is nothing
short of phenomenal. Funding support from The United
Methodist Church as well as individuals in the United
States, Asia, Europe, and Africa, enables the University
to operate and to develop the campus.

The cumulative apportionment support through the
Africa University Fund to the University from 1989 to
June, 1995, has reached $12,295,000, and the permanent
endowment fund through the World Service Special Gift
and a variety of sources in the United States and abroad
has the market value of $7,874,000. The 1995 operating
budget of the University is $2,073,000. The value of the
existing buildings and grounds which include the
multi-purpose teaching building, the student union
building, agriculture and natural resources building,
four residence halls, and the renovated agricultural
facilities, is more than $10 million. The newly completed
agriculture and natural resources building was made
possible by a $1.6 million grant from the United States
Agency for International Development. The Florida
Annual Conference supported fully the construction of
the fourth residence hall.

Student enrollment for the fall semester of 1995 is
125 students representing thirteen nations in Africa.
Upon completion of the fourth and fifth residence halls,
student enrollment will increase to 200. Both the Faculty
of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Faculty of
Theology are making university programs accessible to
the communities through extension programs, evening
and weekend classes, short intensive courses, seminars,
and workshops.

The Faculty of Management and Administration is
scheduled to open in January 1996 and the Faculty of
Education in August 1996. The University is moving
ahead as scheduled.

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On December 17, 1994, the first commencement
was held with a graduating class of thirteen proud and
happy students. One of the graduates was Tsitsi Moyo
from Zimbabwe who received a Bachelor of Theology
degree. She is now an ordained deacon and the pastor
of a 1700 member church in the Zimbabwe Annual
Conference. She said: 'To be at Africa University means
a lot to me. When I was a young girl, I didn't have much
education because my family is very large; we are ten
children. Because I am a girl, I had to stay at home to
allow the boys to continue their education. But it was my
dream to go to the university level. To me, Africa
University was built especially for me. If it had opened
a year earlier or a year later, maybe I wouldn't have been
here. With the help of the Church, I managed to secure
a place here. It was God's perfect timing."

The University is building bridges across Africa
with friendships such as the one between Ndikumana
Zepherin from Burundi and Muhimanyi Uwanyiligira
from Rwanda. Both were studying agriculture. They
have learned to be close friends despite the conflict that
has claimed thousands of lives in their native countries.
Ochieng Okeyo from Kenya and the President of
Student Government at the University said, "We
students come together not as a segregated people. We
come together as sisters and brothers to learn. Years
from now Africa University will reflect the real picture
of the African continent. Students from all the corners
of Africa will come here." This is what Africa University
is all about. It is a place to "Get A Life, Not Just An
Education."

A detailed report outlining the plan for the
University, including a financial report, will be provided
to all General Conference delegates. This report will
support the request from the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry for a continuation of financial
support at the same level — $20 million — during the next
quadrennium.

Division of Chaplains and Related
Ministries

The Division of Chaplains and Related Minisfries
endorses, supports, and oversees the work of clergy in
appointments beyond the local church, as listed in
^443. 1&. In addition, the staff of the division serves as
liaison in a number of ecumenical and interfaith
organizations which certify or support ministry in
specialized settings.

The division has been working on international
prison support in cenfral Russia. DCRM has provided
technical support and consultation with the prison staff
and has advised in the development of pastoral care in
three prisons, including Bible study, worship resources,
and staff training. The division also provides fraining
and support services for ministry with the English
speaking prisoners in German prisons through the laity
abroad program. Continuing involvement with the

International Prison Chaplain's Association and contact
with Methodists in prison ministry throughout the
world have been a part of our goals.

The division has contributed to the establishment
and operation of the Joint Commission for the
Accreditation of Pastoral Service programs in health
care and long-term care institutions.

An active refreat program has been maintained for
endorsed persons throughout the United States and in
Europe and the Far East. Consultation has been
provided for many persons moving from the local
church to ministry in specialized settings, and for those
moving from one specialized setting to another,
especially those affected by the downsizing of the
military. In addition, a mentoring program has been
developed for newly endorsed persons.

Division of Diaconal Ministry

The mandates for the organization and work of the
Division of Diaconal Ministry are set forth in Tlie Book
of Discipline, ^"J 1524-26. However, the division
recognizes that the disciplinary statement cannot cover
all the responsibilities encompassed in its work.
Working through conference Boards of Diaconal
Ministry and other appropriate denominational and
ecumenical structures, the division fulfills its purpose to
set and administer standards for diaconal ministry, as
well as professional certification in Christian education,
music, evangelism, and youth ministry; to provide
resources and support for consecrated and/or certified
persons in specialized ministry; and to cooperate with
other agencies in providing resources for persons in
professional associations and fellowships.

During the past quadrennium, the division has
continued to sharpen the procedures and requirements
for enfrance into diaconal ministry and the standards for
professional certification. It has worked at interpretation
and advocacy for diaconal ministry; frained and
supported conference Boards of Diaconal Ministry;
encouraged ministerial enlistment; broadened its
ecumenical and global contacts; and set in place further
stabilizing procedures necessary for an evolving
diaconate.

Among the division's accomplishments are:

• 1995 Convocation on Diaconal Ministry in Atlanta,
Georgia;

• awarding seven doctoral fellowships for persons
planning to teach in higher education;

• approving ten emerging ministry grants to fund such
experimental minisfries as a district peace center,
day care, parish nurse, cooperative youth ministry,
campus ministry, denial addiction ministry and
halfway house; and ministry to the deaf;

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• supporting forty-four racial ethnic projects to assist in
the development of diaconal ministries and the
training of diaconal ministers;

• awarding twenty-four Schisler Scholarships;

• approving 2,255 scholarships for theological studies
for diaconal ministry;

• approving 1,224 scholarships for persons pursuing
certification.

We continue our active role in DIAKONIA, the
worldwide association of diaconal groups.

United Methodist diaconal ministers hosted the
Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean (DOTAC) in
May 1994 in Nashville, Tennessee. Representatives
from around the world and across denominational lines
attended. The division has a representative on the
National Diaconal Dialogue Group, which fosters
relationships and understanding of the diaconate
ecumenically.

Diaconal candidacy includes an ecumenical
component, and new developments in diaconal ministry
in other denominations are being observed and
discussed. An ecumenical visitor is invited to each
meeting of the division.

The Division of Diaconal Ministry has made a
commitment to serve children, youth, and the poor. This
happens as persons are affirmed in their call and are
recruited and trained as diaconal ministers and certified
persons in the areas of Christian education, music,
evangelism, and youth ministry. These persons serve to
equip the laity of the Church to minister to and with
children, youth, and the poor. The division provides
resources, funds, and staff to achieve this purpose.

Diaconal ministers and certified persons work with
and mobilize the laity to develop programs to serve the
community through:

• providing shelter to the homeless;

• organizing the laity to be involved in meals on wheels
programs;

• setting up food pantries;

• organizing Sunday schools to minister to prisoners
and their families;

• enabling congregations to participate in Habitat for
Humanity;

• participating in disaster relief;

• organizing ministries with migrant workers.

During the quadrennium, The United Methodist
Church consecrated 375 diaconal ministers for a total of
1,691 as of October 19, 1995. The division also certified
584 persons in Christian education, music, evangelism,
and youth ministry. There are approximately 563

persons in candidacy for consecration as diaconal
ministers and 508 working toward professional
certification through the division.

Additional accomplishments of the division include:

working with the College of Chaplains and the
Division of Chaplains for diaconal ministers to be
certified as chaplains;

conducting a salary survey of diaconal ministers to
assist them in negotiating their places of service;

conducting a theological assessment of diaconal
ministers and the needs for continuing education;

co-sponsoring a study on the needs of diaconal and
ordained ministers with physical disabilities;

assisting in organizing the Forum of Adults in Youth
Ministry;

assisting the Board of Discipleship in developing a
certification in stewardship;

resourcing diaconal ministers in addressing the
issues of children's poverty and violence in society;

providing a supportive relationship to the Faculty of
Agriculture and Natural Resources at Africa
University;

conducting a study on the emergence of the
diaconate in Afi-ica;

planning four mission caravans, providing an
opportunity for diaconal ministers to experience a
mission context, helping them to move beyond their
normal routines and engage in service to experience
renewal and transformation, and to make a difference
in the world as partners in God's ministry and
mission. The first diaconal ministry caravan was held
in the Los Angeles Shalom Zone;

• working with the Division of Ordained Ministry in the
Joint Candidacy Inquiry Process, a major
accomplishment which offers opportunities for
persons inquiring into diaconal and ordained
ministry to go through a process of spiritual
discernment;

• reaching a landmark when the Texas Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry consecrated eleven
diaconal ministers in one year. This symbolizes a
steady growth for diaconal ministry {7V2% in 1995}
across The United Methodist Church.

Publications:

• Sabbath — A Time to Renew the Call and Make a
Difference is a self-guiding book that invites diaconal
ministers, deacons, clergy, lay and certified persons
to reflect and experience the rhythm of Sabbath in
the ministry as part of God's creation;

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• God's Call and Your Vocation encourages all persons
to consider a life lived on behalf of others, a life in
which the occupation they choose as their life's work
may also be a "profession" of their faith in Jesus
Christ;

• The Unity of Liturgy & Life is a book compiled from
papers presented at a consultation on work and
worship. It deals with how work in the modern world
still expresses a sense of vocation;

• Instrumentos del Ilamado de Dios, by Justo L.
Gonzalez, is a Spanish language resource to be used
in the implementation of the National Plan for
Hispanic Ministry. The English version of this book.
Mentors as Instruments of God's Call, is being used for
the candidacy program.

Division of Higher Education

The Division of Higher Education is charged by The
Book of Discipline to represent the Church in its historic
mission of uniting knowledge and vital piety, and to
enable the Church to engage effectively in higher
education throughout the world.

In addition to the thirteen seminaries of the
denomination. 111 schools, colleges, and universities
are related to our denomination. This number is two
higher than it was in 1992. Green Mountain College
(Poultny, VT) and Nebraska Methodist College of
Nursing and Allied Health (Omaha, NE) , requested and
received affiliation with the Church through the
University Senate in 1995. United Methodist
educational ministries enroll more than 220,000
students each year. Through these ministries, students
are challenged to develop their intellect as well as to
grow in understanding the faith and values
undergirding their lives.

Seven hundred United Methodist-related campus
ministries offer students communities for nurture,
worship, support, service, and challenge. "Campus
Ministry: Mission at the Center," a special program of
this quadrennium, infused new energy into student
work across the connection. The Student Forum
continues to challenge students for leadership in the
Church, on the campus, and in society. Student
ministries and organizations are expanding in annual
conferences. New and creative configurations for
campus ministry are underway; among these are vital
partnerships with local churches.

More than 110,000 students are involved in
community service programs through United
Methodist-related educational ministries. These
programs challenge students to become involved in
meeting the needs of society.

The division works closely with the 68 annual
conference boards of higher education and campus
ministry. During this quadrennium, staff has supported

the work of the boards through regular visits and
consultations, resources, and regional meetings
focussing on specific concerns and needs.

Linking higher education ministries with local
congregations continues to be a priority. An expression
of this link is the Handbook of Schools, Colleges,
Universities, and Theological Schools, distributed to
every congregation. A second expression is the poster
"Get a Life; Not Just an Education," also mailed to all
congregations. From the poster, over 2,500 inquiries
were received from persons in local churches.

At the jurisdictional level, conversations between
the college of bishops and the college presidents in each
jurisdiction helped further understanding regarding the
work of the Church and its educational ministry. New
avenues for cooperation and support are already
evident.

Responding to the Church's concern to engage in
global higher education, the division is furthering
international partnerships in locations that include the
Philippines, Korea, Japan, Central and South America,
Europe, Africa, and Russia.

The division has been at the center of efforts to
establish the International Association of
Methodist-related Schools Colleges and Universities
(lAMSCU). The association relates educational
institutions of the Wesleyan tradition in an association
to share wisdom and to further international programs.
lAMSCU will meet in Brazil at the time of the 1996
World Methodist Council. Over 350 institutions are part
of the association. The division is working to link these
institutions through the Internet.

In 1995, a symposium on the North American Free
Trade Agreement G^ATFA) was sponsored by the
division. The meeting engaged Church leaders and
educators from Mexico, Canada, and the United States
in a consideration of the implications of the agreement
for the Church, education, and society.

TTie University-CoUege Fund provides emergency
assistance to United Methodist-related schools,
colleges, and universities. Through these funds, the
division is able to assist educational institutions in
financial sfress and to help stabilize their financial
conditions. During the present quadrennium, eleven
institutions have received assistance.

The University Senate continues to fulfill its
important role for the Church. Since 1882, the Senate
has assured the quality of United Methodist-related
educational institutions, and has assured a system of
education which appropriately relates learning and faith.
The University Senate is composed of educational
leaders who give their time on behalf of the Church for
the process of institutional review.

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The Challenge in Education

Sensitive to contemporary discussions regarding
K-12 education in the United States, the Division of
Higher Education called together educational leaders
from across the denomination to study concerns and
needs in contemporary education. Two years of study
and research culminated in the creation of a study paper,
Education: The Gift of Hope.

Education: The Gift of Hope offers a review of the
current scene in the United States, noting the points of
challenge and transition, and acknowledging the
concerns for quality, control, choice, and opportunity in
education. In addition, the paper reviews the positive
and constructive role the Church historically has played
in addressing issues in public education.

The paper, to be presented to the 1996 General
Conference, challenges the Church to understand the
contemporary educational concerns, and calls the
Church to become involved in local education. The
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
proposes that local churches study Education: The Gift
of Hope, to learn of the Church's heritage and the current
situation, as well as the hopes for education.

The paper also calls each local congregation to
develop a plan for concrete involvement in the
educational life of its community, seeking to improve
educational opportunity and to become involved with
students.

Division of Ordained Ministiy

The mission of the Division of Ordained Ministry is
the calling, training, and supporting of faithful ministry.
The division responds to the need of the Church for
God-called, well-trained, and effectively supervised
ordained leadership in the life of the Church. In addition
to the work of ordained ministry, the division is
responsible for the training of local pastors who serve a
growing number of our congregations. Together these
persons carry out the essential function of pastoral
leadership in our churches and the extension of the
Church's ministry into the world through Appointments
Beyond the Local Church. Literally, every congregation
and every aspect of the Church's life is touched by the
work of the Division of Ordained Ministry. Our primary
constituencies are the Boards of Ordained Ministry in
each annual conference and the seminaries. We also
assist in resourcing district superintendents and
responding to the needs for interpretation of the
Discipline and programming to support persons in
ordained ministry.

1. Calling

God calls women and men to ordained ministry. But
it is often through the efforts of the Church that persons
sense God's call and respond in faith. The pressing need

for a new emphasis on "the call" is underscored by the
decline in ordinations in recent years. The Church faces
a severe shortage of clergy within the next decade
without a concerted effort by the whole Church to
challenge children and youth with the call to proclaim
the Good News of Jesus Christ through ordained
ministry. The division efforts include programs like
EXPLORATION 94, the national enlistment event for
youth, and the first Thomas-Shockley Academy for
African American Youth, training of leaders for the
Hispanic Plan, the development of materials and
resources for annual conferences, and working with
ethnic caucuses, youth ministries, and other agencies in
offering the call to Ordained Ministry.

2. Training

The support of the thirteen United Methodist
seminaries and providing scholarship assistance for all
seminary students is an important work of the division
in cooperation with the annual conferences. The MEF
provides the funding for training our clergy through the
seminaries and the course of study program for local
pastors. The best way to benefit all seminarians is
through the MEF. This quadrennium our training
programs have included the course of study for pastors
in Russia, Estonia, Bulgaria, and eastern Europe. There
are now 17 course of study programs for local pastors in
the USA with over 2000 participants annually. We are
working cooperatively with the Division of Diaconal
Ministry to develop a joint candidacy program for all
persons entering professional ministry through the
Church.

Major financial commitments include the Georgia
Harkness Scholarship for women in seminary, the
Dempster Fellowships for Ph.D. candidates who plan to
teach in United Methodist institutions, the Women of
Color program for ethnic women in Ph.D. studies, and
jurisdictional grants for ethnic seminary student
scholarships.

3. Supporting and Supervising

In this quadrennium, the division has been
developing new ways of supporting and supervising
effective pastoral ministry in the Church. This includes
training and resourcing district superintendents,
counseling elders, and supervising pastors. The office
of Continuing Education works with seminaries and
Boards of Ordained Ministry in developing effective
means of both continuing education and spiritual
growth for clergy. The division provides support for
clergywomen (as evidenced in the quadrennial
Clergywomen's Consultation) and assists annual
conferences and cabinets in matters of clergy sexual
professional ethics. Clergy with handicapping
conditions, ethnic minority clergy, and local pastors all
receive assistance and support from the division. We
have developed a new Administrative and Judicial
Procedures Handbook and guidelines for keeping
supervisory records.

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We continue our sponsorship of ethnic centers at
various seminaries as a way of supporting the training
and development of ethnic leadership for the Church.

This is only a brief summary of some of the major
projects of the division. In fulfillment of the disciplinary
mandate, we extend the witness of Christ through the
calling, training, and supporting of faithful ministry
through ordained and licensed clergy, touching every
local church and every facet of the Church's life and
witness.

Report of the Division of Ordained

Ministry on Evangelical Seminary of

Puerto Rico

Purpose

The 1992 General Conference mandated that the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and
the General Board of Global Ministries do the following:

1. Consult with the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto
Rico.

2. Study the impact of any reduction in funds.

3. Continue funding up to 1996.

General Conference asked that we "consider the
continuation of the present financial support at the
current level through the year 2000, and what financial
assistance is possible beyond the aforementioned
period." Both agencies are to report back their findings
and recommendations to the 1996 General Conference.
In order to fulfill that mandate, the Division of Ordained
Ministry visited Evangelical Seminary March 19-22,
1995.

The time was well-planned by the host committee
and gave us an in-depth look at the seminary, its history
and significance in the life of The United Methodist
Church, as well as in Puerto Rico. The leadership
provided us with detailed information and the
opportunity to visit with board members,
administrators, students, faculty, and alumni. In
addition to time spent at the seminary, we had the
opportunity to meet with leadership of the
church — Bishop Bonilla, two district superintendents,
and the chairperson of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
It was a very productive visit with excellent
conversations and frank discussions of the situation in
Puerto Rico and the realities facing both the Puerto
Rican Church and The United Methodist Church in the
United States.

History

Beginning in 1981 we consistently increased the
amount of funds going to the seminary until 1991. In
1991 the division and board received petitions from the
Puerto Rico Annual Conference asking for continued
funding for the seminary and support for an endowment

fund, with the express purpose that Puerto Rico would
"eventually assume full responsibility for theological
education for its ordained and diaconal ministry." In
response to those petitions, the board approved a plan
to gradually decrease direct support of the seminary and
contribute to the establishment of an endowment fund.

In 1992 the General Conference acted as stated
above. Since that time, we have been in correspondence
with the seminary, the bishop, and other interested
parties concerning the support of the seminary and
autonomous church in Puerto Rico.

Evangelical Seminary

The quality of the program at Evangelical Seminary
and its importance in the life of the Church have never
been in question for the Division of Ordained Ministry.
The Board of Global Ministries is the primary partner in
the seminary since they are one of the founders and hold
a seat on the Board of Directors. However, since 1981
the Division of Ordained Ministry has made an annual
grant out of division funds acknowledging the unique
role of Evangelical Seminary. It is the only seminary
outside the thirteen United Methodist schools to receive
significant financial support through the division. The
division has increased its support since 1981 and intends
to maintain support through the year 2000. However,
the amount given directly to the seminary will gradually
decrease.

The information provided by the seminary gave us
a complete picture of the financial needs of the
seminary. Discussions with the Methodist students and
alumni reinforced the importance of the seminary for
Puerto Rico, the Hispanic Church in the United States
and all of the Caribbean. We \v not question the validity
of their claims and realize that decreased support will
have a negative impact on the seminary. However, our
intent is to do that gradually and at the same time
increase our contributions to the endowment fund,
which would ultimately benefit both the seminary and
the conference. If possible, the total amount given to
theological education in Puerto Rico will remain at
$48,000 until the year 2000. In the light of tightening
financial realities and the autonomy of the Puerto Rican
Church, we do not feel we can make any commitments
beyond that time.

Following that visit we had additional
communication with Bishop Bonilla. Based on his
counsel we will continue to follow the plan for funding
the seminary and annual conference endowment which
the board authorized prior to the 1992 General
Conference.

Office of Loans and Scholarships

During the 1992-95 period, more than $14.3 million
in scholarships and loans were distributed to 15,499
students. More than 9,800 students received $8.7
million in scholarships and $5.7 million in loans was

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

819

granted to more than 4,500 students. Scholarship funds
come from wills, annuities, fiduciary funds, offering
receipts, and special programs. Loan funds come from
50% of United Methodist Student Day Offering and
interest from the loan program. The office continued to
maintain its 99% borrower repayment record and a
default rate of less than one tenth of a percent. For the
1992-1995 period, more than $9.2 million in collection
payments was estimated to be received.

In support of the National Hispanic Plan, the board
assured members of the Methodist Church of Puerto
Rico, that their students would continue to be eligible
for scholarships until the year 2000. The office
published and mailed two thousand bilingual brochures
on the scholarship and loan programs that it administers
to 314 Hispanic congregations and 417 Hispanic pastors;
explored the feasibility of establishing a new
scholarship funding base for non-resident United
Methodists who are full members residing in one of the
five U.S. jurisdictions; surveyed 2,495 ethnic pastors
serving racial/ethnic congregations within the five
jurisdictions to assist with fund development strategies
for the next quadrennium; and obtained board approval
for waiving U.S. citizenship or permanent residency as
one of the eligibility criteria for scholarship funds
allocated to United Methodist colleges and universities
from the Loans and Scholarship Office.

Thirteen Native American leaders were able to
pursue graduate studies at United Methodist
seminaries from Native American Awareness Sunday
Offering receipts during this quadrennium. As of fall
1995, seven had received their Master of Divinity
Degree.

In 1988, the Women of Color Scholars Program was
established to place United Methodist women of color
in faculty positions at all United Methodist seminaries
by the year 2000 and to increase the number of women
of color who teach, lecture, write, and research at the
Ph.D level in all seminaries. Five women scholars have
obtained terminal degrees in religious studies, five are
employed at a United Methodist seminary, and ten are
presentiy enrolled in Ph.D. programs.

Student conferences sponsored by the Division of
Ordained Ministry (Exploration, '92 & '94), the Division
of Higher Education's Campus Ministry Unit, the Board
of Discipleship's Youth '95, and some annual conference
events have enabled staff to conduct financial aid
workshops and disseminate information to hundreds of
youths and adults.

Although scholarship funds from special offerings
continued to decline, parents and students continue to
request Church support to enable them to pursue their
academic and vocational goals. Increased demands
from students and parents for Church financial aid
support challenges the Church to identify new fund-
raising strategies to meet the educational needs of our
diverse membership.

Conclusion

The challenges facing the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry in the coming quadrennium
— challenges which confront us with needs around the
globe — are challenges which will call for deep
commitment from both elected directors and staff. That
commitment is a commitment to the church of Jesus
Christ and to Christ's ministry in the world, supported
and sustained by the community of faith embodied.

Agenda 21: United Methodist Ministry
for a New Century

The United Methodist Church, like most of the
mainline Protestant denominations, is struggling for a
vision and direction for its ministry. The thirteen United
Methodist seminaries are committed to the principle
that a well-educated clergy have the perspective
necessary to relate the Gospel to the needs of persons
in the pew. The schools are concerned whether they are
serving the Church in the most faithful and effective way
demanded of them at this moment in history.

It is not always clear as to which message or voices
the seminaries should respond. Who speaks for the
large group of faithful who work and witness at the local
church level? It is from these congregations that
students come and to which they return as pastors. How
shall they be heard? To hear these local church voices,
AGENDA 21: UNITED METHODIST MINISTRY FOR
A NEW CENTURY was initiated by the Association of
United Methodist Theological Schools in the spring of
1992. Strong encouragement and support was offered
by the Division of Ordained Ministry, General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry.

Approximately 700 laity and clergy, representing
70% of the annual conferences, engaged in small group
conversation with seminary representatives at thirteen
regional events hosted by the schools, January-May
1994 and again in 1995. Carefully selected by bishops
and cabinets, six laity and six clergy from each
conference — representing small, medium, and large
congregations in rural, suburban, and urban
areas — provided a gender and racially inclusive group
for the events. These persons are considered leaders in
their local churches and communities and reflect a
cross-section of theological positions. Chairpersons of
boards of ordained and diaconal ministry and bishops
also participated by virtue of their leadership positions.

These conversations sought to determine what type
of clergy are needed to provide effective leadership for
the future mission of the Church. To this end, laity and
clergy addressed five concerns: United Methodist
heritage; classical and practical emphases in theological
education; specific leadership skills; the quality of
candidates; and seminary-church relations. Their
dialogue with seminary leadership pushed and probed

820

DCA Advance Edition

issues and implications that are grounded in the
contemporary life of congregations and theological
schools. Some of the issues are:

1. Growing concern for the quality of
ministerial candidates. There is need for a systems
approach to improving quality that fully involves
congregations, pastors, bishops, conference boards,
and seminary leadership. However, the focus must be
on the local church and the integrity with which it
assumes responsibility for identification, enlistment,
and recommendation.

2.1ncreasing awareness diat seminaries
cannot do all that is expected of them in
ministerial preparation. It is imperative that more
creative use be made of the probationary period
following seminary graduation. AGENDA 21 points to
the expectation that some very significant things must
occur during probation. No single development would
meet that expectation more than for annual conferences
to offer a weU-planned education experience during the
probationary period beyond the master of divinity
degree.

3. Closer seminary and chixrch relations would
assist a new model of ministry to continue to
emerge. It is a model that goes beyond the professional
model to focus on the relevant application of theological
vision and competence to the changing needs of
individuals and communities. It is a model with more
flexibility, better able to cope with the ambiguities of
contemporary life, and with time and talent committed
to more than the maintenance of an institution. It is a

form of ministry in which both laity and clergy
understand that leadership must be wrapped in
servanthood to be enduring and effective.

4.1mplied in both the quality and model of
ministry are sound educational standards. What
level of education is needed for ministry in a new
millenniiun? At the time when The United Methodist
Church has the most educated laity in our history, there
is increased movement toward a less educated clergy
for economic reasons. No institution which seeks to be
effective in meeting the problems and opportunities of
the 21st century should promote or permit such
movement.

The lively and informed discussions of AGENDA 21
have encouraged the expectations of the seminaries that
the project and its final report will be a resource and
stimulus of further conversation between the
seminaries and denomination; a document around
which the theological schools will plan to work together
and with the constituencies; a resource for curriculum
development; a means for planning the futiu^e of
theological education in The United Methodist Church;
and a resource for bishops, boards, and agencies in
program development and renewal.

AGENDA 21 offers confirmation that there
continues in United Methodism a great desire for the
union of "the pair so long disjoined, knowledge and vital
piety," and that our theological schools continue to be
affirmed as strong and indispensable bridges to that
union.

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

821

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^732.

Petition Number: 20081-HE-732-D;MOW, MOE.

Responsibilities of the Board of Higher Education
and Campus Ministry

Amend ^ 732:

1. ...including representation from appropriate con-
stituencies. The responsibilities of the Board of
Higher Education and Campus Ministry may be
assigned to an existing or newly created multiftinc-
tional agency of the Conference Council that cares
for the functions of and the connectional relation-
ships of The General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry, the Conference, districts, and local
churches.

3. The Annual Conference chairperson of higher
education and campus ministry shall may be a member
of the Annual Conference Council on Ministries.

4.a) (5) To work with the Annual Conference Coun-
cil on Ministries and with...

b){l) To present to the Conference Council ©n
Ministries and then to...

^732.

Petition Number: 20479-HE-732-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Board of Higher
Education and Campus Ministry

Delete ^ 732.

^732.

Petition Number: 20505-HE-732-D;NNJ.
Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus

Ministry

Amend ^ 732:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a Board
of Higher Education and Campus Ministry or equivalent
structure (or the responsibilities outlined below
may be assigned to such other organization as the
Annual Conference provides pursuant to TI707. 1).

^732.

Petition Number: 21662-HE-732-D; GCOM.

Conference Board of Higher Education
and Campus Ministry
Amend ^ 732:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a Board
of Higher Education and Campus Ministry or equivalent
other structure to provide for these functions and
maintain the connectional relationships. The

number of members...

2. [Add new text at end.] A person serving as
member(s) of the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry from that Annual Conference
shall, by virtue of their ofiBce, be member(s) of the
conference Board of Higher Education and Cam-
pus Ministry (see t 707.5 and 1 810.5).

3. [Delete.]

^732.

Petition Number: 20457-HE-732.1-D;NMX.

Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
Amend 1 732.1:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conferences shall
provide for the fulfillment of the purposes, duties
£ind responsibilities assigned to the a-Board of
Higher Education and Campus Ministry or equivalent
sb-ucturc by fi 732.2-4 and elsewhere. The An-
nual Conferences shall determine the member-
ship of the structure. It may be assigned other
duties and responsibilities, and may have mem-
bership in common with structures performing
other duties and responsibilities. References to
the "Annual Conference Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Campus Ministry," or to "the Board," in
this ^ 732 and its various subparagraphs, and
elsewhere in the Discipline in appropriate context
shall be construed and interpreted to refer to the
structure so provided, whatever named or called.
The number of members shall be determined by the
Annual Conference, including representation from ap-
propriatc constituencies.

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DCA Advance Edition

^732.

Petition Number: 20458-HE-732.3-D;NMX.

Chairperson of the Board of Higher Education and
Campus Ministry

Amend ^ 732.3:

3. When the structure sits to fulfill the respon-
sibilities under % 732.4, tThe Annual Conference
Chairperson of higher education and campus ministry
shall sit, with voting rights, be a member of the
Annual Conference Council on Ministries.

^732.

Petition Number: 21271-H&732.4-D; GBHEM.
Responsibilities with Campus Ministries
Add a new sub-point after ^ 732.4<i(ll):

4.d)(12) To establish the procedures for the
nomination and election of lay members to annual
conference by college students.

^1503.

Petition Number: 20629-HE-1503-D;WNC.
Amenability of General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry

Amend 1 1503:

Amenability and Accountability. — The board shall
be amenable to the General Conference and between
sessions of the General Conference it shall be account-
able to the General Council on Ministries Council of
Bishops.

^1505.

Petition Number: 21273-HE-1505.3-D; GBHEM.

Objectives of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry
Amend f 1505:

3. To ensure that the board's programs and policies
address the needs and concerns for ministry with racial
and ethnic persons and persons with disabilities.

26. To provide such services as will create a climate
of acceptance and empowerment for women, aod racial
and ethnic persons, and persons with disabilities in
higher education...

^1506.

Petition Number: 20550-HE-1506.2-D;SNJ.

Responsibilities of the General Board of Higher

Education and Ministry
Amend 1 1506.2:

2. ...establishing committees, electing a general
secretary and other staff, and filling vacancies...

^1506.

Petition Number: 20898-HE-1506.7-D; United
Methodist Appalachian Development Committee,
Hagerstown, MD.

Responsibility of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry

Amend ^ 1506.7:

To cooperate with other agencies m of The United
Methodist Church, including the coordinating roles
of the Appalachian Development Committee and
the U.S./Mexico Bi-Lateral Mission Advisory
Committee and other regional and cultural minis-
tries, in the fulfilment of the ministries and programs
of the General Conference.

^1507.

Petition Number: 21663-HE-1507-D; GCOM.

Organization of the General Board of Higher

Education and Ministry
Amend ^ 1507:

Organization. — 1. The membership of this board
shall be sixty-six 66 persons constituted in accord-
ance with ^805. 3a of the General Provisions, and

with the addition of these Central Conference members;
Sbc persons and one alternate for each who may attend
if the elected member cannot attend. In the election of
the delegates by the Commission on Central Confer-
ence Affairs, two shall be clergy, two laymen, and two
laywomcn. This provision shall take effect immediately
after the conclusion of General Conference. If a vacancy
occurs in the board, it shall be filled in accordance with

The membership shall be constituted as fol-
lows:

a) Jurisdictional members — Clergy, laywomen
and laymen shall be elected to the board by the
jurisdictional conference upon nomination fi-om
the annual conference in accordance with
^805.3b, based on the following formula: North
Central — 7, Northeastern — 8, South Central — 11,
Southeastern — 11 and Western — 3.

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

823

b) Central Conference members — Five Central
Conference members shall be elected to the board
on nomination by the Council of Bishops, accord-
ing to the provisions in ^ 805.3c. At least one
Central Conference member shall be from North
Shaba Annual Conference.

c) Episcopal members — ^Ten (10) episcopal mem-
bers, shall be named by the Council of Bishops,
including at least three (3) from the Central Con-
ferences, (see t 810.10).

d) One member elected by Iglesia Metodista
Aut6noma AfiUada de Puerto Rico.

e) Additional members — (1) United Method-
ist— ^Additional members are nominated by a com-
mittee composed of three persons from each juris-
diction (one clergy, one laywomen and one
layman) elected by the jurisdictional conference.
They shall elect up to nine (9) additional members
to assiu-e inclusivity and expertise. (2) It is recom-
mended that the board elect at least one of the
additional members without vote from among the
other churches of the Consultation on Church Un-
ion.

gf) If a vacancy occurs in the board, it shall be filled
in accordance with ^ 812.

SI1509.

Petition Number: 20630-HE-1509.2-D;WNC.

Support of General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1509.2:

2. Administration and other programs of the divi-
sions shall be supported solely from World Service mon-
eys apportioned general program agency funds....

^1511.

Petition Number: 21274-HE-1511.1-D; GBHEM.
The Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries
Amende 1511.1:

1. [Third sentence] In order to assure.. .responsibil-
ity for clergy in such appointments beyond the local
church in extension ministries (443.1.b) as! federal
and other governmental chaplaincies, health care min
istry settings including pastoral counseling, industrial
and community service ministries, including but not
limited to: ministry in the military, correctional
institutions, the Department of Veterans Affairs,
health care settings, pastoral counseling, marriage
and family counseling, workplace ministries, com-
munity service ministries, and other related ministry
settings which conference Boards of Ordained Ministry

and bishops may designate. The division shall assist
annual conferences to vaUdate the appropriate-
ness of special ministry settings.

^1511.

Petition Number: 21275-HE-1511.2-D; GBHEM.
Endorsement of Ordained Ministry
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1511.2c:

2.c^ AH-United Methodist ordained ministers e-
Iders appointed in the above categories...

^1511.

Petition Number: 21276-HE-1511.2-D; GBHEM.
General Oversight for Clergy Members
Amend the last sentence of 1511.2d:

The division shall assure conference Boards of Or-
dained Ministry of the validity of ministry and quality of
performance of clergy serving under its endorsement.

^1511.

Petition Number: 21277-HE-1511.2-D; GBHEM.
Standards for Endorsements for Ministry Settings
Amend the first sentence of 'J 1511.2^

The division shall establish standards for endorse-
ments for all ministry settings in ^ 443. leb.

^1512.

Petition Number: 20631-HE-1512-D;WNC.

Funding of Division of Chaplains
and Related Ministries
Amend the first sentence of ^1512:

The division is authorized to receive such World
Service apportioned general program agency funds
as may be allocated...

^1514.

Petition Number: 21278-HE-1514.4-D; GBHEM.

Provisions regarding inquiries of United Methodist
Related Schools, Colleges and Universities

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1514.3 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

The division should provide the connectional
relationship whenever agencies of the General
Church wish to enter into discussion with or make

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DCA Advance Edition

inquiiy into United Methodist-related schools, col-
leges and tiniversities.

SI1515.

Petition Number: 20326-HE-1515.-D;WPA.

Responsibilities of the Board of Higher Education
Amend llSlS.Sfl:

a) Promote the Church's mission in higher educa-
tion, including the special missions and educational
ministries to ethnic groups, persons with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities, and other peoples
disadvantaged by world conditions.

^1517.

Petition Number: 20723-HE-1517.2-D;HOL.

Membership of the University Senate
Delete \ 1517.2 and substitute the following text:

Organization and Membership. — ^The senate shall
be composed of 25 voting members who, at the
time of their election, shall be members of the
United Methodist Church and who, by reason of
professional backgromid or education, are quali-
fied for the work of evaluating educational institu-
tions. Election is for the quadrennium. Of the 25
members, nine shall be nominated by the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 8 mem-
bers shall be nominated by the Coimcil of Bish-
ops, and 8 members shall be nominated by the
National Association of Schools and Colleges of
The United Methodist Chxu-ch. At the same daily
session at which the above nominations are em-
nounced, additional nominations may be made
from the floor, but at no other time. The members
shall be elected by the General Conference and by
plurahty vote, with any replacement members
made necessary by death or resignation being
elected by the Council of Bishops. Of the mem-
bers nominated by each group and of the total
elected by the General Conference, no more than
one-third shall be professionally affiliated with a
United Methodist-related educational institution.
The general secretary of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry shall serve as an
ex-officio member of the senate witii voice but
without vote. The associate general secretaries of

the Divisions of Higher Education and Ministry and
one representative of the General Board of Global
Ministries appointed by that Board's General Sec-
retary may attend meetings with voice but without
vote. The senate, at its originating meeting each
quadrennium, shall electas its president a member
not professionally af&hated witii a United Method-
ist-related educational institution.

This legislation is to be effective at the close of
the 1996 General Conference.

^1518.

Petition Number: 20724-HE-1518-D;HOL.
Purposes and Objectives
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of \ 1518:

To establish an effective evaluation process so
that United Methodist theological seminaries and
other United Methodist institutions providing pro-
fessional training for ministry will be recognized
as teaching theology which faithfully reflects
United Methodist doctrine as delineated in Para-
graphs 67 through 69 of The Book of Discipline.

^1531.

Petition Number: 21338-HE-1531-D; GBGM.
Schools of Theology
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1531:

...and other such concerns of order, with the dy-
namics of ministry in a multi-cultural society; and

with the polity,...

^1532.

Petition Number: 21279-HE-1532-D; GBHEM.

Selection and Education of Candidates for Admission
to the Annual Conference
Amend ^ 1532:

The United Methodist schools of theology share
with the conference Boards of Ordained and Diaconal
Ministry the responsibility...

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

825

Proposed Resolutions

.

Petition Number: 20247-HE-NonDis-O;VIR

Guidelines for Sexual Misconduct Policies

Whereas, at least three annual conferences have
developed policies to address the issue of sexual mis-
conduct in the church;

Whereas, Judicial Council Decision No. 736
deemed such policies to be inadequate and referred
them back to the annual conferences;

Be it therefore resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church meeting in Den-
ver, Colorado in 1996 instruct the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry of The United Method-
ist Church to develop an outline for such policies to
guide the Annual Conferences in the establishment of
policies related to sexual misconduct

Petition Number: 21128-HE-NonDis-O; GBHEM.

Education: The Gift of Hope

Whereas, the United Methodist heritage is rich with
concern for the education of all God's children; and

Whereas, that heritage is filled with vivid examples
of Christlike concern for training the mind as well as
nurturing the faith; and

Whereas, John Wesley was "a unique and remark-
able educator (who) gave to the whole Methodist move-
ment throughout the world a permanent passion for
education" ; and

Whereas, the current educational environment in
the United States is one of challenge and transition; and

Whereas, contemporary educational issues include
concerns for quality, control, choice, and opportunity;
and

Whereas, the church has a positive and constructive
role to play in the discussion of education in our society
and must become involved in ways that provide assis-
tance to the community and support for educational
leaders; and

Whereas, the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry has developed a study paper. Education:
The Gift of Hope, reminding the church of its Wesleyan
commitment; challenging the church to understanding;
and calling the church to involvement in local education;

Therefore, be it resolved, that die 1996 General
Conference receive Education: The Gift of Hope and

affirm the challenge by the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry;

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence urge every local congregation to study Education:
The Gift of Hope to learn of our heritage, the current
situation and concerns, and the hopes for education;

Be it further resolved, that the church join hands
with educators in seeking more effective ways to pre-
pare our children for a future in which they will both find
personal fulfillment and make a significant contribution
to the world;

Be it further resolved, that each local congregation
develop a plan for concrete involvement in the educa-
tional activity of its community, seeking to improve the
system, and becoming involved with students;

To the end that John Wesley's concern for educa-
tion will be manifest among United Methodists and
bring with it the gift of hope.

Halford E. Luccock, Paul Hutchinson, Robert W.
Goodloe, The Story of Methodism, Abingdon Press, New
York, Nashville. 1926, p.361.

Petition Number: 21129-HE-NonDis-O; GBHEM.

United Metfaodist-Related Precollegiate Schools

Whereas, the Methodist movement includes a rich
history of mission through educational ministries, sup-
porting public education and creating educational oph
portunities where none previously existed; and

Whereas, the tutoring ministry of John and Charles
Wesley with the children of miners in Bristol was an
expression of their deep-felt concern for education, and
led to the establishment of Kingswood School, the first
educational institution of the "people called Methodist";
and

Whereas, in the United States, the people of the
Evangelical and Methodist traditions began over twelve
hundred academic institutions, with most of those
schools created as grammar and precollegiate schools;
and

Whereas, of the 124 educational institutions con-
tinuing in relationship with The United Methodist
Church, nine are precollegiate institutions perpetuating
the church's ministry in educational opportunity and
access; and

Whereas, Kents Hill School in Maine, began in 1824
as a school for persons "desirous of an education," with

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DCA Advance Edition

a special interest in those preparing for the ministry, and
continues to emphasize that "moral and religious devel-
opment should go hand in hand with the intellectual";
and

Whereas, Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso,
Texas, since 1913 has touched thousands of lives
through a program of teaching English to students from
mostly impoverished homes and non-English speaking
backgrounds, developing bilingual leaders in an interna-
tional context, and building strong advocates of the
Christian faith; and

Whereas, McCurdy School in Espanola, New Mex-
ico, begun in 1912 to provide educational opportunity for
Spanish speaking youth in the Espanola Valley, and to
offer a strong religious emphasis and purpose, today
includes a student body of Hispanic, Anglo, and Native
American students; and

Whereas, since 1838 The Pennington School in
New Jersey has offered an academically rigorous, value-
centered education, mindful of its responsibility to re-
flect the mission of The United Methodist Church,
through a diverse student body, and a concern for the
self, a moral view of the world, and an ethical sense of
community; and

Whereas, Randolph-Macon Academy in Front
Royal, Virginia, since 1892 has carried out a mission of
combining traditional values with progressive learning
experiences, preparing adolescents for college and life,
with a concern for developing leadership and high stand-
ards of moral and ethical behavior; and

Whereas, Red Bird Mission School, in Beverly,
Kentucky, was the first high school in Bell County,
Kentucky, and since its founding in 1921, has continued
a mission of providing quality education in a Christian
environment, educating persons spiritually, mentally,
emotionally, physically, and socially; and

Whereas, since 1902 Robinson School in Santurce,
Puerto Rico, has ministered on behalf of the church, first
as an orphanage, and adding educational programs in
1911, offering a curriculum designed to challenge the
potential of each student's intellectual and spiritual ca-
pacity, motivating students to think, respect cultures,
and understand the dignity of the individual; and

Whereas, Tilton School in New Hampshire contin-
ues a 150-year commitment to exceptional college prepa-
ration for students, sensitive to the cultural and eco-
nomic diversity of the student body; the spiritual and
moral development of students; and developing stu-
dents as persons who lead and serve in society; and

Whereas, Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Penn-
sylvania, continues a tradition begun in 1844, offering an
educational ministry marked by an international flavor
and ethnic diversity, with a concern for "the True, the
Beautiful, and the Good," nurturing students to become

caring, competent, and contributing members of soci-
ety;

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church affirm the longstanding
and faithful educational ministry of the nine precolle-
giate schools related to The United Methodist Church
through the University Senate;

Be it further resolved, that the church encourage
these institutions as they continue to offer educational
environments fostering academic development, spiri-
tual nurture, personal growth, and service in society;

Be it finally resolved, that United Methodists learn
more of the unique mission and contribution made to
individuals, the church, and larger society by these
precollegiate schools and all 124 educational ministries
of The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 21280-HE'NonDis-O$; GBHEM.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Related to The UMC and the Black College Fund

Whereas, for more than a century, The United
Methodist Church, through its antecedent churches,
has expressed its commitment to assure that spiritual,
quality education be available to all; and

Whereas, "People Calling Themselves Method-
ists," through the Freedmen's Aid Society and The
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, have established
unsegregated and nonsegregating schools and colleges
to assure church-related quality education for the newly
freed slaves; and

Whereas, United Methodist Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities have an historic and significant
tradition and practice of accessibility for and acceptance
of teachers, administrators, students, and staff of all
races, creeds, colors, and nationalities; and

Whereas, the United Methodist-related schools and
colleges have provided leadership in churches, profes-
sions, and communities across the nation and through-
out the world; and

Whereas, the United Methodist-related institutions
have consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability
to recognize, nurture, and educate both accelerated and
developing students to each group's maximum poten-
tial; and

Whereas, eleven (11) such colleges and universities
continue this noble and spiritual mission for more than
15,000 deserving and underserved students; and

Whereas, United Methodist Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities serve as intellectual founts pre-
serving and expounding upon the rich history, tradition,
and culture of a people and a nation; and

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

827

Whereas, these eleven (11) historically black col-
leges and universities demonstrate their continuing
need for the church's support in order to further
strengthen their financial base and their academic mis-
sion; and

Whereas, these institutions continue to provide edu-
cational access and empowerment to students by charg-
ing a tuition approximately thirty (30) percent less than
the average at other private institutions; and

Whereas, United Methodists continue their affirma-
tion of the church's historic and noble commitment and
the colleges' unique and uplifting mission through the
establishment of the Black College Fund in 1972;

Be it resolved, that $46,708,480 be established as
the Black College Fund goal for the 1997-2000 Quadren-
nium (an increase of twelve percent from the previous
quadrennium) ; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry request through the
General Council on Finance and Administration a mini-
mum of $46,708,480 for the institutions in the 1997-2000
Quadrennium, an approximate twelve (12) percent in-
crease from the 1993-1996 Quadrennium, based as fol-
lows:

1997 - $10,926,448

1998 -$11,426,896

1999 -$11,927,344

2000 -$12,427,792

Be it further resolved, that one-sbrth of the annual
request be distributed over the next quadrennium for
capital improvements;

Be it further resolved, that the total amount to be
distributed by the Office of the Black College Fund of

the Division of Higher Education of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Meth-
odist Church be based on a formula approved by the
General Council on Finance and Administration, the
Division of Higher Education, and the Council of Presi-
dents.

Be it finally resolved, that this resolution be re-
corded in The Book of Resolutions of the 1996 General
Conference.

Petition Number: 21724-HE-NonDis-O; Commission
on Pan-Methodist Cooperation.

Resolution on Incorporation (Pan-Methodist)

Whereas, in 1992 the Internal Revenue Service is-
sued a ruling that the Educational and Institutional In-
surance Administrators (E. 1. 1. A.) must restrict partici-
pation to United Methodist institutions, and

Whereas, some historically black colleges and uni-
versities of American Methodism wish to participate in
E. 1. 1. A.; and

Whereas, legal counsel to the Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministries of the United Methodist Church
has recommended that a corporation of African Meth-
odist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, and
Christian Methodist Episcopal colleges and universities
be formed to establish eligibility for E. 1. 1. A;

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Higher Educa-
tion Subgroup request that a corporation be formed to
facilitate participation of African Methodist Episcopal,
African Methodist Episcopal Zion, and Christian Meth-
odist Episcopal colleges and universities in E. 1. 1. A.; and

Further, that the Commission on Pan-Methodist
Cooperation be incorporated to facilitate this activity as
well as future activities within the purpose of the Com-
mission.

DCA Advance Edition

Independent Commissions

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNTIED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

The General Commission on Archives and History

The General Commission on Archives and History
was created in 1968 to "gather, preserve, hold title to,
and disseminate" information about the history of The
United Methodist Church and its antecedents. Since
1982 the commission has operated from its
headquarters, the Archives and History Center,
Madison, NJ, on the campus of Drew University.

The Center is one of the finest religious research
facilities in the world. It houses a large library, ample
archival processing and climate-controlled vault areas, a
museum, and administrative offices. It is open Monday
through Friday to serve visitors and researchers. The
commission also receives inquiries by mail and
telephone from around the world.

The commission is pleased to report a few of its
most important achievements of the last quadrennium.

(1) Several resources have been published for the
local church and annual conference Commissions on
Archives and History. Celebrating Our United Methodist
Heritage: A Resource Packet for the Local Church,
Researching Your United Methodist Ancestors: A Brief
Guide, and To Remember and Celebrate: Worship
Resources for Heritage Events are among several items
published for local churches. Booklets and pamphlets
have also been produced to assist congregations in their
annual observance of Heritage Sunday. A videotape to
assist the local church historian has been completed and
will be available in the fall, 1996. A new Manual for the
Annual Conference Commission on Archives and History
has been prepared for the next quadrennium. Our staff
has published several guides to our archival collection,
copies of which are available to those who are interested.

(2) Major progress has been made on cataloging
the women's history section of our denominational
collection in the form of a 200-page guide titled. She Hath
Done What She Could: A Guide to Materials on Women
in the United Methodist Archives. Work continues in
women's history as we seek to recover the story of
women's contributions to our denominational life.

(3) The commission continues to serve researchers
at the Center and to answer genealogical and
information requests received by mail. Scholars, lay

people, pastors, and others interested in our history
make regular visits to the Center in Madison and are
served by our library and archives staffs. Many
researchers from around the world have found our
collections very useful in their research. Our staff also
works with the general agencies of the church in
receiving and retrieving information, documents, and
other information. We are effectively employing the
latest technology to make our collections known and
accessible to those interested in United Methodist
history.

(4) The commission has a major responsibility for
the designation and preservation of United Methodism
s official Historic Sites, Historic Shrines, and Historical
Landmarks. It has published a guide to these locations
titled, A Traveller's Guide to the Historic Shrines and
Landmarks of United Methodism, which is available from
the commission. A workshop was held in the fall, 1992
to provide information and assistance to our important
historic locations. Legislation is brought to the 1996
General Conference to redesignate the shrines and
landmarks as "Heritage Landmarks" in order to
modernize the designation and to avoid the present
confusion regarding the difference between "shrine"
and "landmark."

(5) The commission was pleased to sponsor the
Third Historical Convocation of The United Methodist
Church at Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simons Island, GA, in
August, 1995. The theme was, "United Methodism and
Culture." This event was co-sponsored by the Historical
Society of The United Methodist Church and the
Duke-Lilly Project on the Study of United Methodism
and American Culture. More than 250 participants
attended lectures, plenary sessions, and workshops
which examined our history and its meaning for the
present and future.

(6) At its August, 1995 meeting, after a year of
studying its ministry and structure, the commission
voted to ask the General Conference to reduce its size
by 20% to 24 members and to redesign its internal
structure to perform its ministry more efficiently and
effectively. Legislation is brought to the General
Conference to accomplish this.

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(7) Exhibits have been mounted at the Center
during the quadrennium on a variety of personalities
and topics, such as Francis Asbury, the UMC and AIDS,
and the camp meeting. The commission has continued
to sponsor awards for seminarians writing papers on
United Methodist history, book-length manuscripts,
and research and writing awards for racial/ethnic and
women s history. It also continues to publish Methodist
History, the denomination's official historical journal.

The commission is grateful to the church for its
support of our ministry during the past four years and
we look forward to serving you during the next
quadrennium.

Emilio J. M. de Carvalho, President
Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., General Secretary

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General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns

"Like the grains which become one same whole loaf,
like the notes that are woven into song,
like the droplets of water that are blended in the sea,
we, as Christians, one body shall become. "

("Sheaves of Summer", Stanza 3, Hymn 637, words by
Cesareo Gabarain, The United Methodist Hymnal,
©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House)

The Gift and CaU of Unity

The unity of the Church is both a gift we have
received and a calling for our ministry. Our Constitution
says that the "Lord is calling Christians everywhere to
strive toward unity..." (^5). Methodists have helped
found ecumenical organizations in all parts of the world,
including the World and National Councils of Churches.
Since the earliest days, Methodists such as John R. Mott,
a layman who sought to renew the Church through
youth and missionary movements, Philip Potter, Albert
Outier, J. Robert Nelson, Jane Cary Peck, John Desch-
ner, Margaret Sonnenday, and Emilio Castro also have
been major Methodist contributors to the ecumenical
movement in the present time. Hopefully, we can bring
the gifts of our part of the Tradition to the wider church
as well as receive gifts which help us come closer to our
Savior.

God calls us to remember continually the cloud of
witnesses surrounding us and saints who have gone
before us. The Commission takes seriously its task to
remember and advocate observance of the Tradition of
the Church. This includes the Holy Scripture, the lives
of the Aposties, the theology and liturgy carried down
through the ages, continually renewed, and remem-
bered today. From this Tradition we know who we are
as Christians and we call each other to accountability as
Christians faithful to the Gospel. At the same time, we
knowthat the Church is embodied in lives of people. Our
experiences as communities of faith shape who we are
and call us in new directions led by the Spirit

The specific projects and actions of the Commission
witness to our continuing strong faith commitments.
This has been true even though financial constraints
necessitated a reduction in staff. We give thanks con-
tinually for the support of the connection, the staff of the
GCCUIC, and the faithful members of The United Meth-
odist Church who serve on our board of directors. We
believe this has enabled us to respond to the call of the
Holy Spirit to move toward the unity to which Christ calls

I. Covenanting Relationships

"Christ has called us to new visions
here to celebrate and praise,
Here confess our old divisions.
Here our peace petitions raise."

(Stanza 1, Hymn 72, A Singing Faith, ©1982 Jane Parker
Huber)

For eight years the "Churches in Covenant Com-
munion" proposal of the Consultation on Church Union
has been before The United Methodist Church and the
eight other member denominations of the Consultation.
The Consultation on Church Union (COCU) brings
together nine churches in the quest for unity that began
in 1962. During the 1960's and early 1970's the Consult-
ation focused on the possibility of structural union
among the member denominations. It is important to
note, however, that the focus shifted to seek ways to
enable unity among churches that will remain structur-
ally and denominationally distinct. "Churches in Cove-
nant Communion" seeks to make visible to the Church
and world our unity in Christ as we move toward the day
when our hearts and minds are one.

TJie COCU Cotisetisus was adopted in 1988 by the
General Conference of The United Methodist Church.
"Churches in Covenant Communion" seeks mutual rec-
ognition of churches, baptism, ordained ministries. Holy
Communion, and mission. The 1992 General Confer-
ence reaffirmed support for the proposal calling for
promotion and study during this quadrennium. To en-
able this process, the Commission has:

• developed a "user-friendly" study guide, "We Are the
Church Together," published in November 1993 by
the United Methodist Reporter and made it available
in quantity to all annual conferences, resulting in
second and third printings due to demand (more than
100,000 copies were distributed);

• sent to each annual conference the video, "Churches
in Covenant Communion," produced by the
Consultation on Church Union;

• established a Speakers' Bureau to provide a listing of
persons knowledgeable about the Covenanting
Proposal and willing to do presentations and
workshops, published and distributed this
information in booklet form in September 1994;

• prepared a bulletin insert for use on COCU Sunday
and in other settings in 1995 with the assistance of
United Methodist Communications; and

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• provided several relevant articles on the Covenanting
Proposal for the Interpreter magazine.
The term "covenanting" is also used in broader
ways. The General Conference has approved Acts of
Covenanting CflBSO) with other churches across the
world. Our goal is to recognize the way we share Christ's
body with Christians everywhere. Covenants can also
occur locally between churches as a way to work to-
gether.

II. Interfaith Relationships

"Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us, teach us
as sister, brother, each person to embrace...

Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some, to
love them as we find them or as they may become."

("Help Us Accept Each Other", Stanza 1, Hymn 560,
words by Fred Kaan, The United Methodist Hymnal,
©1975 Hope Publishing Co.)

The General Conference has also given the Com-
mission responsibility for interfaith relationships. Na-
tions are becoming religiously pluralistic through
immigration and shifts within religious communities.
How do we live with each other as witnesses AND good
neighbors? United Methodists have sought to under-
stand their relationships with Jews and Muslims both in
community and as neighbors in faith. Still, questions are
unanswered for us. How do we proclaim the uniqueness
and imperative of our Christian calling while still being
open to the truth others have to tell? Discussion is
encouraged through the use of statements that have
been developed relating to other faith communities.

The Commission, working through its Christian-
Jewish Task Force, has developed a new United Meth-
odist statement on Christian-Jewish relationships.
"Building New Bridges in Hope" was drafted in consult-
ation with many colleagues, Jewish, and Christian, and
is intended to be the basis of study within the Church,
encouraging dialogue with Jews in many settings on all
levels. If approved by the 1996 General Conference, this
will replace the earlier statement, "Bridges in Hope," on
Christian-Jewish relationships, adopted by the 1972
General Conference. The document and study re-
sources will be made available by the Commission for
use throughout the Church and in a broader context

The statement, "Our Muslim Neighbors," adopted
by the 1992 General Conference on relationships be-
tween Christians and Muslims was prepared by the
Commission. Since then, "Our Muslim Neighbors" with
accompanying study questions was published in leaflet
form and widely distributed.

Consultations have been held in response to the
emerging need for interfaith dialogue among Christian
and Traditionalist Native Americans in local and re-
gional levels. In cooperation with ecumenical and inter-

faith organizations around the country, these consult-
ations have grown out of the Commission-initiated na-
tional and jurisdictional dialogue events held over the
past five years with support from the World Service
Contingency Fund provided by the General Council on
Ministries.

In response to the 500th anniversary of the arrival
of Christopher Columbus in North America, the Com-
mission continued "A Faithful Response" begun last
quadrennium. In February 1993, a consultation on "A
Call to a New Beginning" was sponsored which enabled
further dialogue among Native Americans.

Staff and directors are major participants in the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Interfaith Relations Working Group. The NCCC Work-
ing Group accomplishes its task through:

• assisting member communions in bringing together
African-American Christians and Muslims in
dialogue through the Christian-Muslim subgroup;

• developing opportunities for Jews and Christians to
come together in mutual dialogue, such as a national
consultation between NCCCUSA and Jewish
organizations May 31-June 1, 1995, planned by the
Christian-Jewish subgroup;

• cooperating with the Society for Buddhist-Christian
Studies at DePaul University in Chicago in planning
for the event, "Socially Engaged Buddhism and
Christianity," to be held July 27-August 3, 1996,
planned by the New Relationships sub-group.

The Commission's Interfaith Relations Working
Group generated "Suggestions for United Methodist
Participation in Interfaith Religious Services. "The work-
ing group also participated in the World Parliament of
Religions and in a local model for women's interfaith
dialogue in Atlanta, a "Multi-faith Dialogue in a Multicul-
tural Society," that brought together participants from
six different religions.

The Commission has participated in interfaith wor-
ship services and plenary sessions devoted to interfaith
dialogue.

A director of the Commission represented The
United Methodist Church at the Sixth World Assembly
of the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP)
at Rome and Riva del Garda, Italy, November 3-9, 1994.
This 25 year old movement, based on respect for relig-
ious differences and dedicated to promoting coopera-
tion among the world's religions for peace, has been
strongly supported by Methodist leaders from its very
beginning. The Commission is working with the World
Conference on Religion and Peace to enable a local
interfaith infrastructure where Christian, Muslim, Jew-
ish, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faith communities come
together in study, dialogue and shared experiences.

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ni. Education and Resourcing

"Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision,
who planted and watered so dreams could come true,
Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship,
for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed. "

("What Gift Can We Bring", Stanza 2, Hymn 87, words
by Jane Marshall, The United Methodist Hymnal, ©1982
Hope Publishing Co.)

A. A constant challenge and mandate for all the
general agencies of our Church is how to make their
ministries relevant to annual conferences and local con-
gregations. The General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns has additional con-
stituents of United Methodist seminaries, ecumenical
colleagues, interfaith partners, the Council of Bishops,
and Councils of Churches at all levels of the community.
Through self evaluation, the Commission reflected upon
its work and determined that its responsibilities had
been faithfully fulfilled.

B. Last quadrennium, it became apparent to the
Commission ttiat there were a number of communities
where United Methodist churches are linked, merged,
or combined with other denominations for ministry.
Over 800 United Methodist congregations are involved
in ecumenical shared ministries Gjeyond the simple
sharing of facilities). Informal conversations with other
national denominational offices showed that there were
no existing materials for ecumenical shared ministries,
but a willingness existed to develop such materials un-
der the leadership of The United Methodist Church.
The Commission has received many inquiries for sam-
ple documents, models to consider, procedures about
how to work, dangers to avoid, and experiences to share.

In response to this stated need, the Commission
formed a Task Force on Ecumenical Shared Ministries.
TTiis work was possible through a primary grant from
the World Sendee Contingency Fund authorized by the
General Council on Ministries. The task force was com-
posed of directors, pastors involved in ecumenical
shared ministries, district superintendents, a confer-
ence Council on Ministries director, and a state Council
of Churches director.

The scope of the work included:

• printing and distributing findings based on research
by Charis Ecumenical Center;

• initiating contact with other denominational
judicatory officials involved in ecumenical shared
ministries;

• co-sponsoring a consultation with representatives
from all the jurisdictions in 1993 on Ecumenical
Shared Ministries in Minneapolis;

• holding two consultations to develop a handbook to
define the various types of ecumenical shared
ministries, guidelines for such ministries,
disciplinary details to be addressed, and valuable
suggestions;

• preparing legislation for the 1996 General
Conference to address needs of United Methodist
congregations in ecumenical shared ministries;

• sponsoring a "National UMC Consultation on
Ecumenical Shared Ministry" in February 1996 held
in Syracuse, New York, that shared experiences and
critiqued the manual.

C. United Methodist seminaries train the ordained
leadership of our Church. Over the years the Commis-
sion has developed ongoing relationships with faculty at
each of the United Methodist seminaries for cross-fer-
tilization. The Commission cultivates the educational
ministries of the seminaries by inviting student/faculty
teams from seminaries to each of the commission's
meetings. These guests are encouraged to provide input
and feedback. In addition, the Commission consults
with the General Board of Higher Education and Minis-
try, the Association of Theological Schools, and the
Association of United Methodist Theological Schools to
explore issues of ecumenical ethos and emphasis at
seminaries.

Each year scholarship support is provided for
United Methodist students attending the World Council
of Churches' Graduate Program of the Ecumenical In-
stitute in Bossey, Switzerland. The four recipients this
quadrennium were Carlton Elliott Smith, Laura Rasor,
Sharon Seyfarth Gardner, and Jean Hawxhurst These
students attended commission meetings and witnessed
to the impact of this program on their lives and ministry.
Also, the Commission sponsors an "Oikoumene Essay
Award" for excellence in writing on ecumenism.

D. Local and conference Christian Unity and Inter-
religious Concerns chairpersons continued to be re-
sourced through well-received programs of the past and
exciting new endeavors, such as:

• The liaison Program relates every annual
conference Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns chairperson with a Commission director.
This has greatly enhanced two-way communication
between annual conferences and the Commission. It
also ensures timely dispersal of information following
Commission meetings.

• Conference Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns chairpersons are invited to participate in
each of the Commission meetings. Specific agenda
time is set aside for "Listening to the Annual
Conferences" where these guests address the full
Commission with their thoughts and concerns.

• "News for Our Ecumenical Colleagues," a newsletter,
was initiated in July 1994 and is distributed to persons
responsible for Christian unity in annual

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conferences, commission directors, and other
interested individuals.

• The National Workshop on Christian Unity is an
annual event held in various regions of the country.
Many conference chairpersons of Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns attend. Commission
staff are involved in key leadership roles and interact
with United Methodist annual conference leaders at
these events.

• The Local Initiatives Fund was established in 1994 for
the allocation of grants to outstanding local, district,
or conference programs with ecumenical or interfaith
focus.

• Annual conferences have been encouraged to
recognize significant Christian unity and/or
interreligious ministry through "The Bishop's Award
for Ecumenical and Interfaith Work."

E. During the quadrennium, the Commission was
enriched by the participation of many gifted guests who
shared generously in a variety of ways through:

Worship leadership — Bishop Leontine Kelly, Don
Patterson (Tonka-Lipan Tribe, leader of the Native
American Church), The Rev. George Miller (Ponca In-
dian United Methodist Church), Dwight Buffalohead
(Native American Church), Dr. Diedra Kriewald
(Wesley Theological Seminary)

Theological Education — Dr. Thomas C. Oden
(Drew Theological Seminary), Dr. Rosemary Radford
Ruether (Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary),
Dr. Thomas Thangaraj (Candler School of Theology) ,
The Rev. W. Paul Jones (Prof. Emeritus of Theology
from St. Paul School of Theology, Missouri West Annual
Conference, and Family Brother of the Trappist Order) ,
Dr. Susan Henry Crowe (Chaplain, Emory University)

Presentation of Ecumenical Concerns— Barbara
Warner (Executive Director for Oklahoma Indian Af-
fairs), The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell (General
Secretary of the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.SA), Bishop Philip William Otterbein
(Baltimore Annual Conference), Frank Wmtermark (Fi-
nancial Officer of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the U.SA), The Rev. James Hamilton (Dep-
uty General Secretary, National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the U.SA), Dr. Mel McCullough (Church
of the Nazarene)

Global Awareness— Bishop Ruediger Minor (Eur-
asia Episcopal Aea) , Dr. Janice Love (United Methodist
Member of World Council of Churches Central Commit-
tee)

Unity With Wholeness—Dr Eric H.F. Law (Diver-
sity Dynamics) on multi-cultural understanding and
awareness

IV. Conciliar Relationships

"Many are the tongues we speak, scattered are the lands,
yet our hearts are one in God, one in love's demands.
E'en in darkness hope appears, calling age and youth:
Jesus, teacher, dwell with us, for you are the Truth."

("Here, 0 Lord, Your Servants Gather," Stanza 2, Hymn
552, words by Tokuo Yamaguchi, The United Methodist
Hymnal, ©1958 The United Methodist Publishing
House)

United Methodists serve in many positions of lead-
ership in the World and National Councils of Churches,
both as staff and in committee and board membership.
Indeed, Bishop Melvin G. Talbert will serve as the Presi-
dent of the National Council of the Churches of Christ
in the USA beginning in 1996.

Each quadrennium, the Commission assists the
Council of Bishops in nominating persons for service in
ecumenical organizations and in supporting United
Methodist participation through the Inter- denomina-
tional Cooperation Fund. United Methodists also serve
in many state and local Councils of Churches through-
out the United States as well as in the Central Confer-
ences.

Modest budget support for some programs of the
World and National Councils of Churches is provided in
fulfillment of the disciplinary responsibilities of the
Commission and the ecumenical commitment of The
United Methodist Church. These programs especially
include interfaith work through the NCCCUSA Inter-
faith Relations Office (Christian-Jewish, Christian- Mus-
lim relations) and the Faith and Order offices of both
councils.

The Commission has helped to increase awareness
and knowledge of racism within the US through a joint
project of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
USA (NCCCUSA) which conducted hearings in the
United States on "Racism as a Human Rights Violation."
This project was chaired by a member of the executive
staff of the Commission. One of the key findings, envi-
ronmental racism, was reported to The United Nations,
helping to place this issue in the international arena. The
communities where the hearings were held continue to
work collectively on environmental issues.

Regular support has been provided through the
Ecumenical Networks Working Group of the National
Council of Churches to state and regional Councils of
Churches that have been cooperating in rural action.
The Commission has worked toward assisting state
Councils of Churches, which are at the forefront of
sfrong involvement in rural action and partly funded a
consultation that focused particularly on these state

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councils. The consultation was held in February of 1995
in New Orleans.

V. Inter and Intra-Denominational
Relationships

"As we listen to each other, as we speak in joy and pain,
We become as sister, brother, reconciled, at one again.
Only thus in work and feeling for our neighbor far or near
Can we worship God revealing gifts of grace among us
here. "

(Stanza 2, Hymn 72, A Singing Faith, ©1982 Jane Parker
Huber)

We are deeply concerned about the growing dis-
unity within denominations, and especially within The
United Methodist Church around theological and social
issues. In addition, the Commission is seeking to create
space for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and to
strive for an authentic unity that reflects the discern-
ment of the Spirit

Dr. Mel McCullough (pastor of the First Church of
the Nazarene, Bethany, Oklahoma and President of the
General Board of that denomination) responded to an
invitation to meet with the Commission in steps to
greater understanding of common history and concern.
Further dialogue with other churches of the Wesleyan/
Holiness tradition is part of the Commission's planning
for the future.

"Ecumenical Guidelines for Services of Consecra-
tion and Ordination" were developed. TJie Book of Disci-
pline allows for ecumenical participation in such
services. The intent is to symbolize by presence that
ordination is into the Church of Jesus Christ and not into
any particular denomination.

In a broad ecumenical context, the Commission
studied and responded to the United Methodist baptism
study, "By Water and the Spirit," and encouraged its use
and study in each annual conference. One member of
the staff and one director served on the United Method-
ist Baptism Task Force.

In 1993, General Secretary Bruce W. Robbins and
President Bishop William Boyd Grove prepared an ami-
cus curiae brief for the Judicial Council in response to
the William Farmer case. William Farmer sought to
simultaneously hold full membership in the North
Texas Conference and to be a lay member in the Roman
Catholic Church. After much discussion the Commis-
sion affirmed the brief which argued that a person can-
not be both clergy and lay based on the United
Methodist conviction that ordination in this denomina-
tion constitutes ordination into the ministry of the whole
church of Jesus Christ

The Commission is engaged in dialogue with the
Roman Catholic Church, and is planning a bi-lateral
dialogue with the Episcopal Church to discuss issues of
ordination and the mutual recognition of ministries. The
international Methodist-Anglican dialogue document
called Sharing the Apostolic Communion has been stud-
ied. Encouragement has been given to a North Carolina
United Methodist-Episcopal Dialogue which was organ-
ized locally.

The tensions intra-denominationally around theo-
logical concerns, growing diversity, and a sometimes
stated longing for greater conformity moved the Com-
mission to wrestle with a faithful response to such con-
cerns especially after the Re-Imagining Conference in
Minnesota in 1993. With prayer and thoughtful consid-
eration, the Commission produced the statement "Our
Yearning for the Unity of the Church," which was unan-
imously adopted on April 10, 1994 and was subsequently
published in The United Methodist Reporter. The state-
ment included the following commitment and call by
commission members:

"As Commission members, we commit ourselves to an
ongoing dialogue within the Commission and our Church.
We call upon The United Methodist Church at all levels to
create opportunities for authentic dialogue among diverse
theological viewpoints.. .we pray for the Holy Spirit to
move within and among us in the Church: uniting, em-
powering, interpreting one another's language, removing
fear, and bringing forth new life. "

VI. The Spirif s Call in New Directions

"As each far horizon beckons, may it challenge us anew,
children of creative purpose, seiving others, honoring you.
May our dreams prove rich with promise, each endeavor
well begun.

Great Creator, give us guidance till our goals and yours

("God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens," Stanza
4, Hymn 150, words by Catherine Cameron, TTie United
Methodist Hymnal, ©1967 Hope Publishing Co.)

The Commission is also searching for the signs of
Christian unity which are within the various cultures
where United Methodists live. Traditionally, we have
envisioned the fruit of Christian unity to be seen in a
shared communion table. However, as a divided table is
a disgrace to the unity of the Body of Christ, so is a town
square that contains two Methodist churches, where the
people of one are entirely Caucasian and the people of
the other are entirely African-American. Therefore, we
see our task involving the issues of the human commu-
nity and their relationship to our theology and church
practice.

"Ecumenical resource sharing," a theme of the
World Council of Churches, has made many of us un-

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comfortable with its implications. How can some of us
be rich and some desperately poor within the same Body
of Christ? Surely, the Spirit calls us to be in loving
relationship with sisters and brothers in Christ, whoever
they are, wherever they worship or however they live.

As this quadrennium ends, the Commission is
poised to move forward in response to the Spirit's call.
Some directions have already been discerned, strongly
influenced by the results of a widely distributed and
highly returned survey that the Commission sent to its
constituencies. The new, programmatic emphases have
taken shape in response to the feedback received from
annual conference chairpersons and other invited
guests. At the October 1994 meeting, the Commission
adopted programmatic emphases that were developed
from the above input and director involvement. The
Commission's work will include:

• supporting the unity of the church through United
Methodist participation, funding, interpretation and
commitment in international, national, state, and
local ecumenical agencies;

• building bridges of understanding and reconciliation
and seeking understanding of the Christian faith in
the pluralistic human community through resource
development and experiences with peoples of other
faith communities;

• pursuing or initiating relationships, conversations,
and studies, both interdenominationally and intra-
denominationally, to foster reconciliation in the midst
of theological diversity, and to bring ecumenical
perspectives to United Methodist points of view;

• encouraging and advocating new forms of
ecumenical relationships that will result in visible
unity of members and ministries and in unity at the
table of our Lord Jesus Christ;

• advocating for ecumenical emphases and programs
through education of leadership and development of
educational resources, materials, and programs for
all levels of The United Methodist Church;

• developing an ecumenical curriculum for children
and youth in cooperation with the General Board of
Discipleship; and

• engaging in ecumenical, interfaith, and emerging
issues.

Special awareness of inclusiveness; justice issues;
global context; ecumenical formation of children, youth,

and young adults; and the utilization of dialogue shall be
part of the work throughout the above program empha-

The Organizational Style/Structure Ad Hoc Task
Group reviewed the Commission's work style, the pro-
grammatic emphases for 1995-1998, and staff/ director
participation in order to create a structure that faithfully
and effectively enables the ministry of the Commission.
The structural changes will allow for three ministry
groups to work on programs and standing committees
to deal with administrative work. Directors will serve in
a ministry group and in at least one standing committee.
Delegation of projects to ministry groups will be fluid
and accommodate any issue that emerges and requires
the Commission's response. Plenary sessions will re-
view all program emphases and emerging issues and
assign them to ministry groups. In addition ministry
groups will report back to the full commission for dis-
cussion and action.

Reflecting the Gift and Call of Unity

Ministry and mission which reflect the gift of Chris-
tian unity in every aspect of life and the "oneness of
Christ's church in the human community" (1992 Book
of Discipline, ^2002.1) encompass the work and advo-
cacy of the Commission. Programs and priorities are
implemented through local, regional, national, and
global relationships in a cooperative manner. Through
leadership participation, consultations, multi-lateral and
bilateral dialogues, interfaith encounters, and explora-
tions between Christians and adherents of other living
faiths, the Commission responds to the call of Scripture
to be both neighbors and witnesses to all people.

Believing that Jesus Christ is the hope and life of the
world, the Commission works for the wholeness and
unity of all people.

"Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,
that unity may be our great desire.
Give joy and peace; give faith to hear your call,
and readiness in each to work for all. "

("Filled With the Spirit's Power," Stanza 2, Hymn 537,
words by John R. Peacey, The United Methodist Hymnal,
©1985 Hope Publishing Co.)

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Listing of Membership and Staff

The following list of the Commission membership
reflects the geographic diversity of The United Method-
ist Church. Less visible are other forms of diversity
present within the Commission: such as theological,
cultural, and ethnic diversity. The directors are both
clergy and laity, men and women, young and older adult
This quadrennium has seen an important addition in the
participation of a bishop of one of the Central Confer-
ences (1992 Book of Discipline) which has raised our
awareness of important global ecumenical issues.

Membership of the GCCUIC,
1992-1996

(Alphabetical listing)

William J. Abraham, Southwest Texas Annual
Conference

Kathy Bannister, Kansas West Annual Conference

Roger Barr, Pacific Northwest Annual Conference

Byrd L Bonner, Southwest Texas Annual
Conference

Ethel W. Bom, Virginia Annual Conference

Jose P. Bove, Florida Annual Conference

Shirley A. Brown, Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference

Luis Caraballo, Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference

/. W. Chatham, Jr., Mississippi Annual Conference

Young Joon Cho, New York Annual Conference

Precious Bell Craft, California-Nevada Annual
Conference

Judy Crain, Wisconsin Annual Conference

Ruth A. Daugherty, Eastern Pennsylvania Annual
Conference

Norman E. Dewire, West Ohio Annual Conference

E. Dale Dunlap, Kansas West Annual Conference

Patricia E. Farris, California-Pacific Annual
Conference

Michele Gardner, Yellowstone Annual Conference

Dorothea S. Green, South Indiana Annual
Conference

William Boyd Grove, Albany Episcopal Area

Ellen Guldseth, Alaska Missionary Conference

Thelma L Johnson, West Ohio Annual
Conference

Rosemary Skinner Keller, Northern Illinois
Annual Conference

In Muk Kim, Western North Carolina Annual
Conference

William A. Lasher, Troy Annual Conference

Barbara W. Marcum, North Texas Annual
Conference

Tal Oden, Oklahoma Annual Conference

Raymond H. Owen, San Antonio Episcopal Area

Larry D. Pickens, Northern Illinois Annual
Conference

Staccato Powell, AMcan Methodist Episcopal Zion
Church

DebraAS. Quilling, South Carolina Annual
Conference

Bruce W. Robbins, Troy Annual Conference

Elaine J. W. Stanovsky, Pacific-Northwest Annual
Conference

Robert K. Sweet, Jr., New England Annual
Conference

Melvin G. Talbert, San Francisco Episcopal Area

Kathleen A. Thomas-Sano, California-Pacific
Annual Conference

Patricia M. Tosc/ia^, Minnesota Annual
Conference

Mary Kay Totty-Kublawi, Baltimore-Washington
Annual Conference

Hans Vdxby, Northern Europe Episcopal Area

Bradley F. Watkins, H, Central Illinois Annual
Conference

Patricia Wilson-Kastner, The Episcopal Church

Carolyn C. Woriax, North Carolina Annual
Conference

Shan Yohan, North Georgia Annual Conference

Liaison Representatives:

Barbara Gurtler, General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women

Ruth Ann Wilson, Women's Division, General
Board of Global Ministries

Executive Staff of the General Commission. 1993-1996:

Bruce W. Robbins, General Secretary

Clare J. Chapman, Executive Director of Finance
and Administration

Anne Marshall, Associate General Secretary

Jeanne Audrey Powers, Associate General Secretary

Nehemiah Thompson. Associate General
Secretary (1989-1993)

Independent Commissions

837

Report of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation
to the 1996 General Conference
of The United Methodist Church

The Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation
completed its first decade of existence and gives this
report of its accomplishments during the 1992-1996
quadrennium. Fostering meaningful cooperation
among the African Methodist Episcopal, African Meth-
odist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal,
and United Methodist Churches has been its focus.
Bishop Felton E. May has ably served as chair of the
Commission during this quadrennium. The Commis-
sion's work is done through three subgroups: Higher
Education, Curriculum/Publications, and Missions/
Evangelism/Social Witness.

The Fifth Consultation of Methodist Bishops gave
birth to the Study Commission and charged it with the
responsibility to explore possible merger of the four
denominations. The Study Commission worked with
the Executive and Steering Committees in planning the
agenda for the Sixth Consultation of Methodist Bishops
held April 26-28, 1995 in Austin, Texas. The theme was,
"Visioning from a Historical/Theological Perspective:
Radical Implications for Future Ministry." A Mission
Statement was drafted and shared with the Consultation
which is as follows:

Mission Statement

As members of the family of Methodism, we are
called to redefine and strengthen our relationship by
seeking more effective ways to acknowledge the sover-
eignty of God, to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior, and to be receptive to the guidance of
the Holy Spirit:

• by seeking signs of unity within the Body of Christ,
and renewal of the human community;

• by recognizing the global nature of the connectional
church;

• by witnessing to the Christian faith in a local and
global context;

• by serving as instruments of God's liberating and
reconciling grace throughout creation;

• by developing structures of cooperation among the
African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist
Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, and
United Methodist Churches;

• by fostering an inclusive, just, and caring fellowship
among peoples; and

• by establishing and building up faith communities
where persons are invited, formed, and sent as
disciples whom God can use for the transformation
of the whole world.

Building on our history and heritage, both common
and unique; guided by our Wesleyan priorities and our
similar polities; and challenged by our pursuit to estab-
lish a just society, we thus stand duty bound and rever-
ently committed to this vocation of our shared faith.

During the Consultation, the participants explored
the common shared history, identified reasons for sepa-
ration, established a biblical rationale for unity, and
discussed possible next steps. As a result, the Petition
to the 1996 General Conferences calling for the estab-
lishment of a Commission on Union was developed. We
urge your support and passage.

Highlights of the Commission's Work and Achieve-
ments are as follows:

Pan-Methodists Working Together

Developed a strategy and process for establishing
relationships v/ith other Wesleyan/American Method-
ist bodies, calling for a disciplinary change that will
promote inclusiveness

Anticipate sharing in the bicentennial celebration of
the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1996

Honored Mrs. Jeri Scott, Mr. Steven Drachler, and
Rev. Hal Henderson for their work in the area of sub-
stance abuse and the "Revival of Hope" project

Shared resources on sexual harassment

Conducted three open worship sessions within local
communities where the Commission met to foster
greater sharing and venturing

Higher Education

Continued its work with the Educational and Insti-
tutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. (E.I.I A), the
University Senate and the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry of The United Methodist
Church in search of cooperative ventures

Provided opportunities for the Presidents of the
Pan-Methodist historically Black colleges and universi-
ties to come together and explore possible joint ventures

838

DCA Advance Edition

Provided an opportunity for the United States
Department of Education to share policies regarding
higher education and available technical support

Provided an opportunity for the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry to share with the Presi-
dents of the Pan-Methodist historically Black colleges
and universities avenues for possible cooperation

Provided an opportunity for Dr. Ken Yamada to
explain the Internal Revenue Service action regarding
Pan-Methodist participation in E.I.IA and explore pos-
sible alternatives

Curriculum/Publications

Continued to encourage support and use of the
"Revival of Hope" curriculum developed to aid the
church's ministry related to alcohol and substance
abuse

Discussed other areas where joint development of
curriculum may be possible

Approved the reestablishment of the Pan-
Methodist Coalition on Substance Abuse, locating it at
the Jackson State University Interdisciplinary Alcohol/
Drugs Studies Center under the direction of Raymond
Richmond

Missions/Evangelism/Socied Witness

Affirmed and endorsed the "Urban Strategy" Initia-
tive of the National Council of Churches

Affirmed and endorsed the "Reclaiming the Cities"
Initiative of The United Methodist Church

Encouraged other Pan-Methodist denominations to
become involved in projects around a common cause to
better the inner cities

Challenged Pan-Methodists to become "agents of
good health" and work together in local communities
and on other levels

Compared the social justice policies and resolutions
of the four denominations

The following items are also submitted by the Com-
mission as separate petitions for your consideration:

1. Request that the following disciplinary paragraph
be added: "Each annual conference shall have a Com-
mittee of Pan-Methodism to implement cooperative ven-
tures on the local level. Members of the national body
shall be ex-officio members with vote."

2. Request the expansion of the disciplinary para-
graph on the Commission On Pan-Methodist Coopera-
tion

3. Approval of the petition to establish a Commission
on Union.

4. Approval of an annual budget of $5,811.00 as the
United Methodist portion of the operating budget

5. Request approval of the resolution for incorpora-
tion of the Commission and/or groups specifically de-
signed to address issues related to schools and colleges.

6. Request each board and agency that has program-
matic responsibilities for strengthening the Black
Church in the coming quadrennium (century) to ad-
dress said program Pan-Methodistically. Further, that
the Gener^ Council on Ministries evaluation process
request specific information as to how it was addressed
and completed in each board.

The Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation
expresses thanks to the United Methodist Church for
the service rendered by its representatives. It is through
this body that visions become realities, dreams are bom,
and cooperation is fostered. Therefore, we seek your
continual endorsement and support of the Commission
as it embarks on the 21st century and the task of
bringing together "A people called Methodists."

Submitted by:

Felton E. May

F. Herbert Skeete

C. Faith Richardson

Andrew Robinson-Gaither

William E. Lux

Keith Burberry

Clyde Henry — alternate

Independent Commissions

839

The General Commission on Religion and Race

I. Introduction

As the 1993-1996 quadrennium draws to a close, the
General Commission on Religion and Race reports on
its faithfulness to the ministry given to it by God and The
United Methodist Church, and on its stewardship of the
resources entrusted to it for the implementation of that
ministry. From that vantage point, the Commission as-
sesses the denomination's progress in overcoming ra-
cism and the progress toward becoming a true
manifestation of the inclusive multi-cultural community
of faith.

The Commission's ministry is rooted in its endeavor
to hold before the people of the Church a mirror so they
may better see the flaws which result from the racism
which pervades our society and our Church. Assess-
ment of progress is not complete without intentionality
to continue to strive toward understanding the will of
God and to be obedient

II. Tlieological Context

We continue to look to the Scriptures for guidance
and direction:

"Tlie word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
'Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let
you hear my words. ' So, I went down to the potter's house,
and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was
making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he
reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.
Then the word of the Lord came to me: 'Can I not do with
you, 0 house of Israel, just as this potter has done?' says
the Lord. 'Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you
in my hand, 0 house of Israel. '"Jeremiah 18: 1-6. NRSV

We understand that as the potter molds and
reshapes the clay, so we. The United Methodist Church,
may be remolded into the community God would have
us to be if we but yield ourselves to God's will as the clay
yields to the potter's touch. Our response must be to
become more faithful disciples who incarnate in the
world the inclusive, liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.

We hear the gospel challenging the denomination
to a full and equal participation of racial and ethnic
minority persons in the total life and mission of the
Church. There have been lonely calls to the Church to
rid itself of the manifestations of racism in policy and
practices. But the attention paid to those calls has not
been sufficient to help the denomination to rid itself of
the barrier to true ministry in a multi-cultural global
community. The Church doesn't seem to realize the
adverse impact on its ministry that results from the
absence of full inclusiveness. The sin of racism must be
overcome as we yield, like clay in the potter's hands, to

the will of God. In the assurance of God's Grace and the
sfrength of the Spirit, we ask God, the Potter, to continue
to perfect us that we all may be a part of the one universal
community of faith.

in. Response to Disciplinary Mandates

A. FOCUS on the Annual Conferences

Reviewing, evaluating, and assisting annual confer-
ences and their various organizations have been the
FOCUS of the General Commission's ministry over the
past quadrennium. Our thrust has been to help leader-
ship at the annual conference level to incorporate poli-
cies and practices that will enable people to recognize
racism, to be offended by its existence, and to be ener-
gized to address it.

The Commission's ministry with the annual confer-
ences focused on seven main areas:

• conducting twenty-two on-site reviews of annual con-
ferences and one on-site review of a jurisdictional
structure

• conducting forty-five desk audits (data collection
only) of annual conferences

• training and resourcing conference commissions on
religion and race

• providing leadership for district and conference-wide
workshops in the areas of sensitizing, shared facili-
ties, anti-racism, building the inclusive community of
faith, and empowerment of racial ethnic minority
persons

• consulting with bishops and cabinets on the issue of
cross-racial appointments

• fransferring the Commission's anti-racism training
model to the Southeastern and Western Jurisdic-
tions, and

• reviewing and evaluating conference Inclusiveness
Plans.

1. Assessment of the Tournev Toward Inclusiveness

As of the end of 1995, fifteen (15) of the twenty-two
(22) on-site reviews have been completed. (See Chart A.)
If ever it were clear that The United Methodist Church
is burdened under the manifestations of racism, it is
around the annual conference reviews that we know the
call to repentance has not been heard.

The Commission found that annual conferences are
at different places along the journey to inclusiveness.

840

DCA Advance Edition

The bases for the Commission's assessment are:

• Annual conference leaders have notyet clearly articu-
lated how the inclusive community of faith will enable
the conferences to be more effective in accomplish-
ing their mission and ministry.

• Although there is greater participation by racial-eth-
nic minority persons in the life and ministry of the
conferences, the norms, policies, practices, and pro-
gramming of the conferences remain monocultural.

• Conference leaders have neither identified nor devel-
oped the skills required to function effectively in a
multi-cultural inclusive community.

• While annual conference leaders are sincere in their
intentions to address the issue of racism and to
promote the inclusive church, intentions alone are
not sufficient; there must also be tangible results.

• There is very little dialogue — cross-racial, cross-cul-
tural, inter-ethnic — taking place in the conferences at
any level about what it means to be the inclusive
community of faith.

• Many of the United Methodist churches that find
themselves in communities that are experiencing
economic and demographic (racial/ethnic) transi-
tion have been unable or unwilling to remain in these
communities and develop new effective outreach
ministries.

• Although the Central Jurisdiction was dismantled
twenty-seven years ago, it still exists de facto. For
example, local congregations continue to strongly
resist cross-racial appointments.

• With few exceptions. Conference Comprehensive
Plans for Racial Ethnic Ministries have been all but
forgotten, and the concerns of the ethnic minority
local church are not being incorporated into the life
and ministry of the annual conferences in any system-
atic, intentional way.

• In many conferences, racial-ethnic minority persons
are found "symbolically" within the leadership ranks.
For example, significant numbers of racial-ethnic mi-
nority persons are elected to Conference Commis-
sions on Religion and Race or the Committee on
Ethnic Local Church Concerns, but are elected in
much smaller numbers to other conference boards
and agencies. None of the conferences reviewed had
a racial-ethnic minority council director, although
several had at least one racial-ethnic minority associ-
ate council director. All of the conferences reviewed
but four had at least one racial-ethnic minority district
superintendent. Four of the conferences reviewed
had at least one racial-ethnic minority person chair-
ing a district council on ministries. (See Chart A).

To acknowledge these continuing concerns is not
to ignore the progress that has been made and is being
made in the annual conferences. Several of the annual

conferences reviewed are revitalizing racial-ethnic mi-
nority churches and establishing new racial-ethnic mi-
nority ministries and congregations. Several
conferences have established Committees for Native
American and Hispanic Ministries.

The Commission is clear that significant progress
will be made in overcoming racism when White persons
become more pro-active in eliminating the sin from our
midst. Toward that end, there are on-going endeavors
to identify White persons willing to engage in this proac-
tive ministry and to provide them with anti-racism-train-
ing. Persons from twelve of the sixteen annual
conferences in the Southeastern Jurisdiction and sbc of
the eight annual conferences in the Western Jurisdiction
participated in such training. This five-day intensive
training model is designed to equip White persons with
the necessary tools and skills to combat racism in their
local settings. Some of these persons have used their
newly acquired skills to assist the Commission with its
ministry. It is anticipated that this initiative will be ex-
panded to other jurisdictions in the future.

2. Cpntiouing the Tourney

Clearly, the journey toward inclusiveness must con-
tinue. It bears repeating that the annual conferences are
in different places on the journey — a journey that will
not be complete until all have reached the place of truly
inclusive multi-cultural communities of faith. That jour-
ney must continue into the next century, but it must be
pursued with greater intentionality, and there must be
greater accountability to God and to each other for living
into inclusiveness.

B. General Agency Reviews

In order to support the FOCUS on Annual Confer-
ences, the Commission has sought alternative modes of
fulfilling its responsibility for reviewing, evaluating, and
assisting agencies and institutions of the denomination.

The Commission monitored the general agencies in
a variety of ways during the 1993-1996 quadrennium.
Desk audits were conducted as of December 31 of each
year and all general agencies are in compliance. On-site
visitations were held at the General Board of Disci-
pleship, General Commission on Communication, Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and
General Board of Publications. The Commission also
continued to implement a mutual monitoring system
with the general agencies: the respective Committees to
Eliminate Institutional Racism. Staff conducted sixty-
three (63) on-site consultations and/or training events
at the request of ten of the thirteen general agencies
between 1992 and 1995.

1. Emplovment

The shifts in employment and racial/ethnic minority
representation were not dramatic over the seven year

Independent Commissions

841

ANNUAL CONFERENCES REVIEWED-ON-SITE (Chart A)
1993-1996

Date of
Review

Conference
Affirmative

Action
Policy/Plan

Racial -ethnic
Minority District
Superintendents

Racial -ethnic

Minority
Conference
Coun. Staff

Racial -ethnic
Minority
DCOM
Chairs

Cross-Racial
Appoint

New Mexico

3/30-31/93

No

Oof 4

0

0

9

Desert Southwest

5/21-22/93

No

1 of 4

0

0

9

North Indiana

9/13-14/93

Yes

1 of 9

0

0

6

Soudi Indiana

9/16-17/93

No

1 of 9

1

0

10

Northern New Jersey

12/3-4/93

No

1 of 3

0

0

32

Oregon-Idaho

2/20-21/94

Yes

1 of 5

0

0

9

Nordi Alabama

2/28-3/1/94

No

1 of 12

0

2

2

Wyoming

5/9-10/94

No

lof4

0

0

6

Alabama/West Flor.

8/19-20/94

No

Oof 9

1

0

3

Western No. Carolina

9/22/94

No

2 of 14

0

0

1

Louisiana

4/6-7/95

Yes

lof9

1

2

4

Missouri East

7/12-13/95

No

lof7

1

0

8

Holston

8/4-5/95

No

Oof 12

1

1

14

Central Illinois

8/24-25/95

Yes

lof8

0

0

14

Pacific Northwest

10/13-
14/95

No

1 of 7

1

0

20

Troy

11/17-
18/95

No

Oof 4

0

1

4

Memphis

1/8-9/96

No

1 of 7

0

0

1

Kansas East

1/30-31/96

Yes

1 of 5

0

0

1

California Pacific

2/9-10/96

Yes

4 of 8

3

2

63

Yellowstone

2/9-10/96

Southern lUinois

3/11-12/96

Central Penns}4vania

3/28-29/96

period examined, but patterns and trends are nonethe-
less important (See Chart #1)

The decline in employment at general agencies
continued and bottomed out in 1990 at 2,248, rose
slighdy to 2,280 in 1991 then declined again to a twenty-
four year low in 1992 at 2,221. Employment has risen
slightiy since to a total of 2,246 in 1994. Racial/ethnic
minority employment over the same period peaked in
1989 at 843, dropped to 801 in 1990, rose briefly to 823
in 1991, and has declined since to the low of 778 in 1994.
As a percentage of total employees, racial/ ethnic minor-
ity employees peaked in 1992 at 36.38% and then de-

clined to 34.64% in 1994. This was due less to an increase
in the number of racial/ethnic minority persons than to
a decrease both in the number and percentage of White
employees in 1992. (See Table #1)

Although overall employment in general agencies
has declined over a twenty-four year period, the number
of executive, managerial, and professional personnel
(Category 1-3) has increased slightiy from a low of 834
in 1989 to the present high of 889 in 1994. The number
of racial ethnic minority personnel in Category 1 - 3 has
increased slightiy during the same period of time, from
a low of 199 in 1989 to a peak in 1991 at 221 (25.79% of

842

DCA Advance Edition

Number - Racial/Ethnic Minority Employees

2000

1500

1000 :

500 4

Life

^H . ife

&

^

M

m.

-t-
19S9 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994

I ASIAN ^ BLACK

Inatamer. [11 PACJSLAND

HISPANIC
WHITE

Chart #1

total), then dropping to 212 by 1994 (23.85% of total).
Thus, racial/ethnic minority employees have lost repre-
sentation among the ranks of executive, managerial, and
professional employees since 1992. Total racial ethnic

minority employment percent-
ages are illustrated in Chart #2.

A word of caution: the

continuing pressure to economize
through downsizing could have
results that are not just. General
agencies should seek creative
ways to "affirmatively downsize" \o
ensure continued just and equit-
able representation of racial/
ethnic minority constituencies.
When the total numbers get
smaller the result can often lead to
more concentrated power in the
hands of the White majority.

Among employees in category
4-6 (Technical Support, Adminis-
trative and Clerical, Manufactur-
ing, Sales & Service), the total has
declined from 1631 in 1988 to 1357
in 1994. (This at the same time of
increase in category 1 - 3.) Simi-
larly, the number of racial/ethnic
minority employees in category 4
- 6 declined from a high in 1989 at 644 to 566 in 1994. As
a percentage of the total in category 4 - 6, racial/ethnic
minority employees peaked, as with category 1 - 3, in
1992 at 43.35% and has declined to 41.71% of total in 1994.

GENERAL AGENCY PROFILE |

# Emblovees - 1

9fiR-1994

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

ASIAN

104

100

109

92

90

89

85

BLACK

610

615

563

591

577

557

546

HISPANIC

115

117

119

117

117

120

123

NAT.AMER.

9

11

10

11

12

12

15

PAC.ISLAND

0

0

0

12

12

11

9

WHITK

1630

1572

1447

1457

1413

1441

1468

TOTAL:

2468

2415

2248

2280

2221

2230

2246

REM Total:

838

843

801

823

808

789

778

%Ei

7it)lovees - J

19RR-1994 1

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

ASIAN

4.21%

4.14%

4.85%

4.04%

4.05%

3.99%

3.78%

BLACK

24.72%

25.47%

25.04%

25.92%

25.98%

24.98%

24.31%

HISPANIC

4.66%

4.84%

5.29%

5.13%

5.27%

5.38%

5.48%

NAT.AMER.

0.36%

0.46%

0.44%

0.48%

0.54%

0.54%

0.67%

PAC.ISLAND

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.53%

0.54%

0.49%

0.40%

WHITE

fifi.05%

65.09%

64.37%

63.90%

63.62%

64.62%

65.36%

TOTAL:

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

%REM:

33.95%

Km

35.63%

m%

3§,m

25,?§?^

nm

Table #1

Independent Commissions

843

I

Agency ranking in terms of percentage of employ-
ees who are racial/ethnic minority persons ranges from
the General Commission on Religion and Race leading
with 81.82% to the General Commission on Archives and
History at 0% at the end of 1994. Overall racial/ethnic
minority employment at the general agencies stood at
34.64%. A similar snapshot in 1990 indicated little change
except the bottom range was at 14.29% and overall ra-
cial/ethnic minority employment stood at 35.63%. (See
Table #2)

2. Membership

The "range" of racial inclusiveness in United Meth-
odist agency membership is represented by The Gen-
eral Commission on Religion and Race from a high of
81.25% to a low of 20% at The United Methodist Publish-
ing House. Overall, the statistics are encouraging,
though there is unevenness among the experiences of
the general agencies. (See Table #3)

The members are elected through several proc-
esses. The largest number are elected through the Ju-
risdictional Conference election process. The next
largest number of members are elected as additional
members by each general agency. The others are
elected through various sources, including the General
Conference. The important question for the Church is
whether all these processes produce an equitable and
just means to ensure racial inclusiveness on general
agencies. Are the agencies more racially inclusive now
than they were in 1989 — 1992? The racial/ethnic minor-
ity percentage for the previous quadrennium was 35.68%
compared to 37.49% for the current quadrennium, a

Percent - RaciaVEthnic Minority Employees
1994

WHITE (65.36%)

ASIAN (3.78%)

BLACK (24.31%)

HISPANIC (5.48%)
NATAMER. (0.67%)
PAC.ISLAND (0.40%)

Chart #2

slight increase. Such a statistic is skewed, however,
when consideration is given to the fact that 80%+ of The
General Commission on Religion and Race members
are racial/ethnic minority persons. Without inclusion of
Religion and Race's statistic, overall the percentage
drops to 35.04% of the racial ethnic minority members
of all agencies. (See Chart #3) Conversely, 80% of the
members elected to The General Board of Publication
and 78% of the members elected to the General Board
of Pensions and Health Benefits are White persons even
after the additional member process. The additional
member category is clearly necessary to provide the
diversity and expertise needed. The election processes
still need to be more inclusive to achieve the 30% goal
recommended in the 1992 Book of Discipline (^ 805.2fl.)

GE>fERAL AGENCY EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Emolovees - 1994 Snaoshot

Sort by % REM

Asian

%

Black

%

Hisp.

%

NatAm.

%

Pac. Isl.

%

ViOiite

%

TOTAL

%R/E

GCORR

1

9.09%

5

45.45%

2

18.18%

1

9.09%

0

0.00%

2

18.18%

11

81.82%

GBGM

31

6.98%

179

40.32%

70

15.77%

1

0.23%

9

2.03%

154

34.68%

444

65.32%

GCOSROW

1

20.00%

2

40.00%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

2

40.00%

5

60.00%

GBCS

4

11.76%

13

38.24%

2

5.88%

1

2.94%

0

0.00%

14

41.18%

34

58.82%

GCCUIC

1

14.29%

1

14.29%

0

0.00%

1

14.29%

0

0.00%

4

57.14%

7

42.86%

GCFA

5

9.26%

14

25.93%

1

1.85%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

34

62.96%

54

37.04%

GBOPHB

20

7.35%

55

20.22%

21

7.72%

1

0.37%

0

0.00%

175

64.34%

272

35.66%

UMCOM

3

2.73%

25

22.73%

4

3.64%

2

1.82%

0

0.00%

76

69.09%

110

30.91%

GCOM

1

5.56%

4

22.22%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

13

72.22%

18

27.78%

GBHEM

2

3.28%

11

18.03%

3

4.92%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

45

73.77%

61

26.23%

GBOD

2

1.11%

35

19.44%

8

4.44%

2

1.11%

0

0.00%

133

73.89%

180

26.11%

UMPH

14

1.34%

202

19.39%

12

1.15%

6

0.58%

0

0.00%

808

77.54%

1042

22.46%

nr.AH

0

000%

0

0 00%

0

0.00%

0

0 00%

0

000%

8

100 00%

8

000%

TOTAKS: 1 8.sl :^78%l .S46l 24 31%! 12^1 5.48%l l.^l 0fi7%l 9I 0 40%l 14(581 fS.S.ml 22461 MM%

Table #2

844

DCA Advance Edition

GENERAL AGENCY MEMBER PROFILE |

Votine

Members - 1993-1996 Oaadrennium*

1

Sort by % REM

Asian

%

Black

%

Hisp.

%

NatAm

%

Pac. Isl.

%

White

%

TOTAL

%R/E

GCORR

8

16.67%

14

29.17%

8

16.67%

8

16.67

%

1

2.08%

9

18.75%

48

81.25%

GCSRW

5

11.11%

7

15.56%

5

11.11%

4

8.89%

0

0.00%

24

53.33%

45

46.67%

GCCUIC

5

10.42%

8

16.67%

5

10.42%

4

8.33%

0

0.00%

26

54.17%

48

45.83%

GBGM

10

5.62%

43

24.16%

13

7.30%

9

5.06%

0

0.00%

103

57.87%

178

42.13%

GBCS

3

3.61%

21

25.30%

6

7.23%

3

3.61%

0

0.00%

50

60.24%

83

39.76%

GCFA

3

6.98%

10

23.26%

3

6.98%

0

0.00%

0

0.00%

27

62.79%

43

37.21%

UMCOM

4

10.00%

5

12.50%

2

5.00%

2

5.00%

0

0.00%

27

67.50%

40

32.50%

GCOM

6

5.41%

18

16.22%

5

4.50%

5

4.50%

1

0.90%

76

68.47%

111

31.53%

GBHEM

4

4.12%

15

15.46%

6

6.19%

3

3.09%

2

2.06%

67

69.07%

97

30.93%

GBOD

4

4.08%

18

18.37%

4

4.08%

3

3.06%

1

1.02%

68

69.39%

98

30.61%

GCAH

1

3.33%

4

13.33%

2

6.67%

1

3.33%

0

0.00%

22

73.33%

30

26.67%

GBPHB

2

5.56%

3

8.33%

2

5.56%

1

2.78%

0

0.00%

28

77.78%

36

22.22%

IIMPH

1

?<^%

,5

10.00%

,3

6.00%

1

?,fi%

0

Q.Wrt

40

m,()%

50

20.00%

TOTALS;

_^

§.m

_IZ1

X^M'i

.._§i

_Mm

M

J.M

^

li^

_S£Z

^^.m,

m

jLm.

*Using 1994 Reporting Figures
Table #3

3. Monitoring of General Agency Relation-
ships with the Methodist Church of Puerto
Rico

The Puerto Rico Annual Conference de-
termined, with the approval of the 1992 Gen-
eral Conference, to become an Affiliated
Autonomous Church on January 1, 1993.
However, there exists a lasting bond be-
tween the new church in Puerto Rico and
The United Methodist Church. Puerto Rico
continues to provide significant pastoral
leadership for Hispanic ministries in The
United Methodist Church. The Evangelical
Seminary of Puerto Rico continues serving
as a center for theological education of His-
panic ministers, both for Puerto Rico and the
United States. Also, Puerto Rico continues
purchasing and utilizing materials publish-
ed by The United Methodist Church. Rela-
tionships with the general agencies,
according to the Resolution of the 1992 Gen-
eral Conference, are to continue "the same as any other
annual conference" during the transition period to the
year 2000.

Commission staff responded to a special request
from The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to investi-
gate difficulties in implementing the agreements with
general agencies that continue to the year 2000. Special
negotiations were conducted at a meeting of the General

Percent REM Voting Members
1993 - 1996 Quadrennium

UMPH (20.CX)%)
GBOFHB (2222%)
GCAH (26.67%)

GBOD (30.61%)
GBHEM (30.93%)
GCOM (31.53%)

UMCOM (3250%)

GCORR (81.25%)

GCOSROW (46.67%)

-GCCUIC (45.83%)

GCFA (37.21%)

GBGM (4213%)
Q3CS i'^Tdto)

Chart #3

Board of Higher Education and Ministry regarding loan
and scholarship policies and practices. This was re-
solved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties. Copies of
the report are available in the Commission office.

General agencies need to enhance collaboration
with the new church in Puerto Rico while it continues
toward full autonomy and empowerment and seeks to
"break through the paternalism of its past and create and

Independent Commissions

845

build a new image of respect and credibility. " (Bishop
Victor Bonilla)

4. Committees to Eliminate Institutional Racism (CRTRt

Each general agency now has in place a CEIR or its
equivalent. They are serving as effective partners with
the General Commission on Religion and Race in moni-
toring institutional racism. Training for CEIR chairper-
sons and staff will be conducted in 1997.

5. Issues into the Future

Transformation of the general agencies to a more
racially and culturally diverse style may take a longer
time and be a more difficult struggle than gaining access
to job opportunity has been. To be rid of racism, there
must be transformation. Transformation means radical
change in the distribution of power in the Church. There
is no doubt that radical change will be resisted and the
agencies and the Church will be tempted to find "easy"
solutions. Toward that end, the immediate issues for the
General Commission are :

1. Monitoring the continuing and renegotiated
agreements between Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico
and the general agencies.

2. Training and resourcing Committees to Eliminate
Institutional Racism (CEIR).

3. Monitoring of structural changes within the
denomination that are voluntary or directed.

4. Relocations of general agency facilities.

C. Theological School Reviews

The thirteen (13) United Methodist theological
schools continue to strive to become inclusive in every
aspect of their institutional life. The rate of progress
varies among the schools; however, they all are making
noticeable changes.

Statistical comparisons indicate that over the past
nine years there has been a numerical increase in the
participation of racial ethnic minority persons in the life
of the theological schools. TTiat increase has been
primarily in the areas of faculty and student body. In
recent years, the schools have expanded efforts at
greater inclusiveness to the areas such as the Board of
Trustees, administration, support/clerical staff, and
community life. Progress is being made in providing
more financial aid for racial/ethnic minority students,
developing library content that is culturally diverse, and
in providing field experiences in diverse settings.

It is noted, also, that progress is being made in
ensuring that curriculum is more relevant to the multi-
cultural diversity of the United States setting and to
global cultural diversity. New course offerings are
examined by special committees and/or senior faculty
members to ensure that the courses provided are appro-

priately relevant to issues of inclusiveness. One school
requires that the instructor must include a "statement
of inclusivity", explaining "how the course will incor-
porate concerns of minority and women students in both
content and bibliographic resources." Student evalua-
tions also provide insights in this area.

The increased diversity in campus student life and
activities has influenced many campus organizations to
provide programs for students and their families, as well
as others in the campus community, that offer "... a
supportive framework for racial/ethnic faculty, staff,
students, and their famUies so they may more effectively
participate in community life."

Most theological school communities provide wor-
ship experiences that reflect cultural diversity. This not
only enriches the school community, but it also provides
exposure to resources that are essential to effective
ministry beyond the theological school community.

While there are continuing and emerging issues
and concerns, the Commission acknowledges the pro-
gress being made. The Commission remains available
to work with the schools in partnership for the further
advancement of racial and cultural inclusiveness in
seminary education.

D. Investigations

The Commission's mandate includes the responsi-
bility to address situations where persons and/or
groups perceive that the denomination's policy of racial
and ethnic inclusiveness has been violated. The Com-
mission's process involves gathering information and
working with the parties involved to try to remedy or
resolve the conditions which gave rise to the perception
of racism and discriminatory treatment.

Several investigations have been held during the
quadrennium. In general, it has not been possible to
identify clear cases of racism. Rather, vestiges of racism
have tainted processes that were faulty or relationships
that would have been difficult no matter what was the
ethnicity of the persons involved. Oft times the system
is improved, but the person who brings the problem to
light may not realize the maximum benefit from the
effort

E. Minority Group Self-Determination Fund

Heart-warming stories are shared by groups from
the racial and ethnic minority communities who have
received support and hope from the Minority Group Self
Determination Fund. Empowerment and self- determi-
nation are crucial in the life of many racial and ethnic
minority United Methodist congregations and commu-
nities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The Minority Group Self Determination Fund was
established during the special session of the General
Conference in 1970. It was the denomination's response

846

DCA Advance Edition

to the challenge by the Commission and the Black
Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) for an in-
crease in the Church's financial commitment to eco-
nomic empowerment and self-determination among
racial ethnic minority persons. One of the primary crite-
ria that must be met to be considered for funding is that
the decision-making body of the applying group must be
composed of a numerical majority of racial/ethnic mi-
nority persons.

During this quadrennium, through September
1995, two hundred and one (201) projects were granted
$2.8 million dollars. Funds were granted for a wide
variety of programs addressing issues such as environ-
mental racism, job-related skills development, drug and
alcohol abuse, family counseling, etc.

The applications exceed by multiples the funds
available for grants, an indication of the increased need
in the current social-political environment. Therefore,
The United Methodist Church is to be commended for
the foresight to make available financial resources that
help to make a difference in the ability of racial and
ethnic minority persons to become more effective mem-
bers of both the Church and society.

F. The Global Church

The Commission understands that it has a respon-
sibility to the Church in its global manifestations. How-
ever, because of limited resources, human and financial,
it has been unable to relate to The United Methodist
Church outside of the United States. This reality is
lamentable, and we pray that in time our ministry will,
indeed, be one that enables the Church in its global
dimensions to repudiate racism and to be a multi-cul-
tural community that cherishes the gifts of all persons.

G. The Temporary General Aid Fund

The Commission has consulted with the General
Council on Finance and Administration and the General
Board of Pensions and Health Benefits in the administra-
tion of the Temporary General Aid Fund. The Fund was
established by the 1968 General Conference to support
the increased financial obligations assumed by those
annual conferences involved in mergers of the former
Central Jurisdiction (Black) annual conferences and the
geographical annual conferences. It was to be used to
strengthen both the salary and the pension support for
the clergy members of the former Central Jurisdiction
annual conferences. This "temporary" fund was to be
phased out as the merger situations became normalized .

At the time this report is being prepared, the con-
sultations on the proposals related to the Fund have not
been completed. The recommendations resulting from
the consultation will be included in the report of the
General Council on Finance and Administration.

Without regard to the purpose of the Temporary
General Aid Fund, the Commission perceives that sal-
ary inequities continue to exist between the compen-
sation paid to racial and ethnic minority clergy and that
paid to non-racial and ethnic minority clergy. The diffi-
culty in collecting salary information has been an im-
pediment to looking at the issue on a national basis.
However, the Commission urges annual conferences to
examine the inequities and to devise plans to begin to
remedy them.

IV. Response to General Conference
Mandates

The Commission has attended to several referrals
and actions by the 1992 General Conference. TTie 1992
General Conference approved a petition to establish a
Task Force for the "study of the manifestations of racism,
both personally and institutionally, in the rural areas."
The report of the work of the task force is presented as
a separate report

The 1992 General Conference referred to the Gen-
eral Commission for study and to report back to the 1996
General Conference Calendar Item 1182 which sought
to amend ^ 208 of the 1988 Book of Discipline. The
Commission's study is presented as a separate report
with recommendations.

A. A Progress Report — Program to Emphasize
Inclusiveness in All Dimensions of the Church

The 1992 General Conference adopted a resolution
(see 1992 Book of Resolutions, pp. 346-348) which calls
upon "each annual conference, led by the bishop and
Cabinet, to develop a conference-wide program with
clear goals and strategies..." to be more intentional in
moving toward inclusiveness. The resolution directed
that each program be reviewed and evaluated by the
General Commission on Religion and Race.

With the support of the Council of Bishops, each
bishop of an episcopal area in the United States was
asked to provide leadership in the development of such
plans for each annual conference. The process provided
an opportunity for the annual conferences to envision
full inclusiveness, to examine the barriers to various
forms of inclusiveness, and to plan comprehensively on
ways to eradicate the barriers.

The plans were to be submitted to the Commission
by July 1994. As of this writing. Fifty-one (51) annual
conferences have responded with plans or with inten-
tions to plan. (The other annual conferences have not
yet responded.) Commission staff reviewed the plans
and noted that the quality of plans varied widely. The
evaluation of the plans, with recommendations, were
returned to the annual conferences with requests for
periodic progress reports.

Independent Commissions

847

The Commission sees this Inclusiveness Plan pro-
cess as a comprehensive way for annual conferences to
look at the various initiatives underway and to be more
relevant and strategic in planning and implementing
efibrts to build more inclusive communities.

The Commission is recommending to the General
Conference that this effort continue. Conferences which
have not yet responded should be encouraged to begin
the process, and those already involved should be en-
couraged to continue with greater intentionality.

B. Monitoring Implementation of the National
Plan for Hispanic Ministries

The National Committee on Hispanic Ministries has
met six times during the quadrennium to administer the
National Hispanic Plan. This hardworking committee
has demonstrated the collaboration necessary for such
an initiative to succeed. The development of new re-
sources and strategies are building strong leadership
and ministries with the Hispanic community. This has
occurred under the able guidance of executive coordi-
nator, the Reverend Jose L Palos. The General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race has assigned a staff person as
monitor for the plan.

A total of 42 annual conferences have organized
some kind of committee, task force, or council to imple-
ment the National Hispanic Plan. Others are in the
process of doing so. Several conferences have studied
the demographic data for their respective conferences
and have formulated Hispanic ministry goals and pro-
grams. Others have developed financial projections to
support their development of Hispanic ministries.

The four major program boards are collaborating
both to develop and to test the curriculum for teams of
lay missioners and pastor-mentors. The National His-
panic Plan made a number of recommendations to each
of the general agencies, particularly the General Board
of Church and Society, the General Board of Disci-
pleship, the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, and the General Board of Global Ministries.
Most of the program funds are channeled to these agen-
cies for implementation of the plan. See their respective
reports for details of implementation.

Preliminary reports of the first three years of the
quadrennium show the following:

• 51 new Hispanic congregations started in 17 annual
conferences,

• 220 new Hispanic congregations established in 35
annual conferences,

• 35 existing congregations revitalized in 14 annual
conferences,

• 337 community or outreach ministries started in 36
annual conferences,

• 14 annual conferences starting new Hispanic minis-
tries,

• 389 lay missioners recruited and trained from 32
annual conferences,

• 62 new church school extension programs started in
17 annual conferences,

• 6 national missionaries commissioned and placed
and 23 more are in process.

With plans already in place and others in process, it
is estimated that at least an additional 450 lay mission-
ers, 200 pastor/mentors, and 95 trainers will have been
trained and at work by the end of the quadrennium.

The collaboration of the general agencies is a re-
markable achievement, not only because so much has
been accomplished, but also because of the exemplary
cooperative manner in which this work was done. This
is a model of inter-agency collaboration from which the
whole Church can learn and about which it can rejoice.

The implementation of the Plan has created enthu-
siasm among Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike. The
involvement of lay persons and pastors has raised new
interest. There is hope that this new energy will
strengthen all the ministries of the annual conferences.

Given these facts and significant accomplishments
in implementing the National Plan for Hispanic Minis-
tries, the General Commission on Religion and Race
calls upon the General Conference to continue and
strengthen the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry in
the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

V. Addressing the Unfinished Agenda

The Commission's ministry is to work itself out of a
ministry — racism is eliminated and multi-cultural inclu-
siveness prevails. The Commission yearns to report to
a General Conference that its ministry is complete. How-
ever, as the twentieth century draws to a close, it is clear
that this Church, the United States, and indeed the
global community, will enter the twenty-first century
with racism as the "unfinished agenda".

As the Commission looks ahead it envisions that its
ministry will continue to be one that challenges The
United Methodist Church to take ownership of the prin-
ciple that racism is incompatible with Christian teaching
and that every effort is made to eliminate its vestiges.
Any effort less than that will only reinforce the percep-
tion of the racial and ethnic minority constituency that
the people called United Methodists are not serious
about yielding themselves to God to be molded into
vessels that glorify God's gift of the whole of creation.

848

DCA Advance Edition

General Commission Members and Staff

President, Bishop Joseph B. fief/iefl— 1992-1995

Acting President, Bishop S. Clifton /res— 1995-1996
(Vice-President 1992-1995)

Secretary, Harriet McCabe

North Central Jurisdiction
Marcos Berbano
Mareyjoyce Green
Harriet McCabe
Margaret Mayo
Sue Ellen Miller
Ramon Nieves
Bradley F. Watkins, Sr.

Northeastern Jurisdiction
Algernon Arthur
William Lawrence
Misty Nace
Lyssette Perez
Sydney S. Sadio
Douglas Sturm
Sonia Vargas-Maldonado
Dorothy Walker

Southeastern Jurisdiction
Melvin R Bowdan
John L Cornelius
Robert K Fujimura
Edgar S. Coins
Jane Johnson
Kenneth Locklear
Cecil H. Marcellus, Jr.
Doris Franklin Rugh
Aida B. Walker

Western Jurisdiction
Ruben Carrico
Phyllis Ferguson
Aaron Gray
Phu Xuan Ho
Marilyn Hofstra
Leo Hsu
Eddie Kelemeni
Vanessa Owen
James Nam-Suk Park
Alyssa Ray
Janet Yang

South Central

Teresa Chaudoin
Sara Clardy
E. Leonard Gillingham
Sherri Lynn Honaberger
Daniel Ivey-Soto
Ruth Knutter
David Long
Shirley Montoya
Homer Noley
Yolanda Rincon
Carl Stewart

Staf

Kenneth Deere, Associate General Secretary

Elaine Jenkins, Associate General Secretary

Yolanda Pupo-Ortiz, Associate General Secretary
(1995-Present)

Esdras E. Rodriguez-Diaz, Associate General
Secretary (1989-1994)

James E. Taylor, Associate General Secretary

Hidetoshi Tanaka, Associate General Secretary

Barbara Ricks Thompson, General Secretary

Independent Commissions

849

Racism in Rural Areas Task Force Report

I

Petition Number: 20971-IC-NonDis-O

I
Introduction

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ from your
sisters and brothers of the Racism in Rural Areas Task
Force, which was mandated by the 1992 General Con-
ference to identify specific strategies to address the
manifestations of racism in rural areas. [1992 Calendar
Item 247]

The task force affirms efforts by concerned persons
and congregations in rural areas who are confronting
racism in their individual and corporate lives. Yet the
task force concludes that racism continues to be a per-
vasive and systematic force within the rural church and
community. Racism diminishes self-worth and denies
equal opportunity. Tlie elimination of racism must re-
main an important concern for the United Methodist
connection and for the 1996 General Conference.

This report and the following strategies and recom-
mendations are commended to the Church, with our
prayer that God's continued mercies will abide as we
seek to ensure justice, and mutual respect, trust, and
equality for all.

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference approved a resolu-
tion which directed the General Commission on Relig-
ion and Race to "establish a task force for the study of
the manifestations of racism, both personally and insti-
tutionally, in the rural areas" of the United States of
America. The task force was charged to "identify specific
strategies to address the manifestations of racism and
note recommendations for action through the General
Commission on Religion and Race to appropriate agen-
cies of rural conferences and general agencies." The
General Commission on Religion and Race was charged
to "report to the 1996 General Conference on the accom-
plishments in this area."

Grant funds were received from the World Service
Contingency Fund. The funds were to cover operating
costs for the task force, necessary consultant work, the
writing team, and for regional hearings and meetings
with constituency groups in rural areas.

The resolution called for task force representation
from the Commission on Religion and Race members,
the General Board of Global Ministries, the General
Board of Church and Society, and the United Methodist

Rural Fellowship. Four at-large members were added to
the original nine members for the purpose of inclusive-
ness.

Five meetings of the task force were held between
June 1994 and October 1995 in Tennessee, Colorado,
Mississippi, Delaware, and Virginia. The first meeting,
held in Tennessee, was an organizational meeting. The
first hearing, held in Colorado, afforded the opportunity
to hear from members of the United Methodist Rural
Fellowship, in a national gathering. Testimony was
heard from all five jurisdictions, with a significant
number coming from the North Central. Also, testimony
was heard from episcopal leadership and others from
the Denver area. For the second hearing, held at Gulf-
side Assembly in Mississippi, invitations were sent to
leadership of the Southeastern and South Central Juris-
dictions. At that hearing, testimony was heard from
leadership in the Mississippi Annual Conference and
from community leaders in the Southeast who are work-
ing on black family farm issues and community eco-
nomic development. Leadership from the Northeastern
Jurisdiction was invited to the third hearing in Dover,
Delaware. Testimony was heard from the episcopal lead-
ership and others from the Eastern Pennsylvania and
Peninsula-Delaware annual conferences, from New
York and New Jersey, and representatives from the farm
workers support committee for migrant workers in rural
segments of the eastern shore.

In each hearing, opportunity was provided for testi-
monies describing the racist event or incident and
whether it happened to the individual or to someone he
or she knew; reflecting on how the Church was or was
not involved either as a part of the problem or a part of
the solution; and indicating what steps have been taken
to ameliorate the situation.

In addition to the task force hearings, designated
members of the task force held hearings with members
of the National Federation of Asian-American United
Methodists gathered in California, national Black Meth-
odists for Church Renewal gathered in South Carolina,
and national Hispanic lay and clergy rural leaders gath-
ered in Texas. The task force was privileged to have,
among its membership, four rural chaplains who pro-
vided information from two national consultations on
"rural ministries in the face of terrorism" with rural
chaplains. Also, two task force members gleaned infor-
mation from a national consultation on "Christian Min-
istry in the Midst of Hate and Violence," held in St. Louis
sponsored by GBGM. Further, letters, reported inter-
views, and other resources were contributed by task
force members.

850

DCA Advance Edition

Background and Context

This quadrennium has marked a new upsurge of
racially motivated bigotry and violence across the
United States. There have been hundreds of incidents
in which racial/ethnic minority persons have suffered
violence through intimidation, shootings, assaults, and
murders. When the task force set about its work, the
activity of paramilitary and militia groups was not on the
agenda. One day in April 1995 changed all that: the
bombing in Oklahoma City. Belief that the "covenant of
privilege" has failed has driven many "angry White
males" (and females) to hate groups and militia, most of
which have their roots in the White supremacy move-
ment. White supremacist groups such as, but not limited
to, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), Christian Identity, Neo-
Nazi, Posse Comitatus, and Skinheads, have spread
north, south, east, and west in the United States, espe-
cially in rural areas.

While mobs of all ages and gender want to reempha-
size White supremacy over and against racial/ethnic
minority persons, some of those groups have adopted
nonphysical tactics that are equally as "deadly" strate-
gies, for example, by producing and distributing cable
television programs to promote racist ideology. Humor-
less, angry, demonizing, paranoid, and scared people
are finding community — even "on line" with a Home
Page on the Internet. The task force gathered a disturb-
ing variety of such material.

The bottom line? In times of economic hardship or
high unemployment, people in communities often come
together to help each other. During the Great Depres-
sion of the 1930's, many farm families took in the home-
less or let hoboes stay in their barns. Churches and civic
groups operated soup kitchens. Rural churches sup-
ported their neighbors. People tightened their belts and
endured the hard times together.

But a troubled economy and diminishing farming
acreage can also tear people apart. Competition for
scarce jobs and resources can narrow our perspective.
The world and our feelings about it can shrink to the
scale of our next meal or our child's worn-out shoes. It
is easy to look for someone to blame, to scapegoat.

As a result, our sense of community and loyalty also
narrows. A new provincialism emerges. This is espe-
cially true where differences like race and language and
religions have never really been bridged. Under the
pressure of the economic uncertainty, these differences
become more threatening. The difference between "us"
and "them" can seem like a matter of survival. It can stir
. us to hate.

White company owners brought Chinese workers
to Rock Springs, Wyoming Territory, in the 1880's to
break a strike by White persons. Officials knew full well
that they were setting up a racial conflict. The self-suffi-
ciency of the Chinese community only served to anger
White miners more. But who could have bridged such

a gap under these circumstances? From the outset, the
situation was marked for disaster.

Our laws today make it more difficult for anyone to
exploit racial divisions for economic gain. But the fault-
lines in our society can still rupture under economic
stress, as victims of hardship search for someone to
blame. This happened in the Midwest in the 1980's,
when low crop prices and high production costs forced
many farmers out of business. At farm auctions around
the region, posters and fliers and public speakers
blamed the crisis on Jews in the financial industry. In the
1990s, an Oklahoma City bombing emerges from a
climate of hate and violence espoused by various hate
groups, many based in rural areas. The fear and paranoia
in many isolated and rural areas provide a seed bed that
extremist groups exploit to serve their own bigoted
agenda. They merely tap into the existing undercurrent
of prejudice once this has been inflamed by widespread
economic failure and social discontent.

Further, racial/ethnic minority farmers are even
less likely than White farmers to benefit fi-om any
changes in the rural/farm economy. According to the
Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Emergency Land
Fund, if present land loss continues, there will be virtu-
ally no Black farmers by the year 2000. Surveys of Native
American farmers suggest that their situation may be
nearly as bleak as that of Black farmers. Farming is the
leading occupation among Native Americans living on
reservation lands. Asian-Americans and Hispanics have
historically been excluded from significant farm owner-
ship.

The rural Latino presence has grown significantly
since 1964 when the United States government ended
the bracero program (Spanish for "working hand")
initiated during World War II. Migration continued
toward low-wage jobs. Today, tens of thousands of
migrant workers and their families continue to make
their way to harvests around the country. In some areas,
they have created a permanent presence. Unfortunately,
because of the nature of the work and the fact that a
substantial number of workers are undocumented, no
exact figures are available on this population. Migrant
workers must contend with racial prejudice in their new
homes. Building more community networks to bring
together Latinos in rural areas is necessary. Farm labor
organizers have strived to speak and act on behalf of
migrant workers. The United Farm Workers is the most
widely known example of a migrant worker's organiza-
tion, as the union is comprised solely from a community
which has chosen to organize itself. Greater proportions
of rural Latinos live in poverty compared to other rural
residents. Information is lacking that tells the full extent
of this problem. Rural living often means limited access,
if any, to health care, education, and other social
services. Migrant and seasonal workers, as well as their
children, suffer from a lack of formal health care and
fewer educational opportunities. In addition, language
barriers discourage many from obtaining needed
services. Fear of government officials also impedes

Independent Commissions

851

contact. Because of the immediate nature of migrant
worlcers' problems and fewer available resources in
rural areas, long term solutions will make a substantial
change in lives of the workers and their families.

II
Biblical and Theological Perspective

Racism is sin. Sin separates us from God and from
one another. Sin does not afford us peace, and without
peace we are alienated from God. Christ came that we
might be reconciled to God; however, the church and
the world continue to sin. A manifestation of sin is
injustice, abuse, and violence, often consequences of
racism and a distortion of God's love for all people.
(Colossians l:21-23a)

There can be no healing without justice. Healing,
healthy human relationships, and peaceful associations
are imperative for reconciliation. Reconciliation involves
confession and repentance. Forgiveness engenders rec-
onciliation.

The vocation of reconciliation is an expression of the
Christian gospel and discipleship. "So if anyone is in
Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed
away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God,
who reconciled us to him through Christ, and has given us
the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was
reconciling the world to himself, not counting their tres-
passes against them, and entrusting the message of recon-
ciliation to «s.' (n Corinthians 5:17-19 NRSV).

As "new creations" with the responsibility and
authority of reconciliation we believe:

* in a divine Creator of all humanity. God is our
Creator who made the world and everything in it . . . has
made "from one blood every nation of human beings to
dwell on all the face of the earth ..." (Acts 17:24a, 26a)
We, therefore, recognize a common parent — God. All
Christians make that claim, whatever their color, cul-
ture, or language.

* that we are a family. This family, from a Christian
perspective, is not based on race, color, or ethnicity. It
is one which transcends nation and station. This is why
early Christians called one another "brother and sister."

* in the creative genius of God. Our diversity is
God's gift and should be affirmed and celebrated.

Racism is alive and active in our society and in the
church. We reiterate, therefore, our Church's affirma-
tion in our Social Creed that, "we commit ourselves.. .to
the rights and dignity of racial, ethnic and religious mi-
norities...We dedicate ourselves to peace.. .to the rule of
justice and law. ..and to individual freedom for all peo-
ple..." (1992 Book of Discipline, pp. 106-107.) Further,
"Racism plagues and cripples our growth in Christ, inas-
much as it is antithetical to the gospel itself Therefore, we
recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and

temporal worth of all persons." (1992 Book of Discipline,
^ 72 The Social Community, pp. 93-94.)

We desperately need to receive God's forgiveness
and healing for us and for our land. (II Chronicles 7:14)
To paraphrase Bishop Woodie White,"... attempts to less-
en and eradicate racism can only be ultimately successful,
to the extent that we recognize this is a spiritual as well as
ethical battle. " We can rid our land of racism only by the
grace of God. God can help us, and heal us, and claim
us as redeemed and faithful people.

m

Findings

Testimony Excerpts — ^What we heard.

The Task Force on Racism in Rural Areas held hear-
ings across the nation to gather information about racism
in rural settings. Below are representative excerpts from
testimony at the hearings, in gatherings of racial/ethnic
minority groups, and from members of the task force who
participated in other types of meetings.

Denver

"I see racism as a problem in my little rural church,"
said a pastor in the Southwest. "They don't consider
themselves racist." He said he personally works coop-
eratively with a Black church nearby, but has felt unable
to invite ministers of color to preach.

A district superintendent from the rural Midwest
told of a church that had indicated willingness to accept
a South Korean woman minister, but soon complained
that her speech was difficult to understand and that she
lacked understanding of the area's culture. A few mem-
bers who had served in the Korean War objected to the
appointment because of her nationality.

A Black woman assigned to a rural Midwest charge
"is doing well" despite the departure of some members,
according to her disfrict superintendent.

A Native American woman tearfully testified that
her reservation has been split by a repugnant style of
evangelizing that has characterized various expressions
of Indian culture as "the way to hell."

A rural chaplain from the Midwest testified that
pastors failed to comprehend the depth of disfress of
farmers who experienced hard times. A subsequent
successful Ku Klux Klan rally led the chaplain to con-
clude, "Somebody was listening to the farmers, and it
was the Klan."

A lay person from the North Central Jurisdiction
perceives "hatred toward anyone who is different" and
sees stereotyping, labeling, and name calling as a part
of racism. Examples were given of ways in which youth
and children of different ethnic backgrounds are labeled
and belittled in rural areas. Some children in schools are
called names, even by teachers, a step that can be the

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first in a chain of hate acts that can lead to genocide and
murder. The lay person feels "it is critical that we as a
Church identify this kind of name calling and labeling
as the start of the highway of hatred that entices our
society onto a long journey." The person feels "the
church is a place where we can address the origins of
hatred and racism."

One pastor testified about the antagonistic relation-
ship between an annual conference and an ethnic con-
ference. When challenged to become involved
collaboratively, the majorify White conference finds ex-
cuses which alluded to historic problems.

A new pastor assigned to a cross-cultural coopera-
tive parish including Hispanic persons was interested
neither in a cross-cultural appointment nor in a coopera-
tive parish ministry. U the director had been provided
with the opportunify for input into the appointment, as
provided for in The Book of Discipline, this fact would
have become evident prior to appointment. The director
went on to say, "in summary, I feel the conference is
systemically racist in its decision-making both for ap-
pointments made and for positions filled within the con-
ference."

A pastor from a Southwestern conference believed
that "racism dwells safely in many rural settings" He
named the problem as a problem of injustice, which
could be rectified if we learned to live according to the
example of justice which scripture shows us in regard
to God's justice. He stressed the need for reconciliation.
"For racism to be properly addressed, it will require
reconciliation, full reconciliation with God and with
brothers and sisters regardless of skin color."

A person of mbced race who lives in a "border town"
(a White, town on the edge of a Native American
Reservation), gave an account of numerous racist
incidents. Crimes against Native Americans were not
given serious consideration by local authorities,
according to this person who went on to state, "At least
one Native American per month is murdered and no one
seems to care." Tliis testimony also noted that the
elderly suffered the most.

One Native American told the task force that the
annual conferences need to really hear the needs and
concerns of the Native-American people and to develop
plans together, not patemalistically. Native American
ministries are not "missions" of the Church but
"ministries" within Native American communities. The
Church through annual conferences and districts also
needs to know how to help Native American ministries
to become self-sufficient within their level of income,
rather than fostering dependency.

A clergy person from a South Central conference
testified to the racism experienced within the churches
served. The pastor spoke of being asked by a church
member about inviting "them" [African-American chil-
dren] to Sunday School. The pastor was warned that
there would be members who would want "to have a

talk" if Afiican-American children came. Tlie pastor was
also told that it "was treading on thin ice" to speak of
attending worship in an African-American church. How-
ever, one church member told of an experience he had
earlier in his life when he turned "a Black lady" away
from that church because people wouldn't like her being
there. He went on to say he now wished, fifteen years
later, that he could invite her to come and sit with him
and his wife.

A district superintendent from the Midwest testified
about a number of cross-racial appointments within the
conference. There was conflict in each situation though
some worked out better than others. The cabinet and
bishop acted in accordance with the Discipline in the
spirit of open itineracy. He concluded that "very few
persons in our congregations... would say they are racist
Many will go to great lengths to say or show they are
not racist While strides have been made, much remains
to be done to overcome a very ingrained racism in our
area. It is difficult to deal with because it is masked. For
the most part it is not overtiy violent, yet it does harm to
others and to those who continue to harbor such atti-
tudes."

A clergy member of a Southern conference testified
to the racist climate in his area. He names a major
problem as "a general lack of involvement." He talked
about his own experience with racism as a teenager and
how he considers himself a "recovering racist" He
talked about the use of inappropriate language in
referring to persons of a different ethnic background.
This person said he believed Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.'s statement about eleven o'clock on Sunday morning
being "the most segregated hour in America" is still true.
He cited the small town where he lives. "I serve in an
integrated rural community where Blacks and Whites
have lived, literally, side by side since the early 1800's.
Today these neighbors are fiiends and are always
offering a helping hand to one another. They live
together, work together, play together, but worship in
separate church buildings."

The blatant omission of a reference to the Black
jurisdictional group which was a part of the merger into
United Methodism during a historical report by a
member of the Commission on Archives and History to
an annual conference disturbed one Afiican-American.
The omission of the Central Jurisdiction was called to
the historian's attention and he stated that "the infor-
mation was in the book and could be read." An apology
was later issued to the bishop, but not to the annual
conference.

A bishop reported that appearances can be deceiv-
ing, that racism is "alive and well" in the conference.
Geographical isolation and disconnection are problems
in addressing racism in rural areas. Often, churches are
not advocates of change and more needs to be done on
both conference and local levels. Pastors being sent to
rural parishes need to receive more training.

Independent Commissions

853

At one annual conference session, in response to an
inclusive theme and banner, White male rage surfaced.

An associate director of a conference Council on
Ministries reported a racial incident when the associate
director's car broke down in a Western rural area while
transporting African-American youths to camp. A truck
full of White males harassed them while walking back
to their stranded vehicle. No one was injured, but the
group felt endangered because it was subjected to in-
timidating behavior by the Whites.

Gulfside Assemblv. Waveland. Mississippi

A district superintendent for the Southeastern Juris-
diction said, "The plain nature of rural life lends itself to
segregation and racism. Race relations are slower to
change in rural areas. Close-knit racial families feed into
that." "Our Cabinet is working toward open itineracy so
that every time we meet, we review possibilities and
opportunities for cross-racial appointments, although
most White congregations are resistant to it."

The fact that one Black pastor had been appointed
to a White church was a point of pride for one confer-

Other superintendents reported a program of Clus-
tering of Churches. This strategy lends itself to interac-
tion, fellowship, cooperation, and pulpit exchanges, but
with minimal interracial exchanges. Many larger White
churches have not readily participated in the clustering.

Strong racism toward migrant farm workers contin-
ues. Racial/ethnic minority persons are hired for sea-
sonal jobs with subsistence pay. The Church has no
program to support racial/ethnic minority farmers or
agricultural workers.

Some towns are segregated; the utilities, housing
and services are below standard in economically de-
pressed racial-ethnic minority neighborhoods.

While blatant outward racist practices may be ab-
sent, racist attitudes are deeply ingrained.

In parts of the Southeast, public school attendees
are predominantly Black because Whites send their
children to private schools. Consequently, funding for
public schools is inadequate, and therefore public
school facilities and programs are substandard. Bond
issues for schools are generally voted down. Racial/eth-
nic minority persons are not encouraged or recruited to
become teachers. Ninety-two percent of kindergarten
teachers are Whites.

The church/conference is slow to react, let alone to
be productive in eliminating racism.

One southern pastor observed "benign neglect" by
society and the Church which goes without saying that
the status-quo racism is supported. The social and politi-
cal climate fosters racism. There is strong covert racism.

Racial/ethnic minority pastors are generally ap-
pointed to smaller congregations with lower salaries,
indicating economic racism. Many are without parson-
ages and must drive great distances to minister in the
parish.

One chair of a conference Commission on Religion
and Race (CORR) noted that a bishop, through Racial/
ethnic Local Church Concerns, Black Methodists for
Church Renewal (BMCR) and CORR is beginning to
impact the conference. This bishop is exerting leader-
ship through the cabinet and the appointive process,
among the pastors, the churches, in addressing racism.
CORR is also proactive in advocating for the dismantling
of racism, and in rectifying injustices, for example the
case of a racial/ethnic minority district superintendent
who on leaving the superintendency was appointed to a
very low paying appointment compared to his White
counterparts. Such monitoring is possible because of
the bishop's support.

Some conference structures are still not inclusive of
racial/ethnic minority persons, nor of gender and age.
The participation and empowerment of racial/ethnic
minority persons need to be addressed.

Involvement in the Parish Lay Associate Program is
mostly Black laity.

Racism is evident in the Southeast when the house
and land of a Black person are easily taken away when
induced to sign it off as collateral for the purchase of a
vehicle he could not afford in the first place.

Taxation is also used to take a Black person's land
and house away. A case: the city limits are moved farther
out to include racial/ethnic minority persons who have
always been outside the city limits. They could not afford
to pay their higher property taxes, and after a few years
their land would be published in the paper for sale for
tax assessment. In otiier cases, the tax bill is never sent
to the home of the low income racial/ethnic minority
person. When they do not pay their taxes for several
years, without personal notification, their property is
published for sale in a newspaper — often not their local
paper.

A racial/ethnic minority person working for a land-
lord is bound to his employer if he or she happens to be
living on the landlord's property.

Toxic dumping has been done close to concentrated
areas of racial/ethnic minority housing.

A booklet listing businesses and resorts along the
Gulf shore did not include Gulfside Assembly and other
racial/ethnic minority holdings like it.

The gas company cut off the line before reaching
Gulfside Assembly only to resume it for White custom-
ers beyond the Assembly. Now that their number of
customers has been reduced, they want to supply the
Assembly. The same conditions hold true with the cable
company.

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Racism Indicators and the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives:

* The FBI had the Federation investigated in 1979
only to clear them of any wrongful use of funds in 1982,
but the damage was done in slowing the work of the
Federation.

* The high number of acres owned by Black farmers
was in 1910—19 million acres. To date only 130,000
acres of land belong to Black persons.

* There is much exploitation by using Black-owned
land for collateral and selling it when payments are not
kept. Some banks withhold credit from Black land-
owners. Loans will not be granted to them.

* There is a big problem with substandard housing
for Blacks in the South.

* Federal grants which would benefit Blacks are
often shifted to other projects.

* Many Black farmers face discrimination by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture in accessing programs
available at the county level.

Dover. Delaware

From the Northeastern Jurisdiction, a pastor told
about a cross burning incident in a rural community at
housing where a Polynesian family and an African
American family lived. Although the police responded
rapidly and arrests were made, both families relocated.
The African American mother revealed that her children
had been subjected to harassment at school. Despite the
departure of the victims, area residents later united to
show their desire to live together peacefully, creating
"Harmony Days." The pastor appreciated guidance from
conference personnel, quoting this counsel, "You don't
debate hate. You counter it with goodness and love."

Another pastor testified that the changing rural
environment, with the exit of fraditional industries and
stiff competition for farm jobs, along with a new diverse
mbc of peoples provides a climate for hate. Poverty and
unemployment could lead to trouble.

A racial/ethnic minority pastor told of an incident of
swastikas and racial slurs painted just a few days before
Christmas on the exterior of one of the small member-
ship rural churches he served. The conference chair of
CORR came to the church to preach and encourage the
small congregation. In a show of support, the County
Ecumenical Association held their Good Friday service
at the church. Many from the community offered words
and gifts of love. The church has become energized for
ministry.

Another pastor related the incident of an Afii-
can/American grandmother who lived alone and had a
cross burning outside her home. A college student from
the pastor's church was among those who committed
the crime. The pastor experienced a sense of isolation
in responding to the incident. White neighbors of the

victim tended to withdraw from her. The pastor noted
the awkwardness of dealing with a situation where an
active church family is involved.

Agricultural workers in the Northeast gave gripping
testimony about their experience of racism. Most were
able to give daytime testimony only because of work
related injuries. They told of difficulty getting release
time even though injured. Farms like to keep good
safety records and doctors comply with a system which
sends the workers back to the fields though clearly
unable to work. Housing is overcrowded, and this may
cause communities to discriminate and try to avoid
renting to migrant workers. Farm worker camp housing
is overcrowded, unsafe, and lacking adequate water and
sanitation. Many federal regulations for these camps are
not being enforced. On local, state and federal levels
there is structural racism against farm workers. Those
in power, who create the problems by encouraging
migrants for cheap labor, do not deal with the conse-
quences of their presence.

In addition to housing and medical problems, legal
issues and representation, and fransportation are prob-
lems. When asked about the Church's role, it was sug-
gested the Church can help by:

• Providing space for workers to organize;

• Taking stands publicly in denouncing injustice;

• Standing against and working to prevent abuse.

A conference chair of Commission on Religion and
Race noticed the tendency to believe "We don't have a
problem." This is particularly true when racial/ethnic
minority persons do not live in the community. While
many express concern, racism is not personally owned
as a problem. He noted the attitude, "If if s not in front
of me, it's someone else's problem."

One pastor and family were threatened when the
pastor, an activist in a committee working for
com-munity unity, spoke out against hate group activity.
The pastor asked for protection from the local police and
was told, 'Tou brought this on yourself." Only later,
when the Justice Department and state police got
involved was local protection provided. The Anti-Hate
Task Force, created by the conference, sent a
representative to attend worship the Sunday the sendee
was threatened to be disrupted. The proposed Klan rally
did not take place nor was the service disturbed.

Racism was found in one Church camp in the rela-
tionship between camp staff and a racial/ethnic minority
church group. Lack of sensitivity toward the campers
combined with poor service from the camp medical
facility brought about a confrontation. Since the inci-
dent, the camp staff has received training involving
cross-cultural communications. Both parties were
brought together for conflict resolution by the bishop
and the situation has improved.

Independent Commissions

855

Several pastors cited incidents where White major-
ity local police were unresponsive to racial/ethnic inci-
dents. In one case, a young Black person working in a
mostly White town in a rural area was harassed by local
police and questioned as to his frequent trips "into our
town." In another case, when a Black person stopped to
get directions from White police officers who had pulled
another car over, the man was freated as if he had
threatened the officers. The man was pushed against the
car, handcuffed, arrested, while occupants of the car,
including children, watched horrified. When taken im-
mediately to court, the judge threw out the case and
reprimanded the officers for their poor handling of the
incident

Blacks were also reported to receive an inferior
education. Black persons were directed by guidance
counselors away from pre-coUege track into vocational
tracks. When such students wished to attend college,
they encountered problems due to lack of proper course
work.

A confrontation with Skinheads in one rural
community was the incident another pastor reported.
Christian Identity advocates made numerous attempts
to "enlighten" this pastor to their viewpoint. In this
community two persons, one Black, one White, were
burned to death in a car. Efforts to address the problem
through community meetings and forums were not
supported by prominent persons who did not want bad
publicity about their community. Privately, people were
concerned about hate activity, but gave no vocal support.
Educational events focusing on understanding the
Jewish religion were somewhat successful.

A conference staff person raised the concern that
racism not be reduced to hate groups like the KKK or
militia groups. Doing so lets the rest of the White com-
munity off the hook. The cultural racism in which we
were raised needs to be addressed.

A native African, whose college and seminary expe-
rience had been quite positive, encountered problems
in a cross-racial appointment, receiving letters to "go
back where you came from." Some members did not
attend during his four-year appointment at their church.

A college chaplain warned that people are more
comfortable talking about "hate crimes" than talking
about personal racism.

One pastor in the Northeast reported that the KKK
is evangelically recruiting in his area. A KKK march was
planned. The community responded by holding an ecu-
menical worship at the time the march was to have taken
place. With lack of leadership, the event fell apart The
leader had been arrested for the beating of an interracial
couple.

A Cabinet member was told by a congregation in a
Northeastern rural community, "We would rather shut
the doors of this church than accept a racial/ethnic
minority person as our pastor."

A conference chairperson of the Commission of
Religion and Race expressed the concern, "Our annual
conference sessions in recent years have become more
segregated by race. With the convention style seating
and the separation by district seating arrangements,
segregation is obvious to everyone willing to pay atten-
tion to racial issues."

Problems found in Peninsula-Delaware in particular
accentuate the problems of rural areas in general need-
ing to be taken seriously, to receiving the necessary
resources and support. Racism is not just an urban
problem.

Racial/Ethnic Minoritv Gatherings Task force
members attended a variety of other settings where
testimony was gathered.

The increased climate of hate was noted by the
national Hispanic Ministries rural leaders consultation
meeting in San Antonio.

A couple from Mexico, who had been sent on a
mission to a Southeastern annual conference, told about
disparate treatment by the church and the community.
Law enforcement incidents were mentioned, including
police offering beer to a Hispanic man, then arresting
him for drunkenness.

A racial incident was reported about a young man
being tied up in a tree by a hate group, then shot

During a house fire, an incident occurred where a
man carrying a gun was shot when the firemen felt
threatened. Actually he had the gun because he was
frightened. This incident could have been avoided if
someone from the fire department had spoken Spanish.

An Asian clergy couple from the Midwest, attending
a conference of the National Federation of Asian Ameri-
can United Methodists, with an urban background felt
discrimination by being sent to a rural setting. They
have done well in difficult charges, but currently are in
a two-point charge and are beginning to feel their capa-
bilities are not receiving adequate appreciation.

Major topics addressed to a task force member by
persons attending a Black Methodist for Church Re-
newal meeting included cross-cultural appointments
and open itineracy. The member observed that many
persons wanted to get out of rural areas and did not want
to discuss rural racism.

Other Settings:

In the West, during a meeting on hate groups the
following incident was related: A racial/ethnic minority
professor at a small technical college died suddenly
before the new term was to begin. Students were specu-
lating about who would be the replacement to teach their
classes. One White male remarked, "I just hope we don't
get another [expletive] foreigner." This meeting which
was clergy initiated was poorly attended by members of
clergy persons' congregations. Community professional
persons, including a local politician and college staff.

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DCA Advance Edition

attended and were supportive. A person in sympathy
with the Christian Identity theology also attended, rais-
ing objecUuns to the presentation. The confrontation
was not heated or disruptive.

In another community in the West, a stranger
stopped a member of a United Methodist church on the
street. He was desperate for help; he had been informed
the night before by his employer that he owed him
$1,800.00. The worker had been in this country working
at a dairy for several months, but now that he had
arranged to return to Mexico for a visit to his family, his
employer wanted cash. As the story unfolded, the con-
gregation member discovered that the man unknow-
ingly had been charged $300.00 per month as his part of
the rent of a single-wide, one bedroom trailer he shared
with three other workers on the farm. There was no
running water in the trailer, only a stand pipe outside to
serve all their water needs, even through the winter
months. In addition, part of the money owed was for
groceries that the worker thought the employer had
volunteered to provide. The congregation successfully
intervened on behalf of the worker, but similar situations
are still common in the area.

A newspaper account from fall of 1995 sent to a task
force member provides an example of institutional ra-
cism. The article revealed tribal schools are decaying
under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Out of the
nation's 187 BIA-funded schools, there is an estimated
backlog of $640 million to $800 million in needed repairs.
The deteriorating conditions in some schools are dan-
gerous as well as being an impediment to learning.
"Schools are grossly underfunded," an advisory commit-
tee to the Office of Indian Education programs con-
cluded in 1991. In the 1994-95 school year, in
reservations, funding per student fell to $2,515. Com-
pared with the reservation figure, in South Dakota, off-
reservation funding was $4,045 per student.

Task Force Observations: What we learned
and concluded

1. The power of allowing people of color to tell their
story was something not envisioned, but became a lib-
erating experience for several participants. Persons who
felt no one cared and no one heard, shed tears over the
simple event of our listening. Providing listening posts
where the White church is confronted by the culture of
racism while allowing racial/ethnic minority persons a
safe place to tell stories is a model for unmasking the
racism in our midst.

2. When annual conferences allow a lower standard
of parsonages to exist for racial/ethnic minority pastors
and churches than for White churches that is an indica-
tor of institutional and economic racism.

3. A recurring theme in the hearings and in other
meetings is that many White rural churches hide from
the fact that racism is still a problem, and that silence
contributes to continued racism.

4. The work of the task force has made members of
the group more aware of their own culpability to involve-
ment in racist behavior/activity.

5. In the hearings, far more Blacks offered testi-
mony than any other racial/ethnic minority group. What
does this say? Were some groups bypassed in the infor-
mation channel about the hearing? Is it cultural to be
less vocal? Are some intimidated and afraid to come out
expressing their pain?

6. People across this United Methodist connection
— rural and urban — are still being crippled and plagued
by racism, racism that excludes, denies, deprives per-
sons of color.

7. The church can be a part of the problem:

a) Appointments-nominating system: The "good ol'
boys" system often operates in a way that simply pro-
vides a training ground for larger churches, neglecting
both rural and small membership church settings.

b) There is a prevailing attitude to focus on church
development in suburban areas, ignoring small towns
and rural areas or leaving such development to others,
such as leaving Black church development to the
AME/CME/AMEZ, or Baptist groups, and/or Hispanic
development to Roman Catholic churches.

c) The mind-set of many church persons in rural
areas is not prepared for the influx of diverse populations
into rural areas. The Church needs to prepare people for
the new world and to challenge the local church mission
statements to be intentional regarding inclusiveness. (A
pastor in Ohio reported that people left when he at-
tempted to write a new mission statement that was
inclusive.)

8. We learned that some annual conferences block
awarding grants to racial/ethnic minority ministries and
programs doing significant work within annual confer-
ence boundaries.

9. We have come to learn that virtually all of the
paramilitary and "patriof groups operating in largely
rural locations across the country have their roots in the
White supremacist movement. Rural persons are par-
ticularly vulnerable. The groups use existing social,
structural, and environmental issues to gain entry and
an audience. They make alliances with other groups and
deal with "bread and butter" issues. They provide quick
answers and sordid solutions and conspiracy theories
from the ideology of White supremacy. TTiey feed on the
economic and social problems.

10. Conclusions regarding hate group activity:

a. The enemy to a peaceful and just community is
not only the KKK or a Neo-Nazi organization, but the
racial hatred, bigotry, and division already found in the
community at large, which hate groups then exploit,
represent, and promote.

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857

b. To ignore the hate groups is to provide a comfort-
able and even welcoming atmosphere.

c. The key to setting a moral tone that will say "no"
to hate group activity is to involve a wide spectrum of
constituencies in an effort to achieve a unified, assertive,
but peaceful response.

d. White persons need to take responsibility. Demy-
thologize the word "racism." Name and own the sin.
Whites are victims of racism. Persons of color are not so
much victims as survivors.

e. The continuing devastating economic changes in
family farming, lumbering, fishing, mining, and other
rural businesses and industries which lead to stress are
not the cause of rural acts of violence and hatred but are
the seed beds in which such acts may germinate.

f. Both clergy and lay persons need to be well-
prepared biblically and theologically to counter the the-
ology and influence of White supremacy.

11. While at times both acts of racism and stereotyp-
ing have led many people to think racism and racist acts
are confined to the southern parts of the country, racism
and racist acts are endemic to all regions of the country
and in both rural and urban settings.

12. All racial/ethnic minority groups experience
racism. Racism and racist acts are directed toward racial
/ethnic minority persons of all ages. "Hate crimes" are
just one form of racist behavior.

13. Personal and corporate expressions of racism
are learned behaviors and can be unlearned and
changed.

14. Inter-ethnic conflict is encountered throughout
the country.

15. Racism exists in places where racial/ethnic
minority persons do not live. The phrase, often heard by
the task force, "We don't have any problems because we
don't have any of 'them' here" is an indicator of racism,
not the lack of it

16. Silence contributes to the problem of racism. If
one is not willing to be part of the solution, then one is
part of the problem.

17. It has been difficult to find people willing to talk
about racism in their churches in the Western Jurisdic-
tion. Many are aware that the prevailing feelings in their
congregations are racist, but they are not willing to be
identified. There seems to be a mixture of both fear and
shame in their unwillingness to talk; fear of reprisal to
themselves, their families, their businesses; shame in
that it exists, but cannot be discussed. In other places
there is complete denial that racism exists.

18. Blatant institutional racism is reflected by con-
gregations who are unwilling to open their buildings to
people of another ethnic group. This is coupled with the
apparent inability of conference leadership to intercede

on behalf of emerging racial/ethnic minority congrega-
tions.

19. The issue was raised by at least one hearing
participant as to whether this would be just another
study. We remember thinking as the task force began
its work, "Why do we need to see if there is racism in
rural areas? We know there is racism!" However, one of
the recurring themes is that White churches hide from
the fact that racism is still a problem. It has been sad to
see the Church's self-willed denial of the problem with
racism.

20. Church leadership is generally "culturally igno-
rant" and needs greater multicultural competency.

21. The conditions reported by the Del-Mar- Va area
(Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coastal area) mush-
room workers are usual occurrences for migrant farm
workers throughout the United States. Farm workers
need advocates who will work in partnership to improve
their working conditions, housing, wages, and health
care.

22. Small farmers' financial status needs to be im-
proved before racial/ethnic minority churches in rural
areas can increase salaries and housing facilities for
pastors. It is unfair to expect persons with a low eco-
nomic base who live in rural areas to bear the responsi-
bility alone for building a stronger community economic
base. Cooperatives and cluster ministries should not be
used as an economic strategy to provide a support base
for pastors.

23. Professional mental health service is very lim-
ited in most rural communities and often unaffordable
and unavailable.

24. The rural social structure is changing. The tra-
ditional chores and jobs are often not available. There is
the usual lack of organized recreational programs for
youth in rural areas. The multitude of negative social
behaviors depicted in television programs are seen by
children in rural areas as in urban areas. Commission of
a felony is as apt to occur in rural areas as in urban
settings.

25. Community-based economic and social net-
works are continuing to form in places across the coun-
try, particularly in central California, northern Alabama,
souttiem New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

IV
Signs of Hope

One non-church person working with agricultural
workers shared that prior to her coming to the consult-
ation, she decided to go to the local United Methodist
church to meet the pastor, anticipating that the pastor
would have no interest in the racial issues around mi-
grant workers. She learned that the pastor is very com-
mitted to inclusiveness and gives attention to the biblical
/theological grounding of her congregation. The

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worker with the migrant ministry made an intentional
decision to network with the clergy person in the future.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference has a task force
in place to respond to hate crimes and racist incidents
within their conference. This conference created a staff
position in Human Relations which includes monitoring
and responding to interracial problems. The conference
has initiated a program to develop support teams for
pastors and congregations involved in cross-racial/eth-
nic appointments.

Peninsula-Delaware Conference adopted a confer-
ence resolution relating to "When Ku Hux Klan, and
Other Hate Groups, 'Come to Town'." The resolution
calls for clergy and laity education on the "Christian
Identity" movement and other hate groups which claim
Christian values, to develop special programs to support
victims of hate crimes, and discourage children and
youth participation in hate group activities.

At least two conferences are looking at their seating
arrangements at annual conference sessions and are
monitoring the inclusiveness of worship leaders, song
leaders, speakers, etc.

In several conferences, chairpersons and members
of the Commissions on Religion and Race have been
supportive and responsive to churches and their com-
munities in the midst of racial incidents.

Some churches and communities have developed
specific community/ecumenical events to respond to
hate crimes and racial incidents.

Since the Oklahoma City bombings, committees
are being formed in many communities to establish
ways to respond to hate crimes, specifically militia re-
cruitment and activity, even before an overt incident has
occurred.

In the summer of 1995, one hundred rural chaplains,
both clergy and laity, participated in a national consult-
ation on "Rural Ministry in the Face of Terrorism. " Sev-
eral of the rural chaplains reported that professional
leaders in their communities — among them doctors,
judges, school administrators, and teachers — had re-
quested copies of the book studied by the chaplains.
When Hate Groups Come to Town. Among the commit-
ments made by the rural chaplains as follow-up to the
consultation were:

* A professor at a seminary will offer four seminars
at the Local Pastors Course of Study School on minis-
tries with regard to racism, extremism, etc. in rural
areas;

* A lay man will work with the local chapter of
Habitat for Humanity to motivate them in countering
classism and exclusion;

* A pastor will begin to educate youth and children
through an after school program.

* Numerous pastors will make available the infor-
mation learned to community leadership, including local
law enforcement officers. One director of a cooperative
parish plans to place copies of the book. When Hate
Groups Come to Town, in the local sheriffs office, the
library, and the school system;

* A lay person will look for ways to interact with the
several churches in the cooperative parish ministry to
conduct forums and workshops, both to provide infor-
mation and to formulate plans on what to look for and
how to recognize and respond to hate issues;

* A pastor who serves as a police chaplain will
develop a training program for police officers;

* Using music and skits, one pastor will deal with
reconciliation through an outreach puppet ministry;

* A district staff member will offer training for
district clergy to raise awareness regarding race and
hate issues in rural churches and communities;

* A conference president of United Methodist
Women will use the iriformation gained in the consult-
ation in her work with conference officers, Church
Women United, the Commission on Status and Role of
Women, and other groups.

* Numerous participants in the consultation, both
clergy and lay, resolved to engage in more personal and
group Bible study time and theological reflection.

Models and Strategies for

Developing an Inclusive Rural

Church and Community

Cooperative Parish Ministry

Cooperative Ministry is an intentional plan of a team
ministry which enables groups of congregations and
pastors, in a defined geographic area, both as United
Methodist and ecumenically, to work together to be in
nurturing, outreach, and prophetic ministries. Coopera-
tive ministry provides the opportunity to develop a rela-
tionship of trust and mutuality among congregations of
different racial/ ethnic minority composition. Working
together helps these congregations to get to know one
another, and to show concern for one another while
dealing with issues of ministries that congregations
cooperatively should carry out Leaders from the various
congregations learn from one another and their insights
and strengths contribute to the collective sense of re-
sponsibility for involvement in ministries that respond
to community needs and issues. As pastors of differing
racial/ethnic minority heritage meet for sharing and
planning, they come to know one another in more mean-
ingful ways, to appreciate and value one another, and to
provide mutual pastoral support.

Independent Commissions

859

In addition, when community or church issues arise
to which congregations feel they should make a witness,
the probability of being listened to by local communities,
states, districts and conferences is increased signifi-
cantly when messages are sent collectively by all of the
churches of a cooperative ministry. This is particularly
true for racially diverse cooperative minish-ies whose
experiences have indicated that their concerns have not
been heard, either because they are not racially domi-
nant congregations or because they are small.

Shalom ministi-ies offer a powerful base for building
community life and moving faith communities and secu-
lar communities toward more compassionate justice-
based ministries in response to God's love for all human-
kind. Cooperative parishes have the potential to create
the support base and enabling structure that encourage
pastors and lay persons to be in peace-making mini-
stries. These ministries can change individuals, church
organizations, communities, political processes, and
economic systems. Two models of rural Cooperative
Parishes follow that are Shalom ministries:

The Bennetsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry,
South Carolina, composed of thirteen small-member-
ship rural African American churches, have been reach-
ing out across racial and ethnic lines. It has had a church
and community worker, US-2 missionary, and three
Summer Investment Program conference youth work-
ers all of different racial/ethnic minority backgrounds.

While all churches are United Methodist, the Coop-
erative Ministry is ecumenical in its nurture and out-
reach ministry. It offers ministries to all people, which
has resulted in other racial/ethnic minority groups par-
ticipating in and benefiting from its tutorial program.
Vacation Bible School, transportation, meal delivery,
and most recentiy the 'Tennis Anyone" summer tennis
programs. The tennis program for ages 8 — 18 provides
the opportunity for interaction and cultural experiences
among Native American, African American, and White
persons. It offers opportunities for working relation-
ships between churches, the city recreation department,
and the South Carolina State Extension Service to foster
better communications among all racial/ethnic minority
groups and to build community.

The Meigs County Cooperative Ministry, located in
an Appalachian area in southeast Ohio, is composed of
twenty-five small membership United Methodist
churches in the county. When the cooperative parish
heard that the Ku Klux Klan was coming to their county
for a rally, the cooperative ministry worked closely with
the county ministerial association (ecumenical) body to
divert attention away from the rally. The two groups
called upon the Appalachian Peace for Justice Network
based in Athens, Ohio, to work toward a peaceful reso-
lution of conflict. The book When Hate Groups Come to
Town was used as the basic resource for response.
Training events, hymn sings, prayer meetings, and
other types of gatherings were held in other parts of the
country away from the area where the KKK was meet-

ing. As a result, only a handful of persons came into the
county to listen to the Klan.

Rural Church leadership Development

Leadership in rural areas can be more effective in
ministry if:

1. Orientation class (12 - 16 hrs) is provided for all
pastors new to rural ministries (i.e., similar to course
developed by Western Small Church/Rural Life
Center).

2. Each conference develops a list of racial/ethnic
minority leaders who can be resource persons available
to pastors who will have their first appointment to an
ethnic church.

3. A racial/ethnic minority church that will have its first
non-racial/ethnic minority pastor is informed by the
district superintendent of the expectations of the local
church and members.

Provide for Supportive Consultation in

Cross-Racial/Ethnic Appointments

Submitted by the Commission on Religion and Race
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the UMC

Select and train lay and clergy persons from within
the conference to serve on teams that provide support
to pastors and congregations involved in cross-racial/
etiinic appointments. The Commission on Religion and
Race oversees the work of these teams and, with the
help of the Cabinet, pastors, and congregations, identi-
fies areas where additional training would be helpful.

Objective

The objective of this program is to have trained
support teams available to churches and pastors prior to
the beginning of the appointment process.

Implementation

1. Authorization for this program is sought from the
bishop and Cabinet.

2. Persons to be trained for these teams are selected
on the basis of interest and expertise. All racial/ethnic
minority groups in the conference are represented in the
trainee group.

3. Training sessions and group-building for the
teams is planned after discussion with persons who have
been involved with cross-racial/ethnic appointments.
Training may include: group process, conflict resolu-
tion, interviews with persons involved in cross-racial/
ethnic appointments, and other subjects as deemed nec-
essary by the commission.

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4. Churches and pastors appointed cross-racially/
ethnically are given the opportunities by the district
superintendent at the time the appointment is made to
meet with a team made up of members selected for their
appropriate racial/ethnic match to the pastor and con-
gregation. The team, pastor, and congregation's repre-
sentatives discuss scheduling meetings quarterly or
bimonthly for the first year of the new appointment This
group may decide to continue meeting into the second
year by mutual agreement of the group members.

a. Team makeup is: three persons, one of whom is
of the same racial/ethnic minority group as the pastor,
one of whom is of the same racial/ethnic minority group
as the majority of the congregation, and one of whom is
of another racial/ethnic minority group whenever pos-
sible. Each team includes lay and clergy persons. Both
men and women are represented on each team.

b. It is strongly suggested that the congregation's
representatives not be the Pastor-Parish Relations Com-
mittee. Rather, it is suggested that the congregation's
representatives be five persons chosen by the Pastor-
Parish Relations Committee chairperson, the lay leader
and the Administrative Board/Council chairperson
from the congregation at large.

c. All discussion which takes place during the meet-
ings of the team, the pastor, and the congregation's
representatives is privileged information. It is not to be
shared with the district superintendent, other members
of the Cabinet, the commission, or anyone else. The one
exception to this rule of confidentiality is that the pastor
and congregational representatives may choose, upon
agreement of all persons involved, to share insights with
their district superintendent.

5. At the end of the first year of operation of this
program and at the end of each year thereafter, general
information which reflects what is or is not helpful in the
dynamics of a cross-racial/ethnic appointment is com-
piled by the teams. This generalized information may be
shared with the bishop, the Cabinet, the Commission
and others to whom it would be helpful.

6. After the first year of the program, the Cabinet
may, if it so desires, make the service of a support team
available to any congregation or pastor who is consider-
ing being intentionally open to a cross-racial/ethnic
appointment.

Language Skill Development for Children

The Mission/Outreach Committee of a local church
was approached by a member of the congregation con-
cerned about the disadvantages many of the Hispanic
children were experiencing in the local rural public
school. The committee worked with the concerned
member, the school administration, elementary teach-
ers in the congregation, the pastor, Sunday School
teachers, parents, and other members of the congrega-

tion to develop a plan to provide an after-school experi-
ence two days per week for children (kindergarten
through third grade). The primary emphasis was on
school work and language skills.

The children were picked up at their homes, taken
to the church for an hour and one half of tutoring,
snacks, music, and reading. The program was staffed by
volunteers from the local church. The program was
extended to include students through sbcth grade who
were experiencing difficulties at the request of parents
and teachers.

There was a marked improvement in language
skills, school work, and self-esteem by participants in
the program. The church, too, experienced a marked
growth in its understanding of Mexican culture and
sense of mission to be "doers of God's word, not hearers
only." The children and their adult church friends
planned and conducted a Cinco de Mayo Celebration to
which the congregation and parents were invited.
Although not attended by all church members, those
who did participate believed that they had gained much
and expressed disappointment that more did not attend.

Ministrv With Youth

White teenagers and young adults are particularly
vulnerable to racist influence. White supremacist con-
tent and images may be very appealing to youth. At an
age where they are expressing their independence fi"om
family, young people may commit hate crimes as acts of
rebellion. Teens may also commit such crimes as a way
of obtaining entrance to or approval within a particular
supremist-oriented peer group.

When a youth who is a member, or whose par-
ent (s) /guardian is a member, of a local congregation,
the pastor and congregation may experience uncer-
tainty with regard to an appropriate response. Uncer-
tainty or embarrassment my result when no action is
taken.

Pastors and congregations should seek training to
prepare for counseling with youth offenders involved in
hate crimes. Whether or not the youth is part of the faith
community, the church is able to offer counseling and
support both for the youth and the family.

An important component of such training would
include information which counteracts white suprema-
cist philosophy attractive to youth, and training in using
such information. Teenagers should be provided facts
which dispel the myths of racial/ethnic minority stereo-
types which are part of the climate of hate.

Community Response to Hate Group Activitv

Types of Events and Activities:

1. Public Events: Town meetings, church services,
displays, showing films. These work when there is al-

Independent Commissions

861

ready community-wide interest, an "emergency," or
when you have laid a lot of groundwork.

2. Media Work: Campaigns of letters to editors,
work with reporters and editorial boards, press confer-
ences, providing journalists with victims to interview
(while protecting confidentiality, if necessary.)

3. Networking: Start by tailoring your presentation
to specific audiences. Then ask each constituency to
develop their own ongoing work against hate groups.

4. Dialogues: These are important between people
that are being "divided" by the hate groups. It is critical
to have dialogues between potential victims (Blacks,
Hispanics, Asians, Jews) and potential recruits (White
farmers, youth, unemployed).

5. Victims' Assistance: It is important that those who
have been attacked by hate groups know they are not
alone. Responses are needed (moral support, visible
public solidarity, financial, legal).

Guidelines for Action and Change:

1. Federal, state, and local authorities should de-
velop workable reporting systems that will produce an
accurate and comprehensive measurement of the extent
of criminal activity that is based on racial and/or relig-
ious motivations.

2. The criminal justice system, especially law en-
forcement components, should intensify efforts to en-
sure that staffs who confront incidents of racial and
religious terrorism are broadly representative of the
racial, ethnic, and religious makeup of the communities
that they serve.

3. Speak out. Silence breeds consent. Strong and
unambiguous statements from community leaders and
elected officials which repudiate racial and religious
intimidation and violence are indispensable.

4. Develop a resource library and resource packets/
brochures.

5. Provide training for police, neighborhood groups,
prosecutors, and media.

6. Monitor hate group activity.

7. Develop legislation.

8. Build coalitions that are effective for the long
term. They have a mission which moves toward sys-
temic change (whether or not any crosses have been
burnt lately) . They monitor the police, law enforcement,
business, schools, to see if they are reflective of the
general population.

9. Have meetings, training, etc., by clusters of
churches to bring it home and more local.

10. Work ecumenically and with secular agencies.

11. Develop a relationship with the media so that
acts of racial and religious violence and intimidation are
covered with sensitivity to the victims and non-sensa-
tionalism. Inviting media persons to be a part of the
ongoing community effort is a good way to begin. The
media need better sources of information and opinion.

12. Parents, educators, leaders of religious institu-
tions, and other opinion-makers should work together
to develop educational programs designed to produce
cognitive and emotional change with respect to racism
and religious intolerance.

13. Inform local authorities: police/sheriff, prosecu-
tor, FBI, Human Rights Commission, NAACP, Klan-
watch. Urban League, etc.

14. Keep careful records, evidence, documentation
should legal action be pursued. Record or copy sermons
and lectures, etc. Note suspicious activity and document
in writing. Be willing to testify.

15. Within the church, expose the hvpocrisv in-
volved. Question known hate group persons involved in
the church and be clear about the "XX Church or S3Tia-
gogue" position (cite "chapter and verse" of judicatory
statements, etc.) This is not saying a person cannot be
a Christian or a Jew, but it is to ask that person whether
he or she can, in good conscience, remain or become a
member of that household of faith.

16. Within the community, expose the hvpocrisv
involved. How can the Man, for example, be "pro-Ameri-
can" if it speaks and acts in ways that are undemocratic?

Cf. "Intimidation and Violence, Racial and Religious Bigotry in
America," A Statement by the United States Commission on Civil
Rights, Clearinghouse Publication 77, January 1983.

Monitoring I^cal Uw Enforcement

The church in rural communities should ask the
following questions in order to monitor local law en-
forcement and legal systems:

• When a crime is committed, are racial/ethnic minor-
ity persons more readily suspected of being the per-
petrator?

• Do law enforcement officials treat racial/ethnic mi-
nority suspects differently than White suspects?

• Do racial/ethnic minority persons receive harsher
sentences than their White suspect counterparts for
similar crimes?

These same questions should be asked both for
youth and adult offenders. Such monitoring is important
in all communities, but is particularly crucial where law
enforcement officials do not reflect the racial, ethnic or
cultural diversity of the community. Where injustice or
disparate treatment is found, the church should be vocal
in calling attention to the problem and demanding just
and equitable treatment for all persons.

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DCA Advance Edition

Strategy for Affecting Institutional Change

Experience in working with educational, govern-
mental, and religious institutions has led to some useful
conclusions in strategies to change institutions in rural
areas, particularly in respect to their operating norms.

Approaches that rely upon making White people
feel guilty about racism do not work in the long run.
Those who do feel guilty about the way the social system
subordinates racial/ethnic minority persons may be
more interested in personal justification than in institu-
tional change. Guilt might get persons' attention, but it
does not produce lasting positive results. There is a
difference between guilt for the past and assuming re-
sponsibility for the present and future.

Authentic institutional change needs to be based
upon:

• Positive self images;

• Appeal to strengths and gifts of various groups,
rather than weaknesses;

• Social values that uphold proportional distribution of
power, open communities and institutions, and
multi/cultural pluralism.

TTie decision-making stvle of different kinds of insti-
tutions must be considered when strategizing for
change. Working with business, in which authority
flows from the top down, calls for strategies to gain
commitment to racial justice from the executive before
employees can be expected to consider changes in poli-
tics, practices, or behaviors. Laws can change behavior
and can lead to change in values and assumptions.
Voluntary institutions, such as religious or charitable,
call for strategies which build a consensus for change
from the bottom up. Here, the beginning point may be
to releam values and assumptions before a lasting be-
havior change or policy change can be affected. Regard-
less of the strategy variable, four ingredients are
essential for significant and meaningful institutional
change to result:

• The social analysis must be valid so that racism is
actually confronted and changed, not finessed.

• The plan incorporating the change strategy must be
integral to the ongoing institutional fabric, rather
than marginal.

• The investment of time, money, energy, authority
must be sufficient to make the plan authentic, rather
than symbolic.

• Quality control must be built into the plan so that
"easy-outs" are not taken when resistance occurs.

The following questions can be helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of change strategies.

• Is there change in awareness of interracial relation-
ships, including:

— participants knowing more factual information
and being able to use this knowledge to identify dispro-
portionate distribution of power, denial of access to
resources and ethnocentrism?

— participants recognizing racism as a White, not a

"color" problem?

• Has commitment developed to change patterns of
institutional operation which maintain White privi-
lege? Two measurable ways to determine commit-
ment are:

— the direction and intensity of affective response,
and

— the specification of change objectives that are
significant and feasible.

• Has sufficient potency developed so that at least some
change objectives specified by the participants are
actually achieved within goal or timetable? In short,
is enough energy created to maintain self-interest of
everyone's desire to continue involvement in the ef-
fort?

VI
Recommendations

General Church: It is recommended that

1. The Rural Chaplains Association, a network of
clergy and lay persons, be affirmed in its work with
individuals, ruraJ churches, and communities in Shalom
ministries, and that the General Board of Global Minis-
tries continue to resource the Rural Chaplains.

2. Training be made available by the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race to enable each annual
conference Commission on Religion and Race to serve
as a resource and support group for promoting cross-
cultural understanding in rural areas.

3. New rural oriented resources on racism and inter-
ethnic conflict be developed by the General Board of
Discipleship, in consultation with the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race. These resoiu-ces should be
developed for all age level educational work of the
Church.

4. Cross-cultural resources for local churches and
annual conferences in rural areas be developed by the
General Board of Discipleship in consultation with
United Methodist Rural Fellowship.

5. Resources on racism, inter-ethnic conflict, and
cross-cultural material be listed on pages or sections
within the existing catalogs produced by the general
program agencies in consultation with the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race.

6. In each level of the Course of Study, material on
racism and inter-ethnic conflict in rural settings be
developed and included by the Division of Ordained

Independent Commissions

863

Ministry, General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, in consultation with the General Commission
on Religion and Race.

7. Recommendations for course work and "field
experience" to understand racism and inter-ethnic con-
flict in rural settings be developed by the Division of
Diaconal Ministry, General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry, in consultation with the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race.

8. Cross-cultural rural experiences be reflected in
all dated curriculum for children/youth church school
material developed by the General Board of Disciple-
ship.

9. Training for all national mission personnel related
to the General Board of Global Ministries include a
component on rural racism and multi-culturalism.

10. The development and nurturing of Shalom min-
istries in rural areas be a priority of the General Board
of Global Ministries, such as Upper Sand Mountain
Cooperative Parish.

11. Cooperative parish ministry as a viable style of
nurture, outreach, and witness, be undergirded and
resourced by the General Board of Global Ministries
and the General Board of Discipleship.

12. Efforts of Black, Native American, and other
farmers of color to preserve and increase land owner-
ship be supported by all general program agencies.

13. All general program agencies advocate to end
discrimination against racial/ethnic minority farmers
and rural organizations by local, state, and federal offi-
cials.

14. Advocacy supports be provided by the General
Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of
Church and Society to organizations that are led by
racial/ethnic minority persons, such as the Federation
of Southern Cooperatives and the Intertribal Agricul-
tural Council.

15. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries work coopera-
tively to help local congregations, cooperative parish
ministries, and annual conferences establish ministries
with farm workers.

16. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries provide re-
sources for local congregations and annual conferences
to assist in combatting rural racism.

17. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries join national
efforts to promote farm worker justice.

18. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries take legislative
(political) action, ecumenically if possible, to direct the
United States Department of Agriculture to decrease

agricultural subsidies that are given mostly to huge
corporate farmers. Further, that at least 15-25% of the
subsidy money should be directed to racial/ethnic mi-
nority farmers and farm organizations to improve farm-
ing methods, try new crops, and provide loans to
purchase needed farm supplies and equipment.

19. The General Commission on Religion and Race
monitor the implementation of the recommendations to
general agencies.

Annual Conference/District: It is recommended that

20. Support group (s) for persons active in anti- ra-
cism strategies and for persons ministering to victims of
hate crimes be developed.

21. An immediate response-support task group to
respond to bigotry and violence in the Church and/or
society be formed by the bishop and Cabinet.

22. Cross-racial appointment orientation work-
shop (s) for local churches and pastors be incorporated
and conducted by the bishop and Cabinet in their opera-
tional policies.

23. Cooperative ministries be initiated and under-
girded in rural areas that include diverse racial/ethnic
minority congregations and encourage cross-cultural/
racial cooperation and ministry.

24. Those applying to be probationary members in
the annual conference be expected by the Board of
Ordained Ministry to participate in a cross-cultural rural
experience.

25. Individuals and congregations consult the con-
ference Commission on Religion and Race and the con-
ference committee with responsibilities for rural
ministries for suggestions on places within the annual
conference for cross-cultural rural experiences.

26. Training in each district/sub-district/cluster/
ministirium to promote rural cross-cultural understand-
ing be made available by the conference Commission on
Religion and Race.

27. A working plan to provide for cross-cultural
experiences in rural areas be developed and imple-
mented by the conference Committee on Ethnic Local
Church Concerns.

28. Response Team to deal with hate crime and
violence, in Church and society, especially in rural areas,
be established by Cabinets and bishops, (cf. Eastern PA
model).

29. Congregations in rural areas be prepared by
annual conference and/or district leadership for the new
influx of diverse populations so that the Church will
model the new community of inclusiveness and shalom.

30. Concern and support for pastors in cross-racial
appointments be demonstrated by the bishop and cabi-
net. The Conference Commission on Religion and Race

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train persons to be listener /advocates as part of a sup-
port team.

31. listening posts be provided that allow ra-
cial/ethnic minority persons a safe place to tell their
stories, thereby helping to confront the White church
with its culture of racism.

32. The identification and development of rural Sha-
lom ministries be a part of a conference Comprehensive
Plan for strengthening racial/ethnic minority churches
and communities.

33. Each annual conference advocate to end dis-
crimination against racial/ethnic minority farmers and
rural organizations by local, state, and federal officials.

34. Advocacy support be provided by annual confer-
ences to organizations that are led by racial/ethnic mi-
nority persons, such as the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives and the hitertribal Agricultural Council.

35. Annual conferences and local congregations
equally assume responsibility to:

* Establish a farm worker ministry to sensitize
members of the concerns of farm workers and to advo-
cate for farm worker justice.

* Join the Farm Worker Action Network of the
National Farm Worker Ministry.

* Observe a Farm Worker Sabbath/Farm Worker
Sunday to raise awareness of farm worker issues, possi-
bly being a part of Rural Life Sunday observance.

* Become informed about and advocate for support
of organizations such as the National Farm Worker
Ministry that focus on improving working conditions,
housing, wages, and health care of farm workers.

Local Church: It is recommended that.

36. Congregations be prepared to support open itin-
eracy and experience workshops/seminars on inclu-
siveness, racism, and cultural awareness by local Pastor-
Parish Relations committees.

37. Opportunities for the congregation to deal with
the issues of racism and to experience varied styles and
forms of worship be provided by the Council on Minis-
tries/Administrative Council, through appropriate
work-area committees.

38. When a pastor of a different racial/ethnic minor-
ity group is appointed, the pastor and the congregation
together develop a covenant that enables the fulfillment
of the new opportunity for ministry.

39. Planning and programming which include
awareness of the surrounding community and its ra-
cial/ethnic minority composition be on the agenda of
the Council on Ministries/Administrative Council so
that the ministry of the congregation is enhanced and
relevant.

40. Use of curriculum resources like The Language
of Hospitality, Creating a New Community: God's People
Overcoming Racism, and Building a New Community:
God's Children Overcoming Racism be encouraged.

4L Congregations work ecumenically and with
secular agencies on issues of rural racism.

42. Intentionally inclusive mission statements be
written by local churches.

43. Advocacy supports be provided by the local
church to organizations that are led by racial/ethnic
minority persons, such as the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives and the Intertribal Agricultural Council.

44. Local churches support efforts of Blacks, Native
American, and other farmers of color to preserve and
increase land ownership.

45. Develop a model counseling course to help rural
pastors become confident and skilled to counsel parents
of children who commit hate crimes or who are victims
of hate crimes.

46. Encourage ways to provide more mental health
services in rural areas that are inclusive and offer addi-
tional courses on crisis counseling to rural pastors.

Individual: It is recommended that

47. Persons not be sflent If you are subject to an act
of bigotry or racial violence, tell someone. Tell your
family, your friends, neighbors, the church, seek sup-
port for yourself. Report the incident to police. Insist that
the crime be reported as a "hate crime."

48. Support be given to the victim and encourage
him or her to report the incident to the police. Enlist aid
and support from the church and community. Witness
to the law of love as exemplified in Christ's teaching of
the Good Samaritan.

49. Persons teach children about other cultures and
countries, opening minds that the Church is GLOBAL.

Institutions of Higher Education: It is recommended
that

50. The General Commission on Religion and Race
and the Office of Town and Country Ministries, National
Division, General Board of Global Ministries be invited
by schools of theology to design and implement rural
cross-cultural experiences for seminary students pre-
paring to serve as diaconal or ordained ministers.

51. Boards of Trustees be reviewed by all of the two
and four year colleges with a relationship to The United
Methodist Church, except historically Black colleges,
for racial, ethnic, and gender inclusiveness and, where
necessary, begin to be reflective of all United Method-
ists of the annual conference in which it is located.

52. All conference elected trustees of two and four
year colleges related to The United Methodist Church,

Independent Commissions

865

except historically Black colleges, ask for admission
statistics that include racial/ethnic minority makeup
and encourage the college to reflect at least the ra-
cial/ethnic minority makeup of all high school students
from which their student body is drawn geographically.

53. Training on racism appropriate for college trus-
tees, administration, faculty, staff, and students be de-
signed and made available by the General Commission
on Religion and Race to all two and four year colleges
related to The United Methodist Church.

54. Faculties be reviewed by all two and four year
colleges with a relationship to The United Methodist
Church, except historically Black colleges, for racial,
ethnic and gender inclusiveness and, where necessary,
begin to be reflective of all United Methodists from
which their student body is drawn geographically.

vn

Reflection on Racism

Racism is the combination of the power to dominate
by one race over other races and a value system which
assumes that the dominant race is innately superior to the
others. Racism includes both personal and institutional
racism. Personal racism is manifested through the
indi-vidual expressions, attitudes, and/or behaviors which
accept the assumptions of a racist value system and which
maintain the benefits of this system. Institutional racism
is the established social pattern which supports implicitly
or explicitly the racist value system. (1992 Book of
Discipline, ^ 72A)

"The issue of race... is still the unfinished agenda of the
Church. " Bishop Woodie W. White.

There are two parts to understanding racism and
how it operates: the characteristics of racism (what it is
and does?) and its origin and development in our society
(where it came from?).

A. What is racism and what does it do? Interracial
relationships in America are marked by four different
but related characteristics where White persons, gener-
ally as a group:

1. Retain most, if not all, positions of important
decision-making power.

2. Maintain informal (sometimes formal) policies
and practices that discourage racial/ethnic minority ac-
cess to many societal benefits.

3. Assume the superiority of their cultural norms
and values and, therefore, tend to be insensitive to alter-
native life styles and values.

4. Misplace the problem by focusing critically or
patemalistically on racial/ethnic minority persons and
not on themselves.

Thus, racism is both the conscious and unconscious
perpetuation of a disproportionate distribution of power
between races, the denial of access to resources on the
basis of race, color, ethnicity, and the rationalization of
racial superiority by "blaming the victims."

Institutional racism is the context in which individ-
ual racists and the victims of racism live, move, and have
their existence. Institutional racism can oppress persons
without the active participation of individuals and racist
behaviors. Laws, folkways, traditions, and language are
so tempered and conditioned that no individual has to
be a racist in order for the effects of racism to impact the
lives of those living under the system. Racism, individual
or institutional, is a social construction; it is not an inborn
trait. It differs from the more common psychological
construction, prejudice, in its focus on racial superiority
and its ability to marshal the resources and power to
support that assumed superiority. Prejudice is any atti-
tude formed without adequate facts; racism is prejudice
plus power.

The relationship between racist attitudes and racist
behavior — ^which are personal expressions — is com-
pounded by institutional racism. Ordinarily, one expects
a person who has no racist attitudes, to have no racist
behaviors. In the context of institutional racism, such a
person may not hold racist attitudes and yet hisXher
social behaviors may be racist. Proper attitudes are of
limited impact in themselves if they remain at the indi-
vidual level. In other words, not being a racist privately
makes little or no difference in the working of institu-
tional racism.

B. Where did racism come from? Understanding
the historical dimension of racism is important.
Knowledge of how collective behavior emerged is help-
ful in understanding what must be done if it is to be
intentionally changed. White politics, economic, and
cultural domination began in America when the first
colonists discovered the "heathen savages." Being pre-
sent from the beginning, racism became a part of the
cultural code for developing American society. As colo-
nial society developed and expanded into a continent-
wide nation, the institutions involved in this growth
— education, finance, business, government, religion
— all developed on the basis that generous amounts of
racial subordination for "non-Whites" is normal.

Racism is so woven into the fabric of society that it
is established as normal. It can now be maintained with
relatively little overt effort. Intentions often do not mat-
ter. A racial/ethic minority person's career of subordi-
nation in one institution normally delivers him or her
into subordination in other institutions. Where persons
live in substandard housing, public education is often
also inadequate. Poor education normally leads to a
marginal job that supports only substandard housing.
The cycle goes on. Racial/ethnic minority persons are
involved to a greater degree in the cycle. Overt racist
behavior is only occasionally needed to maintain this
pattern.

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DCA Advance Edition

The primary institutions in the United States of
America are controlled by the values of the dominant
group, White Americans. Racism is as natural to White
Americans as breathing, so the climates of institutions
of this nation are essentially racist. The court, the legis-
lature, the government, the school, the work world,
housing, and the church survive in the climate of racism
and uphold institutional racism in their routine opera-
tion.

Racism was in America's roots and has now become
a self-perpetuating systemic societal distortion. As co-
median Dick Gregory said, "racism is as American as
apple pie. " As long as Whites conform to the operating
norms of school, community, church, business or pro-
fession— to "business as usual" — these social institu-
tions will automatically maintain the subordination of
racial/ethnic minority persons.

II

Where do we go from here?

What makes a difference to institutional racism is
the public and private action of people working toward
a genuine multicultural and diverse society. Affect-
ing the established social patterns that degrade and
dehumanize people from different racial and ethnic
backgrounds can change institutions. By raising ques-
tions about accustomed assumptions and values, anti-
racist people may initiate the process for reducing and
eliminating institutional racism. Changing the institu-
tions, the gap between attitudes and behaviors begins
to close. One might even expect overt racism to weaken
and die for lack of institutional support.

As racism is a pervasive strand in our social fabric,
removing it will cause some gaps and require patience
and skills. The patience, skills, and resources for the
re-weaving the social fabric into a genuine multicultural
and diverse society are available within and outside the
church. More promisingly, as racism is so intertwined
with other facets of our social life, removing it from our
midst will initiate a profound reconciling process for our
Church and society.

True multiculturalism and diversity require us to
increase our awareness, learn new behaviors, remove
bias and barriers, change policies, practices, and struc-
ture, and create new rules. The old ways of relating to
one another are no longer acceptable (for example —
paternalistic support for racial/ethnic minority persons)
in the multicultural environment. For the White majority
this change may seem frightening; it moves them out of
their comfort zone. They know how to interact and be
successful in the old culture.

People are different from one another in many
ways — in age, gender, education, values, physical abil-
ity, mental capacity, personality, experiences, culture,
and the way each approaches work. True multicultural-
ism and diversity mean acknowledging, understanding.
and appreciating differences. An environment is created

that recognizes, values, and employs the unique quali-
ties and gifts of people who are working together to
achieve a common goal. By being flexible enough to
meet needs and preferences, such an environment en-
hances personal value and is motivating and rewarding.
Diversity in an organization is a strength, an asset that
maximizes creativity and productivity. Building a mul-
ticultural organization moves beyond recovering from
the past toward building the future of organization and
community.

vin

Conclusion

The basic cause, the complex network of contribut-
ing circumstances, and the social and psychological
dimensions that surround the increasing display of ra-
cially and religiously motivated violence and intimida-
tion can be understood in a broad outline when:

*Persons or groups derive primary satisfaction or
esteem in thinking themselves superior to others;

*A sense of group superiority is evoked to advance
the group itself at the expense, disadvantage, or perse-
cution of another group;

*A religious doctrine is wittingly or unwittingly used
to place guilt or to establish hostility toward another
group;

*Competition increases for shrinking numbers of
jobs, economic resources, and government assistance;

*Govemment is perceived as either covertly sup-
porting or unwilling to take punitive action with respect
to entrenched discrimination;

*Some segments of society believe that the "Ameri-
can way of life" is about to be destroyed by internal and
external "enemies."

When these conditions exist, the circumstances are
right for an unprecedented explosion of hatred and
bigotry transforming the seemingly tranquil country-
side into a cauldron of confrontation. Furthermore,
when these conditions are perpetrated in a spirit of
righteous indignation and fueled by an expectation of
media exposure and public tolerance, violence is not
surprising. What White rural people desire during these
troubled times is exactly what urban/suburban people
want: the security of a golden past that probably never
existed. Persons living in rural areas remain among the
most vulnerable and the most victimized.

What remains is the need for soul searching: "What
can I do to bring about a more just, less racist society?"
"What vrill I do?" If I am not a part of the solution, I am
part of the problem. The interrelationship of racism
indicates that the change can be initiated at different
levels — attitudinal, behavioral, individual and institu-
tional. The task is not to wait for the most effective
change; it is to begin or continue to change now.

Independent Commissions

867

K

Racism in Rural Areas Task Force

Membership

Members

General Commission on Religion and Race

Marcos V. Berbanojr* (A)(NC)
Grundy Center, lA

Shirley Montoya (NA)(W)
Tempe, AZ

General Board of Church and Society

Esther/. Angel* (W) (NC) Secretary
Butte. MT

United Methodist Rural Fellowship

Chester R. Jones* (B) (SC) Chairperson
Pine Blulf, AK

Carol G. Thompson* (W)(W)
Filer. ID

General Board of Global Ministries

Arturo MariscaKH) {SQ
Corpus Christie. TX

Members at Large (4)

Carolyn W. Little* (B) (SE) ViceChairperson
McColl. SC

FranKirihara* (A)(W)
Uvingston, CA

Thelma Barnes (B)(SE)
Greenville, MS

Karole Mitchell (NA)(NE)
Hogansburg. NY

Staff
General Commission on Religion and Race

James E. Taylor* (W)(NC)

MelindaReed* (W)(NE)
Wesley Theological Seminary
Student Intern

General Boeu'd of Church and Society

MarkW. Harrison* (B)(NE)

General Board of Global Ministries

Gladys L. Campbell* (W)(NE)

* = Writing Team members.

(W 1st) = White

(W 2nd) = Western Jurisdiction

(A) = Asian

(B) = Black
(H) = Hispanic

(NA) = Native American
(NC) = North Central Jurisdiction
QiE) = Northeastern Jurisdiction
(SE) = Southeastern Jurisdiction
(SC) = South Central Jurisdiction

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DCA Advance Edition

Membership in The United Methodist Church
and in Supremacist Groups

Petition Number: 20968-IC-NonDis-O

Mandate

The 1992 General Conference referred to the Gen-
eral Commission on Religion and Race for study and to
report back to the 1996 General Conference Calendar
Item 1182 found on page 831 of the 1992 Advance Daily
Christian Advocate. This petition sought to amend ^ 208
of the 1988 Book of Discipline by adding the following
language: "However, since membership in The United
Methodist Church cannot coexist with membership in
racial and ethnic supremist [sic] groups, any persons
who holds [sic] membership in racial and ethnic su-
premist [sic] groups shall not hold membership in The
United Methodist Church".

Methodology

At its organizing meeting in September 1992, The
General Commission on Religion and Race assigned to
its Legislative Committee the responsibility of develop-
ing a methodology for responding to the referral.

In December 1992, the United Methodist News
Service published two stories (one an update) of the
White Knights of the KKK of the Kansas City, Missouri
area who were using the denomination's copyrighted
cross-and-flame insignia in its promotional materials.
The imperialklaliff of the Klan group, explaining how he
first learned of the controversy, stated that "several of
oixr members that belong to your [United Methodist]
church have confirmed that this symbol is similar to
your symbol". (Emphasis ours).

At its March 1993 meeting, the General Commis-
sion adopted the Legislative Committee's recommenda-
tion that it request assistance from the General Council
on Ministries's Office of Research in developing a "user
friendly" survey instrument to conduct a survey of
GCOM's 1994 SUMO (Survey of United Methodists
Opinion) Panel in an effort to answer the following
questions:

• Do many United Methodists belong to racial/ethnic
supremacist groups?

• Are United Methodist youth being targeted for re-
cruitment by racial/ethnic supremacist groups?

• Are United Methodist facilities being used for recruit-
ment by racial/ethnic supremacist groups?

• How are United Methodist churches responding to
the presence of racial/ethnic supremacist activities
in their communities?

• What should be the denomination's response to
racial/ethnic supremacist activity?

• What kinds of resources would be helpful to individu-
als, local churches, districts and annual conferences
to assist them in responding effectively to racial/
ethnic supremacist activities in their communities?

In early June 1994, surveys were mailed to 1380
clergy and 974 lay panelists who comprised the 1994
SUMO panel. The panel represented the diversity of
The United Methodist Church in terms of gender,
lay/clergy, geographic locations, race and ethnicity,
generations (age), membership size, and communities.
A total of 1,011 usable surveys were returned by the
return date of July 19, 1994: 437 were lay persons and
574 were clergy.

Survey Results

• 85 (8.4%) panelists knew of persons who are
members of racial/ethnic supremacist groups. Of
these 85 panelists, 18 (1.8% of the total) responded
"yes" when asked whether these persons were
members of their own local congregations. When
asked how many of the persons who were reported
to be members of racial/ethnic supremacist groups
were younger than 19 years of age, 41 panelists
reported that they knew of 1-5 youths, 7 panelists
reported knowing 6-10 youths, 3 panelists reported
knowing of 11-15 youths, 1 panelist reported knowing
of 16-20 youths, and 7 reported knowing of more than
20 youths who are members of racial/ethnic
supremacist groups.

• 126 members of the panel were aware of the recruit-
ment of young people in their communities for mem-
bership in racial/ethnic supremacist groups.

• 10 members of the entire panel reported knowing of
the use of United Methodist facilities by racial/ethnic
supremacist groups for meetings or to recruit mem-
bers. 14 members of the panel reported that ra-
cial/ethnic supremacist literature had been
distributed in their churches within the past five
years.

• 345 (34%) members of the panel reported racial/eth-
nic supremacist group activity in their communities
within the past five years, and 259(25.6%) reported
that racial/ethnic supremacist literature had been
distributed in their communities within the past five
years.

• 13 lay members and 92 clergy members of the panel
reported that they are members of a community-

Independent Commissions

869

based multi-racial coalition to combat racial/ethnic
supremacist groups. 895 panelists reported that they
are not.

• The resource most widely used in the local churches
is Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, followed in order
by "Charter for Racial Justice," Language of Hospital-
ity: Intercultural Relations in the Household of God,
"Creating a New Community: God's People Over-
coming Racism," "Building A New Community:
God's Children Overcoming Racism," America's
Original Sin, When Hate Groups Come to Town, and
"Indicators of Institutional Racism".

• When asked what kinds of materials would be helpful
in responding effectively to the presence of racial/
ethnic supremacist groups, the panel listed films and
videos as the overwhelming first choice, followed in
order by brochures and booklets, speakers and con-
sultants, workshops, and curriculum.

The survey instrument included seven open-ended
questions or opportunities for the panelists to write in
"other" responses. Two of the open-ended questions
were "What should be the response of the denomination
to members of racial/ethnic supremacist groups who
* seek membership in The United Methodist Church?"
and "What should be the response of the denomination
to racial/ethnic supremacist group activity in local
areas?"

The largest number of responses, 1009, were writ-
ten to explain what the response of the denomination
should be to members of racial/ethnic supremacist
groups who seek membership in The United Methodist
Church. The responses ranged across the spectrum.
Some panelists advocated emphatic rejection. Others
advocated strong educational programs for prospective
members. Others suggested that the denomination
should proclaim boldly its understanding of Christian
love and all the implications of that love so that any one
who seeks membership would know the character of life
that membership would entail. Still others advocated
unconditional acceptance. Whatever the position
adopted, the panelists were clear that there is a funda-
mental discrepancy between the tenets of our faith and
the policies and practices of racial/ethnic supremacist
groups.

Interestingly, when the panelists were asked their
own personal beliefs as to whether persons who hold
membership in racial/ethnic supremacist groups
should be permitted to hold membership in The United
Methodist Church, 207 (21.01%) said yes. 556 (56.4%)
said no, and 222 (22.5%) were undecided.

In response to the final question on the survey,
"What should be the response of the denomination to
racial/ethnic supremacist group activity in local areas?"
723 panelists recorded their ideas. Again, the responses
ranged across the spectrum. Some panelists advocated
organized opposition such as counter-demonstrations.
Others suggested building coalitions with other groups.

religious and community-based, to present a united
front against such activity. Still others suggested that the
denomination should monitor the actions and move-
ments of racial/ethnic supremacist groups. Others ad-
vocated a more proactive stance suggesting that the
membership should be educated about racism and hate
groups through teaching, preaching, church school cur-
ricula, press releases, position papers issued by the
Council of Bishops, etc. Others advocated a more sys-
temic approach to the problem of racial/ethnic suprema-
cist groups and suggested that the denomination should
address the underlying issues of economic disparities.

Recommendations

As a result of its study of Calendar Item 1182 as
reported above, the General Commission on Religion
and Race makes the following recommendations to the
1996 General Conference:

1. That the proposed amendment to ^ 208 of the
1992 Book of Discipline be rejected on the grounds of
four inter-related theological principles: first, that God's
grace is all-inclusive, embracing every person regard-
less of status or condition; second, that all persons are
sinners, whatever form their sinfulness may assume;
third, that the possibility of repentance and growth in
grace, personal and social, is always and everywhere
present; and fourth, that the church, as representative
of the fullness of interaction between God and the world,
must open its doors to all who would enter and join in
its community.

2. At the same time, the General Commission on
Religion and Race acknowledges the deep inconsistency
between the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the philosophy
of racial and ethnic supremacist groups. Therefore, the
General Commission recommends that The United
Methodist Church undertake the following concrete
steps in its continuing struggle against racism:

a. That pastors instruct candidates for membership
about the Social Principles and the denomination's posi-
tion to eliminate racism and to build the inclusive com-
munity of faith.

b. That the general agencies responsible for devel-
oping church school curricula and other resources pro-
vide materials — films and videos, brochures and book-
lets— ^which help persons of all age levels in the local
congregations to understand racism as sin and to de-
velop a theology of inclusiveness.

c. That the appropriate general boards and agencies
develop and disseminate materials to educate clergy and
laity to the insidiousness of the "Christian Identity"
movement, the Ku Klux Klan and other racial/ethnic
supremacist groups which claim their values and prac-
tices are based in Christianity.

d. That the appropriate general boards and agencies
develop and disseminate special education materials for
children, youth and young adults, who are frequently

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the target for recruitment by the racial/ethnic suprema-
cist groups.

e. That local congregations and annual conferences
support coalitions that oppose the activity of racial/
ethnic supremacist groups.

f. That conference Boards of Ordained and Diaconal
Ministry examine candidates more closely about issues
of inclusiveness and racism.

g. That district and conference Boards of Ordained
Ministry provide opportunities through continuing
education for pastors on racial and ethnic inclusivity.

Bishop S. Clifton Ives
Acting President

Barbara Ricks Thompson
General Secretary

Independent Commissions

871

The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women

Theological and Biblical Foundations
and Disciplinary Responsibilities

The General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women (GCSRW) works to help create a world where
the gifts of both women and men are celebrated and fully
utilized; for when we are clothed in Christ, "There is no
longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one
in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NRSV). In the Gospels
we see Jesus as one who set aside the customs of his day
by welcoming women as friends, disciples, and wit-
nesses. Jesus is a model of inclusiveness for the modern
day church because he recognized and valued women
for their contributions.

"Let us make humankind in our image, according
to our likeness;... So God created humankind... male and
female he (God) created them" (Genesis 1:26-27 NRSV) .
The creation accounts recognize God's intention for
partnership. We hold this to be our model for male/fe-
male partnership in the world. The work of the General
Commission on the Status and Role of Women is thus
deeply rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the
Judeo-Christian scriptures.

GCSRW was founded with the gospel under-
standing "that all persons are important-because they
are human beings created by God and loved through
and by Jesus Christ..." (p. 34, TTie Book of Resolutions,
1992) . It is from this perspective that we affirm women
and men to be equal and call for all of us as individuals
and as the church to reflect that same understanding.
Sexism is wrong-it is a sin. We also want to recognize
that the same applies to racism, whether personal or
institutional, and we try to address that issue as well in
the way we choose GCSRW leadership, in the way we
conduct our meetings, and in the way we carry out our
purpose.

The United Methodist Church has made definite
progress in recognizing, respecting, and appreciating
the gifts of women. At the same time, there is still much
more to be done, and GCSRW is charged with helping
this process to continue. GCSRW is mandated "to chal-
lenge The United Methodist Church, including its gen-
eral agencies, institutions, and connectional structures,
to a continuing commitment to the full and equal respon-
sibility and participation of women in the total life and
mission of the Church, sharing fully in the power and in
the policy making at all levels of the Church's life." Cn
2202, TTie Book of Discipline, 1992). We take our mission
seriously and strive to accomplish this goal through our
roles as an advocate for and on behalf of women, as a
catalyst for positive change, and as a monitor of practices
and policies which affect women.

1992 General Conference Assignments

One of the resolutions passed by the 1992 General
Conference calls on GCSRW to find ways to educate
United Methodists on issues of sexual harassment, pro-
vide resources in creating or establishing annual confer-
ence sexual harassment policies, and to evaluate those
policies ("Sexual Harassment and the United Methodist
Church" p. 449, TJie Book of Resolutions, 1992). GCSRW
considers this to be one of its most important priorities.
GCSRW staff have devoted a great deal of time to con-
ducting workshops for annual conference commissions
(ACCSRW), cabinets, and sexual ethics committees.
GCSRW has worked cooperatively with the National
Division of the General Board of Global Ministries to
provide a national fraining event, "Victim-Survivor Advo-
cates Training," on October 5-9, 1994 in Kansas City, KS.
GCSRW also created and compiled resources on sexual
harassment for the Church.

The results of a 1995 survey of sexual harassment
and sexual misconduct policies conducted by the Gen-
eral Commission on the Status and Role of Women
indicate that 56 of 69 annual conferences in the USA and
Puerto Rico have approved policies on sexual harass-
ment and sexual abuse within ministerial relationships.
Of the 13 remaining conferences, 10 have drafted poli-
cies awaiting annual conference approval. The survey
revealed that 50 annual conferences have offered train-
ing for cabinets, 52 for clergy, and 25 for laity. Addition-
ally, sexual harassment policies and grievance proce-
dures are in effect in each of the thirteen general
agencies of The United Methodist Church. According
to the General Board of Higher Education and Minis-
tries, all of the 13 United Methodist schools of theology
have sexual harassment policies and grievance proce-
dures in place. Additionally, all of the 111 United Meth-
odist-related colleges and universities have or are refin-
ing sexual harassment policies and grievance
procedures.

Visioning

In 1994, GCSRW was led in a process of visioning
by Susan Sonnenday Vogel and Lovett Weems. It was
during that process that several questions were raised
to spur the thinking of GCSRW members. Two of the
questions were, "What is GCSRW called to do right now,
or, at this time and place in the life of the Church?" and
"What is it that won't get done if GCSRW does not do
it?" The responses to those questions and others helped
to set in motion a process for discerning an ongoing
vision for GCSRW's mission and ministry.

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The vision statement adopted by GCSRW was
"Making the Church Whole: The Full and Equal Partici-
pation of a!'i Women." The idea of a Women's Congress
which would help to actualize the vision emerged. The
Women's Congress would be a gathering of women to
enhance the leadership development of women in The
United Methodist Church. The gathering and the proc-
ess for networking and supporting women's leadership
and spiritual growth and development will enhance the
mission and ministry of the Church for the 21st century.
GCSRW recognizes that such an undertaking will re-
quire working cooperatively with other agencies to en-
sure adequate resources and valuable insights for the
planning and implementation steps.

Priorities and Accomplishments

GCSRW had five priority areas during the 1993-1996
quadrennium:

• To continue monitoring United Methodist
seminaries, theological schools, and general boards
and agencies for policies and practices which may be
discriminatory.

• To strengthen Annual Conference Commission on
the Status and Role of Women (ACCSRW).

• To develop survey tools for better data collection.

• To continue being a catalyst for effective sexual
harassment policies and procedures.

• To continue being an advocate for victims/survivors
of sexual harassment, clergy sexual misconduct,
discrimination, and other forms of sexism.

GCSRW accomplishments can be understood in
light of the roles of monitor, advocate, catalyst, as out-
lined in The Book of Discipline.

Monitor

• A survey sent to randomly selected churches was
completed to determine the current status of women
in local church leadership.

• A survey sent to constituents gathered information
on GCSRWs effectiveness and on emerging
concerns.

• A monitoring instrument for ACCSRWs to use in
their annual conference was developed and
distributed.

• The composition of the General Boards and Agencies
membership is being compiled and compared for the
1989-1992 and 1993-1996 quadrennia.

• GCSRW members and staff provided a valuable
service to General Conference delegates by serving
as resource people during General Conference.

Advocate

• An extensive packet of information and resources on
sexual harassment and sexual misconduct has been
produced and distributed to ACCSRWs, United
Methodist bishops, and annual conference council
directors.

• A national ecumenical video teleconference on
sexual misconduct by church leaders was
co-sponsored by GCSRW. The teleconference aired
May 10, 1994 after a great deal of behind-the-scenes
work by GCSRW staff members.

• A national training event for teams of annual
conference advocates who will work with
victim/survivors of clergy misconduct took place in
October 1994.

• A sexual harassment training video co-sponsored by
California Pacific ACCSRW was produced in
conjunction with United Methodist
Communications.

• A four-hour orientation for women delegates,
co-sponsored by General Board of Global Ministries
-Women's Division, was held prior to the 1992
General Conference. A similar training event will
convene prior the 1996 General Conference.

• The resource "1993-1996 Guidelines for Leading
Your Church: Status and Role of Women" was
rewritten and published through Cokesbury.

Catalyst

• GCSRW has reviewed 56 annual conference sexual
harassment and sexual misconduct policies and will
continue to review and give feedback to annual
conferences as they formulate and revise their
policies. Plans are underway to explore additional
means of assisting the church in response to crucial
issues of sexual harassment and clergy sexual
misconduct.

• GCSRW facilitated sexual harassment and clergy
sexual misconduct training sessions with bishops
and cabinets, clergy, diaconal ministers, and lay
professionals in annual conferences and in local
churches.

Prudent Fiscal Controls

Limited budget allocation to GCSRW fi-om the Gen-
eral Conference has fostered a style of working charac-
terized by very prudent fiscal controls. Preparation for
meetings includes securing discounted airfares for
members and staff, selecting reasonably priced accom-
modations and meeting sites including retreat centers.
GCSRW encourages Saturday night stay by staff and

Independent Commissions

873

members whenever savings for airfare may occur. Allo-
cating funds for specific goals is based on priorities
established by GCSRW.

GCSRW meetings are cost effective because they
accomplish several purposes in one meeting thus elimi-
nating the need for additional events. These meetings
accomplish:

• Educating GCSRW members about the issues of
sexism.

• Planning and evaluating the direction of the
GCSRWs work.

• Inviting local persons (such as ACCSRW
chairpersons or members and others in the United
Methodist Church community) to come and
participate as guests in the meetings.

• Holding listening events or visiting UMC funded
programs as a means of intentionally helping
members to become aware of the connectional
church.

The following are additional ways in which fiscal
controls are exhibited:

• GCSRW works cooperatively with other boards and
agencies to help to maximize the use of church funds.

• GCSRW utilizes conference calls rather than
face-to-face meetings for many GCSRW functions.

• GCSRW contracts with individuals (rather than hire
full time staff) in order to utilize specific gifts and
talents for special projects. With a small staff, it has
been helpful to be flexible in contracting with persons
as the needs arise.

• During each GCSRW meeting, the entire GCSRW
has opportunity to review the annual budget and
make necessary adjustments.

Inclusiveness

At all times in the life of GCSRW, there is considera-
tion of the issue of inclusiveness. Worship leaders and
liturgy reflect the diversity of the church. Committees
and work units of GCSRW reflect the diversity of
GCSRW as well as the church in so far as possible.
Concern is expressed when there appears to be an
imbalance in the composition of any committee or spe-
cial task force.

GCSRW is intentional about monitoring itself for the
elimination of institutional racism. Decisions are made
by consensus, a process which affirms diversity and
encourages cooperation and creativity.

GCSRW affirms the participation of United Method-
ists in ecumenical events. The General Secretariat has
served on the US Committee for the Ecumenical Dec-
ade: Churches in Solidarity with Women. GCSRW mem-
bers have also affirmed persons who have attended

events in the ecumenical community which present
varying theological perspectives such as the "Re-Imag-
ining" conference.

Due to financial constraints, GCSRW is not able to
fully serve the church in a global manner. During per-
sonal or work related travel beyond the USA, each
member of the General Secretariat has taken the oppor-
tunity to include presentations, workshops or consult-
ations with women whenever possible.

GCSRW utili2es the Project Equality Buyer's Guide
as a means of supporting those companies which are
inclusive in their hiring practices. GCSRW prefers to
purchase goods and services from vendors who are
Project Equality certified.

The organization of the membership of the General
Commission on the Status and Role of Women is appro-
priate to the accomplishment of the mission of the
agency. The 48 members represent the five jurisdictions
within the USA and are almost evenly divided between
lay and clergy members, male and female members, and
also reflect racial ethnic diversity. GCSRW members
self-select the committees on which they will serve
based on their skills and their interests. When the com-
mittees notice that their composition is not balanced,
they make an effort to change the composition. The
philosophical question of whether an "inclusive looking"
group actually values varying perspectives has been
raised. The question also arises, "If there is not involve-
ment in a discussion by persons representing varying
perspectives, how valuable is the decision which is
made?" These are still points with which GCSRW con-
tinues to grapple.

The staffing is currently divided into executive and
administrative staff positions. The executive staff in-
cludes two persons, an African-American lay woman and
a White clergywoman, who work on a co-equal basis.
The administrative staff includes two persons, a Chi-
nese-American lay woman and a White clergywoman,
who work as co-equals. GCSRW reduced the executive
staff from three persons to two persons during 1991 in
response to financial difficulties. GCSRW intentionally
maintains a staffing model which reflects racial, ethnic,
lay and clergy diversity.

Continuing and Emerging Issues

The work of the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women continues to be evolving in many
areas. The following information may give a sense of
what GCSRW is working on now and areas of concern
for future work.

• The study guide "Rock, Shepherd, and Friend" for
reclaiming multiple images for God was drafted by a
consultant and reviewed and field-tested by GCSRW
members. The goal is to publish the guide as a
curriculum for local congregations.

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• Two members of the Issue Development, Education,
and Advocacy Work Unit (Division) and three
members of the Monitoring and Research Work Unit
CDivision) worked with five members of the General
Commission on Religion and Race to form the
Racism/Sexism Task Force. The Task Force
addressed concerns and issues of racial/ethnic
women in The United Methodist Church.

• A consultant has been hired to compile a
comprehensive history of GCSRW. Additional
interpretive items as well as a video will likely follow.

• Resource information was developed to help women
understand the process for election as delegate to
General Conference.

• A concern that has emerged is the fact that a larger
percentage of clergywomen than clergymen are
leaving local church ministry. The Division of
Ordained Ministry (GBHEM) and the Anna Howard
Shaw Center of Boston University are conducting
research and analysis on this trend.

• Another concern is that restructuring, particularly
"downsizing" of the United Methodist boards and
agencies, will have a disproportionate impact on
women.

• A Women's Congress focusing on leadership
development of women is being planned for the
1997-2000 quadrennium.

• Attention to sexual misconduct and sexual
harassment continues to be an area where issues
related to the use and abuse of power must be fully
examined. The Church must do more to be
responsive and hospitable to all persons.

Report of the Joint Task Force on
Racism and Sexism

Theological Statement

The church is a community of all true believers
under the Lordship of Christ. We are seeking to live as
citizens of God's kin-dom, helping all persons to achieve
their full potential as human beings. We affirm that all
persons are created by the same heavenly parent and
are therefore of equal value in the sight of God. We also
affirm women and men to be equal in every aspect of
their common lives.

We acknowledge that the sins of racism and sexism
separate us from each other and from God. For racial
ethnic minority women, when the sins of racism and
sexism intersect, the oppression is cumulative and
causes greater pain and brokenness among us. We are
therefore committed to work for a community of increas-
ing awareness, understanding and sensitivity; for the
elimination of the sins of racism and sexism among us;

and for the creation of a truly inclusive and multicultural
church.

History of the Task Force

At the beginning of the 1993-96 quadrennium, the
General Commission on Religion and Race and the
General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
created a joint task force to explore and to study the
impact of the intersection of racism and sexism on racial
ethnic minority women within the denomination.

The task force was comprised of five members and
one staff person from each commission. Three were
clergywomen, four clergymen, four laywomen, and one
layman. The task force was representative of the racial
and ethnic groups within the denomination.

The necessity for the task force grew out of con-
cerns that both commissions heard from racial ethnic
minority lay and clergy women across the denomination
about the cumulative effect of racism and sexism upon
their lives.

At its first meeting of the quadrennium, the task
force made two major decisions. First, it decided that it
would focus its work for the quadrennium upon racial
ethnic minority clergywomen for three reasons: this
group was readily/easily identifiable; the members of
the task force perceived that no data had been collected
about the experiences of racial ethnic minority clergy-
women; and the task force sought to respond to the
request made by African American clergywomen of
both commissions to address several of their concerns.
Secondly, the task force decided to conduct a survey of
racial ethnic minority clergywomen within the denomi-
nation.

Findings

Our findings indicate that there are many areas of
common concern which racial ethnic minority clergy-
women share with others in ministry. However, there is
great evidence of a cumulative effect of oppression,
alienation, discrimination, etc. which is experienced
when gender and racial issues intersect

Candidacy

This is a very critical phase in the process towards
ordination where a call is tested, discerned, and ex-
plored. By its very nature, this phase is uncharted terri-
tory for the candidate and involves a great deal of uncer-
tainty, questioning, and self examination. It is crucial
that support and understanding are forthcoming and
experienced.

Our surveys indicated that the majority of the re-
spondents found this to be a time of spiritual and emo-
tional growth, a time of encouragement, and a journey
of love and caring. Candidates felt supported to a very
large extent by their pastors, congregations, families,

Independent Commissions

875

and friends. Others expressed limited support from pas-
tor parish relations committees and district superinten-
dents. This may be due in part to the different roles each
plays in the process.

Racial ethnic minority clergywomen indicated a
number of negative experiences related to the candi-
dacy process. While some of the experiences may be
viewed as universal and experienced by most candi-
dates, some unique concerns were raised. These con-
cerns included having no support from anyone; not
being taken seriously; and experiencing feelings of fear,
discouragement, sadness, and loneliness. During the
process the main support continued to come from family
and friends.

Seminary

When racial ethnic minority clergywomen entered
seminary, support systems became classmates, family,
friends, and faculty. Congregational support dramati-
cally decreased and in some cases was completely ab-
sent

Most respondents found the seminary experience
to be positive, enlightening, and a time of learning and
growth. Their call to ministry was affirmed, and faculty
were generally supportive. However, the same respon-
dents also felt detached, lonely, stressed, and indicated

I that they were subjected to racist and sexist treatment.

I These feelings and treatment were further exacerbated
by being in an environment devoid of racial ethnic mi-
nority clergywomen faculty as role models. Lack of
financial resources also added to the stress.

Appointments

Having survived the candidacy process and semi-

»nary, racial ethnic minority clergywomen looked for-
ward to appointments in the connectional system, ex-
pected to be treated fairly, and expected to find support
and encouragement. Many respondents indicated that
they are enjoying their appointments and are apprecia-
tive of the acceptance of the congregations they serve.
The respondents indicated that when racial ethnic mi-
nority clergywomen are given the opportunity, congre-
gations discover they are good preachers, care givers,
and that they develop good relationships with members
of their congregations.

At the same time, many racial ethnic minority cler-
gywomen discovered that they are usually the first fe-
male and the first racial ethnic minority pastor to serve
their congregation. In some instances, they are rejected
by the congregations before they are given a chance to
do their jobs. Racist and sexist jokes and remarks are
not uncommon. They are expected to assimilate Gose
their identities) into the dominant culture. Worship and

preaching styles, language, music, skills, leadership
abilities, and even personal appearance are automat-
ically called into question. Many of the respondents
reported that they faced some of the same issues in
racial ethnic minority churches.

The surveys also indicated that many racial ethnic
minority clergywomen are appointed to small, strug-
gling, geographically isolated, and financially unstable
charges. As a result, many of the clergywomen receive
minimum compensation. Furthermore, racial ethnic mi-
nority clergywomen who are married find their congre-
gations considering their husbands to be the primary
wage earner to justify paying minimum compensation.

The respondents also identified other issues related
to compensation, such as lack of and health benefits,
available housing or housing allowance.

In response to the survey question "What have been
some of the positive experiences related to your gender
and/or race?" racial ethnic minority clergywomen iden-
tified the following:

• serving as role models

• sharing their language, skills, and traditions

• relating to those who need to be empowered

• helping congregations be receptive of new worship
styles

On a more personal level, racial ethnic clergy-
women felt that their struggles have resulted in a higher
quality of ministry and a closer walk with God. They
have learned to be patient and more assertive, and have
grown in self-pride.

On issues dealing specifically with gender and race,
many racial ethnic minority clergywomen feel they have
to prove themselves over and over, and that they are
treated condescendingly. Doors have been slammed in
their faces during pastoral calls, limiting their capacity
to minister effectively. Many are expected to be the
"tokens" on boards, agencies, and commissions
throughout the connection, and as a result experience
bum-out. Many of the respondents felt that they were
only tolerated or not treated well in their annual confer-
ence. Minimum compensation, racism, sexism, isola-
tion, fioistration, and constantly having to prove them-
selves were some of the reasons given by clergywomen
who had considered leaving the ordained ministry.
Many respondents indicated that they do receive some
measure of support from both male and female col-
leagues.

Recommendations from the Joint Task Force on
Racism and Sexism have been accepted by GCSRW as
concerns to be addressed in the Commission's on-going
work.

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Summary Report of Survey of Local
Churches

The General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women in The United Methodist Church has under-
taken a survey of local churches, in anticipation of every
General Conference since 1970, to ascertain the level of
participation of women in local church bodies. This
report transmits the results from the seventh such sur-
vey.

While there were some slight differences in how the
survey was administered in 1995, the basic methodology
of the study has remained unchanged over the past
quarter century. A random sample of 1,000 United Meth-
odist local churches was contacted during the spring of
1995 and asked to complete a questionnaire. The ques-
tionnaire asked about the participation of women in
Sunday morning services, inclusive language, sexual
harassment policies, and the participation of women on
local church bodies. The questions about participation
in local church bodies have been the core of this survey
since its inception. Questions about inclusive language
studies were added in 1983. Questions about the adop-
tion of a sexual harassment policy were new this year.

In general, the findings from this study continue
trends discerned in previous years. The participation of
women in local church bodies continues to grow, both
at the level of membership in groups such as the admin-
istrative council, trustees, and the work area on church
and society, and at the level of chairing such groups.
There remains a gap between the participation of
women in the administrative bodies of local churches
(administrative council, trustees, finance committee,
etc.) and in the program bodies (church and society,
worship, education etc.) The participation of men in
age-level councils of local churches (children's, youth,
and family councils) continues to be rare.

The newest item on the survey asked about sexual
harassment policies in local churches. Roughly one-fifth
of local churches have drawn-up sexual harassment
policies covering employees and volunteers. Of the four-
fifths that have not, about one-fifth report plans to do so
in the future. Thus, while written responses to the sur-

vey^ contained much hostility toward even asking about
such policies, a si2able fraction (though still a minority)
of local churches either have, or will have, sexual har-
assment policies. Because large churches were more
likely to report having sexual harassment policies than
small churches, it is likely that a high percentage of
United Methodists as distinct from United Methodist
congregations, will soon be covered by such policies.

Results: Participation of Women in Local
Church Settings

The core of this study is the level of participation of
women in local church leadership settings. Tables 1, 2,
and 3 report the results. These tables present the com-
parable figures from the four years' study to help reveal
trends in the data.

Except for local church boards of trustees and fi-
nance committees, a majority of members on boards,
commissions, and councils tend to be women (see Ta-
bles 1-3). Over the past quarter century, these studies
have documented a trend toward the greater participa-
tion of women in all areas of local church life. Nothing
in Tables 1-3 suggests this trend has abated.

Similar patterns in the participation of women recur
when we examine who chairs these local church bodies
(Tables 1-3). A majority of most local church bodies are
chaired by women, particularly the work areas and age-
level councils. Overall, the trend toward increased par-
ticipation of women in leadership roles in local churches
continued through 1995.

A subtie difference emerges in the comparison of
the participation of women in local church bodies and
their leadership. While women constitute a significant
portion of the administrative committees in local
churches, they do not lead those bodies nearly so fre-
quentiy. The opposite pattern emerged in program com-
mittees: women tend to lead at a slightiy higher rate than
their overall participation levels.

Results: Sexual Harassment Policies

One new series of questions in this survey was
about the adoption of sexual harassment policies in local
churches. Respondents to the survey report that one-

Charles Stewart III wrote this report He is the Associate Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
member of the Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts (New England Conference). Former member
of General Conference (1976), the United Methodist Council on Youth Ministries (1975-76), the General Council on Ministries
(1975-77), and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (1981-86). Currently a lay member of the New England
Annual Conference, member of the conference Board of Pensions, New England Preachers Aid Society, and president of
Boston/Cambridge Ministries in Higher Education.

Most of the survey employed "closed-ended" questions, that is, respondents were asked to respond in terms of pre-established
categories. However, the questionnaire also encouraged respondents to add any comments they felt appropriate.

Independent Commissions

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fifth (20.5%) of churches have adopted a sexual harass-
ment policy, and that another fifth (21.0%) plan to adopt
a sexual harassment policy. Virtually all of the policies
that currendy exist cover both staff (89.9%) and volun-
teers (81.2%). Thus, a sizable minority of United Meth-
odist congregations either have a policy that covers
sexual harassment or may have such policies in the near
future. The policies themselves cover both employees
and volunteers.

Further analysis reveals that churches with and
without sexual harassment policies were not distin-
guished by ethnicity, sex of the pastor, or region of the
United States. The only distinguishing characteristic
among local churches that have policies (at least among
the items we asked about on the questionnaire) was size
of church. Larger churches are much more likely to
have a harassment policy or to report plans to adopt one
(see Table 4). Perhaps not surprisingly, only one-fifth of
churches with fewer than 50 members either have a
policy or plan to adopt one; over four-fifths of churches
with over 1,000 members fall into this category.

While most United Methodist congregations fall
within the smaller categories (the average United Meth-
odist congregation has about 240 members), a fair
number of United Methodists attend much larger
churches. Based on the results in this survey, we can
conservatively estimate that 30% of United Methodists
attend a congregation that has a sexual harassment
policy; 28% attend a congregation that plans to adopt one.

Analysis

The participation of women in the lay leadership of
United Methodist congregations continues to increase.
There are still vestiges of the "men's work" versus
"women's work" distinction in congregations. Finally,
the issue of sexual harassment has been dealt with at a
policy level among a small, yet likely-to-grow, segment
of our church.

Table 4. Reported frequencies of sexual

harassment policies in United Methodist

congregations, by membership size.

Membership

Have a policy

Plan a policy

1-49

9.2%

13.75%

50-99

18.5%

18.2%

100-199

15.4%

16.4%

200-499

25.8%

25.2%

500-999

30.4%

30.8%

1,000 or
more

36.2%

46.7%

TOTAL

20.5%

21.0%

Summary

The General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women continues to work on the issues which women
have identified as relevant to their life in The United
Methodist Church. From the responses obtained in the
Commission's visioning process and data gathered
through various monitoring processes, particularly the
1995 I>ocal Church Survey, it is evident that some
changes in the Church have been made to bring women
into full and equal responsibility and participation. The
same data also reveals frustration and disillusionment
because of inequities in treatment particularly related to
pay equity for clergywomen; racism/ sexism as experi-
enced by racial ethnic clergywomen; and issues of sex-
ual abuse in ministerial relationships. The General Com-
mission on the Status and Role of Women has much to
do to fiilfiU its vision "MAKING THE CHURCH
WHOLE: FULL AND EQUAL PARTICIPATION FOR
ALL WOMEN".

Western Jurisdiction churches had a slightly higher incidence of harassment policies, about 35%, but the overall difference among
jurisdictions was not statistically significant.

For instance, while the median United Methodist congregation (i.e., the congregation that has precisely as many congregations larger
than it as there are congregations smaller than it) has about 130 members, the median individual United Methodist is in a congregation
with 470 members.

881

DCA Advance Edition

1993-96 Commission Members and Staff

Officers

President, Bishop Ann B. Sherer
Vice President, Joyce Waldon Bright
Secretary, /o/i« Campbell

Members

Bishops

Ann B. Sherer
Marshall L Meadors

Northeastern Jurisdiction

Ellen Carter
Sally Graham Ernst
Ted Finlayson-Schueler
Takayuki Ishii
Efrain Maldonado
Marie Rivera
Annamma Verghese

Southeastern Jurisdiction

Joyce Waldon Bright
Beth Brown

Evelyn Dwyer (deceased)
Martha Forrest
Douglas Grove-Dejarnett
Myrtle Hatcher
Marshall L. Meadors
Darlene Saunders Ousley
Robert Shepherd

North Central Jurisdiction

Cathy Gonzalez
Barbara Gurtler
James Han
Aquilino Javier
Deborah Kiesey
Jason Stewart

Virginia Tarver
Don Williams
Anita Wood

South Central Jurisdiction

Francis E. W. Guidry
C. Waymon Hollis
Diana Loomis
JoAnn Miles
Ann B. Sherer
Antonio Silva
Margie Titus
Warren Urbom

Western Jurisdiction

Marvin Abrams
John Campbell
Esther Cho
Sandra Daniels
Fran Eldredge
Gary Long

Lydia Salazar Martinez
John Price
Phil Robison
Lois Seifert

Women's Division Representatives

Debra Bashaw
Lois Dauway
A. Susan Smalley

Staff

Stephanie Anna Hixon, General Secretariat
Cecelia M. Long, General Secretariat
K Joanne Lindstrom, Administrative Assistant
Y. Elaine Moy, Administrative Assistant
Bonny Stalnaker Roth, FLYER Editor

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Independent Commissions 883

Your Life

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We're all aware that we are in the midst of a changing society. And most of us are
III becoming increasingly aware that technology is at the forefront of many of those changes.
Ifc CilCiriC|€? At United Methodist Communications, we're participants in the

III race into cyberspace, but we're pacing ourselves. We keep running toward the goal of the
1^^ global computer network, all the while remembering that many small churches don't even have
a telephone on their premises. We've moved into the Internet by opening a United Methodist
home page on World Wide Web, but also continue to faithfully keep pastors and other church
leaders informed by mail. iritOf ITICIf 1011

We at United Methodist Communications use diverse forms of technology in our daily
work. We take seriously our responsibility for news coverage; program journals; and radio, TV
and video production. We develop ways to interpret and promote 15 different churchwide
funds; we conduct communications and media workshops; we constantly seek new outlets and
new ways to market our products and services.

In short. United Methodist Communications helps the church speak about itself — among its
members and all over the parish that we call the world. «Jll|ipOrt

Ours is an agency with a lot of resources for the local church. Take a look; they're
described on the next few pages.

Judy Weidman
General Secretary

884

DCA Advance Edition

HERE'S How

Even if an airline
ticket to Zimbabwe is
out of the question,
United Methodists are
within arm's length of
the denomination's first
university in Africa,
thanks in part to United
Methodist
Communications.

We've kept United
Methodists and the pub-
lic at large informed
about Africa University, tracking
progress and fund-raising efforts
through news reports. When offi-
cial opening ceremonies took place
in 1994, UMCom already had been
working with representatives from
the university development office
and the Board of Higher Education
and Ministry to coordinate commu-
nications planning.

UMCom staff was on-site to
report on the festivities. We trans-
mitted major news stories from
Africa by computer, edited and
mailed them, and uploaded them on
the CircuitWriter computer net-
work, getting the word out nation-
wide within a matter of hours. We
distributed photos that gave much
of the world its first look at the
buildings and grounds.

We set up a teleconference the
day after the opening linking U.S.

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Photo by Fred Rowles

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churches to view available
footage from the celebration
and to share the excitement of
being a part of this effort.

We've promoted and con-
tinue to promote the university
through direct mail, brochures,
and articles and ads in denomi-
national and other publications.
Our staff has helped in fund-
raising efforts to get the univer-
sity on its feet, and continue to
help it develop.

A UMCom video crew
traveled to Zimbabwe to record
the opening event. We helped
give interested individuals
around the world the opportuni-
ty to take part via the 28-minute
"Celebration!" and other videos
(seven total — for different audi-

ences and purposes), a segment
of the NBC-TV special
"Africa — Alive with Faith!"
and a special "Catch the Spirit"
edition. United Methodists not
only heard about the university,
they were also able to see it
because of UMCom.

The celebration and the
attention to Africa University
didn't end with the dedication
of the buildings. UMCom staff
continues to report on develop-
ments, record events, help seek
additional funding and educate
the church and the world about
this important endeavor.

This is one way we work
for you. This is one reiison we
work for you.

Independent Commissions

885

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The Message

Spiders on the

Yes, UMCom's taken its place on the
World Wide Web! Asked by the heads of
churchwide boards and agencies to develop
and coordinate the official United
Methodist presence on the Internet,
UMCom staff spent part of 1995 helping to
construct the "United Methodist
Information" home page. This collegial,
horizontal, interactive system connects and
provides United Methodists at every church
level Internet access through World Wide
Web at http://www.umc.org.

With computer technology becoming
commonplace in homes, schools and busi-
nesses. United Methodists already recog-
nize its essential nature. The World Wide

Photo by Mike DuBose

ftoE Web ..,

Web home page makes it possible for church
members, as well as journalists and editors with
your local newspaper and with national publica-
tions, to access a wide-ranging collection of sub-
jects.

If you're interested in basic facts about the
church, anxious to catch up on the latest church
news, searching for information on United
Methodist colleges and scholarships, wondering
what EcuFilm or Upper Room resources are
available, or seeking volunteer and contribution
opportunities after a natural disaster, check out
the United Methodist home page. It's a direct
connection to other United Methodists and the
computer-user world at large — an estimated 30
million users in more than 150 countries.

UMCom's Susan Peek manages and
coordinates the home page, along with
UMCom's participation with the United
Methodist Publishing House in
Cokesbury Online (on the CompuServe
network). An interagency committee
sets policy and provides direction.

Susan also manages UMCom's pop-
ular CircuitWriter Network, where all
you need is a computer and a telephone
to locate a sermon illustration, find out

what's happening at a meeting halfway around the
globe, or read the latest United Methodist or ecu-
menical news.

UMCom— working for you and with you to
link the world parish electronically.

886

DCA Advance Edition

The Inte?iact?¥e Factor

Receiving important
messages is wonderful, but
interacting with others who
are receiving the same mes-
sage across the country is
even better.

UMCom's United
Methodist Teleconference
Connection (UMTC) uses
satellite technology to educate ^
and inform people interactive
ly at multiple locations.
UMTC teleconferences have
provided training, facilitated church-
wide "town meetings," and shared the
most current information on natural
and other disasters with local church-
es.

General Conference doesn't just
happen every four years. It takes a lot
of getting ready, and UMTC helped
United Methodists enter the prepara-
tion process with four 1995 telecon-
ferences. Lively discussions, phoned-
in questions, dialogue with the 14
general secretaries of the churchwide
boards and agencies, inquiries and
answers about proposed General
Conference legislation, and a delegate
dialogue helped prepare United
Methodists, reporters and others about
what to expect and what is taking
place as you read this account.

Photo by Mike DuBose

lATIVE

JiCANS

Native American Voices, a biweekly newsletter, is one
way Ginny Underwood of UMCom's Native American
Office helps link Native American churches and ministries
nationwide. To demonstrate its commitment to inclusive-
ness, UMCom has set up a fax network to transmit time-
sensitive and time-critical information pertinent to Native
American communities.

With a few strokes on the computer keyboard,
UMCom transmits the newsletter to more than 100 geo-
graphically isolated Native American churches, ministries,
agencies and offices. Native American Voices is success-
fully using available technology to access a global commu-
nity within minutes.

tetii#fiisf C#mi$iiiii€iifi#iis

Independent Commissions 887

0

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Through Giving

Interpreting The Need

Wherever a need exists, United church's work before the world at large ... and

Methodists are there, in person and with dona- before United Methodists who justifiably take

tions to help alleviate suffering and physical pride in their church's accompUshments. If the

and spiritual needs. But in this world of con- church invests in what it believes in, it will

stant solicitation from charitable and relief surely see a return. We're going to be about

efforts, the church must compete for the finan- the business of showing the local church what

cial resources to provide help. The consumer it can gain by helping it join in partnership

view is changing from one of unflinching loy- with UMCom and with other churchwide

alty to a pet cause to one that is highly influ- boards and agencies.
^J enced by image. And the local church is at the top of the

■ J UMCom's Division of Program and pyramid. By showing the local church and its

Benevolence Interpretation, in response to the leaders what their contributions accomplish,

changing face of fiind raising, has not lost its we are moving toward a consumer-oriented

commitment to accountability. But it is mov- approach.

ing toward new ways to motivate and inspire Ken Griffin, who brings an impressive

United Methodists to respond quickly and record of advertising and marketing successes

generously to needs. to his job as benevolence promotion director.

We're exploring ways to find new, fresh is working toward these goals. UMCom's

and more graphic styles of presenting the former Apportioned Funds/Advance and

messages of need and the benefits of helping Special Sundays departments are now com-

those in need. We're working with other bined under his leadership. Promoting to the

UMCom components to produce live and local church all United Methodist churchwide

recorded coverage of events and messages offerings, apportioned funds. Special Sunday

through radio, television, satellite and other offerings and new giving initiatives is his

technology. We're trying to place the major focus. He believes in supplementing

llsiiteii HHetii^dist C^stiit§iiiiic^fi#ti$

888

DCA Advance Edition

the dispersal of information with marketing tech-
niques to communicate giving opportunities.

Look for new and exciting means of interpret-
ing the ways United Methodists can help those in
need all over the world. UMCom needs your help
in providing help to others.

Independent Commissions

889

The News

z

What's Hmw

And what's news-

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worthy? Just ask the

staff at United

Methodist News Service

(UMNS), the church's

z

official news agency,

3

with offices in

Nashville, New York

and Washington. They

face daily the formida-

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ble task of reporting on all the
happenings in the denomina-
tion— at local, conference, juris-
dictional and churchwide lev-
els— as well as on significant
ecumenical developments.

The "service" part of this
UMCom component means that
UMNS serves the media without
assuming the role of publisher.
UMNS sends more than 600
full-length news releases yearly,
along with weekly news sum-
maries and related photographs,
by mail and by computer to reli-

gion writers, broadcasters
and annual conference com-
municators worldwide. In
addition, staff produce a
monthly summary for
Wesleyan publications
worldwide and a Spanish-
language news summary to
Hispanic audiences.

News professionals
know that they can call
UMNS with any questions
they have about the denomi-
nation in the news — and they

Photo by John Goodwin

will receive answers and
guidance. The skills of
UMNS personnel regularly
are utilized in media-rela-
tions consultations and work-
shops and crisis-management
situations related to the
media.

UMNS has a proven
track record of success, with
releases appearing regularly
in both church and secular
media outlets.

890

DC A Advance Edition

Alan Griggs, UMCom's director of electronic
news, has been catching the attention of the secular
media, primarily radio, cable and broadcast televi-
sion. Working toward raising the visibility of the
United Methodist Church, he places stories about
interesting people, events and programs related to
the church.

Relief efforts in Bosnia is one subject on
which he has focused since joining the staff in
1995. He's been able to place stories on secular
TV stations, and even a positive spot on "A
Current Affair" — no small feat, considering the
program's usual bent.

Alan is bringing the experience of his years of
service as news director of an NBC-TV affiliate
into play with the work of other UMCom compo-
nents— making sure the media world sits up and
notices how United Methodists helps those in need
and take part in significant events worldwide. And
his association on behalf of UMCom with a media-
placement agency has helped maintain hundreds of
media contacts in radio, TV and newspaper mar-
kets. Wherever the opportunity to tell the church's
story exists, UMCom is a very real presence,
thanks in part to the work of the director of elec-
tronic news.

Mike DuBose's sharp
photographic images from
Bosnia told the story of
how United Methodist
money is helping those in
need far better than could
any caption. Distributed
primarily through UMNS,
those photos have been
seen by many a United
Methodist, and have com-
municated a strong mes-
sage about the way the connection works.

They are just a few of the visual messages
that Mike, as photographer for the entire agency,
has been able to convey. In Interpreter and other
churchwide publications, in annual conference

Photo by Mike DuBose

newspapers and secular newspapers nationwide,
Mike's photos help UMCom enter a world that
often says "Show me" instead of "Tell me."

Independent Commissions

891

The Stories

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UMCom provides the United Methodist
Church a direct connection to the Faith &
Values Channel (F&V), one of the nation's
fastest-growing cable TV channels with more
than 27 million subscribing households.

UMCom's weekly F&V series presence
includes "Perspectives: Faith in Our Times,"
"Faces on Faith," "Scriptures Alive!,"
"Lawson Live" and the major new production
"The Frugal Gourmet Keeps the Feast" — a
series on theology and food. In addition,
UMCom produces and airs on the F&V
Channel occasional "Why We Care" specials
(produced in cooperation with the Board of
Global Ministries, and reflecting the work of
the church from a human, rather than an insti-
tutional, viewpoint) and regular seasonal spe-
cials.

F&V's programming and scheduling
promise prime viewing hours for high-quality,
faith-oriented programs and an ever-expand-
ing audience. UMCom remains an active par-
ticipant in the programming and administra-
tion of F&V.

As our presence on F&V increases, so
also does our visibility on commercial sta-
tions. The ABC and CBS networks have aired
our Christmas specials, and all the major net-
works carried clips of our Easter sunrise ser-
vice from tornado-racked Goshen United
Methodist Church near Piedmont, Ala. Our
"Message of Hope" spots aired on 125 TV
stations, 80 of which are ABC, CBS, NBC or
Fox affiliates, and our "Widen Your Circle"
spots spoke of unity to a nation stunned by the
Oklahoma City bombing.

The popular "Faces on Faith" TV inter-
view show, produced by UMCom in coopera-
tion with the Parish of Trinity Church, New
York, has featured more than 100 persons of
faith, responding to questions of belief and
meaning. Authors, theologians, Bible schol-
ars, teachers, preachers and doctors —
Protestant, Jewish and Roman Catholic — share
their faith in fresh and stimulating insights.
"Faces" is also available through EcuFilm for
in-church use.

But don't think we're content to rest on
our laurels. We remain ever aware of world
events and opportunities to develop new
programming that will benefit our viewers
and engage in current social discourse. And
we continually search for ways to get the
word out that United Methodists have a
story to tell.

Photo by Mike DuBose

892

DCA Advance Edition

S SAliS

In a world where most media
messages involve violence, anger
and despair, UMCom is catching
listeners' ears with innovative 30-
and 60-second radio spots, series
and scripts that speak of hope and
help. UMCom's radio produc-
tions offer to the occasional lis-
tener a clear picture of the varied
ministries of the United Methodist
Church.

Spots like our "Message of
Hope" and "Un Mensaje de
Esperanza" (UMCom's first
Spanish-language spots) are
reaching Usteners daily wherever
they are — at drive times and other
times. "A Circle the Heart Draws"
and "El Circulo del Corazon" are
available in five musical styles to
fit the format of any radio station
and invite persons into local
United Methodist churches.

"Passages," an award-win-
ning 90-second radio series pro-
duced in cooperation with
Presbyterian Media Mission, pre-
sents stories of courage, suffering
and victory through faith. More
than 26 million listeners heard at
least one edition of this daily
series of audio journals during its
first month of release. Its contin-
ued success makes "Passages"
one of the fastest-growing public-
service series in religious commu-
nications today.

For pastors and other church
leaders who want to record their
own spots, we can fumish "Faith
Breaks," professional-quality
scripts to enhance the outreach of
any congregation.

'^ UMCom-produced TV

I"" programming is being seen
M regularly on almost 200 cable
.f' and broadcast stations in 77 of
*^" the top U.S. 100 TV markets.
Jt The daily 90-second editions
of "Passages" are being aired
on more than 500 radio sta-
tions in the United States.

A successful and aggres-
sive marketing team is ensur-
ing that UMCom-produced
programming is available to
mainstream America as it
searches for inspirational, val-
ues-oriented programming.

Through direct mail, news
releases, advertising in denom-
inational and media-industry
journals, and our own regular
publications, we help viewers,
listeners and programmers to
find out more about UMCom-
produced radio and TV
resources. Call (800) 476-

Photo by Mike DiiBose

7766 to get our free catalog
and newsletter:

A New Light on Media
Resources provides descrip-
tions of scripts, series, spots
and specials, along with order-
ing information, and hints for
churches that want to design
media promotional campaigns
and present the gospel message
through radio, television and
cable.

Transmitter, our monthly
newsletter, keeps you up to
date on the latest radio and TV
productions and gives you a
preview of what is to come. It
tells stories of consumers who
have succeeded in placing our
spots, specials and series on
stations in their areas.

Independent Commissions

893

0

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The Issues

Going. The; Seco^jd I^ile

Not only is EcuFilm one of the nation's
best-known video-distribution services, it is
also a fiilly self-supporting operation of
UMCom. It not only pays its way, it also
generates income that can be used for future
productions.

EcuFilm, a cooperative venture of 10
denominations, is a welcome service to media
centers and churches. Its catalogs are eagerly
awaited, and its library of more than 1 ,200
titles is in constant use. EcuFilm adds to its
video inventory each year.

But it represents more than a large col-
lection of videotapes, having become as well
known for its "beyond-the-call-of-duty" ser-
vice as for its outstanding program offerings.

Just what other video service can claim an
employee who took the time to persuade
Federal Express to deliver a gone-astray video
shipment by taxi to a senior citizens' center in
the next town in time for its Christmas pro-
gram?

Here's just one comment from a satisfied
customer:

"EcuFilm is by far my top choice for
ordering videos. It's easy to do by phone,
billing is simple and straightforward and ser-
vice is great. Plus, the videos ... are among
the best and most used. ... Thanks for all you
do at EcuFilm to help us."

Photo by Mike DuBose

Uitit^li Metii0iiist C^itiiiiiiiii«^ti0fis

894

DCA Advance Edition

LcOOKiN<s At

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Photo by Mike DuBose

Local churches need information to stay aUve.
We have heard them say they need — and want —
ways to discuss, understand and act on the critical
issues of the day. UMCom is listening to local
churches and to general agencies and is creating
the video tools they need.

We help local churches explore the connection
between today's ecological and spiritual crises with
the video series "Love the Earth and Be Healed."
We collaborate with the Board of Discipleship to
bring Total Quality to the local church with the
"Quest for Quality" series.

In cooperation with the Conmiission on
Archives and History, we teach church historians
how to preserve the past with "Memory and
Ministry: Caring for Your Church's Heritage."
With the Commission on the Status and Role of
Women and the California-Pacific Annual

Conference, we help local churches deal with sexu-
al harassment in "Ask Before You Hug."

The mere fact that we produced a fifth
"Questions of Faith" series attests to the series'
popularity, unique in the annals of UMCom video
production. The release of "Questions V" in
January 1994 marked its presence across three qua-
drennia and its place in the hearts of untold num-
bers of seekers. The insights of some of world's
most provocative thinkers are the focus of this
series. Why are these "talking heads" so successful?

Perhaps because they include the likes of
Madeleine L'Engle, Harold Kushner, Desmond
Tutu, Charm Potok and dozens of other prominent,
contemporary thinkers. And perhaps because, as
the producers say, "Certain basic questions of
belief and meaning come to us over and over in our
lives."

Independent Commissions

895

0

The Programs

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Through Journals

Interpreter, the program journal published
by UMCom for local-church leaders, marked
its 40th anniversary and got a new editor and
a new look
this quadren-
nium. Editor
Garlinda
Burton took
the pubUca-
tion's title

S seriously, and
began to

5^ interpret a
new vision

^# and enthusi-

^ \ asm for this

^^ publication. Interpreter meets the needs of

church leaders and members for materials that
help them do the work of the church.

While continuing to feature recommenda-
tions, resources and experiences among
churchwide agencies, pastors and local church
leaders. Interpreter is becoming more infor-
mative, interesting and readable — and more
graphically pleasing. And check out the
United Methodist home page on the World
Wide Web for the magazine's online edition!
The marketing staff is focusing efforts on
increasing income from paid subscriptions
and advertising. The editorial staff has added
features designed to showcase people and
churches; provide a forum for readers to
express their views on church and society;
critique and recommend books, videos and
other media; discuss concerns of the global
church; and salute people who transform their

United Metitoiilst €«iiiiiipiii€@ifi0iis

Photo by Mike DuBose

faith from Sunday worship to weekday action.

The United
Methodist
National Plan
for Hispanic
Ministries is
showcased in
UMCom's
Spanish-lan-
guage pro-
gram journal,
el Interprete,
published six
times yearly.
Articles

this quadrennium have tracked the plan's
progress, as exemplified by new faith com-
munities, new missionaries and lay mission-
ers. Ten copies are sent to every pastor of
Spanish-speaking congregations; five, to
every lay missioner, reporter and el Interprete
promoter.

Under the leadership of Editor Edith
LaFontaine, el Interprete has published a
series of articles aimed at giving Hispanic
United Methodist leaders the opportunity to
examine General Conference issues, particu-
larly those affecting the Hispanic community.
Many Hispanic church leaders have used
information from el Interprete to prepare
themselves for General Conference. And
they, too, can find the magazine's presence on
the World Wide Web.

896

DCA Advance Edition

United Methodist Family is meeting needs of
Korean-language congregations and faith groups by
providing connectionwide information for this
rapidly growing constituency of United
Methodism.

The editor, the Rev. Sang Yean Cho, works on
contract with UMCom to help publish four issues
yearly, with editorial guidance by an advisory
group that meets annually. Plans are under way to
secure a full-time editor for the publication and to
purchase Korean-language computer software for
the editor's use. It is hoped that this permanent, in-
office Korean staff member also will assist other
UMCom components in producing and providing
Korean-language resources. The World Wide Web
is also in the plans, with the magazine to be avail-
able for Korean-speaking computer users.

The official United Methodist Program
Calendar helps pastors and church leaders plan,
coordinate and carry out church programs, while
making it easy to keep up with Special Sundays,
holidays, lectionary readings, liturgical colors,
checklists and other details vital to the life of the
church.

The desk calendar, a mainstay among
UMCom products, was offered for this qua-
drennium for the first time in a choice of for-
mats. The "Classic," with vertical format
and spiral binding, is designed to be hung on
a wall; the "Standard," with horizontal, sta-
pled format, to fit conveniently in a briefcase
or portfolio.

Along with the desk format, a reproduc-
tion format for use in newsletters and bul-
letins, a wall calendar designed to be posted
in a prominent place and a pocket calendar
that fits conveniently in a pocket or purse are

available. And if your annual conference has its
own list of special dates, a custom calendar can be
had. The staff continues to explore other formats
that may be useful to pastors, administrative staff,
church officers and others.

UMCom has a very real presence in each of
the United Methodist Church's five jurisdictions.
Our communications consultants provide a strong
link between UMCom and other parts of the church
through training and interpretative and educational
events for districts; annual conferences; jurisdic-
tional associations; and church-related schools, col-
leges, universities and theological schools.

They're full of ideas about how to help with
major media campaigns; they're experienced in
developing videos, news releases and publications;
they're fully informed on the apportioned funds.
Most of all, they're happy to work with people who
need their help.

When they're tapped to become part of a larg-
er team, they're ready, willing and able — to serve
as UMCom's representatives and to support the
work of their colleagues in the jurisdictions.

Photo by Mike DuBose

Independent Commissions

897

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The Facts

About What To Oo ...

Where to go when you don't know where
to go — that's one way InfoServ could be
described. This toll-free, person-to-person
information service is a welcome source of
help for any United Methodist who is stumped
on where to get guidance on how to write a
church history, function as a newly elected
chairperson of a work area, order resources for
a special worship service, or discover what
paragraphs in the Discipline deal with ordina-
tion.

InfoServ provides the personal touch
while giving callers information about church-
related programs, events, resources and con-
cerns. InfoServ is made up of informed, com-
petent, resourceful consultants who help
callers search out answers to perplexing ques-
tions. InfoServ is one person helping anoth-
er— in the way that the inquirer wants to be
helped.

If you're ever wondering what you're
supposed to do or whom you're supposed to
ask about a church-related matter, give
InfoServ at call at (800) 251-8140. Someone
there will be happy to help.

If the return address is missing from a
letter from First United Methodist Church,
Sitka, Alaska, or you have a hankering to cor-
respond with a pastor you remember fondly
from your childhood. Address Line can help.
This UMCom service provides its callers with
the denomination's local church and clergy
addresses — a comprehensive, current list that
is constantly updated. If you are searching for
a local-church-related address, call Address
Line at (800) 874-321 1 . You'll join another
2,000 or so callers who do so monthly.

Photo by Mike DuBose

§5§ , DCA Advance Edition

When UMCom, on short order, produced a TV
special on the United Methodist response to the
Oklahoma City bombing, FLASHfacts helped get
the word out to United Methodists in time for them
to plan to watch it. A one-page fax message went
simultaneously to bishops, some district superinten-
dents and annual conference staff — in time for
them, in turn, to alert local congregations.
Feedback from viewers proved that the message
indeed increased viewership and made United
Methodists proud of their church's efforts.

FLASHfacts makes it possible to send time-
critical or time-sensitive messages to more than
700 church leaders with the knowledge that they
will be received at the designated fax sites withm a
matter of minutes.

C^milllilliCiiti^ilS

Independent Commissions 899

Conference

%/ maintenance and operation, providing work space, telephones, more than 100 UMNS news
releases and computer and printer hook-ups

J

1^ Newsrooh Operation

ly »/ accreditation of 250 media representatives

U

2) ^ photo coverage and processing, including photo desk where photos are available
III • Spanish- and Korean-language, Native American and international news desks
^ A \/ news and Daily Christian Advocate coverage of legislative committees and plenary sessions
^ coordination of press conferences

Radio and T¥ news amu local media fl.acememt

^ spokesperson placement services for local radio and TV shows

l/ assistance to radio and TV news reporters seeking interviews and access to conference ses
sions

• satellite feeds for TV news transmissions for local and national broadcast and cable stations
l/ twice-daily updates on conference actions via a 24-hour telephone hot line

Video services

• videotapes of plenary sessions

^ image-magnification system to plenary floor"

• distribution of TV signals throughout conference site

t/ video excerpts for news editors and annual conference communicators

CimcuiTWmiT^R amo WoitL<0 WioE Web

• immediate computerized networking of all United Methodist News Service releases

ImfoSe^v

l/ reports of General Conference actions, including a summary recording of each day's activity

General Conferemce videos

• one-hour pre-General Conference study and a one-hour summary wrap-up (in cooperation
with United Methodist Publishing House)

•pre-General Conference articles

l/ 1 2-page wrap-up section of activities in July- August Interpreter

900

DCA Advance Edition

B D I A D

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Independent Commissions

901

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

15.

Petition Number: 20084-IC-5-C;WNC, NIL, GCCUIC,
The Council of Bishops.

Ecumenical Relations

Amend ^ 5:

...through plans of union and covenantal relation-
ships with churches of Methodist or other denomina-
tional traditions.

5[738.

Petition Number: 20240-IC-738-D;BMW.

The Commission on Archives and History
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^738.4:

The conference Commission on Archives and
History shall consult with the conference Commis-
sion on Communications on matters needing com-
munications expertise.

^738.

Petition Number: 20480-IC-738-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Commission
on Archives and History
Delete ^ 738.

^738.

Petition Number: 20507-IC-738-D;NNJ.

Conference Commission on Archives and History
Amend ^ 738:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a con-
ference Commission on Archives and History (or the
responsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides ptu-suant to ^ 707.1).

^738.

Petition Number: 20085-IC-738.1-D;MOW, MOE.
Flexibility in Annual Conference Structure
Amend ^738.1:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a con-
ference Commission on Archives and History or alter-
nate structure. The responsibilities of the Confer-
ence Commission on Archives and History may be
assigned to an existing or newly created multifunc-
tional agency of the Conference Council that cares
for the functions of and the connectional relation-
ships of the General Commission on Archives,
Conference, districts, and local churches. The
commission shall be...

^738.

Petition Number: 20459-IC-738.1-D;NMX.

Commission on Archives and History
Amend ^738.1:

1. 1ft eEach Annual Conference there shall be-a
provide for the fulfillment of the purposes and
duties assigned to the conference Commission on
Archives and History. The commiaaion shall be elected
by the Annual Conference upon the nomination of it3
nominating committee, by ^ 738.2 and elsewiiere,
by structuring itself as it deems appropriate. The
Annual Conference shall determine the member-
ship of the structure to w^ich the duties and pur-
poses are assigned. The structure may be as-
signed other duties and responsibilities and may
have membership in common with other struc-
tures. As used in this 1 738, and its various sub-
paragraphs, and elsewhere in the Discipline in ap-
propriate context, references to the "conference
Commission on Archives and History," or to the
"commission," shall be construed and interpreted
to refer to the structure provided pursuant to this
paragraph, whatever named or tided. The number
of members of the commission and their terms of office
shall be as the conference may determine and may
include an ex officio representative of each United Meth-
odist Historic Shrine or Historic Landmark in its
bounds.

2. It shall be the duty of the commission...

902

DCA Advance Edition

^738.

Petition Number: 21664-IC-738.1-D; GCOM.

Conference Commission on Archives and History
Amend ^ 738.1:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a con-
ference Commission on Archives and History or otiber
structure to provide for these functions and main-
tain tlie connnectional relationships. The commis-
sion...

^739.

Petition Number: 20086-IC-739-D;MOW, MOE, NYK

Conference Commission /Committee on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns

Amend ^ 739:

1. Each Annual Conference shall create a confer-
ence Commission or Committee on Christian Unity an
Interreligious Concerns or alternate structure to
work with the General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns. The commission or com-
mittee will report each year to the conference in such
manner as the conference may direct The responsi-
bilities of the Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns may be assigned to an
existing or ne\dy created multifunctional agency of
the Conference Coimcil that cares for the func-
tions of and the connectional relationships of die
General Commission on Christian Unity and In-
terreUgious Concerns, the Conference, districts,
and local chiu'ches.

2. [2nd paragraph] Ex officio members of the An-
nual Conference Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns shall may include any United
Methodists...

^739.

Petition Number: 20481-IC-739-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Delete 1 739.

^739.

Petition Number: 20508-IC-739-D;NNJ.

Conference Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns
Amend ^739:

1. Each Annual Conference shall create a confer-
ence Commission or Committee on Christian Unity and

Interreligious Concerns (or the responsibihties out-
lined below may be assigned to such other organi-
zation as the Annual Conference provides pursu-
ant to ^707. 1) to work with...

1739.

Petition Number: 20460-IC-739.1-D J«^.

Conference Commission or Committee on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend ^ 739.1:

1. Each Annual Conference shall create a provide
for the fulfillment of tiie functions, duties and re-
sponsibilities assigned to the conference Commis-
sion or Committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns by ^ 739.4 and elsewhere, and to work
with the General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns. The Annual Conferences
shall determine the membership of the structure
to which the duties and responsibilities are as-
signed. The structure may be assigned other du-
ties and responsibilities. As used in this 1 739
and elsewhere in the Discipline in appropriate con-
text, references to the "conference Commission or
Committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns," or to "the commission," or to "the
committee" shall be construed and interpreted to
refer to the structure, whatever named or called.
The commission or committee...

1739.

Petition Number: 21665-IC-739.1-D; GCOM.

Conference Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns

Amend ^ 739.1:

1. Each Annual Conference shall create a confer-
ence Commission or Committee on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns or other structure to provide
for these functions and t© work with the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Con-
cerns to maintain the connectional relationships.
The commission...

1739.

Petition Number: 20461-IC-739.2-D J^MX.

Membership of the Committee on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns
Delete ^ 739.2 and replace it with new text

2. When the structure sits as the commission
or conunittee, it is recommended that it have rep-
resentation from each district, that it include dis-
trict coordinators for Christian luiity and interre-

Independent Comnnissions

903

ligious concerns, persons to assure ecumenical ex-
pertise and interchange with other agencies, and
members of general boards and agencies with
which the structure has connectional relation-
ships, who reside within the conference bounds.

TI740.

Petition Number: 20088-IC-740-D;MOW, MOE.
Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Amend 11 740:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a
conference Commission on Religion and Race or alter-
nate structure, following the general guidelines and
structure of the General Commission on Religion and
Race as outlined in ^^ 2 102, 2 108 where applicable. The
responsibilities of the Commission on Religion
and Race may be assigned to an existing or newly
created multifunctional agency of the Conference
Council that cares for the functions of and the
connectional relationships of the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race, the Conference,
districts, and local chiu-ches.

2. ...Each Annual Conference shall determine the
number and composition of the total membership which
shall may consist of a minimum of twelve. The commis-
sion membership shaH may include representation from
each district. One of the district representatives shaB
may be the District Director... Members of the General
Commission on Religion and Race residing in the An-
nual Conference shaU may be ex officio members...

1740.

Petition Number: 20380-IC-740-D;NYK

Basic membership of Commission on Religion

and Race

Amend % 740.2:

[Second sentence] Each Annual Conference shall
determine the number and composition of the total
membership, which shall consist of a minimum of
twelve. The commission membership shall include rep-
resentation from each district. One of the district rcprc
scntativcs shall be the District Director of Religion and
Race. Care shall be taken...

1740.

Petition Number: 20482-IC-740-D;NTX.

Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Delete ^ 740.

1740.

Petition Number: 20509-IC-740-D;NNJ.

Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Amend ^ 740:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a
conference Commission on Religion and Race (or the
responsibilities outlined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides pursuant to ^707. 1), following the general
guidelines...

1740.

Petition Number: 20632-IC-740-D;WNC.

Eliminate Annual Conference Commission on
Religion and Race

Delete ^ 740.

1740.

Petition Number: 20379-IC-740.1-D;NYK

Commission on Religion and Race
Amend ^ 740.1:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a
conference Commission on Religion and Race Ra-
cial/Ethnic Concerns...

1740.

Petition Number: 20462-IC-740.1-D;NMX.

Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Amend ^740.1:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conferences shall
provide for a structure which shall perform the
duties and responsibilities assigned to the a confer-
ence Commission on Religion and Race, following the
general guidelines and structure of the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race as outlined in "JTIOlOa,
2108 where applicable by ^ 740.3 and elsewliere.

1740.

Petition Number: 21666-IC-740.1-D; GCOM.

Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Amend ^I 740.1:

1. There shall be in each Annual Conference a
conference Commission on Religion and Race or simi-
lar structure to provide for these functions and
maintain the connectional relationships. It shall

foUowiftg the general guidelines...

904

DCA Advance Edition

^740.

Petition Number: 20327-IC-740.2-D;WPA

Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Amend tiie next to the last sentence of ^740.2:

Selection of commission members shall ensure ade-
quate representation of women, youth, young adults,
older adults, and persons vyith handicapping conditions
people with disabilities.

^740.

Petition Number: 20463-IC-740.2-D;NMX.

Basic membership of the Commission on Religion
and Race
Delete ^ 740.2 and substitute new text

2. The Annual Conference shall determine the
membership of the structure to which the duties
and responsibilities eire assigned. The structure
may be assigned other duties and responsibilities,
and may have membership in common with struc-
tures assigned other functions. As used in this
^740 and elsewhere in the Discipline in appropri-
ate context, the terms "conference Commission on
Religion and Race," and "commission," shall be
construed and interpreted to refer to the structure
provided pursuant to this paragraph, whatever
named or titled. Nevertheless, when the structure
sits as the commission, its membership should
include representatives from each district, includ-
ing the District Directors of Religion and Race, if
any, and members of the General Commission on
Religion and Race residing in the Annual Confer-
ence.

^740.

Petition Number: 20293-IC-740.3-D;WMI.

Boundaries and Relationship of the Conference

Commission on Religion and Race
Amend % 740.3 Ce; as follows:

3.e) Consulting with the Board of Ordained Minis-
try and the Cabinet to determine what provisions are
made for the recruitment and itinerancy of racial and
ethnic ordained ministers minority clergy. The Ex-
ecutive Committee of the Board of Ordained Min-
istry and Cabinet are encouraged to meet at least
once per year in joint sessions with C.C.O.R.R.

^741.

Petition Number: 20089-IC-741-D;MOW, MOE.
Flexibility in Annual Conference structure

Amend ^ 741:

There shall be in each Annual Conference, includ-
ing the Central Conferences, a conference Commission
of the Status and Role of Women or alternate struc-
ture. The responsibilities of the Commission on
the Status and Role of Women may be assigned to
an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the Conference Council that cares for the
functions of and the connectional relationships of
the General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women, the Conference, districts, and local
churches.

2. ...Each Annual Conference shall determine the
number and composition of the total membership whiefe
shall consist of not fewer than twelve nor more than
thirty-six.. Among the basic members of the commis-
sion shdl may be representatives from each district
There shall may be at least six members at large... Tlie
majority of the commission shall may be women, includ-
ing both clergy and lay. In an Annual Conference where
there is not a sufficient number of clergywomen to meet
the required recommended balance, additional lay-
women shall may be elected...

[Third paragraph] At least one member shall may
be named by the conference United Methodist Women.

1741.

Petition Number: 20464-IC-741-D;NMX.

Conference Commission of the Status and Role

of Women
Amend ^ 741:

There shall be in each Annual Conferences, includ-
ing the Central Conferences, shall provide for the
fulfillment of the purposes and responsibiUties
assigned to the a conference Commission of the Status
and Role of Women by ^ 741.1 by structuring them-
selves as they deem appropriate.

1741.

Petition Number: 20483-IC-741-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Commission
on the Status and Role of Women
Delete ^ 741.

Independent Commissions

905

^741.

Petition Number: 20510-IC-741-D;NNJ.

Conference Commission on the Status and Role

of Women

Amend ^741:

There shall be in each Annual Conference, includ-
ing the Central Conferences, a conference Commission
on the Status and Role of Women (or the responsibili-
ties outlined below may be assigned to such other
organization as the Annual Conference provides
pursuant to ^707.1).

*1[741.

Petition Number: 21667-IC-741-D; GCOM.

Conference Commission on the Status and Role

of Women

Amend % 741:

There shall be in each Annual Conference, includ-
ing the Central Conferences, a conference Commission
on the Status and Role of Women or similar structure
to provide for these functions and maintain the
connectional relationships.

2. [Last sentence] In an Annual Conference where
there is not a sufficient number of clergywomen to meet
the recommended required balance, the additional
laywomen shall be elected beyond the one-third propor-
tion to bring the majority of membership to a majority
of women. A person or persons serving as mem-
ber(s) of the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women from that Annual Conference
shall, by virtue of their office, be member(s) of the
conference Commission on die Status and Role of
Women (see t 707.5 and 1 810.5).

^741.

Petition Number: 20381-IC-741.2-D;NYK

Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Amend ^ 741.2:

[Second sentence] Each Annual Conference shall
determine the number and composition of the total
membership which shall consist of not fewer than twelve
nor more than thirty-six. ..Among the basic members of
the commission shall be representatives from each dis-
frjetr There shall be at least six members at large...

^741.

Petition Number: 20465-IC-741.2-D;NMX.

Membership of the Commission on the Status and
Role of Women
Delete ^741.2 and replace it with new text:

2. The membership of the structure provided
for shall be determined by the Annual Conference.
The structure may be assigned other duties and
responsibilities, and may have membership in
common with structures performing other duties
and functions. As used in this ^741, and else-
where in the Discipline in appropriate context, the
terms "conference Commission on the Status and
Role of Women," and "commission," shall be con-
strued and interpreted to refer to the structure
provided for by the Annual Conference, whatever
named or called.

1741.

Petition Number: 20466-IC-741.3-D;NMX.

Chairperson of the Commission on the Status

and Role of Women
Amend ^ 741.3:

3. When the structure sits as The chairperson of
the commission, its chairperson shall be a woman.

1742.

Petition Number: 20090-IC-742-D;MOW, MOE.

Responsibilities of a Commission on the Small

Membership Church
Amend f 742:

There may be in each Annual Conference a confer-
ence Commission on the Small Membership Church.
The responsibilities of a Commission on the Small
Membership Church may be assigned to an exist-
ing or newly created multifunctional agency of the
Conference Council that cares for the functions of
support, nurture and growth of small membership
churches and their relationships to the Confer-
ence, districts, and other local churches.

1. The responsibility of this commission shall in-
clude be in harmony with the responsibility of the
general commission, with the following objectives...

2. ...Among the basic members of the commission
shall may be representatives of small membership
churches fi-om each district.

906

DCA Advance Edition

^742.

Petition Number: 20484-IC-742-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Annual Conference Commission
on the Small Membership Church

Delete ^ 742.

^754.

Petition Number: 20633-IC-754-D;WNC.

Eliminate District Director of and Committee
on Ethnic Local Church Concerns

Delete ^ 754.

^755.

Petition Number: 20634-IC-755-D;WNC.

Eliminate District Director of and Committee

on Religion and Race
Delete ^ 755.

11803.

Petition Number: 20765-IC-1803-D; GCAH.

Purpose of the General Commission on Archives

and History

Amend f 1803:

1. ...It shall gather, preserve, and hold title to li-
brary and archival materials; and disseminate inter-
pretive materials on the history... It shall provide sup-
port, direction, and encouragement for the work of
Annual Conference and jurisdictional historical agen-
cies and organizations by developing and making
available historical, interpretive, and training me-
dia. It shall develop policies and resources for the des-
ignated United Methodist Historic Sites, Historic
Shrines, and United Methodist Heritage Historic
Landmarks of The United Methodist Church.

5. The conmiission shall develop and make
available interpretive materials such as hand-
books, services of worship and celebrations of
historical events, training films, and other media
helpful to Annual Conferences and local chiu-ches.

S6. Once each quadrennium, the commission...

11803.

Petition Number: 20635-IC-1803.2-D;WNC.

Accountability of General Commission on Archives
and History

Amend ^1803.2:

2. The commission shall be accountable to the GeB-
cral Council on Ministries Council of Bishops for all
programmatic assignments.

11804.

Petition Number: 20636-IC-1804.2-D;WNC.

Membership of General Commission on Archives
and History
Amend ^ 1804.2:

2. The commission shall be composed of thirty
twenty members in the following manner:. ..five presi-
dents of the jurisdictional Commissions on Archives and
History, or where no commission exists or any Discipli-
nary conflict arises, a person designated by the jurisdic
tional College of Bishops; and ten additional members
elected by the general commission one person elected
by each jurisdiction fi'om Annual Conference
nominations. It is recommended that not fewer than
ten of the total be women, and not fewer than two
persons be over sbtty-fivc years of age; not less than four
of the members should be from racial and ethnic groups,
including one each of the folloyfing; Pacific and Asian
American, Black American, Hispanic American, and Na-
tive American.

11804.

Petition Number: 20766-IC-1804.2-D; GCAH.

Membership of the General Commission
on Archives and History
Amend ^ 1804.2:

2. The commission shall be composed of thirty
twenty-foiu- members in the following manner: thirteen
ten members elected by the General Conference on
nomination of the Council of Bishops, in which number
it is recommended that there be at least two women, one
young adult, one youth, two persons from racial and
ethnic groups and at least one shall be from the Central
Conferences; and teft seven additional members
elected by the general commission. It is recommended
that not fewer than ten of the total be women, and not
fewer than two be persons over sbtty-five years of age;
not less than four of the members should be from racial
and ethnic groups, including one each of the following!
Pacific and Asian American, Black American, Hispanic
American, and Native American. It is recommended
that careful consideration be given to people with
special interests and skills in the history of United

Independent Commissions

907

Methodism and that careful consideration be given
to inclusiveness, including representation from
men, women, age levels, all racial and ethnic
groups, and Central Conferences.

^1808.

Petition Number: 20767-IC-1808-D; GCAH.
Executive Committee
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1808:

Executive Committee. — There shall be an execu-
tive committee, composed of the president, vice-presi-
dent, secretary, and three other members of the com-
mission elected by it two members from each of the
three standing committees. Heritage Landmarks,
Archives and Library, and History and Interpreta-
tion.

c) Designation of Historic Shrines and Historic Heri-
tage Landmarks. — All nominations for the designation
of buildings, locations, and structures as United Meth-
odist Historic Shrines or Historic Heritage Land-
marks...Through its Committee on Historic Shrines and
Historic Heritage Landmarks the commission...

The commission shall recommend only a building,
location, or structure for designation as a Historic Shrine
or Historic Heritage Landmark... The commission shall
keep a register of all duly designated Historic Shrines
and Historic Heritage Landmarks and maintain...

d) Quadrennial Review. — ^The commission shall be
responsible for making a quadrennial review of the
existing duly designated Historic Shrines and Historic
Heritage Landmarks,. ..the redesignation or reclassifi-
cation of the designated Historic Shrines and Historic
Heritage Landmarks as such action...

^1810.

Petition Number: 20758-IC-1810.1-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

Historical Society

Amend the first sentence of ^ 1810.1:

1. The general commission may organize a shall
support the Historical Society of The United Methodist
Church...

^1811.

Petition Number: 20768-IC-1811.3-D; GCAH.
Procedures
Delete % 1811.3e.

^1812.

Petition Number: 20769-IC-1812.1-D; GCAH.

Historic Sites, Historic Shrines, and Historic
Landmarks
Amend ^1812.1:

Historic Sites, Historic Shrines, and Historic Heri-
tage Landmarks. — 1. a)...

h) Historic Shrines and Historic Heritage Land-
marks.— Historic Shrines and Historic Heritage Land-
marks of The United Methodist Church. ..shall not be
considered for designation as a Historic Shrine or His
tofie Heritage Landmark.

[Delete second and third paragraphs.]

^1812.

Petition Number: 20770-IC-1812.2-D; GCAH.
Present Historic Shrines
Amend % 1812.2:

2. Present Historic — Shines Heritage Land-
marks.— ^The present Historic Shrines Heritage Land-
marks of The United Methodist Church.. JUbrlght Me-
morial Chapel, Kleinfeltersville, PA (1968); Asbury
Manual Labor School and Mission, Ft MitcheU,
AL (1984); Barratt's Chapel... Boehm's Chapel, Willow
Sti-eet, PA (1984); Cokesbury College, Abingdon,
MD (1984); Cox Memorial... Edward Cox House near
Bluff City, TN (1968); First Evangelical Association
Church Building and Publishing House, New Ber-
lin, PA (1988); Green Hill...John Sti-eet Church, New
York City (1968); John Wesley's American Parish,
Savannah, GA (1976); Keywood Marker, Glade
Spring, VA (1988); Lovely Lane Chapel, Balti-
more, MD (1972); McMahan's Chapel, Bronson,
TX (1972); Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
(1972); Old McKendrec.Old Stone Church Cemetery
and Site, Leesburg, VA (1968); Organization of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Louisville,
KY (1984); Peter Cartwright...Robert Sti-awbridge's
Log House, near New Windsor, MD (1968) ; Rutersville
Cluster, Rutersville, TX (1988); St George's... Whi-
taker's Chapel, near Enfield, Halifax County, NC (1972) ;
Willamette Mission, near Salem, OR (1992); Wy-
andott Indian Mission...

^1812.

Petition Number: 20771-IC-1812.3-D; GCAH.
Present Historic Landmarks
Delete % 1812.3.

908

DCA Advance Edition

^1904.

Petition Number: 20637-IC-1904-D;WNC.

Amenability of General Commission
on Communication
Amend the second sentence of ^ 1904:

As an administrative general agency.. .and be evalu-
ated by the General Council on Ministries Council of
Bishops in program matters...

^1906.

Petition Number: 21374-IC-1906.4-D; UMCOM.

Responsibilities of the General Commission
on Communication

Amend ^ 1906.4:

4. It shall represent The United Methodist Church
in the Communication Commission Department of
Communication of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the U.SA

^1906.

Petition Number: 20638-IC-1906.12-D;WNC.

Promotion of Funds by General Commission

on Communication
Amend ^ 1906.12:

12. It shall be the central promotional agency for the
purpose of promoting throughout the Church the follow-
ing general church funds: World Service Fund (11012.1) ,
the apportioned funds for the general program
agencies, commissions, and funds (^912), World
Service Special Gifts (11013), the Advance (11914), ...in
proportion to the amount of general Advance special
funds received by each (11915.3), and the promotion of
World Service Special gifts shall be borne by adminis-
tering agencies (11013.6)....

^1906.

Petition Number: 21375-IC-1906.12-D; UMCOM.

Specific Responsibilities and Functions of the General
Commission on Communication

Amend H 1906.12:

12. It shall be.. .World Communion Offering Sim-
day (11916.4 and 11275.3). ..Native American Awareness
Sunday (H 916.6 and H 275.6), Africa University Fund
(1 906.2), and Mission Initiatives Fund (H 906.2)

and all other general church funds...

11906.

Petition Number: 21376-IC-1906.16-D; UMCOM,
GCFA

Specific Responsibilities and Functions of the General
Commission on Communication
Delete H 1906.16.

^1906.

Petition Number: 20639-IC-1906.21-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend H 1906.21:

21. It shall produce materials for program interpre-
tation in cooperation with the General Council on Min-
istries Council of Bishops and the general program
boards,...

11907.

Petition Number: 20640-IC-1907.1-D;WNC.

Membership and Staff of General Commission
on Communication

Amend H 1907:

1. Membership. — ^The affairs of the General Com-
mission on Communication shall be governed by a com-
mission composed of: three bishops selected by the
Council of Bishops7 and ievtf twenty persons (it is rco
ommcndcd that there be two men and two women
including at least one clergy, one laywoman, and one
layman) elected by each the Jurisdictional Conferences
on a ratio providing for an equitable distribution
among the various jurisdictions, based on the
combined clergy and laity memberships thereof as
determined by the secretcuy of the General Con-
ference, provided that no jurisdiction shall be rep-
resented by fewer than two members, fifteen addi-
tional members elected by the commission to ensure
membership of persons with expertise in the field of
communication, and two members of the General Coun
cil on Ministries, selected by the council. It is recom-
mended...??^e-ad^i#eftal-fflef»bef9-8hatt-be-n©mtftate4
by a committee composed of one commission member
designated from each jurisdiction and one of the mem-
ber bishops. Members from the General Council on
Ministries shall be assigned to the Division of Program
and Benevolence Interpretation.

5. [Second sentence] The general secretary shall
cooperate with the General Council on Ministries Coun-
cil of Bishops for program services...

Independent Commissions

909

SI1907.

Petition Number: 21377-IC-1907.1-D; UMCOM.

Organisation and Membership of the General

Commission on Communication
Amend 11907.1:

1. Membership. — ^The affairs of the General Com-
mission on Communication shall be governed by a com-
mission composed of: two three bishops selected by the
Council of Bishops, three fettf persons (it is rccom
mended that there be two men and two women includ
ing at least, one clergy, one la)fwoman, and one layman)
elected by each Jurisdictional Conference, and seven
fifteen additional members elected by the commission
to ensure membership of persons with expertise in the
field of communication., and two members of the Gen-
eral Council on Miniatrica, aclcctcd by the couneil. It is
recommended that each of the following groups be
represented in the commission: Asian Americans, Black
Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans,
clcrgywomen, youth, young adults, and persons over
si3cty-five. It is recommended that at least one of
the persons elected by the Jurisdictional Confer-
ences be a racial/ethnic minority person.

The additional members shall be nominated by a
committee composed of one commission member des-
ignated from each jurisdiction and one of the member
bishops. Members from the General Council on Minis-
tries shall be assigned to the Division of Program and
Benevolence Interpretation. In order to insure inclu-
siveness, the composition of the Commission shall
reflect the major recognized categories of church
members. (See f 805.1 and t 805.2.fl)

^1907.

Petition Number: 21668-IC-1907.1-D; GCOM.

Membership of the General Commission
on Communications
Amend 11907.1:

1. Membership. — ^The membership affairs of the
General Commission on Communication shall be gev-
cmcd by a commission composed of twenty-six (26)
members as follows:

a) Tt hree bishops elected selected by the Council
ofBishopst.

b) four persons (it is recommended that there be
two men and two women including at least one clergy,
one laywoman, and one layman) elected by each Juris-
dictional Conference, Fifteen members elected by
the jurisdictional conferences based on the follow-
ing formula: North Central — 3, Northeastern — 3,

South Central — 4, Southeastern — 3 and Western
— 2. It is recommended that at least one of the
persons elected by the jtuisdictional conferences
be a racial/ethnic minority person.

c) One member of the Central Conferences
elected by the Council of Bishops

d) fifteen Seven additional members elected by the
commission to ensure membership of persons with ex-
pertise in the field of communicationT. and two members
of the General Council on Ministries, selected by the
couneil. It is recommended that each of the following
groups be represented in the commission; Asian Ameri-
cans, Block Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native
Americans, elergywomcn, youth, young adults, and per-
sons over sixty five.

e) The additional members shall be nominated by a
committee composed of one commission member des-
ignated from each jurisdiction and one of the member
bishops. Members from the General Couneil on Minis
tries shall bo assigned to the Division of Program and
Benevolence Interpretation. It is recommended that all
slots be filled with an eye to racial, gender and age level
inclusivcnesa.

fi In order to ensure inclusiveness, the com-
position of the commission shall reflect the major
recognized categories of church members (see 1
805.1 and 1805.2a).

^1907.

Petition Number: 21378-IC-1907.2-D; UMCOM.

Meetings of the General Commission on
Communication
Delete 1 1907.2.

^1907.

Petition Number: 21379-IC-1907.3-D; UMCOM.
Officers of the Commission
Delete 1 1907.3.

^1908.

Petition Number: 20641-IC-1908-D;WNC.
Funding for General Commission on Communication
Amend the second sentence of 1 1908:

The commission shall consult with the General
Council on Ministries Council of Bishops in the area
of program matters...

910

DCA Advance Edition

12003.

Petition Number: 20642-IC-2003-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 2003:

15. ..make recommendations to those agencies and
to the General Council on Ministries Council of Bish-
ops and to the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration as requested.

18. To report to the General Council on Miniatrica
Council of Bishops and recommend....

23. ...or requested by the General Conferencer or
the Council of Bishops (see ^2405), or the General
Council on Miniatrica.

^2003.

Petition Number: 21067-IC-2003.5-D; GCCUIC.

Responsibilities of the General Commission on

Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend ^ 2003.5:

5. To develop and interpret ...the World Methodist
Council, aftd the Consultation on Church Union, and
the World Conference on Religion and Peace) , to
United Churches... We further encourage dialogue with
other organizations such as the National Association of
Evangelicals and the World Evangelical FeUowship.

12003.

Petition Number: 2106&-IC-2003.6-D; GCCUIC.

Responsibilities of the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend 1 2003.6:

6. To pursue or initiate relationships and conversa-
tions with Christian ministries, organizations and de-
nominations...

12003.

Petition Number: 21069-IC-2003.10-D; GCCUIC.

Responsibilities of the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend % 2003.10:

10. To pursue continue or initiate relationships,
andconversations and cooperative efforts with the
Jewish and other religious faith communities aft4

ideological communities in dialogue and in cooperative

CIlOFtS.

12004.

Petition Number: 20643-IC-2004-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 2004:

...to fulfill other functions that may be requested of
it by the Council of Bishops, the General Council on
Miniatrica, or the General Council...

12005.

Petition Number: 20551-IC-2005.6-D;SNJ.
Organization
Amend the first sentence of ^ 2005.6:

6. The general commission shall nominate elect
annually, according to approved process in 11813, its
general secretary...

12006.

Petition Number: 21669-IC-2006-D; GCOM.

Membership of the General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend H 2006:

1. The General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns shall be composed of thirty-
foiu* (34) United Methodists as follows:

a) Ffour bishops appointed by the Council of Bish-
ops, one of whom shall be the secretary ecumenical
officer of the Council of Bishops and one of whom shall
be from a Central Conference;

b) fettF P persons from each jurisdiction based on
the following formula: North Central — 4, North-
eastern— 4, South Central — 5, Southeastern — 5
and Western — 2 and elected by the Jurisdictional
Conferences (see H 805) ;

c) one person from the Central Conferences
elected by tiie Council of Bishops

d) fourteen Nine (9) additional members other
persons with vote selected.. .inclusive of ethnic repre-
sentation-Asian American, Black American, Hispanic
American, and Native American, and youth and young
adults.

e) Two additional members with vote...

Independent Commissions

911

12006.

Petition Number: 20644-IC-2006.1-D;WNC.

Membership of General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns

Amend ^2006.1:

1. ...Central Conferencet, and few twenty persons
from each juriadiction, elected by the Jurisdictional Con-
ferences on a ratio providing for an equitable dis-
tribution among the various jurisdictions, based
on the combined clergy and laity memberships
thereof as determined by the secretary of the Gen-
eral Conference, provided that no jurisdiction
shall be represented by fewer than two members
(see ^805) ; fourteen other persona with vote aclcctcd by
the elected commission at the organizational meeting.
It is recommended that persons elected by eaeh the
jurisdictions and by the General Commission on Chris
tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns be inclusive of
ethnic representation — ^Asian American, Black Ameri-
can, Hispanic American, and Native American. Two ad
ditional members with vote may include persons from
the other churches in the Consultation on Church Un

^2006.

Petition Number: 2107O-IC-2006.1-D; GCCUIC.

Composition of the General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend ^2006.1:

1. The General Commission.. .appointed by the
Council of Bishops, one of whom shall be the secretary
ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops.. .inclu-
sive of ethnic representation — ^Asian American, Black
African American,...

12006.

Petition Number: 21717-IC-2006.1-D; Council of
Bishops.

Organization of the General Commission on Christian
Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Amend ^ 2006.1:

1. ...four bishops appointed by the Council of Bish-
ops, one of whom shall be the secretary ecumenical
officer of the Council of Bishops (term to begin Sep-
tember 1, 1996) and one of whom...

12101.

Petition Number: 20382-IC-2101-D;NYK

General Commission on Religion and Race.
Amend 11 2101:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Commission on
Religion and fiaee Racial/Ethnic Concerns.

12101.

Petition Number: 20645-IC-2101.1-D;WNC.

Amenability of General Commission on Religion
and Race

Amend the second sentence of ^ 2101.1:

Between sessions of the General Conference, the
commission shall be accountable to the General Council
on Ministries Council of Bishops by reporting...

12103.

Petition Number: 20646-IC-2103-D;WNC.

Membership of General Commission on Religion
and Race

Amend ^ 2103:

Membership. — ^The total membership of the com-
mission shall be forty-eight twenty-two, composed of
two bishops appointed by the Council of Bishops; and
six twenty persons elected by eaefe the jurisdictions
from the Annual Conference nominations on a ratio
providing for an equitable distribution among the
various jurisdictions, based on the combined
clergy and laity memberships thereof as deter-
mined by the secretary of the General Conference,
provided that no jxuisdiction shall be represented
by fewer than two members, and sixteen additional
members to be elected by the commission. It is recom-
mended that at least few half of the six persons elected
by each jurisdiction be from ethnic groups (Asian Ameri-
can, Black American, Hispanic American, and Native
American) . At least two of the six shall be women, and
at least one under the age of thirty. Further, it is rccom
mended that of the members at large, four members
shall be elected from each of the four racial and ethnic
groups (Asian American, Black American, Hispanic
American, and Native American). Of the sbrtccn addi
tional members there shall be two young adults between
the ages of nineteen and thirty and two youth under
nineteen.

912

DCA Advance Edition

^2103.

Petition Number: 21670-IC-2103-D; GCOM.
Membership of the Commission on Religion and Race
Amend ^ 2103:

Membership. — 1 . The total membership of the com-
mission shall be forty-one (41), -eight, composed of

a) Ttwo bishops appointed by the Council of Bish-
ops,

b) see Twenty-five (25) persons elected by the
eaeh jurisdictions from the annual conference nomina-
tions, based on the following formula: North Cen-
tral- 5, Northeastern- 5, South Central- 6, South-
eastern- 5 and Western- 4. and sixteen additional
members to be elected by the commission.

(1) It is recommended that at least four of the sue
persons elected by each jurisdiction be include per-
sons from each ethnic groups — (Asian American,
Black American, Hispanic American, aft4 Native Ameri-
can and Pacific Islanders). At least two ofthcsbt shall
be women, and at least one under the age of thirty.

c) Thirteen (13) additional members to be
elected by the commission.

d) One member elected by Iglesia Metodista
Aut6noma Afiliada de Puerto Rico.

Further, it is recommended that of the additional
members at large, at least two fettf members shall be
elected from each of the five few racial and ethnic
groups (Asian American, Black American, Hispanic
American, aft4 Native American and Pacific Island-
ers). Of the sixteen thirteen additional members.. .

^2106.

Petition Number: 20552-IC-2106-D;SNJ.
Staff
Amend the first sentence of % 2106:

The General Commission on Religion and Race
shall nominate elect its general secretary for election by
the General Council on Ministries (1813).

^2106.

Petition Number: 20695-IC-2106-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend the first sentence of ^ 2106:

Staff. — ^The General Commission on Religion and
Race shall nominate its general secretary for election by
the General Council on Ministries Council of Bishops
(^813).

^2108.

Petition Number: 20966-IC-2108.2-D; GCORR.

Responsibility of the General Commission on Religion
and Race
Amend ^ 2108.2:

2. ...policies to implementand the mandate for racial
inclusiveness.

12108.

Petition Number: 20967-IC-2108.21-D; GCORR

Responsibility of the General Commission on Religion

and Race

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2108:

Reporting to the General Conference on the
status of racial and ethnic minority groups within
The United Methodist Church and on the progress
of the denomination's journey toward racial inclu-
siveness.

12203.

Petition Number: 20849-IC-2203-D; GCSRW.

Responsibility of the General Commission

on the Status and Role of Women

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2203;

The commission shall provide resources for
the local church work area on the status and role
of women.

Independent Commissions

913

^2203.

Petition Number: 20850-IC-2203.7-D; GCSRW.

Advocacy role of the General Commission
on the Status and Role of Women
Amend ^ 2203.7:

7. [Second sentence] TTie commission in its role as
advocate shall assist the local church, annual confer-
ences, the councils,...

^2204.

Petition Number: 21671-IC-2204-D; GCOM.

Membership of the Commission on the Status
and Role of Women

Amend ^ 2204:

Membership. — 1 . The policies, plans,. ..shall be com-
posed of forty-one (41) persons in accord with the
following guidelines:

a) 1. The basic jurisdictional membership shall be
nominated.. .Each jurisdiction shall elect sk persons for
membership based on the following formula: North
Central^4, Northeastern — 5, South Central — 7,
Southeastern — 6, Western — 3. It is recommended
that of the six there be two where possible the mem-
bers include at least one laywoman, tweone layman,
one clergywoman,...

b) 8r There shall be thirteen ten additional members
elected by the general commission, in accord with the
provisions of ^805.3 4&.TTie election.. .as well as major-
ity membership of women. It is further recom-
mended that such additional members shaU main-
tain a membership total of at least 10% youth
and/or young adults.

c) 3? There shall be three women...

d) 4t There shall be two bishops...

e) There shall be one member elected by Igle-
sia Metodista Aut6noma AfiUada de Puerto Rico.

f) &:ln the total membership: (1) a)- Persons over
sbcty-five years of age shall be included. (2) W- There
should be no less than four persons (two women and
two men) from each of these five feaf racial and ethnic
groups: Pacific and Asian Americans, Black Americans,
Hispanic Americans, aft4 Native Americans and Pacific
Islanders. (3) e^ There shall be at least one member
who is a diaconal minister.

g) 6:The general commission...

^2204.

Petition Number: 20647-IC-2204.1-D;WNC.

Membership of General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women
Amend ^ 2204:

1. [Second sentence] Baefe The jurisdictions shall
elect six twenty persons for membership on a ratio
providing for an equitable distribution among the
veuious jiuisdictions, based on the combined
clergy and laity memberships thereof as deter-
mined by the secretary of the General Conference,
provided that no jurisdiction shall be represented
by fewer than two members. It is recommended that
at least half of the sbt there members elected by each
jurisdiction be women two laywomcn, two laymen,
one clergywoman, and one clergyman. Of the persona
elected by each Jurisdictional Conference, at Icaat one
should be from a racial and ethnic group and at least one
shall be under thirtyone years of age at the time of
election.

2. [Delete.]

^2208.

Petition Number: 20553-IC-2208-D;SNJ.
Staff
Amend the first sentence of ^ 2208:

The general commission shall nominate for election
by the General Council on Miniatrics elect its general
secretariat or general secretary...

SI2208.

Petition Number: 20648-IC-2208-D;WNC.

Eliminate General Council on Ministries
Amend ^ 2208:

Staff. — ^The general commission shall nominate for
election by the General Council on Ministrica Council
of Bishops its general secretariat...

^2402.

Petition Number: 20091-IC-2402-D;WNC.

Covenantal Relationships in the Church of Christ

Uniting

Amend ^ 2402:

Councils and Consultations of Churches and
Covenantal Relationships. — 1. The Consultation on
Church Union and the Church of Christ Uniting.

914

DCA Advance Edition

b) The United Methodist Church is in covenan-
tal relationship with other churches in the Church
of Christ Uniting.

M United Methodist financial support...

^2402.

Petition Number: 21071-IC-2402-D; GCCUIC, NIL.
Councils and Consultations of Churches
Amend the title of SI 2402:

Councils and Consultations of Churches and
Covenantal Relationships. —

^2402.

Petition Number: 21072-IC-2402.1-D; GCCUIC, NIL.
The Consultation on Church Union
Amend the title of 1 2402.1:

1. The Consultation on Church Union and the Church
of Christ Uniting.

12402.

Petition Number: 21073-IC-2402.1-D; GCCUIC, NIL.
The Consultation on Church Union
Insert a new "B 2402.16 and renumber accordingly:

l.b) The United Methodist Church is in
covenantal relationship with other churches in the
Chiu"ch of Christ Uniting.

12402.

Petition Number: 21074-IC-2402.2-D; GCCUIC.

Representatives to the National Council of the Council
of the Church of Christ Governing Board
Amend ^ 2402.26:

2.b) The United Methodist representatives sfi4
proxies to the National Council...

[Delete existing third paragraph and replace with
the following text] When proxies are needed to sub-
stitute for United Methodist representatives to the
National Council of Churches, the General Secre-
tary of the General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns, in consultation with
the Ecumenical Officer of the Council of Bishops,
is authorized to name such proxies. Consideration
shall be given to individuals within the Jurisdic-
tional Conference pools, to other United Method-
ists residing in the area of the National Cotmcil
meeting, and to the inclusivity of the delegation.

The names of proxies shall be reported at the next
meeting of the Council of Bishops.

12402.

Petition Number: 21728-IC-2402.2-D; Council of
Bishops.

Councils and Consultations of Churches

Amend ^ 2402:

Councils and Consultations of Churches and
Covenantal Relationships. — 1. The Consultation on
Church Union and the Church of Christ Uniting.

b) The United Methodist Church is in
covenantal relationship with other churches in the
Chiu-ch of Christ Uniting.

2. b) [First sentence, second paragraph] ...five of
their number, one of whom is to be the secretary ecu-
menical officer of the Council of Bishops (term to
begin September 1, 1996), as part of the clergy
quota....

12403.

Petition Number: 21729-IC-2403-D; Commission on
Pan-Methodist Cooperation.

Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation

Add new text at the end of f 2403:

The Commission may develop one or more
Pan-Methodist coalitions to further meaningful co-
operation on a particular activity or issue. Each
quadrennium the Commission shall plan and con-
vene a Consultation of Methodist Bishops.

The Commission on Pan-Methodist Coopera-
tion may be expanded by the inclusion of other
denominations of the Wesleyan tradition called
Methodists in America, and the Commission shall
establish guidelines to provide for such expan-
sion. Before another Wesleyan/American Method-
ist denomination may become a part of the Com-
mission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation it must
have the approval of its General Conference.

12405.

Petition Number: 21075-IC-2405.1-D; GCCUIC,
Council of Bishops.

Liaison Role of the Council of Bishops

Amend the second sentence of ^ 2405:

The secretary ccmnenical officer of the Council of
Bishops...

Independent Commissions

915

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20028-IC-NonDis-O;MNN.

Healing the Wounds of Genocidal Acts toward
Native American and African American People

The General Conference shall direct the General
Board of Church and Society and the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race to work with governmental
and other secular and religious agencies to enhance or
develop museums that acknowledge acts of genocide
toward American Indians and African Americans and to
commemorate the work by people of all colors to redress
these wrongs.

Petition Number: 20033-IC-NonDis-O;WYO. RKM.

Racism Today

The United Methodist Church made a prophetic
witness against racism during the Civil Rights revolution
and we are committed to becoming a truly inclusive
church. However, the face of racism in America has
changed from the crudeness of segregation to more
sophisticated but equally oppressive forms. If our
church is to maintain a strong witness against racism
and for an inclusive church, we need an analysis of
keeping with the times.

Because of past inequality of opportunity and be-
cause of continuing discrimination against racial ethnic
minorities, it is racial and ethnic minorities who are
hardest hit by rising unemployment Because they have
been kept at the bottom of the economic ladders in
numbers disproportionate to their percentage of the
general population, they are the first and the hardest hit
by cuts in welfare, health care, education, and by
harsher prison conditions and parole policies. These
policies, seemingly racially neutral on their face, are
harshly racist in their effect. One of the most blatant
forms of this new sanitized racism is the rising clamor
for imposition of the death penalty. A large percentage
of the men on death row in U.S. prisons are Black and
Latino. This is due in large measure to their economic
inability to afford high priced legal representation.

The new face of racism requires a continuing com-
mitment and new remedies. To this end, we call upon:

1. the General Commission on Religion and Race to
develop new programs to unmask and eliminate racism
in its new guises;

2. every Annual Conference to conduct anti-racism
training programs with a list of organizations and groups
who provide such training to be provided by GCORR;

3. increased salary and benefits to racial ethnic
pastors who serve minimum salary churches in eco-
nomically depressed and dangerous inner city commu-
nities; and

4. continued UM opposition to the death penalty,
emphasizing its disproportionate impact upon racial eth-
nic persons.

In addition, we call upon the U.S. Government to
enact legislation:

1. to create public sector jobs for the chronically
unemployed;

2. to create a new and updated version of the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) of the 1930's to save an
alienated generation of youths in our urban ghettos; and

3. to place a greater emphasis on education, job
creation, drug rehabilitation, and community develop-
ment than on building prisons, hiring police, and impos-
ing the death penalty.

Petition Number: 20082-IC-NonDis-O; IWA CNV,
WNC, MSS, DKT, NNJ. WIS, and 25 other. Annual
Conferences.

Adoption of COCU Proposal

Whereas, the Scriptures call us to one hope; "one
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us
all, who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephe-
sians 4:4-6); and

Whereas, Jesus prayed for the church "that they
may all be one" Oohn 17:21); and

Whereas, despite the brokenness of the church, the
Holy Spirit works among us to break down the dividing
walls between Christians; and

Whereas, the diversity of gifts among Christians is
for building up and strengthening the Body of Christ;
and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has pur-
sued and supported the unity of the church through
prayer, study, and leadership in the ecumenical move-
ment; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has been
a member of the Consultation on Church Union
(COCU) from its beginnings, giving leadership to the
work of the nine churches in the U.S.A as they have
sought to make visible the unity of the Body of Christ;
and

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Whereas, The COCU Consensus: In Quest of a
Church of Christ Uniting was given overwhelming sup-
port by the 1988 General Conference, as an expression
of the Apostolic Faith, and "a sufficient theological basis
for the covenanting acts to be proposed by the Consult-
ation..." (1992 Book of Resolutions, p. 206); and

Whereas, the COCU covenanting proposal,
Churches in Covenant Communion, has been developed
by the representatives of the nine member churches of
the Consultation, and studied by The United Methodist
Church over the past eight years; and

Whereas, the United Methodist Council of Bishops
stated in May, 1992, "We celebrate God's call to the
concept of covenant relationships expressed in Churches
in Covenant Communion... [and] long for the day when
the covenant may be realized among us, and acknow-
ledge with joy our eagerness to enter into covenant"
(1992 Book of Resolutions, p. 217); and

Whereas, this covenanting proposal offers to open
doors to greater unity in theology, worship, sacraments,
ministry, and mission among Christians in the U.SA;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church adopt the
covenanting proposal of the Consultation on Church
Union, Churches in Covenant Communion: The Church
of Christ Uniting, and

(1) approve this text as the definitive agreement for
joining with other participating churches in covenant
communion, including the acts sufficient to enable it,

(2) declare its willingness to enter into a relationship
of covenant communion with the member churches of
the Consultation on Church Union and other churches
which similarly approve this agreement and The COCU
Consensus which is its theological basis, sealed by the
proposed inaugural liturgies, and

(3) begin to identify for itself such steps and proce-
dures as may be necessary to prepare for the reconcili-
ation of ordained ministries and for entering into cove-
nant communion as set forth in this document {Churches
in Covenant Communion: The Church of Christ Uniting,
p.v).

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church entrust to the
Council of Bishops, in cooperation with the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Con-
cerns, the guidance of The United Methodist Church
and its various agencies at national, regional and local
levels into the covenanting acts and relationships de-
scribed in Churches in Covenant Communion including
the steps and procedures necessary to prepare for the
recognition and reconciliation of ordained ministries.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church send greetings
of grace and peace in Christ to the other member
churches of the Consultation, offering prayers that we
may all be one so that the world might believe.

Petition Number: 20221-IC-NonDis-O;CTX, WVA, NIL.

The Ecumenical Decade

Whereas, women have at long last begun taking
responsibility for naming their experience and reality in
a patriarchal society, and have begun the work of nam-
ing how the Holy Spirit is alive and at work in creative
new expressions in their lives and in their under-
standing of God; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops Report: Task Force
on the Study of Wisdom emphasizes our doctrinal/theo-
logical heritage expressed in The Book of Discipline 1992
("Part 11: Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological
Task") and states the tension between doctrinal stand-
ards and theological exploration is a part of our theologi-
cal task and heritage; and

Whereas, the bishops of The United Methodist
Church are to be commended for their episcopal lead-
ership against sexual misconduct, and in view of the
continuing need for the church to address the issues of
sexual harassment and abuse arising out of injustice
toward women throughout the church and society.

We call upon The United Methodist Church to:

Reaffirm its commitment to the "Ecumenical Dec-
ade: Churches in Solidarity with Women." (1988-1998)
and its goals (Book ofResolutions, pp. 242-245) including:

1. Support for women doing theology and sharing
their spirituality: how we as a church can enable an
integrated process of study, sharing, acting, and cele-
brating;

2. Encourage all levels of the church — general, ju-
risdictional, annual conference, district, and local
church — to participate in the Ecumenical Decade by
studying the root causes of sexism, exploring ways to
increase participation of women in all aspects of church
life, and be open to ways of addressing injustices toward
women though the church and society;

3. Improve relationships with women suffering un-
der sexism, racism and casteism and support the World
Council of Churches' Women Under Racism Pro-
gramme;

4. Work for women to participate equally with men
in the decisions of the church and the society concern-
ing justice and peace.

Independent Commissions

917

Petition Number: 20222-IC-NonDis-O;TRY, NEB.

Celebrate and Support the Ongoing Work

of the General Commission on the Status

and Role of Women

Whereas, major strides have been made in the use
of inclusive language in the church; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church is more
sensitive to gender inclusiveness; and

Whereas, women, lay and clergy, have an increas-
ingly effective role in the church; and

Whereas, major strides have been made toward
equitable positions and salaries for women; and

Whereas, meaningful worship for both men and
women has been encouraged and affirmed; and

Whereas, the presence of the General Commission
on the Status and Role of Women encourages openness
to the ideas of feminist theology and truth telling about
the controversial gender issues in The United Method-
ist Church, and

Whereas, there is much more work to be done in
these issues;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church continue
the General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women and its work.

Petition Number: 20253-IC-NonDis-O;NEN.

Pan-Methodist Approach

Whereas, the Constitution of The United Methodist
Church calls for our church to "seek, and work for unity
at all levels of church life" (^ 5) ;

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has a his-
torical relationship and shared tradition with the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church, and the Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church;

Whereas, the General Conference of 1984 author-
ized involvement in a Commission on Pan-Methodist
Cooperation "to define, determine, plan, and, in coopera-
tion with established agencies of the several denomina-
tions, execute activities to foster meaningful coopera-
tion" (^ 2403) ;

Whereas, events and activities planned and held
Pan-Methodistically can work for the unity we seek;

Whereas, the general agencies need to be sensitive
to this commitment to Pan-Methodist cooperation;

Therefore, be it resolved, that a Pan-Methodist ai>
proach be given to any major event planned by a general
agency of The United Methodist Church, by the agency
notifying early in the planning stage: (1) the correspond-
ing agency in the other Pan-Methodist denominations;
and (2) the sbc members of the United Methodist dele-
gation on the Commission on Pan-Methodist Coopera-
tion; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Council on
Ministries establish a Pan-Methodist approach to its
coordinating responsibilities as given in ^^ 1004;
1005.2, 4; 1006.5, 6.

Petition Number: 20506-IGNonDis-O;FIA
Consultation on Church Union

Whereas, for over 30 years The United Methodist
Church has participated in the Consultation on Church
Union (COCU) , an effort to establish a covenant relation-
ship among several churches in order to foster and make
visible the unity of Christians under the Lordship of
Christ; and

Whereas, COCU envisions a relationship in which,
in order to make visible the "mutual recognition and
reconciliation of ordained ministry" among the
churches, any ordination performed by any member
church will include the participation of representatives
from each of the other member churches; and

Whereas, at least two of the nine churches involved
in COCU — the United Church of Christ and the Chris-
tian Church (Disciples of Christ) — officially allow the
ordination of homosexuals; and

Whereas, given ^ 402.2 of The Book of Discipline of
The United Methodist Church, participation in the ordi-
nation of a self-avowed, practicing homosexual would
constitute a breach of integrity for a United Methodist;
and

Whereas, since COCU's beginning in 1962, those
involved have spent considerable time, energy, and
money on study and negotiation; and

Whereas, COCU's covenanting proposal calls for
the establishment of local, regional, and national "Cove-
nanting Councils" which will "enable the communion of
churches in covenant," undoubtedly requiring the ex-
penditure of considerable time, energy, and money in
the future; and

Whereas, where clergy and lay people desire it, that
which COCU seeks — visible unity of Christians under
one Lord — can be achieved through ecumenical wor-
ship and work without COCU, without Covenanting
Councils, and without "The Church of Christ Uniting"
(the name given to the community of churches which
COCU envisions); and

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Whereas, where clergy and lay do not desire such
unity, COCU will not achieve it; and

Whereas, Churches in Covenant Communion: The
Church of Christ Uniting, the covenanting proposal pro-
duced by COCU, will be submitted to the 1996 General
Conference for approval;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference not approve COCU's covenanting proposal.
Churches in Covenant Communion: The Church of Christ
Uniting.

Petition Number: 20522-IC-NonDis-O;SIL.

The Constdtation on Church Union Covenant

Whereas, the delegates to the Consultation on
Church Union (COCU) are proposing a covenant for
church unity; and

Whereas, such a unity would covenant us with de-
nominations who openly accept and ordain persons
whose lifestyle is "incompatible with Christian teaching"
and, therefore, against the Discipline of The United
Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the General Conference of 1996 shall
make a decision on whether or not to endorse such a
covenantal relationship; we ask

Therefore, the General Conference not to enter into
the COCU Covenant as long as such a covenantal rela-
tionship would require The United Methodist Church
to compromise its understanding of the Gospel and to
disregard its Discipline.

Petition Number: 20726-IC-NonDis-O;NIL

Racism

Whereas, racism is the Church's unfinished
agenda;

Whereas, for twenty-five years the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race has been an effective tool
in the struggle to overcome the racism endemic within
our fellowship;

But whereas, current politically popular social think-
ing dismisses the evils of racism as a thing of the past
despite: the increase of racially motivated hate crimes;
the increase of racial/ethnic children living in poverty;
the consistentiy higher percentage of racial/ethnic teen-
agers who cannot find work and racial/ethnic adults
who have been out of work so long they have given up;
the collapse of our urban public school systems because
of antiquated and racially biased funding methods;

Whereas, if the Church is not to be a cruel reflection
of the worst in society, it must be continually vigilant
both of the world and of itself;

And whereas, the monitoring tasks of the General
Commission on Religion and Race have proven to be
effective tools in the continuing work to end the evil of
racism;

Now therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church:

1) renew our Church's stand against racism in any
form and in every place;

2) reaffirm our commitment to work against racism
by strengthening the General Commission on Religion
and Race;

3. make this the quadrennium in which every An-
nual Conference and every local congregation is asked
to develop specific programs to combat racism within
their institution and to witness against the racism in the
society about them.

Petition Number: 20727-IC-NonDis-O;NIL

The Ecumenical Decade of The Churches
in Solidarity widi Women

Whereas, The World Council of Churches has de-
clared 1988-1998 as the Ecumenical Decade of the
Churches in Solidarity With Women, building on the
momentum of the United Nations Decade for Women
and giving the churches a new opportunity to respond
to God's call for inclusiveness and solidarity and the
sharing of power; and

Whereas, the General Conference of 1988 affirmed
its support for full participation in the Ecumenical Dec-
ade; and

Whereas, we are now in the last third of that Decade;

and

Whereas, the aims of this Ecumenical Decade are:

1. empowering women to challenge oppressive
structures in the global community, their country, and
their church;

2. affirming — in shared leadership and decision-
making, theology and spirituality — the decisive contri-
butions women are already making in churches and
communities;

3. giving visibility to women's perspectives and ac-
tions in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity
of creation;

Independent Connmissions

919

4. enabling churches to free themselves from ra-
cism, sexism, and classism, and from teachings and
practices that discriminate against women;

5. encouraging churches to take actions in solidarity
with women;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church reaffirm the Ecumenical Decade of Churches
in Solidarity with Women and encourage all levels of the
church — general, jurisdictional, annual conference, dis-
trict, and local church — to participate in the implemen-
tation of its programs by:

1. studying the root causes of sexism;

2. exploring ways to increase participation of women
in all aspects of church life, including women doing
theology and sharing spirituality;

3. seeking ways of addressing injustices toward
women through the church and society; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church produce educational resources and programs
on the marginalization and oppression of women, their
struggle for human dignity and a better life, and their
creative contribution in theology, spirituality, and min-
istry.

Petition Number: 20728-IC-NonDis-O;NIL

In Support of Reparations for African Americans

Whereas, atthe conclusion of the Civil War, the plan
for the economic redistribution of land and resources on
behalf of the former slaves of the Confederacy was never
enacted; and

Whereas, the failure to distribute land prevented
newly freed blacks from achieving true autonomy and
made their civil and political rights all but meaningless;
and

Whereas, conditions comparable to "economic de-
pression" continue for millions of African Americans in
communities where unemployment often exceeds 50%;
and

Whereas, unabated narcotics trafficking and gang
killings as a result of these economic realities can be
traced to the broken promise — that each slave would
receive "40 acres, $50, and a mule"; and

Whereas, the economic gains thatwere temporarily
experienced by the black middle class following the
passage of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964 and President
Lyndon B. Johnson's Executive Order 11246 have been
seriously eroded by the failure to enforce the same and
the Supreme Court's attack, and the U.S. House of
Representatives' attack on Affirmative Action; and

Whereas, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas,
and conservative scholar Dr. Shelby Steels, have both
contended that the danger facing Civil Rights in America
is not the absence of law, but failure to enforce existing
laws; and

Whereas, January 5, 1993, Congressman John
Conyers, Jr. (D. Mich.) introduced H.R 40 to the House
of Representatives calling for the establishment of the
Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African
Americans, "acknowledging the fundamental injustice,
cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery in the United
States from 1619 to the present day," for the purpose of
submitting a report to Congress for further action and
consideration with respect to slaver/s effects on African
American lives, economics, and politics; and

Whereas, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference
voted June 8, 1991, to refer to the General Conference
Delegation a petition similar to this one; and

Whereas, no report of any action or attempt to
consider and present this petition to the General Con-
ference was ever made to the Northern Illinois Annual
Conference or to Chicago BMCR (the then sponsor of
this petition) ;

Therefore, be it resolved:

1) that we support the discussion and study of repa-
ration for African Americans;

2) that we petition President Bill Clinton, Vice Presi-
dent Al Gore, and the United States House of Repre-
sentatives to support the passage and signing of H.R. 40;

3) that the General commission on Religion and
Race, and the General Board of Church and Society
develop a sfrategy for interpreting and promoting the
issue of economic reparations for African Americans in
The United Methodist Church;

4) and that a written copy of this petition be deliv-
ered to Congressman John Conyers, Jr., House Speaker
Newt Gingrich, the President, Vice President, and Con-
gressional Representatives within the bounds of the
Northern Illinois Conference.

Petition Number: 20764-IC-NonDis-O; GCAH.

Recommendation of new Heritage Landmark

After due consideration, the following Historic Sites
are recommended by the General Commission on Ar-
chives and History to the 1996 General Conference for
designation as Heritage Landmarks:

First United Methodist Church, Johnstown, Penn-
sylvania

Wesley Foundation, University of Illinois, Cham-
paign, Illinois

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Petition Number: 20772-IC-NonDis-O$;WVA.

General Commission on Inclusiveness
of Persons with Handicapping Conditions

Whereas, the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church has taken previous actions toward
being inclusive of all persons for whom God has demon-
strated love and care through Christ and the Church in
the Social Principles and by promoting programs for
sensitizing and encouraging the Church at all levels of
organization to serve the needs of persons with handi-
capping conditions; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has estab-
lished a tradition of inclusion and outreach to all persons
through Commissions on Religion and Race, the Status
and Role of Women, and a Commission on Aging in the
West Virginia Annual Conference, among others; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church through
various boards and agencies, such as Global Ministries
and Discipleship, have promoted programs inde-
pendently for persons with handicapping conditions;
and

Whereas, there are over six hundred members of
the clergy in addition to thousands of lay persons with
handicapping conditions within The United Methodist
Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the proposed com-
mission initiate a course of study of programs of inclu-
sion already at work on the Annual Conference and local
levels in TTie United Methodist Church and in other
denominations. Programs determined to be of merit
would then be promoted and administered through the
proposed commission to all levels of The United Meth-
odist Church; and

Be it further resolved, that this commission instruct
the General and Local Church in the strategic incorpo-
ration and utilization of persons with handicapping con-
ditions. This shall be accomplished through the devel-
opment of comparable commission on the Annual
Conference level so that projects may be specifically
geared to the needs of those with handicapping condi-
tions already within the Church and those that may be
potentially included within the religious community,
and so that these projects may be a concerted effort by
the General and Local Church to this end; and

Be it further resolved, that the aforementioned com-
mission is necessary to make church members aware of
the need to accept, include, and respond with Christian
love to the special needs of persons with handicapping
conditions. This commission shall therefore be called
The General Commission on the Inclusiveness of Per-
sons with Handicapping Conditions.

Petition Number: 20895-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration For Social Action, CPA

Concerning Names Demeaning
to Native Americans

In our society today there is a growing debate and
discussion about the appropriateness of using Native
American names for professional sports teams and uni-
versity mascots. As the publication produced by The
United Methodist Church Words That Hurt, Words That
Heal highlights, the use of names and language is a
powerful instrument for good and destructive purposes.
It is demeaning to an entire segment of our society to
depict them as violent and aggressive people by calling
a sports team the Braves or Warriors. The implication is
that all Native Americans are aggressive and violent
people. This use of such names is not conducive to the
development of a society committed to the common
good of its citizenry.

In ihtBook of Resolutions, 1992, p. 178 ("The United
Methodist Church and America's Native People") , The
United Methodist Church has issued a call for repen-
tance for the church's role in the dehumanization and
colonization of our Native American sisters and broth-
ers. In light of this stand and the fact that we strongly
believe the continued use of Native American names is
demeaning and racist, we urge all United Methodist-re-
lated universities, colleges, and schools to set an exam-
ple by replacing any names which demean and offend
our Native American sisters and brothers.

Petition Number: 20896-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration for Social Action, CPA.

ReafiSrmation of the Ecmnenical Decade in
Solideirity with Women

In 1988 the General Conference adopted a resolu-
tion "Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity With
Women."

We affirm that prophetic declaration and call par-
ticular attention to our United Methodist affirmation that

— ^women's experiences, their struggles for life and
for nurturing life are crucial perspectives for safeguard-
ing and liberating the creation; and

— the Spirit imparts a diversity of gifts upon persons
in the human family and challenges us to enable all
persons to utilize those gifts for justice and reconcili-
ation in the world.

We also reaffirm our support for participation in the
Ecumenical Decade: "The Ecumenical Dec-
ade—Churches in Solidarity with Women" (1988-1998) ,
including, in particular, support

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921

— for women doing theology and sharing their spiri-
tuality in "an integrated process of study, sharing, acting
and celebrating"; and

— for production of educational resources and pro-
grams on the marginalization and oppression of women,
their struggle for human dignity and their creative con-
tribution in theology, spirituality, and ministry.

Finally, we urge all constituents of The United
Methodist Church, young and old, female and male, to
view the present ferment in theology as a creative open-
ing for the Holy Spirit to lead us in further doctrinal and
scriptural understandings.

May all sectors of the church join in respectful,
loving, and open-minded dialogue about our common
Christian faith and witness to the Reign of God, in which
there is "no longer male nor female, for all of you are one
in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 3:28).

Petition Number: 20897-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist Fed-
eration for Social Action, CPA.

Racism Today

The United Methodist Church made a prophetic
witness against racism during the Civil Rights revolu-
tion, and we are committed to becoming a truly inclusive
church. However, the face of racism in America has
changed from the crudeness of segregation to more
sophisticated but equally oppressive forms. If our
church is to maintain a strong witness against racism
and for an inclusive church, we need an analysis in
keeping with the times.

Because of past inequality of opportunity and be-
cause of continuing discrimination against racial ethnic
minorities, it is Pan-Africans, Latinos, and Native Ameri-
cans which are hardest hit by rising unemployment.
Because they have been kept at the bottom of the eco-
nomic ladder in numbers disproportionate to their per-
centage of the general population, they are the first and
the hardest hit by cuts in welfare, health care, education,
and by harsher prison conditions and parole policies.
These policies, seemingly racially neufral on their face,
are harshly racist in their effect and implementation.
One of the most blatant forms of this new sanitized
racism is the rising clamor for imposition of the death
penalty. Over 85% of the men on death row in United
States prisons are Pan-African and Latino. This is due in
large measure to their economic inability to afford high-
priced legal representation, but it is never mentioned
openly by those who cry the modern equivalent of "Cru-
cify him!"

The new face of racism requires new remedies. To
this end we call for:

1) the General Commission on Religion and Race to
develop new programs to unmask and eliminate racism
in its new guises.

2) every annual conference to conduct anti-racism
training programs, with a list of organizations and
groups who provide such training to be provided by
GCORR;

3) increased salary and benefits to racial ethnic
pastors who serve minimum salary churches in eco-
nomically depressed and dangerous inner-city commu-
nities; and

4) continued United Methodist opposition to the
death penalty, emphasizing its disproportionate impact
upon racial ethnic persons;

5) local churches to become intentionally multi-cul-
tural and to share power with those they seek to include.

In addition, we call for the United States govern-
ment to enact legislation:

1) creating public sector jobs for the chronically
unemployed;

2) for continued funding for AmericaCorp;

3) placing a greater emphasis on education, job
creation, drug rehabilitation, and community develop-
ment than on building prisons, hiring police, and impos-
ing the death penalty.

Petition Number: 20970-IC-NonDis-O;GCCUIC,
NIL, Council of Bishops, PED.

Proposal for the Adoption of Church
in Covenant Communion

Whereas, the Scriptures call us to one hope; one
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us
all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians
4:4-6); and

Whereas, Jesus prayed for the church "that they
may all be one" Qohn 17:20) ; and

Whereas, despite the brokenness of the Church,
the Holy Spirit works among us to break down the
dividing walls between Christians; and

Whereas, the diversity of gifts among Christians is
for building up and sfrengthening the Body of Christ;
and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has pur-
sued and supported the unity of the Church through
prayer, study, and leadership in the ecumenical move-
ment; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has been
a member of the Consultation on Church Union
(COCU) from its beginnings, giving leadership to the

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work of the nine churches in the U.SA as they have
sought to make visible the unity of the Body of Christ;
and

Whereas, The COCU Consensus: In Quest of a
Church of Christ Uniting was given overwhelming sup-
port by the 1988 General Conference, as an expression
of the Apostolic Faith, and "a sufficient theological basis
for the covenanting acts to be proposed by the Consult-
ation..." (1992 Book of Resolutions, p. 206); and

Whereas, the COCU covenanting proposal,
Churches in Covenant Communion, has been developed
by the representatives of the nine member churches of
the Consultation and studied by The United Methodist
Church over the past eight years; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church Council of
Bishops stated in May 1992, "we celebrate God's call to
the concept of covenant relationships expressed in
Churches in Covenant Communion.. .[and] long for the
day when the covenant may be realized among us, and
acknowledge with joy our eagerness to enter into cove-
nant" (1992 Book of Resolutions, p. 217); and

Whereas, this covenanting proposal offers to open
doors to greater unity in theology, worship, sacraments,
ministry, and mission among Christians in the U.S.A;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the following changes
be made in The Book of Discipline on the issue of the
covenanting proposal:

1. Article 5, Div. 1 of the Constitution, after the word
"Union" insert the words and covenantal relation-
ships...

2. ^ 2402 in the heading after the word "Churches"
add and covenantal relationships.

3. ^ 2402.1 in the heading, after the word "Union"
add and the Church of Christ Uniting.

4. Add a new f 2402.16: The United Methodist
Church is in covenantal relationship with other
churches in the Church of Christ Uniting. Present
f 2402.16 becomes ^ 2402.1c.

5. 1 918.2 after "Church Union" add and the
Church of Christ Uniting.

Be it furth r resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church adopt the cove-
nanting proposal of the Consultation on Church Union
and approve the text Churches in Covenant Communion:
The Church of Christ Uniting as the basis for agreement
to join with other participating churches in covenant
communion, including the acts sufficient to enable it;

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church declares its willingness to enter into a relation-
ship of covenant communion with the member churches

of the Consultation on Church Union and other
churches which similarly approve this agreement and
The COCU Consensus which is its theological basis,
sealed by the proposed inaugural liturgies;

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church will begin to identify for itself such steps and
procedures as may be necessary to prepare for the
reconciliation of ordained ministries and for entering
into covenant communion as set forth in this document.

Be it further resolved, that the Council of Bishops
shall oversee The United Methodist Church's participa-
tion in the Church of Christ Uniting and shall develop
and present to future General Conference such changes
in The Book of Discipline as may become necessary as
we live into this covenant.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church entrusts to the
Council of Bishops, in cooperation with the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Con-
cerns, the guidance of The United Methodist Church at
national, regional, and local levels into the covenanting
acts and relationships described in Churches in Cove-
nant Communion, including the steps and procedures
necessary to prepare for the recognition and reconcili-
ation of ordained ministries.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church send greetings
of grace and peace in Christ to the other member
churches of the Consultation, offering prayers that we
may all be one so that the world might believe.

Petition Number: 21079-IC-NonDis-O; GCCUIC.

Affirmation of Support for the Eciunenical

Decade of the Churches in Solidarity with

Women

Whereas, The United Methodist Church at many
levels has been an active participant in the World Coun-
cil of Churches' program. Ecumenical Decade:
Churches in Solidarity with Women 1988-1998; and

Whereas, many members of The United Methodist
Church have, through study and involvement, grown in
understanding and in faith as a result of engaging the
Decade's main goals —

1. to empower women to challenge oppressive struc-
tures in the global community, their country and their
church;

2. to affirm — in shared leadership and decision-
making, theology and spirituality — the decisive contri-
butions women are making in churches and communi-
ties;

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923

3. to give visibility to women's perspectives and
actions in the struggle for peace, justice and the integrity
of creation;

4. to enable churches to free themselves from ra-
cism, sexism and classism and from teaching and prac-
tices that discriminate against women;

5. to encourage churches to take actions in solidar-
ity with women; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has contributed
significantly to current theological reflection and helped
clarify the role of women's theological reflection and
scholarship in their document Council of Bishops Report:
Task Force on the Study of Wisdom; and

Whereas, United Methodists have participated in
WCC Team Visits to member churches world-wide in
consultations regarding the goals of the Decade as "Liv-
ing Letters" from the churches to each other, and
through such visits have been challenged to deeper
commitment, faithfubess and witness; and

Whereas, from these visits emerge four areas of
concern from women all around the world:

1. women's full and creative participation in the life
of the church;

2. violence against women in all its forms and dimen-
sions;

3. the global economic crisis and its effects on
women;

4. racism and xenophobia and its specific impact on
women; and

Whereas, the Fourth International Conference on
Women in Beijing, in which United Methodists partici-
pated, has addressed vital ongoing concerns regarding
economic justice for women, access to health care and
family planning, participation of women in social and
policy planning, violence against women, rights of
women in inheritance, women's roles in creating and
promoting peace; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church is cur-
rently growing in the richness and fullness of its own
global nature and therefore called to greater solidarity
with women of the church world-wide; and

Whereas, the search for Christian unity calls the
church to unity with wholeness at every level of its life
together;

Therefore, we call upon The United Methodist
Church to:

Reaffirm its commitment to the Ecumenical Dec-
ade: Churches in Solidarity with Women 1988-1998;

Recommit itself to addressing the spiritual and so-
cial brokenness which condemns women to lives de-
fined by poverty, powerlessness and violence;

Continue in study, spiritual reflection and advocacy
related to full voice and participation of women at every
level of church and society.

Petition Number: 21080-IC-NonDis-O; GCCUIC.

Building Bridges in Hope, Statement

of The United Methodist Church

on Christian-Jewish Relations

"God whom Christians have come to know in Jesus
Christ, has created all human beings in the divine image
and. ..God desires that all people live in love and right-
eousness...

"While we are committed to the promotion of mu-
tual respect and understanding among people of all
living faiths, we as Christians recognize a special rela-
tionship between Christians and Jews because of our
shared roots in biblical revelation."

A Quest for New Understanding

What is the relationship that God intends between
Christianity and Judaism, between Christians and Jews?
In The United Methodist Church, a search for under-
standing and appropriate response to this important
theological and relational question has been under way
for some time. A significant step in the development of
United Methodist understanding of and intention for
Christian-Jewish relations was taken in 1972 when the
General Conference adopted a position statement under
the titie Bridge in Hope. This denominational statement
urged church members and congregations to undertake
"serious new conversations" with Jews in order to pro-
mote "growth in mutual understanding." As it has been
studied and used. Bridge in Hope has served as a sfrong
foundation for United Methodist-Jewish dialogue in
many settings.

Since 1972 other Christian denominations, as well
as ecumenical bodies in which The United Methodist
Church participates such as the World Council of
Churches, have also made statements on Christian-Jew-
ish relations. Those voices have contributed to our
further knowledge, reflection, and understanding. At
the same time, we have learned much from the many
relationships and dialogues that have flourished be-
tween Jews and Christians locally, nationally and inter-
nationally.

Especially crucial for Christians in our quest for
understanding has been the struggle to recognize the
horror of the Holocaust as the catastrophic culmination
of a long history of anti-Jewish attitudes and actions in
which Christians, and sometimes the Church itself, have
been deeply implicated. Dialogues with Jewish partners

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have been central for Christians in our process of learn-
ing of the scope of the Holocaust atrocities, acknow-
ledgment of complicity and responsibility, repentance,
and commitment to work against anti-Semitism in all its
forms in the future.

We are aware, however, that the Christian-Jewish
bridge of understanding has only begun to be con-
structed. The United Methodist Church is committed
to continuing clarification and expansion of our knowl-
edge of Judaism and to strengthening our relationships
with Jewish people. We seek mutual exploration of the
common ground underlying Christianity and Judaism
as well as that which makes each faith unique. This
statement is an expression of the principles of that com-
mitment.

Foundation for United Methodist Understandings
of Christian-Jewish Relations

As expressed in its Constitution, The United Meth-
odist Church has long been strongly committed to the
unity of the Church: "As part of the Church Universal,
The United Methodist Church believes that the Lord of
the Church is calling Christians everywhere to strive
toward unity..." For many years The United Methodist
Church has devoted itself at all levels of church life to
building partnerships mth other Christian denomina-
tions in striving to reveal the reality of the One Body, the
whole Church of Jesus Christ. "We see the Holy Spirit
at work in making the unity among us more visible."

By its Book of Discipline The United Methodist
Church is also dedicated to "serious interfaith encoun-
ters and explorations between Christians and adherents
of other living faiths in the world." We believe that
" [sjcripture calls us to be both neighbors and witnesses
to all peoples ... In these encounters, our aim is not to
reduce doctrinal differences to some lowest common
denominator, but to raise all such relationships to the
highest possible level of human fellowship and under-
standing." In an interdependent world of increasing
awareness of the vitality and challenges of religious
pluralism, we are called to "labor together with the help
of God toward the salvation, health, and peace of all
people."

As with all theological questions. United Method-
ists approach the issues of interfaith relationships, in-
cluding Christian-Jewish dialogue, by seeking under-
standing of God's will in scripture in the context of
tradition, reason, and experience. In that spirit and with
that intention, we affirm the following principles for
continued study, discussion, and action within The
United Methodist Church, with other Christians, and
especially with Jews.

United Methodist Guiding Principles for Christian-
Tewish Relations

In order to increase our understanding of and with
peoples of other living faith traditions, of ourselves as

followers of Jesus Christ, and of God and God's truth.
The United Methodist Church encourages dialogue and
experiences with those of other faiths. For important
and unique reasons, including a treasury of shared scrip-
ture and an ancient heritage that belong to us in common
but which also contain our dividedness, we look particu-
larly for such opportunities with Jews. United Method-
ist participation in Christian-Jewish dialogue and rela-
tionships is based on the following understandings:

1. There is one living God in whom both Jews
and Christifins believe.

While the Jewish and Christian traditions under-
stand and express their faith in the same God

in significantly different ways, we believe with Paul
that God, who was in Christ reconciling the world to
God's own self [II Corinthians 5:18-19], is none other
than the God of Israel, maker of heaven and earth.
Above all else. Christians and Jews are bonded in our
joyful and faithful response to the one God, living our
faith as each understands God's call.

2. Jesus was a devout Jew, as were many of
his first followers.

We know that understanding our Christian faith
begins by recogni2ing and appreciating this seminal
fact. Neither the ministry of Jesus and his aposties, nor
the worship and thought of the early church, can be
understood apart from the Jewish tradition, culture, and
worship of the first century. Further, we believe that
God's revelation in Jesus Christ is unintelligible apart
from the story of what God did in the life of the people
of Israel.

Because Christianity is firmly rooted in biblical Ju-
daism, we understand that knowledge of these roots is
essential to our faith. As expressed in a statement from
the Consultation on the Church and Jewish People of
the World Council of Churches: "We give thanks to God
for the spiritual treasure we share with the Jewish peo-
ple: faith in the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
knowledge of the name of God and of the command-
ments; the prophetic proclamation of judgment and
grace; the Hebrew scriptures; and the hope of the com-
ing kingdom. In all these we find common roots in
biblical revelation and see spiritual ties that bind us to
the Jewish people."

3. Judaism and Christianity are living and dy-
namic religious movements that have continued to
evolve since the time of Jesus, often in interaction
with each other and with God's continual self-dis-
closure in the world.

Christians often have littie understanding of the
history of Judaism as it has developed since the lifetime
of Jesus. As a World Council of Churches publication
points out: "Bible-reading and worshipping Christians
often believe that they 'know Judaism' since they have

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the Old Testament, the records of Jesus' debates with
Jewish teachers and the early Christian reflections on
the Judaism of their times... This attitude is often rein-
forced by lack of knowledge about the history of Jewish
life and thought through the 1900 years since the parting
of the ways of Judaism and Christianity."

As Christians, it is important for us to recognize that
Judaism went on to develop vital new traditions of its
own after the time of Jesus, including the Rabbinic
Judaism that is still vibrant today in shaping Jewish
religious life. This evolving tradition has given the Jew-
ish people profound spiritual resources for creative life
through the centuries. We increase our understanding
when we learn about the rich variety of contemporary
Jewish faith practice, theological interpretation and wor-
ship, and discover directly through dialogue how Jews
understand their own history, tradition, and faithful liv-
ing.

4. Christians and Jews eire bound to God
though biblical covenants that are eternally valid.

As Christians, we stand firm in our belief that Jesus
was sent by God as the Christ to redeem all people, and
that in Christ the biblical covenant has been made radi-
cally new. While church tradition has taught that Juda-
ism has been superseded by Christianity as the "new
Israel, " we do not believe that earlier covenantal relation-
ships have been invalidated or that God has abandoned
Jewish partners in covenant.

We believe that just as God is steadfastly faithful to
the biblical covenant in Jesus Christ, likewise God is
steadfastly faithful to the biblical covenant with the Jew-
ish people. The covenant God established with the Jew-
ish people through Abraham, Moses and others contin-
ues because it is an eternal covenant. Paul proclaims that
the gift and call of God to the Jews is irrevocable (Ro-
mans 11:29). Thus we believe that the Jewish people
continue in covenantal relationship with God.

Both Jews and Christians are bound to God in cove-
nant, with no covenantal relationship invalidated by any
other. Though Christians and Jews have different under-
standings of the covenant of faith, we are mysteriously
bound to one another through our covenantal relation-
ships with the one God and creator of us all.

5. As Christians, we are clearly called to wit-
ness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in every age and
place. At the same time, we believe that God has
continued, and continues today, to work through
Judaism and the Jewish people.

Essential to the Christian faith is the call to proclaim
the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. Through the
announcement of the gospel in word and work comes
the opportunity for others to glimpse the glory of God
which we have found through Jesus Christ. Yet we also
understand that the issues of the evangelization of per-
sons of other faiths, and of Jews in particular, are often

sensitive and difficult. These issues call for continuing
serious and respectful reflection and dialogue among
Christians and with Jews.

While we as Christians respond faithfully to the call
to proclaim the gospel in all places, we can never pre-
sume to know the full extent of God's work in the world,
and we recognize the reality of God's activity outside the
Christian Church. It is central to our faith that salvation
is not accomplished by human beings but by God. We
know that judgment as to the ultimate salvation of per-
sons from any faith community, including Christianity
and Judaism, belongs to God alone.

It is our belief that Jews and Christians are co-work-
ers and companion pilgrims who have made the God of
Israel known throughout the world. Through common
service and action, we jointly proclaim the God we know.
Together through study and prayer, we can learn how
the God we believe to be the same God, speaks and calls
us continually into closer relationship with each other
as well as with God.

6. As Christians, we are called into dialogue
with our Jewish neighbors.

Christians and Jews hold a great deal of scripture,
history and culture in common. And yet, we also share
two thousand painful years of anti-Semitism and the
persecution of Jews by Christians. These two apparently
discordant facts move Christians to seek common expe-
riences with Jews, and especially to invite them into
dialogue to explore the meaning of our kinship and our
differences. Our intention is to learn about the faith of
one another and to build bridges of understanding.

While for Christians, dialogue will always include
testimony to God's saving acts in Jesus Christ, it will
include in equal measure listening to and respecting the
understanding of Jews as they strive to live in obedience
and faithfulness to God as they understand the condi-
tions of their faith.

Productive interfaith dialogue requires focused,
sustained conversation based on willingness to recog-
nize and probe genuine differences while also seeking
that which is held in common. We are called to openness
so that we may learn how God is speaking through our
dialogue partners. As stated in the World Council of
Churches Guidelines on Dialogue, "One of the functions
of dialogue is to allow participants to describe and wit-
ness to their faith on their own terms.. .Participants seek
to hear each other in order to better understand each
other's faith, hopes, insights, and concerns." Fruitful
and respectful dialogue is centered in a mutual spirit of
humility, trust, openness to new understanding, and
commitment to reconciliation and the healing of the
painful wounds of our history.

7. As followers of Jesus Christ we deeply re-
pent of the complicity of the Church and the par-
ticipation of many Christians in the long history of

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persecution of the Jewish people. The Christian
Church has a profound obligation to correct histori-
cal and theological teachings that have led to false
and pejorative perceptions of Judaism and contrib-
uted to persecution and hatred of Jews. It is our
responsibility as Christians to oppose anti-Semi-
tism whenever and wherever it occxu-s.

We recognize with profound sorrow that repeatedly
and often in the last two thousand years, the worship,
preaching and teaching of the Christian Church has
allowed and sometimes even incited and directed perse-
cution against Jews.

The Church today carries grave responsibility to
counter the evil done by Christians to Jews in the Cru-
sades, the Inquisition, the pogroms of Eastern Europe
and elsewhere, carried out in the name of Jesus Christ.
In the twentieth century there is the particular shame in
the failure of most of the Church to challenge the poli-
cies of governments that were responsible for the un-
speakable atrocities of the Holocaust.

Historically and today, both the selective use and
the misuse of scripture have fostered negative attitudes
toward and actions against Jews. Use of New Testament
passages that blame "the Jews" for the crucifixion of
Jesus have throughout history been the basis of many
acts of discrimination against Jews, frequently involving
physical violence. There is no doubt that traditional and
often officially sanctioned and promulgated Christian
teachings, including the uncritical use of anti-Jewish
New Testament writings, have caused untold misery
and form the basis of modern anti-Semitism.

Misinterpretations and misunderstanding of his-
torical and contemporary Judaism continue, including
the mistaken belief that Judaism is a religion solely of
law and judgment while Christianity is a religion of love
and grace. The characterizations of God in the Hebrew
Bible (called the Old Testament by Christians) are rich
and diverse; strong images of a caring, compassionate,
and loving deity are dominant for Jews as well as for
Christians. Further, there are parallels between New
Testament Christian understandings of the "spirit of the
law" and contemporaneous theological developments in
first century Jewish theology.

TTie Church has an obligation to correct erroneous
and harmful past teachings and to ensure that the use
of scripture, as well as the preparation, selection, and
use of liturgical and educational resources, does not
perpetuate misleading interpretations and misunder-
standing of Judaism.

It is also essential for Christians to oppose forcefully
anti-Jewish acts and rhetoric that persist in the present
time in many places. We must be zealous in challenging
overt and subtle anti-Semitic stereotypes and bigoted
attitudes that ultimately made the Holocaust possible,
and that stubbornly and insidiously continue today.

These lingering patterns are a call to Christians for
ever-new educational efforts and continued vigilance, so
that we, remembering and honoring the cries of the
tortured and dead, can claim with Jews around the world
to be faithful to the post-Holocaust cry of "Never Again."

8. As Christians, we share a call with Jews to
work for justice, compassion and peace in the
world in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's
reign.

Together Jews and Christians honor the command-
ment to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. It
is our task to join in common opposition to those
forces — nation, race, power, money — that clamor for
ultimate allegiance. Together we honor the command-
ment to love neighbor as self. It is our task to work in
common for those things that are part of God's work of
reconciliation. Together we affirm the sacredness of all
persons and the obligation of stewardship for all God has
created.

Jews still await the messianic reign of God foretold
by the prophets. Christians proclaim the good news that
in Jesus Christ "the kingdom of God is at hand;" yet we,
as Christians, also wait in hope for the consummation of
God's redemptive work. Together, Jews and Christians
long for and anticipate the fulfillment of God's reign.
Together, we are "partners in waiting." In our waiting,
we are called to witness and to work for God's reign
together.

9. As United Methodist Christians, we are
deeply afifected by the anguish and suffering that
continue for many people wiio live in the Middle
East region which includes modem Israel. We
commit ourselves through prayer and advocacy to
bring about justice and peace for those of every
faitfa.

Within The United Methodist Church, we struggle
with our understanding of the complexity and the pain-
fulness of the controversies in which Christians, Jews
and Muslims are involved in the Middle East. The issues
include disputed political questions of sovereignty and
control, and concerns over human rights and justice. We
recognize the theological significance of the land of
Israel as central to the worship, historical traditions,
hope, and identity of the Jewish people. We are mindful
of this land's historic and contemporary importance for
Christians and Muslims. We are committed to the se-
curity, safety, and well-being of Jews and Palestinians in
the Middle East, to respect for the legitimacy of the State
of Israel, to justice and sovereignty for the Palestinian
people and for peace for all who live in the region.

As we join with others of many religious communi-
ties in wrestiing with these issues and searching for
solutions, we seek to work together with other Chris-
tians, Jews, and Muslims to honor the religious signifi-

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927

cance of this land and to bring about healthy sustainable
life, justice and peace for all.

New Bridges to Christian-Tewish Understanding

The above statements of principle and affirmation
offer a foundation for theological reflection within The
United Methodist Church and with other Christians on
our understanding of our relationships with the Jewish
people. They are meant to be the basis of study, discus-
sion, and action as we strive for greater discernment
within the church.

Further, we hope that the statements of guiding
principle will be important as bases of cooperative ef-
forts, and especially for dialogue between United Meth-
odists (sometimes in the company of other Christians)
and Jewish communities, as we mutually explore the
meaning of our kinship and our differences.

Using the foregoing foundation and principles, The
United Methodist Church encourages dialogue with
Jews at all levels of the church, including and especially,
local congregations. It is also hoped that there wall be
many other concrete expressions of Jewish-Christian
relationships, such as participating in special occasions
of interfaith observance, and joint acts of common serv-
ice and programs of social transformation. These offer
great opportunity to Christians and Jews to build rela-
tionships and together work for justice and peace (sha-
lom) in our communities and in the world, serving
humanity as God intends.

We dare to believe that such conversations and acts
will build new bridges in hope between Christians and
Jews, and that they will be among the signs and first
fruits of our sibling relationship under our parent God.
Together, we await and strive for the fulfillment of God's
reign.

Notes

1. "The Churches and the Jewish People, Towards a

New Understanding," adopted at Sigtuna, Sweden
by the Consultation on the Church and the Jewish
People, sponsored by the World Council of
Churches, 1988.

2. Bridges in Hope, Jewish-Christian Dialogue, adopted

by the General Conference of The United Methodist
Church, 1972.

3. The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church,

1992, The Constitution, Division One, Article 5, p.
22.

4. The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church,

1992, Doctrinal Standards, Our Theological Task, p.
84.

5. Ibid

6. Ibid.

7. 'The Churches and the Jewish People..."

8. Ecumenical Considerations on Jewish-Christian Dia-

logue, 1993, World Council of Churches, Par. 1.6.

9. Guidelines on Dialogue, adopted at London colney,

England, by the Consultation on the church and the
Jewish People of the Unit on Dialogue and People of
Living Faiths and Ideologies, World Council of
Churches, 1981, Par. 3.4

Petition Number: 21380-IC-NonDis-O; UMCOM.

A Call for Truth, Fairness and Accuracy

Our Christian heritage includes hearty critique of
religious institutions, led by Old Testament prophets,
Jesus of Nazareth, Martin Luther, John Wesley, So-
journer Truth, Evangeline Booth, Martin Luther King,
Jr. and others. Their words and actions were necessary
to call the people of God to goals of righteousness,
justice and mercy. Their motives were to reform and
heal, to bring purity through the refiner's fire.

The United Methodist Church endorses an open,
uninhibited flow of information regarding its policies
and actions. The church's health depends on an in-
formed membership and the opportunity for that mem-
bership to participate in a non-threatening, responsible
dialogue with church agencies and leaders.

Given its firm commitment to fair, accurate and
truthful communication, the church today is deeply con-
cerned about the miscommunication of information
emanating from groups from within and outside the
church. The goals of these groups seem more political
than spiritual, more dedicated to tearing down than to
building up. Their tactics are divisive and fracturing,
rather than reconciling and healing.

Recent attacks on this denomination overlook or
downplay the ways God is working through communi-
ties of faith. There is a growing spirituality in the United
Methodist Church as evidenced by the tremendous
success of the Disciple Bible Study program in which
many thousands have participated. The "Walk to Em-
maus," a Christian renewal effort, is experiencing steady
growth around the world.

Today's United Methodist Church is doing substan-
tial good around the world. We are in the Midwest, years
after devastating floods, helping people recover. We are
in South Florida easing the pain of Hurricane Andrew
victims. The church is in Bosnia and Africa. In Okla-
homa City, First United Methodist Church received
$100,000 from the United Methodist Committee on Re-
lief (UMCOR) to help recover from the federal building
bombing.

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The United Methodist Church rests on a strong
foundation of seeking to address society's ills. Ours is a
communion which provides for diversity, guards the
ability of pastors to preach the gospel and affirms the
priesthood of all believers. Our connectional strengths
are needed by a world clearly experiencing isolation,
alienation and loneliness. Members deserve to rejoice
in what their church is doing.

We encourage our critics to engage in a dialogue to
make our church stronger. Recognizing the value of true
theological diversity, The United Methodist Church
calls for a discussion of church issues, using the honor-
able principles of truth, fairness and accuracy in report-
ing the words and actions of church people and agen-
cies.

The United Methodist Church recognizes the right
of any group to inform those who have common inter-
ests. It honors the idea of free speech in an open forum.
And it encourages the healthy discussion of diverse
viewpoints so long as it is conducted with dignity and
respect

To all who truly love the church and pray for its
future we say, "Come, let us together listen to the Spirit
of God, calling us to New Creation, where none are
intimidated and all are valued for their gifts, passion and
viewpoints. Let us share our pain and our dreams, that
Christ's new church may be born through the travail."

Petition Number: 21381-IC-NonDis-O; UMCOM.

Violence in Electronic Media and Film

The Social Principles of The United Methodist
Church, in its section on "Media Violence and Christian
Values," points to "the unprecedented impact which the
media (principally television and movies) are having on
Christian and human values within our society." It spe-
cifically notes the media's depiction of "acts of graphic
violence."

In November 1993, the General Board of the Na-
tional Council of Churches of Christ in the USA adopted
a policy statement (by a vote of 145-0-0) on 'Violence in
Electronic Media and Films." As a member of the Na-
tional Council of Churches (NCC) , The United Method-
ist Church affirms that policy statement. While the bulk
of the content in this United Methodist resolution comes
from the NCC statement, it was substantially revised at
points to reflect the purpose and intent of The United
Methodist Church.

Foreword

We live in a climate of violence. Violence is every-
where: in city and suburb, in mean streets and quiet
lanes, in private conversations and public media. Our
society knows violence through abuse and rape, rising
crime rates and diminished trust. We acknowledge that

the climate of the psychological violence of words, as
well as physical violence, breeds fear and rapidly esca-
lating concerns for personal security. This in turn leads
to more violence and contributes to societies' tightening
cycle of violence.

Violence is simple and brutal, but its roots are com-
plex. We know it to be bred in families where children
and spouses are abused and maltreated, where prob-
lems are met with force or threat of force. People who
are in submissive positions to authority, actual or per-
ceived, including women, racial ethnic persons as well
as lesbian, gay and bi-sexual persons, are particularly
vulnerable to violence. We know that violence may be
related to learning disabilities and chemical depend-
ency. And we know that violence is exacerbated in
communities and families living in poverty, and by the
prominence given to it in films, television and other
media.

Women often are portrayed in the media as being
subjected to sexual violation and violence. These sexual
situations would appear to create no harmful effects for
women when in fact the context of the encounter is a
power or authority relationship. The electronic media
and film often reinforce this authority/victim relation-
ship depicting it as harmless or neutral.

Violence cannot be reduced to one cause. It is clear,
however, that films and television play a role not only in
reflecting but also in contributing to a violent and mean
world.

Films and television:

Give the only information many of us receive about
some aspects of life. Frequently, there are no other
comparable sources of information available on human
relationships or complex social issues.

Model and prompt emotional responses to the
realities of individual and social life. Entertainment that
provides a vicarious experience of violence also models
a response, often one of anger and retribution.

Over-represent violence, with television sometimes
showing as many as 30 violent acts per hour as preferred
solutions to disagreements. This increases viewer con-
cern for self-protection and a fear of going out alone. In
addition , it enhances the acceptance of utilizing violence
as a solution to problems.

Increase an appetite and tolerance for entertain-
ment with a violent content, since the more violence an
audience sees, the more violence it will want. This appe-
tite for violence entails an increased callousness to peo-
ple who may be hurting or in need.

Sexualize violence by rendering it pleasurable
and/or by depicting an erotic payoff for the protagonists
who initiate the sexual violence.

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929

While films and television are certainly not the only
cause of a climate of violence, they bear a considerable
share of the responsibility; thus the need for this policy
statement.

Our Faith Perspective

According to our biblical faith, every person whom
we encounter is precious as one created in the image of
God and one for whom Christ died (Rom. 5:8-10).

Every human group — all races, women and men,
gay and straight, just and unjust — accordingly share in
this dignity.

The body is essential to the person and is created
and redeemed by God (Rom. 8:23). Violence against the
body, mind, or spirit is an assault against human dignity.
The taking of life violates God's image (Gen. (9:6), and
cruelty defies the Creator's intentions Qoh 31:13-15).
Even a slap against a cheek calls forth a moral response
(Matt. 5:39).

Human beings in their separation from God are
prone to violence. The Scriptures provide abundant ex-
amples. One person or group continually has an advan-
tage over another, and the human gift of freedom pro-
vides the temptation to exercise power against others.
When violence is the recourse, die innocent often are
hurt. In contrast to the impression often given by the
media, deeds have consequences. Violence leads to
violence in a climate of revenge, but vengeance belongs
to God (Rom. 12:19). God's people are called to forgive-
ness (Matt. 6:12).

Our response to others is one of caring for them as
we care for ourselves (Matt 7:12). Problems are not
solved through a self-protective consciousness, but
through trust in God (Matt. 5:39-42) . They are solved in
a context of community, respect, and hearing of one
another, and, where necessary, through the provisions
of the broader community (Matt. 18:15-20). Any force
needed to protect human life must be the minimum
required and carried out in this context

We are to be people of peace (Matt. 5:9). We are
people of the story and realize the powerful impact of
images. We are about what is true and honorable and
just and pure (Phil. 4:8). We are accountable for our
words as well as our deeds (Matt. 12:36) .

We, therefore, deplore the competing stories of
violence from the media that continue to shape our
society. Even in doing so, however, we know that sin
still infects and affects us all. Too often we ignore our
personal and corporate complicity in violence, blaming
others. Too often we are weak and uncertain about our
part of the solution.

After all, we Christians:

Support the media industries as consumers,
thereby helping to form their financial backbone. We are
part of the audience that media violence attracts.

Permit and sometimes encourage our children's
exposure to media with violent content. When a child is
baptized or dedicated, a congregation promises to nur-
ture and care for the child and to bring the child into
faith. We certainly must be concerned about the impact
that media has on a child.

Participate in the media industries through our
investments, and through our vocations as producers
and writers. We do not always use our power to work for
better programming.

Shirk our duty as citizens to be vigilant in the
pursuit of a common good.

An Issue of Urgency

Media violence has not abated. Movie rentals and
cable television have made explicit violence more avail-
able; CD-ROM technology promises to make violence
interactive. Network television, over the years, has sup-
plied a steady diet of violence; 70 percent of prime-time
programs use violence, with an average of 16 violent acts
(including two murders) in each evening's prime-time
programming.

We affirm our adherence to the principles of an open
forum of ideas and the guarantees of the First Amend-
ment to free speech, press and religion. As objectionable
as we find media violence, we do not believe government
censorship is a viable or appropriate solution.

We strongly object, however, to what we see as the
misuse of the First Amendment, by commercial inter-
ests, as a cover for a quest for profit. Free speech and a
fi'ee press have their places within a context of social
responsibility and a concern for the common good. We
hold media industries accountable for what they pro-
duce and distribute, and challenge them to act as good
citizens in society.

We commit ourselves to work through government
and with industry to find ways to respect free expression
while abhorring and selectively limiting media violence,
the moral equivalent of a harmful substance. We commit
ourselves also to support families and churches in their
aspirations and strategies for more appropriate media
choices.

A Call to Action

In order to be supportive of churches and families
and in our dealings with government and industry,

We call for media that clearlv:

Create community and value and develop cultures.

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Help to remove people and society from the cycle
of violence that we understand to have been broken
definitively by the cross of Christ.

Respect human dignity and seek to involve people
in participatory communication processes that enhance
human dignity.

We call for a nationwide approach to media literacy,
involving four interrelated components:

Critical viewing — learning to discern the meanings
of media messages.

Critical analysis — determining the cultural, social,
political and economic influences on a media message.

Creative production skills — producing films and
programs that create community, value cultures and
respect human dignity.

Preparation for "citizenship in a media cul-
ture"— understanding how the media work in society;
taking personal and public action to challenge govern-
ment and industry.

Our ChaUenge to the Churches

Our requests of churches are made in light of their
role in resisting hate and witnessing to the Prince of
Peace.

We call upon churches to:

Provide leadership through congregations, as cen-
ters of media literacy.

Promote specific electronic media and film pro-
grams for pastors and people that teach moral and ethi-
cal values which enhance life.

Provide assistance to parents of children and youth
about how families may utilize television more crea-
tively.

Prepare leadership, through media literacy pro-
grams in seminaries and universities, and through other
means; and to develop and promote media literacy re-
sources.

Urge the integration of media awareness and liter-
acy programs as critical components of peace, justice
and advocacy agendas.

Organize their efforts for continuity and wider
impact, working ecumenically where ever possible.

Our Challenge to FamiUes

As the primarv social unit of our culture, we ask
families to:

Monitor family viewing habits of television, film and
video games.

Discuss programs, films and media experience in
relationship to their faith.

Participate directiy in the media world through
conversations with the church, government and media
industries. It helps to let these groups know what is
valued and what needs to be changed among the media
options.

Protect children from seeing films expressly in-
tended for adults.

Our Challenge to Government

As citizens, we are responsible for our govern-
ments. Historically federal and local governments help
maintain order and community standards, including per-
sonal safety. However, our requests for government
leadership do not diminish our commitment to the First
Amendment. Keeping this balance in mind,

We call upon our federal government to:

Lead in the development of media standards,
through an open, representative and accessible process.

Develop not only regulations but also incentives for
producers in order to encourage media choices that
build community and enhance human dignity.

Review its mandated task of regulating airwaves
which we hold in common. Vigilant supervision,
through the Federal Communications Commission, the
Federal Trade Commission, and through other means,
would entail a closer scrutiny of media violence than has
been the case.

We call upon our municipal governments to:

Review and discuss media violence, especially when
making contracts with the cable television industry.

Oiu- Challenge to the Media Industries

Our requests of media industries are that they re-
examine their roles as "corporate citizens." Our expec-
tations are that they will act in a more socially responsi-
ble manner. This corporate citizenship has global
dimensions because of the extensive products our me-
dia export to the rest of the world.

We strongly urge the media industries to contribute
to the development of media standards by which we all
can live. This includes the film, television, cable televi-
sion and video games industries.

We will support these industries in such efforts.
through;

Ongoing dialogue with media management and
professional media practitioners.

Independent Commissions

931

Bringing together those who manage the media
and the consumers who receive their products.

Reinforcing a voluntary approach for protecting
children from adult material, through the film industry
rating board for the Motion Picture Association of Amer-
ica (MPAA). We urge the members of the MPAA to
reverse the trend toward the increasingly violent images
that now appear in films rated suitable for children. We
call upon the National Association of Theater Owners
(NATO) to enforce more diligently the rating system at
the box office to prevent children from exposure to
R-rated films intended strictly for adults. We also call for
similar standards from the industry producing vide-
otapes.

Publicizing advertisers of specific programs that
depict significant values of the religious community.

Encouraging investors, media management, and
practicing media professionals to acknowledge their
responsibility for ameliorating the climate of violence
and for developing alternatives to gratuitous violence.

Specificallv. we urge that churches, holding shares
in corporations with media assets, ask those corpora-
tions to:

• Adopt public and verifiable community interest
standards.

• Participate in open discussions on the development
of and us of media technology and their implications
for our common interests.

• Provide programming that promotes peaceful
alternative resolutions of conflict.

• Provide increased programming from international
sources to enhance our understanding of our
neighbors in the global community.

Petition Number: 21726-IC-NonDis-0$; Commission
on Pan-Methodist Cooperation, COB.

Establish a Commission on Union
(Pan-Methodist)

Whereas, we are followers of the Christ who prayed
that all may be one; and

Whereas, historically Methodism has had a com-
mitment to unity and the ecumenical movement; and

Whereas, we acknowledge and repent that it was
racism that separated American Methodism and frag-
mented ourselves and the world; and

Whereas, at the Fifth Consultation of Methodist
Bishops in March 1991, it was requested that the epis-
copal bodies of the African Methodist Episcopal, African
Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episco-

pal and United Methodist Churches petition their re-
spective General Conferences to authorize a Study Com-
mission for the purpose of exploring possible merger;
and

Whereas, in response to approval by the respective
General Conferences, a Study Commission was estab-
lished on March 9, 1994, in Birmingham, Alabama, and
subsequently drew up a Mission Statement under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, this Study Commission now requests
the respective General Conferences to commit them-
selves in principle to a reunion of these denominations;
and

Further, requests the four General Conferences to
continue the Study Commission's work by establishing
a commission on Union with six representatives from
each denomination with necessary funding; and

Further, that this Commission on Union prepare a
Plan of Union in order that the wounds resulting from
our past divisions may be healed, and that together we
may have a more effective witness in the global commu-
nity as well as be good stewards of our God-given re-
sources, and

Further, that this Commission on Union submit the
Plan of Union to the African Methodist Episcopal, Afri-
can Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist
Episcopal and United Methodist Churches General
Conferences in 2000 and the Christian Methodist Epis-
copal Church General Conference in 2002.

The Proposed Quadrennial Budget for the Commis-
sion on Union is $100,000 to be divided among the four
denominations.

Petition Number: 20969-IC-R159-U;GCORR

Affirmative Action

Delete the current resolution on p. 159 of The Book
of Resolutions and replace with the following:

The United Methodist Church has long been com-
mitted to the principle of social inclusiveness. That is, in
keeping with the spirit of the Gospel, we affirm that all
persons — whatever their racial or ethnic identity, what-
ever their gender or national origin, whatever their
physical state or condition — are fully fledged members
of the human community with every one of the rights
and privileges that such membership entails.

In light of that commitment, the Church has, in
years past, adopted a sfrong stand supportive of the
concept of "affirmative action." Recently, this concept
has been subjected to intense opposition. While some of
the particular policies adopted under that rubric may be
in need of revision, given developments that have oc-

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curred over the course of time, we would, at this mo-
ment, reconfirm our support for the basic concept

The concept of "affirmative action" emerged in re-
sponse to the civil rights movements of the sixties as one
of a set of public policies designed to overcome a tragic
history of racist and sexist practices throughout this
nation and to create a more equitable social system in
keeping with the spirit of the Gospel and in keeping with
the proclaimed democratic ideals of the American peo-
ple.

The specific intent of affirmative action, given its
origins, was to bring the prestige and power of govern-
ment to bear on economic and educational institutions,
requiring them to put into effect carefully conceived
plans to admit qualified persons who had been tradition-
ally excluded fi^om participating in them — ^women, eth-
nic and racial minorities, and, at a later time, persons
with disabilities.

Over the past three decades, programs of affirm-
ative action have had a significant effect in the employ-
ment patterns of corporations and public agencies and
in the character of the professional staff and student
bodies of educational institutions, private and public.
Proportionately, more women, racial and ethnic minori-
ties, and people with disabilities have found their talents
and training recognized than before such programs
were instituted.

At the same time, however, many women, racial and
ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, though
fully competent, have confronted obstacles in these set-
tings, stifling their advancement in education and in
employment. Unemployment of racial and ethnic mi-
norities remains appreciably higher than the national
average. Women workers continue to earn less than
male workers in the same or similar positions and to
confront limitations in promotion to a more prestigious
and responsible level of jobs. Persons with disabilities
are bypassed regardless of their motivations.

Despite these persistent inequities, the concept of
affirmative action is currently under severe attack. In
some locations, it has been abolished as a public policy
on several (somewhat different and not altogether com-
patible) grounds:

— that it promotes the hiring (in business) or ad-
mission (to institutions of higher education) of unquali-
fied persons;

— that it discriminates unduly against white males;

— that it has a negative impact on the self-esteem
of affirmative action candidates;

— that its goals have been at this time fully realized
and therefore it is no longer necessary.

In light of the evidence, however, (except in those
cases where policies of affirmative action have been
badly or improperly administered) all of these alleged
grounds seem specious. However persuasive they seem
on the surface, they tend to slough off or to ignore the
persistence of significant and widespread inequalities of
opportunity affecting women, ethnic and racial minori-
ties, and persons with disabilities throughout our social
system.

From the perspective represented by The United
Methodist Church, the most fundamental premise un-
derlying the concept of affirmative action is both moral
and spiritual. Concern for the disadvantaged and the
oppressed is a major feature of the message of the
Hebraic prophets and of Jesus. According to biblical
teaching, we are mandated, in the face of inhumane
discrimination — ^whether that discrimination is in-
tended or unintended — to do what we can to redress
legitimate grievances and to create a society in which
the lives of each and all will flourish.

For this fundamental reason, we reconfirm our com-
mitment to the concept of affirmative action. This con-
cept retains its pertinence as a means of attaining a more
inclusive society in our educational systems, in our
businesses and industries, and in religious and other
institutions. No persons — ^whatever their gender, their
ethnic or racial heritage, their physical condi-
tion— should be deprived of pursuing their educational
or employment aspirations to the full extent of their
talents and abilities.

Rather than curtail or abolish programs in affirm-
ative action, we should instead move toward the reallo-
cation of the resources of our society to assure such
opportunities for all.

At the same time, given the tenacity of many forms
of racism, sexism, and ableism — both blatant and sub-
tle— the concept of affirmative action retains its rele-
vance as part of an overall effort to create a more just and
equitable social system.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church call upon
all its members to:

1. affirm the Judeo-Christian heritage of justice and
inclusiveness as a foundation for the concept of affirm-
ative action;

2. constitute a model for others in society by prac-
ticing and strengthening their own affirmative action
policies whatever their station in life;

3. declare their support of efforts throughout the
society to sustain, if not strengthen, affirmative action
legislation and programs;

4. collaborate with movements seeking to insure
effective participation of ethnic/racial minorities,

Independent Commissions

933

women, and persons with disabilities in all sectors of our
society;

5. interpret the genuine meaning of affirmative ac-
tion In response to specious appeals that would undercut
affirmative action policies.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence reaffirm its mandate to implement affirmative ac-
tion programs in all general church boards and agen-
cies, annual conferences, church-related institutions,
districts, and local churches.

Be it further resolved, that the General Commis-
sions on Religion and Race and Status and Role of
Women continue to monitor The United Methodist
Church and related institutions and to provide assis-
tance in helping them move toward greater conformity
with the principle of inclusiveness.

Petition Number: 20030-IC-R178-U;WIS, NEB, NIL

Concerning Demeaning Names
to Native Americans

In our society today, there is a growing debate and
discussion about the appropriateness of using Native
American names as nicknames for professional sports
teams and university mascots. As the publication pro-
duced by the United Methodist Church, Words That
Hurt, Words That Heal, highlights, the use of names and
language is a powerful instrument for good and destruc-
tive purposes. It is demeaning to an entire segment of
our society to depict them as violent and aggressive
people by calling a sports team the "Braves" or "Warri-
ors." The implication is that all Native Americans are
aggressive and violent people. This use of nicknames is
not conducive to the development of a society commit-
ted to the common good of its citizenry.

In The Book of Resolutions, 1992, pg. 178 (Jhe
United Methodist Church and America's Native People)
the United Methodist Church has issued a call for re-
pentance for the church's role in the dehumanization
and colonization of our Native American sisters and
brothers. In light of this stand and the fact that we
strongly believe the continued use of Native American
names as nicknames is demeaning and racist, we urge
all United Methodist-related universities, colleges, and
schools to set an example by replacing any nicknames
which demean and offend our Native American sisters
and brothers; and we support efforts throughout our
society to replace such nicknames, mascots, and sym-
bols.

Petition Number: 21076-IC-R217-U; GCCUIC.

Continuing Membership in the National Council
of Churches

Amend "Continuing Membership in the National
Council of Churches," p. 217:

...Whereas, the United Methodist delegates from
each of the jurisdictions have offered distinguished lead-
ership to the NCCC/USA, and successive general con-
ferences have supported the continuing membership in
the NCCC/USA since its founding in 1950; and.

Whereas, we congratulate Bishop Mehin G.
Talbert on his election as President of the
NCCC/USA for a two-year term, to be served dur-
ing the coming quadrennium;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 499S 1996 Gen-
eral Conference of The United Methodist Church reaf-
firms its membership in and support of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.SA, in
accordance with the i98S 1992 Book of Discipline (^
2402.2).

Petition Number: 21077-IC-R218-U; GCCUIC.

Continuing Membership in the World Cotmcil
of Churches

Amend "Continuing Membership in the World
Council of Churches," p. 218:

Whereas, The United Methodist Church and its
predecessor churches have been charter founding
members fo the World Council of churches (WCC) ; and

...Whereas, United Methodist delegates in leader-
ship positions among the 330 member churches con-
tinue to make significant contributions to this worldwide
body, and the General Conference and Council of Bish-
ops have continued to offer strong commitment for the
WCC; and,

Whereas, we eagerly look forward to the 1998
VIII Assembly of the World Coimcil of Churches;
celebrating the 50th anniversary of its fotmding,
in Harare, Zimbabwe, on September 10-22,
1998, on the theme Turn to God: Rejoice in Hope,
in which United Methodists will participate;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church reaffirms
its membership in and support of the World Council of
Churches, in accordance with the i988 1992 Book of
Discipline (^24023).

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Petition Number: 21078-IC-R248-U; GBCS.

Glob£d Racism

Delete "Elimination of Racism in the United Meth-
odist Church," p. 248, and "Eradication of Racism," p.
254; combine the first 4 paragraphs of "Global Racism,"
p. 256, into one paragraph and amend subsequent text
as follows:

Racism is a system of domination in which one racial
group with power claims superiority.. .Racism confers
certain privileges on a small group of people...

Racism ia encountered whenever For example, ra-

1. Persons, even before they arc born, arc assigned
to a group, sSeverely limited limits people in freedom
of movement, choice of work and places of residence
because of their race.

2. Groups of people, because of their race, arc de
ftied Denies people effective participation in the politi-
cal process and compels them to obey policies of the
dominant group, arc compelled, often by physical
force, to obey the edicts of governments which they
were not allowed to have a part in choosing.

3. Racial groups within a nation arc excluded from
the normal channels available for Impedes racial
groups from gaining economic power, through denial
©f by denying them educational opportunities...

4. Policies of a nation ensure benefits for that nation
Ensures economic benefits for the dominant
power, while from the labor or racial groups, migrant
or otherwise, while at the same time denying to such
people commensurate participation or a voice in deter-
mining the affairs of the nation those benefits.

5. The Defames the identity of persons is defamed
through by stereotyping ©f racial and ethnic groups in
textbooks, cinema, mass media, and interpersonal rela-
tions and other ways.

6. People arc denied Denies people equal protec-
tion of the law7 because of race, and when constituted
authorities of the state use their power to and protects
the interests of the dominant group at the expense of the
powerless.

7. Groups or nations continue to profit from Per-
petuates regional and global structures rooted in that
are historically related to racist presuppositions and
actions.

8. Creates environments where persons of
color internalize and dehumanize values and per-
spectives based on race and cooperate with deny-
ing their own equal participation in societies.

Confession of Racism in Today's Church

As a religious communit^^ both as United Methodist
congregations and individuals, wWe as United Meth-
odists too often have failed.. .Too often we have not
recognized the struggle against racism as central t© in
our church's missions to the world. We affirm the use
of nonviolent action and resistance as methods to
end human abuse, injustice, war, and exploita-
tion; and that nonviolence becomes a central prac-
tice in a new international coalition to recover
from racism.

Confession of Racism in Today's Society

Within the larger secular socict^^ it is the economic
and political manifestations of racism that arc the most
obvious. Usually, it is people of color, women and chil
drcn, and those people in developing countries who
suffer most from the priorities of racist policies and
attitudes.

As United Methodists we recognize the need to:

1. Examine our direct and indirect roles in retarding
the Be partners in the process of self-determination
and development of racially oppressed people.

2. Critique Analyze immigration patterns...

3. Recognize the exploitation of the world's re
sources and people by many Critique transnational
corporations to identify areas of exploitation of the
world's resources and people who place profit before
people.

4. Demand greater corporate responsibility and ac-
countability in all organizations.

5. Demand greater responsibility from the commu
nications/mcdia industry in their role of attitude forma-
tion and perpetuation of racist stcrcot>T3cs and mythol
^gf: Critique media that perpetuates racist
stereotypes and call for greater responsibility in
the role of attitude formation.

6. Assess Recognize the relationship between

the continued exploitation inherent in the dichotomies
of north/south, rich/poor, industrialized nations/werid
of color developing nations.

7. Critique and reform legal and judicial systems
which disproportionately jail, imprison, confine and
execute people of color.

8. Support the restructuring of the educational sys-
tems to enable all children to learn to their fullest poten-
tial under conditions of maximum opportunity.

9. Support the enforcement... and governmental sys-
tem, even in the face of laws which compel such behav-

The Social Principles states that:.

Independent Commissions

935

10. Support changes in laws and practices which
d«dWly discriminate against women of color who expe-
rience both racism and sexism.

Furthermore, aAs United Methodists who have
adopted...

1. Condemn the Ku Klux Klan,...and similar mili-
tantly racist movements worldwide.

2. Assess the increasing militarism of the United
Statesr and other countries with an awareness of

which ia based on racist enlistment patterns growing out
©f rooted in economic forms of racism; the ultimate
wrong of U.S. minorities fighting in the Third World on
behalf of an elitist group of economic interests.

3. Understand the implications of Value bilingual
and multi-cultural experiences in relationship to the
face of racism.

4. Sec our actions on racism in the light of Under-
stand racism in the United States from perspec-
tives, histories and issues of Black Americans, His-
panic Americans, Native peoples, Asians, and Pacific
Islanders.

6. [Delete.]

?6. Halt racist actions Challenge imperialistic
domestic policy directed at Native peoples, related to
especially relating to sacred lands, broken treaties,
land rights and natural resources questions.

87. Challenge the inherent racism.. .and the treat-
ment of-Sie undocumented persons.

98. Examine Critique the racism of the welfare
system in the United States.

Therefore, as United Methodists, Committed to Un
derstanding and Eliminating Racism.

We affirm the use of nonviolent action and rcsis
tancc as alternatives to human abuse, injustice, war, and
exploitation, and that nonviolence become one of the
strategics for a new international coalition to combat
rBCisini

We recommend the following actions:

1. That the General Commission on Religion and
Race make known, monitor, and address throughout the
denomination the new current manifestations... held in
the 1985-1988 Quadrennium as well as the 1995 con-
vocation held in St Louis on militia groups.

2. That the general agencies, the Council of Bishops
and local congregations affirm and encourage the «se
expression of theologies of ethnic peoples, so that the
church's theology is more inclusive, which This
will fi-ee all people...

3. That individuals and local congregations be en-
couraged to explore how their invested money is being
used and to question the racial practices of those exam-
ine the practices and policies of the companies in
which they invest and hold those companies ac-
countable for fairness.

4. That the General Boards of Church and Society
and Global Ministries work to:

a) [Delete.]

h^ a) Encourage the U.S. Senate government to
ratify and become an advocate for the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination.

e)- b) Provide an opportunity for dialogue among
United Methodists persons throughout the world to
discuss racism and ways to overcome it. in the
United States, Methodists in South Africa, repre-
sentatives from the African National Congress (ANC),
Southwest Africa People's Organiaation (SWAPO), and
United Methodist persons living in the Front Line States
of Southern Africa. The dialogue will focus on apartheid
as the source of violence in Southern Africa, South
Africa's use of "anti communism" as a way to divert
global attention away from the racism and brutality of
apartheid, and the special circumstance of women and
children under apartheid.

7. That the appropriate United Methodist agencies
sponsor a convocation in the United States for members
ei urge the mass media to:

b) Examine racism in all forms of media imagery,
including the print media, radio and television
broadcast, and all forms of advertising.

Petition Number: 21351-IC-R248-U; GBGM.

Global Racism: A Violation of Human Rights

Delete "Elimination of Racism in The United Meth-
odist Church," pp. 248-249, "Eradication of Racism," p.
254, and "Global Racism," p. 256-260 and replace with
the following:

Global Racism: a Violation of Human Rights

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no
longer slave or free, there is no longer male and
female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
(Galatians 3:28)

The Social Principles of The United Methodist
Church affirm that all persons are equally valuable
in the sight of God. "The rights and privileges a
society bestows upon or withholds from those who
comprise it indicate the relative esteem in which
that society holds particular persons and groups

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DCA Advance Edition

of persons" (from the Social Principles, ^ 72, Vie

Book of Discipline).

At the World Summit for Social Development,
held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1995, nations
of the world agreed tiiat:

...an inclusive society must he based on respect for all
human rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and
religious diversity, social justice and the special needs of
vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic partici-
pation and the rule of law. The pluralistic nature of most
societies has at times resulted in problems for the different
groups to achieve and maintain harmony and coopera-
tion, and to have equal access to all resources in society.

"Racism is the combination of the power to
dominate by one race over other races and a value
system which assumes that the dominant race is
innately superior to the others. Racism includes
both personal and institutional racism. Personal
racism is manifested through the individual ex-
pressions, attitudes, and/or behaviors which ac-
cept the asstwiptions of a racist value system and
which maintain the benefits of this system. Insti-
tutional racism is the established social pattern
which supports implicitly or explicitly the racist
value system." (from the Social Principles, \ 72,
The Book of Discipline).

The plague of racism is manifested all over the
world, intensifying discrimination emd marginali-
zation of people based on their race, ethnicify,
nationality, language or caste and of indigenous
peoples. It creates environments where the mar-
ginalized internalize that culture, are dehiunan-
ized, and are denied their own identities, values
and perspectives. Polarization between dominant
groups and marginalized groups and intolerance
of "outsiders" — migrants, immigrants, refugees,
and the internally displaced — is increasing in
many societies. Civil unrest is not uncommon,
often leading to violence, xenophobia, organiza-
tion of hate groups and private militia, and ethnic
conflict.

The media and educational systems have often
served to validate, rather than dispel, negative
racial stereotypes. If unchallenged, exposure to
these images and concepts from early childhood
can contribute to racist attitudes and behaviors or
self-hatred in adulthood.

The resurgence of questionable scientific
practices based on theories that postulate that
racial ethnic persons are inherently inferior to
those of the dominant race has global implica-
tions. Such scientific research and tests which
predict behavior and rationalize the lack of educa-
tional and social achievement have been used to

establish policies and procedures that further insti-
tutionalize racism.

Racism and racial discrimination continually
assume new forms, intensified by conflict over
economic resources in developed as well as in
developing coimtries. The commitment and in-
vestment of societies in the health and welfare of
individuals and groups is increasingly disparate.
This can be seen in, among other things, the de-
creasing incomes, scarcity of meaningful work,
lack of proper nutrition and access to physical and
mental health care, poor education, increasing il-
literacy, disproportionate incarceration rates and
death sentences, dislocation of families, xmem-
ployment, homelessness, landlessness, denial of
eff^ective participation in the political process, and
social exclusion and isolation of minority and in-
digenous groups in society.

Environmental racism has endangered the
quality of life in communities where large minority
and low income populations live. In industrialized
cotmtries and in developing countries, companies
often use the lack of government controls to pol-
lute these communities, exposing the people to
poisonous chemicals. Health and safety of peoples
are also jeopardized by toxic contamination due to
the disposal process and placement of facilities for
the production, storage, and treatment of hazard-
ous materials and wastes in their communities.

The impact of militarism continues to affect
developing nations and minority communities in
many ways. Lands of developing nations, lands
sacred to indigenous peoples and colonized lands
are often used as testing groiuids for nuclear
weapons and emerging technologies. The world-
wide dependence on armaments for security has
sustained the expanding arms industry and inten-
sified conflicts and wars, many involving one eth-
nic or nationed group against another.

The colonial and imperial subjugation of peo-
ples throughout the world represses, sometimes
violentiy, movements for self-determination of
peoples as seen in East Timor, Hawaii and other
islands in the Pacific, Western Sahara, Puerto
Rico, Northern Ireland and countries in eastern
and central Europe.

Women of color in many nations suffer the
compounding effects of discrimination, oppres-
sion, marginalization and exclusion. Women of
color are all too often confronted with hostility and
subjugated by race, gender, class/status and
caste. They are particularly victimized and rele-
gated to lower paying jobs, inadequate social re-
sources, unjust laws, sexual abuse and prostitu-
tion because of historical patterns of racism,
sexism and classism.

Independent Commissions

937

The "Charter for Racial Justice Policies" calls
United Methodists to recognize racism as a rejec-
tion of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Racism used
as a justification for social, economic, cultural,
legal and political exploitation robs all human be-
ings of their wholeness. The Charter also reminds
United Methodists that racial and cultural diver-
sity strengthen the church's work toward a world
in which each person's value is respected and
nurtured. The struggle for justice is based on the
belief that new attitudes, new understandings and
new relationships must be reflected in the laws,
policies, structures and practices of both church
and state.

The United Methodist Church confesses that
it has not accepted the struggle against racism as
central to the church's mission in the world. The
church has failed to proclaim and live out the
gospel message of love toward all God's people no
matter their race, nationality^, ethnicity or caste.
Within the United Methodist community, institu-
tional racism continues to deny the full involve-
ment and leadership of members throughout the
life of the church. In society, the church has not
been a strong prophetic voice calling people to
right relationships and to protect the human rights
of all.

There/ore, United Methodists will:

1 . Continue to work toward the elimination of
personal racism and all forms of institutional ra-
cism within the total ministry of the church; em-
power the General Commission on Religion and
Race to carefully monitor local churches, annual
conferences and the general boards and agencies;
and urge all boards, agencies, commissions and
institutions to continue to include an internal
mechanism for monitoring within their respective
structures.

2. Urge their governments to implement the
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination which guarantees the right
to equal treatment before the law, security of per-
son (protection from violence), right to participate
in the poUtical process, and equal access to public
service, as well as protection and remedy from
racial discrimination; urge the United Methodist
Office for the United Nations to monitor reports
from nations on their progress in implementing
the Convention and to publicize the findings; and
support agencies and human rights groups such
as Amnesty International and Human Rights
Watch in their efforts to identify and address is-
sues of global racism.

3. Urge that the General Board of Global Min-
istries, the General Board of Discipleship, semi-
naries and denomination-related institutions de-

velop and disseminate resources, educational op-
portunities and programs that encoiu-age and sup-
port anti-racist learnings and behaviors; examine
the contributions of multicultural and bi-lingual
skills and experience in eradicating global racism;
and frain church leadership, including all mission
volunteers and personnel, in anti-racism strate-
gies.

4. Support the United Nations Decade for In-
digenous Peoples (1995-2005) which includes,
among other things, the protection of land rights,
the elimination of environmental racism, and re-
spect for their cultural identities and their self-de-
termination; and urge the General Board of Global
Ministries and the General Board of Church and
Society to develop programs of advocacy in soli-
darity with indigenous peoples.

5. Advocate for a moratorium on the dumping
of toxic and hazardous materials and wastes and
the siting of hazardous waste treatment, storage,
and disposal facilities in large minority and low-in-
come communities in industrialized countries and
in developing countries.

6. Oppose and ameliorate xenophobic and
racist reactions against migrants, immigrants,
refugees emd the intemalfy displaced and work
toward developing hospitable communities and
humane poUcies that are non-exclusionary; and
ixrge the United Methodist Committee on Relief to
provide resources and ministries to enable local
churches and annual conferences to become in-
volved in the development of such conununities.

7. Facilitate the full participation of groups
marginalized because of their race in all aspects of
the poUtical, economic, social, religious and cul-
tural life of our societies and in the economic
progress and social development of our countries;
recognize and respect people of different racial,
etiinic, linguistic, national, and caste backgrounds
and protect the rights of those persons and
groups; and lu^e general boards, agencies, com-
missions and the Council of Bishops to continue
to engage United Methodists in ministries which
promote the above.

8. Support the World Council of Churches
Programme to Combat Racism and consider fi-
nancial support for its "Special Fund to Combat
Racism"; and urge all general boards and agencies
to support the World Coimcil of Churches Pro-
gramme to Combat Racism and its "Special Fund
to Combat Racism."

9. Advocate for the elimination of stereotyping
of racial, ethnic and indigenous groups in print
and mass media; affirm the right of all peoples to
originate information about themselves, their own

938

DCA Advance Edition

cultures and their own perceptions; affirm the right
of all peoples to access to the means of communi-
cations; and urge United Methodist Communica-
tions to monitor their own productions and engage
producers of mass media in dialogue to encoureige
the elimination of stereotypes and the inclusion of
multicultural perspectives in their products.

10. Use the full resources of United Methodist
structures to support public and corporate poli-
cies designed to eliminate racism and redress its
past and present effects.

11. Work in coalition with secular groups to
monitor and actively combat the activities of hate
groups, extremist groups and militias in the
United States and other parts of the world.

Petition Number: 21604-IC-R248-U; GCORR.

Elimination of Racism in The United Methodist
Church

Delete the currrent resolution and replace with the
following:

Elimination of Racism in The United Method-
ist Church

Whereas, the General Commission on Religion
and Race has identified the persistent presence of
racism within our lives and within local churches,
annual conferences, jurisdictional structure, gen-
eral agencies, seminaries, and other institutions,
as one of the underlying causes for the inability of
the denomination to become the true community
of shalom; and

Whereas, we profess an understanding of the
will of God and a willingness to surrender our lives
to Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, we realize the necessity to engage
regularly in events/activities which will enable us
to grow toward Christ-like perfection;

Therefore, the General Commission on Religion and
Race petitions:

1. That the 1996 General Conference calls on
all local churches, districts, zmnual conferences,
jurisdictional structures, seminaries, general
agencies, institutions, and the Council of Bishops
to make the eradication of racism a priority in all
of their agendas and to commit themselves to the
eradication of racism — attitudinal, behavioral, cul-
tural, and institutional.

2. That all local churches, districts, annual
conferences, jurisdictional structures, seminar-
ies, general agencies and institutions develop a
clear AflBrmative Action policy with goals and time

lines so as to insure and reflect the rich racial and
ethnic diversity of the United Methodist Church.

3. That all local congregations, districts, an-
nual conferences, jiuisdictional structures, gen-
eral agencies, seminaries, and institutions exam-
ine and re-write as needed policies, practices and
procedures in order to ensure the full participa-
tion and contribution of racial-ethnic minority per-
sons within the life of the denomination.

4. That all local congregations, districts and
annual conferences through the work areas on
religion and race, district directors of religion and
race and conference commissions on religion and
race provide on-going opportunities for cross-ra-
cial and inter-ethnic dialogue.

5. That the annual conferences. Colleges of
Bishops and seminaries of the North Central Ju-
risdiction, Northeastern Jiuisdiction and South
Central Jurisdiction participate in the General
Commission's Anti-Racism Training Program dur-
ing the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

6. That the district boards, annual conference
boards and agencies, jurisdictional boards and
agencies, general agencies, seminaries, denomi-
nation-related institutions, and the Council of
Bishops provide for their staff and members of
their policy-making organizations skills training in
interpersonal communication and inter-cultural
communication.

7. That on or before August 1, 1999, annual
conferences, jiuisdictional structures, general
agencies, seminaries, denomination-related insti-
tutions report to the General Commission on Re-
ligion and Race the status of their efforts to eradi-
cate the sin of racism.

Petition Number: 21605-IC-R256-U; GCORR.

Global Racism

Revise recommendations number 1 and number 7
and delete recommendations 4a and 4b.

Global Racism

We recommend the following actions:

1. That the General Commission on Religion
and Race monitor, address and make known
throughout the denomination those deeply rooted
manifestations of racism, both old and new, that
still contradict the principles of racial justice to
which the United Methodist Chiu-ch has long been
committed.

7. That United Methodist Communications and
related bodies consult together in planning and

Independent Commissions

939

implementing a process to provide that members of
the mass media in the United States examine ra-
cism in reporting, both in and outside the United
States, and examine racism in advertising.

Petition Number: 21606-IC-R346-U; GCORR.

A Program to Emphasize Inclusiveness in All
Dimensions of the Church

Delete the current resolution and replace it with the
following new text:

Program to Emphasize Inclusiveness in All
Dimensions of the Church

A door of opportunity has been opened to the
United Methodist Church — the opportunity to
consoUdate endeavors to discern the barriers to
racial and cultural inclusiveness. Many annual
conferences responded to the action of the 1992
General Conference calling upon annual confer-
ences to develop "programs to emphasize inclu-
siveness in all dimensions of the church". How-
ever, many annual conferences have not yet
responded to that call.

In recognition of the need to plan in order to
implement intentions to be inclusive, the 1996
General Conference reaffirms the commitment
that each annual conference, led by the bishop
and cabinet, develop comprehensive programs
that place fresh emphasis upon inclusive - cul-
tural, racial, lingual, gender - throughout the life
and ministry of The United Methodist Church.

These plans should provide that strategies
similar to those outiined in the resolution adopted
in 1992 continue:

a. that this program include a conference wide
enlistment and recruitment program that seeks
clergy and laity who will give themselves to cross-
racial and cross-cultural appointments, to begin
new Sunday schools and congregations among
poor people and people of color.

b. that the program include a determined ef-
fort to enlist and recruit some of the most compe-
tent, experienced pastors for such cross-racial
and cross-cultural appointments rather than sim-
ply enlisting the newest clergy.

c. that the General Conference make it possi-
ble for the bishop to appoint tentmaker clergy who
will not obligate the conference in salary or pen-
sion to be appointed to start new congregations or
strengthen existing congregations.

d. that this "inclusive" emphasis include ask-
ing and actively encouraging all multi-sta£f congre-

gations to deliberately make their staffs inclusive in
terms of gender, race and ethnicity.

e. that goals and strategies be established in
each conference so that cross-racial and cross-cul-
tural appointments become normative for the con-
ference and one of the essential ways in which the
conference engages in the mission of Christ.

f. that the program include experiences for the
conference lay and clergy leadership that increase
their knowledge and understanding of all the peo-
ple and cultures who reside within the borders of
the conference.

g. that this conference program include pro-
grams for children and youth, such as "multicul-
tiu-al camps," human relations conferences/semi-
nars, and various kinds of work camps.

h. that the conference program include the
enlisting and recruitment of young adults to be-
come "people in mission" who work on a subsis-
tence basis or pay their own way.

i. that this program enable the establishment
of new congregations - rural, suburban and lu'ban
- in town and coimtry.

j. that this program will encourage diversity in
styles and kinds of ministries, in worship styles,
in language and thought forms in order to enable
the gospel and The United Methodist Church
again to have impact on working-class people, the
poor, people of color, and other target groups of
people.

k. that this program make appointments of
"tentmaker" clergy to ministries of justice and
peace, to ministries of prevention and rehabilita-
tion in drug abuse and to children and young
people caught in the spiraling crisis of drugs, vio-
lence, racism and poverty.

1. That each conference program will include
assisting local congregations and pastors in shar-
ing facilities situations to develop an "inclusive"
model for the congregation, even though worship
services occur in several languages, and in elimi-
nating the "landlord-tenant" model of relation-
ships.

m. That the program include a provision that
we will no longer seU chixrch buildings in the
urban areas to churches of otiier denominations
but will instead place "tentmaker" clergy and laity
in those situations, assisting them in finding the
way to create a new people in that place for mis-
sion to the people in that community.

n. That the conference program will include a
major training and additional skills strategy, using

940

DCA Advance Edition

pastors' schools, annual conference sessions, and
United Methodist theological schools (where a
United Methodist seminary is not within the
bounds of the conference or area, the conference
should enlist schools of other denominations) to
create resotu-ces for the inclusive ministry and to
empower conference clei^ and laity.

o. That this conference program also include
an effort to develop what Black Methodists for
Chm-ch Renewal calls "outrageous ministries," in-
novative ministries in tu-ban, suburban, and rural
areas so that an unfettered gospel can do the work
of the Crucified and Risen One.

Fiuther, that as annual conferences continue
to revise and perfect their inclusiveness pro-
grams, that special attention be given to the follow-
ing points of concentration:

a. That Comprehensive Plans for Racial Ethnic
Ministries be reviewed, revised and implemented.
Further, that the Comprehensive Plans incorpo-
rate the two national plans adopted by the 1992
General Conference, the National Plan for His-
panic Ministries and the Native American Com-
prehensive Plan, and other plans for racial ethnic
ministries that may be approved by the 1996 Gen-
eral Conference.

b. That bishops and cabinets design specific
strategies with time lines to make cross-racial and
cross-cultural appointments the norm rather than
the exception. That these strategies include
preparation of pastors, congregations and Pastor-
Parish Relations Committees before an appoint-
ment is made and provisions for support for pas-
tors and congregations in cross-racial and
cross-cultural appointments.

c. That annual conference leaders at all lev-
els— local church, district, conference, bishops
and cabinets — seek ways to enhance their skills in
the areas of interpersonal communication, cross-
cidtural communication, and conflict memage-
ment and resolution. The General Commission
on Religion and Race may be consulted for re-
sources.

d. That Councils on Ministries provide oppor-
timities for on-going dialogue — cross-racial, cross-
cultural, inter-ethnic, cross-gender — at all levels
of the conference about what it means to be the
inclusive church.

e. That annual conferences, seminaries and
United Methodist-related colleges and universi-
ties participate in the General Commission's Na-

tional Convocation on the Inclusive Church to be
held during the 1997-2000 quadrennixun, the con-
cept of which is underconsideration by the Council
of Bishops.

f. That each annual conference report to the
General Commission on Religion and Race on its
progress by July 1, 1998.

g. That each annual conference report to the
General Conference in 2000 on its program and
progress. That these reports come through the
report of the General Commission on Religion and
Race.

Petition Number: 20383-IC-R581-U;NYK, NNY.
Holy Land Tours

Add new text at the end of "Holy Land Tours," TTje
Book of Resolutions, p. 581:

G) Extends sincere appreciation to those
United Methodists who have facilitated the imple-
mentation of the above recommendation in tours
they have sponsored or participated in dtuing the
first quadrennium following the adoption of this
resolution;

H) Expresses deep concern that many tours
sponsored or arranged by United Methodist bish-
ops, pastors, and laity are being conducted with-
out the recommended program time for contact
with indigenous Christians and for exploration of
the present-day crisis of Palestinian self-determi-
nation;

I) Underscores the special responsibility of
United Methodist bishops and other organizers of
Holy Land toiu-s for United Methodists, particu-
larly those arranged tiu-ough Educational Oppor-
tunities, Inc., to adhere to these recommenda-
tions; and

J) Encom-ages Tour leaders to consult with
General Bosard of Global Ministries located in the
Holy Land, particularly the United Methodist liai-
son in Jerusalem, in order to facilitate adherence
to these recommendations; and

K) Instructs the General Board of Global Min-
istries to monitor and report to the General Con-
ference regarding the implementation of this reso-
lution.

DCA Advance Edition

Local Church

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

1101.

Petition Number: 20241-LC-101-D;WPA, SGA, WMI,
NTX.

The Mission of tiie Church

Delete % 101.

^101.

Petition Number: 20244-LC-101-D;WPA, SGA, WMI,
NTX,RKM.

The Mission and Ministiy of tiie Church

Add a new ^ 101:

I. The Mission

The mission of the Church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ

Rationale for Our Mission

Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19-20 provide
the Church with our mission: "Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that
I have commanded you."

This mission is part of God's larger work in the
world. God seeks to restore human beings and eill
creation to the goodness which God intends.
God's grace is active everywhere, at all times, car-
lying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible. It
is expressed in God's covenant with Abraham and
Sarah, in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and in
the ministry of the prophets. It is fiilly embodied in
die life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It
is experienced in the ongoing creation of a new peo-
ple by the Holy Spirit

Whenever United Methodism has had a clear
sense of mission, God has used our Church to
save persons, heal relationships, and transform
social structures, thereby changing the world. In
order to be truly alive, we embrace Jesus' mandate
to make disciples of all peoples.

The Process for Carrying Out Oiu" Mission

We make disciples as we:

— proclaim the gospel, seek, welcome and
gather persons into the Bo^ of Christ

— lead persons to commit their lives to God
through Jesus Christ;

— nurture persons in Christian living through
worship, baptism, communion, Bible study,
prayer, and other means of grace;

— send persons into the world to live lovingly
and justly as disciples by healing the sick, feeding
the hungry, caring for the stranger, and freeing the
oppressed; and

— continue the mission of seeking, welcoming
and gathering persons into the commiuiity of the
Body of Christ

The Church fulfills its global mission through
the Spirit-given ministries of aU Christians, both
lay and clergy. Faithfulness and effectiveness de-
mand that all ministries in the Church be shaped
by the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ

1101.

Petition Number: 21081-LC-lOl-D; GCCUIC.
The Churches
Amend Part IV, Section I:
Section I. The Churches.

942

DCA Advance Edition

^101.

Petition Number: 21636-LC-lOl-D; GCOM.

The Churches

Amend ^I 101:

From the beginning, God has dealt with the human
family through covenants: with Adam and Eve, Noah,
Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, Moses; with Deborah, Rathr
and Jeremiah and other prophets.. ..In the new covenant
in Christ, yet another community of hope faith, the
Church, was called out and gathered up, with the same
promise and condition renewed in fulfillment of the
original promise that all who believe and obey shall be
saved and made ministers of Christ's righteousness.
Jehft Wesley, Otterbein and ©«f other spiritual fore-
bears...

^102.

Petition Number: 20242-LC-102-D;WPA, SGA, WMI,
NTX,RKM.

The Ministry of all Christians

Delete % 102.

^102.

Petition Number: 21637-LC-102-D; GCOM.

^103.

Petition Number: 21638-LC-103-D; GCOM.

The Churches

Amend f 102:

The biblical story is marred by disregarded cove-
nants and disrupted moral order, by sin and rebellion,
with the resulting tragedies of alienation, oppression,
and disorder, and spiritual death. In the gospel of the
new covenant, God in Christ has provided a new basis
for reconciliation: justification by grace through faith
and birth into a new life in the Holy Spirit This gift,
marked by growth toward wholeness of life, is revealed
and made possible in Christ, ...

^103.

Petition Number: 20243-LC-103-D;WPA. SGA, WMI,
NTX,RKM.

The Churches

Delete ^103.

The Churches

Amend ^ 103:

God's self-revelation in the life, death, and resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ summons the Church to ministry in
the world through witness by word and deed in light of
the Church's mission. The visible Church of Jesus
Christ as a faithful community of persons called to faith
and obedience affirms the worth of all humanity and
the value of interrelationship with m all of God's crea-
tion.

In the midst of a sinful world, through the grace of
God, we- persons are brought to repentance and saving
faith in Jesus Christ. We They become aware of the
presence and life-giving power of God's Holy Spirifc-We
and live in confident expectation of the ultimate fulfill-
ment of God's purpose.

We The people of God are called together for
worship and fellowship and for the upbuilding of the
Christian community. We They advocate and work for
the unity of the Christian Churchr and call persons iftt©
to discipleship.

As servants of Christ ^ve God's people are sent into
the world to engage in the struggle for justice and
reconciliation. We They seek to reveal bear witness to
the love of God for men, women, and children of all
ethnic, racial, cultural, and national backgrounds and to
demonstrate share the healing power of the gospel with
those who suffer.

^105.

Petition Number: 21425-LC-105-D; GBOD.

TTie General Ministry of all Christian Believers

Amend the fourth sentence of ^ 105:

Beyond the diverse forms of ministry is this ultimate
concern: that men and women all persons may be
renewed...

^105.

Petition Number: 21639-LC-105-D; GCOM.

The General Ministry of All Christian Believers

Amend the fourth sentence of ^ 105:

Beyond the diverse forms of ministry is this ultimate
concern: that men, aft4 women, and children will be
brought into a saving relationship with God
through Jesus Christ and may be renewed after the
image of their Creator. (Colossians 3:10).

Local Church

943

^107.

PeUtion Number: 21640-LC-107-D; GCOM.

The General Ministry of All Christian Believers

Amend the second sentence of ^ 107:

The people of God, who are the Church made
visible in the world,. It is they who...

^112.

Petition Number: 21641-LC-112-D; GCOM.

The Journey of a Connectional People
Amend ^ 112:

1. ...Methodists everywhere have embraced the
idea that as a people of faith we they journey together...

2. [Third paragraph] It is important to note that ¥p^
United Metfiodists are not a connectional people.. .The
evolution of our polity has, however, been a natural
rcaponac to these elements in our background and they
continue to inform and direct our efforts. United Meth-
odist Connectional polity has its theological roots
in understanding scripture, tradition, experience
and reason. This heritage continues to inform and
direct the denomination.

3. TJte Principle Itself. — Let us simply state the con-
nectional principle and its essential ingredients:

The United Methodist connectional principle; —
bom out of our historical tradition, many biblical roots,
and accepted theological ideas? — is the basic form of
©w United Methodist polity, the way in by which
people yfe carry out God's mission as a people...

It declares that our an identity is in our of whole-
ness together in Christ that with each part ta vital to the
whole, that our and a mission is more effectively carried
out by a connectional life which incorporates Wesleyan
zeal into the life of the people.

b) Memory. — ^The principle provides continued re-
membrance of the story of our heritage as United Meth-
odist Christians in order that we persons might share
more meaningfully in the experience and the mission of
the universal Church. As ¥^ United Methodists know
and share the common story of ©tH= their faith journey,
©ttf their witness to the world is strengthened.

c) Community. — ^The principle provides for relation-
ships of Holy Spirit-empowered community wherein in
\diich support,.. .Ottf Llife together, with its mutual ac-
countability and relationships, keeps tts United Meth-
odists ever alert to being faithful to the gospel in all our
efforts. Through it..

d) [Last sentence] Oar Mutual acceptance of a
disciplined life...

g) Linkage. — ^The principle provides an interde-
pendent network of gathering points which brings «a
people together in various ways to carry out ©af a
shared mission. In these "conferring" experiences we all
persons celebrate together and together lay out ew a
strategy for sharing...

4. Affirmation and Stress. — As United Methodist
people we celebrate the fact that connectionalism has
served us well in our mission and ministry well, and we
they affirm its the central place of the connection in
e«f their life together. At the same time we rccognigc
there are stresses that must be addressed if the connec-
tional principle is to continue to serve tts well in the
future.. ..to be able to live in the new days ahead of us
with freshness and new commitment.

5. Tlie Challenge. — Now we United Methodists
have the special opportunity to take this way of doing
mission and ministry and to use it effectively in accom-
plishing ©ttf their goals as a Church. We They have a
unique avenue for witnessing and reaching out with the
good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to the end that
the people of the world will indeed be reformed saved.
The connectional principle should be interpreted to all
ew United Methodist people in new and fresh ways
and lifted up with enthusiasm as an effective instrument
in ©tjf an efforts to bring the creation world as we know
it closer in into closer harmony...

^113.

Petition Number: 21642-LC-113-D; GCOM.

Called to Inclusiveness

Amend the first sentence of % 113:

We The People of God recognize that God made
all creation and saw that it was good.

^114.

Petition Number: 21595-LC-114-D; GCFA.

Employment Status of Clergy

Add a new ^ following existing ^ 114:

Employment Status of Clergy. — Ministry in the
Christian Chtirch is derived from the ministry of
Christ (^401). Jesus makes it clear to us that he
is a shepherd and nota hireling (John 10:11-15).
Similarty, United Methodist pastors appointed to
local churches are not employees of those
chxwches. It is recognized that for certain limited
purposes, such as taxation, benefits, insujrance,
governments and other entities may classify clergy
as employees. Such classifications are not to be
construed as afTecting or defining United Method-
ist poUty, including the historic covenants that
bind annual conferences, clergy and congrega-
tions, episcopal appointive powers and proce-

944

DCA Advance Edition

dures, or other principles set forth in the Constitu-
tion or The Book of Discipline (see e.g. , f^ 401; 422-
423; 437; 439). In addition, any such
classifications should be accepted only for limited
piuposes, as set forth above, and with the full
recognition and acknowledgement that it is the
responsibiUty of the clergy to be God's servants.

^201.

Petition Number: 20223-LC-201-D;SGA, NTX.

The Mission of the Church

Insert the following preface before "2201:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
for Jesus Christ (see ^101). Local churches pro-
vide the most significant arena through which dis-
ciple-making occurs.

^206.

Petition Number: 20901-LC-206.2-D; United Methodist
Appalachian Development Committee, Hagerstown,
MD.

Cooperative Parish Ministries

Amend ^ 206:

2. [Next to last sentence] A superintendent or con-
ference director of parish development may shall be
appointed to work with the Cabinet(s) and other ap-
propriate agencies in the implementation of these
ministries in a conference or an area. In addition, district
superintendents shall submit to the director of parish
development recommendations annually...

4. [Delete existing text] Each general board and
agency shall arrange for its directors and staff to
be trained in cooperative ministry concepts to bet-
ter provide support resources for annual confer-
ences and local churches.

5. Bishops, district superintendents, confer-
ence staff, and other leaders shall become famil-
iar, through training, with the benefits of
cooperative ministries. They shall provide leader-
ship and training opportunities for pastors and
local church leaders as to the value of cooperative
ministries in moving toward excellence in nurture,
outreach, and witness ministries. They are to ex-
plore and develop meaningful ministries to per-
sons in congregations, communities, and the
global community.

66. Cabinets shall be urged to give priority in the
appointment process to appointing directors and clergy

staff of cooperative parishes, especially cooperative
parish ministries, who have been trained in coop-
erative ministry concepts and who have demon-
strated effective ministries of nurture, outreach, and
witness and to development and implementation. The
Cabinet shall develop and implement ©f strategies
designed to enable and equip pastors presently ap-
pointed to cooperative parishes parish ministries to
provide...

7. Annual conferences and cabinets are urged
to assist in the development and strengthening of
cooperative ministries by pursuing funding assis-
tance fi'om general church, annual conference,
and other soiu"ces for each cooperative ministry,
including cooperative parish ministries.

^206.

Petition Number: 20649-LC-206.3-D;WNC.

Church, Charge and Parish Councils

Amend ^206.3:

3. (a) Larger parish — a number of congregations
working together using a parish-wide Administrative
Parish Council, or Administrative Board and Council
on Ministries, and other committees... ('e,> Enlarged
charge — two or more congregations, ...There may be a
eCharge Administrative Council, or Administrative
Board and Council on Ministries, and necessary com-
mittees.... 01^ Shared facilities — two or more United
Methodist congregations.. .The congregations may en-
ter into a covenant which ensures mutual representation
on such bodies as Administrative Church Councilr-Ad-
ministrativc Board, Council on Ministries, Board of
Trustees,...

In order to support the covenant relationship and to
ensure the autonomy of the local congregations, the
congregations shall identify liaison persons who will
represent the local congregations in their respective
Administrative Board- Church Council sessions.

^206.

Petition Number: 21082-LC-206.3-D; GCCUIC.

Ecumenical Parish

Amend 1(206.3.(0:

3.(i) Cooperative Ecumenical Parish — an ecU'
mcnical congregation formed by a local United Method-
ist church and one or more local churches of other
Christian traditions may be affiliated with an Annual
Conference in The United Methodist Church.

Local Church

945

^207.

Petition Number: 21083-LC-207-D; GCCUIC.

Ecumenical Shared Ministi-ies

Insert a new section after present Section II and
renumber the following sections.

Section # . Ecumenical Shared Ministries.

^ . Local churches, with the guidance of the

Holy Spirit, may respond to opportunities for ecu-
menical resource sharing in their communities by
creating ecumenical shared ministries, working
with local congregations of other Christian
chiu-ches to enhance ministry, make wise stew-
ardship of limited resources, and live out the ecu-
menical spirit in creative ways responsive to the
needs of God's peoples as well as to opportunities
for expanded mission and ministry.

^ . Ecumenical shared ministries are ecu-
menical congregations formed by a local United
Methodist church and one or more local congre-
gations of other Christian traditions. Forms of ecu-
menical shared ministries include a) a federated
church, in which one congregation is related to
two or more denominations, with persons choos-
ing to hold membership in one or the other of the
denominations; b) a luiion church, in which a
congregation with one unified membership role is
related to two denominations; c) a merged church,
in wWch two or more congregations of different
denominations form one congregation which re-
lates to only one of the constituent denominations;
d) a yoked parish, in which congregations of dif-
ferent denominations share a pastor.

^ , Congregations entering into an ecu-
menical shared ministry shall develop a clear
covenant of mission, set of bylaws, or articles of
agreement which addresses financial and property
matters, church membership, denominational
askings and apportionments, committee structure
and election procediu^es, terms and provisions of
the pastorate, reporting procedures, relationship
with the parent denominations, and matters re-
lated to amending or dissolving the agreement. In
tiie formation of an ecumenical shared ministry, ^
244 and % 248.2 shall be followed in its organiza-
tion. In an interdenominational local church
merger, %% 2547 and 2548 shaU be followed. In
the case of federated and union churches, ^ 2548
shall be followed.

^ . Cabinets, Conference staff and other

leaders shall be expected to work with ecumenical
shared ministries at their inception, as well as in
maintaining avenues of vital relationship and con-
nection to The United Methodist Church, while
recognizing that such avenues must also be main-
tained with the denominational partners in minis-
try.

^ . Cabinets shall be urged to give priority,

in the appointment process, to the providing of
ecumenical shared ministries with pastoral lead-
ers who have demonstrated commitment to ecu-
menism and who exhibit a clear appreciation for a
variety of denominational expressions and poli-
ties.

^208.

Petition Number: 20276-LC-208-D;ORI.

Church Membership

Amend the second sentence of % 208:

Therefore all persons, vyithout regard to race, color,
national origin, disability, or economic condition, shall
be eligible...

^208.

Petition Number: 21426-LC-208-D; GBOD.

Church Membership

Amend ^ 208:

[Second sentence] Therefore all persons, without
regard to race, color, national origin, disability, or eco-
nomic condition, age or intellectual ability, race or
nationality, gender or sexual identity, class or
handicapping conditions shall be eligible to attend its
worship services, to participate in its programs, to re-
ceive the sacraments, and, when they take appropri-
Qtc V0W9, to be admitted into its as baptized or
professing membership in any local church in the con-
nection. -(In the case of persons whose disabilities pre-
vent them from assuming the vows for baptized or
professing membership, their legal guardian(s) or
sponsor(s), themselves ...vows on their behalf.)-

1209.

Petition Number: 21427-LC-209-D; GBOD.

Membership of a Local United Methodist Church

Amend ^ 209:

The membership of a local United Methodist
church shall include all baptized persons. — 1. The bap-
tized membership of a local United Methodist
church shall include all baptized persons who
have received Christian baptism in die local con-
gregation or whose membership has been trans-
ferred to the local United Methodist church
subsequent to baptism in some other congrega-
tion. In valid baptism, water is administered in the
name of the Triune God (specified in the ritual as
Father, Son and Hoty Spirit) by an authorized per-
son and the Hoty Spirit is invoked with the laying

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DCA Advance Edition

on of hands, ordinarily in the presence of the con-
gregation.

2. The professing membership of a local
United Methodist church shall include all bap-
tized persons who have come into membership by
confc33ion profession of faith at baptism or confir-
mation, or by transfer, and whose namca have not been
removed from the mcmbcrohip rolls by reason of death,
transfer, withdrawal, or removal for cause. {Sec 'H']! 330,
232, 236 243.)

^210.

Petition Number: 20759-LC-210-D; Historical Society,
the United Methodist Church.

Church Membership

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 210:

Members are encouraged to join the Historical
Society of The United Methodist Church, whose
programs and publications help keep the connec-
tional principle alive (see ^ 112).

1210.

Petition Number: 21084-LC-210-D; GCCUIC.

Church Membership

Amend ^ 210:

A member of any local United Methodist church is
a member of the total United Methodist connection and
a member of the Chiu-ch Universal.

^210.

Petition Number: 21428-LC-210-D; GBOD.

Church Membership

Amend ^ 210:

A baptized or professing member of any local
United Methodist church...

1211.

Petition Number: 21429-LC-211-D; GBOD.

The Meaning of Membership

Amende 211:

When persons unite with a local United Methodist
church, they or, if unable to answer for themselves,
their parent(s), legal guardian(s), sponsor(s) or
(godparent(s) profess their faith in God, the Father
Almighty,...

1. [Delete existing text.] To renounce the spiri-
tual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of
the world, and repent of their sin.

2. [Delete existing text.] To accept the freedom
and power God gives them to resist evil, injustice,
and oppression.

3. [Delete existing text.] To confess Jesus Christ
as Savior, put their whole trust in his grace, and
promise to serve him as their Lord.

4. [Delete existing text.] To remain £aithful mem-
bers of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's
representatives in tibe world.

5. To be loyal to The United Methodist
Church, and do all in their power to strengthen its
ministries.

6. To faithfully participate in its ministries by
their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their
service.

Such persons may also be asked to receive
and profess the Christian faith as contained in the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

1212.

Petition Number: 20957-LC-212-D; GBCS.

The Meaning of Membership

Amend the first sentence of ^ 212:

Faithful membership in the local church is essential
for personal growth and for developing an increasing
sensitivity a deeper commitment to the will and grace
of God.

1216.

Petition Number: 21430-LC-216-D; GBOD.

Admission into the Church

Amend ^ 216:

1. [Delete existing text.) Christ constitutes the
Church as his Body by the power of the Holy Spirit
(1 Corinthians 12:13, 27). The Chiu-ch draws new
persons into itself as it seeks to remain faithful to
its commission to procleiim and exemplify the Gos-
pel. Baptism is the sacrament of initiation and
incorporation into the Body of Christ. An infant,
child, or adult who is baptized becomes a member
of the catholic (universjd) Church, of the denomi-
nation, and of the local congregation. (See ^ 209.)
After baptism, the Church provides the nurture
which makes possible a comprehensive and life-
long process of growing in grace.

a) Baptized infants and children are to be in-
structed and nurtured in the meaning of the faith,

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947

the rights and responsibilities of their baptism and
in spiritual and moral formation, using materials
approved by The United Methodist Church. Using
the Services of the Baptismal Covenant youth will
profess their faith, commit themselves to a life of
discipleship and be confirmed. Confirmation is
both a human act of commitment and the gracious
action of the Holy Spirit strengthening and empow-
ering discipleship.

b) Youth and adults who have not been bap-
tized and who are seeking to be saved from their
sins and profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Savior, are proper candidates for baptism in The
United Methodist Church. It shall be the duty of
die congregation, led by the pastor, to instruct
them in the meaning of baptism, in the meaning
of the Christian faith, and the history, organiza-
tion, and teachings of The United Methodist
Church, using materials approved by The United
Methodist Church for that purpose. After the com-
pletion of the period of nurture and instruction,
the sponsor(s) and pastor shall bring them before
the congregation and administer the Services of
Baptismal Covenant in which persons are bap-
tized, confirmed and received into the Church.

2. [Delete existing text.] a) Formation in the
baptismal covenant and in the call to ministry in
daily life is a lifelong process and is carried on
through all the activities which have educational
value. The pastor gives specific leadership that
prepares youth for their profession of faith and
commitment to discipleship, and for the Holy
Spirit s action confirming them in their faith and
empowering their discipleship. This preparation
focuses attention upon the meaning of disci-
pleship and the need for professing members to
be in mission in all of life s relationships.

b) There are many occasions as persons ma-
ture in the faith when the Holy Spirit s confirming
action may be celebrated, such as in the reaffirma-
tion of the baptismal covenant or other services
related to life passages. Unlike baptism, which is
a once-made covenant and can only be reaffirmed,
not repeated, confirmation is a dynamic action of
the Holy Spirit that can be repeated.

3. Preparation for the experience of confirmation
profession of faith and confirmation shall be pro-
vided for all candidates for full mcmbcrahip persons,
including adults;, fetrt yYouth who are completing the
sixth grade shall normally be the youngest persons
recruited for confirmation preparation and full member
«hip such preparation. When younger persons, of
their own volition, seek enrollment in confirmation
preparation for profession of faith and confirmation,
such preparation shall be at the discretion of the pastor.

4. Pcraona in preparation for full membership make
up the preparatory roll of the church. All baptized per-
sons, including infants, children, youth, and adults

shall be listed on the preparatory membership roll Roll
of Baptized Members, and other persons who have
declared their interest in church membership and have
been rolled in confirmation preparation may be listed as
preparatory members. {See also 'i% 223, 232-r3.)

5. Statistics of church membership are counts
of professing members rather than of all baptized
members.

^217.

Petition Number: 21431-LC-217-D; GBOD.

Duties of Chaplains in Receiving Persons as Members
of the United Methodist Church

Amend ^ 217:

A duly appointed minister... into the membership of
The United Methodist Church under the conditions
of ^ 211 when such person shall have confessed faith
in Christ and expressed a desire to live daily life as a
disciple of Jesus Christ and agreed to assume the obli-
gations of being a faithful member of the Church. Where
possible,... a statement of the vows of membership veri-
fying that such vows were made shall be issued.. .as
a member on the appropriate roll.

^220.

Petition Number: 21432-LC-220-D; GBOD.

Admission into the Church

Amend ^ 220:

A member in good standing.. .may be received Hrto
as a professing membership by a proper certificate of
transfer... loyal to The United Methodist Church. (See
^209, 211.) The pastor will. .It is recommended that
instruction in the faith, eft4 work, and polity of the
Church be provided...

1221.

Petition Number: 21433-LC-221-D; GBOD.

Care of Children and Youth

Delete heading, "Children and the Church," renum-
ber ^ 221 as ^228. la, and amend as follows:

1. Care of Children and Youth. — a) Because the
redeeming love of God,. ..It is expected of parents or
guardians who present their children for Baptism that
they shall use all diligence in bringing them up in con-
formity to the Word of God and in the fellowship of the
Church and to encourage them to participate in
preparation for their profession of isdth and con-
firmation at the appropriate time. It is desired that
At least one or both parents or guardians shall be a
professing members of a Christian church or that

948

DCA Advance Edition

sponsor(s) or godparent(s) who are professing mem-
bers shall assume the baptismal vows.. .At the time of
Baptism they shall be informed that the Church, with its
church achool Christian education program, will aid
them in the Christian nurture of their children.

God's grace for tiiemselves. It shall give the full name
of the child, the date of birth, the date and place of
Baptism, and the names of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
ftft4, their place of residence and phone number, and
die names of die sponsor(s) or godparent(s).

^222.

Petition Number: 21434-LC-222-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Renumber ^ 222 as ^ 228.16 and amend as follows:

l.b) The pastor of the church shall, at the time of
administering the Sacrament of Baptism, furnish the
parent(s), of guardian(s), sponsor(s) or godpar-
ent(s) of the child who is baptized with a certificate of
Baptism, which shall also clearly state that the child is
now enrolled as a preparatory member on die roll of
baptized members in The United Methodist Church.
The pastor shall also admonish members of the congre-
gation at die time of baptism and at appropriate
stages in the newly baptized member's life of their
responsibility for the Christian nurture of the child. The
pastor shall be responsible for seeing that the member-
ship secretary adds the full name of the baptized child
to the church's roll of baptized members prcpara
tory membership roll of the church. When the baptized
child lives in a community not served by the pastor who
administers the Sacrament of Baptism, the pastor is
responsible for contacting in advance (where possi-
ble) and reporting the baptism to a pastor ©f emd
district superintendent who serves in the area where the
baptized child lives in order that the child's name might
be properly entered on the preparatory membership roll
of baptized members. (Sec *! 233.) The information
given shall include the full name of the child, the
date of birth, the date and place of Baptism, and
die full names of the parent(s), guardian(s), spon-
sor(s) or (godparent(s) and their place of resi-
dence and phone number.

SI223.

Petition Number: 21435-LC-223-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Renumber ^ 223 as ^ 228.1c and amend as follows:

l.c) The pastor shall keep.. .and those who have
been baptized elsewhere. This register of baptized chil-
dren, along with a list of other preparatory' members CJ
216.4), shall constitute the preparatory' membership roll
of the church serve as the list of baptized members
for whom the congregation has ongoing responsi-
bility for nurture in the life of discipleship until
they become professing members and accept

1224.

Petition Number: 21436-LC-224-D; GBOD.
Care of Members
Delete ^ 224.

1225.

Petition Number: 21437-LC-225-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Renumber ^ 225 as ^ 228. Id and amend as follows:

l.d)lt shall be the duty of the pastor, the parent(s),
©F guardian(s), sponsor(s) or godparent(s), the offi-
cers and teachers.. .the privileges and obligations of
church baptism and professing membership. The
pastor shall, at least annually, building on the prepara-
tion which boys and girb youth have received through-
out their childhood, organize them into classes for
professing membership and confirmation the youth
who, preferably, arc completing the sijrth grade (^
216.3). This instruction shall be based on materials
which the boys and girls youth have already used and
on other resources produced by The United Methodist
Church for the purpose of confirmation preparation.
When Wherever boys and girls youth so prepared shall
give.. .and obligations of Church professing member-
ship, they may be received into full membership as
professing members.

1226.

Petition Number: 21438-LC-226-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Delete heading, 'Touth," renumber ^ 226 as ^
228. le and amend as follows:

1 .e) Youth who are Mi professing members of the
church have all rights and responsibilities of church
membership within the baptismal covenant (See ^
264.2.) It is strongly recommended that each local
church offer for all senior high youth who are fall
professing members of the Church an advanced class
of instruction in the meaning of the Christian life and
Church membership discipleship. It is further recom-
mended that this course, taught by or under the guid-
ance of the pastor,...

Local Church

949

^227.

Petition Number: 20650-LC-227-D;WNC.

Associate Church Membership and Church Council

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 227:

A member of another denomination may become an
associate member under the same conditions but may
not become a voting member of the Administrative
Church Council or Administrative Board.

i[227.

Petition Number: 21085-LC-227-D; GCCUIC.

Affiliate and Associate Membership

Amend the next to the last sentence of *n 227:

A member of another denomination may become an
associate member of a local United Methodist
Church holding the same rights and responsibili-
ties of affiliate membership, under the same condi-
tions but may not become a voting member of the
Administrative Council or Administrative Board.

^227.

Petition Number: 21439-LC-227-D; GBOD.

Affiliate and Associate Members

Move "n 227 to follow current ^ 220 and amend:

[Third sentence] ...but that person shall be counted
and reported only as a professing member of the home
church...

^228.

Petition Number: 20651-LC-228-D;WNC.

Church Council and Care of Members

Amend the second sentence of ^ 228:

It shall be the duty of the pastor and of the members
of the Administrative Church Council or the Council on
Ministries by regular visitation,...

^228.

Petition Number: 21517-LC-228.1-D; GBOD.

To Affirm the Task of Continuous Nurture of Children

Add a new text to ^ 228:

l.f) All children shall be continually nurtured
as they grow in ability to profess their faith in God
and Jesus Christ.

^229.

Petition Number: 20652-LC-229-D;WNC.

Church Council and Membership Groups

Amend ^ 229:

The pastor in cooperation with the Administrative
Church Council or the Council on Ministries may ar-
range the membership... The groups shall be formed
and the leaders appointed by the Administrative
Church Council or the Council on Ministries upon
recommendation of the pastor.

^229.

Petition Number: 21440-LC-229-D; GBOD.

Care of Professing Members

Renumber ^ 229 as ^ 228.2a and amend as follows:

2. Care of Professing Members. — a) The pas-
tor...upon recommendation of the pastor.

1230.

Petition Number: 20224-LC-230-D;WIS.

Period of Grace for Inactive Members of a Local
United Methodist Church

Amend ^ 230:

1. [Last sentence] ...over a period of three two
years,...

2. ...provided, however, that if after three two years
the council...

3. [Last sentence] ...but if after three two years of
such efforts...

4. ...entered in the minutes of the annual Charge
Conference for three two consecutive years...

^230.

Petition Number: 20529-LC-230-D;RKM.

Change in Local Church Removal Time Limits
Amend ^ 230:

1. ...If the member does not comply with any of the
available alternatives over a period of three one years,
the member's name may be removed.

2. ...provided, however, that if after three one years
the council...

3. ...but if after three one years of such efforts...

950

DCA Advance Edition

4. ...the member's name shall have been entered in
the minutes of the annual Charge Conference for one
three consecutive years. . .

^230.

Petition Number: 20554-LC-230-D;SNJ.

Time Limit for Inactive Members
Amend ^ 230:

2. ...the directives to encourage a transfer of mem-
bership shall be followed eaeh for one year until that
member.. .provided, however, that if after one three
years the council has not...

3. ...but if after one three years of such efforts the
address is still unknown,...

1230.

Petition Number: 20653-LC-230-D;WNC.

Church Council and Inactive Church Members

Amend ^ 230:

1. ...the pastor and the membership secretary shall
report that member's name to the Administrative
Church Council or the Council on Ministries, which
shall...

3. If the address of a member is no longer known to
the pastor, the membership secretary and the evangel-
ism work area chairperson or the Commission on Evan-
gelism Church Council shall make every effort...

4. ...on recommendation of the pastor and the evan-
gelism work area chairpcraon or the Commisaion on
Evangelism Church Coimcil, each name...

5. [Second sentence] It shall then become the re-
sponsibility of the Administrative Chiu-ch Council ef
Administrative Board to provide for the review of this
roll at least once a year. {See also ^235.) After the review
has been made, it is recommended that the pastor
and/or the Commission on Evangelism Chiu-ch Coun-
cil contact those whose names appear...

1230.

Petition Number: 21441-LC-230-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Renumber ^ 230 as 1 228.2ft and amend as follows:

2.b) While primary responsibility and initiative
rests with each individual professing member faithfully
to perform the vows of the baptismal covenant mem-
bership which have been solemnly assumed, if the pro-
fessed member should be neglectful of that
responsibility, these procedures shall be followed:

(1)7 If a professed member residing in the commu-
nity...the membership secretary shall report that pro-
fessed member's name to the Administrative Council
or the Council on Ministries, which shall do all in its
power to reenlist the professed member in the active
fellowship of the Church. It shall visit the professed
member and make clear that, while the professed mem-
ber's name.. .and that, since the professed member is
not attending the church where enrolled, the professed
member is requested to do one of four things: (a) renew
the vows and become a regular worshiper return to
living in the community of the baptismal covenant
in the church where the professed member's name is
recorded, (b) request transfer to another United Meth-
odist church where the professed member will fee-a
regular worshiper return to living in the community
of the baptismal covenant, (c) arrange transfer to a
particular church of another denomination, or (d) re-
quest withdrawal. If the professed member does not
comply with any of the available alternatives over a
period of three years, the professed member's name
may be removed. (See § (4).)

(2)t ]i a professed member whose address is
known.. .encourage a transfer of the professed mem-
bership shall be followed each year until that professed
member joins another church or requests in writing that
the name be removed from the roll of professing
members membership roll; provided, however, that if
after three years the council has not been able to relate
that professed member to the church at the new place
of residence, the name may be removed from the roll
of professing members by the procedure of § (4)
below.

(3)? If the address of a professed member is no
longer known.. .If the professed member can be lo-
cated, the directives of either § (1) or § (2) above shall
be followed, but if after three years of such efforts the
address is still unknown, the professed member's
name may be removed from the roll of professing
members membership roll by the procedure of § 4
below.

(4)7 If the directives of §§ (1), (2), or (3) above have
been followed for the specified number of years without
success, the professed member's name may be re-
moved from the roll of professing members mem
bership roll by vote of the Charge Conference.. .provided
that the professed members's name shall have been
entered.. .and if the action is on the basis of § (3), there
shall be added: "Reason: address unknown." The mem-
bership of the person shall thereby be terminated, and
However the record thereof shall be retainedt pfe-
vidcd that upon request the member may be restored to
membership by recommendation of the pastor; in or-
der that upon reaffirmation of the baptismal cove-
nant the person may be restored as a professing
member, and provided further, that sShould a fransfer
of professing membership be requested, the pastor
may, after consultation with the person, restore the

Local Church

951

pcraon'a mcmbcrahip for thia purpoac and issue the
certificate of transfer.

(5)t Recognizing that the Church has a continuing
moral and spiritual obligation to nurture all persons,
even those whose names have been removed from the
roll of professing members mcmbcrahip roll, it is
recommended....

^230.

Petition Number: 21442-LC-230-D; GBOD.

Care of Members

Amend ^ 230:

While primary responsibility.. .which have been sol-
emnly assumed, it is acknowledged that the degree
to which the congregation performs its obligation
to care for one another can have an impact on
personal commitment. Therefore when members
publicly lapse in the performance of their vows of
membership, if the member should be neglectful of
that rcaponaibility, these the following procedures

shall be followed:

1. [Delete existing text.] The pastor shall make it
a matter of priority pastoral care to visit or to
provide for a caring person to visit with such per-
sons. The pxupose of such visits is to express the
love and care of the congregation and to learn the
reasons for their absence.

2. [Delete existing text.] Should such persons
continue to be regularly absent, their names shall
be reported to the Administrative Council or the
Administrative Board, which shall do all in its
power to reenlist the member in the active fellow-
ship of the Church. Members of the Administra-
tive Council or the Administrative Board shall
pray for the re-activation of the members. Wher-
ever possible, representatives from the Adminis-
trative Council or Administrative Board shall visit
die member to express the care and concern of the
congregation and the hope for the member to re-
tam to active participation in the congregation.

If reconciliation is impossible, the member
can (a) be transferred to another United Methodist
Church where the member will be a participating
member, (b) arrange transfer to a congregation of
another denomination, or (c) request withdrawal.
If the member does not comply with any of the
alternatives over a period of three years, the mem-
ber's name may be removed.

3. [Delete existing text.) The Administrative
Council or Administrative Board shall annually
review the manner in which persons are incorpo-
rated into the worship, fellowship, and service
ministries of the congregation in an effort to im-

prove the system and prevent persons becoming
inactive.

^230.

Petition Number: 20277-LC-230.4-D;ORI.

Care of members

Amend ^ 230.4:

4. If the directives of §§1, 2, or 3 above have been
followed for the specified number of years without suc-
cess, the member's name may be removed from the
active membership role by vote... for three consecutive
years preceding removal from active membership.
On the roll there shall be entered after the name: "Re-
moved by order of the Charge Conference" or "Moved
to inactive status by the Charge Conference";.. .The
membership of the person shall thereby be terminated
or made inactive, and the record thereof shall be
retained; provided that upon request the member may
be restored to active membership.. .the pastor may
restore activate the person's membership for this pur-
pose and issue the certificate of transfer. Persons in
the inactive status shall not be counted when re-
porting the number of members of the local
church.

^232.

Petition Number: 21443-LC-232-D; GBOD.

Local Church Membership Rolls

Amend ^ 232:

Each local church shall accurately maintain the
following membership rolls:

[Delete existing 1-6.]

1. Roll of Baptized Members (^ 209).

2. Roll of Professing Members, containing all
persons who have professed Christian faith at bap-
tism, confirmation, or by transfer.

3. Roll of Constituents, containing the names
and addresses of such persons as are not mem-
bers of the church concerned, including unbap-
tized children, chtu-ch school members, and other
non-members for whom the local church has pas-
toral responsibility.

4. Roll of Affiliate Members (t 227).

5. RoU of Associate Members (f 227).

6. Persons Removed From The Roll of Pro-
fessing Members (See % 230.4).

7. Persons Removed From The RoU of Bap-
tized Members (See first new % following current
•n 243.)

952

DCA Advance Edition

?8. In the case of a Union or Federated
Church.. .may report an equal share of the total profess-
ing membership to each judicatory,...

^232.

Petition Number: 21444-LC-232-D; GBOD.

Membership Records and Reports

Add a new paragraph after current ^ 232:

For purpose of record, a permanent list of
congregational baptisms with dates, birthdates,
full names, full names of parents, godparents or
sponsors, and ofGciating minister shall be kept by
each local church. In the case of transfer to an-
odier congregation, death, or withdrawal notation
of this shall be made in the baptismal record.

1232.

Petition Number: 21086-LC-232.7-D; GCCUIC.

Membership Records and Reports

Amend % 232.7:

7. In the case of a Union or Federated Church with
a church of another denomination congregation, the
governing body.. .the report is that of a Union or Feder-
ated Church congregation and with an indication of the
total actual membership.

1233.

Petition Number: 20654-LC-233-D;WNC.

Church Council and Church Membership Audit
Amend the last sentence of ^ 233:

The Administrative Chiu-ch Council or Administra-
tive Board shall appoint a committee...

1234.

Petition Number: 20729-LC-234.1-D;SCA.

The Permanent Church Register

Amend ^234.1:

1. The permanent church register shall be kept on
either paper based or electronic media. If it is on
a paper medium, it shall be a volume of durable
materials.. .or electronic information system member-
ship record. If the permanent church register is
kept on an electronic medium, it shall meet the
following criteria:

a. It shall contain all of the information re-
quired by the General Coxmcil on Finance and
Administration.

b. Conversion of the information paper re-
cords to an electronic medium shall be followed
by a complete audit to ensure the accuracy of the
converted records.

c. Off-site storage and electronic backup shall
be maintained.

1235.

Petition Number: 20655-LC-235-D; WNC.

Church Council and Membership Secretary

Amend ^ 235:

The Charge Conference shall elect a member-
ship secretary shall who, under the direction of the
pastor, shall keep accurate records of all membership
rolls (see ^232), shall be a member of the work area on
evangelism (if it exists), and shall report regularly to the
Administrative Chiu-ch Council or the Administrative
Board and the Council on Ministries through the chair-
person of evangelism.

1242.

Petition Number: 21087-LC-242-D; GCCUIC.

Membership Records

Amend ^ 242:

...shall enter "Withdrawn" after the person's name
on the membership roll, and if possible shall notify
that person, and shall report the same to the next
Charge Conference what church that person has
joined.

1243.

Petition Number: 21445-LC-243-D; GBOD.

Membership Rolls

Add as a first new paragraph following current ^
243:

Persons may be removed from the roll of bap-
tized members by death, transfer, withdrawal or
removal for cause with the understanding that
withdrawal or removal for cause in no way abro-
gates the baptismal covenant from God's side.
When a person retxuns to the church he or she
affirms the baptismal vows and, without rebap-
tism, becomes a professing member.

Local Church

953

^243.

Petition Number: 21446-LC-243-D; GBOD.

Transfer and Termination of Membership

Add a new paragraph following current ^ 243:

Persons may be removed from the roll of pro-
fessing members by death, transfer, withdrawal or
removal for cause (See ^^ 230, 232, 236-243,
2626.4.)

^244.

Petition Number: 20342-LC-244-D;NTX.

Organization and administration of the local church

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 244:

...(1) planning and implementing a program of nur-
ture, outreach, and witness for persons and families
within and without the congregation, including min-
istries with children, youth, younger adults,
adults, older adults, singles, families, church
school, Christian unity, interfaith relations, social
justice issues, education, evangelism, campus
ministry, spiritual formation, religion and race,
community, national and global missions, stew-
ardship, worship, and communications; ...(5) pro-
viding for the proper creation, maintenance, and
disposition of documentary record material of the local
church. (See ^ISll.lb); and (6) seeking inclusive-
ness in all aspects of its life without regard to race,
gender, age, national origin and handicapping
conditions.

^244.

Petition Number: 20656-LC-244-D;WNC.

Local Church Organization in Relationship to District
and Annual Conference Structure

Amend the second paragraph of ^244:

...(4) ensuring relationships of the local church or-
ganizations to appropriate district and Annual Confer-
ence 9tructurc9 and programs, and (S 4) providing for
the proper creation,...

^244.

Petition Number: 21447-LC-244-D; GBOD.

Organization and Administration of the Local Church

Amend the first sentence of ^ 244:

. ..providing opportunities for them to seek strength-
ening and growth in spiritual formation; . ..

^245.

Petition Number: 20343-LC-245-D;NTX.

Basic organizing plan for the local church

Amend ^ 245:

The basic organizational plan. .Administrative
Board and Council on Ministries, a Committee.. .fivefy
local church shall choose a plan for organizing its admin-
istrative and programmatic responsibilities.

1. [Delete]

2. [Delete]

3. [Delete]

47-The Administrative Council or Administrative
Board shall be amenable to and function as the executive
agency of the Charge Conference (see ^ 247).

^245.

Petition Number: 20696-LC-245-D;WNC.

Basic Organizational Plan for the Local Church

Amend ^ 245:

The basic organizational plan for the local church
shall include provision for the following units: a Charge
Conference, an Administrative a Church Council «f
Administrative Board and Council on Ministries, a Com-
mittee on Pastor-Parish Relations,. ..Every local church
shall choose develop a plan for organizing its adminis-
trative and programmatic responsibilities. Each local
congregation shall provide a comprehensive pro-
gram of nurture, outreach, and witness, along with
the planning and administration of the congrega-
tion's organizational and temporal life.

1. [Delete existing text] The Church Cotmcil and
all other administrative emd programmatic struc-
tures of the local church shall be amenable to the
Chaise Conference (see 1247).

2. [Delete existing text.] The pastor shall be the
chief administrative officer of the local church and
charge and shall be a member of the Charge Con-
ference and an ex-officio member (with vote) of all
boards, councils, commissions, committees, and
task forces elected or appointed in the church/
charge, except as otherwise provided by the Disci-
pline.

3. [Delete.]

4. [Delete.]

954

DCA Advance Edition

1245.

Petition Number: 21643-LC-245-D; GCOM.

Local Church Organization and Administration

Amend ^ 245:

2. Or local churches may utilize an interactive
model of organization which contains the essential
elements of (1) church conference (^249); (2)
Outreach, Nurture and Witness Ministries; (3)
Leadership Ministries; (4) Administrative and Fis-
cal Ministries; and (5) The Council made up of
representatives of the three ministries iu'eas and
at-large representatives of the chxu-ch.

.3 3. Or local churches...

S 4. An alternative plan...

4 5. The Administrative Council or Administrative
Board or the Coimcil shall be amenable to...

1247.

Petition Number: 20657-LC-247-D;WNC.

Charge Conference Membership and Honorary
Council Members

Amend TI247:

2. The membership of the Charge Conference shall
be all members of the Administrative Chiu-ch Council
or Administrative Board named in 'n'n353.2, 255, to-
gether with.. .If more than one church is on the pastoral
charge, all members of each Adminiatrativc Church
Council or Administrative Board shall be members of
the Charge Conference.

3. The Charge Conference may make provision for
recognition of the faithful service of members of the
Administrative Chiu-ch Council or Administrative
Board by electing them honorary members.

1247.

Petition Number: 20902-LC-247.2-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, CAP.

The Membership of Charge Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^ 247.2:

2. ...together with retired ordained ministers and
retired diaconal ministers who elect to hold...

1248.

Petition Number: 20658-LC-248-D;WNC.

The Charge Conference and the Church Council

Amend ^248:

Powers and Duties. — 1. The Charge Conference
shall be the connecting link between the local church
and the general Church and shall have general oversight
of the Administrative Church Council (s) or Administra-
tive Board (a).

3. ...and adopt objectives and goals recommended
by the Administrative Chxu-ch Council or Administra-
tive Board which are...

4. [Third sentence] When there is only one local
church on a charge, the secretary of the Administrative
Church Council or Administrative Board shall be the
secretary of the Charge Conference. When there is
more than one church on a charge, one of the secretaries
of the Administrative Chixrch Councils or Administra
tivc Boards shall be elected...

ba) The Charge Conference should elect a church
historian, who shall keep the historical records up to
date, shall serve as chairperson of the Committee on
Records and History, if any; shall cooperate with the
Annual Conference Commission on Archives and His-
tory or comparable structure, if any; ...and shall
provide, with the pastor and the Committee on Records
and History, if any, for the preservation... The church
historian sfeaH may be a member of the Administrative
Church Council or Administrative Board. This person
may also hold another elected position on the council ©f

6. [Delete.]

•1615. In those instances where there are two or
more churches on a pastoral charge, the Charge Con-
ference may provide for a chargcwide or parish Admin-
istrativc ChcU^e or Parish Council or Administrative
Board and Council on Ministries, a chargewide or parish
treasurer, ...

1248.

Petition Number: 21644-LC-248-D; GCOM.
The Local Church Historian
Amend ^ 248:

4. [Second sentence] A copy of the minutes shall be
provided for the district superintendent and a perma-
nent copy shall be retained for church files.

5. a) It is strongly recommended that Tthe
Charge Conference should elect a church historian, who
sh«H in order to preserve the history of each local
chiu-ch. The responsibilities of the historian are to

keep the historical records up to dater; shall serve as

Local Church

955

chairperson of the Committee on Records and History;
shaH cooperate with the Annual Conference Commis-
sion on Archives and History; shall provide an annual
report on the care of church records and historical
materials to the Charge Conference; and shatt also
provide,...

^248.

Petition Number: 20760-LC-248.5-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

Powers and Duties

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 248.5:

c) The Charge Conference should encourage
members to join the Historical Society of The
United Methodist Chixrch, whose programs cuid
publications help keep the connectional principle
alive (see TI 112).

^248.

Petition Number: 20106-LC-248.14-D;NWT.

Conference Benevolence

Amend % 248.14:

14. As soon as practicable after the session of Annual
Conference, each district superintendent or designated
agent shall notify each local church in the district what
amounts have been apportioned to it for World Service
and Conference Benevolences. In preparation for.. .the
importance of World Service and Conference Benevo-
lences, explaining the causes supported by each of these
this funds and Aeif its place in the total program of the
Church.

^248.

Petition Number: 20422-LC-248.14-D;NMX.

Responsibility of District Superintendent

Amend ^248.14:

14. The Charge Conference shall determine an-
nually the amount of its acceptance of connec-
tional support in response to the amounts
apportioned to it by connectional entities beyond
the local church, including World Service and
Conference Benevolences. As soon as practica-
ble...apportioned to it for World Service and for Confer-
ence Benevolences. In preparation for... the importance
of World Service and for Conference Benevo-
lences,...The World Service Fund is one of the basics
in the financial program. ..Payment in full of these appor-
tionments by the local churches h should be made
one of the first benevolent responsibility priorities of
tiie Church (^ 912; see also 1 204). The district
superintendent...

^248.

Petition Number: 20659-LC-248.14-D;WNC.

Local Church Apportionments

Amend ^248.14:

14. As soon as practicable.. .apportioned to it for
World Service and Conference Benevolences general
church and Annual Conference program agencies
and causes. In preparation for.. .the importance of
World Service and Conference Benevolences these ap-
portionments, explaining the causes supported by
each of these funds and their place in the total program
of the Church. The World Service Fund is basic in the
financial program of The United Methodist Church.
World Service on apportionment rcprcaents the mini-
mum needs for the mission and ministry of the Church.
Payment in full of these apportionments by local
churches is one of the fii=9t benevolent responsibility
responsibilities of the Church (11012). Each Charge
Conference shall have the ri^t to revise the ap-
portionment for each general agency, council,
commission, and fimd requested by die General
Conference, except the Episcopal Fimd and funds
for conducting the General Conference; each ap-
portionment from the jurisdiction; each apportion-
ment from the Annual Conference, except the
District Superintendents' Fund, pension and
benefits funds for pre- 1982 service, the Equitable
Compensation Fund, and the costs of the Annual
Conference meeting; and each apportionment
from the district The district superintendent..

1248.

Petition Number: 20227-LC-248.19-D;MNN.

Powers and Duties of a Charge Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph after H 248.18:

The Charge Conference shall promote and ex-
amine the moral and ethical life of the congrega-
tion and determine wliich issues as expressed by,
but not limited to, the Social Principles need spe-
cial attention, discussion and action by the con-
gregation.

1249.

Petition Number: 20660-LC-249-D;WNC.

The Church Council and Church Conference

Amend the third sentence of U 249:

It may be called at the discretion of the district
superintendent or foUovring a written request to the
district superintendent by one of the following: the pas-
tor, the Administrative Chiu'ch Council, the Administra-
tive Board, or 10 percent..

956

DCA Advance Edition

^250.

Petition Number: 20661-LC-250-D;WNC.

Basic Leadership of the Local Church

Amend ^ 250:

1. Chairperson of the Administrative Church
Council or chairpersons of the Administrative Board and
the Council on Miniotrica.

8. [Last sentence] When two persons jointiy hold a
position which entails membership on the Administra-
tive Board/ Church Council, both may be members of
it.

^250.

Petition Number: 20328-LC-250.7-D;WPA

Special Attention for the Inclusion of all

Amend ^ 250.7:

7. Special attention shall be given to the inclusion of
women, men, youth, young adults, persons over sixty-
five years of age, persons with a handicapping condition
people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic per-
sons.

^251.

Petition Number: 20662-LC-251-D;WNC.
Eliminate Certain Mandated Local Church Officers
Delete ^ 25L

^251.

Petition Number: 20329-LC-251.4-D;WPA

Duties of the Charge Conference

Amend ^25L4:

4. Special attention shall be given to the inclusion of
women, men, youth, young adults, persons over sbcty-
five years of age, persons with a handicapping condition
people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic per-
sons.

1252.

Petition Number: 20537-LC-252-D; Cabinet of the
West Virginia Annual Conference, WVA.

Removing Officers-Filling Vacancies

Insert a new ^ after ^ 251:

Removal of Officers and Filling of Vacancies.
K a leader or officer who has been elected by the
Charge Conference is unable or unwilling to per-

form the duties reasonably expected of such a
leader or officer, the district superintendent may
call a special session of the Charge Conference in
accordance with ^ 247.7. The purpose of such
special session shall be stated as "Consideration
for the removal of person(s) from office and the
election of person(s) to fill vacancy(ies)."The Com-
mittee on Nominations and Personnel (^ 270.1,
247.17) shall meet as soon as possible after the
special session of the Charge Conference has been
announced and shall propose person(s) who may
be elected if vacancy(ies) occiu" at the Charge Con-
ference. If the Charge Conference votes to remove
a person or persons from office, the vacancy(ies)
shall be filled in the manner prescribed for elec-
tions in accordance with ^ 250-251. When a local
church trustee is tmder consideration for removal
and the pastoral charge consists of tfvo or more
chiu-ches, a Church Local Conference shall be
called instead of a Charge Conference, in accord-
ance v«th ^ 2526.

1252.

Petition Number: 20663-LC-252.1-D;WNC.

Local Church Lay Leader, Lay Member of
Conference, and Church Council Chairperson

Amend ^ 252:

l.c) membership in the Charge Conference and the
Administrative Chiu"ch Council (or the Administrative
Board and the Council on Ministries), the Committee
on Finance,...

e) assisting in advising the Administrative Church
Council (or the Administrative Board and the Council
on Ministries) of opportunities...

2. [Second paragraph] Both the lay members and
the alternates shall have been members in good stand-
ing of The United Methodist Church and of the local
church fi'om which they are elected for at least two years
(see ^35), except in a newly organiacd church, which
shall have the privilege of representation at the Annual
Conference session.... These persons shall report to the
local church Administrative Church Council or Admin
istrativc Board on actions...

3. The Administrative Board/ Chtirch Council
chairperson...

a) leading the Administrative Board/CcouncU in
fulfilling its responsibilities (see ^ 257) ;

b) preparing and communicating the agenda of the
board/council meetings...

c) reviewing and assigning responsibility for the
implementation of actions taken by the board/council;

Local Church

957

d) communicating with members of the
fe©ftf4A;ouncil and others as appropriate to permit in-
formed action at board/council meetings;

e) coordinating the various activities of the
board/council;

f) providing the initiative and leadership for the
board/council...

The Administrative Board/ Church Council chair-
person...

^252.

Petition Number: 20761-LC-252.1-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

Responsibilities of a Lx)cal Church Lay Leader

Add a new sub-point at the end of % 252. 1:

g) encouraging laity to join the Historical Soci-
ety of The United Methodist Church whose pro-
grams and publications help keep the
connectional principle alive (see % 112).

^252.

Petition Number: 21448-LC-252.1-D; GBOD.

Responsibilities of the Local Church Lay Leader

Amende 252.1c:

\.c) membership in the Charge Conference.. .the
Committee on Finance, aftd the Committee on Nomina-
tions and Personnel, and the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations (Sta£F-Parish Relations), where,
along with...

^252.

Petition Number: 21088-LC-252.2-D; GCCUIC.

Lay Members of the Annual Conference

Amend the third sentence of the second paragraph
of ^252.2:

United Methodist churches which become part of
an ecumenical shared ministry of which The United
Methodist Church is a sponsor shall not be deprived...

^253.

Petition Number: 20344-LC-253.1-D;NTX.

The Administrative Council

Delete ^ 253 and replace it with new text:

1. The Administrative Council or Administra-
tive Board shall provide for the planning and im-

plementing of the mission and ministry of the local
church, and for the administration and organiza-
tion of its temporal life. It shall initiate planning,
establish objectives, adopt goals, authorize action,
determine policy, receive reports, evaluate the
church's ministries, and review the mission and
ministry of the church.

2. The Administrative Council or Administra-
tive Board shall be amenable to and function as
the administrative agency of the Charge Confer-
ence.

3. The Administrative Council or Administra-
tive Board shall:

a. review the membership of the local church,

b. fill vacancies occurring among the lay ofiS-
cers of the chiu"ch

c. estabUsh the budget on recommendation of
the Committee on Finance and ensure adequate
provision for the financial needs of the church.

d. recommend to the Charge Conference the
salary and other remuneration of the pastor (s) and
staff persons after receiving recommendations
fi"om die Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations.

4. Membership — ^The Charge Conference will
determine the size of the Administrative Council
or Administrative Board. The membership of the
Council or Board may consist of as few as eight
persons or as large as the Charge Conference
deems appropriate. The Council or Board shall
include persons who represent the program min-
istries of the Church as outiined in % 244. The
membership shall include but not be limited to the
following:

a. the chairperson of the Administrative Coun-
cil or Administrative Board

b. the Lay Leader

c. the chairperson of the Pastor-Parish Rela-
tions Committee

d. the chairperson of the Committee on Fi-
nance

e. the chairperson of the Board of Trustees

f. the church treasiu*er

f. a lay member to annual conference
h. the pastor.

5. Meetings — ^The Administrative Council or
Administrative Board shall meet at least annually,
or as determined in its policies. Special meetings
may be called by the chairperson or the pastor.

958

DCA Advance Edition

6. Quorum — ^The members present and voting
at any duly announced meeting shall constitute a
quorum.

^253.

Petition Number: 20664-LC-253.1-D;WNC.
The Church Council
Amend ^ 253:

1. The Administrative Chxu-ch Council shall pro-
vide...The■e©«ne^}-9fea}H*ave-d}-©#^ie^=esp©ft8^biiitie»^
the Adminiatrativc Board (11257) and the Council on
Ministries (11258) , including evaluation, setting of goala,
and developing strategics and plans of action for implc
mcnting its ministries. The Administrative Church
Council shall be amenable.. .Its membership shall in-
clude the combined membership of those named to the
Administiative Board and the Council on Ministiics
insofar as the officers, or combination of offices, listed
in 11255 and 11350 exist within the local church or are
otherwise provided for in this paragraph, chairperson
of the Church Council; the pastor(s); the lay
leader; the lay nieniber(s) of the Annual Confer-
ence; the chairperson of the Committee on Fi-
nance; the chairperson (or representative, if the
chairperson is from another chtu'ch on a
multi-church charge) of the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations; the chairperson of the Board of
Trustees; representatives of the nurturing, out-
reach, and witness ministries of the chiu-ch; and
such other persons as the Charge Conference may
determine. The employed professional staff who
are members of the Chiu-ch Council shall not vote
on matters pertaining to their employee relation-
ship.

2. [Delete.]

3. [Delete.]

4. [Delete.]

62. Quorum. — ^The members present and voting at
any duly announced meeting shall constitute a quorum.

^254.

Petition Number: 20345-LC-254-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Administrative Board
Delete 11254.

^255.

Petition Number: 20346-LC-255-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Administrative Board Membership
Delete U 255.

SI256.

Petition Number: 20347-LC-256-D;NTX.

Organization of the Administrative Board
Delete U 256.

^256.

Petition Number: 20665-LC-256-D;WNC.

Eliminate Administrative Board Officers
Delete U 256.

^257.

Petition Number: 20348-LC-257-D;NTX.

Responsibilities of the Administrative Board
Delete H 257.

^257.

Petition Number: 20666-LC-257-D;WNC.

Eliminate Administrative Board Responsibilities
Delete K 257.

^257.

Petition Number: 20855-LC-257.3-D;RBM.

Basic Salary Plan — ^The Administrative Board

Add new text at the end of 11257.3/:

3./) ...the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations ex-
cept for items covered by a Basic Salary Plan when
one has been approved by the annual conference.

1257.

Petition Number: 20667-LC-257.4-D;WNC.

The Church Council and Local Church Funding

Amend H 257:

4. The Administrative Board Church Coxmcil shall
ensure the promotion. ..and encourage support of World
Service, conference general church. Annual Confer-
ence, and other benevolences. The board council shall
coordinate.. .working with such persons and units as the
pastor (1[ 248.14)Tand Committee on Finance (1[ 270.4);
Council on Ministries (U 258) , coordinator of communi
cations (11263.3), work area chairperson of missions
(1[262.7) , work area chairperson of education (U 262.4),
and work area chairperson of stewardship (H 262.10) . In
the promotion of special days with offering (HU 274, 275,

Local Church

959

277) the Administrative Board council shall assign re-
sponsibility...

5. ...approved items of local expense; World Service,
conference general church, Annual Conference, and

other benevolences;...

^257.

Petition Number: 21089-LC-257.7-D; GCCUIC.

Responsibility of the Administrative Board

Amend ^ 257.7:

7. It shall develop.. .other forms of ministry, with
appropriate consultation with other Christian
churches.-aftd-wWhen specifically authorized...

^258.

Petition Number: 20349-LC-258-D;NTX.

Responsibilities of the Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 258.

^258.

Petition Number: 20668-LC-258-D;WNC.

Eliminate Local Church Council on Ministries
Delete 1 258.

^259.

Petition Number: 2033O-LC-259-D;WPA

Elections to the Council on Ministries

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 259:

The Charge Conference may elect. .persons in min-
istry with pcrson9 who have handicapping conditions
individuals with disabilities,...

^259.

Petition Number: 20350-LC-259-D;NTX.

Basic membership of the Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 259.

^259.

Petition Number: 20669-LC-259-D;WNC.

Eliminate Local Church Council on Ministries
Delete ^ 259.

^260.

Petition Number: 20331-LC-260-D;WPA.

Age-Level, Family, and Specialized-Ministries
Coordinators

Amend the third sentence of ^ 260.1:

Where needs for specialized areas of ministry arise
(for example, single adults or persons with handicap-
ping conditions people with disabilities), oordina-
tors...

^260.

Petition Number: 20351-LC-260-D;NTX.

Age-level, family, and specialized ministries
Delete ^ 260.

^260.

Petition Number: 20670-LC-260-D;WNC.

Eliminate Local Church Coordinators
Delete ^ 260.

^261.

Petition Number: 20098-LC-261-D;DET.

Local Church work area on Prayer

Amend the second sentence of ^ 261:

Therefore the Charge Conference may elect.. .the
chairperson of stewardship, the chairperson of
prayer advocacy, and the chairperson of worship.

^261.

Petition Number: 20352-LC-261-D;NTX.
Work Areas
Delete 1 261.

960

DCA Advance Edition

^261.

Petition Number: 20671-LC-261-D;WNC.

Eliminate Local Church Work Areas
Delete ^ 261.

^262.

Petition Number: 20353-LC-262-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Local Church Work Area Chairpersons
Delete ^ 262.

^262.

Petition Number: 20958-LC-262.2-D; GBCS.

The work area chairperson of Church and Society

Amend ^ 262.2:

2. The work area chairperson of Church and Society
shall keep the Council on Ministries or Administrative
Council aware of the need for study education and
action in the areas of social issues and education, serv-
ice, witness, and action on issues of social concern.
In keeping with. ..the chairperson shall recommend to
the Council on Ministries or Administrative Council
study/action projects in the field of social concerns
education, service, witness, action, and advocacy
in support of the Chiu-ch's position as indicated in
the Social Principles and Book of Resolutions of Tlie
United Methodist Chxu-ch. The chairperson shall
emphasize issues of social justice, including
health and wholeness; peace; environmental jus-
tice; rights of racial and ethnic persons; poverty
and hunger; concerns of women axiA men, chil-
dren euid families. To facilitate and augment the
work of the local congregation, as well as that of
the conference and general boards, the chairper-
son is encoiu-aged to participate in Church net-
works of action. The chairperson shall cooperate... and
international needs to which the Church ministers by its
service, education, witness, and action.

^262.

Petition Number: 21449-LC-262.5-D; GBOD.

The Work Area Chairperson of Evangelism

Amend the last sentence of ^ 262.5:

...discipleship, and spiritual formation including dis-
tribution of The Upper Room and other devotional spiri-
tual growth resources.

^262.

Petition Number: 21450-LC-262.10-D; GBOD.

The Work Area Chairperson of Stewardship

Amende 262.10a:

IQ.a) The work area chairperson of stewardship
shall interpret and encourage stewardship consistent
with the historic standards of The United Methodist
Church. Inasmuch as giving is clearly an integral
part of Christian life, a program should be devel-
oped within every local church to engage in a
stewardship education program which reflects a
bibUcal understanding of holistic stewardship and
proportionate giving and tithing.

The chairperson shall encourage both individual
and corporate stewardship, informing them that tithing
is the minimum goal of giving in The United Methodist
Church. Using as a basis Scripture, tradition, reason,
and experience, stewardship that shall have five compo-
nents:...to encourage growth in each of these areas, fe
churches where a Commission on Stewardship is organ-
iiied, the Council on Ministries or Administrative Coun
cil shall elect representatives of the Committee on
Finance to serve on the commission. The chairperson
of the work area...

^262.

Petition Number: 21596-LC-262.10-D; GCFA.

The Chairperson of Stewardship

Amend ^ 262.106:

b) In churches where the Charge Conference
does not create a Planned Giving and Endow-
ments Committee as provided in % 2534, tThe
chairperson of stewardship in cooperation with the
Council on Ministries or Administrative Council may:

(1) organize a Task Force on Planned Giving
and Endowments Wills and Estate Planning Task
Force which shall have the responsibility to...

(3) ...ability be lost Resources for these tasks may
be secured from conference and/or area United
Methodist foundations, the General Board of Disci-
pleship,...

^262.

Petition Number: 20099-LC-262.11-D;DET.

Local Church Work Area on Prayer.

Add the following new sub-paragraph after ^ 262.10
and delete existing .lie:

The work area chairperson of prayer advocacy
in cooperation with the pastor. Council on Minis-

Local Church

961

tries or Administrative Council, will encourage, in-
vite, serve as resource to other areas of the local
church that prayer may be a regular part of the
church's life, ministry, program, meetings, and
missions.

a) The work area on prayer advocacy shall not
be a primary source of new programs, but its main
focus shall be to advocate that prayer be a con-
scious and deliberate presence in all areas of the
church's life and work. Prayer being understood
to include a wide range of prayer forms: verbal,
non-verbal; spoken, read, silent; incarnated acts
of love; personal, family, corporate; daily exam-
ines, days apart; for newcomers, for long-time
members, for all ages, for church leaders, for lay
and ordained ministers, for volunteers, for paid
staff.

b) The work area may organize itself as a work
area on spiritual formation to promote and foster
regular individual, family, and corporate spiritu2d
growth using the resources of the General Board
of Discipleship, especially The Upper Room, and
other devotional resources. The work area may, in
cooperation with age level coordinator(s), organize
spiritual growth retreats, and days apart The
work area shall serve as an advocate for regularly
scheduled days for prayer for all lay and ordained
employees of the local church, for all elected lead-
ers of the local church, for all members and con-
stituents. The work area may encourage and invite
the creation of prayer chains, prayer support
groups, prayer vigils, participation in district, con-
ference and general church spiritual growth min-
istries.

^263.

Petition Number: 20354-LC-263-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Local Church Program Support Personnel
Delete T[ 263.

1263.

Petition Number: 20332-LC-263.2-D;"WPA.

The Health and Welfare Ministries Representative

Amend ^ 263:

2. The health and welfare ministries repre-
sentative,...and handicapping conditions disabilities,...

[Second paragraph] ...(e) to encourage the local
church to be aware of the gifts and needs of persona with
handicapping conditions people with disabilities,... (f)
...that impede the full participation of persons vyith
handicapping conditions people with disabilities;...

3.(b) ...to aid communications for persons indi-
viduals with vision and hearing handicapping condi-
tions disabilities;...

^264.

Petition Number: 20672-LC-264-D;WNC.

Local Church Program Agencies

Amend ^ 264:

[Fourth sentence] Some will be formed by the Ad-
miniatrativc Church Council or the Council on Minis-
tfies. Others will emerge with the approval of these
bodies this body. Another type... These are referred to
as program agencies and are related to the Administra-
tive Church Council or the Council on Ministries
through age level and family coordinators, work area
chairpersons, and councils or commissions.

1. TJie Church School. — In each local church there
shall be a church school for the purpose of accomplish-
ing the church's educational ministry in accordance vyith
111303

a-g) [Delete.]

2.a) The coordinator of youth ministries and the
Youth Council, when organized, shall be responsible for
recommending to the Administrative Church Council
or Council on Ministries activities,...

3. [Delete.]

4. [Delete.]

5. [Delete.]
7. [Delete.]

^264.

Petition Number: 20355-LC-264.1-D;NTX.
Program Agencies
Delete 1 264.1-5.

1264.

Petition Number: 20960-LC-264.1-D; GBCS.

The Church School

Add a new sentence before the last sentence of ^
264.1ft:

l.b) ...our growth in participatory grace. It will
include the skills and practice of non-violence as
a powerful witness to the Christian faith and as
effective strategy for conflict resolution. The re-
sources...

962

DCA Advance Edition

^264.

Petition Number: 21451-LC-264.1-D; GBOD.

The Church School

Amend the second sentence of ^ 264.1a:

TTirough such experiences persons will be encour-
aged to profess their faith and commit themselves to
Christ..

^266.

Petition Number: 20356-LC-266-D;WNC, NTX.

Eliminate Local Church Age-Level and Family
Councils

Delete ^ 266.

^266.

Petition Number: 21452-LC-266.4-D; GBOD.

Family Life Council

Delete ^ 266.4 and replace with new text

4. Family Life Council. — ^A Family Life Council
is an optional organizing model for family minis-
tries when the size of the church and the extent of
the ministries indicate the need. The Coimcil on
Ministries or the Administrative Council may des-
ignate a group including representatives of the
age-levels, work areas, and others to work with the
coordinator of family ministries. Care should be
taken to include singles and persons from di-
versely configiu-ed families.

The Family life Council coordinates programs
of ministries with families. Ministry plans are to
be submitted to the Coxmcil on Ministries or Ad-
ministrative Council. The Family Life Coimcil
aligns its work to support the primary task of the
congregation. Ministries with families include but
are not limited to those which:

a) Reach out to all kinds of families;

b) Relate families to God through Jesus Christ
by assisting family households to become £uth
commtmities;

c) Nurture families for dziily living and;

d) Enable families to Uve faithfully in home,
commimity, and the world.

Members of the Council may include repre-
sentatives elected on the basis of dieir interest and
expertise. The pastor or a member of the profes-
sional staff of the church appointed by the pastor
shall be an ex officio member of the Council.

1267.

Petition Number: 20357-LC-267-D;WNC. NTX.
Eliminate Local Church Work Area Commission
Delete % 267.

1268.

Petition Number: 20358-LC-268-D;WNC, NTX.
Eliminate Local Church Task Groups
Delete ^268.

1269.

Petition Number: 20673-LC-269-D;WNC.

Eliminate Local Church Classes and Leaders
Delete ^ 269.

1270.

Petition Number: 20245-LC-270.1-D;MNN.

Local Church Committee on Nominations
and Personnel

Amend the first paragraph of ^ 270.1:

1. ...The pastor shall be the chairperson. The chair-
person may be a lay member other than the lay
leader. The committee shall nominate.. At least one
youth and one or young adult, elected...

1270.

Petition Number: 20674-LC-270.1-D;WNC.

Local Church Administrative Committees

Amend f 270:

1. [Fourth sentence] The committee shall nominate
to the Charge Conference or Church Conference in its
annual session such officers and members oftheAdmin'
istrativc Church Council or Administrative Board and
Charge Conference...

[Second paragraph] The Committee on Nomina-
tions and Personnel shall serve throughout the year to
guide the Administrative Church Council or Adminis
trativc Board on personnel matters.. .working in relation-
ship to the committees and work areas of the
Administi'ativc Church Council or the Administrative
Board and Council on Ministries in both its nomina-
tions...

2.a) [Third sentence] Where there is more than one
church on a charge, the committee shall include at least
one representative from each congregation with a rep-

Local Church

963

resentative of each church to be a member of that
church's Adminiatrativo Church Council orAdminiatra'
tivc Board.

f){A) ...and to make annual recommendations re-
garding such matters to the Administrative Church
Council or Administrative Board, reporting budget
items...

(5) ...and to arrange with the Administrative
Church Council or Administrative Board for the neces-
sary time...

(9) To recommend to the Administrative Chuj-ch
Council or Administrative Board, after consultation with
the pastor and the Council on Ministries (where such
exists), the professional and other staff positions needed
to carry out the work of the church or charge. The
committee and the pastor shall recommend to the Ad-
ministrative Board or Church Council a written state-
ment of policy... The committee shall further
recommend to the Administrative Church Council ©f
Administrative Board a provision...

4. ...the chairperson of the Administrative Chiu"ch
Council, or the chairpersons of the Administrative
Board and Council on Ministries; a representative of the
trustees to be selected by the trustees; the chairperson
of the work area on stewardship; the lay leader;. ..JHs
recommended that tThe chairperson of the Committee
on Finance shall be a member of the Administrative
Church Council or Administrative Board.

[Third paragraph] All financial askings.. .The Com-
mittee on Finance shall compile annually a complete
budget for the local church and submit it to the Adminis-
festive Church Council or Administrative Board for
review and adoption... .to meet the budget adopted by
the Administrative Church Council or Administrative
Board. It shall administer the funds received according
to instructions from the Administrative Church Coun-
cil ©pAdfniftisfe=ative*©afd.

The committee shall carry out the Administrative
Church Council's or Administrative Board's directions
in guiding the treasurer (s) and financial secretary.

b) The church treasurer (s) shall disburse all money
contributed to causes represented in the local church
budget, and such other ftinds and contributions as the
Administrative Chxwch Council or Administrative
Board may determine. The treasurer (s) shall remit each
month to the conference treasurer all World Service and
Conference Benevolence general chiu-ch and Annual
Conference apportioned funds then on hand. ...The
church treasurer shall make regular and detailed re-
ports on funds received and expended to the Committee
on Finance and the Administrative Church Council ©f
Administrative Board.

d) The committee shall recommend to the Admin
iatrative Church Council or Administrative Board
proper depositories...

f) After the budget of the local church has been
approved, additional appropriations or changes in the
budget must be approved by the Administrative Church
Council or Administrative Board.

g) The committee shall prepare annually a report to
the Administrative Church Council or Administrative
Board of all designated funds...

5. The Administrative Chiu"ch Council or Adminis-
trative Board may appoint such other committees as it
deems advisable, including! Committee on Records and
History, Committee on Health and Welfare, and Com
mittee on Memorial Gifts.

1270.

Petition Number: 21453-LC-270.1-D; GBOD.

Committee on Nominations and Personnel

Amend % 270.1:

[Second sentence] This committee is to be com-
posed comprised of not more than nine persons, in
addition to the pastor and the lay leader. The chairper-
son shall be elected by the committee from its
membership. The pastor shall be the chairperson. The
committee shall...

1270.

Petition Number: 20102-LC-270.2-D;DET.

Appointed Staff

Add new text at the end of ^ 270.2ft:

The committee shall have the same responsi-
bilities toward all appointed staff members as it
has toward the pastor in charge. The pastor in
charge shall have responsibility for day to day
supervision of other appointed staff.

1270.

Petition Number: 20103-LC-270.2-D;DET.

Pastor-Parish Relations Committee

Amend ^ 270.2/ by adding a new sub-point after
current (2) and renumbering as appropriate:

To develop and approve written job descrip-
tions and tides for associate pastors and other
staff members. The term "associate pastor" is
used as a general term to indicate any pastoral
appointment in a local chtu'ch other than pastor in
charge (see ^438). Committees shall be encour-
aged to develop specific tides for associate pastors
which reflect the job descriptions and expecta-
tions.

964

DCA Advance Edition

^270.

Petition Number: 20856-LC-270.2-D;RBM.

Basic Salary Option — Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations

Add new text at the end of the first sentence of
TI270.2/(4):

2./? (4) ...to the Committee on Finance, except for
items covered by a Basic Salary Plan when one
has been approved by the annual conference.

^270.

Petition Number: 21130-LC-270.2-D; GBHEM.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Add a new sentence at the end of 1 270.2/(2):

In multiple staff situations, this constdtation
should include the development of written job de-
scriptions for each pastor and staff position.

^270.

Petition Number: 21131-LC-270.2-D; GBHEM.

Duties of the Pastoral Advisory Committee

Amend ^270.2/(6):

2./? (6) To enlist, interview, evaluate, review, and
recommend annually to the Charge Conference persons
for candidacy for ordained and diaconal ministries, (see
TO 248.8 and 403) and to enlist...

^270.

Petition Number: 21132-LC-270.2-D; GBHEM.

Pastoral Advisory Committee

Amend ^270.2/(7):

2./) (7) To interpret preparation for ordained and
diaconal ministry...

promote, retire, and dismiss non appointed personnel.
When persons are hired...

^270.

Petition Number: 21454-LC-270.2-D; GBOD.

The Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend ^ 270.2:

2. ...In addition to the five to nine persons, a lay
member of Annual Conference shall also be a member.
In the event that the lay leader is not an elected
member of the committee or the designated lay
member of Annual Conference, then the lay leader
shall be an ex officio member without vote. Only
one person.. .

^270.

Petition Number: 21455-LC-270.4-D; GBOD.

Committee on Finance

Delete the second paragraph of ^ 270.4 and replace
with new text

Where there is no stewardship work area, the
responsibiUties of ^ 262.10a shall be the respon-
sibility of a sub-group of the Committee on Fi-
nance or shall be assigned to a task group that
shall report to the Administrative Cotmcil.

^271.

Petition Number: 20675-LO271.6-D;WNC.

Constituting Church Conference

Amend ^ 271.6:

6. [Second sentence] A committee on nomina-
tions,...shall nominate members at large of the proposed
Administrative Church Council or Administrative
Befti=d...When the members at large have been chosen
in proper number, the presiding pastor shall declare the
church properly constituted.

1270.

Petition Number: 21133-LC-270.2-D; GBHEM.

Pastoral Advisory Committee

Amend ^270.2/(9):

2.fi (9) . and dismissing staff personnel who are not
subject to episcopal appointment as ordained clergy.
Until such a policy has been adopted, the committee and
the pastor shall have the authority to hire, evaluate.

1271.

Petition Number: 20762-LC-271.6-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

The Constituting Church Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^ 271.6:

The Constituting Church Conference shall then be
called to order by the district superintendent or by
an elder wiiom the superintendent designates (see
^247.5).

Local Church

965

^271.

Petition Number: 20763-LC-271.7-D; Historical
Society, the United Methodist Church.

The Charge Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^ 271.7:

The presiding pastor district superintendent or
an elder whom the superintendent designates shall
then adjourn...

^2525.

Petition Number: 21597-LC-2525-D; GCFA

Local Church Board of Trustees — Qualifications

Amend TI 2525:

Local Church Board of Trustees — Qualifica-
tions.— In each pastoral charge consisting of one local
church there shall be a Board of Trustees, consisting of
not fewer than three nor more than nine persons, and it
is recommended that at least one-third of whom shall
be lay women; and that at least one-third of whom shall
be lay men;. The trustees each of whom shall be of legal
age as determined by law and at least two-thirds ofwhom
shall be members...

^2533.

Petition Number: 21598-LC-2533.1-D; GCFA.

Board of Trustees-Powers and Limitations

Amend ^2533.1:

1. Subject to the direction of the Charge Conference
or the Administrative Board/Administrative
Coimcil, the Board of Trustees...

T[2533.

Petition Number: 20423-LC-2533.5-D;NMX.

Powers and Limitations of the Board of Trustees

Insert new text after the first sentence of T[ 2533.5:

Nevertheless, upon notice to the Board of
Trustees the Charge Conference may delegate the
power, duty, and authority to receive, administer,
and invest bequests, trusts, and trust funds to the
Permanent Endowment Committee or to a Local
Chtirch Foundation and shall do so in the case of
bequests, trusts, or trust funds for which the do-
nor has designated the committee or the Local
Church Foundation to receive, administer, or in-
vest the same.

^2533.

Petition Number: 20333-LC-2533.6-D;WPA

Accessibility Audit by the Board of Trustees

Amend ^ 2533.6:

6. ...impede the full participation of persons wth
handicapping conditions people with disabilities;...

^2534.

Petition Number: 21599-LC-2534-D; GCFA

Planned Giving and Endowments Committee

Amend ^ 2534:

Planned Giving and Endowments Committee, fier-

manent Endowment Fund Committee. ^A Charge

Conference may establish a Planned Giving and En-
dowments Committee Permanent Endowment Fund
Committee. The purposes...

^2534.

Petition Number: 21601-LC-2534-D; GCFA

Resources

Add a new sub-paragraph after existing % 2534.5:

Resources for these tasks may be secured
from conference and/or area United Methodist
foundations and development offices, from the
General Board of Discipleship, and from other
appropriate sources for program assistance and
direction.

12534.

Petition Number: 20424-LC-2534.1-D;NMX.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Amend ^ 2534.1:

1. Provide the services described in ^2533.5 as
designated by the donor or at the direction of the Charge
Conference upon notice to the Bocwd of Trustees. It
is recommended that consideration be given to the
placement of funds with the conference or area United
Methodist Foundation, or Local Church Founda-
tion, for administration and investment. When the
Chaise Conference has designated the Committee
to provide the services described in ^2533.5, the
committee shall have the same investment and
reporting duties as are imposed on the Board of
Trustees in that paragraph.

966

DCA Advance Edition

12534.

Petition Number: 21600-LC-2534.4-D; GCFA.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Amend ^ 2534.4:

4. Arrange for the dissemination of information that
will be helpful in preretirement planning, including such
considerations as establishing a living will an4, a living
trust, and the need for each person to designate
someone to serve as a responsible advocate
should independent decision-making ability be
lost

^2534.

Petition Number: 20104-LC-2534.5-D;TEX.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2534.4:

The Charge Conference directs the trustees
by: electing committee members who have no con-
flict of interest, such as a bank or institution who
have a self interest in how the funds are invested
or dispensed; directing the trustees to dispense
funds only to church-related causes and not to
secular causes which secular foundations might
support; directing the trustees to fund a particular
project or program; removing trustees who do not
carry out Charge Conference directives; interpret-
ing the document it creates when there is an inter-
pretation problem; overruling any trustee action it
considers inappropriate; reviewing quadrennially
the by-laws and amending the document to keep
it in agreement with the Discipline.

12535.

Petition Number: 20425-LC-2535-D;NMX.

Local Church Foundations

Add new text at the end of ^ 2535:

The Charge Conference may delegate to the
Foundation the power and authority to receive,
invest, and administer in trust for the local
church, bequests, trusts, and trust funds upon
notice to the Board of Trustees as provided in
^2533.3, in which event the foundation shall have
the same investment and reporting duties as are
imposed on the Board of Trustees. No such dele-
gation of authority shall be construed to be a vio-

lation of the rights of any other local chiu-ch organi-
zation.

12544.

Petition Number: 20334-LC-2544-D;WPA

Responsibility of the Building Committee
Amend ^ 2544.4:

c) ...and otherwise make facilities reasonably acces-
sible for persons with handicapping conditions people
with disabilities.

d) ...one room which could be used as a bedroom
by a person with a handicapping condition people with
disabilities,...

12544.

Petition Number: 21090-LC-2544-D; GCCUIC.

Planning and Financial Requirements
for Local Church Buildings

Insert new text after the first sentence of ^ 2544:

Consideration should be given to consultation
with existing Christian churches and to the possi-
ble development of an ecumenical shared minis-
try.

12545.

Petition Number: 21091-LC-2545-D; GCCUIC.

Conservation and Dedication
of Local Church Buildings

Add a new sentence at end of ^ 2545:

When such services are held, every effort
should be made to invite the peulicipation of clergy
and lay representation from neighboring congre-
gations.

12548.

Petition Number: 21092-LC-2548.1-D; GCCUIC.

Deeding Church Property to Federated, Union,
or Merged Churches

Amend ^ 2548. Deeding Church Property to Feder-
ated, Union, or Merged Churches or Other Evangelical
Denominations. — 1. With the consent...to deed church
property to a federated, union, or merged church.

Local Church

967

^2548.

Petition Number: 21093-LC-2548.2-D; GCCUIC.

Deeding Church Property to Federated Churches or
Other Evangelical Denominations

Amend ^ 2548.2:

...represented in the Commission on Pan-Method-
ist Cooperation or to another evangelical Christian de-
nomination under an allocation, exchange of property,
or comity agreement, or a merged congregation
which now relates to one of the other constituent
denominations; provided that such...

^2549.

Petition Number: 20105-LC-2549-D;MOW.

Retiring United Methodist Churches

Amend ^ 2549:

Put in place a process for retiring United Methodist
churches that would allow certain church buildings to
continue in witness, ministry, and service in a limited
way.

^2551.

Petition Number: 21094-LC-2551-D; GCCUIC.

Local Church Potential

Amend ^ 2551:

...develop cooperative parish ministries (^ 206)
or ecumenical shared ministries (% 207) patterns
with other congregations, or give special attention to
redevelopment, relocation, union wdth another congre-
gation, merger, or discontinuance.

^2553.

Petition Number: 20676-LC-2553.1-D;WNC.

Church Council in Shared Facility Situation

Amend the second sentence of ^2553. la:

The covenant of relationship may provide for mu-
tual representation on such bodies as Administrative
Church Council, Administrative Board and Council on
Ministries, and other committees and work groups.

^2553.

Petition Number: 21095-LC-2553.2-D; GCCUIC.

Shared Facilities with another Denomination

Amend f 2553.2a:

2.a) ...to explore the possibilities of organizing as
an ecimienical shared ministry or a new United
Methodist congregation...

^2553.

Petition Number: 21096-LC-2553.2-D; GCCUIC.

Property Agreement in a Shared Facility

Amend f 2553.26:

2.b) If it is decided that the United Methodist con-
gregation and the congregation of another denomina-
tion should share facilities, as a part of the covenant
of mission, a property-use agreement. .shall be ap-
proved by the United Methodist Charge or Church
Local Conference.

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DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20725-LC-NonDis-O;KEN.

Work Area on Prayer in the Lxjcal Church

In the Old Testament, the importance of prayer is
shown and told many times. In the New Testament,
prayer is taught and commanded of all who believe. The
substance of prayer has been given witness by the saints
and servants of the Church throughout its history. It is
through prayer that every Christian today may actively
engage the grace and presence of God, experience a
perpetual renewal of their faith, and maintain the abun-
dant flow of guidance and strength essential to the
dynamic integration of their beliefs into Christian living.

Corporate prayer also assumes many roles. Preemi-
nent among these is the responsive grace experienced
in the bonding of the members into the Church body.
From this is often gained inner knowledge of belonging
and the cherished feelings that go with Christian love.
Further, evangelical grace is manifest in prayers for the
community and the unchurched.

The substance of the above is self-evident and of
common knowledge. Yet, it is found that many United
Methodist churches do not have areas of focus, ongoing
programs or organized activities that encourage or sup-
port prayer.

The needs for prayer are infinite. The ways to prayer
in the local church may greatly benefit from the follow-
ing:

Whereas, the sustained focus and emphasis on pro-
grams and activities of prayer in the local church signifi-
cantly increases the interest in prayer and personal
Christian growth;

Whereas, the initiation of programs of prayer in a
church will in turn activate a pool of dormant prayer
talent that blossoms forth with purpose and energy;

Whereas, basic instruction in the nature and meth-
ods of prayer helps many individuals who say they do
not know how to pray to find new meaning and commit-
ment to prayer and an enriched spiritual life;

Whereas, formal support of prayer activities creates
a variety of new opportunities for greater member in-
volvement in the ministries of the church;

Whereas, the formal recognition of prayer as a dy-
namic, sustaining force in a church is universally viable
and applicable regardless of size. In the smallest congre-
gations there will be one or more members that will
accept the leadership in this Christian ministry. Large
churches have the membership and organizational base
to sponsor a wide variety of activities. This can include
church-wide special event programs emphasizing
prayer in the Christian life, the organization of special
prayer projects or vigils to meet the particular or urgent
needs of the church, sponsoring area Concerts of
Prayer, and in-place formation and training of home
prayer teams using members who have restricted or
limited travel ability. Other possible activities include
the conducting of prayer workshops, seminars, and re-
treats. Also, the operation of dedicated church facilities
for use as a Prayer Ministries Center;

Whereas, established prayer programs and formed
prayer groups provide a ready resource and certain
response for special Calls to Prayer and other ongoing
needs of The United Methodist Church;

Whereas, the organization of specialized prayer
groups and church prayer chains requires continuing
attention to administrative and leadership duties. Typi-
cally, this includes the supervision of prayer requests,
the enlistment of members, continuing appreciation and
motivation, personal renewal, and the ongoing definition
of the local church's changing prayer needs and objec-
tives;

Whereas, the formal recognition and commitment
of The United Methodist Church to continuing pro-
grams of prayer in the local church will cause an in-
creased requirement for study materials, as well as a
demand for the development and publication of new
materials in the form of guide books and advance study
aids;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church amend
77je Book of Discipline to establish in the local church a
Work Area for Prayer together with an associated chair-
person of Prayer Ministries.

DC A Advance Edition

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

The Study of the Ministiy
Of The United Methodist Church

A Report to the 1996 Genereil Conference

The Council of Bishops

The United Methodist Church

Introduction

The Council of Bishops submits the following re-
port, The Study of the Ministry, as an expression of
its stewardship. The following proposal for ministry of
The United Methodist Church has the character of a
comprehensive whole. All the legislative recommenda-
tions are interrelated and mutually interactive. All parts
contribute to the whole and must be studied and dis-
cussed in light of these relationships, not divided into
segments for separate consideration. This will be a diffi-
cult assignment for the normal approach of a General
Conference. We pray that every effort will be made in
this direction.

The central and compelling image of this report is:
"The Ministry of All Christians expressed through
God's Mission to the World Through the Church."

The Council of Bishops became convinced that all pro-
posals needed to justify themselves by this perspec-tive.
All lay and ordained offices exist to support this perspec-
tive and are evaluated by how well they advocate and
enable the ministry of all Christians.

The guiding principle of this study was openness
to the Gift of Discernment All decision-making was
through consensus. This we understood to be the in-
struction of the General Conference, an instruction we
welcomed and followed gladly during this three-year
project. Operational guidelines included:

1. Centrality of worship in all gatherings of the
Council and its study committee.

2. A commitment by all members of the study com-
mittee to radical openness to whatever outcome God
might lead us. We confessed that we all came with bias
and predispositions concerning results. Having con-
fessed, we made this covenant: "We admit that we start

this study with our hands full but with our hearts open.
We will study, listen, wait, and conference together.
Most of all, we are willing to be surprised."

3. "We will study." All the past ministry studies were
made available to the study committee members, as well
as parallel studies of the British Methodist Church, the
Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America, the Episcopal Church, and the bilateral discus-
sions with the Lutheran and Anglican com-munions. In
addition, committee members read books from the early
days of our own denomination concerning ordination,
the history of our Constitution, and the development of
various offices.

4. "We will listen." Several groups responded to the
invitation to meet with the study committee. They
shared prepared papers if they wanted and reflected on
the issues and proposals they felt to be vital to God's
Mission to the World through the Church. Normally two
hours were spent with each group. Those who respond-
ed included: the chairpersons of previous Ministry
Study Commissions, the Ethnic Minority Caucuses, the
Ministry of the Laity Section of the Board of Disci-
pleship, the Division on Diaconal Ministry staff, the
Division on Ordained Ministry staff, a representative
from the Division on Chaplains and Related Ministry,
and representatives from the Deaconess Section of the
Board of Global Ministry. Dr. Bruce Robbins gave an
excellent survey of the status of ministry studies in
Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches.
The legal staff of the Board of Pensions and Health
Benefits reviewed a draft of the report and offered spe-
cific suggestions.

Every Episcopal Area in the world was asked to
organize a Response Group that included laity, diaconal
ministers, and clergy. Such reports came from all the
regions of the world and were studied carefully for ideas

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and corrections. The Council of Bishops was divided
into working groups and spent several hours twice each
year discussing developing papers and issues and mak-
ing suggestions for future direction and improve-ment.
It is interesting to note that over 500 lay persons were
included in this total listening process.

5. Study committee members prepared a variety of
papers as resources. Among them were papers on the
theology of diaconal service in the history of the church,
the theology and history of elders ordination, the history
of episcopal supervision, and proposals for articulating
the Ministry of all Christians position of this study. Dr.
Robin Lovin served as writer and theological consultant
for the Council and prepared many insightful docu-
ments for our use. Bishop James Mase Ault served as a
theological consultant and provided logistical support.

6. Consensus decision-making, or United Metho-
dist conferencing, was followed throughout the process.
Continual rewriting grew out of each phase of the
study/listening process. No votes were taken until the
final one when the completed report was before the
Council of Bishops. That vote was a unanimous one.

A writing team for the Council included several
bishops. Dr. Robin Lovin, Dr. David Watson, John Har-
nish, Jimmy Carr, James Townsend, Allan Waltz. Dan
Benedick helped in the revision of the ordinal. These
individuals were recruited for their experience and pro-
fessional insight and their thoughtful work added
strength to the final report.

The Council of Bishops presents this proposal with
the prayer that the General Conference will also sur-
round its conferencing with worship and prayer, will
seek openness to the leadership of God's Spirit, and will
join us in placing the Ministry of All Christians at the
center of our understanding and final decisions.

The Ministry of All Christians

A Report of The Council of Bishops Study of the
Ministry to The United Methodist Church

The Church of Jesus Christ has one ministry, to
which all Christians are called.

From the time of union in 1968, The United Meth-
odist Church has asked questions about how to order
our part in that ministry. Changing needs in local con-
gregations and ecumenical discussions about ordina-
tion have led us to review the forms of ordained ministry
within the ministry that all Christians share. The needs
of the world and the claims of God's mission on all who
share new life in Jesus Christ lead us toward a new
understanding of the ministry of all Christians.

The General Conference of 1992 asked the Council
of Bishops to study the issues related to our ministry,
and to report their findings and recommendations for
consideration to the General Conference in 1996. We
undertook this study, as requested, with an attentive-
ness to the mind of the church, a spirit of prayer, and a
practice of openness to the gift of discernment, seeking
to understand where the Spirit is leading our Church at
this time. This report summarizes what we have learned
during the study and provides a theological and biblical
starting point to understand the specific changes in the
Discipline that we now propose.

The text of our report has two principal sections.
Part I, Theological Foundations for the Ministry of All
Christians, develops an understanding of ministry
grounded in a Biblical response to contemporary con-
cerns. The report touches on four key issues:

Signs of the Times/Stirring of the Spirit

Forms of Ministry

The Apostolic Witness

Leadership in the Church

Part 11 of our report proposes an ordering of ministry
for the United Methodist Church that draws on our
distinctive traditions, and renews key offices for God's
mission in the world today. Seven topics make up Part
II. The Minisbv of All Christians in The United Method-
ist Church.

Our Heritage

Ordering the Ministry of All Christians

Offices and Orders of Leadership

The Lay Ministry Steward

The Ordained Ministry

The Ministry of the Deacon, including Diaconal

Ministers

The Ministry of the Elder, including the Ministry
of Local Pastors and the Superintendency

LEGISLATION: Also included as part of our report
is legislation that would implement this proposal in the
Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Many de-
tails of the proposed changes will be found in this legis-
lation, but legislative changes alone will not secure the
renewal of ministry that we seek. Renewal rests on God's
help, and on a steady focus on the ministry of all Chris-
tians in the planning, practice, and evaluation of the
specific roles and offices that we consider in this report

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

971

Theological Foundations
for the Ministry of All Christians

SIGNS OF THE TIMES/STIRRINGS OF THE
SPIRIT: Today, we ask questions about ministry with a
new urgency. We seek to understand what God is saying
to us in a time of rapid change both in the world and in
the church. In the face of grave questions about the
human future, we see needs for ministry that require the
hopes, prayers, gifts, and energies of all Christians.

People everywhere are troubled by the fragmenta-
tion of society and the isolation of their individual lives.
Divisions based on wealth, race, gender, or power lead
to violence and a pervasive sense of fear. The breakdown
of familiar local institutions and the disintegration of
shared social values leaves people uncertain how to
approach their neighbors or how to sustain their com-
munities. Massive government and corporate systems
deprive persons of identity and individual worth in the
places where they live and work. As economic and
technological changes bring persons of different nations
and cultures into closer contact, competition accentu-
ates differences of wealth and power and often leads to
new antagonisms. Fear and despair turn people in upon
themselves and away from God. New idolatries of race,
nation, and religious identity make false promises of
salvation based on hatred and exclusion.

The signs of fragmentation and isolation are also
present in the churches, and in our United Methodist
Church. Here, too, persons are alienated from large
institutions and no longer feel themselves linked to one
another through connectional structures. They seek
outlets for their commitments and opportunities for
spiritual growth. However, they often find their
churches unprepared to nurture their faith or to give
them serious work to do. When memberships decline,
members age, and costs increase, fear often over-
whelms hope. Those who should be signs of reconcili-
ation and love become instead the bearers of hostility
and conflict as they seek to identify and punish the
sources of their disillusionment.

STILL, WE DO NOT LOSE HEART (2 Cor. 4:16).
We believe that God continues to form a new creation
through acts of courage and love that renew hope in local
communities. We trust God's presence in the move-
ments of reconciliation in history, even where progress
is limited and the future is unclear. Everywhere in the
world, we see new hope for peace.

We also recognize these stirrings of the spirit in our
congregations and our denomination. We experience
new life and expanded outreach. Dissatisfaction with
conventional forms of church life often bespeaks a new
readiness for discipleship that insists on active participa-
tion in ministry. New opportunities for service, new
fields of mission, new forms of devotional life, and new
commitments to prayer and study challenge our compla-
cency with familiar patterns of leadership. We rejoice in
these challenges, because we believe that God is calling

us to new life through them. We accept that call, even
when it convicts us of the inadequacy of what we have
done in the past.

The signs of hope are many: Churches grow in
numbers and in new confessions of faith. Christians give
themselves in service to human need and witness to the
demands of justice. Persons who have knovra Christ's
presence in their own lives claim a share in ministry and
receive from God the gifts required for the task (I Cor.
12:4-6) . At the heart of all these signs is the love of Christ,
who gave his life for us while we were yet sinners (Rom.
5:8) and for this world, with its fragmentation and isola-
tion. That love must guide us in our conflicts with the
powers that distort human life and destroy God's crea-
tion. Love must also guide us in our disagreements with
one another, as we seek to form a ministry that is
responsive to God's mission in the world today (Eph.
5:2) . The love of God which was made manifest in Christ
is now gh^en to us in the church, to share with the whole
world.

THE FORMS OF MINISTRY: The love of God is
active in many ways. God's saving purpose is a mystery
with which we can cooperate, but which we cannot
control. Many different actions become part of God's
purpose. There is probably nothing that we can do that
God cannot use to call us, to judge us, or to reconcile us.
There are, nevertheless, characteristic ways in which
our actions serve God's purposes. These are the forms
of ministry, and all those who participate in God's mis-
sion, both laity and clergy, must be gifted, called, and
equipped for them (Romans 12:4-8).

Ministry is worshiping (John 4:23-24). It is doxol-
ogy, the word of praise that the people speak when they
come together to pray, to hear God's Word proclaimed,
and to celebrate in baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christ's promise to be with us always and everywhere.
In worship, we are led out of isolation and into unity with
God and with one another. Both those who proclaim the
Word or lead in prayer and praise and those who listen
and add their "amen" participate in the ministry of wor-
ship.

Ministry is proclaiming (Mark 1:14-15). Not only in
worship, but in all the experiences of life. Christians
proclaim God's purposes to a world that ignores or
opposes them. In this proclamation, judgment is inevita-
ble, but it is never the last word. All proclamation is an
invitation to respond to the love of God and to enter a
saving relationship vdth Jesus Christ. In a world where
many persons have no purpose beyond themselves, this
proclamation of God's purpose is an act of faith that
offers hope. Both those who proclaim salvation and
those who respond in faith participate in the ministry of
proclamation.

Ministry is teaching (Matt. 5:1-2). Christians de-
pend on teaching to communicate the heritage of faith
from one generation to another, and from those who are
mature in faith to those who have recently acknow-
ledged God's claim on their lives. As the know-ledge of

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God's ways and work grows, fear gives way to hope, and
new possibilities appear. Both those who offer instruc-
tion and those who receive it participate in the ministry
of teaching.

Ministry is healing (Mark 1:29-34). The restoration
of joy and wholeness of life often requires healing of the
body and healing of the mind. Whenever the church
offers physical or mental healing, it proclaims the power
of God over all the forces that can bind and limit us. Both
those whose skills and compassion restore bodies and
minds to soundness and those who are restored partici-
pate in the ministry of healing.

Ministry is serving Gohn 13:12-15). The love of
Christ reaches out to all persons, meeting them at their
points of greatest need. Physical need, mental anxiety,
and spiritual hunger, which the world often treats as
marks of inferiority or targets for exploitation, become
in God's sight opportunities for love. The ministry of
service breaks the cycle of dominance and subservience
and opens the way to a new relationship, in which all
have gifts and all have needs (2 Cor. 8:10-15) . Both those
who serve and those whose needs are met participate in
the ministry of service.

Ministry is liberating (John 8:31-32). Christians tell
the truth to persons and to institutions that have denied
it. This truth frees them from their illusions about them-
selves and others. Christians oppose the economic and
political forces that bind human lives to the power and
purposes of others, and the bonds of sin that separate
persons from the power and purposes of God. Both
those who break these bonds and those who are freed
participate in the ministry of liberation.

Ministry is reconciling (Matt. 5:23-24) . In a world of
persons and institutions broken and estranged from
God, joy and wholeness require the repair of these
relationships. Christians understand the power of for-
giveness to set us free from the past and make possible
a new future, in which those who were enemies can live
in peace. Both those who are reconciled to one another
and those who are the instruments of reconciliation
participate in the ministry of reconciliation.

From first to last, this is God's work (2 Cor 5:18).
We believe that God will continue to call persons to these
tasks. We believe, too, that our church has a place in
God's plan. Seeking God's guidance, we take responsi-
bility to confirm the call to ministry and discern the gifts
of the Spirit among us G John 4:1).

THE APOSTOl JC WITNESS: Ministry begins with
baptism into the community of faith. Through the com-
munity of faith we participate in ministry in all its forms.
In the community of faith we discern forms of ministry
which are our particular calling. Throughout history the
Church has been most true to God's purposes when it
has ordered its life to enable and empower all Christians
in this ministry.

The disciples of Jesus received from their Risen
Lord a ministry which claimed their whole lives and sent
them into the whole world (Matt. 28:16-20). These first
communities of faithful disciples provide a unique wit-
ness to what it means to live as the people of Jesus Christ
To be the church is to serve God in continuity with their
ministry, testing our words and actions against the re-
cord of their faith. We recognize others who share this
ministry with us by their fidelity to this apostolic witness.
It is through that same fidelity that we would be known
by them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The ministry of the Apostles grew in continuity with
Jesus' ministry, but they were also set free, under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, to answer new calls and to
create new forms of community. Acting together, they
proclaimed the truth, resisted the powers of evil, sent
persons on mission, and named deacons to serve the
needy and to preserve justice. Acting together, they
chose others to join in their ministry. They took author-
ity to order their communities as a living witness to the
presence of Christ.

As the community of the Apostles grew and new
groups of Christians came into being in other places,
they, too, responded to the Spirit's gifts, cared for the
needs of others, and joined to share the Lord's Supper.
Here, too, the Spirit raised leaders for ministry in wor-
ship and service, inspired teachers and prophets, and
bore witness through evangelists and missionaries. The
organization of these communities borrowed familiar
forms from the synagogues and schools of the Jews, and
from the social organizations of the Roman world, but
the elders and rulers of these Christian congregations
exercised authority under the memory of One who took
the form of a servant.

The fraditions from which the United Methodist
Church has grown have shared this effort to build an
inclusive ministry, responsive to changing conditions.
Today, by our presence in many nations, we are becom-
ing a global church, whose geographic, racial, and eth-
nic diversity reflect the inclusive vision and the
disciplined mission of those who have gone before us.
Our people live, work, and worship in different situ-
ations, under different economic, religious, and political
orders. Some struggle with the burdens of poverty,
others with the temptations of affluence. Some gather to
worship in historic structures of great magnificence;
others meet in tiny homes or open fields. Some live
among people for whom Christianity is an accepted way
of life. Others are a tiny minority in cultures shaped by
other faiths, or dominated by secular assumptions. In
the midst of this diversity, our ministry as United Meth-
odists must be ordered by the love of Christ, who unites
us with one another, and with ecumenical Christianity.
Both the unity of our United Methodist Church and our
ties to other Christian communions inform us as we
order our ministry. The ordering love seeks, however,
is free above all to respond to the diversity of needs and
gifts.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

973

LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH: The fact that all
Christians are in ministry does not eliminate the need
for leadership. Indeed, the more ministry is shared
widely and with enthusiasm among all the people of
God, the greater will is the need for leadership.

As God calls all Christians into ministry, God also
provides gifts and opportunities that enable persons to
lead in ministry. Persons who hold offices in local con-
gregations, pastors and other professional workers in
the church, leaders and teachers in small groups, those
who serve organizations of the church beyond the local
congregation, those who lead in ministries of service,
and many others respond to God's call to leadership.

All Christian leadership is guided by Jesus' example
of servant leadership (Mark 10:41-45). Such service,
however, is not to be understood merely as putting
oneself at the disposal of others, or as offering oneself
to do ministry in their place. Leadership in ministrv
enables others to participate in the ministry of all Chris-
tians. Leadership calls persons to faith in Jesus Christ,
equips them for the forms of ministry, and supports
them in their own responses to God's call. In the church,
enablement of the ministry of all Christians is the pri-
mary measure by which all leadership is evaluated.

All forms of leadership need to be evaluated and
renewed. When the unity of purpose in God's mission is
forgotten, persons and groups in leadership can become
caught up in struggles for power and status that betray
the spirit of servant leadership that Jesus taught. New
forms must be created for new situations, and old forms
must sometimes be laid aside.

But the diversity of forms of leadership also testifies
to the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in the life
of the church. What we must keep in view is that all
leadership serves the ministry of all Christians, which is
God's mission in the world. The authority and responsi-
bility which go with leadership are not given perma-
nently to any office or order, nor does leadership
become the right of the persons to whom it is given.
Leadership in ministry comes from God, and remains
with the whole people of God, as they endeavor to be
faithful to the Word God has given them and effective in
the mission on which they are sent.

Leadership in all its forms is of great importance
today. In many parts of the world, cultural forces that
idolize wealth and power cast doubt on the value of the
spiritual freedom and loving community that Christian
faith offers. In other places, political forces seek to si-
lence or to discredit the message of the Gospel. Often,
poverty and human need distract from the fullness of life
Jesus brings. Today, no less than in the earliest years of
the church's life, those who would lead in the Christian
community must have the gifts and evidence of God's
grace for their task, and must represent the integrity of
Christian life to a skeptical world (I Timothy 3:1-13).

All leadership confers power and authority neces-
sary to accomplish its tasks. Leadership therefore

tempts those who hold it to misuse it, and sometimes
attracts those who seek it for the wrong reasons. The
whole church must be constant in prayer that God will
call those persons whose gifts will meet the needs of the
church for leadership, that those who are so gifted will
know themselves encouraged and called to leadership
in ministry, and that those who offer themselves for
leadership may discern in community with others God's
direction for their lives. The call to leadership must be
tested both in prayer and in practice, both in the devel-
opment of skills for leadership and in the deepen-ing of
spiritual life that orders those skills for the ends God
intends. Serious attention to this process of testing and
discernment is one way the Church shows its care for
the gifts that God has given.

The dangers and temptations of leadership, and the
precautions with which the church must surround the
exercise and discernment of leadership should not, how-
ever, overshadow our thanksgiving for these gifts to all
God's people. Good leaders, gifted with the skills for
their tasks and strengthened by spiritual discipline, are
powerful signs of God's ongoing care for creation and of
the presence of Jesus Christ in the church. In nomina-
tions for offices in the local church, recommendations
of candidates for ordained ministry, elections of bishops,
selections of staff, and appointments of pastors, both lay
and ordained, procedures should be followed carefully,
but also followed with a spirit of hope and rejoicing. The
celebrations and ceremonies by which persons are ad-
mitted to offices of leadership in the church should be
important occasions, joyous and hopeful. They are op-
portunities to give thanks for God's work in the lives of
individual persons and for God's promises to the church
and the world.

The Ministry of All Christians
in The United Methodist Church

OUR HERITAGE: As a part of the whole Church of
Jesus Christ, The United Methodist Church responds
to God's mission and seeks to create forms of organiza-
tion in which Christians can effectively live the ministry
to which they are called. The traditions which became
The United Methodist Church were equipped for their
ministry in large part by new forms of leadership. Itiner-
ant preachers, organized and encour-aged by their meet-
ings in Annual Conferences, carried the Gospel into
places that could not be reached by more settled pastors.
Lay leaders of classes and societies sustained the com-
munities of faith that were knit together by the travelling
preachers into a church of great diversity and geo-
graphic scope. Lay exhorters and local preachers ex-
tended the ministry of the word, and eventually the laity
who provided leadership in local congregations ac-
quired voice and vote in the wider affairs of the church
that were governed by Annual and General Confer-
ences.

As our traditions developed and small meetings
grew into congregations with settled pastors, buildings.

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and programs, offices of leadership multiplied in the
local church. Persons are elected or appointed to respon-
sibilities for program and stewardship, for care of local
church resources and property, for relations with pas-
toral staff and other church employees, and for the
general oversight exercised by the Administrative
Board and other bodies charged by the Discipline with
care for the life of the local church and the education and
nurture of its members.

Within the local church and in ministry to the wider
world, ordained deacons and elders provide a ministry
of service, and of Word, Sacrament, and order. Mission-
aries and evangelists extend this ministry to new per-
sons and into new places. The United Methodist Church
also trains persons as lay speakers and appoints persons
with appropriate qualifications and preparation as lay
pastors. The denomination sets standards and provides
training for lay workers with a variety of skills in educa-
tion, music, pastoral care, service, and administration.
Ministry is also carried forward by consecrated diaconal
ministers, and by deaconesses and home missionaries.

The number and variety of these offices of leader-
ship can be confusing to persons both within and outside
of tiie church. Functions and tities sometimes overlap
where different histories have converged on similar
tasks in ministry. Changing understandings of effective
organization produce new offices and roles, and the
successive changes leave their traces in the pages of our
Discipline.

Each part of this heritage has provided persons with
opportunities for faithful discipleship. Many portions of
this heritage can still be used effectively and creatively
today. A complete review of these offices and roles of
leadership is beyond the scope of our study and beyond
the mandate we received from the General Conference.
Nevertheless, we believe it is essential to redirect our
attention to the central tasks in the ministry of all Chris-
tians to which this multiplicity of titles, offices, and
opportunities should be directed. From this redirection,
with attentiveness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we
hope to find direction for renewing the offices and or-
ders of our ministry.

F.QTTTPPTNG THE CHTIRCH FOR THE MINIS-
TRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS: The forms of ministry by
which the Church of Jesus Christ serves God's mission
in the world are sustained by patterns of organization
which are characteristic of particular Christian tradi-
tions and which are adapted to the needs of particular
places and times. Ministry, and not the organization
itself, is the purpose for which this ordering of our
common life exists. Still, the order is essential, for it
provides opportunities for ministry in which personal
commitment can be lived and work can be shared.

All Christians participate in this equipping for min-
istry. They do this when they take part in the organized
life of the church, but primarily as they order their lives
as faithful disciples, sharing with others the ministry to
which God has called them in the world. Renewal of the

institutions of the church depends on a close connection
between organization and activity within the church and

ministry in the world.

Small groups which provide a disciplined setting for
prayer and study within the life of the local congregation
are an especially important part of the equipping for the
ministry of all Christians today. Both the history of the
Wesleyan movement and our understanding of personal
needs in modern society testify to the value of such
groups. In them. Christians minister to one another,
sharing teaching, leadership, and hospitality. They up-
hold one another in prayer and join together in worship.
In these groups, Christians prepare for the role that all
Christians have in ordering and leading congregational
worship, and they prepare for participation in the wider
ministry of Christ's church in the world. They go out
from these groups to works of love and service, and they
return to them for reflection on what they have experi-
enced and evaluation of what they have done. Every
United Methodist needs to be part of such a community
of support and accountability, learning there to find
God's grace and gifts for ministry, giving an account of
one's stewardship of those gifts, encouraging others,
and growing spiritually.

The local church provides a variety of such groups
appropriate to the size and character of each congrega-
tion's membership, and to the needs of its local commu-
nity. The growth and vitality of the whole congregation
often depends on encouraging members and constitu-
ents to participate in these groups. Effective pastoral
leadership of tiie congregation includes guidance and
encouragement of these groups and their leaders.

The equipping for the ministry of all Christians is
also achieved through groups and programs which sup-
port the vocations of Christians in their daily life and
work. Local congregations participate actively in meet-
ing human needs and working for justice in their com-
munities, and they support the involvement of their
members in this ministry. The church calls persons to
responsible citizenship in local, national, and global af-
fairs. The church supports persons in maintaining high
moral standards in personal life and in their work, and
gives attention in its teaching to questions of social
justice and to ethical problems in business and the
professions. Effective pastoral leadership includes in-
formed and active support of these ministries.

The ministry of all Christians is also ordered toward
the calling of new persons to faith in Jesus Christ. Each
congregation develops ways of sharing the Gospel ap-
propriate to its local community, reaching out botii
through invitation to individuals and through worship
and preaching specifically designed to call persons to
understanding and acceptance of God's saving power in
their lives. Effective pastoral leadership of the congre-
gation includes diligent support and encouragement of
these ministries. Local church planning includes regu-
lar review and evaluation of the congregation's evangeli-
zation.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

975

Worshipping, proclaiming, teaching, healing, serv-
ing, Uberating, and reconciling are essential forms of all
Christian ministry (see pp. 5-6 above). Through disci-
plmes of prayer and study, through works of service and
justice, and through acts of proclamation and invitation,
The United Methodist Church, in its local churches and
in its connectional structures, orders its participation in
the ministry of all Christians. Bishops and district super-
intendents have the responsibility regularly to ask each
congregation to give an account of its equipping for
ministry in these areas. This is the primary agenda of
the Charge Conference.

OFFTCRS AND ORDERS OF LEADERSHIP:
Prayerful attention to the forms of all Christian ministry
and to the distinctive ordering of ministry in the United
Methodist connection helps to focus our attention on the
tasks of leadership in that ministry.

More than most Christian traditions, ours has
sought to order ministry in response to the needs of the
people, rather than according to a normative pattern. We
have been receptive to the call of lay persons to preach
and teach, and where necessary, we have authorized
them to provide the sacraments of baptism and holy
communion. It is difficult, in our tradition, to draw a
sharp line that separates the functions of one group of
leaders from the functions that are assigned to another.

Partly for that reason, we do not find the recent
distinction between the "general" and the "represent-
ative" ministry to be a helpful way of ordering our un-
derstanding of Christian leadership. The concept of
"representative" ministry has served as a category under
which both the ordained ministry and consecrated dia-
conal ministry could be distinguished from the general
ministry of all Christians. We have, however, observed
much confusion among our people, and even among our
representative ministers, about just whom a repre-
sentative minister is supposed to represent. More im-
portant, even the effort to define representative ministry
in the Discipline recognizes that the representation of
Christ's ministry cannot be exclusively assigned to any
office (^ 109).

Instead, we need a specific understanding of each
of the offices and orders of ministry in The United
Methodist Church in relationship to the ministry of all
Christians. It is not a matter of one or two broad catego-
ries, but of many offices, each with its distinctive form
of servant leadership, which together order the ministry
of aD Christians in United Methodism.

Among these offices through which our tradition
has sought to form leadership for effective ministry, this
report focusses on three. The first is the office of LAY
MINISTRY STEWARD, a new office of leadership in the
local congregation, by which we hope to encourage
more active participation of laity in the formation and
nurture of faithful disciples of Jesus Christ

The other two are the traditional orders of ordained
ministry in The United Methodist Church, the DEA-

CON and the ELDER. The ministry of the deacon exem-
plifies servant leadership, and provides a founda-tion for
all ordained ministry. All deacons continue in a lifetime
of service to human need and leading others into their
own participation in the ministry of all Christians. Some
deacons are also ordained as elders, extending their
ministry of service through Word, Sacrament, and or-
der, and providing pastoral leadership, especially in the
local congregation.

Each of these offices — lay ministry steward, dea-
con, and elder — has deep roots in the traditions of the
church. Persons have borne these or similar titles earlier
in our history, and their examples provide us with im-
ages of faithfulness for discipleship today. Yet each of
these offices, as we describe it here, is also new, and
offers a response to the changing circumstances of
Christian life and ministry in our times.

A complete understanding of our ministry in The
United Methodist Church would lead us to reflect on
each of these offices in relation to a whole array of other
forms of leadership: the many functional offices that the
Discipline provides for the ordering of ministry in the
local church and beyond; the lay pastoral leadership of
the local pastors; the services of deaconesses, home
missionaries, and consecrated diaconal ministers; and
the oversight provided by elders who serve in our min-
istry as bishops and district superintendents. Not all of
these forms of ministry can be treated in detail in this
report. Our decision to omit some and to discuss others
primarily as they relate to these offices of lay ministry
steward, deacon, and elder is not intended to overlook
these other ministries or to subordinate them to the
offices to which we have given attention. We believe,
however, that a focus on the lay ministry steward, the
deacon, and the elder provides an appropriate starting
point for a general renewal of our ministry.

THE I AY MINISTRY STEWARD: In the history of
the communions which made up The United Methodist
Church, lay persons have often had particular responsi-
bility for providing spiritual guidance to others in the
community of faith, and for encouraging them in the
works of love and service that mark the life of a vital
congregation. Counsel and encouragement in our tradi-
tions has never been the sole responsibility of the pastor.
Early Methodists were organized into classes, and the
Class Leader had a significant role in care for the faith
and life of those persons who were part of the class. In
the face of opposition from those who found this lay
leadership inappropriate, John Wesley spoke of the call
which these leaders had received to proclaim the gospel
and care for the members of the Methodist movement,
a call which he contrasted to the call to ordained minis-
try. Everywhere in the world that churches in the United
Methodist tradition have brought the Gospel, lay lead-
ers have been essential to the spread of the faith and to
its taking root in local communities.

We believe that the call that summoned these lead-
ers to nurture other Christians and support them in their

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growth toward faithful discipleship continues to be
heard by lay people today. Recognizing that call and
enabling persons to respond to it is an important part of
the renewal of the ministry of all Christians.

Election to the office of Lay Ministry Steward in The
United Methodist Church is a means by which the
Church tests and confirms the call to lay persons to
provide nurture and guidance in the Christian life and
to work along with ordained ministers to enable the local
congregation to respond faithfully in ministry. Lay Min-
istry Stewards are key participants in the ministry of the
local congregation, elected annually at the Charge Con-
ference.

In contrast to the specific, functional responsibilities
for program and administration in the local church, the
office of Lay Ministry Steward is intended for exercise
in a range of innovative ways, appropriate to the gifts and
grace of each person called and elected to the office. The
number of Lay Ministry Stewards in a local church or
charge thus is not fixed by the number of members or
the organization of the charge for other administrative
purposes, but by the number of persons who respond to
this call on their lives and by the judgment of the Charge
Conference about the missional and pastoral needs of
the congregation. Some local churches or charges will
have several of these Lay Ministry Stewards; others will
find themselves for shorter or longer periods of time
with none.

The office of Lay Ministry Steward presupposes
some maturity in Christian faith and a tested capacity to
provide a role model for others in linking faithful disci-
pleship to the obligations of daily life and work. Neither
age nor seniority in service to the local church, however,
need be requirements for the office. Youth and young
adults who give evidence of a call and show strong
promise for future leadership may be elected to the
office.

Lay Ministry Stewards may hold other functional
offices in the local church, or in District and Annual
Conference structures, but their responsibility as Lay
Ministry Stewards is to innovative, disciplined, respon-
sive support of the ministry of all Christians in and
through the local congregation.

Lay Ministry Stewards may fulfill their ministry in
many ways. Some of the possibilities include:

Leaders or facilitators of outreach ministries in the
community or beyond

Guides or mentors, leaders or facilitators of short-
term small groups for mutual support and interaction

Teachers of classes or other forms of Christian
instruction

Liturgists and preachers at occasional services of
prayer and worship under the guidance of the pastor and
within the congregation.

Representatives and advocates for God's justice in
the community and beyond

Representatives and participants in the connection-
al mission and ministry of the local congregation.

Lay Ministry Stewards exercise their ministry in a
responsible relationship to ordained ministers, to those
who hold functional offices, and to the governing bodies
of the local church or charge. Working in a supportive,
consultative relationship with others, and especially
with the pastoral staff. Lay Ministry Stewards play an
important role in developing a strategy for Christian
growth and discipleship that is appropriate to the con-
gregation as a whole. Where several Lay Ministry Stew-
ards are present, the pastor may help them to organize
as an advisory/planning group to advance lay ministry
in the world.

Because the Lay Ministry Steward has a significant
role in pastoral care and leadership, consultation with
the appointed pastor is an essential part of discerning a
call to this office. Persons who wish to confirm this
calling in the life of a local church, should seek the
guidance of the pastor, who may advise them on the
most effective use of their gifts in the life and ministry
of the congregation, and suggest appropriate ways to
share their experience of call with the congregation at
large. Upon recommendation by the pastor, persons
may be elected to the office of Lay Ministry Steward by
action of the Charge Conference. Those who wish to
continue in the office must be recommended and
elected annually.

THE ORDAINED MINISTRY: Among those whose
gifts enable them to lead others in that life of care and
service which Jesus lived, God calls some persons to
lifetime service to the ministry of the whole church.
These persons, set apart with prayer and the laying on
of hands (Acts 6:6) form the ordained ministry within
the ministry of all Christians. Ordination is a public sign
and act in which the church affirms God's gifl;s given for
our use through the work of those who are called as
ordained ministers.

In giving shape to the ordained ministry of the
United Methodist Church, we seek to be responsive to
our present needs for leadership, to the ecumenical
community with which we together bear witness to
Jesus Christ, and to the history and traditions that have
shaped our heritage as United Methodists. Against that
background, we affirm ordained ministry as part of the
ministry of all Christians. This ordained ministry is ex-
ercised by deacons and elders, under the general super-
intendency of elders who have been elected to and
consecrated for the work of bishops. Servant leadership
is foundational to all ordained ministry. Servant leader-
ship has historically characterized the ministry of the
deacon, and it must be fully present in the ministry of
the elder, including the ministry of those elders charged
with responsibility as superintendents.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

977

The authority by which the church remains faithful
in service, Word, Sacrament, and order belongs by
God's grace to the whole church. It should never be used
to establish a hierarchy in which one form of ministry is
set up as more important or more worthy than another,
nor should those who are ordained mistake their author-
ity from God for a power that is vested in them alone,
liie gifts of leadership have been given to the commu-
nity as a whole. Those who are ordained have their
authority as part of the ministry of all Christians. They
remain a part of this ministry, and they must be available
and accountable to the whole church for the faithful
exercise of their office.

For that reason, too, the setting apart of persons by
ordination is not exclusively the way the church meets
the needs of its congregations and people. In a variety
of circumstances, the church has authorized or acknow-
ledged the role of persons who are not ordained in
providing forms of leadership usually reserved to or-
dained ministers. We specifically affirm the practice of
licensing persons who are not ordained elders to provide
pastoral leadership and sacramental ministry to a local
congregation under the appointment of the bishop and
supervision by an elder.

THE MINISTRY OF THE DEACON: Deacons are
persons called by God, authorized by the church, and
ordained by a bishop to a lifetime of servant leadership
to both the community and the congregation, in a min-
istry which connects the two. Deacons exemplify Chris-
tian discipleship and create opportunities for others to
enter into discipleship. In the world, the deacon seeks
to express a ministry of compassion and justice, assist-
ing laypersons as they claim their own ministry. In the
congregation, the ministry of the deacon is to teach and
to form disciples, and to lead worship together with
other ordained and lay persons.

In the Greek of New Testament times, the "deacon"
fdiakonos') was ordinarily understood to be a servant.
The ministry of the deacon as one who serves the needs
of the people is an ancient tradition (Acts 6; I Timothy
3) . As the early church spread across the world and its
organization took shape, ordained deacons often took
particular responsibility for the needs of the poor, ex-
tending God's care for all people to those who were
despised or ignored by others in society, and offering
them healing, hope, and dignity through faith in the
Lord Jesus.

Today, many persons are called to forms of service
both within and beyond the church that require special
commitment or special training. Like the deacons of
ancient times, those who work with the poor and speak
out for justice may suffer hardship and persecution in
their vocations. They, along with those who counsel the
troubled, teach the neglected, heal the sick, visit the
lonely, and lead Christians in study, prayer, and worship
require specialized skills for their work in today's world.

All ordained ministry requires this servant leader-
ship of the deacon. The long practice in some of our

traditions of first ordaining elders as deacons reflects
this awareness. What has not been so well understood
is that the ministry of the deacon has an integrity of its
ovfxi. The elder must also be a deacon, but the deacon
need not be an elder. Along wath other Methodist bodies
and other communions in the ecumenical Christian fam-
ily, we see the need in our time for a permanent vocation
for the deacon, and a place for persons with this vocation
in the ordained ministry of the church.

The ministry of these deacons will take many forms.
Some will be employed in their places of service. Others
will be volunteers. Some will be employed by schools,
colleges, and theological schools, or by church-related
health and welfare agencies. Some will work as educa-
tors both in the church and in the wider community.
Some will carry on a ministry of evangelization that
brings the Gospel to persons who are not served by the
usual ministry of the church. Others will offer services
in contexts that have no explicit religious affiliation. If
the deacon's primary appointment is within a local
church, it must be demonstrated that this placement
specifically demonstrates the interrelatedness of wor-
ship and the world. Whatever the primary place of serv-
ice, each deacon will be part of the ministry of a local
congregation, and will take special responsibility for
leading other Christians into their own ministries of
service. Individually and collectively, the deacons exem-
plify and bear witness to the relationship between work
and worship.

Those who believe themselves called to the minis-
try of a deacon in The United Methodist Church must
give evidence of their call by faithful membership in the
life of a United Methodist congregation for a period of
at least two years, including a year of service in some
form of leadership. They then enter into a process of
candidacy which is prescribed by the Discipline, resour-
ced by the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, and supervised by the Annual Conference,
through its District Committees on Ordained Ministry
and Board of Ordained Ministry. The initial steps in the
candidacy process, including recommendation by the
Charge Conference and approval by the District Com-
mittee on Ordained Ministry, are the same for all the
offices of pastoral leadership, including those who will
eventually seek ordination as elders and those who are
called as lay persons to service as a local pastor.

Candidates for ordination as deacon must complete
a basic course of theological studies and possess appro-
priate qualifications for the work of service in which they
will be primarily engaged. In preparation for ordination,
candidates serve at least two years in a setting which
provides supervised training in the theology and prac-
tice of servant leadership. (This service may be concur-
rent with academic training.) Upon completion of the
requirements prescribed by the Discipline, candidates
who are recommended by the Board of Ordained Min-
istry are elected by the clergy of the Annual Conference
and ordained by the Bishop.

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Ordained deacons hold their membership in the
connection through the Annual Conference. For three
years following ordination as deacon, they serve under
appointment as probationary members, participating in
a continuing program of mentoring supervised by the
Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Upon
satisfactory completion of this probationary period, they
are elected as members in full connection of the Annual
Conference.

Deacons in full connection are members of the
Order of Deacons, which provides opportunities for
continued spiritual growth and service. Through the
Order, deacons maintain a covenantal relationship of
support and accountability with all other deacons in their
Annual Conference. They are appointed annually to
their work by the bishop in whose area they serve as a
sign that the work which they do is appropriate to this
ministry. Deacons, however, do not participate in the
covenant of itinerant ministry. That is, they do not as an
essential part of their office make themselves available
to serve wherever they may be sent. They continue in
their place of service until they or the authorities respon-
sible for their placement determine that a change is to
be made. A deacon may be appointed to a leave of
absence when no place of service is available which
satisfies the conditions for appointment.

All deacons, whatever their place of employment,
must be involved in the ministry of a local church. Their
primary task in that setting is to lead in activities that
enable other Christians to find their own ministries of
service. This is a pastoral ministry, in which the deacon
collaborates with the pastor in charge and is responsible
to the governing bodies of the local church. In addition
to activities that lead other Christians into their own
ministries of service, the deacon appropriately performs
the leadership roles in worship and sacramental minis-
try that historically belong to the office of the dea-
con leading worship and reading the scriptures,

assisting at the service of Holy Communion and Bap-
tism, and delivering communion to the sick. Where it is
appropriate to the specific ministry of the deacon and
permitted by law, a deacon may preside at the service of
Christian marriage.

Where the bishop determines that it serves the
missional needs of the church, a deacon may be licensed
as a local pastor for appointment as pastor in charge of
a local church or charge. Deacons who are candidates
for ordination as elders will often receive such appoint-
ments, but all deacons are eligible for them. A deacon
who serves as pastor in charge is licensed during the
term of appointment to provide only in that charge the
ministry of Word, Sacrament, and order that are nor-
mally the responsibility of the ordained elder.

DTACONAL MINISTRIES: The scriptural role of
the deacon as a minister who serves the needs of the
people (Acts 6) has been honored in many ways in the
history of the church. Deacons, deaconesses, and dia-
conal ministers have been both laity and clergy, both

employees of the church and workers in other occupa-
tions, both committed to a single life of service and called
to a life in households and families. The richness of the
ministry of deacons in Christian history cannot be com-
pletely incorporated into any single order of ministry. It
is foundational for all Christian ministry, and it t^es
forms that vary from culture to culture and from place
to place. It continues wherever Christians give them-
selves in service to one another and to the world.

The ministry of the deaconess has been one impor-
tant part of the history of service in our United Methodist
traditions. Under a variety of administrative arrange-
ments in our global connection, persons known as dea-
conesses continue today to provide ministries of
healing, teaching, care, and service. In this report, we
propose no changes in the office of deaconess.

In recent years, the United Methodist Church has
also recognized the importance of this ministry of serv-
ice by the consecration of diaconal ministers. Some
diaconal ministers are Christians who seek a more ef-
fective witness in the communities or vocations where
they serve. Diaconal ministers serve as counselors and
social service workers. Others are lay persons whose
work, especially in music or education, prepares them
for leadership and service in a local congregation.

The service of these diaconal ministers has en-
riched our congregations and our communities. Their
dedicated service, often with little recognition or com-
pensation, witnesses to the presence of God in their lives
and helps make God's presence known to others. They
bring great talent and energy to the work which they do,
and they offer their services in a spirit of genuine love
for persons.

It is not clear, however, that there is a single under-
standing that unifies all of these expressions of diaconal
ministry within the ministry of all Christians. Some
diaconal ministers are lay persons whose Christian wit-
ness and service exemplifies what the ministry of all
Christians should be. Their dedication needs to be cele-
brated, recognized, and supported, as we have sug-
gested in our discussion of lay leadership in the
Christian community. Others are lay employees of the
church, whose service should be honored in ways that
respect the dignity of all work. Still other diaconal min-
isters exercise offices and functions of leadership that
enable the ministry of all Christians. Their calling may
best be expressed in the ministry of the ordained dea-
con.

The consecration of diaconal ministers in the United
Methodist Church began with the recognition that min-
istry is not only the work of the ordained, and above all,
with the recognition that ministry cannot be confined
within the institutions of the church. Following that
understanding to its conclusion leads to a greater em-
phasis on the ministry of all Christians, and on the
distinctive mission of the ordained ministry to support
and enable that ministry in which all Christians, lay and
ordained, have a part. In the end, however, the ambigu-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

979

ous act of consecrating some Christians for a work to
which all are called serves to undermine the emphasis
on the ministry of all Christians from which this new
office of diaconal ministry took its shape. At the same
time, the consecration of diaconal ministers for service
as leaders in worship, education, and pastoral care nar-
rows the focus of ordained ministry to the elder's minis-
try of Word, Sacrament, and order, minimizing the role
of service which is essential to all ordained ministry.

For this reason, we recommend that the practice of
consecrating persons as diaconal ministers be discon-
tinued once those who are currently in candidacy for
that office have completed their preparation and have
been consecrated. Provisions will be made to facilitate
the entry of consecrated diaconal ministers who are
called into the ordained ministry of deacons. For those
who are called to other forms of diaconal service as their
part of the ministry of all Christians, the church will
provide appropriate training and certification, and appro-
priate acts of recognition and dedication, for the specific
ministries in which they are engaged.

THF MINISTRY OFTHE ELDER: Ordained minis-
try exists to support and enable the ministry of all Chris-
tians in their daily lives and in their life together as a
congregation. The close connection between ordained
ministry and the congregation is seen in the ministry of
the elder, whose office and work descends from that of
the elder or presbyter (presbvteros) in the early church.
The elder's work of teaching, guiding, and serving in-
cluded especially the role of presiding at Holy Commun-
ion.

In the United Methodist Church, elders are persons
called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained
by the bishop into a lifetime, itinerant ministry of Word,
Sacrament, and order. This ordination rests on the dea-
con's ministry of service, and leads persons into mission
and ministry in the world by proclaiming God's word,
building up the Christian community, administer-ing
the sacraments, serving persons through acts of com-
passion and justice. Elders also oversee the ministry of
the church as district superintendents and bishops, and
they may hold a variety of other appointments beyond
the local church that serve God's mission and the min-
istry of all Christians.

The ministry of an elder begins with persons who
are called by God to the work, gifted with the skills for
leadership, and formed in their own lives as Christians
for the service which this ministry requires. Those who
seek ordination as elders give evidence of these gifts and
of God's grace during the candidacy process which
precedes ordination as deacon, and during a probation-
ary period of service as an ordained deacon, prior to
ordination as an elder and election to membership in full
connection vnth the Annual Conference.

The long practice in some of our traditions that
persons are ordained first as deacons and then as elders
has sometimes been misinterpreted as reducing the
diaconate to a transitional role. At a time in which the

Church is rediscovering the centrality of service in all of
its ministry. The United Methodist Church must reex-
amine every practice that appears to make the diaconate
a temporary, transitional, or inferior office of ministry.
We have already affirmed the place of a permanent
deacon in the ordained ministry.

We also affirm the continuing responsibility of the
elder to be a deacon, which we have described as a
"lifetime of servant leadership to both the community
and the congregation, in a ministry which connects the
two." Those who are ordained as elder do not leave the
ministry of the deacon, any more than they leave the
ministry of all Christians upon entry into ordained min-
istry. The ministry of the deacon is a lifetime task,
without which the specific authority of the elder in the
congregation loses its connection to servant leadership
in the wider community.

Those deacons who are called to ordination and
service as elders must give evidence of faithful and
effective service during their three year period of pro-
bationary membership following ordination as a deacon.
Under the guidance of the Board of Ordained Ministry,
the Annual Conference provides them with continuing
mentoring and formation for the tasks of service in the
community and in the congregation. The process of
supervision during this probationary period also gives
special attention to their formation for pastoral ministry
and evaluates their effectiveness in that role.

Upon satisfactory completion of this probationary
period, they are elected as members in full connection
of the Annual Conference and ordained as elders by the
bishop. Elders in full connection are members of the
Order of Elders, which provides guidance for continued
spiritual formation and service. Through the Order,
elders maintain a covenantal relationship of support and
accountability with all other elders in their Annual Con-
ference.

Elders in the United Methodist Church today pro-
vide vital leadership in the continuing life of our congre-
gations. They offer challenging preaching, teach with
knowledge and insight, and give of themselves with
great dedication to the daily tasks of pastoral ministry.
They serve the ministry of the whole Church in a variety
of offices in the Annual Conference and beyond the local
congregation. Many people who worship in our congre-
gations know that their lives have been transformed by
the ministry of the elders who have served as their
pastors. The effectiveness of the ministry of the elder is
crucial to the ministry of all Christians. Our intention to
increase this effectiveness leads us to emphasize three
points, especially, in this report:

First, the ministrv of the elder proceeds from ser-
vant leadership Each elder must throughout his or her
ministry lead persons into a deeper understanding of
Christian faith and a wider participation in God's mis-
sion. Such service cannot be confined strictly within the
life of the congregation, and elders must reach out
beyond the congregation which they serve to call per-

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sons to faith in Jesus Christ and to serve them in Jesus'
name.

Second, care for the church's mission requires a
rigorous and structured probationary period prior to
membership in full connection. The demands of the
ordained ministry and proper care for those whom our
ordained ministers serve require a probationary period
that nurtures persons in the qualities of mind and spirit
that promise continuing pastoral formation, habits of
prayer and study that will sustain a lifetime of service
and covenantal commitments to those with whom their
ministry is shared.

Faithfulness in ministry and evidence of ability to
perform the duties of ordained ministry are, of course,
essential, but the probationary period is not simply a
duration of time to be served without questions about
competence and character. It requires careful supervi-
sion and intentional reflection.

The probationary period for those seeking ordina-
tion as elders requires at least three years of full time
service following the completion of educational require-
ments and ordination as deacon. This period of prepara-
tion is distinct from the academic study and supervised
professional practice required in seminary education. Its
requirements focus on theological reflection and effec-
tive pastoral leadership in the specific Annual Confer-
ence context in which the candidate serves.

Third, effective pastoral leadership enables the min-
istrv of all Christians. Many different gifts are needed in
ordained ministry. All gifts are, however, to be evaluated
by the test of service to the whole body of Christ (I Cor.
12:4-7) . For those called and ordained to the ministry of
elder, this means that their apparent gifts and skills, and
their use of these gifts in their habits of life and work,
must serve the needs of the congregation. Their work
is to be evaluated not simply on competence in individual
tasks, nor even by the brilliance and appeal of their work
as preachers, teachers, and evangelists. The primary
standard is effectiveness in enabling the ministry of the
Christians for whom they are charged with leadership.

Because ordained ministry exists to enable the min-
istry of all Christians, continuation in active service in
the ministry of an elder depends on effective leader-ship
in that role. Blameless character, while necessary, is not
by itself sufficient to secure continued eligibility for
appointment in itinerant ministry.

T/)cal Pastors: The pastoral ministry of teaching,
care, and spiritual guidance by which persons are led
more deeply into Christian faith and into ministry is not
confined to any one person or office. Lay persons have
a role in pastoral ministry in every community of faith.
It is particularly important to recall that in The United
Methodist Church, pastoral ministry has been enriched
by the contribution of lay persons specifically appointed
to roles of pastoral leadership in local congregations.
Their effectiveness gives evidence of God's call to this
ministry, which the church recogni2es by approval of

the clergy members of the Annual Conference and by
annual appointment by the bishop to a pastoral charge.

The need for these local pastors will continue. In
some cases, a local pastor's continuing relationship to
the community will provide the most effective pastoral
leadership for the missional needs of the church. In
others, local churches which provide a significant min-
istry may reach a point at which they do not require or
cannot support the ministry of a full-time, itinerant elder.
In all cases, local pastors are accountable to the Annual
Conference for faithful and effective ministry, and they
should have meaningful, ongoing relationships to an
ordained elder for supervision and guidance. Continu-
ation in appointment as a local pastor requires progress
through the course of study which the Church pre-
scribes, as well as continued growth in knowledge and
effectiveness in ministry once the prescribed course of
study is completed.

Local pastors may serve appointments under a vari-
ety of arrangements, both full-time and part-time. The
District Committee on Ordained Ministry should coun-
sel with those who continue for an extended time as
full-time local pastors, to discern whether they may in
fact be called to ordained ministry as deacons or elders.

Our Discipline has provided that full-time local pas-
tors who make themselves available for the covenant of
itineracy may be elected as associate members of the
Annual Conference and ordained as deacons. This is an
appropriate acknowledgment that the call to ministry
which the Church must discern and evaluate will not
always come in the regular forms for which the Church
provides. However, the Discipline also has explicitly
provided that these persons may not be ordained as
elder. To ordain as deacons those whom the church has
confirmed in the call to pastoral ministry and who have
made themselves available for appointment without res-
ervation unnecessarily separates them fi-om the minis-
try of the elder which they do, in fact, exercise. It also
diminishes the office of the permanent deacon who is a
member in full connection of the Annual Conference by
suggesting that the office of deacon is an appropriate
classification for those who function as elders, but lack
the normal qualifications of an elder.

Accordingly, we recommend that the practice of
electing associate members of the Annual Conference
and ordaining those persons as deacons be discontin-
ued. Appropriate provisions will be made for present
associate members, upon recommendation by the
Board of Ordained Ministry, to receive ordination as
elders.

Because the call to pastoral ministry cannot be lim-
ited by our usual expectations about education and pro-
fessional preparation, full time local pastors who have
reached forty years of age, and who have comple-ted the
requirements of the advanced course of study pre-
scribed for local pastors will be able to qualify for ordi-
nation as deacons and entry into probationary

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

981

membership in the Annual Conference. After comple-
tion of the three year probationary membership as dea-
cons, they will be eligible for ordination as elders.

The Superintendencv: From the earliest days of the
church, ordained elders have been entrusted with par-
ticular tasks of superintending or oversight (episcop ).
In the tradition of The United Methodist Church, ordi-
nation as an elder carries with it, in addition to the
traditional ministry of Word and Sacrament, a special
concern for the ordering of the life of the church. In the
connection of The United Methodist Church, general
oversight resides in the office of bishop. The ministry of
oversight and care for the order of the Church extends
through the office of bishop to the district superinten-
dent, who is an elder and member in full connection of
the Annual Conference appointed for specific tasks of
oversight in a geographical area and for a term of office.
The appointed pastor shares this responsibility in the
local church or charge. The ministry of bishops and
district superintendents, like all ordained ministry, in-
corporates the servant ministry of the deacon and exists
to enable the ministry of all Christians.

CONCLUSION: In this report, we have given par-
ticular consideration to three offices in The United
Methodist Church in light of our understanding of the
central importance of the ministry of all Christians. The

Lay Ministry Steward, the Deacon, and the Elder each
take on specific roles of leadership in light of the renewal
of the ministry of all Christians which we seek for our
denomination and for all God's people.

With this report, we offer legislation that expands
and amends the Discipline to provide for these changes
in our ministry. The legislation is critical, but it will not
by itself accomplish the renewal of ministry that is es-
sential in our time. A new commitment to discipleship
in the local congregation, a willingness by pastors and
leaders to bring others into ministry, and a readiness by
those who have a ministry of oversight to guide and
evaluate leadership in ministry by effectiveness in ena-
bling the ministry of all Christians — these are the things
that will breathe life into the forms of ministry through
which we must live our faith today. Without these gifts
of the Spirit, the letter of our proposals will not renew
our ministry.

If God grants these gifts to us, we believe that the
changes we have proposed will enable us to be faithful
stewards of God's gifts and to use them effectively for
God's mission. We pray that this study may be an occa-
sion for all of us to renew our commitment to the minis-
try to which we have been called by baptism, in which
we are joined with all who share new life in Jesus Christ.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

982

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline
from the Commission to Study Ministry

^101.

Petition Number: 21733-MN-lOl-D-MS
Ministry of all Christians
Amend Part IV:

Part IV

THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS

Chapter One

THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OFTHE UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH

Section I. The Churches.

^101.

Petition Number: 21734-MN-lOl-D-MS

Our Spiritual Forbears

Amend the last sentence of ^ 101:

John Wesley, Phillip Otterbein, Jacob Albright,

and our other spiritual forebears...

^103.

Petition Number: 21735-MN-103-MS
Servants of Christ
Amend the last paragraph of ^ 103:

As servants of Christ we are sent into the world to
engage in the struggle for peace, justice and reconcili-
ation....

^104.

Petition Number: 21736-MN-104-D-MS

The Heart of Christian Ministry
Amend the title of Part FV, Section 11:

Section n. The Heart of Ae Christian Ministry.

^105.

Petition Number: 21737-MN-105-D-MS

The Ministry of All Christians

Amend the titie of Part IV, Section IE:

Section in. The General Ministry of All Christians
Bclicvcra.

^106.

Petition Number: 21738-MN-106-D-MS

The General Ministry of All Christians
Amend the first sentence of ^ 106:

This general ministry of all Christians...

^111.

Petition Number: 21739-MN-lll-D-MS
One Ministry in Christ
Renumber existing ^ 111 as ^ 108 and amend:

There is but one ministry in Christ, but there are
diverse gifts and evidence of God's grace in the Body of
Christ (Ephesians 4:4-16). The general and repre-
sentative ministries ministry of all Christians in The
United Methodist Church are is complementary. Nei-
Aef No ministry is subservient to the other another.
Both All United Methodists are summoned and sent
by Christ...

^112.

Petition Number: 21740-MN-112-D-MS

The Journey of a Connectional People
Renumber Section VI:

Section-VI IV. The Journey of a Connectional Peo-
ple.

1 109.

Petition Number: 21741-MN-109-D-MS

Connectionalism in United Methodist Tradition
Delete ^ 109 and replace with new text

^ 109 1. Connectionalism in the United Meth-
odist tradition is multilevelled, global in spread,
and local in thrust.

2. For us connectionalism is not merely a link-
ing of one connectional charge conference to an-

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other horizontally across the globe. It is rather a
vital wed of interactive and intertwining relation-
ships that enable us to express freely, justly, and in
dignity at both global and local levels our essential
identity, inclusive fellowship, common mission,
distinctive ethos, and visible unity.

3. We are connected by sharing a common
tradition of faith, including our Doctrinal Stand-
ards and General Rules (^ 67); by sharing to-
gether a constitutional polity, including a leader-
ship of general superintendency; by sharing a
common mission which we seek to carry out to-
gether both globally and locally; by working to-
gether organizationally in and through confer-
ences that reflect the inclusive and missional
character of our fellowship; by sharing a common
ethos which characterizes our distinctive way of
doing things.

^108.

Petition Number: 21742-MN-108-D-MS

Servant Ministry and Servant Leadership
Renumber Section IV and amend the title:

Section V W. Rcprcgcntativc Ministry' Servant
Ministry and Servant Leadership.

^110.

Petition Number: 21743-MN-llO-D-MS

The Ministry of All Christians
Add a new ^110:

The ministry of all Christians consists of serv-
ice for the mission of God in the world. The mis-
sion of God is best expressed in the prayer that
Jesus taught his first disciples: "Thy kingdom
come; thy will be done, on earth as in heaven." All
Christians, therefore, are to live in active expec-
tancy: faithful in service of God and their neigh-
bor; faithful in waiting for the fulfillment of God's
universal love, justice, and peace, on earth as in
heaven.

Pending this time of fulfillment, the ministry
of all Christians is shaped by the teachings of
Jesus. The handing on of these teachings is en-
trusted to leaders who are gifted and called by God
to appointed offices in the church: "some apos-
ties, some prophets, some evangelists, some pas-
tors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work
of ministry, for building up the body of Christ"
(Ephesians 4:11-12). For these persons to lead
the church effectively, they must embody the
teachings of Jesus in servant ministries and ser-
vant leadership. Through these ministries and
leadership, congregations of the church are faith-

fully engaged in the forming of Christian disciples
and vitally involved in the mission of God in the
world.

^111.

Petition Number: 21744-MN-lll-D-MS

Offices of Elder and Deacon
Add a new ^111:

The United Methodist Church has traditionally
recognized these gifts and callings in the ordained
offices of elder and deacon. The United Methodist
tradition has recognized that lay persons as well
as ordained persons are gifted and called by God
to lead the church. The servant leadership of these
lay persons is essential to the mission and minis-
try of congregations. They help to form Christian
disciples in covenant community within the local
congregation through spiritual formation and
guidance for Christian living in the world.

^112.

Petition Number: 21745-MN-112-D-MS
Servant Ministry
Add a new Section VI:

Section VI. Servant Ministry.

^112.

Petition Number: 21746-MN-112-D-MS
Christian Discipleship
Delete ^112 and replace with new text:

^112. Christian Discipleship. The ministry of
all Christians consists of privilege and obligation.
The privilege is a relationship with God that is
deeply spiritual. The obligation is to respond to
God's call to holy living in the world. In the United
Methodist tradition these two dimensions of
Christian discipleship are wholly interdependent.

^113.

Petition Number: 21747-MN-113-D-MS
Our Relationship With God
Add a new ^113:

Our relationship with God. Christians experi-
ence growth and transition in their spiritual life
just as in their physical and emotional lives. While
this growth is always a work of grace, it does not
occur uniformly. There are stages of spiritual
growth and transition: Christian beginnings;

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

984

Christian birth; Christian growth; and Christian
maturity. These require careful and intentional
niu-ture for the disciple to come to maturity in the
Christian life and to engage fully in the ministry of
all Christians.

^114.

Petition Number: 21748-MN-114-D-MS

Our Relationship with Christ in the World
Add a new ^114:

Oixr relationship with Christ in the World. The
ministry of all Christians in the United Methodist
tradition has always been energized by deep relig-
ious experience, with emphasis on how ministry
relates to our obligations to Jesus Christ. The early
Methodists developed a way of life that fostered
consistency and reliability, and their methodical
discipleship is best expressed in the General
Rules that John Wesley first published in 1743,
and remain in the United Methodist Book of Disci-
pline, pages 71-73. (See ^ 205.) These Rules,
referred to by Wesley as "Works of Mercy" and
"Works of Piety," may be summarized as follows:
Avoiding Evil; Doing Good; and Attending upon
the Ordinances of God. They may be expressed
through: Acts of Devotion and Worship; Witness
to Christ in the World; Acts of Compassion and
Justice; Attentiveness to the Guidance of the Holy
Spirit.

^108.

Petition Number: 21749-MN-108-D-MS
Servant Leadership
Add a new Section VII:

Section VII. Servant Leadership

t 108.

Petition Number: 21750-MN-108-D-MS
Servant Leadership
Renumber existing ^ 108 as ^ 115 and amend:

Within the people of God, there are those called to
the representative ministry' ordained and diaconal
servant leadership, lay and ordained. Such callings
are evidenced by special gifts, evidence of God's grace,
and promise of usefulness. God's call to representative
ministry servant leadership is inward as it comes to
the individual and outward through the judgment dis-
cernment and validation of the Church. When inner
and outer call agree and are affirmed by the local
congregation, persons may be commissioned as
Lay Ministry Stewards. The call of candidates for
ordination shall be further affirmed through rec-

ommendation by the District Committee on Or-
dained Ministry and election by aft the Annual Con-
ferencc, the candidate may then be ordained or conse-
crated, according to such election through symbolic acts
which confer special roles of responsibility.

The privilege of servant leadership in the
Church is the call to share in the preparation of
congregations and the whole church for the mis-
sion of God in the world. The obligation of servant
leadership is the forming of Christian disciples in
the covenant community of the congregation. This
involves discerning and nurturing the spiritual re-
lationship with God that is the privilege of all ser-
vant ministers. It also involves instructing and
guiding Christian disciples in their witness to Je-
sus Christ in the world through acts of worship,
devotion, compassion, and justice, under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit John Wesley de-
scribed this as "watching over one another in
love."

^116.

Petition Number: 21751-MN-116-D-MS

The Office of Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new ^116:

*! 116. The Office of Lay Ministry Steward. In
the United Methodist tradition lay persons have
consistently provided significant leadership for
the ministry of all Christians. Wesley came to
vJalue the role of these lay women and men in the
early Methodist movement. He called them class
leaders and affirmed their leadership as a specific
call alongside, but distinct from, the call to ordi-
nation.

God continues to extend this call today
through the office of Lay Ministry Steward. The lay
men and women who respond to this call have the
privilege of sharing in die forming of Christian
disciples in their congregations. They also have
the obligation of helping to center the ministry of
their congregations on the mission of God in the
world. They provide guidance for their fellow
Christians in the best possible way — by their ex-
ample in covenant community where they live and
work.

^110.

Petition Number: 21752-MN-llO-D-MS
Ordained Ministry
Renumber ^ 110 as ^ 117 and amend:

Ordained Ministry. — The oOrdained ministers are
called to by God to a lifetime of servant leadership
in specialized ministries among the People of God.

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DCA Advance Edition

Deacons are called to interpret to the church the
needs, concerns, and hopes of the world; and
through ministries of love, justice, and service to
connect the altar and the marketplace (11414). E-
Iders are called to ministries of Word, Sacrament, and
order (^318) as well as to the office and respon-
sibilities of a Deacon. Through these distinctive func-
tions ordained ministers devote themselves wholly to
the work of the Church and to the upbuilding of the
general ministry of all Christians. They do this
through careful study of the Scripture and its faithful
interpretation, through effective proclamation of the
gospel and responsible administration of the Sacra-
ments, through diligent pastoral leadership of their con-
gregations for fruitful discipleship, and by following the
guidance of the Holy Spirit in witnessing beyond the
congregation in the local community and to the ends of
the earth. The ordained ministry is defined by its intcn
tionally rcprcacntativc character faithful commitment
to servant leadership following the example of Je-
sus Christ by its passion for the hallowing of life, and
by its concern to link all local ministries with the widest
boundaries of the Christian community.

11113.

Petition Number: 21753-MN-113-D-MS
Called to Inclusiveness
Renumber Section VII:

Section VH VIII. Called to Inclusiveness.

^113.

Petition Number: 21754-MN-113-D-MS

Called to Inclusiveness

Renumber ^ 113 as 118 and amend the second
sentence:

As a diverse people of God who bring special gifts
and graces evidence of God's grace to the unity of the
Church...

^114.

Petition Number: 21755-MN-114-D-MS
Fulfillment of Ministry
Renumber Section VIII:

Section Vffl IX. The Fulfillment of Ministry
Through The United Methodist Church.

^114.

Petition Number: 21756-MN-114-D-MS

Fulfillment of Ministry

Renumber % 114 as ^ 119 and amend the first
sentence:

Affirming the spiritual dimensions of the ministry of
all Christians, as proclaimed in ^ 101445 117 of this
Book of Discipline,...

^201.

Petition Number: 21757-MN-201-D-MS

Lay Ministry Steward

Add a new Chapter Two, Section I:

Chapter Two

THE OFFICE OF LAY MINISTRY STEWARD

Section I. Relation to the Ministiy
of All Christians.

^201.

Petition Number: 21758-MN-201-D-MS

Congregations as Covenant Communities
Add a new ^201:

Congregations of the Church are called by God
to be covenant communities of love, reconcili-
ation, justice and peace in the world. Vital congre-
gations of faithful disciples witness to the risen
Christ and follow Christ's commandments in the
power and presence of the Holy Spirit They are
committed to the ministry of all Christians and to
the mission of God in the world.

Congregations are to be intentionally engaged
in the making and forming of faithful Christian
disciples (Matt 28.19). To follow Jesus as a dis-
ciple requires disciplined learning and practice.
Learning to be a Christian disciple goes against
the grain of human sin: personal, social and sys-
temic. The forming of Christian disciples, there-
fore, requires servant leadership in the local con-
gregation and the whole church.

In the United Methodist tradition the role of
lay women and men in servant leadership has
always been given high honor which continues
today in the OfiBce of Lay Ministry Steward. Lay
men and women who are called to this office pro-
vide leadership within their congregations by
helping form faithful Christian disciples who en-
gage in the ministry of all Christians.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

986

^202.

Petition Number: 21759-MN-202-D-MS

The Purpose of Christian Discipleship
Add a new Chapter Two, Section 11:

Section II. The Purpose of Christian Disci-
pleship.

^202.

Petition Number: 2176(>-MN-202-D-MS
Christian Discipleship
Add a new ^ 202:

Christiem discipleship consists of privilege
and obligation. The privilege is a relationship with
God that is deeply spiritual. The obligation is fol-
lowing the very practical guidelines of Jesus for
living in God's world. In order to provide leader-
ship in the forming of Christian disciples, Lay
Ministry Stewards need to be familiar with both of
these dimensions: the privilege and the obligation.

While Lay Ministry Stewards can exercise
their office in a wide range of activities appropriate
to their gifts and evidence of God's grace, the
purpose of the Lay Ministry Steward is to lead in
inviting persons to Christ and in the forming of
Christian disciples in the congregation. Working
in a coUegial relationship with pastor(s) of the
congregation, Lay Ministry Stewards help to en-
sure that all chm"ch members receive practical
support and guidance in Christian discipleship.

Those called to the Office of Lay Ministry Stew-
ard can provide counsel and support in following
these same guidelines.

1. Witness to Christ in the World. This is the
announcement, through word and deed, of the
gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ, inviting the
world to repentance, forgiveness, and reconcili-
ation with God.

2. Devotion and Worship. These eire the ordi-
nances of God, also known as the instituted means
of grace. Christian disciples are to practice them
corporately in pubUc worship through the minis-
tries of Word and Sacrament, and individually
through prayer, bible study, and fasting or absti-
nence.

3. Compassion and Justice. These are the
teachings of Jesus to minister to those in need,
and also to ask why they are in need. Christian
disciples are to advocate and implement God's
righteousness in the world.

4. Guidance of the Holy Spirit In all aspects
of their discipleship. Christians are to be attentive
to the gracious initiatives of the Holy Spirit. At the
same time, the preceding guidelines and teach-
ings help the disciple to guard against self-decep-
tion in the Christian life.

In offering counsel and support to their fellow
Christians, Lay Ministry Stewards will find that
these guidelines, just as in Wesley's day, offer
diversity in the practice of Christian discipleship.
Yet because they are specific, they allow each dis-
ciple to be obedient to Christ.

^203.

Petition Number: 21761-MN-203-D-MS
Christian Formation
Add a new ^ 203:

Christian Formation: The word "Methodist"
was originally a nickname, connoting the disci-
plined way in which the members of the early
societies practiced the teachings of Jesus. Their
methodical discipleship is best expressed in the
General Rules that John Wesley first published in
1743. These Rules make clear that the only pre-
requisite for becoming a disciple is a desire for
salvation in Christ, but that the condition of disci-
pleship thereafter is faithful Christian hving in the
world. The guidelines for this are listed under
three headings: Avoiding Evil; Doing Good; and
Attending upon the Ordinances of God, otherwise
known as the Means of Grace. Wesley summa-
rized these Rules as "Works of Mercy" and
"Works of Piety," and insisted that the members
of the societies hold them in healthy balance.

^204.

Petition Number: 21762-MN-204-D-MS

The Nature of the Office of Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new Section III:

Section III. The Nature of the Office of Lay
Ministry Steward.

^204.

Petition Number: 21763-MN-204-D-MS

The Nature of the Office of Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new ^ 204:

The nature of the Office of Lay Ministry Stew-
ard in a congregation is that of a guide or mentor
in the Christian life. These persons shall come to
know the gifts and the evidences of grace God has
bestowed upon the members of the congregations
and, in the fulfillment of their office, these persons

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DCA Advance Edition

shall be stewards of those congregational gifts and
grace for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
Therefore, they shall work closely with the pastor(s)
in charge in order to help equip members for this
ministry in the world and provide meaningful work
for the congregation and its members in the com-
munity and the world beyond the organized local
church. In an office distinct from pastoral ministry,
they provide the leadership that comes from expe-
rience in the Christian life.

^205.

Petition Number: 21764-MN-205-D-MS

Qualities Desired in a Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new Section IV:

Section IV. Qualities Desired in a Lay Ministry
Steward.

1205.

Petition Number: 21765-MN-205-D-MS

The Gifts of the Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new ^ 205:

Lay women and men who sense a call from
God to become a Lay Ministry Steward shall give
evidence of special gifts, God's grace in their lives,
the potential for servant leadership, and a sincere
desire to further the ministry of all Christians in
their congregation. The evidence of these gifts and
God's grace and the potential for servant leader-
ship may be discerned in the following qualities:

1. A commitment to Jesus Christ, an assur-
ance of the inward working of the Holy Spirit in
their lives, and a life trusting in God's merciful
love.

2. The calling and ability to persuasively ar-
ticulate the Gospel to others.

3. An acceptance of other persons' Christian
experience and discipleship, at whatever stage
they happen to be in tfieir Christian life.

4. Leadership skills, including an ability to
work with small groups.

5. An openness to continuing formation and
learning, both in their ovm servant ministry and in
the craft of servant leadership.

6. A willingness to hold themselves mutually
accountable for their own discipleship in covenant
community.

7. A sense of joy in life and in the fiillness of
God's creation.

1206.

PetiUon Number: 21766-MN-206-D-MS

Exercise of the Office of Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new Chapter One, Section V:

Section V. The Exercise of the Office of Lay
Ministry Steward.

1206.

Petition Number: 21767-MN-206-MS
Servant Leadership Roles of the Lay Minstry Steward
Add a new ^ 206:

Lay Ministry Stewards may exercise their of-
fice in a wide range of servant leadership roles.
The following are examples of how they might de-
velop and enhance the ministry of all Christians in
their congregations:

1. As guides or mentors to sub-groupings of
the congregation, (e.g. ^ 269)

2. As leaders or facilitators of short-term small
groups for mutual support or interaction, such as
Bible study, prayer groups, growth groups.

3. As leaders or facilitators of outreach minis-
tries in the community or beyond.

4. As liturgists and preachers at occasional
services of prayer and worship.

5. As advocates for God's justice in the com-
munity and beyond.

6. As representatives and p£irticipants in con-
nectional mission and ministry beyond the local
congregation.

Lay Ministry Stewards shall meet regularly
with the pastor(s) and the lay leader in order to
develop strategy for quipping of ministry in their
congregation.

1207.

Petition Number: 21768-MN-207-D-MS

Entrance Procedures for Lay Ministry Stewards
Add a new f 207:

Lay men and women who become conscious
of God's call and seek to become Lay Ministry
Stewards should discuss their call with the pastor
and the pastoral relations committee of their con-
gregation. On the recommendation of the pastor
and the pastor parish relations committee, and
upon the completion of a course of study pre-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

988

scribed by the General Board of Discipleship, they
shall then give an account of their call to their
Charge Conference. Following the completion of a
course of study prescribed by the General Board of
Discipleship (^ 1202.13), the Charge Conference
may then elect annually those who are recom-
mended to the Office of Lay Ministry Steward for
one year. The Charge Conference may reelect them
to this relationship. The Lay Ministry Steward shall
participate annually on a continuing formation pro-
gram provided by the General Board of Disci-
pleship and shall certify such participation to their
Charge Conference.

^307.

Petition Number: 21775-MN-307-D-MS
Consecration
Delete ^ 307.

^308.

Petition Number: 21776-MN-308-D-MS
General Provisions
Delete ^ 308.

^301.

Petition Number: 21769-MN-301-D-MS

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians
Delete ^ 30L

^309.

Petition Number: 21777-MN-309-D-MS

Rights of Diaconal Ministers
Delete ^ 309.

^302.

Petition Number: 21770-MN-302-D-MS

The Nature of Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 302.

1310.

Petition Number: 21778-MN-310-D-MS

Service Appointment of Diaconal Ministers
Delete ^ 310.

1303.

Petition Number: 21771-MN-303-D-MS

Entrance into Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 303.

1311.

Petition Number: 21779-MN-311-D-MS
Credentials and Records
Delete ^ 311.

1304.

Petition Number: 21772-MN-304-D-MS

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 304.

1312.

Petition Number: 21780-MN-312-D-MS
Transfers
Delete ^ 312.

1305.

Petition Number: 21773-MN-305-D-MS
Continuation of Candidacy
Delete ^ 305.

1313.

Petition Number: 21781-MN-313-D-MS

Change in Charge Conference Relationship
Delete ^ 313.

1306.

Petition Number: 21774-MN-306-D-MS
Completion of Candidacy
Delete ^ 306.

1314.

Petition Number: 21782-MN-314-D-MS

Relationship to the Charge Conference
Delete ^ 314.

989

DCA Advance Edition

^315.

Petition Number: 21783-MN-315-D-MS

Relationship to Employing Agency
Delete ^ 315.

^434.

Petition Number: 21791-MN-434-D-MS
The Order of Deacon
Delete ^ 434.

^316.

Petition Number: 21784-MN-316-D-MS

Review of Diaconal Minister's Performance
Delete ^ 316.

^435.

Petition Number: 21792-MN435-D-MS
The Order of Elder
Delete ^ 435.

^317.

Petition Number; 21785-MN-317-D-MS
Termination Procedures
Delete ^317.

^429.

Petition Number: 21786-MN429-D-MS

Ordination and Apostolic Ministry
Delete ^ 429.

1430.

Petition Number: 21787-MN430-D-MS
The Purpose of Ordination
Delete ^ 430.

1431.

Petition Number: 21788-MN-431-D-MS

Qualifications for Ordination
Delete ^ 431.

1432.

Petition Number: 21789-MN-432-D-MS
The Act of Ordination
Delete ^ 432.

1433.

Petition Number: 21790-MN433-D-MS
Classification of Ordination
Delete ^ 433.

1401.

Petition Number: 21793-MN401-D-MS

Relation of Ordained Ministers to Ministry
of All Christians
Delete ^ 401.

1402.

Petition Number: 21794-MN402-D-MS

Ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order
Delete ^ 402.

1403.

Petition Number: 21795-MN403-D-MS
Wesley's Questions
Delete 1 403.

1404.

Petition Number: 21796-MN404-D-MS

Candidacy for Ordained Ministry
Delete 1 404.

1405.

Petition Number: 21797-MN405-D-MS
Continuation of Candidacy
Delete ^ 405.

1406.

Petition Number: 21798-MN406-D-MS

Authority and Duties of Local Pastor
Delete ^ 406.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

990

^407.

Petition Number: 21799-MN407-D-MS
License as a Local Pastor
Delete ^ 407.

^408.

Petition Number: 21800-MN408-D-MS
Categories of Local Pastor
Delete 1 408.

^414.

Petition Number: 21806-MN414-D-MS

Qualifications for Election to Probationary
Membership
Delete ^ 414.

^415.

Petition Number: 21807-MN415-D-MS
Educational Requirements
Delete ^ 415.

^409.

Petition Number: 21801-MN409-D-MS

Continuance as a Local Pastor
Delete ^ 409.

^416.

Petition Number: 21808-MN416-D-MS
Special Conditions
Delete % 416.

^410.

Petition Number: 21802-MN410-D-MS

Exiting, Reinstatement, and Retirement
of Local Pastor
Delete ^ 410.

^411.

Petition Number: 21803-MN411-D-MS
Counseling Elders
Delete ^411.

^412.

Petition Number: 21804-MN412-D-MS
General Provisions
Delete ^ 412.

1413.

Petition Number: 21805-MN413-D-MS
Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Membership
Delete ^ 413.

1417.

Petition Number: 21809-MN417-D-MS

Continuation in Probationary Membership
Delete ^417.

1418.

Petition Number: 21810-MN418-D-MS

Discontinuance from Probationary Membership
Delete ^ 418.

1419.

Petition Number: 21811-MN419-D-MS

Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Delete ^ 419.

1420.

Petition Number: 21812-MN420-D-MS

Requirements for Election as Associate Members
Delete TI 420.

1421.

Petition Number: 21813-MN421-D-MS

Progression into Full Membership
Delete ^ 421.

991

DCA Advance Edition

^301.

Petition Number: 21814-MN-301-D-MS
Ministry of the Ordained
Amend the title of Part V, Chapter Three and Sec-
tion I:

THE ORDiMNED MINISTRY OF THE OR-
DAINED

Section I. The Meaning of Ordination and Con-
ference Membership.

^301.

Petition Number. 21815-MN-301-D-MS

Ministry in the Christian Church
Add a new TI 301:

1 . Ministry in the Christian Church is derived
from the ministry of Christ, who calls all persons
to receive God's gift of salvation and follow in the
way of love and service. The whole Church re-
ceives and accepts this call, and all Christians
participate in this continuing ministry. (201)

2. Within the Chtirch community, there are
persons whose gifts, evidence of God's grace, and
promise of future usefulness are affirmed by the
community, and who respond to God's call by
offering themselves in leadership as ordained
ministers (t 302),

^302.

Petition Number: 21816-MN-302-D-MS

Ordination and Apostolic Ministry
Add a new ^302:

Ordination and Apostolic Ministry. The pat-
tern for this response to the call is provided in the
development of the early Church. TTie apostles led
in prayer and preaching, ordered the spiritual and
temporal life of the community, established lead-
ership for the ministry of service, and provided for
the proclamation of the Gospel to new persons and
in new places. The early church, through the lay-
ing on of hands, set apart persons with responsi-
bility to preach, to teach, to administer the Sacra-
ments, to nurture, to heal, to gather the
community in worship, and to send them forth in
witness. TTie church also set apart other persons
to care for the physical needs of others, reflecting
the concerns for the people of the world. In the
New Testament (Acts 6) we see the aposties iden-
tifying and authorizing persons to a ministry of
service. These functions, though set apart, were
never separate from the ministry of the whole peo-

ple of God. Paul states (Ephesians 4:1-12) that
different gifts and ministries are given to all per-
sons.

1303.

Petition Number: 21817-MN-303-D-MS
Purpose of Ordination
Add a new ^ 303:

Purpose of Ordination. 1. Ordination to this
ministry is a gift from God to the Church. In ordi-
nation, the Church affirms and continues the ap-
ostolic ministry through persons empowered by
the Holy Spirit As such, those who are ordained
make a commitment to conscious living of the
whole Gospel and to the proclamation of that Gos-
pel to the end that the world may be saved.

2. Ordination is fulfilled in leadership of the
people of God through ministries of service. Word,
Sacrament, and order. The Chiu-ch's ministry of
service is a primary representation of God's love.
Those who respond to God's call to lead in service
and to equip others for this ministry through
teaching, proclamation, worship, and assist elders
in the administration of the Sacraments are or-
dained as deacons. Those whose leadership in
service includes leadership in preaching and
teaching the word of God, administration of the
Sacraments, ordering the church for its mission
and service and administration of the Discipline of
the Chiu-ch are also ordained as elders.

3. Ordained persons exercise their ministry in
covenant with all Christians, especially with those
whom they lead and serve in ministry. They also
live in covenant of mutual care and accountability
with all those who share their ordination, espe-
cially in The United Methodist Church, with the
ordained who are members of the same Annual
Conference and part of the same Order. The cove-
nant of ordained ministry is a lifetime commit-
ment, and those who enter into it dedicate their
whole lives to the personal and spiritual disci-
plines it requires.

4. The effectiveness of the Chiu-ch in mission
depends on these covenantal commitments to the
ministry of all Christians and the ordained minis-
try of the Chiu-ch. Through ordination and through
otiier offices of pastoral leadership, the Church
provides for the continuation of Christ's ministry
which has been committed to the church as a
whole. Without creative use of the diverse gifts of
the entire Body of Christ, the ministry of the
Church is less effective. Without responsible lead-
ership, the focus, direction, and continuity of that
ministry is diminished.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

992

^304.

Petition Number: 21818-MN-304-D-MS

Qualifications for Ordination
Add a new f 304:

Qualifications for Ordination. 1 . Those whom
the church ordains shall be conscious of God's
call to ordained ministry, and their call shall be
acknowledged and authenticated by the Chtu-ch.
God's call has many manifestations, and the
Church cannot structure a single test of authentic-
ity. Nevertheless, the experience of the Church
and the needs of its ministry require certain quali-
ties of faith, life, and practice fi-om those who seek
ordination as deacons and elders. The Church
expects persons seeking ordination to:

a. Have a personal faith in Christ and be com-
mitted to Christ as Savior and Lord.

b. Nurture and cultivate spiritual disciplines
and patterns of hoUness.

c. Acknowledge a call by God to give them-
selves completely to ministry, following Jesus' pat-
tern of love and service.

d. Communicate persuasively the Christian
Faith in both oral and written form.

e. Make a commitment to lead the whole
Church in loving service to humankind.

f. Give evidence of God's gifts for ordained
ministry, evidence of God's grace in their lives,
and promise of future usefulness in the mission of
the Church.

g. Be persons in whom the community can
place trust and confidence.

h. Accept that Scripture contains all things
necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus
Christ; be competent in the disciplines of Scrip-
ture, tiieology, church history, and chiu-ch polity;
and possess the skills essential to the practice of
ordained ministry.

i. Be accountable to The United Methodist
Chiu-ch, accept its Discipline and authority, accept
the supervision of those appointed to this ministry
and be prepared to live in the covenant of its
ordained ministers.

2. For the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ
in the world and the most effective witness to the
Christian Gospel, and in consideration of the in-

fluence of an ordained minister on the lives of other
persons, both within and outside the Church, the
Church expects those who seek ordination to make
a complete dedication of themselves to the highest
ideals of the Christian life. To this end, they agree
to exercise responsible self-control by personal
habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emo-
tional maturity, integrity in all personal relation-
ships, fideUty in marriage and celibacy in single-
ness, social responsibility, and growth in grace and
in the knowiedge and love of God.

3. While persons set apart by the Chm-ch for
ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of
the human condition and tiie pressures of society,
they are required to maintain the highest stand-
ards of holy living in the world. Since the practice
of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian
teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are
not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as
ministers, or appointed to serve in The United
Methodist Church.

4. The United Methodist Church entrusts
those persons who are in the ordained ministry
with primary responsibility for maintaining stand-
ards of education and preparation for ordination.
Having been originally recommended by a charge
conference and by authorization of the ordained
members in full connection with the Annual Con-
ference, according to the procedures set out in The
Book of Discipline for the examination and approval
of candidates for ordination, persons are elected
to membership in the Annual Conference and or-
dained by the Bishop.

5. In all cases where the District Committee
on Ordained Ministry, Conference Boards of Or-
dained Ministry, or ordained members in full con-
nection in clergy session vote on granting any
status regarding license, ordination, or confer-
ence membership, it is understood that the re-
quirements set forth herein are minimum require-
ments only. Each person voting is expected to
vote prayerfulty based on personal judgment of the
applicants's gifts, evidence of God's grace, and
promise of future usefulness for the mission of the
Chtu-ch.

^305.

Petition Number: 21819-MN-305-D-MS

Add a new Section II:

Section n. Candidacy for Licensed and Or-
dained Ministry.

993

DCA Advance Edition

1305.

Petition Number: 21820-MN-305-D-MS

Entrance Procedures into Licensed and Ordained
Ministry-
Add a new "JSOS:

Entrance Procedures into licensed and Or-
dained Ministry. The ordained ministry is recog-
nized by The United Methodist Church as a called-
out and set-apart ministry. Therefore, it is
appropriate that those persons who present them-
selves as candidates for the order of deacon be
examined regarding the authenticity of their call
by God to this order.

Wesley's Questions for the Examiners. In or-
der that The United Methodist Church may be
assured that those persons who present them-
selves as candidates for ministry are truly called
of (jod to this order, let those who consider rec-
ommending such persons for candidacy as or-
dained ministers in The United Methodist Church
prayerfully and earnestly ask themselves these
questions:

1. Do they know God as pardoning God? Have
they the love of God abiding in them? Do they
desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all man-
ner of conversation?

2. Have they gifts, as well as evidence of God's
grace, for the work? Have they a clear, sound
understanding; a right judgment in the things of
God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Do
they speak justiy, readily, clearly?

3. Have they fruit? Have any been truly con-
vinced of sin and converted to God, and ju-e believ-
ers edified by their service?

As long as these marks occur in them, we
believe they are called of God to serve. These we
receive as sufficient proof that they are moved by
the Holy Spirit.

1306.

Petition Number: 21821-MN-306-D-MS

Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry
Add a new f 306:

Candidacy for licensed and Ordained Minis-
try. A person, upon hearing and heeding the call
to servant leadership through ordained ministry,
shall contact the pastor of the local church, an-
other ordained deacon or elder, or the district
superintendent, to begin the process as an inquir-
ing candidate.

The following process, resourced by the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry is the
first set of formal steps through which a person
moves toward ordination and Conference mem-
bership. All persons entering into this process
shall receive written communication about deci-
sions made regarding the different stages of their
candidacy.

1. TJie Inquiring Candidate shall contact the pas-
tor in the local church or another ordained deacon
or elder; obtain and read the book The Christian as
Minister and discuss it with the pastor in the local
church or another ordained deacon or elder.

2. TTie Exploring Candidate . Those seeking to
explore candidacy for ordained ministry:

a) shall have been a member in good standing
of the same local United Methodist congregation
for at least two years immediately preceding the
application for candidacy, including a year of serv-
ice in some form of congregational leadership,
either in that local church or one agreed to by the
District Committee on Ordained Ministry, pro-
vided that in the case of an affiliate member, there
has been a consultation with and approval by the
Charge Conference of the home church;

b) shall apply to the district superintendent in
writing for admission to the candidacy studies as
defined by the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry; and

c) shall be assigned as an exploring candidate
to a candidacy mentor by the district committee
on ordained ministry and complete the prelimi-
nary studies that will focus on the spiritual dis-
cernment of the call after proper registration
through the annual conference candidacy regis-
trar and the Board of Ordained Ministry.

3. Declared Candidate for Ordination. Declared
candidates ax^ those who have completed the ex-
ploratory process in \ 306.2 and who seek to
become certified candidates. They shall:

a) consult with the pastor and Committee on
Pastor-Staff Parish Relations after formulating a
written statement reflecting their call to ministry
and requesting recommendation for certification.
The candidate shall be interviewed by the commit-
tee on his/her statement and Wesley's historic
questions in \ 335.

b) be recommended by the Charge Confer-
ence in accordance with the following method. A
meeting for the purpose of recommending a can-
didate for ordained ministry shall be preceded by
at least two public announcements and shall be
held in the presence of the bishop, district super-
intendent or an authorized elder, who shall coun-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

994

sel with those present regarding the ability and
qualifications of the applicant and make plain the
importance of such recommendation to the candi-
date for ordination as deacon. To be valid such a
recommendation shall be:

i) voted by written ballot by two-thirds of the
Charge Conference present at this meeting, pro-
vided that in the case of an affiliate member, there
has been a consultation with and approval by the
Charge Conference of the home church; and

ii) have been graduated from an accredited
high school or received a certificate of equiva-
lency.

c) continue the candidacy studies for ordained
ministry with a mentor.

4. Tlie Certified Candidate. Candidates who have
completed the requirements of ^ 306.2, 3 and
desire to be certified as candidates for ordination
as deacons shall:

a) appear before the District Committee on
Ordained Ministry for examination;

b) complete the psychological tests required;

c) submit a written response providing evi-
dence of understanding and expectation concern-
ing the following:

i) The most formative experiences of your
Christian life.

ii) God's call to ordained ministry and the role
of the church in your call.

iii) Reflect on your year's experience in lead-
ership in the congregation.

iv) Your future usefulness as a minister in The
United Methodist Church.

v) Your personal beliefs as a Christian.

vi) Your personal gifts for ministry.

vi) Howyoxu* personal relationships may affect
yotu- future ministry.

d) submit a written response providing evi-
dence of understanding the ministry of deacon
and the ministry of the elder within The United
Methodist Church;

e) provide other information as may be re-
quired for determining gifts, evidence of God's
grace, fruit, and demonstration of the call for the
ministry of deacon; and

f) agree for the sake of the mission of Jesus
Christ in the world and the most effective witness

of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence
as ministers, to make a complete dedication of
themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life
as set forth in ^^66-76. To this end agree to exer-
cise responsible seff-control by personal habits
conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional
maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in single-
ness, social responsibility, and growth in grace and
the knowledge and love of God.

(See footnote #4 page 205 in current Book of
Discipline.)

^307.

Petition Number: 21822-MN-307-D-MS
Continuation of Candidacy
Add a new ^307:

Continuation of Candidacy. The progress of
candidates shall be reviewed and candidacy re-
newed annually. Candidacy may be renewed by
the district Committee on Ordained Ministry (^
756) on recommendation of the Charge Confer-
ence and on evidence that the candidate's gifts,
fruits and evidence of God's grace continue to be
satisfactory and that the candidate is making sat-
isfactory progress in the required studies.

1 . A candidate preparing for ordination as dea-
con who is enrolled as a student in a school,
college, university or school of theology recog-
nized by the University Senate shall present annu-
ally to the district Committee on Ordained Minis-
try an official transcript: am the school the person
is attending.

The transcript shall be considered by the dis-
trict Committee on Ordained Ministry along with
other evidence that the candidate's gifts, evidence
of God's grace, and fruit continue to be satisfac-
tory. An annual personal interview with the candi-
date is recommended.

2. A person who is a certified candidate or who
is in the candidacy process may have her/his
status or studies accepted by another district com-
mittee in the same or another Annual Conference.

^308.

Petition Number: 21823-MN-308-D-MS

Discontinuance and Reinstatement
of Certified Candidacy
Add a new <n 308:

Discontinuance and Reinstatement of Certi-
fied Candidacy. 1. Discontinuance of a Certified
Candidate. — Certified Candidates may be discon-

995

DCA Advance Edition

tinued on their own request, or upon severing rela-
tionship in The United Methodist Church, or upon
action to discontinue by the District Committee on
Ordained Ministry. The District Committee on Or-
dained Ministry shall file with the Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry a permanent record of
the circumstances relating to the discontinuance of
the Certified Candidate.

2. Reinstatement of Certified Candidates
Status. — Certified Candidates whose status has
been discontinued by a District Committee on Or-
dained Ministry of an annual conference of The
United Methodist Church shall only be reinstated
by the District Committee of the district in which
they were discontinued. When approved by the
District Committee on Ordained Ministry, their
Certified Candidate's credentials shall be reissued
and they shall be eligible to continue the process.

^309

Petition Number: 21824-MN-309-D-MS

Appointment of Certified Candidates
Add a new ^ 309:

Certified candidates are eligible for appoint-
ment as a local pastors upon completion of li-
cense to Preach (^ 340).

^310.

Petition Number: 21825-MN-310-D-MS
Clergy Orders
Add a new section title:

CLERGY ORDERS IN THE UNITED METH-
ODIST CHURCH

^310.

Petition Number: 21826-MN-310-D-MS

Order of Deacons and Order of Elders
Add a new ^310:

There shall be in each Annual Conference an
Order of Deacons and an Order of Elders. All
persons ordained as clergy in The United Method-
ist Church upon election to full membership in the
annual conference shall be members of and par-
ticipate in an Order appropriate to their election.
An Order is a covenant community within the
church to mutually support, care for, and hold
accountable its members for the sake of the life
and mission of the church. These orders seek to
respond to the spiritual hunger among clergy for
a fulfilling sense of vocation, for support among

peers during this stressful time of change in the
church, and for a deepening relationship with God.

^311.

Petition Number: 21827-MN-311-D-MS
Purpose for an Order
Add a new ^311:

Purpose for an Order: The specific and limited
function of each Order is to (1) provide for regular
gatherings of ordained deacons and ordained e-
Iders for continuing formation in relationship to
Jesus Christ through such experiences as Bible
study, study of issues facing the church and soci-
ety, and theological exploration in vocational iden-
tity and leadership; (2) assist in plans for individ-
ual study and retreat experiences; (3) develop a
bond of unity and common commitment to the
mission and ministry of The United Methodist
Church and the annual conference; (4) to enable
the creation of relationships that allow mutual
support and trust; and (5) hold accountable all
members of the Order in the fulfilling of these
purposes. All of the functions of the Order(s) shall
be fulfilled in cooperation and coordination with
the Board of Ordained Ministry and do not to
replace the normal supervisory processes, the
processes of evaluation for ordained ministers, or
the responsibilities of the Board of Ordained Min-
istry, the cabinet, or the Clergy Session.

^312.

Petition Number: 21828-MN-312-D-MS
Organization of an Order
Add a new ^312:

Organization of an Order: The Bishop shall
convene and provide continuing spiritual leader-
ship for the Order, with the support and assis-
tance of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Neces-
sary financial support shall be provided by the
annual conference through the budget of the
Board. The Board may also use other appropriate
funding sources for this purpose. The Board shall
nominate and the Order shall elect quadrennially
a chairperson of the Order who, in cooperation
with and under the guidance of the bishop, will
provide continuing leadership for the Order. The
chairperson will be responsible for implementa-
tion of plans and activities of the Order and will
represent the Order to the Conference Board of
Ordained Ministry. The chairperson will serve as
a member of the Board's executive committee.
Activities of the Order and proposals for funding
shall be regularly reported to the Board.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

996

^313.

Petition Number: 21829-MN-313-D-MS
Membership in an Order
Add a new 1 313:

Membership in an Order: Persons shall be-
come members of the Order of Deacons or Order
of Elders following their election to full member-
ship in the annual conference. Acceptance of the
status of full membership will constitute a com-
mitment to regular participation in the life of the
Order.

^315.

Petition Number: 21830-MN-315-D-MS
The Ordained Deacon
Add a new Section III:

Section III. The Ordained Deacon.

^315.

Petition Number: 21831-MN-315-D-MS

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians
Add a new ^ 315:

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians. Bap-
tism is God's gift of unmerited grace through the
Holy Spirit. It is an incorporation into Christ
which marks the entrance of persons into the
church and its ministry (Romans: 6:3,4,18).

The New Testament witness to Jesus Christ
makes clear that the primary form of his ministry,
in God's name, is that of service (diakonia) in the
world. Very early in its history the chitfch came to
understand that all of its members were commis-
sioned, in baptism, to ministries of love, justice
and service, within local congregations and the
larger conununities in which they lived; all who
follow Jesus have a share in the ministry of Jesus,
who came not to be served, but to serve. There is
thus a general ministry of all baptized Christians
(TTie Book of Discipline, ^^ 105-107).

Within the people of God, some persons are
called to the ministry of deacon. The words dea-
con, deaconess and diaconate all spring from a
common Greek root — diakonos, or "servant," and
diakonia, or "service." Very early in its history the
church, as an act of worship and praise of God,
instituted an order of ordained ministers to per-
sonify or focus the servanthood to which all Chris-
tians are called. These people were named dea-
cons. This ministry exemplifies and leads the
church in the servanthood every Christian is

called to live both in the church and the world. The
deacon is a sign of the interrelatedness of the con-
gregation's worship with the ministry of service in
the world.

^316.

Petition Number: 21832-MN-316-D-MS
The Ministry of Deacons
Add a new % 316:

The Ministry of Deacons. From among the
baptized, deacons are called by God to a lifetime
of servant leadership, authorized by the chiu^ch
and ordained by a bishop. Deacons fulfill servant
ministry in the world and relate the gathered life
of Christians to their ministry in the world, inter-
relating the altar to the marketplace. Deacons give
leadership in the church's life: in the teaching and
proclamation of the word; in worship, and in as-
sisting the elders in the administration of the Sac-
raments; in forming and nurturing disciples, in
conducting marriages and burying the dead; in the
congregation's mission to the world and in inter-
preting the needs, concerns, and hopes of the
world to the congregation.

It is the deacons, in both person and function,
whose distinctive ministry is to embody, articu-
late, and lead the whole people of God in its ser-
vant ministry. From the earliest days of the
chm-ch, deacons were called and set apart for the
ministry of love, justice, and service; of connecting
the church with the most needy, neglected, and
marginalized among the children of God. This
ministry grows out of the Wesleyan passion for
social holiness and ministry among the poor.

Deacons lead the congregation in its servant
ministry and equip and support all baptized Chris-
tians in their ministry. This essential ministry of
servant leadership continues within those dea-
cons who are called, authorized, and ordained as
elders, who make servanthood a primary and cen-
tral style of life and work.

The distinct ministry of the deacon has
evolved in United Methodism over many years —
the continuing work of the deaconess, the home
missionary, and the diaconal minister. The
church, recognizing the gifts and impact of all
predecessor embodiments of the diaconate and
providing for the continuation of the office of dea-
coness, affirms that this distinctiveness is made
visible and central to the church's life and minis-
try through ordination, and that the ministry of the
deacon is a faithful response of the mission of the
church meeting the emerging needs of the future.
Deacons are accountable to the annual conference

997

DCA Advance Edition

and the bishop for the fulfillment of their call to
servant leadership.

^317.

Petition Number: 21833-MN-317-D-MS

Qualifications for Ordination as Deacon
Add a new ^317:

Qualifications for Ordination as Deacon. A
person shall be eligible for ordination to the order
of deacon in the Annual Conference by vote of the
Annual Conference on recommendation of its
Board of Ordained Ministry after meeting the fol-
lowing qualifications (^ 638.9, .10, .21).

1. Candidacy Requirement: Each candidate
shall have been a certified candidate for ordained
ministry at least two (2) years and no more than
twelve (12) years ("n 638.9, .10, .21).

2. Service Requirement Each candidate shall
have had a minimum of two (2) years in a service
setting as determined by the District Committee
on Ordained Ministry as a condition for ordina-
tion. This required service may be concurrent
with academic study provided there is adequate
mentoring and supervision in the theology and
practice of servant leadership. A service setting
shall be in a position approved by the bishop and
cabinet in the conference where the candidacy
relationship is held, even if the service setting is
outside the bounds of the annual conference.

3. Undergraduate Requirement A candidate
for ordination as deacon shall have completed a
bachelor's degree fi^om a college or university rec-
ognized by the University Senate. Exceptions to
the undergraduate degree requirements may be
made, in consultation with the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, in rare instances
for persons who have a minimum of sixty (60)
semester hours of Bachelor of Arts credit and:

a) have been prevented fi"om pursuit of the
normal course of baccalaiu-eate education, or

b) are members of a group whose cultural
practices and training enhance insight and skills
for effective ministry not available through conven-
tional formal education.

4. In addition, a candidate shall have:

a) received a Master of Divinity or its equiva-
lent from a school approved by the University Sen-
ate a 334), or

b) received a master's degree from a graduate
theological school recognized by the University
Senate, or

c) received a master's degree in the area of the
specialized ministry in which the candidate will
serve, and completed a minimum of 24 semester
hoiu-s of graduate theological studies in the Chris-
tian faith, including the areas of: Old Testament;
New Testament; Theology; Church History; Mis-
sion of the Church in the World; Worship/Liturgy;
and United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and His-
tory.

5. In some instances a candidate who is pur-
suing ordination to serve as deacon in full connec-
tion may fulfill the academic requirements
through tihe following alternate route:

a) Shall have reached 35 years of age at the
time to become a certified candidate.

b) Completed a bachelor's degree, received
professional certification or license in the area of
ministry in which the candidate will serve and
have completed a minimum of eight semester
hours of graduate credit or equivalent quarter
hotu's in the area of specialization and have been
recommended by the conference Board of Or-
dained Ministry.

c) have completed a minimum of 24 semester
hoiu-s of the basic graduate theological studies of
the Christian faith including the areas of: Old Tes-
tament; New Testament; Theology; Church His-
tory; Mission of the Church in the World; Wor-
ship/Liturgy; and United Methodist Doctrine,
Polity and History.

6. Local Pastors may fulfill the requirements
for ordination as a deacon when they have:

a) reached 40 years of age;

b) completed the five year Course of Study for
ordained ministry; and

c) 32 semester hours of graduate theological
study or its equivalent as determined by the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry;

d) have completed, in fulfilling in their gradu-
ate theological studies, a minimum of 24 semester
hours of the basic graduate theological studies of
the Christian faith including the areas of: Old Tes-
tament; New Testament; Theology; Church His-
tory; Mission of the Church in the World; Wor-
ship/liturgy; and United Methodist Doctrine,
Polity and History.

7. The Board of Ordained Ministry shall re-
quire an official transcript of credits from each
school before recognizing any of the applicant's
educational claims. In case of doubt, the board
may submit a transcript to the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

998

8. Each candidate shall present a satisfactory
certificate of good health by a physician on the
prescribed form. Handicapping conditions are not
to be construed as unfavorable health factors
when such a person is capable of meeting the
professional standards and is physically able to
render effective service as ordained deacon.

9. Each candidate shall respond to a written
and oral doctrinal examination administered by
the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. The
examination shall cover the following:

a. Describe your personal experience of God
and the understanding of God you derive from
biblical, theological and historical sources.

b. What is your understanding of humanity,
and the human need for divine grace?

c. How do you interpret the statement Jesus
Christ is Lord?

d. What is your conception of the activity of the
Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of
believers, and in responsible living in the world?

e. What is yotu" understanding of the Kingdom
of God; the Resurrection; eternal life?

f. What are the theological tasks of an ordained
deacon with special reference to Part H of The Book
of Discipline?

g. The United Methodist Church holds that the
living core of the Christian faith was revealed in
Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in per-
sonal experience, and confirmed by reason. What
is your understanding of this theological position
of the church?

h. Describe the nature and mission of the
chiu-ch. What are its primary tasks today?

I. Discuss your understanding of the primary
characteristics of United Methodist polity.

j. How do you perceive yourself, your gifts,
yoxu- motives, your role, and your commitment as
a deacon in The United Methodist Church?

k. Describe your understanding of diakonia,
the servant ministry of the chiu"ch, and ministry of
the deacon.

1. What is the meaning of ordination, in the
context of the general ministry of the church?

m. Describe your understanding of an inclu-
sive church and ministry.

n. You have agreed as a candidate for the sake
of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the
most effective witness of the gospel, and in consid-

eration of their influence as ministers, to make a
complete dedication of yourself to the highest ide-
als of the Christian life as set forth in ^ 304.2, and
to this end agree to exercise responsible self-con-
trol by personal habits conducive to bodily health,
mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all per-
sonal relationships, fidelity in marriage and celi-
bacy in singleness, social responsibility and growth
in grace and the knowledge and love of God. (^
304.2, .3) What is your understanding of this
agreement?

10. Each candidate shall have been recom-
mended, in writing, to the conference Board of
Ordained Ministry, based on a three-foiulhs ma-
jority vote of the district committee on ordained
ministry.

11. Each candidate shall have a personal in-
terview with the Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry to complete his/her candidacy.

12. Each candidate shall submit on a form
provided by the Board of Ordained Ministry a
notarized statement, detailing any written accusa-
tions or convictions for felony, misdemeanor or
incident of sexual misconduct, or certifying that
this candidate has neither been accused in writ-
ing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or any
incident of sexual misconduct.

13. Each candidate shall file with the Board a
written, concise, autobiographical statement (in
duplicate on a prescribed form) regarding age,
health, family status. Christian experience, call to
ministry, educational record, formative Christian
experiences, and plans for service in the church.

^318.

Petition Number: 21834-MN-318-D-MS

The Ordained Deacon as Probationary Member
Add a new Section IV:

Section IV. The Ordained Deacon as Proba-
tionary Member.

^318.

Petition Number: 21835-MN-318-D-MS
Meaning of Ordination
Add a new ^ 318:

Ordination. — Ordination as a deacon to Word
and service is the act of the church which acknow-
ledges God's call according to the talents, gifts,
and abilities the person has received; the individu-
al's response to that call; the equipping of the
person for specialized ministry; the examination

999

DCA Advance Edition

by the church to determine if the gifts meet the
needs of the community and world; the validation
of that call by the faith community through the
laying on of hands; the invocation of the Holy Spirit
for empowerment of the person's ministry on behalf
of and with the church community; the commit-
ment of the person to seek avenues of growth to
equip others for ministry; and to be accountable to
the covenant community. The service for ordination
of deacons and elders may be incorporated into one
service symbolizing the total ministry of Jesus
Christ After fulfilling all the candidacy require-
ments and upon the recommendation of the confer-
ence Board of Ordained Ministry, the clergy ses-
sion composed of ordained elders and deacons in
full connection, shall vote on the ordination of the
candidates. The bishop and secretary of the Annual
Conference shall provide credentials to the deacon
upon ordination.

^319.

Petition Number: 21836-MN-319-D-MS

Probationary Service of A Deacon
Add a new ^319:

Probationary Service of a Deacon. All persons
who are ordained deacons shall be appointed by a
bishop a 323) and serve a minimum of three (3)
years as a probationary member of the Annual
Conference. During the probationary period, ar-
rangements shall be offered by the Board of Or-
dained Ministry for all ordained deacons to be
involved in a curriculum that extends theological
education by using covenant groups to support the
practice and work of the diaconate in ministry as
servant leaders, to contemplate the grounding of
ordained ministry, and to understand covenant
ministry in the life of the conference.

1 . The deacons plcmning to give their lives as
deacons in full connection shall be in ministries
of service the entire probationary period.

2. The deacons planning to give their lives as
elders shall be in ministries of service at least half
of their probationary period. A deacon serving as
pastor of a local church shall exemplify and be
held accountable for leading the congregation in
servant ministry. The District Superintendent and
the Board of Ordained Ministry will evaluate the
deacon's ability to express his/her ordination as
deacon in the congregational context

^320.

Petition Number: 21837-MN-320-D-MS
Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Membership
Add a new ^320:

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Member-
ship.— Probationary members are ordained dea-
cons who are on trial in preparation for member-
ship in full connection in the Annual Conference
as deacons or elders. They are on probation as to
character, servant leadership, and eflfectiveness in
ministry. The Annual Conference, through the
clergy session, has jurisdiction over probationary
members. Annually, the Board of Ordained Min-
istry shall review and evaluate their relationship
and make recommendation to the clergy members
in full connection regarding their continuance. No
member shall be continued on probation beyond
the sixth regular session following their admission
to probationary membership unless extended,
upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained
Ministry by a three-fourths vote, by the clergy ses-
sion on recommendation of the Board of Ordained
Ministry. Such extensions shall not be granted
beyond three additional years.

1. Probationary members who are preparing
for elder's orders may be ordained elders when
they qualify for membership in full connection in
the Annual Conference.

2. Probationiuy members shall have the right
to vote in the Annual Conference on all matters
except the following:

a) constitutional amendments;

b) election of delegates to the General and
Jurisdictional or Central Conferences;

c) all matters of ordination, character, and
conference relations of clergy.

3. Probationary members may serve on any
board, commission, or committee of the Annual
Conference except the Board of Ordained Ministry
(^ 733.1). They shall not be eligible for election
as delegates to the General, Central, or Jiuisdic-
tional Conferences.

4. Probationary members shall be amenable
to the Annual Conference in the performance of
their ministry and are subject to the provisions of
Vie Book of Discipline in the performance of their
duties. They shall be supervised by the district
superintendent under whom they are appointed.
They shall also be assigned a deacon in full con-
nection or elder as mentor by the Board of Or-
dained Ministry. Probationary members prepar-
ing to become elders shall be eligible for

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1000

appointment by meeting disciplinary provisions (^
340).

5. Probationary members in appointments be-
yond the local church shall relate themselves to
the district superintendent in the area where their
work is done. The district superintendent shall
give them supervision and report annually to their
Board of Ordained Ministry.

6. Discontinuance from Probationary Membership.
Probationary members may request discontinu-
ance of this relationship or may be discontinued
by the Annual Conference, upon recommendation
of the Board of Ordained Ministry. When Proba-
tionary Members in good standing withdraw to
unite with another denomination or to terminate
their membership in The United Methodist
Church, their action shall be considered a request
for discontinuance of their relationship and their
credentials shall be surrendered to a district su-
perintendent Prior to any final recommendation
of discontinuance without consent, a probationary
member will an be advised of the right to a hearing
before the executive committee of the conference
Board of Ordained Ministry. A report of the hear-
ing will be made to the full board. The provisions
of Fair Process (^ 2622) shall be observed. When
this relationship is discontinued, they shall no
longer be permitted to exercise ministerial func-
tions and shall surrender their credentials to the
district superintendent for deposit with the secre-
tary of the conference, and their membership
transferred by the district superintendent to the
local church which they designate after consult-
ation with the pastor. The Board of Ordained Min-
istry shall file with the resident bishop and the
secretary of the conference a permanent record of
the circumstances relating to discontinuance as a
probationary member as required in \ 733.3d.
After discontinuance, probationary members may
be classified and approved as local pastors in ac-
cordance with the provision of % 339.

^321.

Petition Number: 21839-MN-321-D-MS

Ministry, Authority and Responsibilities of Deacons
in Full Connection
Add a new ^321:

Ministry, Authority and Responsibilities of
Deacons in Full Connection. — 1. Deacons are per-
sons called by God, authorized by the chm^ch, and
ordained by a bishop to a lifetime of servant lead-
ership to both the community and the congrega-
tion, in a ministry which connects the two. Dea-
cons exemplify Christian discipleship and create
opportunities for others to enter into discipleship.
In the world, the deacon seeks to express a min-
istry of compassion and justice, assisting layper-
sons as they claim their own ministry. In the con-
gregation, the ministry of the deacon is to teach
and to form disciples, and to lead worship to-
gether with other ordained and lay persons.

2. The deacon in full connection shall have the
rights of voice and vote in the Annual Conference
where membership is held; shall be eligible to
serve as clergy on boards, commissions, or com-
mittees of the Annual Conference and hold office
on the same; shall be eligible for election as a
clergy delegate to the General, Central, or Jmis-
dictional Conference. The deacon in full connec-
tion shall attend all the sessions of the Annual
Conference and share with elders in fiill connec-
tion responsibility for all matters of ordination,
character, and conference relations of clet^ (^
326.1). Any deacon in full connection unable to
attend shall write the Bishop requesting to be
excused, setting forth the reason for the absence.

3. As members of the Order of Deacons, all
deacons in full connection are in covenant with all
other such deacons in the Annual Conference and
shall participate in the life of their Order.

^321.

Petition Number: 21838-MN-321-D-MS

The Ordained Deacon in Full Connection
Add a new Section V:

Section V. The Ordained Deacon in Full Con-
nection.

^322.

Petition Number: 21840-MN-322-D-MS

Requirements for Admission of Deacon
in Full Connection
Add a new <n 322:

Requirements for Admission of Deacon in Full
Connection. — Deacons who are applying for ad-
mission into full connection and who have been
probationary members for at least three years may
be admitted into membership in full connection in
an annual conference by vote of the clergy mem-
bers in full connection of the annual conference
upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained
Ministry after they have qualified as follows:

1001

DCA Advance Edition

1. Served under episcopal appointment in a
ministry of service the entire probationary period
en 313). Upon recommendation of the Board of
Ordained Ministry, the annual conference may
equate non-salaried service as meeting this quali-
fication. Such equivalence is to be determined in
light of the years of service involved, the quality of
that service, the maturity of the applicant, and
otiier relevant factors determined by the board.
Supervision is to be (a) personally assumed or
delegated by the district superintendent, and (b)
also provided by a mentor assigned by the Board
of Ordained Ministry. The applicant's service
must be evaluated by the Board of Ordained Min-
istry as effective according to written guidelines
developed by the board and adopted by the clergy
members in full connection. Lay persons directly
involved in the applicant's servant ministry shall
be involved by the board in the annual evaluation.

2. Been previously elected as a probationary
member and ordained deacon.

3. Met the educational requirements as de-
fined in ^311.

4. Responded to a written or oral doctrinal
examination administered by the Board of Or-
dained Ministry. The candidate shall demonstrate
the abiUty to communicate clearly in both oral and
written form. The candidate's reflections and the
board's response shall be informed by the insights
and guidelines of Part II of The Book of Discipline.
The examination shall also focus upon the
covenantal relationship of the applicant to God, to
the church, and to the Order of Deacon, as well as
the understanding of diaconia, servant leadership,
and the interrelatedness of the church and the
world. The applicant shall be able to articulate the
call of God to the order of deacon as contained in
^310 and to relate that call to leadership within
the ministry of all Christians, through the setting
of their service, the local church, and the annual
conference.

^323.

Petition Number: 21841-MN-323-D-MS

Appointment of Deacons in Full Connection
to Various Ministries
Add a new ^ 323:

Appointment of Deacons in Full Connection to
Various Ministries. — 1. Deacons in full connec-
tion may be appointed to serve as their primary
field of service:

a) Through agencies and settings beyond the
local church which extends the witness and serv-
ice of Christ's love and justice in the world through

equipping the ministry of all Christians to fulfill
their own calls to Christian service; or

b) Through United Methodist Church-related
agencies, schools, colleges, theological schools,
ecumenical agencies; or

c) Within a local congregation, charge, or co-
operative parish.

2. When deacons in full connection serve in
an agency or setting beyond the local chiu-ch, the
bishop, after consultation with the deacon and the
pastor in charge, shall appoint the deacon to a
local congregation where tiiey will take missional
responsibility for leading other Christians into
ministries of service. In this ministry the deacons
shall be accountable to the pastor in charge, the
charge conference, and other bodies that coordi-
nate the ministry of the local chiu"ch. In those
instances where the appointment is in another
Episcopal Area, the appointment to a local church
shall be made in consultation with the Bishop of
that Area..

3. This appointment shall be in a setting which
allows one to fulfill the call to specialized ministry
and where supervision is provided with goals,
evaluation, and accountability acceptable to the
bishop, cabinet, and the Board of Ordained Min-
istry.

4. The appointment of deacons in full connec-
tion shall be made by the bishop.

a) It may be initiated by the individual deacon
in full connection, the agency seeking their serv-
ice, bishop, or district superintendent.

b) Clarified by a written statement of intention-
ality of servant leadership in order to establish a
clear distinction between the work to which all
Christians are called and the work for which dea-
cons in full connection are appropriately prepared
and authorized.

c) If the bishop and cabinet consider an ap-
pointment not to be in the best interest of the
church, the bishop may choose not to make the
appointment. In such event, the bishop shall be in
consultation with the deacon and the Board of
Ordained Ministry. The deacon in full connection
shall then seek another appointment, request a
leave of absence, relinquish their credentials, or
be terminated by disciplinary procedures.

d) Deacons in full connection at their request
or with their consent may be appointed to a non-
salaried position. Such missional appointments
will serve to express the chiu-ch's concern for
social holiness, ministry among the poor, and for
advancing emerging needs of the future. In such

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1002

cases, the bishop will carefully review plans for
expressing this appointed ministry and will consult
with the deacon about the well being and financial
security of family.

5. At the request of the deacon in full connec-
tion and with the consent of the bishop and cabi-
net, the deacon may receive a less than full-time
appointment under the following conditions:

a) The deacon in full connection shall present
a written request to the bishop and the conference
Board of Ordained Ministry giving rationale for the
request at least ninety (90) days prior to the An-
nual Conference at which the appointment is to be
made.

b) Reappointment to less than full-time service
shall be requested of the bishop by the deacon in
full connection annually.

c) The bishop may make an interim appoint-
ment of less than full-time service upon request of
a deacon in full connection with the reconmaenda-
tion of the executive committee of the conference
Board of Ordained Ministry.

6. Deacons from other Annual Conferences
and Christian denominations may receive an ap-
pointment in the Annual Conference in the follow-
ing manner:

a) Deacons in full connection from other An-
nual Conferences and other Methodist churches:
With approval and consent of the bishops or other
judicatory authorities involved, deacons in full
connection from other Annual Conferences or
other Methodist churches may receive appoint-
ments in the Annual Conference while retaining
their home conference membership or denomina-
tional afSliation. Appointments are to be made by
the bishop of the conference in which the deacon
in full connection is to serve. Upon the recommen-
dation of the Board of Ordained Ministry, clergy
in such appointments may be granted voice but
not vote in the Annual Conference to which they
are appointed. Their membership on conference
boards and agencies is restricted to the confer-
ence of which they are a member. Such appoint-
ments are renewable annually.

7. Deacons may receive an appointment to
another denomination in the following manner:

a) Deacons in full connection with the ap-
proval of their bishop and the judicatory authori-
ties of the other denomination may receive an
appointment to another denomination while re-
taining their home conference membership. The
appointment may be made in response to excep-
tional missional needs.

8. Deacons in full connection who are deacons
in full connection serving outside the bounds of
their annual conference will receive an appoint-
ment to a local congregation in the area in which
their primary appointment is located. This eu"-
rangement will be made in consultation between
the two bishops. The deacons will be under the
supervision of an appropriate district superinten-
dent who will provide a written report to the dea-
con's bishop.

9. Special provisions will be made for deacons
whose primary appointment does not have ac-
countability structures but whose charge confer-
ence will supply this need.

10. Support for Deacons imder appointment
of a bishop.

a) Deacons shall receive their support under
the policies and agreements of the setting of their
primary field of service.

b) When the deacon's primary field of service
is within a local congregation, charge, or coopera-
tive parish, the deacon shall receive a salary from
the local church, charge, or cooperative parish (^
722.2) not less than the minimum established by
the equitable compensation policy of the annual
conference for full time and part time pastors, with
the right to participate in the United Methodist
pension and benefit funds, health-care insurance
under the programs and standards established by
the Annual Conference.

c. The above (^ 323.8a, b) does not apply to a
deacon appointed by a bishop to a non-salaried
position it 323Ad)

1324.

Petition Number: 21842-MN-324-D-MS

The Ordained Elder in Full Connection
Add a new Section VI:

Section VI. The Ordained Elder in Full Con-
nection.

1324.

Petition Number: 21843-MN-324-D-MS
Ministry of an Elder
Add a new ^324:

Ministry of an Elder. Elders are ordained min-
isters who, by God's grace, have completed their
formal preparation and have been ordained and
served as a deacon, have been found by the
Church to be of sound learning, of Christizm char-

1003

DCA Advance Edition

acter, possessing the necessary gifts and evidence
of God's grace, and whose call to ordination has
been confirmed by the Church. Elders are author-
ized to preach and teach the Word of God, to admin-
ister the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Com-
munion, and to order the life of the church for
mission and ministry. The servant leadership of the
Elder is expressed by leading the people of God in
worship and prayer, by leading persons to faith in
Jesus Christ, by exercising pastoral supervision in
the congregation, and by leading the Church in
obedience to mission in the world. Elders continue
their service responsibility as Deacons while serv-
ing as Elders and, as such, are bound by the mean-
ing of that ordination.

As members of the Order of Elder, all elders
are in covenant with all other elders in the Annual
Conference and shall participate in the life of their
Order.

1422.

Petition Number: 21844-MN-422-D-MS
Elders in Full Connection
Renumber ^ 422 as ^ 325 and amend;

Elders Members in Full Connection. Members

Elders in Full Connection with an Annual Conference
by virtue of their election and ordination are bound in
special covenant with all the ordained members elders
of the Annual Conference... There shall be an annual
meeting of this covenant body in executive session of
clergy members in full connection with the Annual Con-
ference, including both deacons and elders, at the
site of the regular session of the Annual Conference to
consider questions relating to matters of ordination,
character, and conference relations Cn^ 705.6, 733.2).

A special session of the annual conference
may be held at such time and at such place as the
bishop shall determine after consultation with the
Cabinet and the executive committee of the Board
of Ordained Ministry. A special clergy session
shall have only such powers as stated in the call.

A full member of an Annual Conference deacon in
probationary relationship in the Annual Confer-
ence who has completed the requirements shall be
eligible for election to fiiU membership and ordina-
tion as elder by a bishop and such other elders as the
ordaining bishop may determine.

•1423.

Petition Number: 21845-MN-423-D-MS

Authority and Responsibilities of an Elder
in Full Connection
Renumber ^ 423 as ^ 326 and amend:

iUgkis Authority and Responsibilities of an Elder in
Full Connection. — ^An elder in full connection is
authorized to give spiritual and temporal servant
leadership in the Church in the following manner:

1. Of Full Members. — Members Elders in full con-
nection shall have the right to vote on all matters in the
Annual Conference except in the election of lay dele-
gates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central Con-
ferences CJ 701.1a 702.1a) and shall hove sole share
with deacons in full connection responsibility for all
matters.. .by the Board of Ordained Ministry, notwith-
standing such provisions ©f — Chapter — S which
grant. ..Every effective member elder in full connection
who is in good standing shall receive an annual be
continued under appointment by the bishop.

2. There are professional responsibilities which
clergy members elders are expected to fulfill and which
represent a fundamental part of their accountability and
a primary basis of their guaranteed continued eligibil-
ity for appointment. These shall include:

d b) Growth in vocational competence and effec-
tiveness through continuing education formation is
expected of conference members. The Board of Or-
dained Ministry CJ 733.2«) shall set minimal standards
and specific guidelines for continuing education pro-
grams formation for members of their conference and
ensure their availability. Further specificity of priori-
ties for current appointments shall be arranged in
consultations with appropriate bodies in that set-
ting.

h c) Annual participation in a process of evaluation
with Committees on Pastor-Parish Relations or a com-
parable body for use in an ongoing effective ministry
and for identifying continuing education and spiritual
growth needs and plans.

t d) Annual participation in evaluation with his or
her district superintendents to determine the pastor'
gifts, health and effectiveness for ministry' (270.2/ 520.2,
733. 2n, o) both within the current appointment and for
future appointments.

e) Willingness to assume supervisory and men-
toring responsibilities within the connection.

3. If a clergy member an elder fails to meet these
professional responsibilities, the provisions of % 454.3
357.3 may be invoked.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1004

^436.

Petition Number: 21846-MN-436-D-MS

Appointments to Various Ministries
Add a new section title:

Appointments to Various Ministries.

^436.

Petition Number: 21847-MN-436-D-MS
General Provisions
Renumber ^ 436 as ^ 327 and amend:

General Provisions. — All clergy members Elders in
full connection who are in good standing in an Annual
Conference shall receive annually an be continued
under appointment by the bishop unless they are
granted a sabbatical leave, a disability leave, or arc on a
leave of absence or retired retirement, or have failed
to meet the requirements for continued eligibiUty
(TI 326.2).^^

In addition to the ordained ministers,. ..pastors in
charge under certain conditions which are specified in
fjl 406 408 339-342. All clergy members...

^437.

Petition Number: 21848-MN-437-D-MS
The Itinerant System
Renumber "J 437 as "J 328 and amend:

The Itinerant System. — The itinerant system is the
accepted method of The United Methodist Church by
which ordained ministers elders are appointed by the
bishop to fields of labor. All ordained ministers elders
shall accept and abide by these appointments. Persons
appointed to multiple-staff ministries, either in a single
parish or in a cluster or larger parish, must shall have
personal...

1. Full-time service shall be the norm for ordained
ministry elders in the Annual Conference....

2.a) The ordained minister elder seeking.. .Excep-
tions to the three-month deadline must shall be ap-
proved by the Cabinet...

b) Following appropriate consultation, as estab-
lished in ^^ 444 346 and 529-533, and upon joint rec-
ommendation...

c) Reappointment to less than full-time service shall
be requested by the ordained minister elder and ap-
proved...

d) Ordained ministers elders who receive appoint-
ment...

e) The bishop may make ad interim appointments
at less than full-time service upon request of the or-
dained minister elder following consultation...

^438.

Petition Number: 21849-MN-438-D-MS
Definition of a Pastor
Renumber f 438 as ^ 329 and amend:

A pastor is an ordained or licensed person approved
by vote of the clergy members in full connection, and
may be appointed by the bishop...

^442.

Petition Number: 21850-MN442-D-MS

Appointments Beyond the Local United Methodist
Church
Renumber "J 442 as *J 330 and amend:

Appointments Beyond the Local United Methodist
Church. — 1. Clergy members Elders in effective rela-
tionship...

2. The institution or agency desiring to employ s
conference member an ordained minister shall, when
feasible, through its appropriate official, consult the
member's ordained minister's bishop and secure ap-
proval before completing any agreement to employ the
member ordained minister. If the institution...

3. Clergy persons Elders desiring an appointment. . .

^ 443.

Petition Number: 21851-MN443-D-MS

Elders in Appointment Beyond the Local Church
Renumber ^ 443 as ^ 331 and amend:

Clcrg>' Elders in appointment beyond the local
church...

1. Categories of Appointment. — In order to estab-
lish...the following categories are established for ap-
pointments of elders within the itineracy of The United
Methodist Church.

a) Appointments within the connectional structures
of United Methodism: only elders in full connection
may be appointed district superintendents. All or-
dained ministers may be appointed staff members
of conference councils, boards, and agencies, treasur-
ers, bishops' assistants, superintendents or directors of
parish development,...

b) Appointments to extension ministries of mem
bcrs elders in full connection under endorsement by
the Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries of the

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DCA Advance Edition

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 9uch
as: chaplaina, both active duty and reserve componcnt9,
Department of Veterans Affairs chaplains, both full and
port time, buaincoa and industrial chaplains, chaplains
in correctional settings, chaplains and counselors in
health care settings, pastoral counselors, ministry in
community' service organizations, and other ministry
settings which the bishop and conference Board of
Ordained Ministry may designate. The division
Board shall annually verify...

c) Conference members Elders in service under
the World Division of the General Board of Global Min-
istries may be appointed to the ministries as listed in a)
and b) above....

d) Conference members Elders may receive ap-
pointments...true extension of the Christian ministry of
the Church. They may be appointed to pastoral
ministry in other Christian denominations, at the
request of appropriate judicatory offers of that de-
nomination. These ministries.. .fulfillment of their ordi-
nation vows to Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order...

The Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries of
tThe Board of Higher Education and Ministry will pro-
vide...

Those seeking such an appointment shall submit to
the Cabinet, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and the
Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry a written
statement...

2. Relation to the Annual Conference. — a) Account-
ability to the Annual Conference. — Conference mem-
befs Elders under appointment beyond the local
church...

Persons Elders under appointment beyond the lo-
cal church. ..and the fulfillment of their ordination to be
minister of service. Word, Sacrament, and Order. Per-
sons Elders formally evaluated by the institutions in
which they serve will provide, instead of an evaluation,
a narrative report reflecting their ministry. Clergy E-
Iders serving in appointments outside the conference...

b) Responsibility of the Annual Conference. — ^The
bishop, representatives of the Cabinet, and the Commit
tec on Chaplains and Related Ministries of the Board of
Ordained Ministry shall provide...

3. Relation to the Local Church. — a) Conference
members Elders appointed beyond the local
church. ..as well as continuing education work forma-
tion experiences completed and anticipated. This re-
port may be the one submitted to the bishop, district
superintendent, and Board of Ordained Ministry (^
443.2a 331.2). District superintendents, because of the
nature of their work, and the relationship defined in "J^
529.3, 454.1fl 357. la, 755, shall not be required to have
a Charge Conference affiliation.

All conference members who are elders in fiill
connection, including those in extension ministries,...

b) Affiliate Relation to a Local Church. — Ordained
ministers elders under appointment beyond the local
church...

These ordained ministers elders under appoint-
ment beyond the local church...

4. Affiliate Relation to Annual Conference. — Or-
dained clergy elders appointed beyond the local
church...

b.d) Conference members Elders appointed be-
yond the local church...

^440.

Petition Number: 21852-MN-440-D-MS
Special Provisions
Renumber 1 440 as ^ 332 and amend:

Special Provisions. — 1. Pastors shall first obtain the
written consent of the district superintendent before
engaging for an evangelist any person who is not a
conference-approved evangelist, a regular member an
ordained minister of an Annual Conference,...

4. No elerg>' member ordained minister or local
pastor shall hold a religious service within the bounds
of a pastoral charge other than the one to which ap-
pointed without the consent of the clergy member or-
dained minister or local pastor in charge or the district
superintendent. If that clergy member ordained min-
ister or local pastor does not refrain from such conduct,
he/she shall then be liable to the provisions of ^ 454.1
357.1 and ^2623.

5. Ordained ministers All clergy of The United
Methodist Church...

^441.

Petition Number: 21853-MN441-D-MS

Elders in Full Connection Appointed
to Pastoral Charges
Renumber ^ 441 as ^ 333 and amend:

1. Support for Ordained Ministers Elders in Full
Connection Appointed to Pastoral Charges Who Render
Full-Time Service. — Each pastor elder in full connec-
tion of an Annual Conference who is in good standing
and who is appointed to full-time service under the
provision of ^43?7i 328.1 shall have a claim...

2. Support for Ordained Ministers Elders Appointed
to Pastoral Charges Who Render Less than Full-Time
Service. — Each pastor elder in full connection who is

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1006

in good standing and who is appointed by the bishop to
less than full-time service under the provisions of^437.2
328.2 shall have a claim...

3. Not withstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the benefits provided to ordained minis-
ters in addition to the cash compensation under
the benefit programs administered by the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits may be
different for ordained ministers serving full time
as a pastor to a local charge and for ordained
ministers serving other types of appointments.

^424.

Petition Number: 21854-MN424-D-MS

Requirments for Admission to Full Connection
and Ordination as Elder

Renumber % 424 as ^ 334 and amend:

Requirements for Admission to Full Connection and
Ordination as Elder. — Deacons who are cGandidates
for Full Connection and ordination as elders and

who have been probationary members for at least tw©
three years may be admitted into membership in full
connection in an Annual Conference and approved for
elder's ordination by vote of the clergy mem-
bers...They shall have: (1) served full time under epis-
copal appointment for at least tw© three full Annual
Conference years.. .Supervision is to be (a) personally
assumed or delegated by the district superintendent,
and (b) assumed by a counseling elder mentor as-
signed by the Board of Ordained Ministry. Their service
ffl«8t shall be evaluated by the Board. ..Those probation
ary members under appointment January, 1081 shall not
be subject to the provisions of this paragraph unless the
Annual Conference otherwise provides; (2) been pre-
viously elected. ..demonstrated competency equiva-
lence through a process designed in consultation with
the Division of Ordained Ministry' General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry; (b) graduation with
a Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology
listed by the University Senate or its equivalent as deter-
mined by the Division of Ordained Ministry General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry; (c) edu-
cational requirements.. .meet the requirements by un-
dertaking an independent study program provided and
administered by the Division of Ordained Ministry Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry {see
^ 1529.2) ; (d) under eonditions regarded as exceptional,
candidates who completed the first two years of the
advanced course of study for ordained ministry and
were admitted to probationary' membership by a three-
fourths vote CJ 416.2), upon recommendation by the
Board of Ordained Ministry when they have completed
two additional years of advanced studies specified by
and under the direction of the Division of Ordained
Ministry and have met all the other requirements, may
be received into full membership by a three-fourths vote

of the clcrg>' members in full connection, present and
voting; (4) satisfied the board...

(6) For the sake of the mission... fidelity in marriage
and celibacy in singleness, integrity in all personal
relationships, social responsibility...

^425.

Petition Number: 21855-MN425-D-MS

Historic Examination for Admission
into Full Connection and Ordination as Elder
Renumber ^ 425 as ^ 335 and amend:

Historic Examination for Admission into Full Con-
nection and Associate Membership Ordination as E-
Ider. — ^The bishop as chief pastor...

^426.

Petition Number: 21856-MN426-D-MS

Clergy from Other Annual Conferences
and Denominations
Amend section title:

ORD^MNED — MH'JISTERS CLERGY FROM
OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES, OTHER METH-
ODIST AND CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS

^426.

Petition Number: 21857-MN426-D-MS
Appointments
Renumber % 426 as ^ 336 and amend:

Appointments. — Ordained ministers elders or or-
dained clergy from other Annual Conferences and
Christian denominations may receive an appointment in
the Annual Conference in the following manner:

1. Ordained Ministers Elders or Ordained Clergy
from Other Annual Conferences and Other Methodist
Denominations. — With approval and consent of the bish-
ops or other judicatory authorities involved, ordained
ministers elders or ordained clergy of other Annual
Conferences.. .Appointments are to be made by the resi-
dent bishop of the conference in which the ordained
minister elder is to serve....

2. Ministers Elders or Ordained Clergy from Other
Denominations. — On recommendation of the Board...
Their ordination credentials shall be examined by the
bishop and the Board of Ordained Ministry, and upon
its recommendation may be recognized as valid elders
in The United Methodist Church while they are under
appointment. When the Board of Ordained Ministry
certifies that their credentials are at least equal to those

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of aaaociatc mcmbcra, although they arc not nsaociatc
members, they may be accorded all the rights and
privileges of aaaoeiatc membership in the Annual Con-
ference en 410.2, .3). United Methodist elders, they
may be accorded the right to vote in the Annual
Conference on all matters except the following: (a)
constitutional amendments; (b)election of dele-
gates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central
Conferences; (c) all matters of ordination, charac-
ter, and conference relations of ministers. They
may serve on any board, commission, or commit-
tee of an Annual Conference except the Board of
Ordained Ministry and the Board of Trustees (TI^
733.1, 2513.1). They shall not be eligible for
election as delegates to the General or Jurisdic-
tional or Central Conferences. They shall also be
subject to the provisions governing sabbatical
leave, leave of absence, location, retirement, mini-
mum salary, and pension. They shall not have secu-
rity of appointment.

^427.

Petition Number: 21858-MN-427-D-MS
Transfers
Renumber ^ 427 as ^ 337 and amend:

Transfers. — 1. From Other Annual Confer-
ences.— Ordained ministers elders from other Annual
Conferences of The United Methodist Church may be
received by transfer into probationary, associate, or full
membership...

2. From Other Methodist Denominations. — a) Or-
dained fntftistefs elders or ordained clergy from other
Methodist churches may be received by transfer into
probationary, associate, or full conference member-
ship...

b) Ordained ministers elders or ordained clergy

being transferred...

c) The Division of Ordained Ministry' General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall cer-
tify the satisfaction...

3. From Other Denominations. — a) On recommen-
dation of the Board of Ordained Ministry, the clergy
members in full connection may recognize the orders of
ministers elders or ordained clergy from other de-
nominations and receive them as probationary mem-
bers, associate members, or local pastors. . .The Board of
Ordained Ministry in consultation with the Division of
Ordained Ministry General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry shall determine whether they meet
the educational requirements for conference member-
ship.

b) Ordained ministers elders or ordained clergy

from other Christian denominations must shall serve as

probationary members for at least two years and com-
plete all the requirements of ^ 434 324, including
courses...

4. The Board of Ordained Ministry of an Annual
Conference is required to ascertain from an ordained
minister elder or ordained clergy person seeking
admission...

5. Ordained ministers elders or ordained clergy
seeking admission into an Annual Conference...

1428.

Petition Number: 21859-MN-428-D-MS
Recognition of Orders
Renumber ^ 428 as % 338.

LOCAL PASTOR

1406.

Petition Number: 21860-MN-406-D-MS
Authority and Duties
Renumber ^ 406 as ^ 339 and amend:

Authority and Duties. — \. A local pastor is approved
annually by the district Committee on Ordained Minis-
try and licensed by the bishop to perform all the duties
of a pastor {% 439 347) including the Sacraments of
Baptism and Holy Communion as well as the service of
marriage (where state laws allow), burial, confirmation,
and membership reception, while assigned appointed
to a particular charge. Local pastors are not eligible
for appointment beyond the local church.

3. The license shall remain valid only so long as the
appointment continues and must shall be recertified by
the bishop...

4. A local pastor shall be under the supervision of a
district superintendent and a counseling elder pastoral
mentor who shall supervise the local pastor's work in
tThe eCourse of aStudy for ordained ministry and give
counsel on matters of pastoral responsibility ("n 4ii
345).

5. Local pastors shall be amenable to the Clergy
Session of the Annual Conference...

6. The membership of local pastors under full-time
and part-time appointment...

7. [Delete.]

% 7. Student local pastors (^ 408:3 342.3) may
retain their membership in their home church and
Charge conference or place it in the church where
they are appointed, but in the discharge of their min-
isterial functions they shall be amenable to the district
superintendent under whom they serve. They shall

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1008

have the right to voice, but not vote in the annual
conference.

9 8. All local pastors.. .

^407.

Petition Number: 21861-MN407-D-MS
License As a Local Pastor
Renumber ^ 407 as ^ 340 and amend:

License As a Local Pastor. — ^All persons not or-
dained as deacons or elders who are appointed to
preach and conduct divine worship and perform the
duties of a pastor under pastoral appointment shall have
a license as a local pastor...

1. Been ordained a deacon.

2. Completed the following:

4- a. Completed the conditions for candidacy certifi-
cation in ^ 464 306.2-4;

3 b. Completed the studies for the license as a local
pastor as prescribed and supervised by the Division of
Ordained Ministry General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry or one-third of their work...

5 c. Been examined...

4 d. Been approved...

6 e. Provided the board...

^341.

Petition Number: 21862-MN-341-D-MS

Interim License as Local Pastor
Add a new % 341:

Between sessions of the annual conference,
persons who have completed the conditions for
licensing listed above may be granted interim li-
cense as a local pastor upon recommendation of
the cabinet, the district committee and conference
board of ordained ministry, and may be appointed
by the bishop.

^408.

Petition Number: 21863-MN-408-D-MS
Categories of Local Pastor
Renumber % 408 as % 342 and amend:

Categories of Local Pastor. — Upon satisfactory com-
pletion of the requirements of ^ 46? 340 , the district
Committee... Award of the license shall not be made until

an appointment to a pastoral charge is made in accord-
ance with ^436 327. In recommending...

\. ...(c) who, unless they have completed the
eCourse of sStudy for ordained ministry, shall complete
two courses per year in a eCourse of «Study school or
the correspondence curriculum prescribed by the Divi'
sion of Ordained Ministry General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry CJ 1529.2); (d) who, when
they have completed educational requirements for asso-
eiatc membership The Coiu-se of Study for ordained
ministry are involved in continuing education CJ 445
348 ); (e) who shall not be enrolled as a full-time
student in any school.

2. Part-time Local Pastors. — ^Those eligible to be
appointed as part-time local pastors are lay persons (a)
who have met the provisions of % 46? 340; (b) who do
not. .(d) who, unless they have completed tThe eCourse
of sStudy for ordained ministry, shall complete two
courses per year in a eCourse of sStudy school or the
correspondence curriculum prescribed by the Division
of Ordained Ministry General Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry. Part-time Local Pastors may
be appointed to small membership churches
which are grouped together in a charge under the
supervision of a mentor.

3. Student Local Pastors. — ^Those eligible... ('O/' who
have met the provisions of \ 46? 340; and...

5. Full-time ILocal pastors, except student local
pastors, may serve on any board, commission, or com-
mittee with voice and vote except on matters of
clergy character, qualifications, status, and ordi-
nation except the Board of Ordained and Ministry and
the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and
Board of Trustees OT 733.1, 2513.1). They shall not be
eligible to vote on or serve for election as delegates to
the General, Jurisdictional, or Central Conference.

^409.

Petition Number: 21864-MN-409-D-MS

Continuance As a Local Pastor
Renumber ^ 409 as ^ 343 and amend:

Continuance as a Local Pastor. — 1. Persons licensed
as local pastors who are not deacons shall continue in
a program of theological education at an approved
seminary or tThe eCourse of sStudy for ordained min-
istry, in eollcgc or in seminary as outiincd in 11 408 until
they have completed the educational requirements for
associate or probationary membership.

2. Upon completing each year's education and other
qualifications, a local pastor not ordained a deacon

may be recommended...

3. A full-time local pastor shall complete the educa
tional requirements Coiwse of Study ciuriculum

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DCA Advance Edition

within eight years and a part-time local pastor within te»
twelve years unless...

4. A local pastor may choose to remain in a local
relationship with the Annual Conference upon having
completed a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours
toward the Bachelor of Arts or an equivalent degree in
a college or university listed by the University Senate,
or competency equivalence through an external degree
program at a college or university' listed by the Univer-
sity Senate, and the five-year eCourse of sStudy fw
ordained ministry'.

5. [Delete.]

6 5. None of the provisions in this legislation shall
be interpreted to change or limit authorizations to local
pastors ordained as deacon and elder prior to 1076 or
enrolled in the second year of the ministerial course of
study prior to January 1, 1077 1996. ^

^410.

PeUtion Number: 2186SMN-410-D-MS

Exiting, Reinstatement, and Retirement of Local
Pastors Who Are Not Ordained Deacons

Renumber ^ 410 as *n 343 and amend:

Exiting, Reinstatement, and Retirement of Local Pas-
tors Who Are Not Ordained Deacons.

1. Discontinuance of Local Pastor. — ^Whenever a lo-
cal pastor retires or is no longer approved for appoint-
ment by the Annual Conference as required in ^ 408
342, or whenever any local pastor severs relationship
with The United Methodist Church, or whenever the
appointment of a local pastor is discontinued by the
bishop or whenever the District Committee on the
Ordained Ministry does not recommend continu-
ation of license, license and credentials shall be sur-
rendered to the district superintendent for deposit with
the secretary of the conference. This docs not apply to
persons who were licensed to preach prior to 1050. AJfter
consultation...

4. Reinstatement of Local Pastor Status. — Local pas-
tors whose approved status has been discontinued from
an Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
or one of its legal predecessors may be reinstated only
by the Annual Conference.. .When approved by the
clergy members in full connection as provided in "H 456
327, their license.. .They shall complete current studies
and meet requirements as provided in "J^ 40? 340,408
342.

[Second paragraph, next to last sentence] Before
such persons shall be appointed, they shall be recom-
mended by the board and approved by the clergy ses-
sion of the Annual Conference from which they were
discontinued. A district superintendent...

5. Retirement of Local Pastor. — On recommendation
of the Board of Ordained Ministry and by vote of the
clergy members in full connection, a local pastor who
has completed tThe eCourse of sStudy and served... Re-
tirement provisions for local pastors shall be the same
as those for clergy members in ^ 452.1, .2, .4, .6 355.1,
.2, .4, .6 with pensions payable in accordance with ^
1606.5a. Retired Local Pastors may attend annual
conference sessions with voice, but not vote.

^411.

Petition Number: 21866-MN-411-D-MS

Mentors

*n 444 345. Counseling Elders Mentors. — Counsel-
ing elders Mentors are clergy members in full connec-
tion in an Annual Conference recommended by the
Cabinet, approved, trained, and assigned by the Board
of Ordained Ministry to provide supervision and counsel
for certified declared candidates for ordained ministry,
local pastors, probationers, and associate members
scclting probationary membership under *]} 417.3 and
deacons who are probationary members of the
annual conference. Such assignments should be done
after consultation with the candidates involved. The
counseling elder mentor shall:

1. Work specifically in the development of voca-
tional goals which shall be reviewed annually and re-
ported to the district Committee and/or Board of Or-
dained Ministry.

3. Work specifically in supervision and counsel fe-
garding preaching and teaching the Scriptures, celebra-
tion of the Sacraments and other services of worship,
ordering the life of the congregation for nurture and
care, and all other aspects of the practice of ministry' the
practice of servant leadership within the church.

4. [Second sentence] The Board of Ordained Min-
istry may consider assigning one counseling elder men-
tor to supervise several local pastors or other ministerial
candidates preparing for full conference membership.

1419.

Petition Number: 21867-MN-419-D-MS

Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Delete ^419.

1420.

Petition Number: 21868-MN420-D-MS

Requirements for Election as Associate Members
Delete ^ 420.

1421.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1010

Petition Number: 21869-MN421-D-MS

Progression into Full Membership
Delete ^ 421.

Petition Number: 21872-MN446-D-MS
Sabbatical Leave
Renumber "n 446 as "fl 347.

^445.

Petition Number: 21870-MN-445-D-MS

Evaluation for Continuing Formation
Amend Section VI;

Section VI. Evaluation for ftn4 Continuing Educa
#©ft Formation for Full and Associate Members and
Local Pastors.

t 445.

Petition Number: 21871-MN-445-D-MS

Continuing Formation and Spiritual Growth
Renumber ^ 445 as ^ 346 and amend:

Continuing Education Formation and Spiritual
Growth. — 1. Clergy shall be expected to continue their
education formation and spiritual growth for Servant
Ministry and for Servant Leadership throughout
their careers,...

2. In most cases the ordained ministers' continuing
education formation and spiritual growth program...

3. An ordained minister may request an educational
a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six
months while continuing to hold a pastoral an appoint-
ment An Annual Conference... Such a leave must shall
be with the approval...

4. Financial arrangements for continuing education,
formation, and spiritual growth shall be negotiated in
the following manner: (a) for pastors it shall be done in
consultation with the district superintendent and the
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations; (b) for dea-
cons, with an appropriate supervisory body, (fe c)
for district superintendents, with the district Committee
on Superintendency; (e d) for conference staff, with the
appropriate committee of the Council on Ministries su-
pervisory body; (4 e) for others...

5. Pastors shall be asked by the district superinten-
dent in the Charge Conference to report on their pro-
grams of continuing education, formation, and spiri-
tual growth.. .financial support for the pastor's program
of continuing education formation and spiritual growth .

6. Clergy in appointment beyond the local church
shall give evidence of their continuing education forma-
tion and spiritual growth program and future plans in
their annual reports (^ 443.2a 331.2a).

t 446.

^444.

Petition Number: 21873-MN444-D-MS
Evaluation
Renumber ^ 444 as ^ 348 and amend:

Evaluation. — Evaluation is a continuous process
for formation in Servant Ministry and Servant
Leadership which must take place in a spirit of under-
standing and acceptance.

1. The pastors in local churches shall receive par-
ticipate annually in an evaluation annually from with
the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations (^ 326.2c)
for use in an ongoing effective ministry' and for identify-
ing continuing education needs and plana (II 270.2f [3] ) ,
using criteria, processes, and training developed by the J
Board of Ordained Ministry and the Cabinet. |

2. The district superintendent will evaluate annu-
ally the pastors' effectiveness for ministry (^"J 423.2c
320.2c, 326.2rf, 520, 733.2m, o), using criteria, proc-
esses, and training developed by the Cabinet and the
Board of Ordained Ministry.

S 3. Clergy serving in appointments.. .and include
copies of these evaluations in the annual report submit-
ted to the their bishop, district superintendent, and the
Board of Ordained Ministiy (^ 443.2fl 331 .2a) . When
possible, they shall hav" conversation with their
District Superintendent about their ministry.

^439.

Petition Number: 21874-MN439-D-MS

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Renumber *n 439 as ^ 349 and amend:

Persons serving as pastors of congregations
shall be evaluated in part on the basis of the fol-
lowing hst of responsibilities and duties:

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor. — ^The pas-
tor(s) shall oversee... (2) providing ministry within the
congregation and to the world; (3) insuring acciu^ate
transmission of the Christian Faith; (4) administer-
ing the temporal affairs...

^447.

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DCA Advance Edition

Petition Number: 21875-MN-447-D-MS

Changes of Conference Relationship
Amend the title of Section VII:

Section VII. Changes of Conference Relationship
for Full, Probationary, and Aaaociatc Mcmbcra.

^447.

Petition Number: 21876-MN-447-D-MS

Changes in Conference Relationship
Renumber ^ 447 as <n 350.

^448.

Petition Number: 21877-MN-448-D-MS
Leave of Absence
Renumber ^ 448 as % 351 and amend:

Leave of Absence. — 1. This relationship is granted to
clergy who are local pastors, probationary members,
associate, and fali clergy members in full connection

who because of...

^449.

Petition Number: 21878-MN-449-D-MS
Family Leave
Renumber % 449 as ^ 352 and amend:

Family Leave. — I. This relationship is granted to
ordained ministers clergy who are local pastors, pro-
bationary members, associate, and full members
clergy members in full connection who...

[Second to last sentence] They may participate in
the conference health and pension program through
their own contributions.

^450.

Petition Number: 218-79-MN-450-D-MS
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Renumber ^ 450 as ^ 353 and amend:

Maternity/Paternity Leave. — Maternity /paternity
leave.. .Board of Ordained Ministry to any local pastor,
probationary members, associate, or ordained minister
clergy members in full connection...

2. During the leave, the ordained minister's Annual
Conference relations will remain unchanged, and the
insurance plans health and welfare benefit plans will
remain in force.

^451.

Petition Number: 21880-MN-451-D-MS
Disability Leave
Renumber % 451 as % 354 and amend:

Disability Leave. — 1. Wlien clergy who are eligible
under the policies of the Board of Pension and
Health Benefits full time local pastors under episcopal
appointment, associate members, probationary mem-
bers, or members in full connection with an Annual
Conference...

^452.

Petition Number: 21881-MN-452-D-MS
Retirement
Renumber ^ 452 as ^ 355 and amend:

Retirement. — Retired ordained ministers... (See ^^
1606-1609 for pension information and the Ministerial
Pension Plan.) Requests for retirement...

2. b) With Thirty-five Years of Service or at Age
Sixty-two. — ^At their own request and by vote of the
clergy members in full connection, any clergy members
who will have attained age sixty-two on or before July 1
or will have completed thirt>' five years of service under
appointment as ordained ministers, or as local pastors
with pension credit for service before 1982 or with full
participation in the Comprehensive Protection Plan
since 1081, in the year in which the session of the Annual
Conference is held or will have completed thirty-five
yeeu-s of service under appointment as an ordained
minister, or a local pastor with pension credit for
service before 1982 or with full participation in
the Comprehensive Protection Plan since 1981,
as of the conference session may be placed in the
retired relation with an annuity claim for an actuarially
reduced pension (see 'J 1606.40.

3. [Add a new paragraph at the end.] Any clergy
member who is placed in the retired relationship
under this subparagraph shall be entifled to the
privilege of receiving his/her pension for the
number of approved years served in the Annual
Conference or conferences and such other bene-
fits as the final Annual Conference may provide,
payment to begin the first of any month after the
ordained minister attains age sixty-two. If pension
begins prior to the age at which retirement under
% 355.2c could have occurred, then the provision
of ^ 1606.4/ shall apply.

^453.

Petition Number: 21882-MN453-D-MS

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1012

Honorable Location
Renumber ^ 453 as ^ 356 and amend:

Honorable Location. — a) An Annual Conference
may grant a390ciatc or clei^ members in full connec-
tion...

3. Surrender of the Ordained Ministerial Office — As-
sociatc members or members in full connection Or-
dained members of an Annual Conference...

^454.

Petition Number: 21883-MN-454-D-MS
Grievance Procedures
Amend the title of Section VIII:

Section VIII. Changes of Conference Relationships
for Full, Probationary, and Associate Members Griev-
ance Procedures.

^454.

Petition Number: 21884-MN-454-D-MS
Grievance Procedures
Renumber ^ 454 as ^ 357.

^455.

Petition Number: 21885-MN-455-D-MS

Readmission to Probationary Membership
Renumber 1 455 as J 358.

^456.

Petition Number: 21886-MN456-D-MS

Readmission after Honorable or Administrative
Lx)cation

Renumber ^ 456 as f 359.

^457.

Petition Number: 21887-MN457-D-MS
Readmission after Surrender of the Ministerial Office
Renumber ^ 457 as ^ 360.

Petition Number: 21888-MN458-D-MS

Readmission after Termination by Action
of the Annual Conference

Renumber ^ 458 as ^ 361 and add new text at the

^458.

end:

Any pension being received through the Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits shall
be discontinued upon their return to effective re-
lationship. The pension shall be reinstated upon
subsequent retirement

^459.

Petition Number: 21889-MN-459-D-MS

Readmission After Involuntary Retirement
Renumber ^459 as ^362.

^412.

Petition Number: 21890-MN412-D-MS
General Provisions
Add a new section title:

General Provisions.

^412.

Petition Number: 21891-MN412-D-MS
General Provisions
Renumber ^ 412 as ^ 363 and amend:

General Provisions. — 1. The Annual Conference is
the basic body of The United Methodist Church. The
clergy membership of an Annual Conference shall con-
sist of members deacons and elders in full connection,
(^ 422, 423 325,326), probationary members (^ 4^3
320) , associate members (11410), affiliate members (H
1432.5a, 443.4, 660.4), and local pastors under full-
time and part time appointment to a pastoral charge (H
408:4- 342). All clergy are amenable...

4. All clergy members mentioned in ^ 412.1 362. 1
shall receive written communication...

^364.

Petition Number: 21892-MN-364-D-MS
Transitional Provisions
Add a new 11364:

Transitional Provisions. — 1 . All persons having
begun candidacy for diaconal ministry, deacon's
and elder's ordination and conference member-
ship, or full time local pastors prior to January 1 ,

1013

DCA Advance Edition

1997, will be allowed to proceed under the provi-
sions of the 1992 Book of Discipline {% 419-421).
These continuing procedures must be completed
under the provisions set forth in the 1992 Book of
Discipline.

2. Persons with the status of Associate Mem-
bers in good standing as of January 1 , 1997, may,
upon the recommendation of the Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry and election by a two-
thirds vote of the clergy session, be elected full
members of the annual conference and ordained
Elders. This option shall be available until Decem-
ber 31 , 2000. The following qualifications shall be
fulfilled prior to the Board's recommendation to
the clergy session:

a) Fulfilled the provisions of % 304.

b) Received the recommendation of the Cabi-
net.

c) Have completed or demonstrated that they
have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours
of the basic graduate theological studies of the
Christian faith including the areas of: Old Testa-
ment; New Testament; Theology; Church History;
Mission of the Church in the wXWorld; Wor-
ship/Iitiu^; and United Methodist Doctrine, Pol-
ity, and History. This requirement may be fulfilled
in either a school of theology approved by the
University Senate or in a special course of study
provided by the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry.

d) Provide a written statement demonstrating
an understanding of the theology of the ordination
of deacons and elders and a willingness to fulfill
the purposes of those ordinations.

3. Diaconal ministers who are in good stand-
ing with the annual conference and have com-
pleted a minimum of three years in an approved
service appointment, may become ordained dea-
cons in full connection provided the following re-
quirements are completed:

a) Applied in writing to the Conference Board
of Ordained Ministry for the transfer of their cre-
dentials to ordained deacon in full connection.

b) Completed a continuing formation and edu-
cation program developed by the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry. This program
shall include an understanding of the meaning of
appointment by a bishop, ordination, and the in-
terrelatedness of worship and the world

c) Demonstrated an understanding of the call
to the order of deacon, and whose ministry fulfills
and exemplifies the definition and description of
the ordained deacon (^ 315, 316) and who has

either met the educational requirements of the di-
aconate (*n 3 1 7) or whose competence and experi-
ence is determined to be equivalent by the Board of
Ordained Ministry through the Division of Dea-
cons, if constituted.

d) Received a two-thirds positive vote of the
clergy session.

The bishop shall ordain these persons by the
laying on of hands at the service of ordination of
the annual conference and shall provide deacon's
credentials to these deacons in full connection.

Diaconal Ministers who seek to become or-
dained deacons in full connection shall apply be-
fore December 31, 2000.

4. During the 1996-2000 quadrennium, The
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry shall con-
tinue to fulfill its governance responsibilities for
diaconal ministers as stipulated in ^11 301-317
and 11 734 of die 1992 Book of Discipline; sub-
sequent to which the annual conference shall
make governance provision for for continuing dia-
conal ministers, and those in process of becoming
diaconal ministers, including their certification,
care, and continuing formation; and shall further
provide for lay certification in the areas of Chris-
tian education, evangelism, music, youth minis-
try, and other areas, under the guidelines of the
Board of Higher Education and Ministry. (See %
1524).

1201.

Petition Number: 21893-MN-201-D-MS

Organization and Administration
Amend Part V, Chapter One:

PartV

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Chapter One Three

THE LOCAL CHURCH

1201.

Petition Number: 21894-MN-201-D-MS
Local Church
Renumber ^ 201 as \ 401 and amend:

A local church is a community of true believers
under the Lordship of Christ, united in service for the
mission of God in the world. Under the discipline
of the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the main-
tenance of worship, the edification of believers,
and the redemption of the world. It is the redemptive

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1014

fellowship In which persons are sent to witness to
Jesus Christ in the world, to follow his teachings
through acts of worship, devotion, compassion,
and justice, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
The life of this fellowship is ordered by servant
leadership, according to Christ's teaching and ex-
ample. Through this leadership persons are
formed for mature Christian faith, the Word of God
is preached by persons divinely called, and the Sacra-
ments are duly administered according to Christ's own
appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the
Church exists for the maintenance of worship, the cdifi
cation of bclicvcro, and the redemption of the world.

^202.

Petition Number: 21895-MN-202-D-MS

The Church of Jesus Christ
Renumber ^ 202 as ^ 402.

t 203.

Petition Number: 21896-MN-203-D-MS

The Local Church as a Connectional Society
Renumber ^ 203 as f 403 and amend:

[Last sentence] Such a society of believers, being
within The United Methodist Church, aftd is subject to
its Discipline, is also an inherent part of the Church
Universal, which is composed of all who accept Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior, and which in the Apostles'
Creed we declare to be the holy catholic Church, and
guided by servant leaders, both locally elected and
appointed by the Bishop. The patterns of organi-
zation provided by the Discipline for the local con-
gregation and the authority committed to its ser-
vant leaders have as their chief concern the
formation of Christian disciples throughout the
congregation, in both their spiritual relationship
with God and their walk with Christ in the world. %
204.

1204.

Petition Number: 21897-MN-204-D-MS

Responsibilities of the Local Church
Renumber ^204 as ^404.

^205.

Petition Number: 21898-MN-205-D-MS
Pastoral Charge
Renumber ^ 205 as f 405.

Petition Number: 21899-MN-206-D-MS
Cooperative Parish
Amend the title of Section IL

Section IL Cooperative Parish Ministries.

1206.

Petition Number: 21900-MN-206-D-MS

Cooperative Parish Ministries
Renumber ^ 206 as ^ 406.

Section IIL Churches in Transitional Communities.

1207.

Petition Number: 21901-MN-207-D-MS

Churches in Transitional Communities
Renumber <n 207 as ^ 407.

Section IV. Church Membership.

1208.

Petition Number: 21902-MN-208-D-MS
Church Membership
Renumber <n 208 as ^ 408 and amend:

The United Methodist Church, a fellowship of be-
lievers, is, as a Church, a also an inherent part of the
Church Universal, and celebrates its diversity' which is
composed of all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior, and which in the Apostles' Creed we
declare to be the holy catholic Chiu-ch. Therefore
all persons,...

1209.

Petition Number: 21903-MN-209-D-MS
Church Membership
Renumber ^ 209 as ^ 409.

1210.

Petition Number: 21904-MN-210-D-MS
Member of the Global United Methodist Connection
Renumber ^ 210 as ^ 410 and amend:

A member of any local United Methodist church is
a member of the total global United Methodist connec-
tion.

THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP

1206.

I

1015

DCA Advance Edition

^211.

Petition Number: 21905-MN-211-D-MS

The Meaning of Membership
Renumber ^211 as ^411.

^218.

Petition Number: 21912-MN-218-D-MS
Admission into the Church
Renumber TI 218 as ^418.

1212.

Petition Number: 21906-MN-212-D-MS
Faithful Membership
Renumber 1212 as ^412.

^219.

Petition Number: 21913-MN-219-D-MS
Admission into the Church
Renumber 1 219 38^419.

1213.

Petition Number: 21907-MN-213-D-MS
Faithful Discipleship
Renumber ^ 213 as ^ 413.

1220.

Petition Number: 21914-MN-220-D-MS
Admission into the Church
Renumber J 220 as 1 420.

1214.

Petition Number: 21908-MN-214-D-MS

Members Called to Share the Ministry

Renumber ^ 214 as ^ 414 and add a new first
sentence:

All members of Christ's universal Church are
called to share the ministry which is committed to
the whole church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, each

A member of The United Methodist Church...

1215.

Petition Number: 21909-MN-215-D-MS

Members Held Accountable for Faithfulness
Renumber ^ 215 as ^ 415.

1216.

Petition Number: 21910-MN-216-D-MS
Admission into the Church
Renumber ^ 216 as ^ 416.

1217.

Petition Number: 21911-MN-217-D-MS
Admission into the Church
Renumber 1 217 as 1 417.

1221.

Petition Number: 21915-MN-221-D-MS
Children and the Church
Renumber ^ 221 as f 421.

1222.

Petition Number: 21916-MN-222-D-MS
Children and the Church
Renumber ^ 222 as ^ 422.

1223.

Petition Number: 21917-MN-223-D-MS
Children and the Church
Renumber ^ 223 as ^ 423.

1224.

Petition Number: 21918-MN-224-D-MS
Children and the Church
Renumber "J 224 as ^ 424.

1225.

Petition Number: 21919-MN-225-D-MS
Children and the Church
Renumber ^ 225 as <n 425.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1016

^226.

Petition Number: 21920-MN-226-D-MS
Youth
Renumber ^ 226 as "B 426.

^234.

Petition Number: 21928-MN-234-D-MS
Membership Records
Renumber ^ 234 as <]! 434.

^227.

Petition Number: 21921-MN-227-D-MS

Affiliate and Associate Membership
Renumber ^ 227 as ^ 427.

^235.

Petition Number: 21929-MN-235-D-MS
Membership Secretary
Renubmer ^ 235 as ^ 435.

^228.

Petition Number: 21922-MN-228-D-MS
Care of Members
Renumber ^ 228 as ^ 428.

^236.

Petition Number: 21930MN-236-D-MS

Transfer and Termination of Membership
Renumber ^236 as ^436.

^229.

Petition Number: 21923-MN-229-D-MS
Care of Members
Renumber ^ 229 as ^ 429.

^237.

Petition Number: 21931-MN-237-D-MS

Transfer and Termination of Membership
Renumber ^ 237 as ^ 437.

^230.

Petition Number: 21924-MN-230-D-MS
Care of Members
Renumber ^ 230 as ^ 430.

^238.

Petition Number: 21932-MN-238-D-MS

Transfer and Termination of Membership
Renumber ^ 238 as ^ 438.

^231.

Petition Number: 21925-MN-231-D-MS
Care of Members
Renumber ^231 as 11431.

^239.

Petition Number: 21933-MN-239-D-MS
Transfer of Membership
Renumber ^ 239 as % 439.

SI 232.

Petition Number: 21926-MN-232-D-MS

Membership Records and Reports
Renumber ^ 232 as ^ 432.

^240.

Petition Number: 21934-MN-240-D-MS
Certificate of Transfer
Renumber "J 240 as II 440.

^233.

Petition Number: 21927-MN-233-D-MS
Membership Records
Renumber ^ 233 as H 433.

1241.

Petition Number: 21935-MN-241-D-MS
Transfer of Membership
Renumber 11241 as 11441.

1017

DCA Advance Edition

^242.

Petition Number: 21936-MN-242-D-MS

Withdrawal of Membership
Renumber ^ 242 as % 442.

^243.

Petition Number: 21937-MN-243-D-MS

Withdrawal of Membership
Renumber ^ 243 as "D 443.

Section V. Organization and Administration.

1244.

Petition Number: 21938-MN-244-D-MS

Organization and Administration
Renumber ^ 244 as "B 444.

1245.

Petition Number: 21939-MN-245-D-MS

Basic Organizational Plan for Local Church
Renumber ^ 245 as ^ 445.

1246.

Petition Number: 21940-MN-246-D-MS

Standards for Computer Information and Data
Renumber ^ 246 as ^ 446.

1247.

Petition Number: 21941-MN-247-D-MS
General Provisions
Renumber ^ 247 as ^ 447.

1248.

Petition Number: 21942-MN-248-D-MS
Powers and Duties
Renumber ^ 248.1-10 as ^ 448.1-10.

1446.

Petition Number: 21943-MN-446-D-MS

Members of the Charge Conference
and Administrative Council

Insert as new ^446 the amended content of the last
paragraph of "n 255 and renumber the following para-
graphs:

Members of the Charge Conference and Ad-
ministrative Council/Board shall be persons of
genuine Christian character who love the Church,
are morally disciplined, are committed to the
mandate of inclusiveness in the life of the Chiu-ch,
are loyal to the ethical standards of The United
Methodist Chiu-ch set forth in the Social Princi-
ples, and are competent to administer its affairs.
It shall include youth members chosen according
to the same standards as adults. All shall be mem-
bers of the local church, except where Central
Conference legislation provides otherwise. The
pastor shall be the administrative officer, and as
such shall be an ex officio member of all confer-
ences, boards, councils, commissions, commit-
tees, and task forces, unless restricted by the Dis-
cipline.

1248.11.

Petition Number: 21944-MN-248.11-D-MS

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference
Delete ^248.11.

1248.

Petition Number: 21945-MN-248-D-MS

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference
Renumber f 248.12-21 as % 449.11-20.

1249.

Petition Number: 21946-MN-249-D-MS
The Church Conference
Renumber ^ 249 as ^ 450.

1250.

Petition Number: 21947-MN-250-D-MS
Election of Leaders
Renumber ^250 as ^451.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1018

^251.

Petition Number: 21948-MN-251-D-MS
Election of Stewards
Delete 11 251.

^452.

Petition Number: 21949-MN-452-D-MS

Election of Lay Ministry Steward
Add a new <il 452:

The Charge Conference, or Church Confer-
ence authorized by the District Superintendent,
shall elect persons to the office of Lay Ministry
Steward ('n201). Such persons shall be recom-
mended for election by the pastor, and may give
an account of their call to their Charge Confer-
ence. Lay Ministry Stewards shall be recom-
mended and elected annually. (^2 08).

late to this local church; diaconal ministers,... with an
advisory relationship in all other churches to which they
are assigned; persons elected to the ofSce of Lay
Ministry Steward (TI201) by the Charge Confer-
ence; the chairperson...

[Move the last paragraph to new ^ 446.]

^256.

Petition Number: 21954-MN-256-D-MS
Organization
Renumber ^ 256 as ^ 457.

^257.

Petition Number: 21955-MN-257-D-MS
Responsibilities
Renumber ^ 257 as 1 458.

^252.

Petition Number: 21950-MN-252-D-MS
Lay Leader
Renumber ^ 252 as ^ 453.

1258.

Petition Number: 21956-MN-258-D-MS
The Council on Ministries
Renumber ^ 258 as % 459.

^253.

Petition Number: 21951-MN-253-D-MS
The Administrative Council
Renumber ^ 253 as ^ 454.

1259.

Petition Number: 21957-MN-259-D-MS

Basic Membership of Council on Ministries
Renumber ^ 259 as "J 460.

1254.

Petition Number: 21952-MN-254-D-MS

Purpose of the Administrative Board
Renumber ^ 254 as f 455.

1260.

Petition Number: 21958-MN-260-D-MS

Age-Level, Family, and Specialized Coordinators
Renumber ^ 260 as ^ 46L

1255.

Petition Number: 21953-MN-255-D-MS

Membership of the Administrative Board
Renumber ^ 255 as ^ 456 and amend:

Membership. — The membership of the Administra-
tive Board shall consist of the following insofar as the
office and relationships exist within the local church:

The pastor and associate pastor or pastors ap-
pointed by the Bishop; deacons appointed to re-

1261.

Petition Number: 21959-MN-261-D-MS
Work Areas
Renumber "J 261 as ^ 462.

1262.

Petition Number: 21960-MN-262-D-MS
Work Area Chairperson
Renumber 1 262 as ^ 463.

1019

DCA Advance Edition

^263.

Petition Number: 21961-MN-263-D-MS

Program Support Personnel
Renumber ^263 as ^464.

1264.

Petition Number: 21962-MN-264-D-MS
Program Agencies
Renumber 1 264 as ^ 465.

^265.

Petition Number: 21963-MN-265-D-MS
United Methodist Men
Renumber ^ 265 as ^ 466.

1266.

Petition Number: 21964-MN-266-D-MS

Age-Level and Family Councils
Renumber ^ 266 as f 467.

1267.

Petition Number: 21965-MN-267-D-MS
Work Area Commissions
Renumber ^ 267 as ^ 468.

1268.

Petition Number: 21966-MN-268-D-MS
Task Groups
Renumber ^ 268 as ^ 469.

1269.

Petition Number: 21967-MN-269-D-MS

Classes, Class Leaders, and Class Meetings
Renumber f 269 as ^ 470.

1270.

Petition Number: 21968-MN-270-D-MS
Administrative Committees
Renumber ^ 270 as <n 471 and amend:

2.b) In those charges where there is a multiple staff,
full or part time, or there are members who are dinconal
ministers appointed beyond the local church deacons
appointed to relate to this church, the committee
shall relate to the entire staff and all diaconal miniatcrs,
clergy and layr. The committee shall relate to all
diaconal ministers related to the local church, in-
cluding those appointed for service beyond the
local church. The committee shall provide provid-
iftg to all staff members...

1271.

Petition Number: 21969-MN-271-D-MS

Organizing a New Local Church
Renumber ^ 271 as ^ 472.

1272.

Petition Number: 21970-MN-272-D-MS
Transfer of a Local Church
Renumber "J 272 as % 473.

1273.

Petition Number: 21971-MN-273-D-MS

Protection of Rights of Congregations
Renumber ^ 273 as ^ 474.

1274.

Petition Number: 21972-MN-274-D-MS
Special Sundays
Renumber "B 274 as ^ 475.

1275.

Petition Number: 21973-MN-275-D-MS

Churchwide Special Sundays With Offerings
Renumber ^ 275 as ^ 476.

1276.

Petition Number: 21974-MN-276-D-MS

Special Sundays Without Churchwide Offerings
Renumber ^ 276 as ^ 477.

1277.

Petition Number: 21975-MN-277-D-MS
Three Special Sundays
Renumber "D 277 as "J 478.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1020

^ 278.

Petition Number: 21976-MN-278-D-MS
Lay Speaking
Renumber ^ 278 as "J 479.

^279.

Petition Number: 21977-MN-279-D-MS
Renumber ^ 279 as % 480.

^280.

Petition Number: 21978-MN-280-D-MS
Certified Lay Speaker
Renumber ^ 280 as ^ 48L

1281.

Petition Number: 21979-MN-281-D-MS
Transfer of Cer1:ification by Certified Lay Speakers
Renumber ^ 281 as 1 482.

1282.

Petition Number: 21980-MN-282-D-MS
Lay Preacher
Delete ^ 282.

Chapter Four

ministry of general oversight and supervision
(TI501). As followers of Jesus Christ called to ser-
vant leadership, Bishops are authorized to guard
the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of
the Church, seek and be a sign of the unity of the
faith, and to exercise the discipline of the whole
Church; to supervise and support the Church's life,
work, and mission throughout the world; to lead all
persons entrusted to their oversight in worship, in
the celebration of the Sacraments, in their mission
of witness and service in the world. Bishops carry
a primeiry responsibility to support and encourage
the ministry of all Christians. They share with other
Bishops in the supervision of the whole Church,
encotu'aging and supporting all baptized people in
the exercising of their gifts and ministries, praying
for them, and proclaiming and interpreting to them
the gospel of Christ Bishops are to be prophetic
voices and courageous leaders in the cause of jus-
tice for all people. Bishops are also authorized to
appoint ordained ministers to their responsibili-
ties, consecrate bishops, ordain deacons and e-
Iders, and commission others in ministry to the
Church and world.

2. District superintendents are Elders ap-
pointed by the Bishop to the Cabinet and assigned
to responsibilities of oversight and supervision
within a district and in the entire annual confer-
ence (^501). A servant leader who serves as an
extension of the oversight of the bishop, the dis-
trict superintendent is authorized to fulfill those
responsibilities designated in TTie Book of Discipline
under the supervision of the resident bishop.

THE SUPERINTENDENCY

1501.

Petition Number: 21981-MN-501-D-MS

The Task of the Superintendent
Amend the first sentence of ^ 501:

The task of superintending in The United Method-
ist Church resides in the office of bishop and extends to
the district superintendent, with each possessing dis-
tinct and coUegial responsibilities....

1504.

Petition Number: 21982-MN-504-D-MS

Offices of Bishops and Superintendents
Add new sub-paragraphs at the end of ^ 504:

1. Bishops are elders in full connection who
are elected from the elders and set apart for a

1514.

Petition Number: 21983-MN-514-D-MS

Spiritual and Temporal Leadership
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 514:

9. To convene the Order of Deacons and the
Order of Elders and work with the elected chair-
person of each order.

1516.

Petition Number: 21984-MN-516-D-MS

Working with Ordained, Licensed, Consecrated and
Commissioned Personnel
Amend ^ 516:

Working with Ordained, and Diaconal Ministers and
Licensed, Consecrated and Commissioned Personnel. — 1.
To make...

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DCA Advance Edition

^522.

Petition Number: 21985-MN-522-D-MS
Pastoral Responsibilities of District Superinendent
Amend "fl 522:

Pastoral. — 1. To give pastoral support and care to
the clergy and diaconal ministers ordained, licensed,
consecrated, and commissioned personnel and

their families by traveling through the district, preach-
ing, visiting, and maintaining the connectional order of
the Discipline.

2. To counsel with clergy, consecrated and com-
missioned personnel concerning their pastoral re-
sponsibilities and diaconal ministers concerning their
ministerial duties as well as other matters affecting their
ministry and personal life.

3. To encourage the building of peer groups
covenantal community among the clergy and diaconal
ministers consecrated, and commissioned person-
nel for mutual support...

1527.1.

Petition Number: 21986-MN-527.1-D-MS
The Council of Bishops
Add new text at the end of f 527.1:

By virtue of their election and consecration
bishops are members of the Council of Bishops
and are bound in special covenant with all other
bishops. In keeping with this covenant, bishops
fulfill their servant leadership and express their
mutual accountability. The Council of Bishops is
a faith community of mutual trust and concern
responsible for the faith development and continu-
ing well being of its members.

t 529.1.

Petition Number: 21987-MN-529.1-D-MS
The Cabinet
Amend ^529.1:

Cabinet. — 1. District superintendents, although ap-
pointed to the cabinet and assigned to districts,... be-
fore they are subsequently assigned by the bishop
appointed to service in districts.

Chapter Five

THE CONFERENCES

Section K. The Annual Conference.

^702.

Petition Number: 21988-MN-702-D-MS
Composition and Character of The Annual Conference
Amend ^ 702:

Composition and Character. — 1. The clergy mem-
bership of an Annual Conference (^ 443 362) shall
consist of members deacons and elders in full connec-
tion (^433 325), probationary members (^443 320),
associate members CJ 419), affiliate members (^
1432.5c, 433.4, 660 Ab), and local pastors under full-
time and part time appointment to a pastoral charge (
114087+342.1).^^ (See also % 35.)

d) Full time and part time Itocal pastors under
full time appointment...

e) [Delete. Declared unconstitutional.]

2. The following shall be seated in the Annual Con-
ference and shall be given the privilege of the floor
without vote: part-time and student local pastors; Dea-
conesses; official representatives...

3. [Delete existing text.] Persons who enter can-
didacy for Diaconal Ministry prior to January 1,
1997, shall be allowed to complete candidacy and
those consecrated will serve as lay members of the
Annual Conference as long as they maintain this
status in the United Methodist Church.

4. Persons who become Associate Members
prior to January 1, 1997, shall be allowed to con-
tinue in this relationship and serve under the pro-
vision of the 1992 Book of Discipline as long as they
hold this status.

1705.

Petition Number: 21989-MN-705-D-MS

Business of the Conference
Amend ^ 705:

Business of the Conference. — 1. The session shall
open with a period of devotion, followed by a call of the
roll, including the roll of the local pastors and diaconal
ministers.

6. The Annual Conference shall make inquiry into
the moral and official conduct of its ordained ministers
and local pastors. In response to the inquiry whether
all clcrg^' members of the conference such persons are
blameless...All clergy members (^701.1, 702.1) of the
Annual Conference.. .Others may be admitted by ex-
press action of the clergy session but shall not have vote,
nor, unless specifically granted by the clergy session,
shall have voice (^423 325).

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1022

7. At the conclusion of the examination of the stand-
ing of the ordained ministers and local pastors in the
conference.. .asking the questions to be found in "J 43&
335. This examination...

% 722.2.

Petition Number: 21990-MN-722.2-D-MS
Equitable Compensation
Amend ^ 722.2:

2. It is the purpose of the Commission on Equitable
Compensation to support ordained ministry full-time
clergy serving as pastors in the charges...

^733.

Petition Number: 21991-MN-733-D-MS

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 733:

1. Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Each Annual Conference at the first session following
the General Conference shall elect for a term of four
years a Board of Ordained Ministry consisting of not
fewer than six ordained elders and deacons ministcra
in full. . .The board membership shall include women and
ethnic persons. The chairpersons of the Orders of
Deacons and of Elders shall be members of the
Board of Ordained Ministry (1 733.1c) and its
executive committee.

c) The board shall organize by electing from its
membership a chairperson, registrars, and such other
officers as it may deem necessary. The board shall
designate its executive committee which shall include
the chairpersons of the Orders of Deacons and
Elders. The board shall organize in such manner
as to care for its responsibilities, including the
needs of deacons and elders. The board shall, as
a part of its organization, provide for a Division of
Deacons and a Division of Elders.

2.a) To assume the primary responsibility for the
enlistment and recruitment of ordained clergy, by work-
ing in consultation with the Cabinet and the Division of
Ordained Ministry' General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry, to study and interpret...

d) [Second sentence] In case of doubt, the board
may submit a transcript to the Division of Ordained
Ministry General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry for evaluation.

e) The board shall annually appoint and train a
sufficient number of mentors supervising pastors, in
each district, in consultation with the district superinten-
dent.

f) To guide the candidate for ordained ministry who
is not enrolled in a theological school and who is pursu-
ing tThe eCourse of sStudy as adopted by the Division
of Ordained Ministry General Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry.

g) To examine all applicants as to their fitness for
the ordained ministry and make full inquiry as to the
fitness of the candidate for: (1) annual election as local
pastor; (2) election to associate membership; (3) elec-
tion to probationary membership; (4) election to full
conference membership.

h) To provide all candidates for ordained ministry a
vmtten statement on the Disciplinary and Annual Con-
ference requirements for the local pastor, associate,
probationary, and full membership.

i) To interview and report recommendation con-
cerning: (1) students, not yet deacons and elders in
full connection,...

n) To provide support services for the ordained
minister's career development, including personal and
career counseling, continuing education formation,
continuing spiritual growth in Christ,...

o) To work with and support the Order of
Deacon and the Order of Elder, including receiv-
ing reports, offering financial support, and coordi-
nating the Order's activity with tiie continuing for-
mation offerings of the Board. The Board may
delegate continuing formation responsibility to the
Orders by mutual agreement, with final approval,
evaluation, and budgeting remaining with the
Board.

p) To work with and support the ordering of
Local Pastors, including receiving reports, offer-
ing financial support, and coordinating their con-
tinuing formation.

« q) To provide a means of evaluating the effective-
ness of ordained ministers in the Annual Conference
OT 704.6; 3?0 471.2f[3]; 444 346). In cooperation
with the Cabinet, the Board shall develop stand-
ards of effectiveness for clergy serving as pastors
of congregations in that annual conference.

p r) To interpret...

^ s) To recommend...

t t) To administer the portion of the Ministerial
Education Fund for use by the Annual Conference in its
programs of enlistment, basic professional educational
aid, continuing education formation, ethnic ministry
and language training, and professional growth of or-
dained ministers; and to confer with the conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry concerning the same uses
for diaconal ministers.

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DCA Advance Edition

S. ijij To cooperate with the Division of Ordained
Ministry General Board of Higher Education and
Minisay and assist in:...

tv) To promote...

« w) To work in cooperation with the Board of
Diaconal Ministry as long as such board is organ-
ized in the conference, meeting together at least nn^
Dually, to enhance the total ministry of the Churchj
recogniiiing that both diaconal ministry and ordained
ministry are components of the professional ministry of
the Church.

* w) To approve, train, and assign mentors coun-
seling ciders recommended by the Cabinet (^ 411
345)

3. ...training and guidance of mentors supervising
pastor (s) in each district....

b) Pertinent information. ..shall be mailed after each
conference session to the Division of Ordained Ministry
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

The registrar...

c) The registrar shall keep a record of the standing
of the students in tThe eCourse of sStudy and report to
the conference when required. This record shall include
the credits allowed students for work done in accredited
schools of theology, in approved The eCourse of sStudy
schools, or tThe eCourse of sStudy correspondence.

^734.

Petition Number: 21992-MN-734-D-MS
Board of Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 734.

^756.1.

Petition Number: 21993-MN-756.1-D-MS

District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 756.1:

1. ...executive committee of the Board of Ordained
Ministry and approved by the Annual Conference. The
district superintendent shall insure that Deacons
in full connection are members of the committee
wiienever possible. Interim vacancies may be filled by
the district superintendent....

Section V. General Board of Discipleship

% 1202.

Petition Number: 21994-MN-1202-D-MS
Resonsibilities of the General Board of Discipleship
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "U 1202:

13. In consultation with the Council of Bish-
ops, to provide staff resourcing and training mate-
rial for Lay Ministry Stewards (^ 207), for pastors
who shall mentor the Lay Ministry Stewards in
their preparation, and to prepare an appropriate
service of recognition for use in the congregation.

Section VIII. General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry

^ 1505.

Petition Number: 21995-MN-1505-D-MS

Objectives of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry
Amend ^ 1505:

4. To provide counsel, guidance, and assistance to
Annual Conferences through their Boards of Ordained
Ministry, Diaconal Ministry, and Higher Education and
Campus Ministry,...

5. To study needs and resources for representative
ministries, ordained and diaconal ordained minis-
tries, including identification of new types of ministry.

6. To develop and maintain standards and proce-
dures for certification in ministry careers, for consecra-
tion into the diaconal ministry, and for ordination into
the ordained ministry.

24. To provide professional ministerial courses of
study for orderly entrance into ordained and diaconal
ministry. In providing...

^ 1508.1

Petition Number: 21996-MN-1508.1-D-MS

Divisions of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry
Delete ^ 1508.1 and replace with new text:

1. Divisions. — ^The Board shall provide for a Division
of Higher Education, a Division of Chaplains and Related
Ministries, and such divisions as required to meet the
needs of ordained elders and ordained deacons. The
Board shall provide within its organization for the con-
tinuing support and guidance of Diaconal Ministers so
long as such persons continue their status and service.
Further, the Board is authorized to alter its organization
to adjust to changing circumstances, regardless of the
provisions herein stated.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1024

% 1509.1.

Petition Number: 21997-MN-1509.1-D-MS
Eliminate Divisions of Ordained and Diaconal Ministry
Amend the first sentence of ^ 1509.1:

1. The work and program of the Divisions of Or
dained and Diaconal Ministry' Board with ordained
persons shall be supported from...

% 1524.

Petition Number: 21998-MN-1524-D-MS
Deacons
Amend the section title:

WORK AND CARE OF DEACONS DmSION
OF DL\CONi\L MD'JISTRY

1 1524.

Petition Number: 21999-MN-1524-D-MS

Division of Diaconal Minstry

"B 1524 The Division of Diaconal Ministry General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall be
responsible for the work of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry that relates to -(I)- persons pre-
paring for the office of diaconal minister ordination
and full membership as ordained deacons, -(S)- per-
sons currently consecrated to the office of diaconal
minister serving as ordained deacons, -(3)- for per-
sons certified in various specialized ministries for which
an agency of the church has set professional standards,
and ■(4)- persons currently serving in professional minis-
try careers. The general board shall also be respon-
sible for the work related to persons preparing for
and serving as Diaconal Ministers and will exer-
cise this responsibility under the provisions of the
1992 Book of Discipline.

t 1525.

Petition Number: 22000-MN-1525-D-MS

Purpose of Division of Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 1525.

t 1526.

Petition Number: 22001-MN-1526

Responsibilities of Division of Diaconal Ministry
Delete ^ 1526.

t 1527.

Petition Number: 22002-MN-1527-D-MS

Work and Care of Elders and Local Pastors
Amend section titie:

WORK AND CARE OF ELDERS AND LOCAL
PASTORS DmSIO>i OF ORDiWJED MI^JI£TRY

t 1527.

Petition Number: 22003-MN-1527-D-MS

Work and Care of Elders and Local Pastors
Amend ^ 1527:

l.The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry The Division of Ordained Ministry shall be
responsible for the work of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry' that relates to persons prepar-
ing for the ordained ministry... This division general
board shall be responsible...

2. Areas of concern shall include enlistment, prepa-
ration, continuing education formation, and career de-
velopment of women...

3. The Division of Ordained Ministry General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall es-
tablish resources...

t 1528.

Petition Number: 22004-MN-1528-D-MS
The Nominating Committee
Delete ^ 1528.

t 1529.

Petition Number: 2200SMN-1529-D-MS

Specific Responsibilities of Board of Higher Education
and Ministry
Amend f 1529:

The specific responsibilities of the Division of Or
dained Ministry Board of Higher Education and
Ministry shall be:

2. To prescribe tThe eCourse of sStudy for ordained
ministry, which shall include studies required for li-
cense as local pastor and the basic five-year eCourse of
sStudy. It also shall provide an aAdvanced eCourse of
eStudy for preachers who have finished the above
courses and meet the requirements of "JI 424.3. All work
in the ministerial eCourse of sStudy for candidates for
elder in full connection ("J^ 422425) , renewal of licenses
CB 405) , associate member (^ 420) , probationary mem-
ber (^ 415) , and local pastors qualifying for appointment

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DCA Advance Edition

OT 406-409), shall be taken under the direction of the
Division of Ordained Ministry Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry in an approved eCourse of sStudy
school. The division general board shall cooperate with
the Boards of Ordained Ministry and other conference
boards in organizing, financing, and conducting
eCourse of aStudy schools. (For exceptional provisions
for taking tThe eCourse of sStudy for ordained ministry-
by correspondence, see ^ 408.1.)

7. To recommend and help organize, finance, and
conduct continuing education formation and spiritual
growth opportunities...

12. The division general board shall develop poli-

Schools of Theology

1 1530.

Petition Number: 22006-MN-1530-D-MS
Schools of Theology
Amend ^ 1530:

l.The schools of theology of The United Methodist
Church are established and maintained for the educa-
tion and formation of ordained and diaconal ministers
and the clarification. .administered by the Division of
Ordained Ministry' General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry. (See ^ 921.2.)

3. ...submitting its proposed organization to the &i-
vision of Ordained Ministry' General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry for prior approval.

11531.

Petition Number: 22007-MN-1531-D-MS

Education and Preparation of Students
Amend 1 1531:

United Methodist schools of theology,... such as its
educational, missional, social, other service programs;
practical experience in administration, evangelism,
stewardship,...

1 1532.

Petition Number: 22008-MN-1532-D-MS

Responsibility for Education and Formation
Amend ^ 1532:

The United Methodist schools of theology share
with the Boards of Ordained Ministry the responsibility
for the selection and education and formation of can-
didates for admission to the Annual Conferences.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

138.

Petition Number: 22009-MN-38-D-MS

Constitutional Amendment

Whereas the proposal for ordering the ministry of
The United Methodist Church includes provision for
Deacons in Full Connection to be members of the An-
nual Conference with specified rights and privileges of
clergy, and

Whereas this new definition of Deacons in Full
Connection includes the right to be elected as clergy
delegates to General Conference, and

Whereas The United Methodist Constitution in Sec-
tion VII, Article IV, (^ 38) prohibits the implementation
of provision,

Therefore, the following constitutional amendment
is proposed:

Article FV. — ^The ordained ministerial delegates to
the General Conference and Jurisdictional or Central
Conferences shall be elected by and from the ordained
ministerial members in full connection with the Annual
Conferences or Provisional Annual Conferences pfe-
vidcd that such delegates shall have been traveling
preachers in The United Methodist Church for at least
four years next preceding their election and arc in full
connection with the Annual Conference or Provisional
Annual Conference electing them when elected and at
the time of holding the General and Jurisdictional or
Central Conferences.

Further, the Annual Conferences and Provisional
Annual Conferences will vote on this proposed constitu-
tional amendment at their next regular session following
the close of the 1996 General Conference. If approved,
the amendment and the portion of the Ministry Study
document affected by it shall become effective the date
the Council of Bishops announce the required majority
vote (^62).

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1026

Proposed Revisions to Ordination Services
from the Commission to Study Ministry

Petition Number: 22010-MN-NonDis-O-MS

Revision of Ordination Services for Deacons

ORDINATION OF DEACONS 661

INTRODUCTION TO THE ORDINATION
OF DEACONS

"Ordination is a public act of the Church which
indicates acceptance by an individual of God's call to the
upbuilding of the Church through the ministry of Word,
Sacrament, and Order and acknowledgment and
authentication of this call by the Christian community
through prayers and the laying on of hands.

"It is a rite of the Church following New Testament
usage as appears in the words of Paul to Timothy: 'I
remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you
through the laying on of my hands' (2 Timothy 1:6) .

"United Methodist tradition has entrusted persons
in the ordained ministry with the responsibility for main-
taining standards: for education and training and for
examination and granting credentials to those who seek
ordination. By the authorization of the clergy members
of the Annual Conference, candidates are elected into
the Annual Conference and are ordained by the bishop,
who will use the historic language of the Holy Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because ordinations are
acts of the whole Church, the text and rubrics of the
orders for ordination are to be used as approved by the
General Conference.

"Ordination, thus, is that act by which the Church
symbolizes a shared relationship between those or-
dained for sacramental and functional leadership and
the Church community from which the person being
ordained has come. The community is initiated by God,
is given meaning and direction by Christ, and is sus-
tained by the Holy Spirit. This relationship is a gift which
comes through the grace of God in assurance of the
ministry of Christ throughout the world" (The Book of
Z)jsd/)/t«e, 1992,^432).

Ordination includes prayer in which the Holy Spirit
is invoked to empower a person for the exercise of a
particular ministry.

The resident bishop should be responsible for the
service of ordination and should plan it in consultation
with the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the
conference Worship Committee.

The bishop shall preside at the ordination service.
Laity, diaconal ministers, and ordained clergy may par-

ticipate in leadership during the Entrance, Presentation,
and Proclamation.

The service should take place during Annual Con-
ference. Red is the appropriate color for paraments.

If Orders from another denomination are recog-
nized in accordance with disciplinary requirements, or-
dination is not repeated for any person. Persons whose
Orders are recognized should participate as candidates
in the service except in the laying on of hands.

The candidates for ordination are presented to the
bishop using each candidate's full name.

Deacons "shall be ordained by a bishop, employing
the Order of Service for the Ordination of Deacons" (Jhe
Book of Discipline, 1992, ^ 434.3).

Care should be taken to enable members of the
congregation to see the laying on of hands. Cameras,
videocassette recorders, and other equipment should
not be allowed to intrude upon the service.

The resident bishop alone shall lay on hands.
Spouses and other family members of candidates for
ordination should not participate in the laying on of
hands. FamUy members and friends may be invited to
stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying
on of hands.

When Holy Scriptures are presented to candidates,
complete texts of the Old and New Testaments are to be
used.

Following the presentation of the Bible to each
candidate, a deacon's stole may be presented. It is rec-
ommended that deacons wear the stole as a sash over
the left shoulder, fastened below the right arm. Tlie
color of the stole may be the liturgical color of the day,
season, or occasion. At ordination services the stoles are
usually red, signifying the work and gifts of the Holy
Spirit

The service of ordination normally takes place
within the service of Word and Table, with Holy Com-
munion served to the entire congregation.

THE ORDER FOR THE ORDINATION
OF DEACONS

ENTRANCE

GATHERING

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DCA Advance Edition

The service begins with the gathering of the people.
Festive music may be offered while the people gather.
The service may then continue vdth a procession includ-
ing the worship leaders, other participants in worship,
candidates, and bishop (s).

PROCESSIONAL HYMN *

If the hymn is to be a hymn of praise, it follows the
Greeting. Processional hymns are listed on 713.

GREETING AND OPENING PRAYER *

The bishop begins; the people respond.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

The Creator of heaven and earth.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, by your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy
Spirit

you gave to your apostles many excellent gifts.

Give your grace to all

who have been called to representative servant leader-
ship ministry,

that they may with diligence and faithfulness

fulfill their various ministries.

Grant that we your people may follow where you lead,

perfect our ministries,

and live in joyful obedience to your will;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The people are seated.

PRESENTATION

One layperson and one eWef ordained clergy from
the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, chosen by
the bishop, present to the bishop those who are to be
ordained deacons. The bishop stands before the Lord's
table, facing the people.

Layperson:

Bishop Name,

on behalf of the laity of the local congregations

who have examined and approved these candidates,

Sdef Ordained Clergy:

and on behalf of the elders of the Annual Conference,

who have also examined and approved these candidates,

we present to you these persons

to be ordained deacons in Christ's holy Church:

The full name of each candidate is read aloud by a
presenter, and each candidate stands. After the candi-
dates have been presented, all candidates remain stand-
ing, and the bishop says:

These persons are by God's grace

to be ordained to the ministry of deacons.

Those authorized by the Church to inquire about them

have found them to be of sound learning

and of Christian character,

to possess the necessary gifts and evidence of God's
grace,

and believe them to be duly called

to serve God in this ministry.

We ask you, people of God,

to declare your assent to the ordination of these persons.

Do you trust that they are worthy, by God's grace, to be
ordained?

We do! Thanks be to God!

Will you uphold them in their ministry?

With God's help, we will!

The bishop and candidates are seated.

PROCLAMATION

Suggested scripture lessons are found on 711-12.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
PSALM*

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
HYMN OR ANTHEM*
Hymns are listed on 713.
GOSPEL LESSON*
SERMON

THE APOSTLES' CREED * See UMH 881, 882.
HYMN*

Hymns are listed on 713.

During the hymn, the candidates come forward.
EXAMINATION

All are seated, except the candidates and the bishop,
who stand facing each other. The bishop examines the
candidates, saying:

Substitute the following for the Examination m the
service #661:

DEACON

My brothers and sisters, you are to be ordained to the
ministry of deacons in the Church of Jesus
Christ

God has called you to exemplify the ministry of
servanthood in the world,

a ministry to which all Christians are called in
baptism.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1028

You are to relate the gathered life of the commu-
nity to servant ministry in the world,

to interrelate the altar and the marketplace,

and to create opportunities for others to enter into
Christian discipleship.

You are to teach and proclaim God's word,

to lead in worship, to assist elders at Holy Baptism
and Holy Communion,

and to nurture the formation of disciples for wit-
ness and work in the world.

You are to be co-workers with other deacons, and
with the bishops, elders, and laity.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

you are to serve all people,

particularly the poor, the sick, and the oppressed.

and to witness for justice even in the face of hard-
ship and persecution.

You are to interpret to the Church

the hurts and hopes of the world.

At all times by yoiu- life and teaching you are to
lead Christ's people

into ministries of compassion and justice,

liberation and reconciliation,

even in the face of hardship and personal sacri-
fice.

So that we may know that you believe yoiu-selves
to be called by God and that you profess the
Christian faith, we ask you:

Do you trust that you are called by God

to the life and work of a deacon?

I do so trust.

Do you believe in the Triune God,

and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I do so believe and confess.

Do you believe the doctrines of the Christian faith?

I do so believe them.

Are you persuaded

that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments

contain all things necessary for salvation

through faith in Jesus Christ,

and are the unique and authoritative standard

for the Church's faith and life?

I am so persuaded, by God's grace.

Will you be faithful in prayer,

in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures,

and with the help of the Holy Spirit

continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you do your best to pattern your life

in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you, in the exercise of your ministry,

lead the people of God

to faith in Jesus Christ,

to participate in the life and work of the community,

and to seek peace, justice, aft4 freedom and peace for
all people?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,

accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,

and accepting the authority of those who are appointed

to supervise your ministry?

I will, with the help of God.

May God,

who has given you the will to do these things,

give you grace to perform them

that the work begun in you may be brought to perfec-
tion. Amen.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER

The bishop calls the people to prayer, saying:

As these persons are ordained by God and the Church

for the ministry of deacons

to which we believe they have been called by the Holy
Spirit,

let us pray for them.

The candidates kneel.

The people pray for them in silence.

The bishop addresses the candidates:

My sisters and brothers,

from the time of the aposties

persons with suitable gifts and grace have been set apart

by the laying on of hands and prayer

for a ministry of service in the Church of Jesus Christ
our Lord.

We bust tiiat tiie Spirit of God

has called you to the ministry of deacons.

As earnest prayer is made

for the fulfillment of the Spirit's gift in you,

the Church of God now calls you

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DCA Advance Edition

to receive the laying on of hands
as the seal of your vocation by the Spirit.
(Note: new location for prayer)

After all have received the laying on of hands, The
bishop facing the candidates, with both hands extended
over them, prays:
Let us pray.

We give thanks to you. Lord God,

that in your great love

you sent Jesus Christ, your only begotten,

to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all,

becoming obedient even to death on the cross.

We praise you that you have highly exalted Jesus Christ
your servant

whom you have made to be Lord of all,

and that you have taught us, by his word and example,

that whoever would be great among us must be servant
of all.

Increase within the lives of these your servants

the gift of the Holy Spirit,

through Jesus Christ your Son,

for the ministry of a deacon in your Church.

Give them grace to be faithful to their promises,

constant in their discipleship,

and always ready for the works of loving service to lead
the people in the work of compassion and jus-
tice.

Make them modest and humble, gentle and strong,

that, having the assurance of faith and rejoicing in hope,

they may be rooted and grounded in love.

Give them a share in the ministry of Jesus Christ,

who came not to be served but to serve;

who now lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Family members and friends may be invited to stand
where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of
hands.

One by one, the candidates stand, go to the bishop,
and kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop
lays both hands on the head of each one. While hands
are imposed, the bishop prays:

Lord, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit

for the office and work of a deacon,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.

The bishop's prayer may follow the lay on of
hands and just prior to following sign act of granting
authority and presenting delivering a Bible may be
done immediately after the laying on of hands and
prayer for the Holy Spirit.

Then the bishop shall present deliver to each dea-
con a Bible, placing his/her hands and the hands of the
candidate on the Bible and say saying:
Name , take authority as a deacon in the Church

to preach the Word of God, assist in the administra-
tion of the Sacraments,

and to lead serve all God's people in service in the
world.

A deacon's stole or other gift may be given to each
deacon.

RECOGNITION OF FULL CONFERENCE MEM-
BERSHIP OF DEACONS

The deacons whose Full Membership in the Annual
Conference is to be recognized stand and face the bishop.

The bishop addresses all those who have been received
as full members and as members of the Order of Deacons.

After years of service as a deacon

and due examination of your effectiveness in ex-
emplifying Christi£m discipleship

and leading others into discipleship in the Church
and the world,

we rejoice to recognize you as a full member of the
annual conference and as members

of the Order of Deacons.

We give thanks that you have been called to serve
among us,

and to lead us in serving.

We pray that the Spirit of God may keep you faith-
ful to your covenant with God,

other deacons, and the Church.

RECOGNITION OF DEACON'S ORDERS

The bishop addresses all those whose orders as
deacons are recognized. If the bishop prefers, this may
be done immediately prior to the laying on of hands.

After due examination

of your call and ministry in another part of Christ's holy
Church,

we now welcome you to this communion.

You have given assurance of your faith and Christian
experience.

You have renewed the vows of your ordination

and committed yourself to uphold faithfully

The United Methodist Church.

We rejoice that you have been called to serve among us,

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1030

and pray that the Spirit of God may guide your ministry.

As each candidate comes forward, the bishop uses
the following greeting:

Name, we now recognize you as a deacon
in The United Methodist Church.
HYMN*

Hymns are listed on 713.

K the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the deacons re-
main to assist the bishop. The service on 678-82 may be
followed. If the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, they
return to their seats.

When the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, the
service concludes as follows.

SENDING FORTH

PRAYER

The following is used only if the Lord's Supper has
not been celebrated. The bishop says:

Let us pray.

We thank you. Lord God,

for raising up among us faithful servants

for the ministry of deacons in your Church.

Clothe them with your righteousness,

and grant that we, with them, may glorify you

by giving ourselves to others;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN*

If the closing hymn is a recessional, it should follow
Dismissal with Blessing; otherwise it should precede
Dismissal with Blessing.

Closing hymns are listed on 713.
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *

The bishop dismisses and blesses the people, say-
ing:

Go in peace

to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do.
We go in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God!
The blessing of almighty' God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen.
77ie deacons dismiss the people, saying:

Go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all
that you do.

The deacons stand and receive the blessing from the

bishop.

The blessing of Almighty God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you always.
Amen.

GOING FORTH *

Petition Number: 22011-MN-NonDis-O-MS

Consecrations and Ordinations 685

THE ORDER FOR CONSECRATIONS AND ORDINA-
TIONS

ENTRANCE

GATHERING

The service begins with the gathering of the people.
Festive music may be offered while the people gather.
The service may then continue with a procession includ-
ing the worship leaders, other participants in worship,
candidates, and bishop (s).

PROCESSIONAL HYMN *

If the hymn is to be a hymn of praise, it follows the
Greeting. Processional hymns are listed on 713.

GREETING AND PRAYER *

The bishop begins; the people respond.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

The Creator of heaven and earth.

We come together as the Church

to offer praise and thanksgiving to God,

to hear the Holy Word,

and to seek for ourselves and others

the power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit

Let us pray.

Eternal God, by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

you gave to your apostles many excellent gifts.

Give your grace

to all who have been called to representative ordained
ministry,

that they may with diligence and faithfulness

fulfill their various ministries.

Grant that we your people may follow where you lead,

perfect our ministries,

and live in joyful obedience to your will;

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The people are seated.

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DCA Advance Edition

RECOGNITION OF OUR COMMON MINISTRY

The bishop begins:

Ministry is the work of God,

done by the people of God

and given to each Christian as vocation.

Through baptism

all Christians are made part of the priesthood of all
believers,

the Church made visible in the world.

God in Christ through the Holy Spirit

npc
lo^

empowers us to live as witnesses of God's grace and
love.

We are to bear witness in and through the life of the
Church

and to be faithful in our daily lives.

Therefore, in celebration of our common ministry,

I call upon all God's people gathered here:

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

We remember our baptism and affirm our common
ministry.

PRESENTATION

One layperson, one diaconal minister from the con
fcrcncc Board of Diaconal Ministry, and ©tie a deacon
and an elder from the conference Board of Ordained
Ministry, chosen by the bishop, present to the bishop
those who are to be consecrated and ordained. The
bishop stands before the Lord's table.

Layperson:
This day,

these are the witnesses who have come forth from
among us.

They are responding to their call by the Holy Spirit

to representative consecrated and ordained ministry.

Bishop Name,

on behalf of the laity of the local congregations

who have examined and approved these candidates,

Diaconal minister:

and on behalf of the Board of Diaconal Ministry of the
Annual Conference,

which has recommended these candidates,

and the Annual Conference, which has approved them,

we present to you these persons

to be consecrated diaconal ministers in Christ's holy
Church:

Elder Ordained Clergy:

and on behalf of the deacons and elders of the Annual
Conference,

who have examined and approved these candidates,

we present to you

these persons to be ordained as deacons,

and these persons to be ordained as elders in Christ's
holv Church:
The full name of each candidate is read aloud by a
presenter — the diaconal minister reading the names of
diaconal candidates and the elder reading the names of
deacon and elder candidates — and each candidate
stands.

After the candidates have been presented, all candi-
dates remain standing, and the bishop says:

These persons are by God's grace

to be consecrated or ordained to representative minis-

fey.

Those authorized by the Church to inquire about them

have discerned that they are persons

of sound learning and of Christian character.

They possess the necessary gifts and evidence of God's
grace,

and have demonstrated a profound commitment to
serve Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we believe them to be duly called

to serve God in this representative ministry.

We ask you, people of God,

to declare your assent

to the consecration or ordination of these persons.

o you trust that they are worthy, by God's grace,

to be consecrated or ordained?

We do! Thanks be to God!

Will you uphold them in their ministry?

With God's help, we will!

The bishop and candidates are seated.

PROCLAMATION

Suggested scripture lessons are found on 711-12.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
PSALM*

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
HYMN OR ANTHEM *

Hymns are listed on 713.
GOSPEL LESSON*
SERMON

THE APOSTLES' CREED * See UMH 881, 882.
HYMN*

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1032

Hymns are listed on 713.
GENEP/1 EXAMINATION

The candidates remain standing, and the bishop
addresses all the candidates:

My sisters and brothers,

all Christians are called through baptism

to share in Christ's ministry of love and service.

This ministry is empowered by God's Holy Spirit

for the redemption of the human family and the whole
of creation.

You have been called,

by the Spirit of God working in you,

to a representative ministry within the people of God.

Christ's body, the Church,

now confirms your calling through consecration or or-
dination.

You are to lead the people of God in worship and prayer,

and to nurture, teach, and encourage them

from the riches of God's grace.

You are to exemplify Christ's servanthood;

to build up the people of God

in their obedience to Christ's mission in the world,

and to seek justice, peace, and salvation for all people.

As representative consecrated and ordained minis-
ters in the Church,

you are to be coworkers with the bishops,

deacons, diaconal ministers, and elders.

It is your task to proclaim by word and deed the gospel
of Jesus Christ,

to lead persons to faith in Jesus Christ,

and to conform your life in accordance with the gospel.

Remember that you are called

to serve rather than to be served,

to proclaim the faith of the Church and no other,

to look after the concerns of Christ above all.

So that we may know that you believe yourselves

to be called by God

and that you profess the Christian faith,

we ask you:

Do you trust that you are called by God

to the life and work of representative consecrated and
ordained ministry in the Church?

I do so trust.

Do you believe in the Triune God,

and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I do so believe and confess.

Are you persuaded

that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments

contain all things necessary for salvation

through faith in Jesus Christ,

and are the unique and authoritative standard

for the Church's faith and life?

I am so persuaded, by God's grace.

Will you be faithful in prayer,

in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures,

and with the help of the Holy Spirit

continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

I will, God being my helper.

ADMONITION AND PRAYER

The bishop addresses all the candidates:

May God,

who has given you the will to do these things,

give you grace to perform them

that the work begun in you may be brought to perfec-
tion. Amen.

The bishop calls the people to prayer, saying:
Let us pray for these persons

to be consecrated or ordained by God and the Church
for representative ministry.

The candidates kneel.

The people pray for them in silence, and the bishop
concludes:

We give you thanks, eternal God,

that in your great love

you sent Jesus Christ, your only begotten,

to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all.

You have taught us, by his word and example,

that whoever would be great among us must be servant
of all.

Give to these your servants the grace and power

to serve you in their ministry

so that your people may be strengthened

and your name glorified in all the world. Amen.

The hymn "0 Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath" (
Hymn 223 or UMH 651) is sung.

The deacon and elder candidates are seated. The
diaconal candidates come forward and face the bishop.

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DCA Advance Edition

EXAMINATION OF DIAGONAL MINISTERS

The bishop addresses the candidates for diaconal
ministry:

A diaconal minister is called to exemplify Christ's ser-
vanthood,

to participate in the leadership of worship,

to teach the gospel,

to counsel the troubled in spirit,

to serve God's people with special concern

for love, justice, and ministry to the poor, the sick, and
the oppressed,

to equip the people of God for the ministry of all baptized
Cnnstians,

and to embody the unity of the congregation's worship

with its life in the world.

These are the duties of a diaconal minister.

Do you believe that you have been called by God

to the life and work of a diaconal minister?

I do so believe.

Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church

accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,

committing yourself to be accountable with those serv-
ing with you,

and to those who are appointed to supervise your min-
istry?

I will, God being my helper.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR DIA-
CONAL MINISTERS

The bishop begins:

Let us pray.

We give thanks to you, eternal God,

that in your great love

you sent Jesus Christ,

to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all,

becoming obedient even to death on the cross.

We praise you that you have highly exalted Jesus Christ
yoiu" servant

and that you have taught us, by his word and example,

that whoever would be great among us must be servant
of all.

We thank you that Jesus Christ has poured forth your
gifts,

for equipping the saints for the work of ministry,

for serving the poor, the sick, and the oppressed,

for building up Christ's body the Church,

and for fulfilling your gracious purpose in the world.

Give to these servants the grace and power

to serve you in this ministry

so that your people may be strengthened

and your name glorified in all the world.

Family mernbers and friends may be invited to stand
where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of
hands.

One by one, the candidates go to the bishop and
kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays
both hands on the head of each one. Other participating
persons also lay on hands. While hands are imposed, the
prayer continues:

Eternal God, pour upon Name your Holy Spirit

for the office and work of a diaconal minister in your
Church,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy

Spirit

After all have received the laying on of hands, the bishop
facing the

candidates, vrith both hands extended over them, con-
cludes the prayer:

We thank you, God,

for raising up among us faithful servants

for diaconal ministry in your Church.

Clothe them with your righteousness,

and grant that we, with them,

may glorify you by giving ourselves to others;

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The following sign act of delivering a Bible may be
done immediately after the laying on of hands and
prayer for the Holy Spirit

Then the bishop shall deliver to each one a Bible,
saying:

Name, take authority as a diaconal minister in the
Church

to teach the Word,

to practice justice,

and to serve God's people.

A diaconal's stole, towel and basin, or other appro-
priate sign may be given to the diaconal ministers.

HYMN*

Hymns are listed on 713.

During the hymn, the diaconal ministers return to
their seats. The deacon candidates now come forward.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1034

EXAMINATION OF DEACONS

The bishop addresses the deacon candidates:

A deacon in the Church

is called to preach the Word of God,

to assist in the leadership of worship,

and to assist the elders at Holy Baptism and Holy Com
munion;

to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and
the oppressed;

to interpret to the Church

the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world;

and at all times, by your life and teaching,

to show Christ's people

that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ.

A deacon in the Church is called to exemplify the
ministry of servanthood,

to relate the gathered life of the community to
servant ministry in the world,

to create opportunities for others to enter into
Christian discipleship,

to teach and proclaim God's word,

to lead in worship,

to assist elders at Holy Baptism and Holy Com-
munion,

to nurture the formation of disciples for witness
and service in the world.

to serve ail people, particularfy the poor, the sick,
and the oppressed.

to interpret to the Church the hurts and hopes of
the world.

to lead Christ's people in ministries of compassion
and justice,

liberation emd reconciliation,

even in the face of hardship and personal sacri-
fice.

These are the duties of a deacon.

Do you believe that you have been called by God

to the life and work of a deacon?

I do so believe.

Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,

accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,

and accepting the authority of those who are appointed

to supervise your ministry?

I will, with the help of God.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR DEA-
CONS

The bishop addresses the candidates:

My sisters and brothers,

from the time of the apostles

persons with suitable gifts and grace have been set apart

by the laying on of hands and prayer

for a ministry of service in the Church of Jesus Christ
our Lord.

We trust that the Spirit of God

has called you to the ministry of deacons.

As earnest prayer is made

for the fulfillment of the Spirit's gift in you,

the Church of God now calls you

to receive the laying on of hands

as the seal of your vocation by the Spirit.

O^ote: new location of bishop's prayer.)

After all have received the lading on of hands. The
bishop facing the candidates, with both hands extended
over them, prays:

Let us pray.

We give thanks to you. Lord God,

that in your great love

you sent Jesus Christ, your only begotten,

to take the form of a servant for the sake of us all,

becoming obedient even to death on the cross.

We praise you that you have highly exalted Jesus Christ
your servant

whom you have made to be Lord of all,

and that you have taught us, by his word and example,

that whoever would be great among us must be servant
of all.

Increase within the lives of these your servants

the gift of the Holy Spirit,

through Jesus Christ your Son,

for the ministry of a deacon in your Church.

Give them grace to be faithful to their promises,

constant in their discipleship,

and always ready for the works of loving service. ■

Make them modest and humble, gentle and strong, '

that, having the assurance of faith and rejoicing in hope,

they may be rooted and grounded in love.

Give them a share in the ministry of Jesus Christ,

who came not to be served but to serve;

who now lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1035

DCA Advance Edition

Family members and friends may be invited to stand
where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of
hands.

One by one the candidates go to the bishop and
kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays
both hands on the head of each one. While hands are
imposed, the bishop prays:

Lord, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit

for the office and work of a deacon

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.

The bishop's prayer may follow immediately
after the laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy
Spirit; then the following sign act of granting author-
ity and delivering presenting a Bible may be done
immediately after the laying on of hands and prayer for
the Holy Spirit the bishop's prayer.

Then the bishop shall deliver present to each dea-
con a Bible, the bishop placing her/his hands and
the hands of the candidate on the Bible and saying:

Name, take authority as a deacon in the Church

to preach the Word of God,

and to lead serve all God's people in service.

A deacon's stole or other gift may be given to each
deacon.

RECOGNITION OF ORDERS

The bishop addresses all those whose Orders as
deacons are recogni2ed. If the bishop prefers, this may
be done immediately prior to the laying on of hands.

After due examination

of your call and ministry in another part of Christ's holy
Church,

we now welcome you to this communion.

You have given assurance of your faith and Christian
experience.

You have renewed the vows of your ordination

and committed yourself to uphold faithfully

The United Methodist Church.

We rejoice that you have been called to serve among us,

and pray that the Spirit of God may guide your ministry.

As each candidate comes forward, the bishop uses
the following greeting:

Name, we now recognize you as a deacon in
The United Methodist Church.
HYMN*

Hymns are listed on 713.

During the hymn, the deacons return to their seats.
The elder candidates now come forward.

EXAMINATION OF ELDERS

The bishop examines the elder candidates, saying:

An elder in the Church,

in covenant with other elders in this Annual Conference,

is called to share in the ministry of Christ

and of the whole Church:

by preaching and teaching the Word of God

and faithfully administering

the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion

assistance of the deacons appointed to serve with
you;

by leading the people of God in worship and prayer;

by leading persons to faith in Jesus Christ;

by exercising pastoral supervision of the people commit-
ted to your care,

ordering the life of the congregation,

counseling the troubled in spirit,

and declaring the forgiveness of sin;

by leading the people of God

in obedience to mission in the world,

to seek justice, peace, and freedom for all people;

and by taking a responsible place in the government of
the Church

and in service in and to the community

as an expression of your deacon's ordination.

These are the duties of an elder.

Do you believe that you are called by God

to the life and work of an elder?

I do so believe.

In covenant with other elders,

will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,

accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,

defending it against all doctrines contrary to God's Holy
Word,

and accepting the authority of those who are appointed

to supervise your ministry?

I vnll, with the help of God.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR ELDERS

The bishop, standing and facing the candidates,
with both hands extended toward them, begins the
prayer of ordination:

We praise you, eternal God,

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1036

because you have called us in your infinite love

to be a priestly people,

offering to you acceptable worship through Jesus Christ
our Lord,

Apostle and High Priest, Shepherd and Bishop of our
souls.

We thank you that, by dying, Christ has overcome death

and, having ascended into heaven,

has poured forth gifts abundantly on your people,

making some apostles, some prophets,

some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,

to equip the saints for the work of ministry,

to build up Christ's body, the Church,

and to fulfill your gracious purpose in the world.

(Note: the new location of the bishop's prayer)

After la)dng on of handa on all candidates, The
bishop, facing the candidates, with both hands extended
over them, concludes the prayer:

Gracious God,

give to these your servants the grace and power they
need

to serve you in this ministry,

so that your people may be strengthened

and your name glorified in all the world.

Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise
counselors.

Enable them to serve without reproach,

to proclaim the gospel of salvation,

to administer the Sacraments of the new covenant,

to order the life of the Church,

and to offer with all your people

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Family members and friends may be invited to stand
where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of
hands.

One by one the candidates go to the bishop and
kneel. Calling each candidate by name, the bishop lays
both hands on the head of each one. Other participating
elders also lay on hands. Bishops and others with ordain-
ing responsibilities from other communions may be
invited to lay on hands also. Laity designated by the
bishop to represent the Church community may be
included in the laying on of hands.

While hands are imposed, the prayer continues:

Lord, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit

for the office and work of an elder,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.
The bishop's prayer may follow the act of laying
on of hands and be followed by the following sign
act of delivering granting authority and presenting a
Bible may be done immediately after the laying on of
hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit

Then the bishop shall deliver present to each can-
didate a Bible, placing his/her hands and the hands
of the candidate on the Bible saying:

Name, take authority as an elder in the Church

to preach the Word of God,

and to administer the Holy Sacraments.

An elder's stole, or chalice and paten together, may
be given to each elder.

RECOGNITION OF ORDERS

The bishop addresses all those whose Orders as
elders are recognized. Hthe bishop prefers, this maybe
done immediately prior to the laying on of hands.

After due examination

of your call and ministry in another part of Christ's holy

Church,

we now welcome you to this Communion.

You have given assurance of your faith and Christian
experience.

You have renewed the vows of your ordination

and committed yourself to uphold faithfully

The United Methodist Church.

We rejoice that you have been called to serve among us,

and pray that the Spirit of God may guide your ministry.

As each candidate comes forward, the bishop uses the
following greeting:

Name , we now recognize you as an elder in The United
Methodist Church.

RECOGNITION OF FULL CONFERENCE MEM-
BERSHIP OF DEACONS AND ELDERS

The deacons and elders whose Full Membership in the
Annual Conference is to be recognized stand and face the
bishop.

The bishop addresses all those who have been received
as full members and as members of the Order of Deacons
and Order of Elders.

After years of service as a deacon in probationary
relationship

and due examination of yoiu" effectiveness in ex-
emplifying Christian discipleship

1037

DCA Advance Edition

and leading others into discipleship in the Church
and the world,

we rejoice to recognize you as a full member of the
annual conference and as members

Go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in aU
that you do.

The deacons stand and receive the blessing from the
bishop.

of the Order of Deacons and the Order of Elders.. -fhe blessing of Almighty God,

We give thanks that you have been called to serve
among us.

We pray that the Spirit of God may keep you fiEiith-
fm to yoiu" covenant with God,

other ordained clergy, and the Church.

HYMN*

Hymns are listed on 713.

If the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the new elders
remain to assist the bishop and are joined by the new
deacons and diaconal ministers. The service on 678-82
may be followed. If the Lord's Supper is not celebrated,
the new elders return to their seats.

When the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, the serv-
ice concludes as follows.

SENDING FORTH
PRAYER

The bishop addresses the congregation:

Let us pray.

We thank you, God,

for raising up among us faithful servants

for ministry in your Church.

Clothe them with your righteousness,

and grant that we, with them,

may glorify you by giving ourselves to others;

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN*

If the closing hymn is a recessional, it should follow
Dismissal with Blessing; otherwise it should precede
Dismissal with Blessing.

Closing hymns are listed on 713.
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *

The bishop diamisaca and blesses the people, any
ing!
Go in peace

to acrvc God and your neighbor in all that you do.

We go in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God!

TJie deacons dismiss the people, saying:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you always.
Amen.

GOING FORTH *

Petition Number: 22012-MN-NonDis-O-MS

Revision of The Ordination of Elders (672)

• On page 674, four lines from the bottom of the
page, amend as follows:

". . .and faithfully administering,

the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion

with the assistance of deacons appointed to serve
with you;"

• On page 675, line 19, amend as follows:

"As an expression of your continuing deacon's
ordination

You are to love, serve, and pray

for all the people among whom you work,

caring alike for young and old,

strong and weak, rich and poor.

You are to strengthen and support the ministry of
all

Christians, working with others to prepare all bap-
tized Christians

for their ministry in the world God loves."

• On page 676, line 11, amend as follows:

"In covenant with other elders and deacons,

will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church,

accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline,

defending it against all doctrines contrary to God's Holy
Word,

and accepting the authority of those who are appointed

to supervise your ministry?"

• On page 677, following the pattern set in the
changes in the Service of Ordination of Deacons,
amend by moving the bishop's prayer to a
position just prior to act of ordination and laying
on of hands beginning on Line 17.

• The instructions at the bottom of page 677 shall
read:

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries ^^'^^

"The following sign act of delivering presenting a The bishop shall deliver present to each candidate

Bible may be done immediately following the act of a Bible, placing both hands of the bishop and Ae
ordination and the laying on of hands. candidate on the Bible and saying:...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1039

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

T[50.

Petition Number: 20677-MN-50-C;WNC.

Membership of the Council of Bishops
Amend the first sentence of ^50:

There shall be a Council of Bishops composed of all
the effective bishops of The United Methodist Church.

^57.

Petition Number: 20678-MN-57-C;WNC.

President of the Council of Bishops
Add a new 1 after ^57:

There shall be a president of the Council of
Bishops who shall be an effective bishop elected
by the Council of Bishops for one quadrennium.
TTie election shall take place one year prior to the
quadrennial election of bishops. The president
shall assume ofiSce on the date specified by the
General Conference as the effective date of assign-
ment for all bishops for the quadrennium. The
president shall serve in this ofBce full time to
facilitate the work of the Council of Bishops.

^108.

Petition Number: 21097-MN-108-D; GCCUIC.
Representative Ministry
Amend ^ 108:

Within the people of God The United Methodist
Church, there are those called...

^304.

Petition Number: 20905-MN-304-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, OKL.

Candidacy for Ordained Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 304.7:

Each candidate shall be required to meet with
and be evaluated by their district superintendent
each year of their candidacy. A written evaluation

by the district superintendent of the candidate shall
be submitted each year to the conference Board of
Diaconal Ministry.

1304.

Petition Number: 21134-MN-304-D; GBHEM.
Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry
Add a new ^ 304.2 and renumber accordingly:

2. Each person must contact the conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry and obtain and read
the book The Christian As Minister, and discuss it
with their local pastor or diaconal minister. If the
person then wants to start the exploration phase,
they must contact the conference Board of Dia-
conal Ministry again and request that a mentor be
assigned to guide them through the periods of
inquiry, exploration and afBrmation. He/she must
begin work in the Candidacy Journal, a workbook
for inquirers and candidates, which is available
from the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.

1304.

Petition Number: 21135-MN-304-D; GBHEM.

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph after % 304.2 and renum-
ber accordingly:

3. Each person must have completed the ex-
ploration phase in the Candidacy Journal with an
assigned mentor, in order to advance in the can-
didacy process prescribed by the Division of Dia-
conal Ministry.

1304.

Petition Number: 20384-MN-304.1-D;NYK
Regarding Fidelity
Amend ^304.1:

1. ...to exercise responsible self-control by personal
habits conducive to the bodily health, mental and emo-
tional maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in sin-
glcncsa, social responsibility...

1040

DCA Advance Edition

1304.

Petition Number: 20843-MN-304.1-D; Metiiodist
Federation For Social Action, CPA.

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministiy

Amende 304.1:

1. ...emotional matiirity, fidelity in marriage and
celibacy in ainglcncao, social responsibility,...

1304.

Petition Number: 21136-MN-304.5-D; GBHEM.
Diaconal Ministry
Amend the first sentence of % 304.5:

Each person must have secured the recommenda-
tion of the Charge Conference of the local church in
which he/she holds has held membership for at least
one year immediately preceding the recommenda-
tion in the following way:...

1305.

Petition Number: 21137-MN-305.3-D; GBHEM.
Continuation of Candidacy
Amend f 305.3:

3. When a candidate for diaconal ministry desires to
transfers to another Annual Conference,...

1306.

Petition Number: 21138-MN-306-D; GBHEM.
Completion of Candidacy
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 306.5:

Each candidate must have submitted a written
statement advising whether they have ever been
convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, other than
a traffic violation.

1306.

Petition Number: 20906-MN-306.1-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, OKL.

Completion of Candidacy

Amend ^306.1:

1. Each candidate must have been in candidacy for
diaconal ministry for at least ©«e two years and no more
than eight years.

1306.

Petition Number: 20821-MN-306.2-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, SCA.

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry

Amend 1 306.2:

Each candidate must have been employed for a
minimum of one two years immediately preceding con-
secration...

1306.

Petition Number: 21139-MN-306.2-D; GBHEM.
Completion of Candidacy
Delete ^ 306.2 and replace with new text

2. Each candidate must have been serving in a
ministry setting approved by the conference
board, cabinet, and bishop for a minimum of one
year immediately preceding and including the
time of consecration; such setting should be con-
sistent with TI 310.

1306.

Petition Number: 21140-MN-306.3-D; GBHEM.
Educational Requirements for Candidacy
Amend % 306.3a:

3.a) Must have received a bachelor's degree, or
demonstrate competency equivalence, through an ex-
ternal degree program from a college or university feted
recognized by the University Senate or approved by a
regional or state accrediting agency prior to taking tihe
basic theological studies.

1306.

Petition Number: 21141-MN-306.3-D; GBHEM.
Educational Requirements
Amend ^ 306.36:

3.W ... (2) received a master's degree from a gradu-
ate school listed by the University Senate or approved
by a regional or state accrediting agency; the degree
must be in the area of ministiy in which the can-
didate will serve; or (3) completed the academic re-
quirements for professional certification or licensure
in the area of ministry in which the candidate will
serve;...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1041

^306.

Petition Number: 21142-MN-306.3-D; GBHEM.
Educational Requirements
Amend ^ 306.3c:

3.^ Must have completed the basic studies of the
Christian faith: BiWe-Old Testament,. ..United Method-
ist doctrine and polity, and worship and liturgy,
either through a graduate degree program from a theo-
logical school listed by the University Senate or
through...

[Second paragraph] The Board of Diaconal Minis-
try shall require an official transcript of credits received
and/or report of completed studies from the Divi-
sion of Diaconal Ministry from each applicant... In
case of doubt, the board may submit a the transcript to
the Division of Diaconal Ministry for evaluation.

^306.

Petition Number: 20335-MN-306.4-D;WPA
Completion of Candidacy
Amend the second sentence of ^306.4:

Handicapping conditions Disabilities are not to be
construed as unfavorable health factors...

1307.

Petition Number: 21143-MN-307-D; GBHEM.
Consecration of Diaconal Ministers
Amend ^ 307:

Consecration. The diaconal minister's relation'

ship to the i\nnual Conference of The United Methodist
Church shall be conferred by the act of consecration.
Consecration should take place... may be incorporated
into one service. The bishop may be assisted by lay,
diaconal, and ordained persons approved by the
bishop to represent the church community in the
laying on of hands. The bishop and secretary...

1309.

Petition Number: 21144-MN-309-D; GBHEM.
I Rights of Diaconal Ministers

Amend ^ 309:

Rights of Diaconal Ministers. — ^The diaconal minis-
ter's membership in the Annual Conference shall be
conferred by vote of the Annual Conference. 1. The
diaconal minister shall...

1310.

Petition Number: 20907-MN-310-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, OKL.

Service Appointment of Diaconal Ministers
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 310.6:

7. a) A change in the service appointment of a
diaconal minister within an annual conference
may be initiated by the diaconal minister, the
bishop, the district superintendent, or the em-
ploying agency/SPRC.

b) Initial contacts made by a diaconal minister
or a local church/employing agency should be
kept confidential.

c) Before interviewing with a senior pastor, the
SPRC or personnel committee of an employing
agency, the bishop, the appropriate district super-
intendents, and the Board of Diaconal Ministry
shall be informed. Such notification is the respon-
sibility of the diaconal minister.

d) The personnel committee of an employing
agency, SPRC and/or the senior pastor shall re-
quest, in a written form, the new service appoint-
ment This request shall be sent to the bishop with
copies to the respective district superintendents
(sending and receiving) and to the Board of Dia-
conal Ministry.

1310.

Petition Number: 21145-MN-310.1-D; GBHEM.
Service Appointments of Diaconal Ministers
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 310.k:

Diaconal ministers serving in these settings
shall participate actively in leadership in the local
church in which they hold membership and shall
interpret the role of diaconal minister in the par-
ticular ministry in \^ch they serve.

1310.

Petition Number: 21146-MN-310.3-D; GBHEM.
Service Appointments of Diaconal Ministers
Delete ^ 310.3.

1311.

Petition Number: 21147-MN-311-D; GBHEM.
Credentials and Records
Delete the second sentence of ^ 311.

1042

DCA Advance Edition

^312.

Petition Number: 21148-MN-312-D; GBHEM.
Transfer of Diaconal Ministers
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 312:

The diaconal ministers' credentials and re-
cords shall be transferred from one Annual Con-
ference to the other after the approval of the re-
ceiving bishop.

^313.

Petition Number: 20852-MN-313-D; GCSRW.
Family Leave
Add a new sub-point to ^313.1:

Family Leave. — ^This relationship is granted to
diaconal ministers who, because of an immediate
family member's need for full-time care, are tem-
porarily unwilling or unable to perform the duties
of their ministry. This relationship may be initi-
ated by the Diaconal Minster, and shall be granted
by the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.
This relationship shall be approved annually and
shall not exceed five consecutive years.

^313.

Petition Number: 21149-MN-313.1-D; GBHEM.
Change in Conference Relationship
Add a new sentence at the end of % 313.1:

Diaconal ministers on leave shall continue to
report annually in writing to the Charge Confer-
ence of which they are a member and the confer-
ence Board of Diaconal Ministry.

^313.

Petition Number: 21150-MN-313.1-D; GBHEM.
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Amend ^313.16:

\.b) ...It is recommended that compensation be
maintained for no less than the first eix eight weeks of
the leave. Persons desiring maternity/paternity
leave.. .conference Board of Diaconal Ministry 90 days
prior to its beginning.

^313.

Petition Number: 20908-MN-313.2-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, CAP, SIN, DAK

The Relationship of a Retired Diaconal Minister

to a Charge Conference
Add a new sub-point after % 313.2d:

e) All retired diaconal ministers, after consult-
ation with the pastor, shall have a seat in the
charge conference and all the privileges of mem-
bership in the church where they elect to hold
such membership. They shall report to the charge
conference and to the pastor any ministerial func-
tions they have performed.

^313.

Petition Number: 21151-MN-313.2-D; GBHEM.
Retired Diaconal Ministers
Amend % 313.2d:

2.d) Retired diaconal ministers shall be listed nnnu
ally in the journal of maintain their local church
membership in the Annual Conference in which their
retired relationship is held and be listed annually in
the journal of that Annual Conference.

^313.

Petition Number: 21152-MN-313.3-D; GBHEM.
Termination of Conference Relationship
Amend % 313.3:

"i.a) Voluntary Termination. — ^A diaconal minister
who desires to withdraw from the Annual Conference
tnay or who has become certified as a candidate
for ordained ministry, after consultation with the con-
ference Board of Diaconal Ministry, shall deposit
his/her credentials with the bishop between sessions of
the Annual Conference...

^313.

Petition Number: 21153-MN-313.3-D; GBHEM.
Change in Conference Relationship
Amend % 313.3c:

3.c) ...(2) ...reviewof his/her qualifications and cir-
cumstances related to his/her dctcrminott^ft termina-
tion; (3) majority two-thirds vote of the members of the
Annual Conference.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1043

^313.

Petition Number: 21154-MN-313.4-D; GBHEM.
Grievance Procedures
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 313.3:

Grievance Procedures

a) When a diaconal minister's relationship to
the Annual Conference and his/her standing as a
diaconal minister is called into question for
causes related to ^2621 , there shall be a Commit-
tee on Review made up of three (3) members of
the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry who
will be in consultation with the diaconal minister's
district superintendent; pastor; a representative of
the employing agency; and when he/she is em-
ployed by a local church, a representative of the
Staft/Parish Relations committee of that church.
When reviewed, the diaconal minister may choose
someone to be present for personal support, if
desired.

b) The Committee on Review shall receive
from the chair of the conference Board of Diaconal
Ministry all complaints and seek resolution of
them. If resolution is not achieved, it shall refer
the complaint, in writing, with any recommenda-
tions to the conference Board of Diaconal Minis-
tiy.

c) When a complaint has been received from
the Committee on Review, the conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry shall develop a response
based on the needs of the church and the diaconal
minister. The conference Board of Diaconal Min-
istry shall recommend to the Annueil Conference:
1) die dismissal of charges; 2) involuntary termi-
nation; 3) remedial action, choosing from the fol-
lowing:

i) Program of continuing education

ii) Personal leave (1 313. 1<0

iii) Early retirement (1 313.26)

iv) Study leave (f 313.1c)

v) Personal counseUng or therapy

vi) Program of career evaluation

vii) Voluntary termination by surrender of cre-
dentials (TI 313.36)

viii) Peer support and supervision

ix) Private reprimand: a letter signed by the
chair of the conference Board of Diaconeil Minis-
try, the diaconal minister's district superinten-
dent, addressed to the diaconal minister, with a
file copy in the permanent file of the conference

Board of Diaconal Ministry stating the appropriate-
ness of the complaint, the specific remedial action
recommended, and the conditions under which the
letter shall be withdrawn from the file and de-
stroyed.

In rare instances, following its review process,
the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry may
refer the complaint as charges to the Committee
on Investigation for possible trial (f 2623). The
conference Board of Diaconal Ministry shall notify
the diaconal minister, the bishop, and the district
superintendent of any recommendation to prefer
charges and the notice to the diaconal minister
shall inform him/her of the right to elect trial or
surrender the diaconal credentials. If a diaconal
minister chooses trial, the procedures are pro-
vided for in TI 2623.

^314.

Petition Number: 20038-MN-314-D;MNN.

Grievance procedures for Diaconal Ministers
Add a new Rafter ^313:

Grievance Procedures. — 1. General Provisions.
Diaconal Ministry in an Annual Conference in The
United Methodist Church is a sacred trust The
qualifications and duties of diaconal ministers are
set forth in the Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church, and we believe they flow from
the gospel as taught by Jesus the Christ and pro-
claimed by his Apostles. Whenever a diaconal
minister, including those on leaves of all fypes, or
retirement, is accused of violating this trust,
his/her consecrated ministerial ofBce shall be
subject to review.

This review shall have as its purpose the rec-
onciliation and restoration of the person and the
strengthening of the Church. If the remedial proc-
ess is unfiniiffiil, discontinuance or termination
may follow.

a) Supervision — In the course of the ordinary
fulfillment of the superintending role, the bishop,
district superintendent, or Board of Diaconal Min-
istry may receive or initiate grievzmces about the
performance or character of a diaconal minister.
A grievance is a written and signed statement
claiming misconduct or unsatisfactory perform-
ance of ministerial duties. The person filing the
grievance and the diaconal minister shall be in-
formed by the district superintendent or bishop of
the process for filing the grievance and its pur-
pose. The supervisory response shall be directed
toward justice for and reconciliation between all
parties and the diaconal minister and may include
consultation with the Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations for the diaconal minister; or mediation

1044

DCA Advance Edition

in which the parties are assisted in reaching a set-
flement or agreement satisfactory to all parties by a
trained neutral third party mediator or mediation
team.

b) Complaints — If supervisory activity does
not achieve the desired results, the matter may be
referred as a complaint to the chairperson of the
Board of Diaconal Ministry who shall forward it on
to the Joint Review Committee. A complaint must
be based on incompetence, ineffectiveness, or any
one or more of the offenses listed in ^ 2623 and
shall be submitted in written form and signed by
the secretary of the Cabinet or the bishop. No
complaint shall be considered for any misconduct
which shall not have been committed within six
(6) years immediately preceding the filing of the
grievance (^ 314.1a) except in the case of sexual
or child abuse there shall be no limitation. Com-
plaints shall be filed with the chair of the Board of
Diaconal Ministry, who shall forward the com-
plaint to the Joint Review Committee and the dia-
conal minister against whom the complaint is
lodged within ten (10) days of receipt In unusual
circumstances, to protect the well-being of the
church and/or clergy, the executive committee of
the Board of Diaconal Ministry may recommend
that the bishop suspend the person fi-om all dia-
conal responsibilities but not from an appoint-
ment for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days.
Dtuing the suspension, salary, housing, and bene-
fits provided by the employing agency will con-
tinue at a level no less than on the date of suspen-
sion, unless the employing agency terminates the
diaconal minister's employment contract. Nothing
herein shall abridge tiie right of the employing
agency to terminate the diaconal minister's em-
ployment contract Nothing herein shall abridge
the right of the local chiu-ch to terminate the dia-
conal minister's employment contract

c) Joint Review Committee — In each Annual
Conference there shall be a Joint Review Commit-
tee composed of one district superintendent nomi-
nated by the bishop, two (2) Board of Diaconal
Ministry members nominated by the chairperson,
and three (3) non-board diaconal ministers, one
(1) nominated by the bishop and Cabinet, two (2)
by the board. One (1) lay observer shall be ap-
pointed by the bishop annually. Two (2) alternates
shall be provided in each of the three (3) catego-
ries. The alternates who are district superinten-
dents shall be nominated by the bishop. The alter-
nates who are members of the Board of Diaconal
Ministry shall be nominated by the chairperson.
The alternates who are non-Cabinet, non-board
members shall be nominated, one (1) by the
bishop and Cabinet and the other by the board. All
diaconal members shall be elected annually by the
Annual Conference.

When a person serving on the Joint Review
Committee is involved in or related to the com-
plaint, an alternate shall serve. The committee
shall elect its own officers.

This committee shall receive from the chair-
person of the Board of Diaconal Ministry all com-
plaints and seek resolution of them. This work of
this committee shall be informal and confidential
and shall guaremtee that the person or persons
lodging the original grievance and the person
against whom the grievance is lodged shall have
the right to be heard. The person against whom a
complaint is lodged, the respondent, shall be en-
tided to receive, prior to the hearing, a copy of the
complaint and all supporting materials. At the in-
itial hearing the respondent and the person or
persons bringing the complaint shall have the
right to present written materials and other docu-
mentary evidence including a list of persons with
pertinent information. The committee may hear
from any person it deems helpful to its process
and task. Persons other than the parties involved
shall be heard at the sole discretion of the com-
mittee. However, should the diaconal minister un-
der complaint and/or the person bringing the
original grievance desire it, a person chosen by
them may accompany them at the meetings of the
committee, and shall have the right of advocacy. If
resolution of the matter is not achieved, the Joint
Review Committee shall refer the complaint in-
cluding the entire file with any recommendations
for remedial action to the Board of Diaconal Min-
istry for its consideration.

d) Disposition of Complaints — When a com-
plaint has been received from the Joint Review
Committee, the Board of Diaconetl Ministry shall
develop a response based on the report of the
Joint Review Committee and the needs of the
church and the diaconal minster. The Board of
Diaconal Ministry may recommend leave of ab-
sence, personal leave, termination, or it may dis-
miss the complaint In rare instances, following
the Joint Review process, the board may refer the
complaint as charges to the Committee on Inves-
tigations (^2625) for possible trial. The board's
recommendation will be shared with the minister,
the bishop, the Cabinet, the complainemt, and the
congregation.

e)Recommendation to Terminate Member-
ship— ^The Board of Diaconal Ministry's recom-
mendation to terminate the membership of a Dia-
conal Minister must be preceded by the Joint
Review process and must be based on any one or
more of the offenses listed in ^ 2623. The require-
ments of fair process as set forth in % 2622 shall
be followed in any involuntary termination proce-
dure. The board shall notify the diaconal minister,
the bishop, and district superintendent of the »-8c-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1045

ommendation to the Annual Conference. The no-
tice to the diaconal minster shall also inform the
minister of his/her right to elect trial ^314.2,
2623) or withdraw under complaints (^313.4).
The recommendation of the Board of Diaconal Min-
istry shall be acted upon by the next session of the
Annual Conference where the diaconal minister's
relationship may be terminated by two-thirds (2/3)
vote, unless the minster shall choose withdrawal or
trial. Such choice by the diaconal minister must be
made and notification of the choice sent to the
bishop and the chairperson of the Board of Dia-
conal Ministry within ten (10) days following re-
ceipt of notice of the board's recommendation. If a
diaconal minister is terminated he/she shall no
longer be permitted to exercise diaconal ministerial
functions and shall siurender his/her credentials
to the chairperson of the Board of Diaconal Ministry
for deposit with the secretary of the conference.

2. By Trial — If a diaconal minister of an An-
nual Conference chooses trial, the procedures are
provided for in f 2626.

^314.

Petition Number: 20909-MN-314.4-D; Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry, OKL.

Relationship to the Charge Conference

Amend 1 314.4:

4. a) A person appointed as a diaconal minis-
ter...shall be a member of a local church, participate in
the leadership of worship, and be a voting mem-
ber...or in a neighboring community.

h) A supplemental report/evaluation of the
diaconal minister's involvement in the local
church shall be part of their annual report to the
conference Board of Diaconal Ministry and shall
be signed by the pastor-in-cheirge of the congrega-
tion where the diaconal minister's charge confer-
ence membership is held.

^315.

Petition Number: 20910-MN-315-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, SCA

Relationship to the Employing Agency

Amend ^315.1:

1. Adequate salaries plus pension benefits, with an
opportunity to participate in the United Methodist "(itxi-
sion...It is expected that these will When a diaconal
minister is employed by a local church, contribu-
tions to the pension and insurance plans shall be
guided by the Annual Conference standards for or-
dained elders.

^315.

Petition Number: 21155-MN-315-D; GBHEM.
Relationship to the Employing Agency
Add a new sub-paragraph after \ 315.4:

When a person working in the local church
changes status from diaconal candidate to conse-
crated diaconal minister, the committee shall
bring the existing contract up to date following the
disciplinary requirements.

1315.

Petition Number: 20679-MN-315.4-D;WNC.

Church Council and Diaconal Minister
Amend the first sentence of ^315.4:

4. When a diaconal minister is employed by a local
church, it is the responsibility of the Committee on
Pastor-Parish (Staff-Parish) Relations to act as the em-
ploying agent for the Administrative Board Church
Council.

1318.

Petition Number: 20911-MN-318-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, OKL.

The Diaconal Minister

Add a new \ after \ 317:

A diaconal minister is a consecrated person
approved by vote of the annual conference, ap-
pointed by the bishop to a place of service in a
local church, a church agency beyond the local
church, or to an appointment other than a chiu-ch-
related agency, which extends the witness and
service of Christ's love and justice to the world.

1318.

Petition Number: 21156-MN-318-D; GBHEM.
Relationship to the Charge Conference
Add a new Rafter ^317:

Evaluation and Continuing Renewal for Dia-
conal Ministers

1. Diaconal ministers serving in the local
church shall receive an evaluation annually fi-om
the Committee on StafE/Pastor Parish Relations,
in consultation with the pastor, for use in an on-
going effective ministry, and for identifying con-
tinuing renewal needs and plans, using criteria,
processes and training developed by the confer-
ence Board of Diaconal Ministry, cabinet, and the
Division of Diaconal Ministry. The district super-

1046

DCA Advance Edition

intendent will request an annual report of the dia-
conal minister's fulfillment of their functions in
ministry and plans for renewal using criteria, proc-
esses and training developed by the cabinet, the
conference Board of Diaconal Ministry and the Di-
vision of Diaconal Ministry.

2. Diaconal ministers serving in appointments
beyond the local chtu-ch will undergo annual
evaluation by their immediate supervisors, cmd
include copies of those evaluations in the annual
report submitted to the charge conference, district
superintendent, and the conference Board of Dia-
conal Ministry.

^319.

Petition Number: 21157-MN-319-D; GBHEM.
Continue Renewal and Spiritual Growth
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 317:

Continue renewal and spiritual growth

1. Diaconal ministers shall be expected to con-
tinue their renewal and spiritual growth through-
out their ministry, including carefully developed
personal programs of study, augmented peri-
odically by involvement in organized educational,
service experience and spiritual growth activities.

2. In most cases, the diaconal minister's re-
newal leaves, including service and spiritual
growth programs, should allow for at least one
week each year and at least one month during one
year of each quadrennium. Such leaves shoidd be
planned in consultation with their chiu^ches or
other agencies in which they are serving, the dis-
trict superintendent, and the conference Board of
Diaconal Ministry.

3. Financial arrangements for continuing re-
newal, including service experience, and spiritual
growth, shall be negotiated with the employing
church or agency.

4. Diaconal ministers shall report to the dis-
trict superintendents in the charge conference
about their programs of continuing renewal, in-
cluding service experiences and spiritual growth
for the past year, and plans for the year to come.

The report shall include provisions for time
and financial support for such renewal and agreed
upon by the local chiu"ch or employing agency.

^401.

Petition Number: 20039-MN-401-D;SGA, NTX.

Relation of Ordained Clergy to the Ministry of all
Christians
Insert a preface before ^ 401:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^ 101). All Christians are
called to ministry of disciple-making. Some have
been called to a set-apart ministry of service,
Word, sacrament, and order.

^402.

Petition Number: 20132-MN402.2-D;NGA, WNC,

WNY.SIN.

Retain Homosexuality Statement in 402.2

Retain the current statements regarding homosexu-
ality in ^ 402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 20133-MN-402.2-D;CNV.
Human Sexuality
Delete ^402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 20134-MN-402.2-D;CNV.

Affirm the Right of all Persons who are Called

Delete the last sentence of ^ 402.2 and replace it
with the following text:

We affirm tiie right of all persons who are
called, recommended, and approved according to
the ordination process provided in the Book of Dis-
cipline to be ordained and appointed to service in
The United Methodist Church subject to the disci-
pline of the church.

^402.

Petition Number: 20135-MN402.2-D;CNV.
Faithful in all Relationships
Amend the first sentence of ^ 402.2:

2. ...they are required to maintain the highest stand-
ards represented by the practice of fidelity in marriage
and celibacy in singleness faithfulness in all relation-
ships.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1047

^402.

Petition Number: 20136-MN-402.2-D;WIS, MNN,
CAP, NYMO.

Correcting Language which Classifies Lesbians

and Gay Persons
Delete the last sentence of ^ 402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 20137-MN-402.2-D;SNJ.

Persons practicing homosexuality
Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, self avowed practicing homo-
sexuals persons practicing homosexuality are not to
be accepted as candidates...

^402.

Petition Number: 20226-MN-402.2-D;BMW.
Definition of a Self-avowed Practicing Homosexual
Add new text at the end of ^402.2:

(A self-avowed practicing homosexual is a per-
son who engages in genital sexual behavior with a
person or persons of the same gender which is
freely and openly acknowledged by the individual
at any official meeting of those bodies within The
United Methodist Church responsible for the ap-
proval of the individual in the process of creden-
tialing for or in the process of ongoing evaluation
of fiaithfiilness and effectiveness of the ordained
ministry.)

^402.

Petition Number: 20279-MN-402.2-D;ORI.
The Ordained Ministry
Amend ^402.2:

While such persons set apart by the Church for the
ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order are subject to
all the frailties of the human condition and pressures of
society, they are required to maintain the highest stand-
ards of Christian living, represented by the practice of
fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness. Since the
practice of homosexuality ia incompatible viith Christian
teaching, self avowed practicing homosexuals arc not to

be accepted as candidates, ordained ao ministers, or
appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

^402.

Petition Number: 20530-MN-402.2-D;SIL

Relations of Ordained Ministers to the Ministry
of All Christians

In ^ 402.2 retain the phrase "they are required to
maintain the highest standards represented by the prac-
tice of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness".

^402.

Petition Number: 20531-MN-402.2-D;SIL.

Relations of Ordained Ministers to the Ministry

of All Christians
Retain the last sentence of ^ 402.2 without change.

^402.

Petition Number: 20734-MN-402.2-D;KEN.

Ordination and Appointment of Homosexual Persons
and Advocates of the Homosexual Lifestyle
Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, self avowed practicing homo-
sexuals arc not to be accepted neither persons prac-
ticing homosexuality nor persons advocating ho-
mosexuality as a valid Christian lifestyle are to be
accepted as candidates,...

^402.

Petition Number: 20809-MN402.2-D; Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, BMW.

Definition of a Self-avowed Practicing Homosexual

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 402.2:

A self-avowed practicing homosexual is a per-
son who engages in genital sexual behavior with a
person or persons of the same gender, which is
freely and openly acknowledged by the individual
at any official meeting of these bodies within The
United Methodist Church, responsible for the ap-
proval of the individual in the process of creden-
tialling for or in the process of ongoing evaluation
of faithfulness and effectiveness of the ordained
ministry.

1048

DCA Advance Edition

^402.

Petition Number: 20827-MN402.2-D; Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, IWA.

Human Sexuality

Develop, adopt, and provide one common definition
for "self-avowed practicing homosexual" to be added to
f 402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 21158-MN-402.2-D; GBHEM.
Human Sexuality
Amend ^ 402.2:

2. ...Since the practice of homosexuality is incompat-
ible wth Christian teaching, self avowed practicing ho
moscxuala arc not to be accepted aa candidates, or-
dained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United
Methodist Church, a person who is self-avowed or
proven with clear and convincing evidence to be a
practicing homosexual is not to be accepted as a
candidate, ordained as a minster or appointed to
serve in The United Methodist Church.

Footnote: "Self-avowed" is understood to
mean that a person openly acknowledges to a
bishop, district superintendent, district commit-
tee of ordained ministry, board of ordained minis-
try or clergy session that the person is a practicing
homosexual.

^404.

Petition Number: 21456-MN404.3-D; GBOD.
Candidacy for Ordained Ministry
Amende 404.3 rW(ii):

3. (b) (ii) the candidate must have been a professing
member or affiliate...

^404.

Petition Number: 20394-MN404.4-D;RKM.
Wesley's Questions for Examiners
Amend 1404.4^6;:

4. (b) make themselves available for any psychologi-
cal and aptitude testa it may require submit them-
selves to any psychological and psycho-social
evaluation required; submit a written response...

1404.

Petition Number: 20532-MN-404.4-D;SIL.

Candidacy for Ordained Ministry

Retain the phrase "fidelity in marriage and celibacy
in singleness" in "n iOiA(e).

1406.

Petition Number: 20152-MN406-D;TRY.

Local Pastors: Authority and Duties
Amend ^ 406:

Authority and Duties. — 1. A local pastor is approved
annually.. .burial, confirmation, and membership recep-
tion, while assigned appointed to a particular charge.

6. The membership of local pastors under full time
appointment is in Local pastors under appointment
in an annual conference shall be clergy members

of the Annual Conference where they shall have the
right to vote on all matters except constitutional amend-
ments, election of lay delegates to General, Jurisdic-
tional, or Central Conferences, and matters of ordina-
tion, character, and conference relations of clergy (^
38, 702).

7. [Delete.]

1406.

Petition Number: 20294-MN406.1-D;WMI.
Definition of "Charge"
Add the following text at the end of ^ 406.1 and .2:

For the purposes of these paragraphs the
charge will be defined as "people within or related
to the congregation(s) being served."

1406.

Petition Number: 20385-MN406.1-D;KSW.
Local Pastor: Authority and Duties
Amend ^ 406:

Authority and Duties. — 1. a) A local pastor is ap-
proved annually.. .and membership reception, while as-
signcd appointed to a particular charge.

b) A local pastor shall be a clergy member of
the Ainnual Conference when appointed to a par-
ticular chaise in the Annual Conference.

6. The membership.. .election of lay delegates to
General,...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1049

^406.

Petition Number: 21159-MN406.1-D; GBHEM.
Authority and Duties
Amend ^406.1:

1. A local pastor is approved annually.. .to perform
all the duties of a pastor within a pastoral charge (^
439) including the Sacraments...

^406.

Petition Number: 20254-MN-406.6-D;SIL.
Voting rights of Local Pastors
Amend ^ 406.6:

6. The membership of local pastors under full-time
appointment is in the Annual Conference where they
that have completed the five-year course of study
under the Division of Ordained Ministry shall have
the right to vote on all matters except constitutional
amendments, election of delegates to General, Jurisdic-
tional, or Central Conferences, and matters of ordina-
tion, character, and conference relations of clergy.

1406.

Petition Number: 21160-MN406.6-D; GBHEM.

The Membership of Local Pastors
in Annual Conference
Amend ^ 406.6:

6. The membership of part-time and full-time

local pastors under full-time appointment...

1406.

Petition Number: 21161-MN406.7-D; GBHEM.
Church Membership of Part-Time Local Pastors
Delete ^ 406.7.

1406.

Petition Number: 20538-MN-406.10-D; Cabinet of the
West Virginia Annual Conference, WVA

Appeal Process for Local Pastors

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 406.9:

Local pastors may appeal through the confer-
ence Board of Ordained Ministry to the Executive
Session of the Annual Conference decisions made
regarding their relationship with the Annual Con-
ference.

1407.

Petition Number: 20395-MN407.5-D;RKM.

License as a Local Pastor

Delete the last sentence of ^[407.5 and replace it with
the following text:

The conference shall require psychological
and psycho-social evaluations to provide addi-
tional information.

1407.

Petition Number: 21162-MN407.6-D; GBHEM.
License as a Local Pastor
Add a new % after % 407.5:

Interim license as a local pastor may be
granted by the bishop between sessions of the
annual conference upon recommendation of the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry and ap-
proval by the Executive Committee of the Board of
Ordained Ministry.

1408.

Petition Number: 21163-MN408.1-D; GBHEM.
FuU-Time Local Pastor
Amend ^408. 1(c):

1. (c) who, unless they have completed the course
of study for ordained ministry, shall complete tw© four
courses per year...

1408.

Petition Number: 20040-MN408.5-D;rWA.

Part-time and student local pastors
Amend ^ 408.5:

5. Full-time ILocal pastors may serve on any board...

1408.

Petition Number: 20255-MN408.5-D;SIL

Eligibility of F.T. Local Pastors for election to General,
Jurisdictional and Central Conferences
Amend the second sentence of ^408.5:

They that have completed the five-year course
of study under the Division of Ordained Ministry

shall ftot be eligible...

k

1050

DCA Advance Edition

^408.

Petition Number: 20386-MN-408.5-D;KSW.

Local Pastors on all Boards and Eligible
as Clergy Delegates

Amend ^ 408.5:

5. Full-time All local pastors may serve on any
board, commission, or committee except the Board of
Ordained Ministry and Board of Truatcca CJ'jySS.l,
2513.1). They shall net be eligible for election as dele-
gates to the General, Jurisdictional, or Central Confer-
ences subject to ^38.

^408.

Petition Number: 20735-MN408.5-D;EOH.
Rights of Local Pastors
Amend ^ 408.5:

5. Full-time All local pastors may serve on any
board, commission, or committee except the Board of
Ordained Ministry and Board of Trustcca OT733.1,
2513. 1) . They shall ftot be eligible for election as clergy
delegates to the General, Jurisdictional, or Central Con-
ference subject to f 38.

1409.

Petition Number: 21166-MN409.4-D; GBHEM.
Continuance as a Local Pastor
Amend ^ 409.4:

4. A local pastor may choose to remain in a local
relationship with the Annual Conference upon having
completed a minimum of abtt^' (60) semester hours
toward the Bachelor of Arts or an equivalent degree in
a college or university listed by the University Senate,
or competency equivalence through an external degree
program at a college or university listed by the Univer
sity Senate, and the five-year course of study for or-
dained ministry.

1409.

Petition Number: 21167-MN409.6-D; GBHEM.
Continuance as a Local Pastor
Amend ^ 409.6:

6. None of the provisions... local pastors ordained as
deacon and elder prior to 1076 or enrolled in the second
year of the ministerial course of study prior to January
1, 1077 under previous legislation.

1409.

Petition Number: 21164-MN409.1-D; GBHEM.
Continuance as a Local Pastor
Amend ^409.1:

1. Persons licensed as local pastors shall continue
to make satisfactory progress in the course of study
for ordained ministry, in college or in seminary in order
to meet the requirements for continuance as out-
lined in "B 408, until they have completed the educational
requirements for associate or probationary member

1409.

Petition Number: 21165-MN409.3-D; GBHEM.
Educational Requirements for a FuU-Time Local Pastor
Amend ^ 409.3:

3. A full-time local pastor shall complete the educa-
tion requirements of the course of study within eight
years and a part-time local pastor within te» twelve
unless a family situation...

1410.

Petition Number: 20539-MN410.4-D; Cabinet of the
West Virginia Annual Conference, WVA.

Reinstatement of Local Pastor Status

Insert new text after the first sentence of ^ 410.4:

Persons seeking reinstatement shall provide
evidence that they have been a member of a local
United Methodist Chm-ch for at least one year
prior to their request for reinstatement The dis-
trict committee shall require a reconmiendation
from the Charge Conference where his/her mem-
bership is currently held.

1410.

Petition Number: 21168-MN410.5-D; GBHEM.
Retirement of Local Pastors
Amend ^ 410.5:

5. Retirement of Local Pastor. — On recommendation
of the Board of Ordained Ministry' and by vote of the
clergy members in full connection, aA local pastor who
has completed...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1051

1410.

Petition Number: 21491-MN-410.5-D; GBPHB.
Retirement of Local Pastor
Amend ^410.5:

5. Retirement of Local Pastor. — On recommendation
of the Board of Ordained Ministry and by vote of the
clergy members in full eonnection, oA full-time local
pastor who has completed...

1411.

Petition Number: 20295-MN411.3-D;WMI.
Associate Members replacing Counseling Elders for

Local Pastors

Amend ^411:

Counseling Elders. — Counseling elders.. .and associ-
ate members seeking probationary membership under
^417.3. Likewise, associate members recom-
mended by the Cabinet, approved and trained by
the Board of Ordained Ministry may be assigned
as local pastor counselors for persons who are or
are in the process of becoming local pastors, as
well as local Pastors seeking to become associate
members. Such assignments.. .The counseling elder,
or local pastor counselor shall:

4. ...The Board of Ordained Ministry may consider
assigning one counseling elder, or one local pastor
counselor, to supervise...

1412.

Petition Number: 20113-MN-412-D;WYO.

Credentials to all Clergy Members of the Annual

Conference
Add a new sub-paragraph after % 412.4:

The bishop and the secretary of the Annual
Conference shall provide credentials to all mem-
bers of the Annual Conference, certifying their
ministerial standing as probationary, associate or
full members. This certificate shall be surren-
dered to the Annual Conference secretary upon
termination of the member's relationship with the
Annual Conference.

1412.

Petition Number: 20336-MN-412-D;WPA.

Annual Conference membership of Local Pastors
Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 412:

Eligibility and Rights of Local Members: Local
members of an Annual Conference are local pas-

tors (full-time, part-time, and student) of the
Church. They shall be amenable to the Annual Con-
ference in the performance of their ministry.

1 . Local membership is renewed annually.

2. Local members shall have the right to vote
in the Annual Conference on all matters except the
following: (a) constitutional amendments; (b) elec-
tion of delegates to the General and Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences; (c) all matters of ordina-
tion, character and conference relations of minis-
ters.

3. Local members may serve on any board,
commission or committee of an Annual Confer-
ence except the board of Ordained Ministry and
the Board of Trustees. They shall not be eligible
for election as delegates to the General or Juris-
dictional or Central Conferences.

Requirements for Election as Local Members: Candi-
dates may be elected to local membership by vote
of the clergy members in full connection, upon
recommendation of the Board of Ordained Minis-
try, when they have met the following conditions:
They shall have (1) met the requirements of a local
pastor (1^406-410); and (2) been appointed by
the bishop to serve a charge diuing that year.

1412.

Petition Number: 20112-MN412.1-D;IWA, EOH, KSE.
Part-time and Student Local Pastor
Amend the second sentence of ^ 412.1:

...and local pastors under full-time appointment to a
pastoral charge (^ 408.1).

1412.

Petition Number: 21169-MN-412.1-D; GBHEM.
General Provisions
Amend ^412.1:

1. ...The clergy membership of an Annual Confer-
ence shall consist of clergy members in full connec-
tion...affiliate clergy members...

1413.

Petition Number: 20736-MN413.4-D;SCA.
Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Membership
Amend ^413.4:

4. Probationary members shall be amenable to the
Annual Conference in the performance of their ministry
and shall may be granted...

1052

DCA Advance Edition

^413.

Petition Number: 21170-MN413.4-D; GBHEM.
Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Members
Amend ^ 413.4:

4. ...associate members and clergy members in full
connection as long as they are probationary members.

^414.

Petition Number: 21171-MN414-D; GBHEM.

Qualifications for Election to Probationary

Membership

Amend f 414:

Qualifications Requirements for Election to Proba-
tionary Membership. — Candidates...

^414.

Petition Number: 20337-MN-414.4-D;WPA
Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership
Amend the second sentence of ^414.4:

Handicapping conditions Disabilities are not to be
construed...

^414.

Petition Number: 20396-MN414.4-D;RKM.
Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership
Amend the last sentence of ^414.4:

The conference m^ shall require psychological
and/or psychiatric tests and psycho-social evalu-
ations...

^414.

Petition Number: 20256-MN-414.8-D;SIL.

Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership

Retain the phrase "fidelity in marriage and celibacy
in singleness" in ^ 414.8^.

^414.

Petition Number: 20533-MN414.8-D;WVA.
Deacon Candidates
Add a new question after % 414.8a:

8.b) Describe your personal experience with
evil and the understanding of evil you derive from
biblical, theological and historical soiu'ces.

^416.

Petition Number: 20387-MN416.2-D;KSE.

Special Conditions for Admission to Probationary
Membership
Amend ^416.2:

2. If the candidate has (a) reached thirty' five fifty
years of age (exceptions to the age requirement may
be made to accommodate persons with disabili-
ties); (b) served as an associate member for a minimum
of two years under full-time appointment;.... ('dy' and
completed five years Course of Study for ordained
ministry and two years.. .the University Senate; aft4 (e)
been recommended by a three-fourths vote of the Cabi-
net and a three-fourths vote of the Board of Ordained
Ministry, written statements of such recommendations
having been read to the conference before the vote is
taken, setting forth the particular ways the candidate's
ministry' is exceptional and the special reasons this per
son should be received into probationary membership.
the Cabinet, by the district Committee on Or-
dained Ministry and by a three-foiuihs vote of the
Board of Ordained Ministry; (f) declared their
willingness to accept continuing full-time appoint-
ment; (g) satisfied the board regarding their physi-
cal, mental and emotional heath (the Annual Con-
ference may require psychological tests to provide
additional information on the candidate's fitness
for the ministry); (h) have been examined accord-
ing to the provisions of ^ 414.8.

^417.

Petition Number: 21172-MN417-D; GBHEM, GBPHB.
Continuation in Probationary Membership
Amend ^417(2):

...unless extended by the executive clergy session
on recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry
through because of a leave of absence or because of
a disability leave; (3) each probationary member...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1053

^419.

Petition Number: 20388-MN419-D;KSE.

Elimination of Category of Associate Members
Delete TI 419.

^420.

Petition Number: 20389-MN420-D;KSE.

Elimination of Category of Associate Member
Delete ^ 420.

1419.

Petition Number: 20737-MN419-D;SCA.
Associate Members
Amend the last sentence of ^ 419:

They shall be amenable to the Annual Conference
in the performance of their ministry and shall may be
granted...

^419.

Petition Number: 21173-MN419-D; GBHEM.
Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Amend the third sentence of ^ 419:

They shall be amenable to the Annual.. .probation-
ary members and clergy members in full connection.

1419.

Petition Number: 20257-MN419.3-D;SIL.

Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Amend the second sentence of ^ 419.3:

They shall «©t be eligible for election as delegates...

1419.

Petition Number: 20296-MN419.3-D;WMI.

Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Amend the first sentence of ^ 419.3:

3. Associate members may serve on any board,
commission, or committee of an Annual Conference
except the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Board of
Trustees m733.1, 2513.1).

1419.

Petition Number: 21174-MN419.4-D; GBHEM.
Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members
Delete ^ 419.4.

1420.

Petition Number: 20042-MN420.1-D;Try.

Elimination of category of Associate Member
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 420.1:

No person shall be considered for associate
membership after 1996 who has not already initi-
ated the process leading toward Associate Mem-
bership.

1420.

Petition Number: 20397-MN420.1-D;RKM.

Requirement for election as Associate Members
Amend ^420.1(7):

1.(7) satisfied the board regarding their physical,
mental, and emotional health (the Annual Conference
f»ay shall require psychological tests and psycho-so-
cial evaluation to provide...

1421.

Petition Number: 20390-MN421-D;KSE.

Progression to Full Membership for Associate

Members

Amend ^ 421:

Progression into Full Membership. — Associate mem-
bers who exhibit exceptional promise for the ordained
ministry Persons elected to associate membership
prior to 1997 may qualify for probationary member-
ship in the Annual Conference under special conditions
as set forth in ^ 416.2 upon receiving a three fourths
majority vote of the clergy members of the conference
in full connection, present and voting.

1421.

Petition Number: 21175-MN421-D; GBHEM.
Progression into Probationary, Full and Associate

Membership

Amend ^ 421:

Progression into Probationary Membership and Full
Membership. — ^Associate members who exhibit cxcep
tional promise for effective ministry for the ordained
ministry may qualify.. .upon receiving a three-fourths

1054

DCA Advance Edition

majority vote of the clergy members of the conference
in full connection, present and voting. Those received
into Probationary Membership may then progress
into Full Membership after they have met the Dis-
ciplinary and Conference requirements.

^422.

Petition Number: 21176-MN422-D; GBHEM.
Members in Full Connection
Amend ^ 422:

Members in Full Connection. Clei^ mMem-

bers in full connection...

[Second paragraph] A full member of an Annual
Conference clergy member in ftiU connection shall
be eligible...

^423.

Petition Number: 20738-MN423-D;SCA
Rights and Responsibilities
Amend the last sentence of ^423.1:

Every effective member in full connection who is in
good standing shatt may receive...

1423.

Petition Number: 21177-MN-423.1-D; GBHEM.
Rights and Reponsibilities of Clergy Members
Amend ^ 423:

Rights and Responsibilities-. — It OfFttU Clergy Mem-
bers in Full Connection. — 1. Clergy mMembers in full
connection. ..Every effective clergy member in full con-
nection who is in the effective relationship and who
is in good standing shall receive an annual appointment
by the bishop.

1423.

Petition Number: 20739-MN-423.2-D;SCA

Rights and Responsibilities of Clergy Members
Amend ^ 423.2:

2. ...and a primary basis of their guaranteed appoint-
ment.

1423.

Petition Number: 21178-MN-423.2-D; GBHEM.
Professional Responsibilities of Clergy Members
Amend ^ 423.2:

2. There are professional responsibilities...a pri-
mary basis of their guaranteed annual appointment...

1423.

Petition Number: 21179-MN423.2-D; GBHEM.
Rights and Responsibilities of Pastors
Amende 423.2(c):

2. (c) Annual participation in evaluation and reflec-
tion with district superintendents to determine regard-
ing God's call in the pastor's fife life, the pastor's
health, and effectiveness for continued commitment
to effective ministry...

1424.

Petition Number: 20534-MN424-D;WVA
Elder Candidates
Add a new question after ^ 424a (1):

(2) How has the practice of ministry affected
your experience and understanding of evil?

1424.

Petition Number: 21180-MN424-D; GBHEM.
Requirements for Admission
Amend ^424(1):

(1) ...Their service must be evaluated by the Board
of Ordained Ministry as effective according to written
guidelines developed by the board and adopted by the
clergy members in full connection. In rare cases, the
Board of Ordained Ministry may, by a 2/3 vote,
approve years of service in an autonomous Meth-
odist church as meeting this requirement if ade-
quate supervision has been provided. Those proba-
tionary members...

1424.

Petition Number: 21181-MN424-D; GBHEM.
Requirements for Admission
Amend ^4246 (4):

b) (4) Are you willing to relate yourself to all persons
without regard to race, color, national origin, ©f social
status, or disabilities?

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1055

^424.

Petition Number: 20043-MN-424.3-D;NNJ.

Educational requirements for Pastors
Amende 424(3) Cc;:

(3) (c) educational requirements in every case shall
include a minimum of two semester or three quarter
hours in each of the fields of United Methodist history,
doctrine, and polity, and a course in missions and
evangelism; provided that a candidate may meet the
requirements by undertaking an independent study pro-
gram provided and administered by the Division of
Ordained Ministry (see ^ 1529.2) . The course on mis-
sions and evangelism would become a require-
ment beginning with the year 2000; (d) under con-
ditions...

^424.

Petition Number: 20297-MN-424.3-D;WMI.

Admission and continuance of Full membership in
Annual Conference
Add a new sub-point after 424(3) (d):

Associate members who have reached the age
of 55 or older and have served at least five yejirs
as an associate member, may be received into full
membership by three-fourths vote of the clergy
members in full connection and voting;

Upon recommendation of the Board of Or-
dained Ministry, an Annual Conference may
equate less than full-time to the requirement of
full-time service.

^426.

Petition Number: 21182-MN-426-D; GBHEM.
Appointments
Amend ^ 426:

Appointments. — Ordained ministers members
from other Annual Conferences and ordained minis-
ters from other Christian denominations may receive...

1. Ordained Ministers Members from Other Annual
Conferences and Ordained Ministers from Other Method-
ist Denominations. — ^With approval and consent of the
bishops or other judicatory authorities involved, or-
dained ministers members of other Annual Confer-
ences or ordained ministers from other Methodist
churches may receive appointments...

1426.

Petition Number: 21098-MN-426.2-D; GCCUIC.

Ministers from other Denominations

Renumber ^ 426.2 as ^426.2a, and renumber
^426.3 as ^426.26.

1424.

Petition Number: 20391-MN424.3-D;KSE.
Associate Members prior to Elimination of Category
Amend ^424 (3) r^;:

(^(d) under conditions regarded as exceptional,
candidates who completed the first two years of the
advanced course of study for ordained ministry and
were admitted to probationary membership by a three
fourths vote CJ 416.2), upon recommendation by the
Board of Ordained Ministry when they have completed
two additional years of advanced studies specified by
and under the direction of the Division of Ordained
Ministry and have met all the other requirements, can-
didates who were admitted into Associate Mem-
bership of an Annual Conference prior to 1996
who were admitted to Probationary Membership
who have served at least four years under appoint-
ment, and have received the recommendation of
the Cabinet and a three-foiuths vote of the Board
of Ordained Ministry may be received into full mem-
bership by a three-fourths vote of the clergy members
in full connection, present and voting.

1426.

Petition Number: 21183-MN-426.2-D; GBHEM.
Ministers from other Denominations
Amend the last two sentences of ^ 426.2:

When the Board of Ordained Ministry certifies that
their credentials are at least equal to those of associate
members (^ 420.1), although they arc not associate
members, they may be accorded aH the following
rights and privileges of associate membership in the
Annual Conference: (11410.2, .3). They may have the
right to vote in the Annual Conference on all mat-
ters except the following: (a) constitutional
amendments (b) election of delegates to the Gen-
eral and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences (c)
all matters of ordination, character and confer-
ence relations of ministers. They may serve on any
board, commission or committee of an annual
conference except the Board of Ordained Ministry
and die Board of Trustees {% 733.1, 2513.1).
They shall not be eligible for election as delegates
to the General or Jurisdictional or Central Confer-
ences. They shall not have security of appointment

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DCA Advance Edition

f427.

Petition Number: 21184-MN427.1-D; GBHEM.
Transfer from other Annual Conferences
Amend ^427.1:

l.From Other Annual Conferences. — Ordained mifl-
istefs members from other Annual Conferences...

^432.

Petition Number: 21185-MN432-D; GBHEM.

The Act of Ordination

Amend the second sentence of the third paragraph
of ^432:

By the authorization of the clergy members in full
connection of the Annual Conference,...

^434.

Petition Number: 20044-MN434.4-D;WYO.

Certificate of Ordination to those Ordained
as Deacons
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 434.3:

The bishop and the secretary of the Annual
Conference shall provide to all those ordained as
deacons a certificate of that ordination. This cer-
tificate shall be siurendered to the secretary of the
Annual Conference upon termination of the mem-
ber's relationship with the Annual Conference un-
less the member is withdrawing to unite with an-
other denomination.

^435.

Petition Number: 20303-MN435-D;AVMI.
The Order of Elders
Add a new sub-paragraph after % 435.2:

Deacons who have been associate members
for at least five years, have reached the age of 55,
and have been elected to full membership in ac-
cordance with 1434(3)^6;.

^435.

Petition Number: 20045-MN435.4-D;WYO.
Certificate to Ordination to those Ordained as Elders
Amend 1 435.4:

4. The bishop and the secretary of the Annual Con-
ference shall provide credentials to all members in full
connection, certifying their ministerial standing and

their ordination as elders to all ordained as elders a
certificate of that ordination. This certificate shall
be siurendered to the secretary of tiie Annual
Conference upon termination of the member's re-
lationship with the Annual Conference tuiless the
member is withdrawing to unite with another de-
nomination.

^436.

Petition Number: 20280-MN436-D;CPA.
General Provisions
Amend % 436:

General Provisions. — All cClergy members who
are in good standing in an Annual Conference shall may
receive annually an appointment...

^436.

Petition Number: 20740-MN436-D;EOH.

i^pointments to Various Ministries
Amend % 436:

General Provisions. — ^All clergy members who are
in good standing in an Annual Conference shall be
eligible to receive annually an appointment by the
bishop, provided such appointments are available,
unless they are granted...

^436.

Petition Number: 20741-MN436-D;SCA
General Provisions
Amend % 436:

General Provisions. — ^All clergy members who are
in good standing in an Annual Conference shall may
receive annually...

^436.

Petition Number: 21186-MN436-D; GBHEM.
General Provisions
Amend ^ 436:

General Provisions. — ^All probationary members,
associate members, and clergy members in full con-
nection who are in the effective relationship and

who are in good standing...

[Second paragraph] In addition to the ordained
ministers aforementioned members, persons who
have been granted.. All clergy members and licensed
local pastors to be appointed shall assume demonstrate
a lifestyle...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1057

I

^437.

Petition Number: 20114-MN-437-D;DET.
Itinerate System
Delete the tliird sentence of "J 437.

^437.

Petition Number: 20281-MN-437-D;CPA.
The Itinerant System
Amend the second sentence of ^ 437:

All ordained ministers to be appointed shall accept
and abide by these appointments.

1437.

Petition Number: 21187-MN437-D; GBHEM.
The Itinerant System
Amend % 437:

The Itinerant System. ^The itinerant system is

the accepted method of The United Methodist Church
by which ordained ministcra clergy are appointed by the
bishop to fields of labor. All ordained miniatcra clergy
shall accept and abide by these appointments. Persons
appointed to multiple ■staff ministries, cither in a single
parish or in a cluster or larger parish, must have personal
and professional access to the bishop and Cabinet, the
Committee on Pastor Parish Relations, as well as to the
pastor in charge. The nature of the appointment process
is specified in n 529-533.

1437.

Petition Number: 21188-MN-437.2-D; GBHEM.
Less than Full-Time Service
Amend ^ 437.2:

2. [Second sentence] Less than full-time serv-
ice...and the Cabinet, the ordained minister clergy
member, and the Annual Conference...

a) The ordained minister clergy member seeking
less than full-time service...

b) ...confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the clergy
members in full connection of the Annual Conference.

c) Reappointment to less than full-time service shall
be requested by the ordained minister clergy member
and approved...

d) Ordained ministers Clergy members who re-
ceive appointment...

e) The bishop may make ad interim appointments
at less than full-time service upon request of the of-
dained minister clergy member following consult-
ation...

1437.

Petition Number: 20115-MN-437.3-D;WIS.
Iterim Pastors
Amend ^ 437.3:

3. Interim appointments may be made: to charges
that have special transitional needs (such as death of
an incumbent pastor, the end of a long-term pas-
torate or parish conflict requiring a healing time)

or to charges whose pastor is on sabbatical leave.

a) Ordained ministers and local pastors may
be certified and appointed as interim pastors un-
der 'i443.1a). While appointed to this category,
the ordained minister or local pastor will be avail-
able for interim assignments of varying lengths,
and will receive compensation from the charges
served, reflecting the guidelines of "n722 as imple-
mented by the conference in which the appoint-
ment occurs. Interim pastors may serve outside
the annual conference where membership is held
under the provisions of ^426.1, with approval and
consent of the bishops involved.

b) A national registry of certified interim pas-
tors will be developed and maintained by the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

c) Interim assignments shall be for a specified
length of time, established in advance following
consultation and consent of the district superin-
tendent, the pastor-parish relations committee
and the interim pastor.

d) Contributions for the Ministerial Pension
Plan will be based on the policy for active partici-
pants in the annual conference in which the ap-
pointment occurs.

e) The annual conference where the interim
pastor holds membership is responsible to pro-
vide group health insurance and Comprehensive
Protection Plan coverage.

1438.

Petition Number: 21099-MN-438-D; GCCUIC.

Local Church Appointments

Relocate ^ 438 to the end of the first paragraph of ^
437 and amend as follows:

A pastor is local church appointment is an ap-
pointment by the bishop of an ordained or licensed

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DCA Advance Edition

person approved by vote of the clergy members in full
connection, appointed by the biahop to be in charge of
a station, circuit, cooperative parish, extension ministry,
a federated church, ecumenical shared ministry, or
to a church of another denomination, or on the staff of
one such appointment.

^438.

Petition Number: 21189-MN438-D; GBHEM.
Definition of a Pastor
Amend ^ 438:

Definition of a pastor. A pastor is an ordained.. .ex-
tension ministry, a federated church eciunenical
shared ministry, or to a church of another denomina-
tion, or on the staff of one such appointment.

Footnote: Ecumenical shared ministries are
ecumenical congregations formed by a local
United Methodist church and one or more local
congregations of other Christian traditions.
Forms of ecumenical shared ministries include 1)
a federated congregation, in which one congrega-
tion is related to two denominations, with persons
holding membership in one or the other of the
denominations; b) a union congregation, in which
a congregation with one unified membership role
is related to two denominations; c) a merged con-
gregation, in which two or more congregations of
different denominations form one congregation
which relates to only one of the constituent de-
nominations; or d) a yoked parish, in which a
United Methodist congregation is yoked with one
or more congregations of other denominations.

^439.

Petition Number: 21100-MN-439-D; GCCUIC.
Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Amend ^ 439:

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor. The pas-
tor (s) shall oversee the total ministr^^ of the local church
A pastor appointed to a charge shall oversee its
ministry in its nurturing ministries responsibilities
and in fulfilling its mission. ..(2) providing ministry
within the congregation, in the conununity setting,
and to the world;...

^439.

Petition Number: 20338-MN-439.1-D;WPA.

Responsibilities and Duty of a Pastor
Amend ^I 439. IJ:

\.d) To lead the congregation by teaching and ex-
ample in a ministry with persons with handicapping
conditions people with disabilities.

^439.

Petition Number: 21190-MN439.1-D; GBHEM.
Reponsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Add new sentence at the end of ^ 439.1(b):

Ordained elders may select and train lay mem-
bers with appropriate words and actions to imme-
diately deliver the consecrated communion ele-
ments to members confined at home, in a nursing
home, or in a hospital.

1439.

Petition Number: 21457-MN439.1-D; GBOD.
Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Amend ^439.1:

h) ...the responsibilities of the parent(s) and the
sponsor(s) for the Christian training for the baptized
child, and how these obligations may be properly dis-
charged. (See % 224.)

c) To encom-age reaffirmation of the baptismal
covenant and renewal of baptismal vows at differ-
ent stages of life. The sacrament of baptism may
not be repeated.

^439.

Petition Number: 21458-MN-439.1-D; GBOD.
Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Add a new sub-point after % 439.1c:

To provide leadership for the funding ministry
of the congregation and to lead in nurtming giving
as a spiritual disciphne.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1059

^439.

Petition Number: 20392-MN-439.2-D;NfYK

Pastoral Responsibilities

Amend % 439.2c to include the phrase persons
with disabilities.

^439.

Petition Number: 21459-MN-439.3-D; GBOD.
Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor
Add a new sub-point after "J 439.3a:

To be responsible for the process of goal set-
ting and planning through which the

laity take responsibility for ministry in the
church and in the world.

^440.

Petition Number: 21460-MN440.1-D; GBOD.
Special Provisions
Amend ^440.1:

1. Pastors shall first obtain the written consent of
the district superintendent before engaging for an evan-
gelist any person who is not a conference approved
general evangelist OT 729.3/, 1212.8), a regular
member...

^440.

Petition Number: 21191-MN-440.5-D; GBHEM.
Special Provisions
Amend «|I 440.5:

5. Ordained ministers All clergy of The United
Methodist Church...

^441.

Petition Number: 20298-MN441-D;WMI.

Equalized Salary Task Force

Add a new sentence at the end of the first paragraph
of ^441:

The Annual Conference may determine, for its
clergy members, an alternative salary compensa-
tion program as em option to the process de-
scribed in 1248.13 and 1720.

^441.

Petition Number: 21101-MN441-D; GCCUIC.

United Methodist Ordained Clergy in Ecumenical
Appointments

Insert a new 1 after 1 441 and renumber accord-
ingly:

United Methodist Ordained Clergy in Ecumenical
Appointments. — United Methodist clergy members
in full connection may be appointed annually to
churches of other Christian denominations or to
ecumenical shared ministries.

1441.

Petition Number: 21192-MN441-D; GBHEM, GBPHB.
Support for Ordained Ministers
Amend 1 441:

Support for Ordained Ministers Members Appointed
to a Pastoral Charge. — ^Assumption of the obligations
...The Church shall provide and the ordained minister
member is entitled to receive ...

1. Support for Ordained Ministers Members Ap-
pointed to Pastoral Charges Who Render Full-Time Serv-
ice.— Each pastor who is an ordained member of an
Annual Conference...

2. Support for Ordained Ministers Members Ap-
pointed to Pastoral Charges Who Render Less than Full-
Time Service. — Each pastorwho is an ordained mem-
ber, who is in good standing...

3. Notwithstanding anything herein to the con-
trary, the benefits provided to ordained members
in addition to the cash compensation under the
benefit programs administered by the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits may be
different for ordained members serving full time
as a pastor to a local charge and for ordained
members serving other types of appointments.

1442.

Petition Number: 20398-MN442-D;RKM.

Appointments beyond the Local United Methodist

Church

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of 1 442:

Appointments to Attend School. — Members, asso-
ciates, or probationary members may be ap-
pointed to attend school. Persons in this appoint-
ment shall be accountable to the Annual
Conference. They shall be given the same moral
and spiritual support as full members, but shall
not be entided to minimum compensation.

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DCA Advance Edition

^442.

Petition Number: 21193-MN-442-D; GBHEM.

Appointment Beyond the Lx)cal United Methodist
Church

Amend ^ 442:

Appointments Beyond Extending the Ministry of the
Local United Methodist Church. —

^443.

Petition Number: 20046-MN-443.1-D;WIS.

Interim pastors as category of appointment
Amende 443.1a:

\.a) ...conference-approved evangelists, confer-
ence-approved interim pastors, faculty and adminis-
trators....

^442.

Petition Number: 21102-MN-442.1-D; GCCUIC.
Appointment Beyond the Local Church
Amend the first sentence of ^ 442.1:

1. Clergy members in effective relationship may be
appointed to serve in ministry settings beyond the local
United Methodist church which extend in the witness
and service of Christ's love and justice.

^442.

Petition Number: 21194-MN-442.3-D; GBHEM.
Appointment Beyond the Local United Methodist

Church

Amend % 442.3:

3. Clergy persons desiring an appointment beyond
extending the ministry of the teeal United Methodist
Church...

1443.

Petition Number: 21103-MN443-D; GCCUIC.

Clergy in Appointment Beyond the Local United

Methodist Church
Amend % 443:

Clergy in appointment beyond the local United
Methodist church are full participants in the itinerant
system. Therefore, a conference member in an appoint-
ment beyond the local United Methodist church must
be willing...

1443.

Petition Number: 20485-MN443.1-D;NTX.
Categories of Appointment
Amend ^443.1:

\.a) Appointments within the conncctional struc-
tures of United Methodism Annual Conference: dis-
trict superintendents, ...directors of parish develop-
ment, staff of general agencies, missionaries, and
conference-approved evangelists, faculty and adminis-
trators of United Methodist schools of theology' and
other educational institutions, approved by the Univer-
sity Senate, campus ministers, and staff members of
ecumenical agencies.

h) Appointments within the connectional
structures of United Methodism: staff of general
agencies, missionaries, general evangelists, fac-
ulty and administrators of United Methodist
schools of theology and other educational institu-
tions approved by The University Senate, and staff
members of ecumenical agencies. Persons ap-
pointed under this category shall submit to the
Cabinet and the Board of Ordziined Ministry a
written agreement detailing the supervisory provi-
sions of the appointment.

d) [Third paragraph] Those seeking such an ap-
pointment shall submit to the Cabinetr and the Board of
Ordained Ministry, and the Division of Chaplains and
Related Ministries a written statement... fulfillment of
their ordination vows. They shall also submit to the
Cabinet and the Board of Ordained Ministry a
written agreement detailing the supervisory provi-
sions and lines of accountability of the appoint-
ment. This material...

1443.

Petition Number: 21195-MN443-D; GBHEM.

Clergy in Appointment Beyond the Local Church
Amend the first sentence of ^ 443:

Clergy in appointments beyond extending the
ministry of the local church are full participants...

1443.

Petition Number: 21104-MN-443.1-D; GCCUIC.

Appointments within the Connectional Structures of
United Methodism
Amende 443.1a:

\.a) ...conference-approved evangelists, faculty,
en4 administrators, chaplains and campus minis-
ters of United Methodist schools of theology' and other

Ordained and DJaconal Ministries

1061

educational institutions, approved by The University
Senate;, campus miniatcra, and atoff mcmbcra of ecu-
menical agcncica.

^443.

PetiUon Number: 21105-MN-443.1-D; GCCUIC.
Appointments to Ministries in Ecumenical Settings
Insert a new sub-point after ^ 443.1c:

Appointments to ministries in ecumenical set-
tings, such as congregations of other denomina-
tions, ecumenical agencies, campus ministries
and non-United Methodist educational institu-
tions approved by The University Senate. Or-
dained ministers in such appointments continue
primary relationships and accountability with The
United Methodist Church while appointed to such
ecumenical ministries.

^443.

Petition Number: 21196-MN-443.1-D; GBHEM.
Categories of Appointments
Amend ^443.1:

l.a) Appointments within the connectional struc-
tures of United Methodism: district aupcrintcndcnta,
staff mcmbcra of conference councils, boards, and agcn-
cics, treasurers, bishops' assistants, superintendents or
directors of parish development, staff of general agen-
cies, missionaries, conference-approved evangelists,
faculty and administrators of United Methodist schools
of theology and other educational institutions, approved
by The University Senate, campus ministers, and staff
members of ecumenical agencies.

1) Appointments for which the Annual Confer-
ence provides for pension contributions to the
Ministerial Pension Plan, such as district super-
intendents, staff members of conference councils
and boards, treasiu-ers, bishops' assistants, su-
perintendents or directors of parish development,
general evangelists, and campus ministers;

2) Appointments to a general agency for which
the general agency provides pension contributions
to the Ministerial Pension Plan;

3) Appointments to a United Methodist insti-
tution or other ministry, such as superintendents
or directors of parish development, general evan-
gelists, campus ministers, missionaries, faculty
and administrators of United Methodist schools of
theology or other educational institutions ap-
proved by the University Senate; and

4) Appointments to an ecumenical agency.

d) Conference members may receive appointments
beyond the ministry usually extended through the local
United Methodist church. ..and benefits for its clergy
by vote of the Annual Conference (See ^ 722.3, .5.)

Conference members who serve as staff mem-
bers of ecumenical agencies or as pastors of non-
United Methodist congregations may also be con-
sidered as holding an appointment beyond the
local United Methodist Church, provided their po-
sition is approved by the bishop and the Confer-
ence Board of Ordained Ministry. They shall re-
main accountable to their vows as members of
their annual conference.

^443.

Petition Number: 21197-MN-443.1-D; GBHEM.
Categories of Appointments
Amend ^ 443.1ft:

l.b) ...Higher Education and Ministry, such as: mili-
tary chaplains, both active duty...

^443.

Petition Number: 21198-MN-443.1-D; GBHEM.
Categories of Appointments
Amend the second paragraph of "n 443. l<i:

The Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries of
the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
in order to assist Boards of Ordained Ministry, will
provide standards to assist in validating determining
the appropriateness of special ministry settings.. ..per-
sons serving in settings approved under this paragraph
and shall encoiu-age the development of emerging
ministries that extend the ministry of the church
into the world.

^443.

Petition Number: 21339-MN-443.1-D; GBGM.
Categories of Appointment
Delete ^ 443.1c and replace with the following text:

l.c) Conference members in service under the
General Board of Global Ministries may be ap-
pointed to the ministries listed in a) and b) above.
They may be assigned to service either in Annual
Conferences or Central Conferences, or with affili-
ated autonomous chiu-ches, independent
churches, chxu-ches resulted from the union of
Methodist Churches and other communions, mis-
sion institutions, or in other denominational or
ecumenical ministries. They may accept such
rights and privileges, including affiliate member-

1062

DCA Advance Edition

ship, as may be ofifered them by Central Confer-
ences or by other churches to which they are as-
signed, without impairing their relationship to their
home Annual Conference.

^443.

Petition Number: 21461-MN443.1-D; GBOD.
Categories of Appointment
Amende 443.1a:

l.a) ...missionaries, conference approved general
evangelists,...

^443.

Petition Number: 21492-MN443.1-D; GBPHB.
Categories of Appointment
Amend ^ 443.1a:

l.fl.^ Appointments within the connectional struc-
ture of United Methodism: district superintendents,
staff members of conference councils, boards, and agen-
cies, treasurers, bishops' assistants, superintendents or
directors of parish development, staff of general agen-
cies, missionaries, conference-approved evangelists,
faculty and administrators of United Methodist schools
of theology and other educational institutions, approved
by The University Senate, campus ministers, and staff
members of ecumenical agencies.

1 . Appointments for which the Annual Confer-
ence provides pension contributions to the Minis-
terial Pension Plan, such as district superinten-
dents, staff members of conference councils and
boards, treasurers, bishops' assistants, superin-
tendents or directors of parish development, con-
ference-approved evangelists, and campus minis-
ters;

2. Appointments to a general agency for which
the general agency provides pension contributions
to the Ministerial Pension Plan;

3. Appointments to a United Methodist insti-
tution or other ministry, such as superintendents
or directors of parish development, general evan-
gelists, campus ministers, missionaries, faculty
and administrators of United Methodist schools of
theology or other educational institutions ap-
proved by the University Senate; and

^443.

Petition Number: 21199-MN443.2-D; GBHEM.

Conference Members are Amenable to the Annual
Conference
Amend ^ 443.2a:

2.a.^ Accountability to the Annual Conference. — Con-
ference members under appointment beyond the local
church in extension ministries are amenable to the
Annual Conference...

[Second paragraph] Persons under appointment
beyond the local church in extension ministries shall
submit annually to the bishop...

^443.

Petition Number: 21200-MN443.2-D; GBHEM.
Responsibility of an Annual Conference
Amend 1 443.2i:

2.b) Responsibility of the Annual Conference. — ^The
bishop, representatives of the Cabinet, and the Commit-
tee on Chaplains and Related Ministries of an endorsed
representative from extension ministries within
the Board of Ordained Ministry shall provide an oppor-
tunity to meet annually with ordained ministers clergy
appointed beyond the local church in extension min-
istries who carry on perform their ministry within the
bounds.. .The purpose of this meeting is to gain under-
standing of one another's role and function in ministry,
to report to other ordained ministers appointed beyond
the local church to extension ministries and to dis-
cuss...Using the appropriate resources and personnel of
the Annual Conference, the bishop shall provide for an
annual visit to the ministry setting of all persons under
appointment beyond the local church in extension
ministries assigned within the geographical bounds of
the Annual Conference.

^443.

Petition Number: 21201-MN443.3-D; GBHEM.
Relation to the Local Church
Amend ^ 443.3a:

3.0^ Conference members appointed beyond the
local church in extension ministries shall establish...

4. Appointments to an ecumenical agency.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1063

^443.

PeUtion Number: 21202-MN-443.3-D; GBHEM.
Affiliate Relations to a Local Church
Amend ^ 443.3fc:

3.b) Ordained ministers under appointment beyond
the local church to extension ministries and serving
outside the geographical bounds...

[Second paragraph] These ordained ministers un-
der appointment beyond the local church in extension
ministries and serving outside the geographical
boundaries...

^443.

Petition Number: 21106-MN-443.4-D; GCCUIC.
Special Ecumenical Affiliation
Insert a new sub-paragraph after ^ 443.4:

Special Ecumenical Affiliation. — ^Apart from the
appointment process, United Metihodist clergy
may affiliate with another Christian church or or-
der, while maintaining the rights and privileges of
annual conference membership. Such affiliation is
granted by the Bishop upon written application by
the candidate and recommendation of the Annual
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Respon-
sibility for acquiring written approval from the
proposed affiliated church body shall rest with the
clergy person applying. The application must
show that the affiliation promotes vital ministry to
the gospel of Jesus Christ consistent with the pur-
poses of our traditions, reflects theological coher-
ence, and protects the integrity of The United
Methodist Chiu-ch. The Board of Ordained Minis-
try shall receive a written report from the clergy
annually, and make recommendation to the
Bishop regarding continued affiliation.

^443.

Petition Number: 21203-MN-443.4-D; GBHEM.
Affiliate Relations to Annual Conference
Amend ^ 443.4:

4. Affiliate Relation to Annual Conference. — Or-
dained clergy appointed beyond the local church to
extension ministries outside the boundary...

^443.

Petition Number: 21204-MN-443.5-D; GBHEM.
Conference Members Appointed Beyond the Local

Church

Amend ^ 443.5(i:

b.d) Conference members appointed beyond the
local church to extension ministries shall attend...

^444.

Petition Number: 21205-MN-444-D; GBHEM.
The Process of Evaluation
Amend ^ 444:

Evaluation. — Evaluation is a continuous process
which must take place In a spirit of understanding and
acceptance. Evaluation serves as a process for pas-
tors to assess their effectiveness in ministry and
to discern God's call to continue in ordained min-
istry.

L The district superintendent, in consultation
with the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, will
evaluate annually the pastors' effectiveness for
ministry OT 423-2c, 520, 733.2m, o), using crite-
ria, processes, and training developed by the Cabi-
net and the Board of Ordained Ministry. The pas-
tors In local churches... The district aupcrintcndcnt will
evaluate annually the pastors effectiveness for ministry
Cnil 423.2c, 520, 733.2m, o) , using criteria, processes, and
training developed by the Cabinet and the Board of
Ordained Ministry.

^445.

Petition Number: 21206-MN-445-D; GBHEM.

Contlnuatlng Education and Spiritual Growth
Amend ^ 445:

2. In most cases the ordained ministers' clergy
members' continuing education...

3. An ordained minister clergy member may re-
quest... An Annual Conference may make such leaves
available to Its ordained ministers clergy members
who have held...

^445.

Petition Number: 20680-MN-445.3-D;WNC.

Church Council and Clergy Growth Leave
Amend the last sentence of ^445.3:

Such a leave must be with the approval of the Com-
mittee on Pastor-Parish Relations, the Administrative

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DCA Advance Edition

Board/Church Council, and the district superinten-
dent.

^445.

Petition Number: 20681-MN445.4-D;WNC.

Eliminate Conference Council on Ministries
Amend ^445.4 re;:

4. (c) for conference staff, with the appropriate com-
mittee of the Council on Ministries Annual Confer-
ence;

^446.

Petition Number: 21207-MN-446-D; GBHEM.
Sabbatical Leave
Amend \ 446:

Sabbatical Leave. — ^A sabbatical leave.. .Ordained
ministers Associate members or clergy members in
full connection who have been serving.. . Ordained min
istcrs Associate members and clergy members in
full connection shall submit a written request... To be
eligible for an additional sabbatical leave, ordained min
istefs Associate members and clergy members in
full connection shall have served...

^447.

Petition Number: 21208-MN-447-D; GBHEM.
Change of Conference Relationship
Amend % 447:

When ordained ministers sense that God is
calling them to seek a change in conference rela-
tionship, either for a short or long term, they are
lu-ged to review this with colleagues, the district
superintendent, and the bishop. Ordained ministers
Probationary, associate, and members in full con-
nection seeking a change.. .In addition, the Board of
Ordained Ministry may request personal interviews
with the minister probationeuy, associate, and mem-
bers in full connection requesting the change in rela-
tionship...

^448.

Petition Number: 21209-MN-448.1-D; GBHEM.
Leave of Absence
Amend % 448:

Leave of Absence. — L This relationship... are unable
to or who chose choose temporarily to cease. ..This
relationship may be initiated by the minister clergyper-
son as a voluntary leave of absence or by the district

superintendents.. .or renewed by the vote of the cxccu-
tjve clergy session of eiefgy members in full connection
ef with the Annual Conference upon the board's recom-
mendation. The fair process as set forth in 11 2622 shall
be followed in any involuntary leave of absence proce-
dure. Between sessions.. .This interim action shall be
subject to the approval of the executive clergy session
of eiefgy members in full connection... This leave shall
be counted as a part of the eight-year limit for probation-
ary members (^ 417) unless the eight-year limit is
extended by the executive clergy session of the clergy
members in full connection.. .Should there be griev-
ances, complaints; or charges pending at the time of a
request for leave of absence, they should be placed in
the file of the clergy member person.. ..Clergy members
persons on leaves of absence.. .benefits may be granted
by vote of the executive clergy session of the clergy
members in full connection with the Annual Confer-
ence... Clergy members persons on leaves of ab-
sence.. .fev©lttfttafy4eave9-©f-abseftee-shaH-be-appfeve4
by two-thirds vote of the clcrg>' members in full connec-
tion at a session of the Annual Conference.

^448.

Petition Number: 21210-MN-448.1-D; GBHEM.
Voluntary Leave of Absence
Amend the second sentence of H 448. la:

Representatives of the Annual Conference Board of
Ordained Ministry may interview the clergy proba-
tionary, associate, or full member to determine suffi-
cient cause.

^448.

Petition Number: 21211-MN-448.1-D; GBHEM.
Involuntay Leave of Absence
Amend ^448.16:

\.b) Involuntary Leave of Absence. — ^The District
Superintendents may request an involuntary leave of
absence vvdthout the consent of the clcrg>' probation-
ary, associate, or fiiU member, at least ninety (90)
days prior to the Annual Conference session. They shall
give to the clergy probationary, associate, or full
member and the Board of Ordained Ministry in writing
specific reasons for the request. The fair process for
administrative hearings as set forth in % 454.2
shall be followed in any involuntary leave of ab-
sence procedm^e. The clergy member person has the
right to a hearing... prior to being placed on involuntary
leave of absence. Written notice of the Board's ac-
tion should be sent to the respondent and the
Administrative Review Committee's chairperson.
Involuntary leaves of absence shall be approved
by two-thirds vote of the clergy session of mem-
bers in full connection with the Annual Confer-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1065

ence. By two-thirds vote of the executive clergy session
of elefgy-members in full connection ...

[Delete second paragraph.]

The Administrative Review Committee (^734)
shall ensure that the Disciplinary procedures for
involuntary leave of absence were properly fol-
lowed. The entire process leading to the recom-
mendation for involuntary leave of absence shall
be reviewed by the Administrative Review Com-
mittee and it shall report its findings to the clergy
session of members in full connection with the
Annual Conference.

1448.

Petition Number: 20299-MN448.2-D;WVA.

Charge Conference Membership Requirements
Amend ^448.2:

2. After consultation with the pastor in charge of a
local church and the District Superintendent, clergy
members...

1448.

Petition Number: 20399-MN-448.2-D;RKM.
Leave of Absence
Amend f 448.2:

2. After consultation and with the consent of the
pastor in charge and with the approval of the district
superintendent, the bishop, and the Staff-Parish
Relations Committee of a local church, clergy mem-
bers...

1448.

Petition Number: 20486-MN-448.2-D;NTX.
Leave of Absence
Amend "J 448.2:

...and the continuation of their ordination rights. A
written copy of the agreement detailing the super-
visory provisions established with the pastor in
charge shall be filed with the Board of Ordained
Ministry and shall be renewed annually. In case of
failure to report to the Charge Conference or the Board
of Ordained Ministry, the Annual Conference...

1448.

Petition Number: 21213-MN-448.2-D; GBHEM.
Leave of Absence
Amend ^ 448.2:

2. After consultation with the district superinten-
dent and the pastor in charge of a local church, clergy
probationary, associate or full members on leave of
absence... The exercise of their ministry shall be limited
to the Charge Conference in which their membership is
held and under the supcrviaion with the written per-
mission of the pastor in charge, to whom tThey shall
report all marriages performed, baptisms administered,
and funerals conducted to the charge conference,
pastor in charge and Board of Ordained Ministry,
and they shall be held amenable.. .In case of failure to
report to the Charge Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry, the Clergy Session of the Annual Confer-
ence may place the clergy members on odminiatrativc
location CJ 454.3) locate or terminate the clergy
member without further process.

1448.

Petition Number: 21214-MN-448.3-D; GBHEM.
Voluntary Leave of Absence
Amend ^ 448.3:

Clergy Probationary, associate, or full members
on voluntary leave of absence...

1448.

Petition Number: 21212-MN-448.4-D; GBHEM.
Leave of Absence
Add a new sentence at the end of 448.4:

When the request for an end to voluntary leave
of absence is denied, the appropriate administra-
tive process shall be initiated for interim involun-
tary leave of absence (^ 448.1), involuntary leave
of absence (^ 448. 1 (b)), administrative location
(1 454.3(b)), or involuntary retirement (f 452.3).

1448.

Petition Number: 21215-MN-448.4-D; GBHEM.
Leave of Absence
Amend ^ 448.4.

4. When an end to the leave of absence is requested
by the clergy probationary, associate, or full mem-
ber in the case of... alleviated or resolved. When the
request is denied, the Board may recommend to
the clergy session of the clergy members in full
connection that the clergy member be placed on

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DCA Advance Edition

involuntary leave of absence, administrative loca-
tion, or involuntary retirement.

4. When clergy probationary, associate, or full

members do not request an extension...

1448.

Petition Number: 21216-MN448.5-D; GBHEM.
Leave of Absence
Amend ^ 448.5:

5. When clergy probationary, associate, or full

members on voluntary leave of absence.. .efforts to make
contact with the member clergy person, the Board of
Ordained Ministry may recommend to the executive
clergy session of the clergy members in full connection
with the Annual Conference that the clergy member
person be located or terminated without further proc-
ess...the clergy member person at least six (6) months
prior to the session of the Annual Conference to permit
clergy members persons to exercise their options. The
clergy member person shall have the right...

1448.

Petition Number: 21217-MN-448.6-D; GBHEM.
Effective Date of Process
Delete ^ 448.6 and substitute new text:

6. This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference, ex-
cept for matters that have already proceeded to the
Joint Review Committee.

1449.

Petition Number: 21487-MN449-D; GBPHB.
Family Leave
Amend ^ 449:

1. This relationship is granted to ordained ministers
who arc probationary members, associate members,
and faH clergy members in full connection who,. ..This
relationship may be initiated by the pastor clergy mem-
ber through the Board.. .This relationship shall be ap-
proved annually upon written request of the clergy pro-
bationary, associate, or full member and shall not be
granted... After consultation with the pastor, ordained
the probationary, associate or full members minis-
tefs on family leave shall designate ...Ordained minis-
tefs Probationary, associate, and full members on
family leave who affiliate with a Charge Confer-
ence...They may participate in the conference health
and pension program through their own contributions...

1449.

Petition Number: 20400-MN-449.1-D;RKM.
Family Leave
Amend "2 449.1:

L ...unless the Board of Ordained Ministry recom-
mends otherwise. After consultation and with the con-
sent of the pastor in chaise and with the approval
of the district superintendent, the bishop, and the
Staff-Parish Relations Committee of a local
church, ordained ministers on family leave...

1449.

Petition Number: 20742-MN449.1-D;EOH.
Family Leave
Amend ^449:

449. Family Leave. — L ...The exercise of their min-
istry shall be limited to the Charge Conference in which
their membership is held and under the supervision of
the pastor in charge, to whom they shall report all
marriages performed, baptisms administered, and fu-
nerals conducted. Under the supervision of the dis-
trict superintendent, the pastor on family leave
may preach, teach, perform marriages, baptisms
and administer the sacraments. They shall report
all ministerial functions performed to their charge
conference. They shall be held amenable...

1449.

Petition Number: 21218-MN449.1-D; GBHEM.
Family Leave
Amend ^ 449:

Family Leave. — \. This relationship is granted to
ordained ministers who arc probationary members,
associate members, and Ml clergy members in full
connection who, because of an immediate family mem-
ber's need. ..This relationship may be initiated by the
pastor clergy member through the Board of Ordained
Ministry,. ..This relationship shall be approved annually
upon written request of the clergy probationary, as-
sociate, or full member and shall not be granted... After
consultation with the pastor, ordained ministers the
probationary, associate, or full members on family
leave shall designate. ..Ordained ministers Probation-
ary, associate, and full members on family leave...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1067

^449.

Petition Number: 21219-MN-449.4-D; GBHEM.
Extension of Family Leave
Amend ^ 449.4:

4. When clergy probationaiy, associate, or full

members do not request...

^450.

f Petition Number: 21220-MN450-D; GBHEM.
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Amend ^ 450:

Maternity/Paternity Leave. — Maternity /paternity
leave. ..associate member, or ordained minister clergy
member in full connection...

2. During the leave, the ordained miniatcr'a mem-
ber's Annual Conference relations will remain un-
changed, and the insurance health and welfare plans
will remain in force.

4. The associate or ordained minister's member's
compensation...

^451.
I Petition Number: 21221-MN45L1-D; GBHEM.
Disability Leave
Amend ^451.1:

1. When clergy who are full time local pastors under
episcopal appointment, associate members, probation-
ary members, or members in full connection with clergy
members of an Annual Conference (% 412) are unable
to perform... This relationship may be initiated by the
pastor clergy member or cabinet with or without the
consent of the pastor clergy member through the
Board of Ordained Ministry. When a clcrgyperson
I clergy member is granted disability leave. . .

1451.

Petition Number: 21222-MN451.2-D; GBHEM.
Disability Leave
Amend ^ 451.2:

B 2. When clergy who are full-time local pastors, un-

der episcopal appointment, associate members, proba-
tionary members, or members in full connection in
clergy members of an Annual Conference.. .When a
clcrgyperson clergy member is granted disability
leave...

1451.

Petition Number: 21223-MN-451.3-D; GBHEM.
Medical Evidence for Disability Leave
Amend ^451.3:

3. When ordained ministers or local pastors clergy
members on disability leave.. .Such appointment shall
be reported immediately by the Cabinet to the Annual
^conference Board of Pensions...

1452.

Petition Number: 20138-MN-452-D;DET.

Pension Liability of Retired Ordained Clergy

Add new sentence at the end of the first paragraph
of ^452:

When it can be shown that a pastor (usually
having served a number of years in Appointments
Beyond the Local Chiu-ch without pension plans)
would have his/her financial well-being and that
of his/her family jeopardized by mandatory retire-
ment at age 70 (^ 452.1) and/or by not being
reappointed to the same institution or agency (^I
452.6), the Bishop shall have discretionary
authority to modify the terms of "il 452.1 and/or of
1 452.6 in that pastor's behalf as long as it results
in no additional pension liability to the Annual
Conference.

1452.

Petition Number: 20682-MN-452-D;WNC.
Ad Interim Clergy Retirement
Amend ^ 452:

[Second sentence] Requests for retirement shall be
stated in writing to the bishop, Cabinet, and Board of
Ordained Ministry at least ftinety one hundred twenty
days prior to the conference session at date on which
retirement is to be effective.

2.d) The dates specified in ^452.1 and
1452.2^;, .2b), and .2c) notvwthstanding, be-
tween sessions of the Annual Conference any
member who attains the age and/or number of
years of service specified in those sections may,
upon the member's own request and with the ap-
proval of the bishop. Cabinet, and executive com-
mittee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, be
granted the retired relation ad interim, with appli-
cable annuity claim, subject to the approval of the
clergy members in full connection at the next An-
nual Conference session.

de) The Annual Conference...

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DCA Advance Edition

^452.

Petition Number: 21488-MN-452-D; GBPHB.
Retirement of Clergy Members
Amend ^ 452:

Retirement. — Retired ordained miniatcra clergy
members are those who have been placed in the retired
relation either at their own request or by action of the
clergy members in full connection ordained elders
upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained Minis-
try. (See ^ 1606-1609 and The Ministerial Pension
Plan for pension information.) ...

2. a) With Twenty Years of Service. — ^Any clergy
members of the Annual Conference...

b) With Thirty-five Years of Service or at Age Sixty-
two. — At their own request.. .skty-two on or before July
1 or yfiW have completed thirty-five years of service
under appointment as ordained miniatcra, or aa local
pastors with pension credit for service before 1082 or
with full participation in the Comprehensive Protection
Plan since 1081, in the year in which the session of the
Annual Conference is held or will have completed
thirty-five years of service under appointment as
an ordained minister, or a local pastor with pen-
sion credit for service before 1982 or with full
participation in the Comprehensive Protection
Plan since 1981, as of the conference session may
be placed in the retired relation...

d) ...as the effective date of retirement of an or-
dained minister a clergy member who is placed in the
retired relation...

3. Involuntary Retirement. — By a two-thirds vote of
those present and voting, the clergy members of the
Annual Conference in full connection may place.. .This
process shall not preclude the rights to appeal and trial
by any person so guaranteed by our Constitution. Any
clergy member who is placed in the retired rela-
tionship under this subparagraph shall be entitied
to the privilege of receiving their pensions for the
number of approved years served in the Annual
Conference or conferences and such other bene-
fits as the final Annual Conference may provide,
payment to begin the first of any month after the
ordained minister attains age sixty-two. If pension
begins prior to the age at which retirement under
% 452.2c could have occurred, then the provisions
of ^ 1606.4t shaU apply.

5.a) All retired ordained ministers clergy mem-
bers who are not appointed as pastors of a charge,...

7. Return to Effective Relationship. — ^A clergy mem-
ber...by majority vote of the clergy members in fiill
connection of the Annual Conference.. .Each ordained
minister clergy member requesting return...

^452.

Petition Number: 20116-MN452.1-D;WIS.

Raising the Mandatory Retirement Age for Clergy
from Seventy to Seventy-five
Amend ^ 452.1:

1. Mandatory Retirement. — Every clergy member of
an Annual Conference who will have attained age sev-
enty-five on or before July 1...

^452.

Petition Number: 20300-MN-452.1-D;WMI.
Mandatory Retirement of Clergy
Delete ^ 452.1.

^452.

Petition Number: 21224-MN-452.3-D; GBHEM.
Involuntary Retirement
Amend ^ 452.3:

3. Involuntary Retirement. — By a two-thirds
vote.. .by the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Cabi-
net. The procediu-es for fair process in adminis-
trative hearings requirements of fair process as set
forth in 11 2622 shall be followed.. .at least one hundred
eighty (180) days prior to Annual Conference. Written
notice also should be given to the chairperson of
the Administrative Review Committee.

The Administrative Review Committee
(^ 734) shall instu-e that the Disciplinary proce-
dures for involuntary retirement were properly fol-
lowed. The entire process leading to the recom-
mendation for involuntary retirement shall be
reviewed by the Administrative Review Committee
and it shall report its findings to the clergy session
of members in full connection with the Annual
Conference. This process shall not preclude the rights
to appeal and trial by any person so guaranteed by our
Constitution.

[Insert after sub-paragraph 7.] This paragraph
shall be effective at the conclusion of the 1996
General Conference except for matters that have
already proceeded to the Joint Review Committee.

1452.

Petition Number: 20301-MN-452.5-2;PNW.

Annual Reporting for Retired Clergy
Amend the third sentence of 11452.5:

If they reside outside the bounds of the con-
ference, tThey shall forward annually...

i

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1069

^452.

Petition Number: 20339-MN-452.5-D;WVA.

Charge Conference Membership Requirement
Amend ^ 452.5a:

5.a) All retired ordained ministers who are not
appointed as pastors of a charge, after consultation with
the pastor and the District Superintendent shall
have...

^452.

Petition Number: 20282-MN452.6-D;ORI.

Appointment of Retired Ordained Ministers
Amend ^ 452.6:

6. Appointment of Retired Ordained Minsters. — ^A
retired ordained minister shall be eligible to receive an
appointment when requested by the bishop and Cabinet
but not the same appointment from which he/she has
been retired.

1453.

Petition Number: 20302-MN-453.1-D;PNW.
Honorable Location
Add new text at the end of ^ 453c:

Those granted Honorable Location Retired
status shall be accountable for all ministerial serv-
ices performed to the Charge Conference in which
they hold membership. If such services have been
performed, they shall report to that Charge Con-
ference and exercise their ministry under the su-
pervision of the pastor in charge therein as out-
lined in ^4536 of The Book of Discipline. They shall
continue to be held amenable for their conduct,
through accountability to their Charge Confer-
ence, to the Annual Conference in which Charge
Conference membership is held.

1453.

Petition Number: 20401-MN-453.1-D;RKM.
Honorable Location
Amend the third sentence of "n 453.1&:

After consultation and with the consent of the
pastor in charge, and with the approval of the dis-
trict superintendent, the bishop, and the
StafE^Parish Relations Committee of a local
church, located ordained ministers...

1453.

Petition Number: 20487-MN-453.1-D;NTX.
Honorable Location
Amend ^453.16:

l.b) ...As clergy members of the Charge Confer-
ence, they shall be permitted to exercise ministerial
functions under the supervision of the pastor in charge.
A copy of a written agreement between the located
clergy person and the pastor in charge detailing
this supervision shall be filed with the Board of
Ordained Ministry. They shall have...

1453.

Petition Number: 21225-MN-453.1-D; GBHEM.
Honorable Location
Amende 453.1a:

I. a) An Annual Conference may grant associate
members or clergy members in full connection certifi-
cates of honorable location at their own request; ^w-
vided that it ahall first have examined their character at
the conference session when the request is made and
found them in good standing; provided that the Board
of Ordained Ministry shall have first examined
their character and found them in good standing;
and provided that the Clergy Session shall also
pass on their character after the request is made;
and provided further,...

1453.

Petition Number: 21226-MN-453.1-D; GBHEM.
Location Certified by Presiding Bishop
Amend ^453.1&:

l.b) Location shall be certified by the presiding
bishop. Ordained ministers Associated members or
clergy members in full connection located according
to the provisions... After consultation with the pastor,
located ordained ministers clergy members shall des-
ignate...As clergy members of the Charge Conference,
they shall be permitted to exercise ministerial functions
under supervision only with the written permission
of the pastor in charge. ...Otherwise the exercise of their
ministry' shall be continued under the supervision of the
pastor in charge of the Charge Conference in which
their membership is held. ...Failure to submit the report
for two consecutive years shall result in location being
discontinued termination of orders without further
process. If location is discontinued, the provisions of 11
:They shall report...

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DCA Advance Edition

SI453.

Petition Number: 20047-MN-453.2-D;WYO.

Withdrawal to Unite with another Denomination
Delete ^ 453.2 and replace with the following:

2. Withdrawal to Unite with Another Denomina-
tion.— ^When an ordained minister in good stand-
ing withdraws to unite with another denomination,
he or she shall surrender to the secretary of the
Annual Conference the certificate of membership
in the Annual Conference, but shall retain his or
her ordination credentials.

1453.

Petition Number: 21227-MN-453.2-D; GBHEM.
Withdrawal to Unite with Another Denomination
Amend ^453.2:

2. Withdrawal to Unite with Another Denomina-
tion.— ^When ordained miniatcra members in good
standing... their credentials should be surrendered to
shall be deposited with the conference secretary, and
if they shall desire it, and the conference authorizes it,
the credentials...

1453.

Petition Number: 21228-MN-453.3-D; GBHEM.
Surrender of the Ordained Ministerial Office
Amend ^ 453.3:

3. Surrender of Leaving the Ordained Ministerial
Office. — ^Associate members or clergy members in full
connection of an Annual Conference in good standing
who desire to surrender leave their ministerial office...
The ordained ministcr'a clergy member's credentials
shall be surrendered given to the district superinten-
dent...

1453.

Petition Number: 21229-MN-453.4-D; GBHEM.
Withdrawal under Complaints or Charges
Amend the second sentence of ^ 453.4:

The ordained minister's clergy member's creden-
tials shall be surrendered...

1453.

Petition Number: 21230-MN-453.5-D; GBHEM.
Withdrawal between Conferences
Amende 453.5:

5. ...between sessions of an Annual Conference, the
clergy member's credentials... This action shall be re-
ported by the Board of Ordained Ministry for confirma-
tion by to the Annual Conference at its next session. The
effective date of withdrawal shall be the date of the
letter of withdrawal.

1454.

Petition Number: 20146-MN-454-D;WIS.

Clarifying a Confusing Passage to Conform
with Judicial Council Decision 695
Amend the last sentence of ^ 454.3fl:

The requirements of due process as set forth in
Chapter ^T[II ^ 2622 shall be followed in any adminis-
trative location procedure.

1454.

Petition Number: 21231-MN454-D; GBHEM.
Grievance Procedures
Amend ^ 454:

Grievance Complaint Procedures. — 1. General
Provisions. Ordination...

[Second paragraph] This review shall have as its
purpose the reconciliation. ..If the remedial process is
unfruitful, discontinuance or termination may follow.

1454.

Petition Number: 21252-MN454-D; GBHEM.
Changes of Conference Relationship
Amend the tide of Chapter Three, Section VIII:

Section VIII. Changes of Conference Relationships
for Full, Probationary, and Associate Members Com-
plaints.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1071

I

1454.

PetiUon Number: 20139-MN-454.1-D;NNJ.

Grievance Procedures

Amend the first sentence of the second paragraph
0^11454.1:

This review shall have as its purpose the re-forma-
tion, reconciliation and restoration of the person to-
ward «ft4 the strengthening of the Church.

1454.

Petition Number: 20140-MN-454.1-D;WIS.

Supervision in the Grievance Procedures
Amend the last sentence of ^ 454.1a:

The supcrviaory response shall be directed toward
justice...

1454.

Petition Number: 20141-MN-454.1-D;NNJ.
Grievance Procedures
Amend the third sentence of ^ 454.1a:

The person filing the grievance and the clergyper-
son shall be informed by the district superintendent or
bishop of the process for filing the grievance and its
purpose and, in the case of alleged clergy sexual
misconduct, of the availability of an advocate for
the person filing the grievance.

1454.

Petition Number: 20142-MN-454.1-D;MNN.

Congregation Notification and Extension of Clergy
Suspension

Amend ^ 454.1fc:

l.W... Complaints shall be filed with the chair of the
Board of Ordained Ministry, who shall forward the com-
plaint to the Joint Review Committee and the ordained
minister against whom the complaint is lodged within
ten days of receipt If the complaint alleges a charge-
able ofifense, the district superintendent shall pro-
vide for the notification of the congregation which
the minister currently serves and the congregation
where the offense allegedly occurred. This notice
shall be given orally and in writing within 14 days
after the superintendent forwards the complaint to
the chairperson of the Board of Ordained Minis-
try. The notice shall state which of the offenses
listed in ^2623 has been alleged, but shall not

divulge further details regarding the complaint. The
notice may also state whether the minister confirms
or denies the substance of the complaint In unusual
circumstances...

1454.

Petition Number: 20143-MN-454.1-D;MNN.
Joint Review Committee
Amende 454.1c:

c) Joint Review Committee. — In each Annual Confer-
ence there shall be.. .and three five non-cabinet, non-
board members in full connection, one nominated by the
bishop and Cabinet,-an4 two by the board, and two
nominated from the floor at the executive session
of the clergy. Owe Two lay observer members shall be
appointed by the bishop annually elected by the lay
members of the annual conference.... The alternates
who are non-Cabinet, non-board members shall be
nominated, one by the bishop and Cabinet and the other
fey the board and one from the floor. All clergy mem-
bers...

[3rd paragraph] ...the person against whom the
grievance is lodged shall have the right to be heard. N©
verbatim record of the proceedings shall be made. The
person against whom. ..No legal counsel shall be pre-
sent. However, sShould the ordained minister under
complaint and/or the person bringing the original griev-
ance desire it, a person chosen by them may accompany
them at the meetings of the committee, and shall have
the right of advocacy. The requirements of fair proc-
ess as set forth in ^ 2622 shall be followed. If
resolution...

1454.

Petition Number: 20144-MN-454.1-D;MNN.
Notification of Congregation
Amend ^454.1d:

l.d) ...The board's recommendation will be shared
with the minister, the bishop, the Cabinet, the congre-
gation(s) affected, and the complainant. In the event
that the Board recommends something other than
dismissal of the complaint, the cabinet shall pro-
vide a process whereby congregational healing can
be facilitated. This may include a mediation proc-
ess for uiu-esolved conflicts, support for victims,
and reconciliation for parties involved. In the
event of dismissal, the Annual Conference shall
provide a process for healing within the congrega-
tion if there has been significant disruption to
congregational life by the dismissed charges.

1072*

DCA Advance Edition

^454.

Petition Number: 20145-MN454.1-D;MNN.

Declaration of Lost Credentials

Insert a new paragraph after the first paragraph of
^454.1/

In the event the ordained person is unable to
locate his/her credentials for surrender, he/she
shall sign a declaration that said credentials are
lost and acknowledges that he/she is no longer
authorized to exercise ordained ministerial func-
tions. This declaration shall be given to the district
superintendent for deposit with the secretary of
the conference.

^454.

Petition Number: 20258-MN-454.1-D;NEB.

Regarding Joint Review Committee Evidence
Amend the third paragraph of ^ 454.1c:

l.c) ...including a list of persons with pertinent in-
formation. The Joint Review Committee shall pur-
sue the investigation of the submitted evidence
and lists of persons both aggressively and exhaus-
tively. The committee may hear from any additional
persons it deems helpful to its process and task. Pcraons
other than the partica involved shall be heard at the sole
discretion of the committee.

^454.

Petition Number: 20402-MN-454.1-D;RKM.
Grievance Procedures
Amend the second paragraph of ^ 454.1:

...and the strengthening of the Church. At the de-
termination of the bishop, persons with qualifica-
tions and experience in assessment, intervention,
and healing may be appointed to assist in recon-
ciliation, restoration, and the strengthening of the
Church. If the remedial process...

^454.

Petition Number: 20403-MN-454.1-D;RKM.
Grievance Procedures
Amend ^454.1&:

l.b) Complaints. — If, in the opinion of the
bishop and cabinet, supervisory activity does not
achieve the desired results,. ..except in the case of sexual
or child abuse. Sexual abuse occurs whenever any-
one with less maturity or power is tricked,
trapped, coerced, or bribed into a sexual experi-
ence. This sbc-year limitation. ..but not from an appoint-

ment for a period not to exceed sbcty (60) days. Auto-
matic suspension — at any point dining the griev-
ance procedure the possibility of suspension is
available; however in the case of sexual abuse of a
minor, suspension will be automatic. During the
suspension,...

^454.

Petition Number: 20404-MN454.1-D;RKM.
Grievance Procedures
Insert a new sub-point in ^ 454.16 as follows:

1. b) ...In unusual circumstances, to protect the
well-being of the church and/or clergy, the executive
committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry may rec-
ommend that the bishop suspend the person from all
clergy responsibilities but not from an appointment for
a period not to exceed sixty (60) days.

c) Automatic suspension. — ^At any point during
the grievance procedure the possibility of suspen-
sion is available; however, in the case of sexued
abuse of a minor, suspension as provided in sec-
tion b) of this paragraph shall be automatic. During
the suspension...

^454.

Petition Number: 20405-MN-454.1-D;RKM.
Grievance Procedures: Supervision
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 454.1a:

Information concerning the grievance may be
shared with those persons, agencies, or commit-
tees that are determined by the bishop or a district
superintendent to have a need to know such infor-
mation.

^454.

Petition Number: 21232-MN-454.1-D; GBHEM.
Supervision of Clergy
Amend Par. 454.1a:

l.a) Supervision. — In the course.. .receive or initiate
grievances complaints about the performance or char-
acter of a clergyperson. A grievance complaint is a
written. ..The person filing the grievance complaint
and the clergyperson... for filing the grievance com-
plaint and its purpose. The supervisory response shall
be directed toward justice for and reconciliation be-
tween all parties and the clcrg^'pcrson and may include
consultation with the Committee on Pastor Parish Rcla
tions for pastors, the district Committee on Supcrintcn-
dcncy for district superintendents, or appropriate per-
sonnel committee! or mediation in which the parties are

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1073

aaaiatcd in reaching a settlement or agreement aatiafac-
tory to all parties by a trained neutral third party media
tor or mediation team.

^454.

Petition Number: 21233-MN-454.1-D; GBHEM.
Complaints and Suspension
Delete ^ 454.16 and substitute new text:

Suspension. — In unusual circumstances, to
protect the well-being of the church and/or clergy,
the bishop, upon recommendation of the execu-
tive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry,
may suspend the person from all clergy responsi-
bilities but not from an appointment for a period
not to exceed sixty (60) days. During the suspen-
sion, salary, housing, and benefits provided by a
pastoral charge will continue at a level no less than
on the date of suspension. The person so sus-
pended shall retain all rights and privileges as
stated in % 423. The cost of supply for the pastoral
charge during the suspension will be borne by the
annual conference.

^454.

Petition Number: 21234-MN-454.1-D; GBHEM.
Supervisory Response
Delete ^ 454.1c and substitute new text:

Supervisory Response. — ^The supervisory re-
sponse shall be directpd toward a just resolution
and/or reconciliation among all parties. This su-
pervisory response should be carried out by the
bishop and district superintendent in a confiden-
tial and timely manner with attention to communi-
cation to all parties regarding the process. The
bishop may choose a panel of advisors of no more
than five (5) members in full connection to assist
the bishop in the supervisory response. The
bishop also may consult with the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relations for pastors, the district
Committee on Superintendency for district super-
intendents, or appropriate personnel committee
or other persons who may be helpful. The super-
visory response also may include mediation in
which the parties are assisted in reaching a settle-
ment or agreement satisfactory to all parties by a
trained neutral third party mediator or mediation
team.

^454.

Petition Number: 21235-MN-454.1-D; GBHEM.
Disposition of Complaints
Delete ^ 454. Id and substitute new text:

Procedure in Supervisory Response. — ^The supervi-
sory response is pastoral and administrative. It is
not a judicial proceeding. Its only object is resolu-
tion or reconciliation, when possible. No verbatim
record shall be made and legal counsel shall not
be present, although the person against whom the
complaint was made may choose another clergy
person to accompany him/her with the right to
voice. The person making the complaint shall have
the right to choose a person to accompany
him/her, with the right to voice.

^454.

Petition Number: 21236-MN-454.1-D; GBHEM.
Referral of Complaints
Delete ^ 454. le and substitute new text:

Referral of Complaint. — If a supervisory re-
sponse does not achieve resolution and/or recon-
ciliation, the bishop may refer the complaint
based on the following criteria:

1. If the bishop determines that the complaint
is based on allegations of one or more offenses
listed in \ 2623.1, the bishop may refer the com-
plaint to the counsel for the church who shall be
appointed by the bishop. The counsel for the
chiu'ch shall be an elder in full connection and
shall have the right to choose one assistant coun-
sel without voice who may be an attorney. The
counsel for the church shall sign the complaint as
a judicial complaint, forward it to the Committee
on Investigation and represent the church in any
proceedings of the Committee on Investigation.
No complaint shall be considered for any miscon-
duct which shall not have been committed within
six years immediately preceding the filing of the
complaint (^ 454.1a) except in the case of sexual
or child abuse. In the case of sexual or child abuse
there shall be no limitation.*

2. If the bishop determines that the complaint
is based on allegations of incompetence, ineffec-
tiveness or unwillingness or inability to perform
ministerial duties, he/she may refer tiie complaint
as an administrative complaint to the Board of
Ordained Ministry for its consideration of reme-
dial or other action [cross-reference].

*See Judicial Court Decisions 691, 701, 723.

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DCA Advance Edition

^454.

Petition Number: 21237-MN-454.2-D; GBHEM.
Fair Process in Administrative Hearings
Insert a new sub-paragraph after ^ 454.1:

Fair Process in Administrative Hearings. — The fol-
lowing procedures are presented for the protec-
tion of the rights of individuals and for the protec-
tion of the church in administrative hearings (^
418, 448.1(6), 452,3, and 454.3). The process
set forth in this paragraph commences upon refer-
ral of a matter as an administrative complaint.
Special attention should be given to ensuring ra-
cial, ethnic and gender diversity in boards and
committees and timely disposition of all matters.

a) In any involuntary administrative proceed-
ing the respondent (the person against whom the
administrative complaint has been filed) shall
have a right to be heard before any final action is
taken.

b) Notice of any hearing shall advise the re-
spondent of the reason for the proposed proce-
dures with sufficient detail to allow the respondent
to prepare a response. Notice shall be given not
less than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing.

c) The respondent shall have a right to be
accompanied by another clergy person to any
hearing, in accordance with the appropriate Disci-
plinary provisions (^ 448.1, 453.3). The per-
son accompanying the respondent shall have the
right of advocacy.

d) In any involuntary administrative hearing,
under no circumstances shall one party or coun-
sel, in the absence of the other party or counsel,
discuss substantive issues with members of the
hearing body, while the matter is pending. Ques-
tions of procedure may be raised with the presid-
ing officer of the hearing body.

e) The respondent shall have access to all re-
cords provided to or in the files of the Bo£U"d of
Ordained Ministry or Administrative Review Com-
mittee.

f) In the event that a clergy person fails to
appear for supervisory interviews, or refuses mail,
or refuses to communicate personally with the
bishop or district superintendent, or otherwise
fails to respond to supervisory requests or re-
quests fi-om official administrative or judicial com-
mittees, such actions or inactions shall not be
used as an excuse to avoid or delay any Church
processes, and such processes may continue with-
out the participation of such individual.

1454.

Petition Number: 21238-MN-454.3-D; GBHEM.

Administrative Complaints

Renumber % 454. Irf and e as ^ 454.3 and amend as
follows :

3. Disposition of Administrative Complaints.
— ^When a complaint has been received from the Joint
Review Committee, the Board of Ordained Ministry
shall develop a response in a timely manner based on
the report of the Joint Review Committee and the needs
of the church and the ordained minister. The Board of
Ordained Ministry.. .In rare instances, following the
Joint Review process, the board may refer the complaint
back to the bishop for possible referral as a judi-
cial complaint as charges to the Committee on Inves-
tigation for possible trial. The board's response recom-
mendation will be shared with the clergy person
minister, the bishop, the Cabinet, and the complainant.

a) t)- Remedial Action. — In cooperation with the
Cabinet and in consultation with the clergy person
ordained minister, the Board of Ordained Ministry...

(3) Early retirement CJ 452.2) or involuntary re-
tirement (1 452.3)

(10) Private reprimand: A letter signed by the chair-
person of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the clergy
person's ordained minister's district superintendent,...

^454.

Petition Number: 21239-MN '54.3-D; GBHEM.

Recommendation to Administrative Location

Renumber ^ 454.3a as ^454.36 and amend as fol-
lows:

3. b) Recommendation to Administrative Loca-
tion.— ^ (1) Upon recommendation of the Board of
Ordained Ministry,... The requirements of fair 4ae proc-
ess in administrative hearings as set forth in Par.
454.2 in Chapter \^II shall be followed in any adminis-
trative location procedure.

(2) W-The Board of Ordained Ministry shall notify
the clergy member, chairperson of the Administra-
tive Review Committee, bishop, and district superin-
tendent...

[Delete second paragraph]

[Last sentence, third paragraph] The recommenda-
tion of the Board of Ordained Ministry shall be acted
upon by the executive clergy session of the clergy
members in full connection with the Annual Conference.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1075

^454.

Petition Number: 2124(>-MN-454.3-D; GBHEM.

The Administrative Review Committee

Insert new ^454.3i(3) and renumber existing .3c as
36(4):

3.W(3).The Administrative Review Committee
(new paragraph after "H 733) shall insure that the
Disciplinary procedures for administrative loca-
tion were properly followed. The entire process
leading up to the recommendation to administra-
tive location shall be reviewed by the Administra-
tive Review Committee and it shall report its find-
ings to the clergy session of members in full
connection with the Annual Conference.

b)(4) e^The provisions ofJI 453.16 above...

^454.

Petition Number: 21241-MN-454.3-D; GBHEM.

Recommendation to Terminate Membership

Renumber ^ 454.1/ as ^ 454.3c and amend as fol-
lows:

3.c^ Recommendation to Discontinue Proba-
tionary Terminate Membership. — ^The Board of Or-
dained Ministry shall recommend the discontinuance of
a probationary member in keeping with the provisions
of ^418.

d) Recommendation to Terminate Membership of an
Associate Member or Member in Full Connection. — ^The
board's recommendation to terminate the membership
of an associate member or member in full connection
must be preceded by the Joint Review process and must
be based.. .The board shall notify the clergy member
ordained minister, the bishop, and district superinten-
dent of the recommendation and shall forward the rec-
ommendation to the executive clergy session of the
clergy members in full connection ©f with the Annual
Conference. The notice to the clergy member ordained
minister shall also inform the clergy member minister
of his/her right to elect trial (^454.2) or withdraw under
complaints (^ 453.4) . The recommendation of the Board
of Ordained Ministry shall be acted upon by the exeeu-
tive clergy session of the clergy members in full connec-
tion with the Annual Conference unless the clergy
member ordained minister shall choose withdrawal or
trial. Such choice by the clergy member ordained min-
istef must be made. . .for deposit with the secretary of the
conference, and the clergy member's minister's mem-
bership shall be transferred...

If upon notice of a recommendation from the Board
of Ordained Ministry recommends termination ofte
terminate membership? and a full member or associate

member chooses trial, the Board of Ordained Ministry
shall deliver submit the formal complaint to the
bishop, for referral as a judicial complaint to the
Committee on Investigation (^ 454.1 e)\) as
charges and other appropriate material to the Commit-
tee on Investigation.

1454.

Petition Number: 21242-MN-454.4-D; GBHEM.
Grievance Procedures
Renumber ^ 454.2 as % 454.4 and amend as follows:

3t 4. By Trial. — If a bishop or clergy person mem-
ber of an Annual Conference chooses trial, the proce-
dures are provided for in ^ 2626.

This paragraph shall become effective upon
the conclusion of the 1996 General Conference,
except for all matters that have already proceeded
to the Joint Review Committee.

1455.

Petition Number: 21243-MN-455-D; GBHEM.
Readmission to Probationary Membership
Amend ^ 455:

Readmission to Probationary Membership. — Or-
dained ministers members who have been discontin-
ued...

1456.

Petition Number: 21244-MN-456-D; GBHEM.

Readmission after Honorable or Administrative

Location

Amend ^ 456:

Readmission after Honorable or Administrative Lo-
cation.— Ordained ministers Associate members or
clergy members in full connection requesting read-
mission...

1457.

Petition Number: 21245-MN-457-D; GBHEM.
Readmission after Surrender of the Ministerial Office
Amend 457:

Readmission after Surrender of Leaving the Ministe-
rial Office. Ordained ministers Associate members

or clergy members in full connection who have
surrendered left the ministerial office...

1076

DCA Advance Edition

^458.

Petition Number: 21246-MN458-D; GBHEM, GBPHB.

Readmission after Termination by Action
of the Annual Conference
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 458:

Any pension being received through the Gen-
eral Board of Pension and Health Benefits shall
be discontinued upon their return to effective re-
lationship. The pension shall be reinstated upon
subsequent retirement,

^459.

Petition Number: 21253-MN459.3-D; GBHEM.

Readmission after Termination by Action of the

Annual Conference
Amend ^ 459.3:

3. ...and a two-thirds vote of the clergy members in
fiiU connection of the Annual Conference...

^501.

Petition Number: 20117-MN-501-D;SGA, NTX.

The Task of Superintendency

Delete the second sentence of ^ 501 and add the
following preface:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^101). From apostolic times,
certain ordained persons have been entrusted
with the particular tasks of superintending. The
purpose of superintending is to equip the chiu-ch
in its disciple-making ministry.

1508.

Petition Number: 21254-MN-508-D; GBHEM.
Vacancy in the Office of Bishop
Amend ^ 508:

Vacancy in the Office of Bishop. — ^A vacancy in the
office of bishop may occur due to death, retirement
{% 509.1, .2, .3), resignation (11 509.4), judicial proce-
dure (H 2626.2), leave of absence {% 511.1) or dis-
ability (H 511.4) en 511.3). In case assignment of a
bishop.. .as provided in % 620.2.

This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference.

1509.

Petition Number: 20853-MN-509-D;RBM.
Termination of Office
Amend % 509:

Termination of Office. — ^An elder.. .the status of a
retired bishop. An elder whose term of office expires
prior to the time of compulsory retirement age
shall retain the title of bishop but other rights and
privileges shall be suspended until the time of
his/her retirement when ^[510 will apply; his/her
time of office shall expire at the close of the Jxuis-
dictional Conference at which his/her successor
is elected, and he/she shall therefore be entitled
to participate as a bishop in the consecration of
his/her successor.

4. Resignation. — (a) A bishop may voluntarily
resign from the Episcopacy for assignment as an
active clergy member under appointment in an
Annual Coniference after 8 years of Episcopal serv-
ice or at any quadrennial interval following. Six
months' notice shall be given to the Jurisdictional
or Central Conference Committee on the Episco-
pacy so a successor may be elected. The bishop
would re-enter the appointive process in the An-
nual Conference fi"om which he/she was elected.

(b) A bishop may voluntarily resign. ..until a succes-
sor is elected and assigned.

(c) In both cases, tThe consecration papers...

1509.

Petition Number: 21255-MN-509.1-D; GBHEM.
Mandatory Retirement
Amend 509. la:

a) A bishop shall be retired on August 31 next
following the regular session of the Jurisdictional Con-
ference if the bishop's sbrty-sixth seventh birthday has
been reached on or before Jtriy September 1 of the year
in which...

1510.

Petition Number: 20683-MN-510-D;WNC.
Status of Retired Bishops
Amend 11510:

Status of Retired Bishops. — ^A retired bishop is a
bishop of the Church in every respect except for mem-
bership in the Council of Bishops and continues to
function as a member of the Council of Bishops in
accordance with the Constitution and other provisions
oi^c Discipline. Upon retirement, the membership

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1077

of a bishop shall revert to the Annual Conference of
which the bishop was a member at the time of his
or her election, or its successor.

1. Retired bishops may participate in the Council of
Bishops and its committees but without vote. They may
preside over sessions of an Annual Conference,. ..How-
ever, when a retired bishop is appointed by the Council
of Bishops to a vacant episcopal area or parts of an area
under the provisions of ^510.3 or ^511.2, that bishop
may function as a bishop in the effective relationship,
including membership in the Council of Bishops.

fSlO.

Petition Number: 21256-MN-510-D; GBHEM.
Status of Retired Bishop
Amend ^ 510:

1. [Last sentence] However, when a retired bishop
is appointed by the Council of Bishops to a vacant epis-
copal area or parts of an area under the provisions of
^510.3, "H 511.1 or ^ 511.3 BihS, that bishop may
function as a bishop in the effective relationship.

[Following last paragraph] This paragraph shall
become effective at the conclusion of the 1996
General Conference.

^510.

Petition Number: 21730-MN-510.1-D; Council of
Bishops.

Status or Retired Bishops

Amend ^ 510.1:

1. ...Bishops to which the conference is related. A
retired bishop elected by the Council of Bishops
may serve as the ecumenical officer of the Council
(term to begin September 1, 1996). In emergency
situations,...

4. [Delete.]

^511.

Petition Number: 21257-MN-511-D; GBHEM.
Leaves
Amend ^ 511:

1. Leave of Absence. — ^A bishop may be granted
a leave of absence for a justifiable reason for not
more than six months with the approval of the
College of Bishops, the Jurisdictional/ Central
Conference Committee on Episcopacy, and the
executive committee of the Council of Bishops.
During the period for which the leave is granted,
the bishop shall be released from all episcopal

responsibilities; and another bishop chosen by the
executive committee of the Council of Bishops shall
preside in the episcopal area. Salary and other
benefits shall be continued through the Episcopal
Fund.

i2. Renewal Leave.-
relationship...

-Every bishop in the active

33. Sabbatical Leave. — ^A bishop who has served for
a least two quadrenniums may be granted a sabbatical
leave of not more than one year for a program of study
or renewal with the approval of the College of
Bishops, the Jurisdictional/Central Conference
Committee on Episcopacy, and the executive com-
mittee of the Council of Bishops. Dtuing the pe-
riod for which the sabbatical leave is granted, the
bishops shall justifiable reason other than health if the
request is made and if the involved College of Bishops,
the Committee on Episcopacy of that jurisdiction or
Central Conference, and the Council of Bishops or its
executive committee approve. In this event the bishop
shall, for the period for which the leave is granted, be
released from the presidential responsibilities within the
episcopal area; and another bishop or bishops, active or
retired and not necessarily from the same jurisdiction or
Central Conference, shall be designated by the Council
of Bishops, on recommendation of the College of Bish-
ops of the jurisdiction or Central Conference involved,
to assume the presidential duties during the interim.
The bishop shall receive...

34. [Last sentence] They shall receive support as
provided by the Episcopal Fund. Salary and other
benefits shall be continued through the Episcopal
Fund.

This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference.

^513.

Petition Number: 21258-MN-513-D; GBHEM.
Complaints Against Bishops
Amend "JJ 513:

Complaints Against Bishops Involuntary Termina-
tion of Office. — 1. Episcopal leadership in The United
Methodist church shares with all other ordained per-
sons m the sacred trust of their ordination... as taught by
Jesus the Christ and proclaimed by his apostles (^
422). Whenever a bishop violates this trust.. .shall be
subject to review by his or her College of Bishops. This
review shall have as its purpose the reconciliation and
restoration of the bishop and the strengthening of the
Church. If a remedial process is unfruitful, it shall be the
responsibility of the Jurisdictional/Central Conference
Committee on Episcopacy to make appropriate re
sponsc.

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DCA Advance Edition

2. Any complaint grievance concerning the effec-
tiveness,...If the complaint grievance concerns the
president, it may be submitted to the secretary any
other office of the College of Bishops. A complaint
grievance is a written statement...If the grievance is not
resolved, it should then be referred to the Jurisdictional
Review Committee

3. After receiving a complaint grievance as pro-
vided in ^ 513.1 Bi^S, the president of the College of
Bishops, or secretary or other bishop if the grievance
concerns the president, in consultation with a lay
and clergy member of the Jurisdictional/Central
Conference Committee on Episcopacy appointed
by the chair of the Jurisdictional/ Central Confer-
ence Committee on Episcopacy, shall make a super-
visory response. This response shall be directed toward
a just resolution and/or reconciliation among be-
tv^Tcn all parties and the bishop against whom the griev'
ancc was filed, and may include consultation.. .neutral
third party mediator or mediation team. In unusual
circiunstances, to protect the well-being of the
church and/or bishop, the College of Bishops, in
consultation with the Jiuisdictional/Central Con-
ference Committee on Episcopacy, may suspend
the bishop from all episcopal responsibilities for a
period not to exceed sixty (60) days. During the
suspension, salary, housing and benefits will con-
tinue. The supervisory response is pastoral and
administrative. It is not a judicial proceeding. Its
only object is resolution or reconciliation, when
possible. No verbatim record shall be made and
legal coixnsel shall not be present, although the
bishop against whom the complaint was made may
choose another bishop or clergy person to accom-
pany him/her, with the right to voice. The person
making the complaint shall have the right to
choose a person to accompany him/her, with the
right to voice. If the supervisory response activity
does not result in resolution of the matter achieve
the desired results, the president or secretary of the
College of Bishops may refer the matter as follows: a
complaint to the Review Committee of the Jurisdictional
Committee on Episcopacy.

a) If a complaint is based on allegations of
one or more offenses listed in ^ 2623, the presi-
dent or secretary of the College of Bishops may
refer the complaint to a bishop from anotiier Ju-
risdictional/Central Conference, or to an elder in
fiill connection within the same Jurisdic-
tional/Central Conference, who shall serve as
counsel for the church. Counsel for the church
shall represent the interests of the church in
pressing the claims of the person making the com-
plaint Counsel for the church shall have the right

to choose one assistant counsel without voice who
may be an attorney. The counsel for the church
shall sign the complaint as a judicial complaint,
forward it to the Jurisdictional Central Conference
Committee on Investigation (% 2625.) and repre-
sent the church in any proceedings of the Commit-
tee on Investigation. The fair process provisions in
^ 2622 shall apply to this judicial process. No com-
plaint shall be considered for any misconduct
which shall not have been committed within six
years immediately preceding the filing of the com-
plaint, except in cases of sexual or child abuse. In
the case of sexual or child abuse, there shall be no
limitation;

b) If the complaint is based on allegations of
incompetence, ineffectiveness or unwillingness or
inability to perform episcopal duties, the presi-
dent or secretary of the College of Bishops may
refer the complaint to the Jurisdictional/Centreil
Conference Committee on Episcopacy. The Com-
mittee may recommend involuntary retirement
{% 509.3), disability leave (% 511.3), remedial
measures (^ 454), or it may dismiss the com-
plaint. In rare instances when the Jurisdic-
tional/Central Conference Committee on Episco-
pacy deems the matter serious enough and when
one or more offenses listed in ^ 2623 are in-
volved, the Committee may refer the complaint
back to the president or secretary of the College of
Bishops for referral as a judicial complaint to the
Jurisdictional Central Conference Conunittee on
Investigation. The provisions of ^ 454.2 for fair
process in administrative hearings shall apply to
this administrative process.

4. [Delete.]

5. [Delete.]

6. [Delete.]

7-4. Any actions of the jJurisdictional/eCentral
eConference eCommittee taken on a complaint...

This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference.

^514.

Petition Number: 20684-MN-514-D;WNC.
Election of General Secretaries
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 514.8:

To elect the general secretaries of the general
agencies, boards, and commissions.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1079

1514.

Petition Number: 20685-MN-514.3-D;WNC.
Limit Travel of Bishops
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 514.3:

Such travel outside the Annual Conference(s)
to which the bishop is assigned shall not exceed
20% of the total work of any resident bishop.

1516.

Petition Number: 20686-MN-516.3-D;WNC.
Announcement of Appointments
Amend ^ 516.3:

3. To fe«4 announce the appointments of deacon-
esses,...

1516.

Petition Number: 21340-MN-516.3-D; GBGM.

Working with Ordained and Diaconal Ministers and
Commissioned Personnel

Amend f 516.3:

3. To read the appointments of deaconesses, dia-
conal ministers, home missionaries, and lay persons
in service under the World Division of the General
Board of Global Ministries, and home missionaries.

1519.

Petition Number: 20426-MN-519-D;NMX.

Special responsibilities of District Superintendent
Amend ^519:

The district superintendent shall oversee the total
ministry of the pastors and of the churches in the com-
munities of the district in ite their missions of witness
and service in the world: (a) by giving priority to the
scheduling of time and effort for pastoral support,
and supervision, and encouragement to the clergy
and to the churches of the district;

1519.

Petition Number: 20688-MN-519-D;WNC.
Council on Ministries and District Superintendents
Delete^ 519 ri;.

1519.

Petition Number: 20831-MN-519-D; Conference
Cabinet, SGA.

The normal term of a District Superintendent

Amend the first sentence of "n 518:

...maybe extended to no more than up to eightyears
for missional reasons at the discretion of the bishop
in consultation with the cabinet

1516.

Petition Number: 21281-MN-516.7-D; GBHEM.

Working with Ordained and Diaconal Ministers and
Commissioned Persons
Add a new sub-paragraph after % 516.6:

To keep and maintain appropriate supervisory
records on all district superintendents and other
records on ministerial personnel as determined
by the bishop or required by the Discipline or ac-
tion of the annual conference. When a district
superintendent is no longer appointed to the cabi-
net, the bishop shall give that person's supervi-
sory file to the superintendent of record. Supervi-
sory records shall be kept under guidelines
approved by the General Council of Finance and
Administration. The supervisory records of the
bishop are not the personnel records of the annual
conference.

1519.

Petition Number: 21107-MN-519-D; GCCUIC.
Specific Responsibilities of District Superintendents
Delete % 5V^(g) and replace with new text:

(g) to provide representation and leadership in
the district in the quest for Christian unity in min-
istry and mission, encouraging local congrega-
tions in the development of an understanding and
relationship with other living faith communities
and in working with ecumenical agencies and coa-
litions in the sharing of resources, and, where
appropriate, serving as an ecumenical liaison with
other living faith communities;

1519.

Petition Number: 21282-MN-519-D; GBHEM.
Specific Responsibilities of District Superintendents
Amend Par. 519:

(a) by giving spiritual leadership, pastoral sup-
port and supervision to the clergy of the district;

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DCA Advance Edition

^520.

Petition Number: 20393-MN-520.5-D;NYK.
Supervision of clergy
Amend % 520.5:

5. To receive annually from each clergy person a
report of his/her program of continuing education and
spiritual growth, to give counsel...

1[521.

Petition Number: 20689-MN-521-D;WNC.

Limit Travel of District Superintendent
Add a new sub-paragraph after •2521.5:

Travel outside the district shall not exceed
20% of the total work of the district superinten-
dent

related to charges within the district. Supervisory
records shall be kept under guidelines approved by
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion. At the time of appointment change, supervi-
sory records shall be given to the superintendent of
record. When an elder is appointed as a district
superintendent, the bishop shall be the superinten-
dent of record.

^523.

Petition Number: 21603-MN-523.5-D; GCFA
Administration
Delete ^ 523.5 and replace with new text:

5. To ensure that an investigation be made and
a plan of action be developed for the future mis-
sional needs of the community prior to consenting
to the proposed action to sell or transfer any
United Methodist local church property.

^522.

Petition Number: 21283-MN-522-D; GBHEM.
Spiritual and Pastoral Leadership
Renumber ^ 522 as ^ 520 and amend:

Spiritual and Pastoral Leadership. — ^The district
superintendent is responsible for giving spiritual
leadership to clergy and laity in the churches of
the district The district superintendent should
model and encourage spiritual formation through
the practices of personal prayer, Bible study, com-
munal worship, service, and frequent participa-
tion in the Sacremients of Baptism and Holy Com-
munion. 1. To give pastoral support...

^523.

Petition Number: 21462-MN-523-D; GBOD.
Specific Responsibilities of District Superintendents
Amend ^ 523:

7. To receive a plan for the cultivation of giving
from each congregation and Tto promote current and
deferred...

^523.

Petition Number: 21284-MN-523.4-D; GBHEM.

Administration

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 523.3 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

To keep and mmntain appropriate supervisory
records on all ministerial personnel appointed or

^524.

Petition Number: 21645-MN-524-D; GCOM.

Responsibilities of the District Superintendent
Amend ^ 524.2:

2. To serve aa a member of the Annual Conference
Council on Ministries and to work cooperatively with the
conference council...

^524.

Petition Number: 20690-MN-524.1-D;WNC.
Council on Ministries and District Superintendents
Amend ^ 524:

1. To oversee the programs of the Church wathin the
bounds of the district in cooperation vnth pastors and
congregations, worldng with and through the district
Council on Ministries where it exists.

2. [Delete.]

^524.

Petition Number: 21108-MN-524.2-D; GCCUIC.

Program Responsibilities of the District
Superintendent
Insert a new sub-paragraph after ^ 524.2:

To give leadership within the district in the
quest for Christian unity and interreligious rela-
tionships as an extension of the episcopal ofBce.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1081

^527.

Petition Number: 20691-MN-527-D;WNC.

Responsibilities of Council of Bishops
Amend^ 527.3, renumbering it as .4 and .4 as .3:

34. In order to exercise meaningful leader-
ship,...and cooperation with other councils and service
agencies of the Church?; in particular, the council
shall facilitate the Church's program life as deter-
mined by the General Conference and encourage,
coordinate, and support the general agencies as
they serve on beheilf of the denomination. In this
role, it shall:

a) Study missional needs and propose priori-
ties of the general chixrch, and, when necessary,
adjust emphases between sessions of the General
Conference.

b) Establish the processes and relationships
pertaining to the coordination and funding of the
ministries and program emphases of the denomi-
nation through its general agencies and minimize
unnecesseiry overlapping or conflicting ap-
proaches to the local chiu-ch and the Annual Con-
ferences.

c) Enhance the effectiveness of our total min-
istries by reviewing and evaluating the perform-
ance of the general program agencies and their
responsiveness to the needs of the local churches
and Annual Conferences.

1527.

Petition Number: 20692-MN-527-D;WNC.

Responsibilities of Council of Bishops
Add a new ^ after ^527:

Specific Responsibilities. — ^The responsibilities of
the Council of Bishops shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:

1. Upon a two-thirds vote of the members of
the council present and voting, to make changes
in missional priorities or special programs neces-
sitated by emergencies or by other significant de-
velopments between General Conferences which
substantially affect the life of the Church, and to
make adjustments in budget allocations accord-
ingly; provided that such adjustments are made
within the total budget set by the previous General
Conference; and provided, further, that such ad-
justments are made after consultation with the
affected boards and agencies and approval by a
two-thirds vote of the General Council on Finance
and Administration.

2. To take the following actions, in sequence,
with respect to recommendations to the General
Council on Finance and Administration for the
allocation of general church program funds to gen-
eral program agencies, commissions, and funds:

a) The Council of Bishops shall, in consult-
ation with the General Council on Finance and
Administration and the general program agencies,
commissions, and funds, develop recommenda-
tions to the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration on needs of the general program
agencies for the programs, missional priorities,
and special programs.

b) The Council of Bishops shall receive the
recommendation the General Council on Finance
and Administration proposes to make to the Gen-
eral Conference as to the total general program
agency, commission, and fund budgets.

c) The Council of Bishops, after reviewing both
the program priorities and the total funds avail-
able to the general program agencies, commis-
sions, and funds, shall recommend to the General
Council on Finance and Administration the
amount of the budgets of each of those agencies,
commissions, and funds, within the total sum pro-
posed by the General Council on Finance and
Administration for distribution among such agen-
cies, commissions, and funds.

d) Only when the Council of Bishops and the
General Council on Finance and Administration
agree on the allocations to the several general
agencies, commissions, and fimds shall these
budgets be recommended to the General Confer-
ence by the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration.

e) Before the beginning of each year the Gen-
eral Council on Finance and Administration shall
determine and communicate to the Council of
Bishops the sum available at that time from gen-
eral church program agency contingency funds to
meet requests for additional funding from the gen-
eral program agencies, commissions, and funds.
The Council of Bishops shall be authorized to ap-
prove allocations to the general program agencies,
commissions, and funds for such additional pro-
gram funding up to the limit so established. No
money shall be allocated by the Council of Bish-
ops fi-om this soiu"ce for general administrative
costs, fixed charges, or capital outlay without ap-
proval by the General Council on Finance and
Administration.

f) The Council of Bishops shall receive fi-om
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion copies of the proposed annual budgets of the
general program agencies, commissions, and
funds, in order that it may review such budgets in

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DCA Advance Edition

relation to the program proposals made by those
agencies, commissions, and funds in their quad-
rennial budget requests.

3. To designate, in cooperation with the Gen-
eral Coimcil on Finance and Administration, the
general agency to undertake a special study or-
dered by the General Conference when the confer-
ence fails to make such a designation.

4. To assign responsibilities for implementa-
tion of themes, missional priorities, and/or spe-
cial programs initiated between sessions of the
General Conference to the general program agen-
cies or to special task forces created by the Coun-
cil of Bishops.

5. To assiu^e the development of a unified and
coordinated program for promoting of the connec-
tional ministries of the Church.

6. To recommend to the General Conference
the number and timing of special days which are
to be observed on a churchwide basis; provided
that the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration shall make recommendations to the Gen-
eral Conference as set forth in ^906.11 regarding
the special days to be observed with ofifering; and
provided further, that the Council of Bishops and
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion may authorize a special financial appeal in an
emergency.

7. To resolve any overlapping in structure or
functions or lack of cooperation among the general
program agencies, commissions, and funds.

8. To study the connectional structures of The
United Methodist Church and, after consultation
with the general agencies, recommend to the Gen-
eral Conference such legislative changes as may
be appropriate to effect desirable modifications of
existing connectional structures. Any such pro-
posed legislative changes that would affect general
fund budget allocations shall be studied in con-
nection with the General Council on Finance and
Administration and shall be recommended to the
General Conference by these two councils acting
in concert

9. To review and evaluate the effectiveness of
the general program agencies, commissions, and
funds in fulfilling the ministries assigned to them
(see ^802.3).

10. The genered secretary of each general pro-
gram agency, commission, and fund that is ac-
countable to the Council of Bishops shall be
elected annually by ballot of the Council of Bish-
ops upon the nomination of the agency involved.
Any general secretary of a general program agency

who has notbeen elected by the Coimcil of Bishops
shall not serve in such capacity beyond the end of
that calendar year. Each program agency shall
elect aiuiually by ballot its deputy and associate
general secretary(ies) and may elect or appoint
such other staff as may be necessary.

1 1 . To report to the General Conference for its
approval a summary of all decisions and recom-
mendations made dealing with program changes
and structure overlap.

12. To review, with the program agencies, all
valid resolutions and positions adopted by the
General Conference, and recommend to the Gen-
eral Conference the removal of time-dated materi-
als.

13. To receive reports fi-om and refer matters
to the General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns on the participation of
The United Methodist Church in the various as-
pects of ecumenism.

14. To organize the Advance Committee which
shall have general oversight of the Advance pro-
gram.

15. To act in concert with the General Council
on Finance and Administration to establish a pro-
cediu"e for making a quadrennial review, initiating
proposals, and/or responding to proposals by the
general agencies regarding the location of head-
quarters and staff and report the same to the Gen-
eral Conference. (See ^907.2.)

^529.

Petition Number: 21109-MN-529.6-D; GCCUIC.

The Cabinet's Responsibility in United Methodist
presence in Ecumenical Shared Ministries

Insert a new sub-paragraph after ^ 529.6:

The cabinet shall assume leadership responsi-
bility for ascertaining those places where ecu-
menical shared ministry would be an effective way
of expressing the United Methodist presence in a
community.

1530.

Petition Number: 21110-MN-530.1-D; GCCUIC.
Responsibility in Appointment Making
Amend the first sentence ofj 530.1:

1. Pastors and clcrg>' in appointments beyond the
!^lergy shall be appointed by a bishop,...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1083

1530.

Petition Number: 21285-MN-530.1-D; GBHEM.
Responsibility
Amend ^ 530.1:

1. Pastors and clergy in appointments beyond the
local church shall be appointed by a bishop, who is
empowered to make and fix all appointments in the
episcopal area within which the Annual Conference is a
pftf=t7 Clergy shall be appointed by the bishop, who
is empowered to make and fix all appointments in
the episcopal area within which the Annual Con-
ference is a part. Appointments are to be made.. .Open
itineracy means appointments are made without regard
to race, ethnic origin, sex gender, color,...

1532.

Petition Number: 20916-MN-532-D; NCJ Town &
Country and Urban Network Committees.

Community Context in Appointment Making

Amend ^ 532:

Criteria. — ^Appointments shall take into account the
unique needs of a charge, in a particular setting the
community context, and also the gifts...

2. d) Community Context: the ability of the
pastor to relate effectively to his/her community
setting, such as nu^al, town, urban, suburban, etc.

tl e) Family situation:...

3. Community Context. — ^The district superin-
tendent may develop community profiles with the
pastor and the Committee on Pastor-Parish Rela-
tions. Sources of information for these profiles
could include: neighborhood surveys; local, state,
and national census data; information fi-om an-
nual conference Committees on Parish and Com-
munity Development; and research data from the
General Council on Ministries and other church
agencies. Profiles may be reviewed annually and
updated when appropriate to include:

a) General demographic data and trends in-
cluding age/sex/racial-ethnic composition of the
community.

b) Economic trends, including the incidence
of poverty.

c) Projected community changes.

d) Other sociological, economic, political, his-
torical, and ecumenical aspects of the community
surrounding the church.

1533.

Petition Number: 20693-MN-533-D;WNC.

Consultation in Appointment-Making
Amend ^533:

5. The consultation process used in making the
new appointment shall include the following:

a) [Delete.]

b) [Delete.]

a) The district superintendent shall provide to
the receiving Committee on Pastor-Parish Rela-
tions the name(s) of potential pastor(s) as selected
by the bishop and Cabinet. The committee may
submit additional name(s) to the district superin-
tendent and bishop.

b) Pastors contemplating a move may, through
their district superintendent, request that their
names be included on the lists of names being
submitted to a particular church or churches.

c) The committee shall meet with any potential
pastor(s) named by the bishop and may meet with
any of its own suggested candidates, provided the
bishop gives approval.

d) After the meetings, the committee and the
potential pastor(s) shall express their preferences
to the district superintendent and bishop. Follow-
ing the gathering of this information, tiie bishop
and Cabinet shall make the projected appoint-
ment The bishop shall not be obligated to follow
the wishes of the committee or of the potential
pastors (^531).

e) When the bishop names the projected ap-
pointee for the church/charge, the appointee.
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations, and dis-
trict superintendent shall consult together on is-
sues of ministerial and congregational expecta-
tions. The district superintendent shall maintain
a permanent record of these expectations.

6. [Delete.]

7. [Delete.]

9. A similar process of cConsultation shall be avail-
able to persons in appointments beyond the local
church.

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DCA Advance Edition

^533.

Petition Number: 20118-MN-533.3-D;WIS.

Changes to the Appointment Process
Amend ^ 533, renumbering as appropriate:

3. ...for the purpose of sharing the basis for the
change (including who initiated the change and
why) and the process used in malting the new appoint-
ment.

b.a) ...and the family needs of the pastor identified
in consultation with the pastor (^ 532.2) . This informa-
tion shall include the congregational profile (^
532.1) and the local church's history of ministry.
The district superintendent shall give the pastor
time for prayerful consideration of the possible
appointment. Following such reflection, the pastor
may request a reconsideration of the possible ap-
pointment by the cabinet, with specific reasons for
the request.

6. The district superintendent shall confer with the
receiving Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations about
pastoral leadership (^ 532. 1) . At the time of a pastoral
change, the district superintendent shall confer
with the receiving Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations about the potential new pastor, giving
the Committee as much information as possible
about the new pastor. This information shall in-
clude the pastor's profile (^ 532.2) and the pas-
tor's history of ministry. The district superinten-
dent shall give the committee time for prayerful
consideration of the potential new pastor. Follow-
ing such reflection, tiie committee may request a
reconsideration of the possible appointment by
the cabinet, with specific reasons for the request.

8. A face-to-fece meeting with the district su-
perintendent, potential new pastor, and receiving
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations will take
place after the district superintendent has con-
ferred with the potential pastor (^ 533.5) and with
the receiving committee (^ 533.6). The purposes
of the meeting are to test perceptions, to discern
God's will, and to begin the transition process into
the new appointment. If during the meeting seri-
ous concerns arise, either the potential new pas-
tor, the committee, or the district superintendent
may ask the bishop and cabinet to reconsider the
appointment, with specific reasons for the re-
quest.

^[533.

Petition Number: 20147-MN-533.5-D;DET.
Multiple Staff
Add a new sub-point after ^ 533.5&:

Persons appointed to multiple staff ministries,
either in a single parish or in a cluster or larger
parish, must have personal and professional ac-
cess to the bishop and cabinet, the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relations, as well as to the pastor in
charge.

^533.

Petition Number: 20148-MN-533.5-D;DET.

Appointment other than Pastor in Charge
Add a new sub-point at the end of % 533.5:

If the appointment is to a position other than
pastor in charge, the following shall be included
in the consultation process.

(1) The prospective appointee shall be in-
formed prior to the appointment that the position
under consideration is part of a multiple staff min-
istry, and shall be furnished a written job descrip-
tion and titie approved by the Committee on Pas-
tor-Parish Relations.

(2) The pastor in charge shall be conferred
with concerning the prospective appointee.

(3) The prospective appointee and pastor in
charge shall meet for discussion of the job de-
scription and mutual expectations.

^533.

Petition Number: 21286-MN-533.5-D; GBHEM.
The Process of Appointment Making
Add a new sub-point after % 533.56:

If the appointment is to a position other than
pastor in charge, the following shall be included
in the consultation process.

(1) The prospective appointee shall be in-
formed prior to the appointinent that the position
under consideration is part of a multiple-staff min-
istry and shall be fiimished an initial written job
description approved by the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations.

(2) The pastor in charge shall be conferred
with concerning the prospective appointee.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1085

(3) The prospective appointee and pastor in
charge shall meet for discussion of the job de-
scription and mutual expectations.

^733.

Petition Number: 20511-MN-733-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 733:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing the General Conference shall elect for a term of
four years a Board of Ordained Ministry consisting of
not fewer than six ordained ministers in full connection
(or the responsibilities outiined below may be as-
signed to such other organization as the Annual
Conference provides pursuant to ^ 707.1).

^733.

Petition Number: 21259-MN-733-D; GBHEM.
Administrative Review Committee
Add a new paragraph after *5 733:

There will be an Administrative Review Com-
mittee composed of three (3) clergy in full connec-
tion and two (2) alternates who are not members
of the Cabinet or the Board of Ordained Ministry.
The committee shall be nominated by the bishop
and elected quadrennially by the clergv session of
members in full connection with the Annual Con-
ference. Its only purpose shall be to ensure that
the Disciplinary procedures for involuntary leave of
absence (f 448. li), involuntary retirement
(^ 453.3), or administrative location (^ 454.3)
were properly followed. The entire administrative
process leading to the action for change in confer-
ence relationship shall be reviewed by the Admin-
istrative Review Committee and it shall report its
findings to the clergy session of members in fixU
connection with the Annual Conference. The ad-
ministrative fair process hearing procedures
(^ 454) should be followed by the Administrative
Review Committee. Prior to its report, if the Com-
mittee determines that any error has occurred, it
may recommend to the appropriate person or
body that action be taken promptly to cure the
error, decide the error is harmless or take other
action.

This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference ex-
cept for matters that have already proceeded to the
Joint Review Committee.

^733.

Petition Number: 20149-MN-733.1-D;WIS, EPA.

Giving Lay Members of the Board of Ordained
Ministry a vote on all matters before the Board
Amend the third sentence of ^ 733.1:

Lay members shall have a vote except on matters
prohibited by 1136, Article 2, in the Constitution on all
matters coming before the board.

^733.

Petition Number: 20259-MN-733.1-D;EPA.

Election of Board of Ordained Ministry Members
Amend the third sentence of *n733.1a:

One-half the members, including all the lay
members, shall be nominated by the Annual Con-
ference Committee on Nominations, and one-half

the mMembers shall be nominated by the presiding
bishop,...

^733.

Petition Number: 20406-MN-733.1-D;RKM.

Membership on Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 733.1:

[Second sentence] Each Annual Conference shall
elect two lay persons, one full-time Local Pastor, and
may at its discretion elect further lay members and
Local Pastors, up to one third of the membership of
the board. Lay members and Locid Pastors shall have
a vote...

^733.

Petition Number: 20467-MN-733.1-D;NMX.

Membership of Conference Board of Ordained

Ministry
Amend ^ 733.1:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing the General Conference shall elect for a term of
four ycara provide for the fulfillment of the pur-
poses and duties of the a Board of Ordained Ministry
consisting of not fewer than six ordained ministers in
full connection, as assigned by ^ 733.2 and else-
where, by structuring itself as it deems appropri-
ate. The Annual Conference shall determine the
membership of the structure to which the duties
and purposes are assigned, except that it is rec-
ommended that no more than one-third of the
members be lay persons, and that the remaining
members be ordained ministers in full connec-

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DCA Advance Edition

tion. Each Annual Conference shall elect t^'o lay per
sons and may at its discretion elect further lay members,
up to one third of the membership of the board. The
structure may be assigned other duties and re-
sponsibilities, and may have membership in com-
mon with other structures. When the structure
sits to perform the duties of the Board of Ordained
Ministry, Itay members shall have a vote except on
matters prohibited by ^ 36, Article 2, in the Constitution.
An ordained minister in retired relationship may be
included as a member of the board. At least one member
of the board will be engaged in an appointment beyond
the local church and will represent to the board all other
clergy' so assigned. The board membership shall in-
clude women and ethnic persons. As used in this ^
733 and its various subparagraphs, and else-
where in the Discipline in appropriate context, ref-
erences to "the Board of Ordained Ministry," or
to "the Board," shall be construed and interpreted
to refer to the structure provided piu-suant to this
paragraph, whatever the structure is named or
titled.

^733.

Petition Number: 20468-MN-733.1-D;NMX.

Membership of the Board of Ordained Ministry
Delete^ 733. Ifl^.

^733.

Petition Number: 20743-MN-733.1-D;AKM.

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^733.1:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing the General Conference shall elect for a term of
four years a Board of Ordained Ministry, consisting of
not fewer than six ordained ministers nine members,
and two thirds of the members shall be ordained
clergy members of the Annual Conference in full
connection. Each Annual Conference shall elect two lay
persons and may at its discretion elect further lay mem
bers, up to one third of the membership of the board.
Lay members shall have a vote except on matters pro-
hibited by TI36, Article 2, in the Constitution. One third
of the members shall be lay persons who are mem-
bers of The United Methodist Church and resident
in the geographical area of the Annual Conference.
Lay members shall have voice and vote on all
matters before the board. An ordained minister...

1733.

Petition Number: 20745-MN-733.1-D;KEN.

Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend 1733.1:

\. ...six ordained ministers in full connection and
six lay persons who shall have been members of
The United Methodist Church for at least two
years next preceding their election, and shall have
been active participants in The United Methodist
Church for at least four years next preceding their
election, and are members thereof within the An-
nual Conference electing them. Each Annual Con-
ference shall elect the same number of lay mem-
bers as it elects ordained ministers to the board,
and all members shall have an equal vote on aU
matters. Each Annual Conference shall elect tv»'o lay
persons and may at its discretion elect further lay mem
bers, up to one third of the membership of the board.
Lay members shall have a vote except on matters pro-
hibited by 1136, Article 2, in the Constitution. An or-
dained minister in retired relationship may be included
as e an ordained minister member of the board. At
least one of the ordained minister members of the
board...

1733.

Petition Number: 20832-MN-733.1-D; Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, SCA.

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Amend the second sentence of H 733.1:

Each Annual Conference shall elect two lay persons
and one diaconal minister who is a member of the
conference Board of Diaconal Ministry who shall
become an ex officio member. It may at its discre-
tion...

1733.

Petition Number: 21260MN-733.1-D; GBHEM.

Terms of Members of the Conference Board of

Ordained Ministry
Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 733.1:

An elected board member may serve a maxi-
mum of three consecutive 4-year terms.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1087

^733.

Petition Number: 21261-MN-733.1-D; GBHEM.

Membership of the Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry
Amend the next to last sentence of "H 733.1;

At least one member of the board will be engaged
in an appointment beyond the local church extension
ministry and will represent to the board all other clergy
so assigned...

1733.

Petition Number: 21672-MN-733.1-D; GCOM.
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 733:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing the General Conference shall elect for a term of
fouryearsaBoard of Ordained Ministry or other struc-
ture to provide for these functions and maintain
the connectional relationship. It shall consisting of
not fewer...

2. i) To interview and report recommendations con-
cerning:...

k) To interview applicants and make recommenda-
tions concerning:...

1733.

Petition Number: 20150-MN-733.2-D;WIS.

Recommendation of Conference Approved Interim
Pastors
Add a new sub-point after "fl 733.2?:

To recommend to the full members of the An-
nual Conference certain effective members of the
conference seeking endorsement as interim pas-
tors, provided that such persons shall meet the
standards set for certified interim pastors by the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

1734.

Petition Number: 20512-MN-734-D;NNJ.

Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry
Amend ^ 734:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing General Conference shall elect for a term of four
years a Board of Diaconal Ministry, consisting of not
fewer than nine persons (or the responsibilities out-
lined below may be assigned to such other organi-

zation as the Annual Conference provides pursuant
toTI707.1).

1734.

Petition Number: 20833-MN-734-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, SCA.

Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 734. lb:

In addition, the conference Board of Ordained
Ministry shall name one of its members as a liai-
son member of the conference Board of Diaconal
Ministry.

1734.

Petition Number: 20469-MN-734.1-D;NMX.

Membership of the Board of Diaconal Ministry
Amend ^ 734.1:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing General Conference shall elect for a term of four
years provide for the fulfillment of the purposes,
duties and responsibilities assigned to the a Board
of Diaconal Ministry, by ^^734.3-6, and elsewhere,
consisting of not fewer than nine persons, by structur-
ing itself as it deems appropriate. The Annual
Conference shall determine the membership of
the structure to which the duties and purposes are
assigned, except that fit is recommended that the
board structure consist of include onc'third clergy;
two-thirds and lay members, and at least one-half of the
lay members shall some of whom should be in dia-
conal ministry careers, preferably diaconal ministers. }t
is recommended that the board membership include
women and ethnic persons. (See "JII 303 317.) The
structure may be assigned other duties and re-
sponsibilities, and may have membership in com-
mon with other structures. As used in this ^734
and its various subparagraphs, and elsewhere in
the Discipline in appropriate context, references to
"the Board of Diaconal Ministry" or to "the board"
shall be construed and interpreted to refer to the
structure provided pursuant to this paragraph,
whatever named or titled.

1734.

Petition Number: 20687-MN-734.1-D; WNC.
Diaconal Ministry
Amend ^ 734:

\.b) [Second sentence] The bishop shall designate
a member of the Cabinet and may designate a staff
person from the conference Council on Ministries to be
an ex officio members of the board.

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3.q) To report annually to the Annual Conference
for reading announcement by the bishop...

^734.

Petition Number: 21287-MN-734.1-D; GBHEM.

Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry

Add a new sentence after the second sentence of ^
734.1:

In addition there shall be one representative
of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

^734.

Petition Number: 21653-MN-734.1-D; GCOM.
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry
Amend "J 734.1:

1. Each Annual Conference at the first session fol-
lowing General Conference shall elect for a term of four
years a Board of Diaconal Ministry or other structure
to provide for these functions and maintain the
connectional relationship. It shall consistiftg of not
fewer than nine persons....

^734.

Petition Number: 21288-MN-734.4-D; GBHEM.

Duties of the Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry
for Certification
Amend ^ 734.4a:

Am) ...evangelism, music, youth ministry, and
other areas that may be assigned.

^734.

Petition Number: 21290-MN-734.4-D; GBHEM.

Certification Requirement for the Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry
Amend ^ 734.4e:

i.e) To report annually to the Annual Conference
for publication in the conference journal a rosters of all
persons certified in each of the professional careers
administered by tiie Division of Diaconal Ministry

and the careers in which they are certified.

^735.

Petition Number: 20513-MN-735-D;NNJ.

Conference Committee on Episcopacy
Amend ^ 735:

1. There shall be a conference Committee on Epis-
copacy elected quadrennially by the Annual Conference
at the session following the General Conference (or the
responsibilities outiined below may be assigned to
such other organization as the Annual Conference
provides pursuant to ^707.1).

^735.

Petition Number: 20340-MN-735.1-D;WPA.

Conference Committee on Episcopacy

Amend the next to last sentence of the first para-
graph of ^ 735.1:

Special attention shall be given to the inclusion
of.. .persons with handicapping conditions people with
disabilities.

^734.

Petition Number: 21289-MN-734.4-D; GBHEM.

Requirements for Certification of the Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry

Amend ^ 734.4c:

i.c) To keep a current record of all persons in the
Annual Conference who have been certified in profes-
sional church careers, administered by the Division
of Diaconal Ministry, including places of service ad-
dress.

1735.

Petition Number: 20470-MN-735.1-D;NMX.

Conference Committee on Episcopacy
Amend ^735.1:

1. There shall be a Annual Conferences shall
provide for a structure which shall perform the
functions, duties, and responsibilities assigned to
the conference Committee on Episcopacy by ^735.3,
by structuring itself as it deems appropriate.
elected quadrennially by the Annual Conference at the
session following the General Conference. The commit-
tee's membership shall number at least seven but no
more than seventeen. One-fifth of the committee's mem-
bership shall be appointed by the bishop. In addition to
the lay and clcrg>' members of the jurisdictional Com-
mittee on Episcopacy, who shall be cx-officio members
wthvote, TTie Annual Conferences shall determine

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1089

tfie membership of the structure to which the duties
and responsibiUties are assigned. The structure
may be assigned other duties and responsibilities,
and nothing shall prevent membership in common
with structures organized to perform other func-
tions within the Annual Conference. References to
the "conference Committee on Episcopacy" or to
"the committee" in this ^735 and its various sub-
paragraphs and elsewhere in the Discipline in ap-
propriate context, shall be construed and inter-
preted to refer to the structure so provided
pursuant to this paragraph, whatever it may be
named or called. Nevertheless, Ik is recommended
that the committee structure consist of the following:
one-third laywomen, one-third laymen, and one-third
clergy persons, provided that one layperson shall
should be the conference lay leader. Special attention
shall bo given to the inclusion of racial and ethnic per-
sons, youth (264.2), young adults (264.3), older adults
(254.5), and persons with handicapping conditions. No
member of the staff of the Annual Conference of any of
its agencies, nor an immediate family member of such
staff, shall serve as a member of the committee struc-
ture when it sits as the Conference Committee on
Episcopacy, except that a member...

Two or more conferences under the presidency of
a single bishop may decide to have one structure to
function as a Committee on Episcopacy, in which case
the eaefe Annual Conferences shall agree on the
number of representatives from each conference,
and shall provide for the election of be represented
as stated in the preceding paragraph and shall each elect
its own representatives.

1735.

Petition Number: 20471-MN-735.2-D;NMX.

Conference Committee on Episcopacy
Amend ^735.2:

2. The committee structure shall meet as the
Committee on Episcopacy at least annually. It shall
be convened by the bishop, and when sitting as such
Committee, shall elect a chairperson,...

1756.

Petition Number: 20151-MN-756.1-D;WIS, EPA.

Lay Members of the Dist. Committee on Ordained
Ministry vote on all matters before Committee
Amend the second paragraph of ^ 756.1:

At least three lay persons shall be members of the
committee with vote, except on matters prohibited by "J
36, Article 2 in the Constitution, nominated annually...

1756.

Petition Number: 20265-MN-756.1-D;EPA.

Quadrennial Election of District Committees

on Ordained Ministry
Amend f 756.1:

1. [Second sentence] ...including women and ethnic
clergy whenever possible, nominated annually quad-
rennially by the district superintendent...

At least three lay persons shall be members of the
committee with vote, except on matters prohibited by
^36, Article 2 in the Constitution, nominated annually
quadrennially by the district Committee on Nomi-
nations or, if none, by the district superintendent...

1759.

Petition Number: 20341-MN-759.1-D;WPA.

Membership of Committee on District
Superintendency
Amend the second sentence of II 759.1:

It is recommended that the remaining mem-
bers...and persons with handicapping conditions peo-
ple with disabilities.

11526.

Petition Number: 21291-MN-1526.2-D; GBHEM.
Responsibilities of the Division of Diaconal Ministry
Add a new paragraph at the end of "J 1526.2:

Certification is the church's recognition that
an individual has met the standards for academic
training, experience, and continuing study neces-
sary to achieve and maintain professional excel-
lence. Certification is available to lay, diaconal and
ordained ministers. In each area of specialization
there are three types of certification (Associate,
Director and Minister), each with its own set of
academic and service requirements. Educators,
youth workers, musicians and evangelists seeking
certification in professional ministry careers
should contact the Annual Conference Board of
Diaconal Ministry for guidance.

11526.

Petition Number: 21463-MN-1526.12-D; GBOD.
Responsibilities of the Division of Diaconal Ministry
Amend 11526.12:

12. Cooperate with the Christian Educators Fellow-
ship of The United Methodist Church; fflie Fellowship

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of United Methodists in Worship, Music; and Other
Worship Arts;...

^1527.

Petition Number: 21292-MN-1527.2-D; GBHEM.
Responsibilities of the Board of Ordained Ministry
Amend ^ 1527.2:

2. Areas of concern shall include enlistment, prepa-
ration, continuing education, and career development of
women and men persons of all races and ethnic origins
and persons with disabiHties in and for the ordained
ministry of the Church.

^1529.

Petition Number: 20959-MN-1529-D;NIN.

Specific Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained
Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1529.13:

To work with the theological schools of The
United Methodist Church to ensure that the moral
and ethical standards that have been part of
United Methodism historically shall be reflected
in the common life of the seminaries. This shall
include values consistent with the Social Princi-
ples and the General Rules of The United Method-
ist Church (see also paragraph 402.2).

^1527.

Petition Number: 21293-MN-1527.3-D; GBHEM.

Enlisting and Supporting the Effective Ministry of
Women

Amend ^ 1527.3:

3. The Division of Ordained Ministry... particularly
in Annual Conferences where S 1 0 percent or less of full
members are women.

^1529.

Petition Number: 20119-MN-1529-D;WIS.

Certification Standards for Conference-Approved

Interim Pastors
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1529.13:

To set minimal standards for ordained minis-
ters and local pastors desiring to serve as certified
interim pastors. The board shall send copies of
these standards quadrennially to the bishops, dis-
trict superintendents, conference Board of Or-
dained Ministry and certified interim pastors. An
ordained minister or local pastor who feels called
of God to be a certified interim pastor should
prepare for such service under the guidance of the
Annual Conference to which the person belongs.

^1529.

Petition Number: 20694-MN-1529.5-D;WNC.

Responsibilities of Division of Ordained Ministry
Delete "JI 1529.5.

^1529.

Petition Number: 21294-MN-1529.7-D; GBHEM.
Specific Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained

Ministry

Amend ^ 1529.7:

7. ...relevant for all multiracial/multicultural racial,
cidtural and special needs groups within the denomi-
nation.

11529.

Petition Number: 21295-MN-1529.14-D; GBHEM.
Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained Ministry
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1529.13:

The division provides the primary connec-
tional relationship of the General Church with the
schools of theology. Agencies of the General
Church wishing to review the life and work of the
United Methodist seminaries should do so
through the Division of Ordained Ministry.

12601.

Petition Number: 20210-MN-2601-D;SGA, NTX.
The Judicial Administration of the Church
Insert the following preface before ^ 2601:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^101). This mission brings
with it accountability. The Judicial administration

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1091

of the church is intended to gracefully hold the
church accountable.

^2616.

Petition Number: 20211-MN-2616-D;MNN.

Omission of unconstitutional clauses: Notification
Add a new ^ after ^ 2616:

When the Judicial Council shall have declared
unconstitutional any provision of the Book of Dis-
cipline, the secretary of the Judicial Council shall
notify the chairperson of the Committee on Corre-
lation and Editorial Revision which phrase or sen-
tence was found to violate the Constitution so that
it will not appear in the next edition.

church law and their rights, and encouraging ad-
herence to church law on the part of all who are
involved with any administrative or judicial process
which may result in a change in conference relation
for the respondent.

^2622.

Petition Number: 20214-MN-2622-D;WIS.

A Description of the Nature of an Appeal
Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2622.7:

The accused has the right of appeal to a body
completely separate from the hearing body, that
is, with no one from any previous group making
decisions on this case.

^2618.

Petition Number: 21263-MN-2618-D; GBHEM.
The Judicial Council
Insert a new paragraph after ^ 2618:

The Judicial Council shall, in all cases in
which a decision or memorandum is issued, set
forth the specific provisions of the Constitution or
the Discipline which provide the basis of the deci-
sion, and the rationale which led to the conclu-
sion.

This paragraph shall become effective at the
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference.

12622.

Petition Number: 20213-MN-2622-D;MNN.

Advocate or Counsel in a Fair Process
Insert a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2622.3:

The role of an advocate or counsel for either
party (grievant or respondent) shall be to help
resolve allegations of misconduct or unsatisfac-
tory performance. Ways in which this may be done
include but are not limited to listening carefully,
examining relevant documents, participating in
supervisory conversations to which the respon-
dent and/or grievant are invited when any of the
actions in n 448, 451, 452.3, 453.4-5, 454,
457-459, 704.4 or 2623-2627 is under discus-
sion, offering advice, enlisting others to provide
emotional support, cautioning against undue
pressxire, raising questions to clarify facts or proc-
ess, helping the persons involved to understand

12622.

Petition Number: 20215-MN-2622-D;WIS.

Reasonable setting of time and place for fair Process

Hearings and Interviews

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of % 2622:

All hearings for action and appeal must be
held in a timely fashion and central location so
that neither the respondent nor grievant is put at
a disadvantage.

12622.

Petition Number: 20216-MN-2622-D;WIS.

Stating the Constitutional Right of Protection from

Self-incrimination

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "J 2622:

No steps taken during supervisory, adminis-
trative or judicial processes shall force those un-
der grievance to incriminate themselves.

12622.

Petition Number: 21264-MN-2622-D; GBHEM.
Investigations, Trials, and Appeals
Add a preface before ^ 2622:

n 2622-2628 shall become effective at tiie
conclusion of the 1996 General Conference, ex-
cept for matters that have already proceeded to the
Joint Review Committee.

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^2622.

Petition Number: 21265-MN-2622-D; GBHEM.
Fair Process
Amend ^ 2622:

Fair Process In Judicial Proceedings. — ^The following
procedures are presented.. At each step in the proceed-
ings listed in ^| 2622 through 2626, efforts for resolu-
tion reconciliation shall continue, so long as these ef-
forts are not used to hinder fair process. The judicial
proceedings, process

and the rights set forth in this paragraph
commence upon referral of a matter as a judicial
complaint from counsel for the church to the Com-
mittee on Investigation. Special attention should
be given to ensuring racial, ethnic and gender
diversity of boards, committees and courts, and
timely disposition of all matters.

1. In any involuntary administrative or judicial pro-
ceeding,...

2. Notice of any judicial process hearing shall
advise...

3. The respondent shall have a right to be accompa-
nied by another person to any interview or judicial
process hearing to which they are subject, in accord-
ance with the appropriate Disciplinary provisions (cf
111 448.1, 453.1, 454.1a and 2625. le). The person ac-
companying the respondent them shall have the right
of advocacy.

4. In any involuntary administrative or judicial pro-
ceeding,...

5. A person shall not be subjected to administrative
©f a judicial process a second time for the same alleged
occurrence(s) offense.

6. The respondent shall have access to all records
relied upon in the determination of the outcome of any
and all aspects of processes related to or which may
culminate in a judicial proceeding provided to or in
the files of the Committee on Investigation, Trial
Court or appeal committee or body.

^2622.

Petition Number: 21266-MN-2622.7-D; GBHEM.

Diversity of the United Methodist Church on Boards,
Committees and Courts of the UMC

Delete ^ 2622.7 and substitute the following new
text:

In the event that a clergy person fails to appear
for supervisory interviews or refuses mail, or re-
fuses to communicate personally with the bishop
or district superintendent, or otherwise fails to
respond to supervisory requests or requests from
official administrative or judicial committees,
such actions or inactions shall not be used as an
excuse to avoid or delay any Chiu-ch processes,
and such processes may continue without the par-
ticipation of such individual.

12623.

Petition Number: 20217-MN-2623-D;MNN.
Chargeable Offenses
Add a new sub-point after %2623.1(j):

(j) misrepresentation of credentials?; (k) retali-
ation by the accused against the person(s) claim-
ing a violation under this paragraph. In all cases,
said retaliation is deemed to be a continuation of
the original offense.

12623.

Petition Number: 20375-MN-2623-D;RKM.
Chargeable offenses
Amend ^2623.1:

1. ...(f) dissemination of doctrines contrary to the
established standards of doctrine of the Church; (g)
abuse of the ministerial office; (h) relationships
and/or behavior which undermines the ministry of an-
other pastor person; (i) misrepresentation of cre-
dentials; (j) racial harassment; (k) sexual abuse;
(1) sexual harassment; (m) sexual misconduct.

12622.

Petition Number: 20212-MN-2622.2-D;MNN.
Notice of Hearing
Amend the second sentence of ^ 2622.2:

Notice shall be given not less than twenty (20) days
prior to the hearing (cf TI2625.1e).

12623.

Petition Number: 21267-MN-2623-D; GBHEM.
Chargeable Offenses
Delete ^2623.16:^.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1093

^2623.

PeUtion Number: 20722-MN-2623.1-D;HOL.
Chargeable Offenses
Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 2623.1:

(k) participation in leadership of a same-sex
covenant service uniting gay or lesbian persons.

12623.

Petition Number: 21732-MN-2623.1-D; The Council of
Bishops.

Chargeable Offenses

Amend ^ 2623.1:

1. (h) racial harassment; (i) child abuse; (j) sexual
abuse or harassment; (k) misrepresentation of creden-
tials.

12624.

Petition Number: 21268-MN-2624-D; GBHEM.
Charges
Amend the second sentence of ^ 2624.1:

Each charge must be written with specifications
containing facts such as date tk«e, place, and specific
events alleged to have occurred.

12625.

Petition Number: 21269-MN-2625-D; GBHEM.
Committee on Investigation
Amend ^ 2625:

Committee on Investigation Procedures. — 1. Gen-
eral— ef The investigation procedure is the first
step in the judicial process. The appropriate Com-
mittee on Investigation (% 2625.2c, .3c, Ac) shall
conduct the investigation, and if in the judgment
of a majority of the committee there is reasonable
ground for such charges, they shall sign and cer-
tify the charges as proper for a trial (the general
offense or offenses under ^ 2623) and the speci-
fications (e.g., the date, place, and specifics of the
events alleged to have taken place). They shall
then forward a copy to the person charged, the
person making the complaint, and to appropriate
church officials (^ 2625.2c, .3c, and .4c). M
charges shall be submitted in writing and signed by the
chairperson — ei — the — appropriate — entity' — ©f — body
Crni 2625.2e. 2625.3l". 2625.4c). A copy of all charges,
specifications, and documentary evidence under consid
eration shall be sent to the respondent, the bishop, and
the secretary of the Cabinet. All charges again st a laypcr
son under ^ 2623.3 shall be submitted in vtTiting, signed

by the person (s) molting the charge, and delivered to
the pastor in charge of the local church of which the
respondent is a member and a copy sent to the respon-

[Delete b-g]

2. [Second sentence.] The committee should reflect
the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The United
Methodist Church.

b) K a written complaint is made against a
bishop for bishop shall be charged in writing of any of
the offenses in ^ 2623, the counsel for the church, as
appointed under 1[ 513.3a, chairperson of the Juri»
dictional Committee on the Episcopacy shall forward the
complaint charge and all documentary evidence under
consideration to the chairperson of the Committee on
Investigation, the person making the complaint, and
the bishop being charged. The counsel for the church
shall be entitied to choose one assistant counsel
without voice who may be an attorney. The bishop
shall be given an opportunity to submit to the Committee
on Investigation a written response to the compliant
charges within thirty (30) days of receipt of the com-
plaint ehsfges. The chairperson shall convene the Com-
mittee on Investigation within sixty (60) days of receiv-
ing the complaint such charges (see ^ 513.3fl 513.5).

c) Any charges and specifications adopted shall be
sent to the bishop bishop charged,...

d) If five (5) or more members of the Committee
on Investigation so recommend,...

3.a) [Second sentence] The committee should re-
flect the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The
United Methodist Church. ..None of the members or
alternates shall be members of the Joint Review Com-
mittee or the Board of Ordained Ministry,...

W If a determination is made that a complaint
is a judicial complaint against a clergy person un-
der the provisions of 1 454.1c(l), the bishop shall
appoint an elder in full connection as counsel for
the church. Upon completion of the procedures of
'][ 453.1, if a clergy' member of an i\nnual Conference,
located clergy, or a local pastor shall be charged in
writing of any of the offenses in 11 2623, the Counsel
for the church chairperson of the Board of Ordained
Ministry shall prepare, sign and refer the complaint
refer those charges with all relevant material from the
Joint Review to the chairperson of the conference Com-
mittee on Investigation and represent the interests
of the church in pressing the claims of the person
making the complaint in any proceedings before
the Committee. Counsel for the church shall be
entitled to choose one assistant counsel without
voice who may be an attorney, who shall within 3b(t>'
(60) days of receiving such charges convene the Com'
mittcc on Investigation (*]] 453.2). The respondent shall
be given an opportunity to submit to the Committee on

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DCA Advance Edition

Investigation a written response to the complaint
chargca within thirty (30) days of receipt of the com-
plaint charges {cf. \ 454.1c 464:4* and "n 2624.1).^°
The Chairperson of the conference Committee on
Investigation shall have sixty (60) days to convene
the Committee on Investigation after receiving the
complaint

c) Any charges and specifications... to the respon-
dent, the person making the complaint, secretary of
the Annual Conference, the chairperson of the Board of
Ordained Mini3tr>% counsel for the church the re

spondcnt's district superintendent, and the presiding
bishop.

d) If five (5) or more members of the Committee
on Investigation... The person charged retains all rights
and privileges as stated in ^ 441 ^443.

4.a) [Third sentence] The Committee should re-
flect the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The
United Methodist Church.

c) If a written complaint is made against a

diaconal minister shall be charged in writing of for any
of the offenses in ^ 2623, the charged person's district
superintendent shall vnthin sixty (60) days of receiving
such complaint charges convene the Committee on
Investigation.

5.a) If a complaint is charges arc properly made
in compliance.. .The committee should reflect the racial,
ethnic, and gender diversity of The United Methodist
Church... .The charged member shall be given an oppor-
tunity to submit to the Committee on Investigation a
written response to the complaint charges within thirty
(30) days of a receipt of the complaint charges and the
appointing of the Committee and before

consideration of the complaint charges by the com-
mittee. The district superintendent shall preside at all
meetings of the committee and shall be given a copy of
the complaint charges and any response...

c) If five (5) or more members of the committee so
recommend,...

This paragraph, as it relates to the process for nomi-
nation, appointment or election of individuals, officers,
courts, administrative bodies, review bodies, or commit'
tees shall become effective immediately upon the con-
elusion of the 1002 General Conference.

6. Investigation Procedures a). A copy of the

complaint and documentary evidence under con-
sideration shall be sent to the respondent, the
person making the complaint, and the bishop. All
complaints against a clergy person shall be sub-
mitted in writing and signed by the appropriate
person OT 2625.2c, 2625.3c, 2625.4c;. All com-
plaints against a layperson under ^ 2623.3 shall
be submitted in writing, signed by the person(s)

making the complaint and delivered to the pastor
in charge of the local chiu^ch of which the respon-
dent is a member and a copy sent to the respondent
The Committee on Investigation may have legal
counsel present, who shall not be the conference
chancellor, for the sole purpose of providing advice
to the Committee.

b) The parties may be represented by counsel,
who shall not be an attorney, at an investigation.
A respondent who is a bishop, clergy person or a
diaconal minister shall be entitled to select an
elder in full connection to serve as respondent's
counsel. A lay respondent shall be entitled to se-
lect a lay member or clergy person to serve as
respondent's counsel. A respondent shall be enti-
tied to choose one assistant counsel without voice
who may be an attorney. Basic procedural deci-
sions shall be made in a preliminary meeting.
Dming this meeting, the respondent and the re-
spondent's counsel, the person making the com-
plaint, and the counsel for the church (in the case
of a clergy person or bishop respondent) shall
have the right to argue procediu-al points before a
decision is made by the chair. All advance proce-
dural decisions and such unanticipated decisions
as may come in the coiu-se of the meeting of the
Committee on Investigation shall be rendered in
writing so as to be available for consideration in
all further possible stages of the case.

c) No complaint or charge shall be considered
for any alleged occurrence which shall not have
been committed within six (6) years immediately
preceding the filing of the initial complaint excepj
in the case of sexual or child abuse (^ 454.16)
Time spent on leave of absence shall not be con-
sidered as part of the six (6) years. The introduc-
tion of any material relating to events happening
before the six-year time period as evidence, as
preface to evidence, or as build-up for evidence in
the procedures of the Committee on Investigation
or the trial proceedings shall be permitted when
the presiding officer, after consultation with coun-
sel for both parties, rules that such material is
relevant and reliable.

d) If possible, the respondent and the per-
son(s) bringing the initial complaint shall be
brought face to face, but the inability to do this
shall not invalidate an investigation. Notice of the
hearings shall be given to all parties and they shall
be permitted to be present during testimony but
not during deliberations. There shall be no right
of cross examination by either the respondent or
the person(s) bringing the original complaint.

e) The Committee on Investigation may call
such persons as it deems necessary to establish
whether or not there are reasonable grounds for
formulating a charge or charges. The chairperson
shall have the power, whenever it is appropriate

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1095

in the Committee's own discretion, to appoint a
member(s) of the Committee to interview any wit-
ness(es), provided that all parties may be present
(without voice) and that three days notice of the
time and place of such interview shall have been
given to ail parties. The person(s) so appointed
shall create a verbatim record of the interview and
certify the record by signature for transmittal to the
chairperson.

f) There shall be a verbatim record of all pro-
ceedings of the Committee on Investigation except
when the Committee meets in Executive Session.
The term Executive Session shall mean the Com-
mittee meeting alone or with its legal counsel.

g) Proceedings in the investigation shall be
informal. No oaths shall be taken. All procedureil
decisions shall be made by the chairperson.

^2625.

Petition Number: 20075-MN-2625.3-D;NNJ.
Investigation procedures
Amend *JI 2625.3a:

3.a>> There shall be a Committee on Investigation
consisting of seven (7) elders in full connection and five
(5) alternates, and two (2) lay members of the An-
nual Conference and one (1) alternate, nominated
by the presiding bishop... The Committee on Investiga-
tion shall elect a chair from among the seven (7)
elders in full connection, and organize at the Annual
Conference. None of the members or alternates shall be
members of the Joint Review Committee or the Board
of Ordained Ministry, the Cabinet, or immediate family
members of the above. Further, none of the lay mem-
bers shall be members of a pastoral charge to
which a clergy member or local pastor against
whom charges have been brought is appointed, or
members of a pastoral charge where tiie orders of
a clergy member on honorable or administrative
location are located against whom charges have
been brought. Should a member of the Commit-
tee...and his/her place shall be taken by an alternate
member. Nine (9) Seven (7) members or alternates
seated as members of the Committee shall constitute a
quorum, provided that seven (7) are full members
and two (2) are lay members, and a vote to adopt any
charge or specification shall require seven (7) five (5)
votes.

^2625.

Petition Number: 20218-MN-2625.3-D;WIS.

Democratizing the Nomination of the Committee of
Investigation
Amend ^2625.3a:

Z.a) There shall be a Committee on Investigation
consisting of seven (7) elders in full connection and five
(5) alternates nominated by the presiding bishop Con-
ference Nominating Committee, with further
nominations possible from the floor of the Confer-
ence, and elected quadrennially by the Annual Confer-
ence.

^2626.

Petition Number: 21270-MN-2626-D; GBHEM.
Trial Procedures
Amend \ 2626:

l.aj(l) [Delete second sentence.]

h) [Second sentence] The presiding officer may
have the legal counsel, who shall not be the conference
chancellor, present at the expense...

c) (2) The convener shall notify the respondent in
writing to appear at a fixed time and place no less than
twenty (20) twenty-one (21) days after service of such
notice.. .No person who was a member of the Cabinet,
Joint Review Committee, Board of Ordained Minis-
try,...or any of the persons bringing complaints
charges in a case.

(3) [Second sentence] Special consideration should
be given so that the pool includes persons repre-
sentative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity ef
The United Methodist Church as well as the racial,
ethnic, and gender identity of the principal parties in the
grievance which gave rise to these proceedings.

(4) No person shall serve as a member of the Trial
Court who was a member of the Cabinet, Joint Review
Committee, Board of Ordained Ministry,. ..The counsel
for the Church and the respondent shall each have up
to four (4) preemptory peremptory challenges...

f) Counsel. — In all cases a respondent shall be enti-
tled...if the respondent is a bishop, a clergy person
member, or a local pastor, a diaconal minister, or an
elder of The United Methodist Church if the respondent
is a diaconal minister, and a lay or clergy member of
The United Methodist Church if the respondent is a lay
member... The interest of the Counsel for the Church
shall be represented by an elder in full connection se-
lected by the bishop to represent the interests of the
church in pressing the claims of the person mak-
ing the complaint In all cases... The counsel for the
Church and for the respondent each shall be entitled to

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DCA Advance Edition

choose one assistant counsel who may be an attorney
without voice who shall not have voice in the trial.

h) (2) [Third sentence] In the trial of a clergy per-
son member or clergy on honorable or adminiatrativc
location the penalty... with the Annual Conference.
Clergy persons, Clcrgypcrsons, local pastors, and per
sons on honorable or administrative location shall have
the right to be present with voice during the considera-
tion of motions of the tTrial eCourt at the clergy execu-
tive session.

j) (3) If in any case the respondent, after due notice
(twenty [20] twTnt>'-onc [21] days) has been given,...

(4) [Second sentence] The presiding officer shall
decide what constitutes "sufficient time," but in no case
shall this time be less than twenty (20) twenty-one (21)
days (see ^2626.2).

(6) All objections to the regularity of the proceed-
ings and the form and substance of charges and specifi-
cations shall be made prior to or at the first session of
the trial...

(7) Objections of any party part to the proceed-
ings...

(8) [Second sentence] Witnesses.. .may be ques-
tioned by members of the tTrial eCourt...

(9) [Second sentence] The presiding officer shall
express no opinion on the law or the facts while the court
is deliberating except that unless at the request of the
jury, aft4 with the consent of both the counsels, and in
the presence of all parties in interest the presiding
officer may offer interpretation of the provisions of the
Book of Discipline, the parties in interest be present.

(13) [Last sentence] At all times, however, in the
hearing portion of the trial, the presiding officer, the
members of the Trial Court, the person(s) bringing
the complaint, the person representing the Church...

2.c) [Second sentence] Special consideration
should be given so that the pool includes persons repre-
sentative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity ©f
The United Methodist Church as well as the racial,
ethnic, and gender identity of the principal parties in the
grievance which gave rise to these proceedings.

3.c) (1) [Last sentence] Special consideration
should be given so that the pool includes persons repre-
sentative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity ef
The United Methodist Church as well as the racial,
ethnic, and gender identity of the principal parties in the
grievance which gave rise to these proceedings.

(2) [Last sentence] Special consideration should be
given so that the pool includes persons representative
of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The United
Methodist Church as well as the racial, ethnic, and

gender identity of the principal parties in the grievance
which gave rise the these proceedings.

(3) [Second sentence] Special consideration should
be given so that the pool includes persons repre-
sentative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of
The United Methodist Church as well as the racial,
ethnic, and gender identity of the principal parties in the
grievance which gave rise to these proceedings.

e) [Second sentence] Such documents are to be
held.. .signed release from both the clergy person mem-
feef charged...

A.c) [Last sentence] Special consideration should
be given so that the pool includes persons repre-
sentative of the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity ef
The United Methodist Church as well as the racial,
ethnic, and gender identity' of the principal parties in the
grievance which gave rise to these proceedings.

d) Counsel for the Church shall be a lay or clergy
person...

f) If the trial court finds that the charges are proven
by clear and convincing evidence beyond a reason-
able doubt, then it may impose... provided that the tTrial
eCourt shall first consider...

^2626.

Petition Number: 20376-MN-2626.1-D;CAP.
General Fundamental Principles
Amend the first sentence of "J 2626.1c(3):

l.c(3) At the appointed time, in the presence of the
respondent, counsel for the respondent, counsel for the
Gchurch, and the presiding officer, thirteen (13) twelve
(12) persons shall be selected as aTtrial Gcourt out of
a pool of thirty-five (35) or more persons selected ac
cording to 1['][2625.a, .3g, and .4a. members of the
Annual Conference of which respondent is a mem-
ber. Those thirty-five persons shall be chosen at
random by the secretary of the Annueil Conference
in which the trial is conducted.

^2626.

Petition Number: 20377-MN-2626.3-D;CAP.
Trial Procedures
Delete ^ 2626.36 and replace with new text:

3.W At each general conference, the Council of
Bishops shall select one of their active or retired
members to be the presiding officer at all trials of
clergy members of any annual conference. The
Council of Bishops shall select an alternate who
shall serve if the designated bishop is the bishop
of the annual conference of which the respondent

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1097

is a member. The presiding officer shall serve for a
term of no more than four (4) years.

^2626.

Petition Number: 21424-MN-2626.4-D; GBOD.
Trial of Lay Member of a Local Church
Amend % 2626Ad:

A.d) Counsel for the Church shall be a lay person
who is a professing member of The United Methodist
Church.

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DCA Advance Edition

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 21373-MN-NDis-O; Methodist
United for Peace with Justice.

"Nuclear Abolition"

Saying "No" to Nuclear Deterrence

In 1986 the United Methodist Council of Bishops,
after nearly two years of prayerful and penitent study,
adopted a pastoral letter and foundation document enti-
tled In Defense of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just
Peace} TTie bishops' statement was deeply rooted in
biblical faith. They wrote:

"At the heart of the Old Testament is the testimony
of Shalom, that marvelous Hebrew word that means
peace. But the peace that is shalom is not negative or
one-dimensional. It is much more than the absence of
war. Shalom is positive peace: harmony, wholeness,
health, and well-being in all human relationships. It is
the natural state of humanity as birthed by God. It is
harmony between humanity and all of God's good crea-
tion. All of creation is interrelated. Every creature, every
element, every force of nature participates in the whole
of creation. K any p^erson is denied shalom, all are
thereby diminished..

2.,

"New Testament faith presupposes a radical break
between the follies, or much so-called conventional wis-
dom about power and security, on the one hand, and the
transcendent wisdom of shalom, on the other. Ulti-
mately, New Testament faith is a message of hope about
God's plan and purpose for human destiny. It is a re-
demptive vision that refuses to wallow in doom. "

Based upon this faith, the bishops in their pastoral
letter stated unequivocally that:

"...we say a clear and unconditional No to nuclear
war and to any use of nuclear weapons. We conclude
that nuclear deterrence is a position that cannot receive
the church's blessing. "

The implication is clear. If nuclear weapons cannot
be legitimately used for either deterrence or war fight-
ing, no nation should possess them. Accordingly, in the
foundation document the bishops indicated:

"We support the earliest possible negotiation of
phased but rapid reduction of nuclear arsenals, while
calling upon all other nuclear weapon states to agree to
parallel arms reductions, to the eventual goal of a mutual
and verifiable dismantling of all nuclear armaments.

In 1988, the United Methodist General Conference
affirmed and supported the statements of the Council of
Bishops contained in In Defense of Creation. Four years

later, in a resolution entitled "Nuclear Disarmament:
The Zero Option," the 1992 General Conference stated
that "now is the time to exercise the zero option: to
eliminate all nuclear weapons throughout the globe"
and offered a series of concrete actions for achieving this
goal.

Goals and Objectives

We reaffirm the goal of total abolition of all nuclear
weapons throughout Earth and space. This can occur by
achieving the following objectives:

— Complete elimination of all nuclear weapons by
all possessors.

— Complete elimination of all delivery vehicles by
all possessors.

— Termination of all development, production, and
testing of nuclear weapons by all nations and by all
individuals and groups with nuclear ambition.

— Prevention of all non-possessors from developing
and otherwise acquiring nuclear weapons and their de-
livery vehicles.

These objectives should be achieved as soon as
possible through a combination of international treaties
and reciprocal national initiatives, carried out with ade-
quate verification.

Progress and Prospects

The Cold War between the United States and the
Soviet Union, which dominated world politics for more
than four decades, has ended. The Berlin Wall has fallen.
Eastern Europe is free from Soviet control. The Warsaw
pact has gone out of existence. The Soviet Union itself
has dissolved. Most of the independent republics of the
former USSR are committed to democracy and a free-
market economy.

Yet remaining is a large portion of the huge nuclear
arsenal accumulated by the United States, the Soviet
Union, Great Britain, France, and China to apply the
pernicious doctrine of mutually assured destruction.
Moreover, Israel has developed a stockpile of nuclear
weapons, India has attained capability to produce nu-
clear weapons, and Pakistan is seeking to do likewise.
Elsewhere, other nations, such as North Korea, Iran,
Iraq, and Libya, seem interested in acquiring nuclear
weapons.

On the positive side, the United States and the
Soviet Union before its collapse agreed to eliminate all
intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) and to com-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1099

mence curtailment of long-range forces through provi-
sions of the first Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
(START D. Subsequently the United States and Russia
have entered into START II to achieve further reduc-
tions. Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan have endorsed
START II and committed themselves to eliminate all
nuclear weapons left on their territories when the Soviet
Union disbanded.

International treaties have created nuclear-weapon-
free zones in South America, South Pacific, Antarctica,
Seabed, and Outer Space. In 1995, the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) was extended indefinitely, committing
signatories not in possession of nuclear weapons to
refrain from acquiring them and committing signatories
possessing nuclear weapons to "systematic and progres-
sive efforts to reduce nuclear weapons globally, with the
ultimate goal of eliminating those weapons." And efforts
are underway by the possessor nations to negotiate,
adopt, and carry out a Comprehensive Test Ban (CTB)
Treaty.

These are worthy efforts in the right direction. How-
ever, they are not proceeding far enough or fast enough
toward the goal of nuclear abolition.

Further Initiatives Required

As means of moving much more rapidly toward
nuclear abolition, we recommend the following initia-
tives be undertaken:

— A global Comprehensive Test Ban should be
agreed upon, honored, and enforced.

— All nations possessing nuclear weapons should
make an unconditional pledge of no first use.

— All nuclear-weapon-free zones should be re-
spected and further zones established.

— START II should be fully carried out as quickly
as possible.

— As a prelude to further reductions, all possessor
nations should immediately and concurrently move to
zero alert by deactivating their entire strategic arsenal
through removal of warheads or other vital components
from delivery vehicles with safe storage under interna-
tional inspection.

— As a companion measure, all possessor nations
should withdraw all tactical nuclear weapons from active
deployment and store them safely under international
inspection.

— As rapidly as possible, all deactivated strategic
and tactical nuclear weapons and all delivery vehicles
should be dismantled under international inspection in
an agreed sequence that is balanced so that at no stage
could any nation gain an advantage.

— All fissionable material removed from nuclear
weapons should be carefully safeguarded with continu-
ous international inspection.

— All nations capable of producing nuclear weapons
should immediately cease all production of fissionable
material, testing of nuclear warheads, and manufacture
of all delivery vehicles, including missiles, bombers,
submarines, surface ships, and all other means of deliv-
ery.

— All nuclear weapons production facilities should
be closed, except as they might be used to disassemble
nuclear warheads and convert nuclear material to non-
weapon use.

— All nations on Earth should become signatories
of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and faithfully observe its
requirements. To assure universal compliance, the
Treaty should be vigorously enforced with adequate
financial and technical support to detect and halt covert
nuclear activities.

— All weapon-usable radioactive materials and nu-
clear facilities in all nations should be subject to interna-
tional accounting, monitoring, and safeguards. — An
international system should be instituted to prevent the
development, production, and deployment of ballistic
missiles capable of attacking an adversary's homeland.
All existing ballistic missiles with such capability should
be eliminated.

— All efforts to develop and deploy sfrategic anti-
missile defense systems should be terminated as illu-
sory, unnecessary, and wasteful.

Leadership for Study and Action

We call upon the Council of Bishops and the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society to provide leadership,
guidance, and educational material to United Method-
ists, congregations, and conferences in order to assist
them in understanding and working for the goal and
objectives of nuclear abolition.

Conclusion

We fervently believe that these recommendations
will greatly enhance global security by eliminating the
possibility of nuclear war. Furthermore, the resources
of human talent, production capacity, and money re-
leased can become available to deal with urgent human
problems around the globe. Nuclear abolition provides
great hope for global peace and prosperity.

1. United Methodist Council of Bishops, In Defense
of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace. Nash-
ville: Graded Press, 1986.

2. Op. cit., p. 24.

3. Op. cit. P. 28.

1100

DCA Advance Edition

4. Op. cit. p. 92.

5. Op. cit. p. 76.

6. Book of Resolutions [to be completed]

7. The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist
Church, 1992, p. 601.

Petition Number: 20035-MN-NonDis-O;NNJ.

Support the Ordination of Persons Called
into Ministry

Whereas, The United Methodist Church affirms the
sacred worth of homosexual persons and opposes dis-
crimination at all levels of society based upon sexual
orientation; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church partici-
pates in active discrimination against homosexual per-
sons by refusing their ordination and condemning ho-
mosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching;
and

Whereas, in response to the vote within the State of
Colorado to prohibit government entities from protect-
ing the rights of homosexuals, individual members,
congregations, and structural units with The United
Methodist Church have called for a re-siting for the 1996
General Conference scheduled to be held in Denver;

TTierefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence support the ordination of persons called into min-
istry without excluding persons on the basis of sexual
orientation.

Petition Number: 20225-MN-NonDis-O$;MNN.

Ordained Ministry in the 21st. Century

Be it resolved, that the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, and the Divisions of Ordained
Ministry and Diaconal Ministry be directed to establish
a subgroup consisting of at least one half lay persons,
with the purpose of helping prepare the clergy to be
faithful and effective ministers in the next century. The
commission shall examine the role and condition of the
ordained ministry in relation to the church's mission,
creed, tradition, and Discipline; to ask the people of the
church to evaluate the role of the ordained ministry, to
listen and record their response; to call upon secular
disciplines, as necessary and appropriate, to provide
advice on issues under examination; and to report back
to the General Conference in the year 2000 with the
results of the examination and to make recommenda-
tions for changes in the Discipline, and in the policies
and practices of the church.

The commission's examination shall include study
of: the calling, training and ordination of clergy; the
appointment process; the tradition of itinerancy; minis-
terial functions (e.g., preaching, leading worship, coun-

seling, personnel management, administration); the
role of district superintendents; discipline of clergy; and
the compensation and support of clergy. The commis-
sion shall be comprised of an equal number of lay per-
sons and clergy. Each jurisdictional conference shall
appoint one clergy and one lay person. Commission
members shall serve without compensation, but shall be
reimbursed for travel and living expenses from General
Conference funds. The General Conference shall pro-
vide for staff support and facilities. The Commission
shall be responsible for its internal organization, consis-
tent with the principles of the Discipline. The General
Secretary shall be responsible for convening the first
meeting of the commission by the end of 1996.

Petition Number: 20246-MN-NonDis-O$; IWA

A Study Commission for Matters of Health

and Fitness Related to Clet^ Appointment

and Lay Employment

Whereas, the Iowa Annual Conference Chancellor
Roger Witice of Whitefield & Eddy, P.L.C., Des Moines,
Iowa, in specific response to inquiry by the conference,
has provided the lAC with two in-depth legal opinions,
plus additional counsel, which suggest to the Board of
Ordained Ministry of the LAC the advisability of taking
steps to comply with Titie I (employment) of the Ameri-
cans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the most
important civil rights legislation in 25 years. Chancellor
Witke's recommendations apply specifically to employ-
ment and personnel issues, since his legal opinions
recognize that religious organizations are exempt from
the public accommodations (building) Title of the ADA
Chancellor Witke has further advised the Conference to
establish a written Health/Fitness policy to be kept on
file; and

Whereas, protection of any United Methodist An-
nual Conference and their respective Boards of Or-
dained Ministry from the mounting legal confrontations
and civil litigation resulting from their procedures of
recruitment, support and/or appointment of clergy per-
sons is a sensitive issue currently, causing concern
about threats and risks of both civil and criminal as well
as challenges within the United Methodist system; and

Whereas, the Joint Task Force of the Iowa Annual
Conference consisting of representatives from both the
Conference Cabinet and the Conference Board of Or-
dained Ministry has been engaged in a three year study
seeking, unsuccessfully, as a single Annual Conference
to resolve specific conflicts between the 1992 Book of
Discipline of the United Methodist Church and the afore-
mentioned Americans with Disabilities Act; and

Whereas, the Iowa Methodist Health System, De-
partment of Occupational Medicine of the Iowa Method-
ist Medical Center, with whom the LAC is attempting to
coordinate and implement its clergy and lay employee

I

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1101

Health/Fitness policy, has also advised the Iowa Con-
ference Board of Ordained Ministry that its policies,
following the guidelines of the 1992 Discipline, are not
presently in compliance with the ADA of 1990 and that
those policies must be changed before the Iowa Meth-
odist Health System can assist the LAC in implementing
its proposed policies regarding health and fitness; and

Whereas, job descriptions for United Methodist
clergy as contained in the 1992 Discipline, "H 439, should
be more clearly detailed in compliance with the ADA of
1990 in order to protect the lAC Board of Ordained
Ministry and any other Annual Conference of The
United Methodist Church, and to protect clergy or lay
employees of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Division of Ordained Ministry of the
Board of Higher Education and Ministry form #103
presently used by all Boards of Ordained Ministry in
each Annual Conference is deemed no longer legal or
adequate in light of present federal law; and

Whereas, the Division of Ordained Ministry of the
Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville,
TN, following consultation with the legal counsel of the
General Council on Finance and Administration, has
encouraged the LAC to submit this resolution; and

Whereas, there is a general lack of comprehensive
understanding and agreement on these matters
throughout The United Methodist Church, along with a
feeling of unease and anxiety concerning the questions
of compliance with ADA raised in the Iowa Chancellor's
opinion and the opinions of the Iowa Methodist Health
Center and Department of Occupational Medicine; and

Whereas, The Iowa Annual Conference is the first
and, currently, the only Annual Conference being di-
rectly affected by these concerns, which are vital not
only to the LAC, but all Annual Conferences of The
United Methodist Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church, meeting
in Denver, Colorado, appoint and enable a study com-
mission which will examine the health and fitness issues
as noted in the 1992 Book of Discipline with regard to the
recruitment and appointment of clergy and the employ-
ment of laity, and the advisability of taking steps to
comply v^th Title I of the 1990 Americans with Disabili-
ties Act.

Be it further resolved, that this study commission,
herein requested of the 1996 General Conference, be
instructed and empowered to bring to the General Con-
ference of 2000 the results of its study including propos-
als for specific clarifying legislation to be considered for
the 2000 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist
Church.

Be it further resolved, that the appointment of the
members of the proposed study commission by the 1996

General Conferenceinclude the following along with
such persons as the 1996 General Conference may
choose to appoint:

Appropriate bishops of The United Methodist
Church

Representatives from the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration, including its legal counsel

Appropriate representatives from the Division of
Ordained Ministry of the Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, including one qualified representative of that
body's Psychological Advisory Committee

Appropriate representatives of the Iowa Annual
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry in addition to
representatives of other Annual Conferences

It is also suggested that the Chancellor of the Iowa
Annual Conference, whose opinions helped to precipi-
tate this petition, be made a member of the study com-
mission.

Costs of the study commission are estimated to be
between $25,000 and $50,000 and will be borne by the
Division of Ordained Ministry of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry and by the General
Council on Finance and Administration.

Petition Number: 20278-MN-NonDis-O;NEB.

The Permanent Diaconate

Whereas, the ministry of Christ is a ministry of
service. This is signified by the ordination to deacons
orders as a ministry of word and service. As an ordina-
tion, it is as permanent as any ordained ministry in the
church. The ministry of service is also signified by the
ordination to elders orders.

Whereas, many deacons serving local churches as
the sole pastor already do in that local context what
elders are authorized to do generally: serve communion
and oversee the ordering of the congregation. Without
a functional distinction between deacon and elder, the
theological distinction seems superfluous. This is an-
other argument for elimination of deacon's orders fi-om
the present two-stage ordination process. We would
argue that the expansion of deacon's orders to certain
lay professionals should not cancel the existing deacon's
orders of some of our clergy.

Whereas, the movement to establish a separate
permanent diaconate has merit as a representative min-
istry and such ministries already exist in other denomi-
nations;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence supports a permanent diaconate.

1102

DCA Advance Edition

Petition Number: 20732-MN-NonDis-O;NIL

Joint Inquiry Process for Ordained
and Diaconal Ministries

Whereas, there is a need for candidates pursing
ordained ministry, as well as candidates pursuing dia-
conal ministry, to have a clear understanding of both
forms of representative ministry; and

Whereas, candidates for representative ministry at
times change the direction of their response to the call
to ministry, which currently requires initiating a new
process and relating to a different Board; and

Whereas, the initial steps into both forms of repre-
sentative ministry are similar;

Therefore, be it resolved, that candidates for repre-
sentative ministry enter the period of inquiry in a joint
process established by the Division of Ordained Minis-
try and Diaconal Ministry of the Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry.

Petition Number: 20799-MN-NonDis-O; Conference
Cabinet, SGA

Trial Procedures

Whereas, 1 2531 of the 1992 Book of Discipline of
The United Methodist Church provides ways by which a
local church trustee may be removed from office; and

Whereas, at the present time any other local church
officer can be removed only by suspension from exer-
cising any office pending trial by action of the Commit-
tee on Investigation (^ 2626a, b, c); and

Whereas, a less complicated and harsh way needs
to be provided for removing local church officers from
office;

Tlierefore, be it resolved that if a local church officer
should refuse to cooperate with the Administrative
Board/Council, or is in conflict with the actions and
policies of the Administrative Board/Council, at the
request of the Administrative Board/Council and review
by the Committee on Nominations and Personnel, the
officer can be suspended from office by the Committee
on Nominations and Personnel pending action of the
Church/Charge Conference at a called or regular ses-
sion.

Petition Number: 20851-MN-NonDis-O; GCSRW.

Sexual Abuse Wifliin the Ministerial

Relationship and Sexual Harassment Within the

UM Church

The 1992 General Conference resolution on Sexual
Harassment and The United Methodist Church states,
"sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advance or
demand, either verbal or physical, which is perceived by

the recipient as demeaning, intimidating, or coercive...
[and] includes the creation of a hostile or abusive work-
ing environment resulting from discrimination on the
basis of gender." The resolution further states, "sexual
harassment is a significant problem in The United Meth-
odist Church, and [it] detracts from the ministry and
mission of Jesus Christ." The 1990 survey " Sexual
Harassment in The United Metiiodist Church"con-
ducted by the General Council on Ministries concluded
that "unwanted behavior damages the moral environ-
ment where people worship, work, and learn," and that
"the presence of sexual harassment in environments
associated with The United Methodist Church inter-
feres with the moral mission of the Church and disrupts
the religious activity, career development, and academic
progress of its participants."

Significant progress

In 1992, The General Conference called for each
annual conference, general agency, and United Method-
ist-related educational institution to have a sexual har-
assment policy in place, including grievance procedures
and penalties for offenders. The results of a 1995 survey
of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policies
conducted by the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women indicate that 56 of the 69 annual
conferences in the USA and Puerto Rico have approved
policies on sexual harassment and sexual abuse within
the ministerial relationship. Of the 13 remaining confer-
ences, 10 have drafted policies awaiting annual confer-
ence approval. The survey also revealed that 50 annual
conferences have offered training for cabinets, 52 for
clergy and 25 for laity. Sexual harassment policies and
grievance procedures are in effect in each of the thirteen
general agencies of The United Methodist Church. Ac-
cording to the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministries, all of the 13 United Methodist schools of
theology have sexual harassment policies and grievance
procedures in place. Additionally, all of the 124 United
Methodist-related colleges and universities have or are
refining sexual harassment policies and grievance pro-
cedures.

Update

As the church has confronted sexual harassment, it
has also encountered sexual abuse within ministerial
relationships. Through processes of policy development
and training, annual conferences in the USA have rec-
ognized a need to address the particular issue of clergy
sexual misconduct and sexual abuse within the ministe-
rial relationship. In a 1993 survey of United Methodists
on "Women and Families in Crisis" conducted by the
National Division of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries, one in every 56 respondents reported sexual abuse
by a clergy person. One in 26 indicated they had been
sexually harassed by a professor, one in 45 by a doctor,
and one in 110 by a therapist. Sexual misconduct or
sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship involves
a betrayal of sacred trust, a violation of the ministerial

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1103

role, and exploitation of those who are vulnerable. Sex-
ual abuse within the ministerial relationship occurs
when a person in a ministerial role of leadership (pastor,
educator, counselor, youth leader, or other position of
leadership) engages in sexual contact or sexualized
behavior with a congregant, client, employee, student,
staff member, co-worker, or volunteer.

Sexual harassment and sexual abuse within the
ministerial relationship represent an exploitation of
power and not just "inappropriate sexual or gender-di-
rected conduct." Sexual harassment is a continuum of
behaviors that intimidate, demean, humiliate, or coerce.
These behaviors range from the subtle forms that can
accumulate into a hostile working, learning, or worship-
ing environment to the most severe forms of stalking,
assault, or rape. It is important to see both sexual har-
assment and sexual abuse within relationships at work,
school, or church as part of this continuum of broken-
ness.

The impact of sexual harassment and sexual abuse
within the ministerial relationship is far reaching. A
surveyby the Alban Institute found that unethical behav-
ior including sexual misconduct was among the leading
factors related to involuntary termination of pastors in
US Protestant denominations. Incidences of abuse have
legal, financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual ramifi-
cations affecting a wide web of relationships. There is an
impact not only on victims and their families, but also on
perpetrators and their families, congregations, commu-
nities, and annual conferences. In situations involving
clergy or ministerial leaders, consequences include the
potential loss of faith by victims and congregations, as
well as the loss of integrity in ministerial leadership.
When the church has not been faithful to its ministry of
grace and justice, victims often seek recourse from the
courts. It is imperative that the church institute meas-
ures to insure justice, wholeness, and healing.

Action

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist
Church name sexual harassment and sexual abuse
within the ministerial relationship as incompatible with
biblical teachings of hospitality, justice, and healing and
will continue its efforts to eliminate sexual harassment
and abuse in the denomination and its institutions. Fur-
thermore, The United Methodist Church, at all levels,
commits to these actions:

Education

(1) The Council of Bishops will reaffirm its leader-
ship in eradicating and preventing sexual harassment
and abuse in the Church. The Council will engage in
education, training, and sharing of resources with col-
league bishops. Each bishop will ensure that education
and training for the prevention of sexual harassment and
abuse are made available in the episcopal area which he
or she serves. Each area will develop a plan to facilitate

communication and coordination among persons in-
volved in ministries of prevention and intervention in-
cluding, but not limited to: district superintendents,
conference boards of ordained and diaconal ministry,
advocates, intervention and healing teams, trained me-
diators, staff/parish relations committees.

(2) The General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women will continue to work with The General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry, The General Board
of Global Ministries, The General Board of Church and
Society, and other appropriate church bodies to ensure
that United Methodist Church-developed education and
training resources on prevention of sexual harassment
and abuse are made available to local churches, annual
conference boards of Ordained and Diaconal Ministry,
cabinets. United Methodist-related educational institu-
tions. United Methodist-related benevolent care institu-
tions, and other agencies, groups, and individuals
throughout The United Methodist Church.

(3) United Methodist-related schools of theology
will provide education on the prevention of sexual har-
assment and sexual abuse within the ministerial rela-
tionship. United Methodist-related educational institu-
tions will maintain safe and hospitable learning
environments.

Policies and Procedures

(1) Each local church, annual conference, general
agency, United Methodist-related educational institu-
tion, and United Methodist-related benevolent care in-
stitution will have a policy on sexual harassment and
abuse in effect which may include, but not be limited to,
the following:

(a) A description of the context and scope of the
policy: naming the ministry context and persons cov-
ered by the policy (e.g. clergy, diaconal ministers, em-
ployees, volunteers) .

(b) A clear policy statement consistent with the
United Methodist Book of Resolutions prohibiting sexual
harassment and abuse.

(c) Definitions and examples of sexual harassment
and sexual abuse.

(d) Guidelines for initiating grievance procedures
when such procedures are contained in the Book of
Discipline.

(e) Grievance procedures not specified in the Book
of Discipline may vary according to the context and
scope of policy (e.g. employees, volunteers) and may
include a provision for bringing a grievance to someone
other than the person asserted to be the harasser or
abuser.

1104

DCA Advance Edition

(f) Guidelines for reporting incidents of sexual har-
assment and abuse including mandatory requirements
specific to all applicable laws.

(g) A clear statement of assurance of prompt and
equitable fair process, protection of potential victims,
and intolerance of retaliation.

(h) A statement which identifies the consequences
for offending person (s) if the grievance is substantiated.

(i) Provisions for training persons involved in min-
istries of intervention, prevention, and healing (e.g. ad-
vocates, employee or volunteer supervisors, staff/parish
relations committees, neutral mediators, congrega-
tional healing teams) .

(j) A stated commitment to education, to ongoing
assessment of church ministry environment, and to con-
tinuous evaluation of policy and procedures.

(2) The General Board of Church and Society will
continue to be an advocate for just laws which will help
to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse.

Ongoing Assessment

(1) The General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women will work with the General Council on Minis-
tries and other appropriate church bodies to develop and
implement research and survey tools for assessing the
effectiveness of the church's efforts to eradicate sexual
harassment and abuse. A summary of these findings and
recommendations will be reported to the 2000 General
Conference.

Petition Number: 20903-MN-NonDis-O; Conference
United Methodist Women, STX.

Specific Responsibilities of the Board
of Ordained Ministiy

Whereas, United Methodist theological students
preparing to enter the ministry of The United Methodist
Church may not have basic information about the pur-
pose and role of United Methodist Women,

We, the Executive Committee of the Southwest
Texas Conference United Methodist Women, petition
the 1996 General Conference to mandate in the United
Methodist seminary curriculum course on Methodist
Polity (ref. % 1529.10 of the 1992 Discipline) a module
including information about the work of United Meth-
odist Women. This would include their participation in
the local church, in the connectional system, and in the
promotion and support of world-wide mission. In addi-
tion, it should include data on its relationship with ecu-
menical organizations such as the World Federation of
Methodist Women and Church Women United.

As a result, pastors and United Methodist Women
may more fully cooperate to promote the mission to
which they are called by Christ.

Petition Number: 20904-MN-NonDis-O; Conference
United Methodist Women, STX.

Reqixirements for Admission

Whereas, United Methodist theological students
preparing to enter the ministry of The United Methodist
Church may not have basic information about the pur-
pose and role of United Methodist Women,

We, the Executive Committee of the Southwest
Texas Conference United Methodist Women, petition
the 1996 General Conference to mandate in the United
Methodist seminary curriculum course on Methodist
Polity (ref. % 424.3c of the 1992 Discipline) a module
including information about the work of United Meth-
odist Women. This would include their participation in
the local church, in the connectional system, and in the
promotion and support of world-wide mission. In addi-
tion, it should include data on its relationship with ecu-
menical organizations such as the World Federation of
Methodist Women and Church Women United.

As a result, pastors and United Methodist Women
may more fully cooperate to promote the mission to
which they are called by Christ.

Petition Number: 20915-MN-NonDis-O; National Asso-
ciation of Annual Conf. Lay Leaders.

The Order of Elder

Whereas, the 1988 and 1992 General Conferences
enacted legislation (^ 435.3) enabling the whole church
to participate in the ordination of elders (to wit, "the
bishop shall be assisted by other elders and may include
laity designated by the bishop representing the Church
community.. .in the laying on of hands,") thus affirming
the ministry of all Christians and dignifying the ministry
of the laity; and

Whereas, said legislation clearly relegates to each
presiding bishop sole prerogative to allow or disallow
participation by representatives of the church commu-
nity in the ordination of elders; and

Whereas, only the Judicial Council may declare a
paragraph of the Discipline null and void; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has passed a
"covenant for action" (reference United Methodist
News Service press release dated May 11, 1993) which
effectively discourages its members from choosing to
include or not to include laity in the laying on of hands
during the ordination of elders;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference reaffirm the will of its two predecessor Gen-
eral Conferences with respect to ^ 435.3; and

Ordained and Diaconal Ministries

1105

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence direct the Council of Bishops to rescind its May,
1993 "consensus" which runs contrary to ^ 435.3 of the
Discipline.

Petition Number: 21725-MN-NonDis-O; The Council
of Bishops.

Covenanting Relationships witii Spain
and West Africa

In recognition of the arrangements and negotiations
carried out by the Autonomous Affiliated Sub-commit-
tee of the Relational Concerns Committee of The Coun-
cil of Bishops, The Council of Bishops recommends that
The United Methodist Church enter into covenanting
relationship with The Evangelical Church of Spain and
The West African Methodist Church (of Sierra Leone)
in accordance with % 650 of The Book of Discipline.

DCA Advance Edition

Central Conferences

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNTIED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 1

Nashville, Tennessee

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 21727-CC-NonDis-O; TTie Council of
Bishops, General Commission on, Central Conference
Affairs.

Continuation of the Eurasia Episcopal Area

Whereas, United Methodist work has grown con-
siderably in the Commonwealth of Independent States
during the 1993-1996 quadrennium; and

Whereas, The Council of Bishops has evaluated and
affirmed the Eurasia Episcopal Area;

Be it resolved, that said Episcopal Area be contin-
ued, and the Northern Europe Central Conference be
authorized to continue with two bishops.

Petition Number: 22013-CC-NonDis-O; General
Commission on Central Conference Affairs.

Zaire to Become a Central Conference

Whereas, the Zaire section of the Africa Central
Conference meeting in Kamina in August 1992 requests
the General Conference in 1996 for an enabling act that
would authorize the establishment of the Zaire Central
Conference;

Whereas, the same petition has been confirmed by
the Africa Central Conference meeting in Harare in
1992; and

Whereas, there are currently seven annual confer-
ences in Zaire, namely:

1. Central Zaire

2. Northeast Zaire

3. North Shaba

4. Tanganika

5. Southern Zaire

6. Upper Zaire

7. West Zaire

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church authorize
the establishment of the Zaire Central Conference of
The United Methodist Church to be composed of the
aforementioned seven annual conferences anytime dur-
ing the quadrennium 1997-2000.

Be it further resolved, that the said Zaire Central
Conference will be under the episcopal supervision of
three bishops, the same number which it now has.

I

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for Newscope by the Bunch
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In January, we provided you with a special pre-General Conference issue in quantities of 25,
50, and 100, because many of you wanted an easy-to-read, hands-on resource to use in
workshops and Sunday classes to discuss the important issue facing the church today.

Now you can order a special General Conference wrap-up edition at the same money-sav-
ing multiple prices. This edition will provide summaries of all 1996 General Conference actions
on the major issues affecting the church.

• 25 copies for $10

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The Newscope wrap-up edition will be off the press and ready to mail from Nashville May 3.

You can order the A/eivscope wrap-up edition right now by filling in the form below and submitting
it along with a check (made payable to Newscope) to the DCA office (Exhibit Hall B) or you
may send the order form and check to Newscope, The United Methodist Publishing House,
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hostility. But words well chosen and spoken in love can bring healing
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takes the discussion beyond "I thought man meant everybody" to
using words in ways that support, encourage, and demonstrate the
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DCA Advance Edition

General Council on Finance
and Administration

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
^olume I Nashville, Tennessee March 8, 1996

Report of the General Council

on Finance and Administration

for the 1993-96 Quadrennium

GCFA Report

1113

Introduction

The reports presented by the General Council on
Finance and Administration in this Advance Edition of the
Daily Christian Advocate are informational in nature and
provide an accounting of the Council's stewardship and
that of the general agencies in several specific areas of
responsibility. The first three are summary statements
related to the general church fimds and certain other funds
for which the Council is directly accountable. The next

four are in fiilfillment of specific reporting directives to
the Council contained in the Book of Discipline, ^^ 9 11 . 1 ,
907.3, 907.5, and 804.

The report on Central Ordering is a follow-up and
progress report on an assignment given to GCFA, the
General Council on Ministries, and the United Methodist
Publishing House by the 1992 General Conference.

Contents

Summary of Apportionments and Receipts, General
Benevolence and Administrative Funds 1114-15

General Agency Headquarters Property Report

1127-31

Summary of Receipts and Disbursements, General Funds

1116-24

The Board of Trustees of The United Methodist Church

1125-26

Employment Practices of the General Agencies 1 126

Report on Improvements and Economies 1132-43

General Agency Financial Disclosure Report 1144

General Agency Fund Balances, 1994-1995 1145-48

Receipts and Disbursements, 1992-1995 1149-64

Grants to Organizations, 1992-1995 1165-1204

Report on Central Ordering 1205

I

1114

DCA Advance Edition

GENERAL BENEVOLENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS

SUMMARY OF APPORTIONMENTS AND RECEIPTS

January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1995

Apportioned Funds

World Service Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

Ministerial Education Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

Black College Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

Africa University Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

Mission Initiatives Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Pmd

Episcopal Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

General Administration Fund

Apportionment

Receipts

%Paid

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

$56,529,000

$56,554,000

$58,215,000

$59,928,000

48,545,791

48,448,497

50,179,868

52,594,532

85.9%

85.7%

86.2%

87.8%

18,610,843

18,942,256

19,374,679

19,844,652

14,697,221

15,038,777

15,405,078

16,052,155

79.0%

79.4%

79.5%

80.9%

10,050,000

10,080,000

10,270,000

10,574,000

7,782,021

7,848,715

7,988,290

8,482,634

77.4%

77.9%

77.8%

80.2%

2,500,000

2,500,000

2,500,000

2,500,000

2,097,558

2,090,115

2,098,972

2,090,080

83.9%

83.6%

84.0%

83.6%

850,000

850,000

850,000

689,135

704,715

715,922

81.1%

82.9%

84.2%

12,908,560

13,315,739

13,894,317

14,342,552

11,674,467

12,212,989

12,487,657

13,106,250

90.4%

91.7%

89.9%

91.4%

3,937,000

3,912,000

4,080,000

4,277,000

3,230,360

3,242,398

3,321,107

3,569,336

82.1%

82.9%

81.4%

S3. 5%

i

GCFA Report

1115

Unaudited

Apportioned Funds

1992

1993

1994

1995

Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

Apportionment

1,493,000

1,403,000

1,456,000

1,512,000

Receipts

1,200,654

1,125,108

1,154,224

1,257,946

%Pad

80.4%

80.2%

79.3%

83.2%

Total Apportioned

$106,028,403

$107,556,995

$110,639,996 $113,828,204

Total Receipts

$89,228,072

$90,695,734

$93,339,911

$97,868,855

%Paid

84.2%

84.3%

84.4%

86.0%

% Change in Apportionments

4.2%

1.4%

2.9%

2.9%

% Change in Receipts

2.7%

1.6%

2.9%

4.9%

Non-Apportioned Funds
Special Sundays With Offering:

Human Relations Day Fimd

$510,372

$498,823

$480,881

$578,025

One Great Hour of Sharing Fimd

3,206,783

3,083,075

3,001,575

3,280,569

Peace with Justice Sunday Fund

164,325

175,015

148,060

154,310

Native American Awareness Sunday Fund

242,083

267,182

283,054

258,242

World Communion Fund

953,720

955,722

1,036,243

1,054,237

United Methodist Student Day Fund

492,306

453,253

465,175

505,710

Total Special Sundays

$5,569,589

$5,433,070

$5,414,988

$5,831,093

Other Funds:

Youth Service Fund

140,526

134,889

142,900

135,706

World Service Specials

1,324,700

886,060

933,319

863,670

General Advance Specials Fund

33,959,886

33,495,348

30,459,756

24,954,467

Total Non-Apportioned Funds $40,994,701 $39,949,367 $36,950,963 $31,784,936

Total Receipts, All Funds $130,222,773 $130,645,101 $130,290,874 $129,653,791

1116

DCA Advance Edition

GENERAL FUNDS OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Statement of Receipts and Disbursements
January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1995

WORLD SERVICE ON APPORTIONMENT

RECEIPTS
DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

General Council on Ministries
United Methodist Communications

General Council on Finance and
Administration

On Ratio:

Program Boards and Agencies:

General Board of Church and Society

General Board of Discipleship

General Board of Global Ministries

General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

HANA Scholarships

General Commission on Religion and Race

Minority Group Self-Determination Fund

General Commission on the Status and
Role of Women

General Commission on Christian Unity

and Interreligious Concerns

1992 General Conference New Programs

Unaudited
1994 1995

1992 1993

fUR,S45.791 !UR.44S.497 ■'R^nnQRfiS $52.S94,5^2

$888,000
287,000

1,262,745

$888,000
330,000

1,303,960

$912,000
334,000

1,311,873

$935,000
370,000

1,212,343

1,864,775

1,860,915

1,926,049

2,021,912

5,452,569

5,447,406

5,646,052

5,943,725

19,537,107

19,518,461

20,249,085

21,291,085

3,974,250

3,967,132

4,106,064

4,331,424

464,084

465,229

468,729

479,333

649,718

651,320

674,970

701,569

1,084,270

930,457

967,286

1,010,956

428,645

429,702

448,275

477,590

679,251

718,990

746,557

775,647

528,669

542,873

544,696

GCFA Report

1117

1992

1993

Unaudited
1994 1995

Other Ministries:

General Council on Ministries

690,220

685,155

709,059

749,502

United Methodist Communications:

General Services

4,200,385

4,199,747

4,367,700

4,592,878

Interpretation Services

2,139,007

2,135,823

2,215,809

2,336,529

Telecommunications

2,281,607

2,279,621

2,352,166

2,470,742

American Bible Society

8,438

University-College Fund

210,948

105,734

106,529

108,939

Project Equality

25,314

26,222

27,272

28,760

Salary and Pension Assistance

1,847,900

1,426,138

1,502,488

1,601,843

Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico Block

Grant

211,468

213,059

217,878

1988 General Conference Contingency

109,693

Contingency Reserve

459,865

338,348

351,973

392,181

Total

$48,545,791

$48,448,497

$50.179 868

$5?.. 594. 532

WORLD SERVICE SPECIAL GIFTS

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited
1995

RECEIPTS

$1,324,700

$886,060

$933,319

$M3,67Q

DISBURSEMENTS

Special Gifts:

General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

United Methodist Communications

1,324,069
531

885,420
640

932,669
650

863,133
537

General Commission on Archives &.
History

100

Total

$1,324,700

$886,060

$933 319

$863,670

1118 DCA Advance Edition

EPISCOPAL FUND

Unaudited
1992 1993 1994 1995

RECEIPTS !t;i 1 .674.467 ■S1?..?,1?..9S9 %nA?.l.f,'^l !Sn, 106.250

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:

Interpretation 7,000 27,000 4,000 4,000

General Council on Finance and

Administration 306,390 328,705 326,470 302,109

Expenses 11,232,042 11,264,020 11,070,102 12,124,365

Total* $11.545.432 !i;n. 619.725 $1 1 .400.572 $12.430.474

The Episcof)aI Fund is the only general fund directly administered by GCFA rather than another agency. Reserves are
maintained in the fund to cover fluctuations in expenses. At 12/31/95, the unaudited fund balance was $1,327,632.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUND

Unaudited
1992 1993 1994 1995

RECEIPTS $3.230.360 $3.242.39R $3.321.107 $3.569.336

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claim:

United Methodist Communications:

Interpretation 3,000 14,000 14,000 15,000

On-Ratio:

General Council on Finance and

Administration 1,382,334 1,493,279 1,550,257 1,693,772

General Commission on Archives and
History

United Methodist Shrines

Women's and Ethnic Minority History

General Conference

Judicial Council

National Youth Ministry Organization

World Methodist Coimcil

Contingency Reserve

Total

451,207

559,048

565,283

597,115

20,509

24,846

24,401

25,019

41,019

738,339

613,710

620,591

655,492

40,199

43,896

39,854

40,864

90,241

111,810

114,683

121,758

258,418

269,999

274,101

291,052

205,094

111,810

117,937

129,264

$3 230.360

$3,242,398

$3,321,107

$3,569,336

GCFA Report

1119

INTERDENOMINATIONAL COOPERATION FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

$1,200,654

$1,125,108

$1,154,224

$1,257,946

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

43,000

46,000

46,000

47,000

General Council on Finance and
Administration

31,231

30,282

30,175

28,997

On Ratio:

National Council of Churches (NCC)

565,172

531,899

544,485

594,267

World Council of Churches (WCC)

341,768

279,739

286,283

312,772

Consultation on Church Union (COCU)

50,951

32,308

33,543

37,039

Special Ecumenical Needs

50,951

28,368

28,863

31,277

Approved Travel - NCC, WCC and
COCU

74,468

121,352

124,030

135,809

Contingency Reserve

43,113

55,160

60,845

70,785

Total

$1 200.654

$1,125,108

$1,154,224

$1,257,946

MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

$14,697,221

$15,038,777

$15,405,078

$16 052.155

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

83,000

65,000

64,000

65,000

General Council on Finance and
Administration

382,295

404,759

402,741

370,014

General Board of Higher Exiucation and
Ministry

Total

14,231,926 14,569,018 14,938,337 15,617,141
$14697.221 $15038.777 $15.405.078 $16 052.155

1120

DCA Advance Edition

BLACK COLLEGE FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

$7,782,021

$7,848,715

$7.988.9.90

S8.482.fi34

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:

Interpretation

53,000

47,000

85,000

95,000

General Coimcil on Finance and

Administration

202,421

211,243

208,841

195,531

General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

Total

7,526,600 7,590,472 7,694,449 8,192,103

$7.782.021 $7.848.715 $7.988.290 $8.482.634

AFRICA UNIVERSITY FUND

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited
1995

RECEIPTS

$2,097,5.58

$2,090,115

$2,098,972

$2,090,080

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

General Coimcil on Finance and
Administration

114,000
54,560

115,000
56,254

101,000
54,874

115,000
48,178

General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

Total

1,928,998 1,918,861 1,943,098 1,926,902

$2.097.558 $2.090.115 $2.098.972 $2.090.080

GCFA Report

1121

RECEIPTS

MISSION INITIATIVES FUND

1992

Unaudited

1993

1994

1995

$689,135

$704,715

$715,922

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

General Council on Finance and
Administration
On Ratio:
General Board of Discipleship

General Board of Higher Education and

Ministry

General Board of Global Ministries

General Board of Church and Society

Total

20,000

20,000

20,000

18,548

18,424

16,503

34,410

33,980

34,650

70,192

70,627

72,018

521,334

537,697

548,292

24,651

23,987

24,459

$689,135

$704,715

$715,922

RECEIPTS

HUMAN RELATIONS DAY FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

$510,372

$498,823

$480,881

$578,025

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:

Interpretation

124,000

140,000

141,000

129,000

General Council on Finance and

Administration

13,276

13,425

12,572

13,324

On Ratio:

UM Voluntary Service Program

123,122

113,981

108,012

143,781

Community Developers Program

212,665

1%,877

186,566

248,350

Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program

37,309

34,540

32,731

43,570

Total

$510,372

$498,823

$480,881

$578,025

1122 DCA Advance Edition

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

$3,206,781

<i;3.n83.n75

."R3.001.575

$3 280 569

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

255,000

231,000

214,000

233,000

General Council on Finance and
Administration

83,413

82,979

78,471

75,620

United Methodist Committee on Relief

2,868,370

2,769,096

2,709,104

2,971,949

Total

$3,206,783

!R3.n83.075

$3.001 ,575

$3,280,569

PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

$164,325

$175,015

$148,060

$154,310

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

75,000

92,000

80,000

85,000

General Council on Finance and
Administration

4,274

4,711

3,871

3,557

General Board of Church and Society

85,051

78,304

64,189

65,753

Total

$164,325

$175,015

$148,060

$154,310

GCFA Report

1123

NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS SUNDAY FUND

RECEIPTS

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

s;?4?.n8^

$767 189.

!R28rn'54

%?^R.?A2

DISBURSEMENTS
Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

General Council on Finance and
Administration
On Ratio:
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Board of Global Ministries

Total

78,000

6,297

118,258
39,528

103,000

7,192

78,495
78,495

101,000

7,400

87,327
87,327

$242083 $267.182

104,000

5,952

74,145
74,145

$258.242

WORLD COMMUNION DAY FUND

RECEIPTS

1992

$953.720

1993

$955.722

1994

Unaudited
1995

$1 .054.237

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

General Council on Finance and
Administration
On Ratio:
Crusade Scholarship Committee
Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program

Ethnic Minority In-Service Training
Program

Total

134,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

24,808

25,722

27,091

24,301

397,456

395,000

434,576

444,968

278,219

276,500

304,203

311,478

119,237

118,500

130,373

133,490

$953,720

$955,722

$1 036 243

$1,054,237

1124

DCA Advance Edition

UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY FUND

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

RECEIPTS

U92.^06

$453,2.53

S465,175

$505,710

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

United Methodist Communications:
Interpretation

95,000

108,000

85,000

108,000

General Council on Finance and
Administration

12,806

12,199

12,161

11,657

General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

384,500

333,054

368,014

386,053

Total

!M92.^n6

$453,253

$465,175

$505,710

RECEIPTS

DISBURSEMENTS

Prior Claims:

General Council on Finance and
Administration

National Youth Ministry Organization

Total

YOUTH SERVICE FUND

1992 1993

$140.526 $n4.RR9

3,655 3,630

136,871 131,259

$140.526 $134.889

Unaudited
1994 1995

2.900 $135.706

3,736 3,128

139,164 132,578

$142.900 $135.706

RECEIPTS

World Missions
National Missions
UMCOR
Special Appeals

GENERAL ADVANCE SPECIALS FUND
1992 1993

10,352,983

4,200,638

19,205,136

201,128

9,411,974

4,400,498

9,330,266

10,353,680

Unaudited
1994 1995

10,239,400
4,231,403

11,051,875
4,937,077

9,836,048

4,067,710

10,044,036

1,006,672

Total

$33.959.885 $33.496.418 $30.459.755 $24 954.466

GCFA Report

1125

The Board Of Trustees

The members of the General Council on Finance and
Administration, a not-for-profit corporation, serve as the
members of The Board of Trustees of The United
Methodist Church, as provided by 1903 of the 1992 Book
of Discipline. The Board of Trustees of The United
Methodist Church is an Ohio not-for-profit corporation.
This corporation receives and administers trusts and
bequests left to it and to its predecessors, reporting its
activities and making its accounting to the General
Council on Finance and Administration and to the General
Conference.

The Northern Trust Bank of Chicago serves as
custodial agent for the various securities of the
corporation. Munder Capital Management, Inc. and
Invesco, Inc. serve as the investment counselors of the
General CouncU on Finance and Administration in
investing the funds of The Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees holds title and administers the
income from certain real property interests, including
surface property and mineral royalty interests, which have
been bequeathed to The Board of Trustees, its
predecessors, or The United Methodist Church. Included
among its holdings are oil and gas holdings from the N.T.

Arnold Estate in West Virginia and the J. A. Knowles
Estate in Texas.

Income attributed to the Knowles Estate is placed in
a scholarship fimd and loan fund administered by the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry on
behalf of the Coimcil. Income ft-om the Arnold Estate is
credited to the World Service Fimd.

On recommendation of the Council, proceeds of
undesignated bequests to The Board of Trustees are
assigned by General Conference to the World Service
Fund. In 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995, a total of
$374,961.91 was received and distributed through the
World Service Fund. Restricted bequests and trusts are
administered by the board in accordance with terms set by
the donors.

The permanent investments of The United Methodist
Insurance Trust and The Methodist Corporation are
pooled with The Board of Trustees for investment
management purposes. Separate accoimting of assets and
income earned are made for each entity.

An accounting of the transactions for the years 1992,
1993, 1994 and 1995 follows.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Balance Sheet

Cash

Pooled marketable securities (at cost)
Interest and Dividends Receivable
Accrued royalties
Accounts Receivable
Prepaid expenses
Land(Knowles property)
Interest in oil and mineral rights
Total Assets

Liabilities and Fund Balances

Accounts payable

Due to General Council on Finance
and Administration Permanent Fund
Income distributable to beneficiaries
Fund Balances
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Fund Balances

Total Liabilities and Fund Balances

Unaudited

12-31-92

12-31-93

12-31-94

12-31-95

$ 53,233

$ 70,178

$ 213,167

$ 25,936

9,621,872

10,084,983

9,844,177

10,648,564

100,499

68,834

62,677
5.771

91,716

441

441

2,632

3,968

3,331
1

3,331

1

3,331

1

3,321

1

$9,781,568

$10,231,295

$10,129,565

$ 10,769.979

$ 16,222

$ 287,186

$ 18,118

$ 14,052

107,171

88,784

69,211

77,282

551,846

427,369

419,870

460,300

180,716

178,495

179,619

190.764

1,133,313

1,118,568

1,126,030

1.195,772

469,069

757,833

853,313

906,164

792,104

797,149

816,734

867,318

6.531.127

6.575.911

6.646.670

7.058.327

9.106.329

9.427.956

9.622.366

10.218,345

$9,781,568

$10,231,295

$10,129,565

$10,769,979

1126

DCA Advance Edition

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Income Statanent

Interest Income
Dividend Income
Royalty Income
Rental Income

Gain (loss) on sale of securities
Gain (loss) on sale of land
Bequest and other income
Total Income

Unaudited

12-31-92

12-31-93

12-31-94

12-31-95

$ 467,783

$ 340,689

$ 306,670

$ 337,880

84,393

91,010

101,298

141,477

80,114

82,826

82,123

67,524

1,881

1,645

15,779

1,214

(16,990)

(110,495)

58,814

535,373
1,258

395,000
$ 800.675

90.601
$ 655.285

28.457

$ 617.181

$1,113,183

Operating Expense

Agent and Custodial fees
Investment counsellor fees

Professional fees

Property tax (Arnold and Knowles)

Miscellaneous

Total Operating Expenses
Distribution to beneficiaries
Total Expenses and Distribution

Net Income

3.842

7,301

7,417

44,485

45,790

43,647

53,795

5,207

8,376

4,833

24,676

9,139

8,582

7,105

5,283

604

140

25

1.013

63.277

70.189

63.027

84.767

535,406

408,859

397,848

432,437

598,683

479.048

460.875

517.204

$ 18,498

$ 321.627

$ 194.410

$ 595.979

Employment Practices of General Agencies

The 1992 Book of Discipline 1911.1 authorizes the
General Council on Finance and Administration "to
withhold approval of a portion or all of the budget of any
agency or any church-related institution receiving general
church fiinds until such agency or church-related
institution certifies to the council in writing that it has
established and has complied with a policy of (a)
recruiting, employing, utilizing, recompensing, and
promoting professional staff and other personnel without
regard to race, color, age or sex, (b) fulfilling its duties
and responsibilities in a manner which does not involve
segregation or discrimination on the basis of race, age, or

sex, and (c) insofar as possible, purchasing goods and
services from vendors who are in compliance with such
policies as are described in sections (a) and (b) of this
paragraph. . . "

In accordance with the Book of Discipline, the
General Council on Finance and Administration has
requested and obtained from agencies and church-related
institutions receiving general church funds certifications of
compliance with ^9 1 1 . 1 on a yearly basis through the year
ended December 31, 1995.

1,678,558

10,818,000

-0-

583,300

1,684,555

11,359,000

-0-

532,900

1,692,572 1,699,342

11,927,000 12,523,350

-0- -0-

605,382 478,356

32
6

32
6

32 32
4 4

GCFA Report 1127

General Agency Headquarters Property Report

JANUARY 1, 1992 TO DECEMBER 31, 1995

1992 1993 1994 1995

General Board of Church and Society

United Methodist Building

100 - 1 10 Maryland Avenue, North East

Washington, D. C. 20002-5680

Occupants: General Board of Church and Society

(plus other organizations renting space)
Owner of building: General Board of Church and Society
Value of building and land: At original cost

At fair market value
Debt

Annual operating cost
Years occupying this property: Since 1923
Number of staff: Headquarters

Off-site
Other organizations renting or leasing space:

Aids National Network

American Agriculture

American Baptist Church

Asian Pacific Center for Justice & Peace

C.A.I.A.

Center for Taiwan

Church of The Brethren Washington Office

Church World Service/Lutheran World Relief

Church Women United

Churches for Middle East Peace

Council for Livable World

East Turkestan National Research Center

Faith and Politics Institute

GBGM Women's Division

GBGM United Methodist Committee on Relief

GCFA Service Center

General Commission on Religion and Race

International Impact

International Labor Rights Research Fimd

Interreligious Health Care Access Campaign

Latin American Working Group

Lawyers Committee for Human Rights

Mennonite Central Committee

Nation Magazine

National Council of Churches of Christ

National Family Farm

North America Coalition Human Rights Korea

Presbyterian Church

Southwest Research & Information Center

Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

U.S. Committee for UNICEF

Washington Office on Africa

Washington Office on The Episcopal Church

Witness for Peace

Women's Strike for Peace

Women's Action for New Direction

2,700,000

2,700,000

2,700,000 2,700,000

tO,000,000

10,000,000

10,000,000 10,000,000

956,000

1,003,800

1,054,800 1,107,000

152

152

129 132

70

70

74 74

1 1 28 DCA Advance Edition

1992 1993 1994 1995

Unitarian Universalist Association

United Church of Christ

United Methodist News Service
Square footage available to agency 29,000 29,000 29,000 29,000

Year of last remodelling: 1984 Cost: $82,000

Year facility constructed: 100 Maryland, 1923

110 Maryland, 1931

General Board of Discipleship

1908 Grand Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
(Denman Building)

Occupants: Board of Discipleship

Owner: Upper Room Division, Board of Discipleship

Value of building and land At original cost

At fair market value

Annual operating cost

Number of staff: Headquarters

Off-site

Years occupying this property: Since 1952

Square footage available to agency 105,138 105,138 105,138 105,138

Year of last remodelling: Done in stages from 1984 - 1994

Cost: $2,300,000

Year facility constructed: 1952, west wing, 1965

General Board of Global Ministries

475 Riverside Drive

New York, New York 10115-0111

Owner: The Interchurch Center

Years occupying property: 35 Years

Amount of yearly rent

Number of staff: Headquarters

Off-site

Square footage available to agency

Year of last remodelling: 1985 (National Div. 3rd Fir) Cost:

Year facility constructed: 1959

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

1001 19th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
(Kem Building)

Occupants: Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Board of Discipleship
National Youth Ministry Organization
Owner: Board of Higher Education and Ministry - 50%

Board of Discipleship - 50 %
Value of building and land: At original cost 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000

At fair market value 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000

Annual operating cost (includes depreciation) 477,300 501,200 526,200 552,500

Years occupying prop>erty: 44
Number of staff 67 67 65 64

1,511,079

1,553,444

1,641,020

1,706,660

365

383

380

380

94

91

87

90

119,089

119,089

119,089

119,089

$1,000,000

GCFA Report

1129

1992

1993

1994 1995

Square footage available to agency 35,842

Other organizations renting or leasing:

United Methodist Foundation for Christian Education
Africa University Development Office

Year of last remodelling: 1990

Year facility constructed: 1952

35,842

35,842 35,842

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

1201 Davis Street

Evanston, Illinois 60204

Occupants of Building: General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Owner: General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Value of Building and Land 12,700,000 12,700,000

Amount of debt at year end 12,720,000 12,769,000

Interest rate on debt 6.5%

Float

Years to run on debt 30 29.5

26.5

Annual operating cost

Years occupying property: Since 1992

Number of staff 256 271

Square footage available to agency 82,458 82,458

Year of last remodelling: 1993

Year facility constructed: 1954 and 1964

12,700,000 12,700,000
12,640,000 12,580,000

6.0%

28.5

271
82,458

6.0%

27.5

NA 528,314 570,381

266
82,458

General Commission on Archives and History

36 Madison Avenue

Madison, New Jersey 07940-0016

Occupants: Archives and History

Drew University Methodist Library

Owner of building: Drew University

Years occupying property: Since 1982

Yearly rent

Number of staff

Square footage available to agency

Year facility constructed: 1982

66,880

73,772

81,909

90,968

10

10

10

10

16,016

16,016

16,016

16,016

General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns

475 Riverside Drive

New York, New York 10115-0111

Owner: The Interchurch Center

Years occupying this property: Since 1972

Rent

Number of staff

Square footage available to agency

Year of last remodelling: 1986 Cost:

Year facility constructed: 1960

20

21

22

23

30,139

33,094

35,541

35,848

8

8

7

7

2,232

2,232

2,232

2,232

$35,000

1130

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993

1994 1995

General Commission on Religion and Race

100 Maryland Avenue, North East
Washington, D. C. 20002-5680

Owner: General Board of Church and Society

Years occupying this property: Since 1968

Rent

Number of staff

Square footage available to agency

Year facility constructed: 1923

63,977

67,967

69,618

72,230

11

11

11

11

3,200

3,200

3,200

3,497

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women

1200 Davis Street

Evanston, Illinois 60201-4193

Owner: General Council on Finance & Administration

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Rent

Years occupying this property: 8 years

Number of staff

Square footage available to agency

20,692

4
1,161

21,160

4
1,161

21,575 22,025

4
1,161

4
1,161

General Council on Finance and Administration

1200 Davis Street

Evanston, Illinois 60201-4193

Occupants of building: General Council on Finance and Administration
General Commission on the Status

and Role of Women
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
Owners: General Coimcil on Finance and Administration -34.8%

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits - 65.2%
Value of building and land: At cost

At fair market value
Debt: Principal amount

Interest rate
Years to run
Annual operating cost
Years occupying this property: Since 1962
Number of staff: Headquarters

Off-site
Square footage available to agency
Other organizations renting or leasing space:

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Year of last remodelling: 1993 Cost: $67,892

Year facility constructed: 1962

2,600,000

2,600,000

2,600,000

2,600,000

4,700,000

4,800,000

4,900,000

5,000,000

1,053,673

959,151

860,286

756,879

4>/^

4'/i

4'A

4'/^

9

8

7

6

611,068

454,534

561,192

556,650

48

48

48

48

10

10

10

10

14,328

14,328

14,328

14,328

GCFA Report

1131

1992

1993

1994 1995

General Council on Ministries

601 West Riverview Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45406-5543

Occupants: General Council on Ministries

(plus other organizations renting space)

Owner: General Council on Ministries

Value of building and land: At original cost

At fair market value

Annual operating cost:

Years occupying this property: 26 years

Number of staff: Headquarters
Off-site

Square footage available to agency

Other organizations renting or leasing space:

Black Methodists for Church Renewal

Dayton N. Dist. Superintendent

Dayton S. Dist Superintendent

GBGM Women's Division Regional Office

Greater Dayton Christian Council

Health Ministries Program

Miami Valley UM Mission Society

UM Assoc, of Health & Welfare Ministries

UMCom NC Jurisdiction Field Staff

United Church of Christ-SW Ohio North KY

Year of last remodelling: 1882-83 Cost: $50,000

Year facility constructed: 1960

955,092

2,700,000

185,482

19
1

22,283

955,092

3,127,000

235,822

19
1

22,283

955,092 955,092

3,127,000 3,127,000

241,502 225,237

18
1

22,283

18
1

22,283

National Youth Ministry Organization

1001 19th Ave., South
Nashville, Tennessee 37202

Owner: Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Board of Discipleship

Lease

Number of staff

Square footage available to agency

7,923

5,941

5,355

5,100

3

4

4

3

570

570

570

570

United Methodist Communications

810 12th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37202

Occupants: United Methodist Communications
Owner: United Methodist Communications

Value of building and land: At original cost

At fair market value
Debt: Principal

Interest rate
Years to run on debt
Annual operating cost
Years occupying this property: 16
Number of staff: Headquarters

Off-site
Square footage available to agency
Year of last remodelling: 1992 Cost: $18,430
Year facility constructed; 1980

2,972,412

3,874,416

1,002,775

7.91%

5

131,104

2,972,412

3,991,016

927,116

5.50%

3

124,404

2,972,412

4,190,567

822,998

5.50%

2.5

170,185

2,997,392

4,358,190

713,007

5.5%

1
208,411

94

16

43,000

101

14

43,000

106

14

43,000

107

9

43,000

Some agencies either own or lease office space in other locations for field staff and branch operations. These staff and the cost of these
facilities are not included as part of this Headquarters Property Report as described in ^907.3 of the Book of Discipline.

1132

DCA Advance Edition

Report on Improvements and Economies

Consolidation of services and increased utilization of
advances in technology have played a central role in
reshaping the operations of United Methodist general
agencies during the past quadrennium. Efforts
implemented as a result of those factors have yielded
increased efficiency and effectiveness in internal
operations.

In preparation for this report each general agency
was asked to submit a specific list of the economies
implemented during the past four years. GCFA has
compiled those reports and is submitting this combined
report on their behalf in fulfillment of 11907.5 of the Book
of Discipline.

General Board of Church and Society (GBCS)

The GBCS receives less than 4% of the World Service
Fund budget Even though the agency receives a minute
portion of the fund, cost-cutting and efficiencies are taken
seriously. Several major efficiencies were made during the
previous quadrennium, including a reduction in staff size
and a total upgrading of computer equipment This left
efficiencies of a smaller scale to be implemented this
quadrennium.

At the start of this quadrennium, the decision was
made to reduce the number of additional (at-large) board
members. In addition, the board of directors voted to meet
five times instead of six during the quadrennium. The
Board has continued its practice of scheduling meetings
over a weekend to take advantage of discount airfares.

Since the last General Conference, GBCS has reduced
general administration expenses each year. As reported in
our audit, the reduction in general administration expense
over the prior year was 9% in 1992, 4% in 1993, and
4.5% in 1994. These reductions are the result of many
small actions taken to reduce costs each year.

Another practice which results in cost savings is the
Board's salary administration policy, which has been in
place since the Board was reorganized in 1990. This
policy is based on the worth of each position to the
agency, rather than tenure. Therefore, whether a person
is new to the staff or has been employed for a number of
years, the employee is doing a job of particular
importance to the agency. That is what is reflected in the
salary level of the position, rather than the number of
years the employee has been with the agency.

GBCS also supported the development of a multi-site
contract for long distance telephone service, and
participated in the contract when it was negotiated. This
will result in sizable savings on telephone service.

Another area in which the agency realizes economies is in
the health insurance program coordinated by GCFA for
all the general agencies.

General Board of Discipleship (GBOD)

Improvements and Economies Implemented
Ihiring the 1993-1996 Quadrennium:

1. At the beginning of the quadrennium a quadreimial
budget plan was developed and adopted to assure the
Board would operate on a sound financial base. This plan
incorporated the use of designated program reserve funds.

2. A thorough review was made of all major program
elements of the Board to assure that all programs were
focused on enhancing the ministries of the local church.

3. The results of the financial and program plan
reshaped certain programs and reduced staffing
requirements. One level of middle management was
eliminated, and some program positions were filled with
contracted consultants/staff. Total savings: $300,000
annually.

4. The customer service functions related to
subscription and merchandise order fulfillment for the two
publishing units of the Board were outsourced to
professional order fulfillment service bureaus. First year
savings for Discipleship Resources was $128,000, and
$298,000 for the Upper Room.

5. The management of the in-house copy center was
transferred to a professional printing service company.
The reduction of one staff position plus cost savings on
the services provided created savings of $50,000 the first
year.

6. Graphic arts services were also standardized and
consolidated vnth the outside printing company managing
the in-house copy center. This change provides improved
quality of products and expanded and enhanced services
for the program units.

7. The Board joined with other agencies to benefit
from a consolidated long distance telephone service
contract arranged by GCFA Savings are projected to be
$38,000 for the first two years.

8. GBOD joined with the three other agencies in
NashviUe (GBHEM, UMCom, and UMPH) to consoUdate .
travel services with a single travel agency. This provided
enhanced and expanded services with projected savings
of $41,000 annually for our agency.

9. The completion of the heating/air conditioning
systems, along with major building renovations, has
provided annual savings of $48,000 on utilities.

GCFA Report

1133

10. The processing of customer cash receipts was
changed from an in-house function to a bank lock box
service. This provides improved efficiency in application
of payments to customer accounts receivable and
increased cash balances in our cash account The total
dollars realized the first year from reduced costs and
increased interest earnings was $30,000.

11. Negotiations with certain large volume vendors
for services and/or products resulted in new contracts that
will provide cost savings. Use of elecfronic transmission
of data files and laser technology has improved service
efficiency.

12. The Board's NHS department developed an in-
house training program for staff, which has eliminated the
cost of sending employees to commercial training centers.
This program provides customized training for the
specific software applications used in our agency in place
of more generic training in a professional training center.

13. Board meeting costs are held to the lowest level
possible by having only five full Board meetings in the
quadrennium and by using the Scarritt-Bennett Center for
those meetings. Meetings are held over weekends to get
the lowest possible air fares.

14. The Board purchased the Postalsoft software to
manage our mailing label processing function. This
provided a 50% reduction in costs ($30,000 annually), and
enabled the Board to gain control of this function and
improve efficiency. Bar coding is being implemented for
postal pre-sorting, which has reduced costs and improved
efficiency.

15. The two publishing units of the Board have
entered into a new distribution agreement with UMPH.
This central processing system, to be promoted by both
agencies, is expected to provide better order processing
service to our customers.

16. The Board is currently experimenting with some
product concepts via electronic publishing technology.
Publishing is moving rapidly in this area, and we believe
our publishing units must identify appropriate products
suitable for this technology in order to meet our
customers' expectations.

17. Design work has begun on renovation of an area
in our facilities that can be developed into a state-of-the-
art training center that would incorporate teleconferencing
and the latest electronic training technology available. We
believe this will enhance our training efforts with our
constituents and provide higher quality service at a very
reasonable cost

Improvements and Economies Planned
During the 1997-2000 Quadrennium:

1. At the beginning of the new quadrennium the
members and staff will develop a budget plan for the four
years of the quadrennium to assure that the Board will
operate with a balanced budget

2. As a part of the budget development process all
program elements will be reviewed to note which can be
continued and at what level of activity.

3. There will be a continuing emphasis on reducing
the operating costs of the Board. This includes a
continuing review of the operations of the physical plant
as well as office operations.

4. The Board will make increased use of
teleconferences to reduce the costs of meetings.

5. The training center created in our agency
headquarters building will become a primary learning
center for our constituents, using the latest technology
available.

6. The Board will place a major emphasis on
enhancing the quality of all of its programs, events,
meetings, and office and administrative procedures. This
emphasis should lead to enhanced service to the local
church and responsiveness to the total church as well as
economies of operations.

General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)

The 1992-1996 quadrennium has been the most
unique four years in the last 50 years. To understand
what "improvements and economies" were made by
GBGM with realism, it is necessary to measure what God
has required of us by the many piercings of the curtains
of isolation which God has caused to happen in these four
years. The Board's program responsibilities have
increased in mission areas imder development This has
occurred both in terms of expansion into new areas and
increased intensity of ministry in previous areas of work.
The only real measurement must be what the Board has
managed to do with fewer resources.

The fall of Communism opened up an area of historic
isolation bigger than the United States in territory with a
population of approximately 250 millioa In some areas,
the spark of Christian belief had remained flickering
under enormous oppression, and GBGM was given the
opportunity to help fan those sparks to glorious flame "In
His Name." In other places, the veil of darkness had been
so oppressive that the mission may be compared with
starting a church in the frontier as God's love is
proclaimed for all beings -recruiting one person, one
family at a time, starting worship in a home, in a town
meeting place, and then building a church, leading to
more churches.

1134

DCA Advance Edition

One area behind the curtain of historic isolation
(Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan) has been used in so many
above-ground hydrogen bomb testings that it is possible
now to study the effects of radiation exposure to three
generations. GBGM created a forum for the exchange of
real data (as compared to the misrepresentations of
governments) to discuss the extent of the testing and
what it means to the future of all humanity. This forum
welcomes persons of all religions (Christian and others) to
work together to understand what humankind has done
to the earth, the food, the water, and to other humans, as
well as what must be done to save the environment from
future devastation and minister to the miseries of those
akeady subjected to the demonic results of
experimentation in ungodly ways. This is a concept of
ministry unlike the denomination's previous endeavors.

In Africa, hate and lust for power by those who covet
the control of the continent's wealth continued into this
quadrennium. No matter where the violence occurred, or
who was involved, it was the children who bore the brunt
of forces beyond their ability even to comprehend. Here
again, God gave The United Methodist Church the
requirement to be present "In His Name."

Given this background, through new ministries,
perhaps 100 in number, GBGM has attempted to address
the reality of doing considerably more with fewer
available resources, much prayer, and many innovative
approaches.

First and foremost, the increased use of mission
personnel-especially those who committed themselves as
volunteers-gave the denomination more "person-power"
to provide love and care and the presence of God in ways
which were not only, in some cases, Ufe-saving to the
recipients, but also truly soul-saving to the donors.
Hundreds of these volunteers have demonstrated what the
opportunity to serve the Lord has meant to them by their
continuing dedication to the promotion of the program. To
put a dollar value on these ministries, offered and/or
extended by volunteers, is impossible. It is safe to say,
however, that the amount is substantial.

For example, the mission in Russia, which is
underway in 32 sites, would have been developed with at
least 32 missionaries or more in the past Such a venture
would have involved annual expenditures of over $35,000
per year per site just for personnel Instead, under the
Board's present program, entire congregations are
providing resources so that a range of services for the
site-church buildings, community services, humanitarian
aid, etc-are available rather than the limited number that
could be developed by one person over a longer period of
time. One of the great side benefits to this approach is the
linking of churches to direct involvement in a mission
project and all the joys which follow. It should be noted
that this has been developed employing only two paid

personnel and provides a model for future mission
outreach. The funds which would have gone to the
program otherwise were then used to build the
infrastructure of the church; i.e., a pastor's training school,
churches, the relationship to the Russian Orthodox Church
(to which $25,000 was contributed for Christian
education), etc.

In Zaire, the refugee resetdement program was
developed almost entirely with volunteers, both to work
in the field (medical personnel, teachers, builders, etc.) and
to act as mission interpreters and fundraisers upon
returning to their home congregations. As a result, not
only were the needs of many refugees attended to, but the
first Children's Village was opened in Goma with a
church, housing, a clinic, and a school

World-wide, GBGM is, where possible, engaging
technically competent persons who are geographically
situated in close proximity to a mission site as the first
Une of service, rather than deploying personnel from
headquarters. These on-site persons may be either
volunteers or salaried, and backup is provided from the
Board where needed. The savings here have been, and
will continue to be, substantial

A prime example of the creative employment of
committed Christians has been in the area of financial
responsibilities. Several volunteer Certified Public
Accountants and other competent business persons have
supplemented GBGM's financial staff by conducting
audits and management reviews all over the world. This
has resulted in having several million dollars given for
program being directed back into program and out of
local investments. In actual savings of salaries through
the use of volunteers, approximately $325,000 has been
realized. Significant progress is being made toward
increased standardization of systems and compatibility for
computers. It also leads to a mutual understanding of
what is required of the ministries that receive funds, what
the donor has the right to expect, and what the recipient j
has the right to expect |

Communications with Central Conference bishops, as
well as with those involved in ministries in remote places
in Africa, where communications have always been
problematic, if not impossible, are being addressed with
new technology. Satellite telephones, furnished and paid
for jointly by GBGM and GCFA, are allowing immediate
communications with information that is reliable and
current The benefit of the savings realized from this
venture is surpassed only by the new attention focused on
mission by local congregations in the United States who
were called directly on these satellite phones by either
missionaries or volunteers from their own membership.
These contacts were an opportunity for persons in the
field to give first-hand accounts of their experiences and

GCFA Report

1135

the situation in the areas where they were serving, "In
His Name," to the leadership of their local churches.

A new thrust in this quadrennium, identified within
GBGM as The Formation of Partner Relationships and
Institutional Resource Sharing, is designed to encourage
and enable health and welfare institutions related to
connectional units of The United Methodist Church to
become involved in global mission through the
development of partnerships with institutions around the
world. As of this writing, ten of these relationships
coordinated by GBGM have resulted in the sharing of
knowledge, training, personnel, and expertise between
United Methodist-related health organizations in
Tennessee, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Cuba, and New
York with health organizations in Lithuania, The Russian
Federation, and Kazakhstan. These partnerships have
enabled the provision of equipment and pharmaceutical
resources from individual companies for those areas of
need, as well as from the various branches of the United
States government A conservative estimate of incremental
mission resources would be in the tens of millions of
dollars.

The Board has sought out resources made available
by the United States Departments of State and
Agriculture, the Agency For International Development
(AID), and the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees, in instances where government and United
Nations' funding mandates are consistent with the mission
of The United Methodist Church. This endeavor has
provided humanitarian aid in amounts exceeding
$20,000,000 per year and continues to grow. The United
States government has found The United Methodist
Church so reliable in the administration of its programs
in Bosnia, Armenia, and Georgia, particularly in the areas
of inventory control and program implementation, that
they have sought the advice of GBGM in the development
of future programs.

The installation of "800" telephone lines for two
distinct applications has greatly enhanced communications
between the Board and the constituency of The United
Methodist Church. One line is answered by a staff person
who, when possible, responds directly or who has the
ability to connect the caller with someone who can
appropriately respond to the inquiry. The result has been
a quicker response time to those seeking information.
Other "800" telephone lines are dedicated to "MissionFax,"
which allows a caller to automatically request and receive
a faxed response to inquiries related to items which are
listed on a menu of available information. The menu is
developed by monitoring inquiries; those programs or
issues which have received significant attention are those
for which data is made available via MissionFax.

A recent technical development which promises to be
a useful tool for annual conferences and local churches is

the capability to track the status of gifts given to the
Advance program via computer inquiry. Thus, the donor
conference or church may know without delay when the
funds were received by the Board and when they were
released to the designated mission program or project
Several annual conferences are making suggestions for
other uses of this data bank, and it is expected that it will
be widely used in the future.

The Internet has caught the interest of people all
around the world, including the Board. GBGM has a
"Homepage" and is communicating with persons
worldwide about its programs and how the mission of
The United Methodist Church may be involved in aid and
service. In the early months of GBGM's availability on the
Internet, there have been over 33,000 "hits," or accesses,
made to the Homepage.

A local area network (LAN) within GBGM has been
installed during the quadrennium. The design is
sufficiently portable to address the contemplated
relocation of the Board. With this system, the
dissemination of program data among and between
appropriate staff and related persons has become much
more efficient On-line capabihties allow inquiry from any
place where there is a telephone. This enables constant
communication among staff as necessary, including
leaving electronic messages to be picked up by the
intended recipients when they sign on to the network.

All of the communications advances which are cited
have allowed the Board to focus its resources so that
inestimable savings are being realized in both internal
and external communications and interaction.

For one year of the quadrennium, the Board
substituted an executive committee meeting for the semi-
annual meeting of its entire Board. This action realized a
savings of $150,000. In addition, every unit and committee
of the Board met, whenever possible, by teleconferencing
rather than holding a meeting at one site. This resulted in
savings on travel, hotels and meals, as well as staff time
spent away from the office.

The number of GBGM staff was reduced from 487 to
447 during the 1992-1996 quadrennium. Seventeen of
those 40 positions were in the areas of general services
and finance, replaced mostly by computerization. The
remainder were program staff whose assignments were
addressed by realignment of duties, part-time consultants,
or volunteers. The annual savings are estimated to be
$1,100,000. Additional savings have been accomplished by
restructuring portfolios so that for example, two staff are
carrying the program work of three and support staff are
shared rather than assigned to one positioa In emergency
situations, staff are also re-assigned.

In summary, the reality of reduced fiscal resources
available to the General Board of Global Ministries for the

1136

DCA Advance Edition

development of mission outreach-the proclamation of the
Gospel where it has not been heard or heeded--has caused
the Board to utilize technological means and methods for
meetings and communication. Responsibilities have been
increased for all staff persons, thus occasioning reduced
staff size. Special care has been given to make certain
that personal attention and response have become better
and more competentiy employed during these times of
change.

The Board has committed itself to work with the
churches and with the aimual conferences. Leadership
from annual conferences have become a further manner
of mission staffing. Thus, not only are the churches
brought closer to the mission, but the Board becomes
closer to them as well The Board is committed to
fulfilling its Disciplinary responsibilities as commissioned
by the Church in the most effective manner possible.

Indeed, the Gospel is being proclaimed!

General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry (GBHEM)

Ck)st Saving Measures. The Board continually
seeks to institute dollar-saving measures on budget items.
All savings are applied to programs supporting the
Board's disciplinary mandate. Highlighted below are
policies implemented to maximize dollars available for
programs:

Staffing. In the current quadrennium, two support
staff positions were combined, and interim staff have been
used. Quadrennial savings: 1985-88, $40,500; 1989-92,
$126,000; 1993-96, $201,180.

Desktop publishing increased the Board's "print-
ready" capability, and decreased the requirements of
using outside typesetters, designers, artists, and part-time
personnel Quadrennial savings: 1985-88, $14,000; 1989-92,
$60,000; 1993-96, $68,123.

Africa University Development Office staff positions
were created in Nashville; other Afiica University staff
positions were created m Zimbabwe. In addition to their
main assignments, GBHEM staff continue to resource the
project so that new staff need not be hired. Quadrennial
savings: 1985-88, $440,000; 1989-92, $200,000; 1993-96,
$210,000.

Travel and Meetings. GBHEM has adopted travel
policies which adhere to per diem limits on meals and
lodging.

The Board has elected to hold its 1992-96 meetings at
Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville. Additional division
and Board committee meetings are also held at Scarritt
Quadrennial savings: 1985-88, $10,000; 1989-92, $57,500;
1993-96, $87,553. An exclusive travel contract with a
revenue sharing clause was negotiated with a Nashville -

based agency in 1995. Monthly travel summaries detailing
savings are provided by the agency to the office of
administration. Quadrennial savings: 1985-88, $60,000;
1989-92, $75,000; 1993-96, $85,000.

Airline and group travel discounts are negotiated for
all Board and committee meetings. Travel is scheduled to
include a Saturday evening where possible to take
advantage of reduced airline rates. Quadrennial savings:
1985-88, $60,000; 1989-92, $68,000; 1993-96, $64,000.

Tax exemptions are exercised in all contracts for
Board and committee meetings, as well as the purchase of
materials and services.

Office Facilities. Kern Building was improved in terms
of energy, usage, space allocation, and working
environment Energy savings of 15% per year are
expected.

GBHEM shares certain costs vnth other agencies in
the Methodist Center, such as the telephone system, mail
service, copy center utilization, security, and cleaning.

Miscellaneous. Favorable payment terms have been
negotiated with vendors, and cash discounts are taken
when provided. Storage and distribution of materials are
handled in-house to generate further savings.

Total savings: 1985-88 Quadrennium, $624,500;
1989-92, Quadrennium, $586,500; 1993-96 Quadrennium,
$718,856.

Budget Policy. GBHEM develops budgets based on
conservative revenue assumptions. Planned expenditures
are reviewed monthly to assure that such expenditures
are consistent vwth approved budgets.

General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits (GBPHP)

During the current quadrennium, GBPHB has
refocused its energies and resources on the issue of
stewardship in carrying out its mission to the Church.
Recognizing its duty to conserve resources while
continuing to serve participants and plan sponsors the
following economies and improvements were made.

1. The Board reassessed the strategic direction of its
information systems strategy and, in 1995, decided to
change the previous strategy of in-house system
development and made a decision to move off its
mainframe systems to a UNIX-based platform. This
decision is expected to save more than $2 million in the
next quadrennium on a net basis.

2. Through a careful review of spending throughout
the agency, total expenditures were reduced below budget
in 1995 by nearly $1 millioa In this achievement virtually
all departments contributed to this mindful stewardship.

GCFA Report

1137

3. The Board continued its development of the
ConTac system, an on-line data link between the agency
and annual conference offices. Recent enhancements
include on-line access to account balance information, as
well as automated tracking of outstanding pension
contributions, and arrearages. The increased usage of this
distributed processing tool has increased the number of
automated data changes by 100% over the quadrennium
while decreasing manual changes by the same percentage.
In addition to the achievement of savings in personnel,
billing accuracy was improved significantly over the
period as well as the increased accessibility of benefit
data to conference staff. Further expansion of this
capability is planned in the next quadrennium. This
initiative is expected to provide major enhancements in
staff productivity over the period.

4. The Board joined with other agencies to benefit
from a group buying of long distance services. The
savings from this initiative was $38,000 in the last six
months of 1995 alone.

5. The agency is recommending a reduction in the
size of its board by six members. If approved, the savings
in travel and meeting expense is estimated to be $15,000
per year.

6. The Board made many improvements in the control
of expenses related to its physical plant These include
energy conservation measures designed to reduce heating
and cooling expenses. The improvements will provide
savings of approximately $10,000 per year.

7. The Board began a staff reorganization at the end
of the current quadrennium. The major organizational
design objectives of this project are as follows.

• The creating of a common vision and purpose
throughout the agency.

• A repositioning of decision making as close to the
participant as possible.

• A concentration on accountability and stewardship in
staff training.

• A flattening of the organization structure and the
elimination of excess administrative layers.

While no specific savings from this initiative are expected
in the current quadrennium, the benefits and economies
to be achieved in the next quadrennium are estimated to
be well over $1 million per year.

The United Methodist
Publishing House (UMPH)

In the 1992-96 quadrennium, the following
improvements and economies have occurred:

I. UMPH provided leadership in a United Methodist
agency long distance task force resulting in a contract
with AT&T providing a three-year savings for aU
agencies of $781,000. In addition, as of October 31, 1995,
over 200 other United Methodist organizations have
signed up under the agency contract Included are district
offices, churches, annual conference offices, one
jurisdictional office, one school, and four other UM-related
entities. All of these will be given the same favorable rate
that the agencies negotiated. As more join, the rate will
continue to improve. Expected savings for agencies
during the 1996-2000 quadrennium are $1,127,488.

UMPH provided direction for a Nashville-based
interagency travel task team resulting in consolidation of
all travel business for Nashville agencies. This resulted in
a total savings annually of $210,000 for participating
agencies.

3. All corporate and store-related banking activities
were bid out to reduce costs and improve service,
resulting in a reduction of costs of 41%.

4. Business insurance was bid out, resulting in
improved coverage and a premium reduction of 39%.

5. Consolidation of truck freight contracts for
incoming and outgoing freight resulted in savings of
$150,000 to $200,000 a year.

6. By reconfiguring handling of retail WATS calls,
6% more calls were handled with the same number of
staff.

7. By improving mailing list hygiene through using
the National Change of Address system, and through
better recognition and removal of non-responsive names
from the mailing list, approximately $300,000 annually
has been saved in postal expense.

8. Through the use of digital photography, which
allows multiple reuse and manipulation of product shots,
there has been an estimated savings of $35,000 annually.

9. By consolidating the mailing of catalogs, there has
been an estimated savings of $10,000 annuaOy.

10. Consolidation of distribution in Nashville by
closing the Burlingame operation and opening a retail
store in Sacramento resulted in a net savings of $226,469
annually.

II. Technological changes in production processes
have resulted in increased efficiencies and a savings of
$100,000 annually in separation costs.

12. Outsourcing the operation of an employee
cafeteria achieved a first-year savings of $61,300.

13. Changes in our medical/dental plans in July 1992
contributed to a 21% reduction in costs by the second
year.

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DCA Advance Edition

14. The Church School Publications Department in the
UMPH Publishing Division decreased staff from 83 full-
time positions to 59 while increasing the output and
complexity of resources produced.

General Commission on Archives
and History (GCAH)

GCAH is a small agency. It has five full-time and two
part-time employees. During the current quadrennium the
Commission has changed one full-time position to a part-
time positioa It has also utilized its location on the Drew
University campus to employ four University work/study
students on a part-time basis in the Archives Department
at very nominal cost

The Commission has carefully monitored the
expenditures for staff travel and the cost of its annual
meetings during the quadrennium. The 1994 annual
meeting cost for travel, room, and board of its 30
members was approximately $12,100. The cost of the 1995
annual meeting was approximately $13,200.

Supply purchases have been made from vendors able
to offer the most competitive prices. The Commission has
also been incorporated into the Drew University telephone
system, which gives the advantage of outstanding local,
long-distance, and equipment rates and makes possible
the use of e-mail, fax, and the Internet at very reasonable
cost

General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns (GCCUIC)

The following actions have been taken by GCCUIC in
order to conserve financial resources, improve and
streamline office systems, and enhance information
retrieval and dissemination processes. As technology
provides new, usually faster, methods of accomplishing
tasks, we provide staff with training m new systems and
software and encourage development of skills in related
areas.

The Commission has always been committed to the
economical use of resources and has worked particularly
hard on this the past two quadrennia. It is important to
note, however, that some "economies" forced by financial
constraints have hmited our abiUty to fully meet the
disciplinary assignments of General Conference. This is
particularly apphcable to the reduction in staff which
occurred in 1993. Also, the Commission takes issue with
the use of the phrase "improvements and economies,"
because the two terms may not be compatible. Savings
have been effected in the following ways:

Meeting/Travel Costs:

1. Reduction in number of executive staff.

2. Use of designated travel agency by directors for
lower fares and greater oversight of costs.

3. Staying over Saturday night for reduced fares by
staff, directors, and others.

4. Adoption of agency travel policies (m compliance
with GCFA requirements).

5. FUght reservations for staff travel made during
competitive fare reduction promotions, sometimes for
several months of travel at considerable savings.

6. Encourage sharing of hotel rooms; if requesting
single room, a supplement is paid by the individual for
the additional cost

7. Holding most annual and spring Commission
meetings in retreat settings.

8. Holding committee meetings in conjimction with
annuaVspring Commission meeting or in conjimction with
another committee meeting.

9. Extensive use of conference calls in lieu of
committee meetings on site.

10. Use of tax exemption in frequently used locations.

11. No Spring 1996 meeting held.
Office Systems:

1. Replacement of older computer equipment with
new PCs compatible with local area network system Cm
consultation with GCFA MIS department).

2. Wiring of office space for LAN by GBGM
contractor at lower rate than for individual contract for
Commission office space alone.

3. Use of LAN and database system enabUng further
development and improvement in newsletter and other
maihngs to constituencies.

4. Use of AT&T Uniplan (with other general agencies
and some annual conferences) for long-distance telephone
service, with 43% volume discount

5. Use of "800" number for greater contact with
constituency, lower costs for reimbursed phone calls to
office, and ease of staff contact when travelling.

6. Sign -up with LDDS telephone system for
conference calling at reduced rates.

7. Modem connection with GCFA for financial data
transmission to and from Evanstoa

8. Postponement of replacement of office phone
system, currentiy 12 years old.

Staff Costs:

1. Reduced number of executive staff from five to
four in 1993 due to financial constraints.

2. Careful monitoring of staff travel expense.

GCFA Report

1139

3. Reduced number of staff subscriptions and
increased sharing of subscriptions.

4. Freeze in executive staff salaries in first year of
quadrennium.

5. Use of directors as adjunct staff in assisting with
workshops, speaking to groups, and attending meetings.

Other Improvements and/or Economies:

1. Moved liability and property insurance coverage to
GCFA Master Policy for considerable savings.

2. Remain in current office location in spite of lack of
space.

United Methodist Communications (UMCom)

1. In January 1994, the Nashville building mortgage
was refinanced for the second time, resulting in an
estimated savings of $137,828 from this transaction alone.
The mortgage rate was also reduced from 10.5 percent to
the current 5.5 percent for an approximate savings of
$1,000,000 over the term of tiie loaa

2. Closed Evanston office, downsized New York office,
and eliminated four positions. Several job functions
handled by staff in the satellite offices were reassigned to
Nashville staff saving the cost of hiring additional staff.
Estimated annual savings of $239,000 were reallocated to
new initiatives.

3. In addition to staff reductions identified above,
UMCom has also reduced staff in other areas:

a. The Program and Benevolence Interpretation
Division (P&BI) has reduced 3.75 positions through
attrition and dowoisizing. Two of three Art Department
positions were eliminated. Art services were contracted
out to save money and provide more variety in art styles.

b. By inaeasing the use of freelance technical
personnel and temporary office staff, the Production and
Distribution (P&D) Division eliminated one technical and
three office positions. Estimated quadrennial savings:
$30,000.

4. Continued to support the Faith and Values Channel
(formerly VISN) to insure distribution of United Methodist
programming at a lower cost per 1000 viewers than on
any other network.

5. Telephone and video conferences have been used
for staff and client meetings, performance appraisals,
tiding, etc., eliminating travel costs that would have
been inciured for face-to-face meetings and saving staff
time away from the job. Estimated quadrennial savings:
$35,000.

6. In-house producers have been used whenever
possible; studio costs per show have been reduced by

taping multiple shows per day, and 1/2 inch video tapes
have been recycled.

7. By using Macintosh computer systems, the P&BI
Division was able to bring many layout, typesetting and
pre-press functions in house, resulting in substantial cost
savings for benevolence promotion, calendars, and
program journals.

8. In 1993, Interpreter magazine implemented changes
that enabled it to qualify for second-class postage rates,
resulting in significant savings fi-om more costiy third
class rates. In 1993-94, Interpreter also standardized
addresses and instituted bar-coding, which qualified for
favorable, lower cost postage rates.

9. Temporary employees are used for high volume
seasonal work in the P&BI Division's circulation and
order deparbnents, rather than full-time staff.

10. In 1993, the P&BI Division instituted stinct
retention procedures to reduce the inventory of
promotional supplies, which resulted in lower storage fees.

11. In 1993, die P&BI Division developed
standardized print bidding forms which allow more
effective comparison of bids, more informed decisions on
print contracts, and subsequent savings.

12. In 1994, the P&BI Division initiated a more
precise way of determining the quantity of products to
order.

13. The use of electronic photography for the program
journals has eliminated some pre-press costs.

14. The P&BI Division has identified some video
products that can be produced on low cost Hi-8 gear with
smaller production crews, effecting savings over beta
production costs.

15. The P&BI Division is developing computer disk
distribution of some promotional materials, reducing some
print costs and having the potential of providing
substantial future savings.

16. A broadcast fax service was developed to allow
the instantaneous transmission of short deadline messages
to denominational leaders at a lower cost than first class
mail and at substantially lower costs than express mail
rates.

17. The development of computerized information
databases has reduced the research time required for
InfoServ staff to store information and respond to
questions. As a result, each information consultant can
respond to more callers, reducing the need to add staff
and additional WATS lines.

18. Through careful consultation and bidding, the
P&BI Division has been able to shift paper type and

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DCA Advance Edition

quantity in order to stave off substantial increases in the
cost of paper stock.

19. The P&BI Division has identified writers,
photographers, and videographers who can serve as
stringers to save the travel costs of assigning Nashville -
based staff for some assignments.

20. UMCom has standardized letterhead to a generic
design, eliminating costly custom-designed versions.

21. Purchase of a digital video effects device in 1993
eliminated the need to purchase digital effects out-of-
house. The purchase will effect savings during the 1997-
2000 quadrennium.

22. Purchase of a digital editing system and a beta to
beta edit system in 1994 resulted in a decrease in the time
spent in on-line edit sessions. Estimated time savings
from 1994-96: $11,040.

23. Replacement of the audio work station resulted in
a decrease in time spent in audio editing sessions.
Estimated savings in 1995-96: $5,000.

24. The Finance and Operations departments entered
a travel purchasing partnership with UMPH, GBHEM,
and GBOD, which resulted in the combined and exclusive
use of one travel agency for all travel needs of the
Nashville-based agencies.

25. The Finance Department increased operating
insurance coverage while reducing cost by changing
carriers.

26. In response to the dramatic increase in the
national number of Workers' Compensation claims due to
disorders associated with workers' interaction with their
office equipment the Operations Department is
conducting an ongoing ergonomics study.

27. UMCom is aggressively securing cost savings on
high tech studio, computer, and other equipment One
example was the purchase of 75 fax machines for the
Native American Fax Network. The Operations
Department negotiated a national contract with the Sharp
Electronics Corporation which resulted in a 30 percent
reduction in that purchase and provided substantial
discounts on other electronics equipment

28. By purchasing cars for the field staff, UMCom
saved on the leasing cost Estimated quadrennial savings:
$6,000.

General Commission on Religion
and Race (GCRR)

During the 1993-1996 quadrennium, the Commission
continued the cost saving measures in place during the
prior quadrennium. This included minimizing the cost of
meetings of members by scheduUng over weekends to get
lower plane fares. Many clergy members found it difficult

to negotiate Simday time away from congregations. Some
congregations perceive such scheduUng as insensitive to
local needs. Many clergy leave in order to be back in their
pulpits on Sunday morning. It has become a "catch 22"
situatioa

The Commission also made further strategic decisions
related to program and administration in order to carry
out its mandate within the financial constraints imposed
by the 1992 General Conference. It must be noted the
decisions were not designed to achieve "recoverable
dollars," but were intended to avoid expenses in order to
fulfill some other goal/functioa

The decision to reduce the number of meetings
prolonged the period of community-building and the
development of a consensus on the agency agenda. It has
been very difficult to interpret to the church that the
decision to reduce the number of general agency and
theological school reviews does not mean those entities
have eliminated all vestiges of racism and become fully
inclusive. Rather, it represented hard choices made to
function within available resources, despite the call from
many quarters to strengthen our monitoring processes.

The major quantifiable strategic decisions included:

1. Reduce the nimiber of meetings of the full
commission and the Executive Committee. Estimated
savings/cost avoided $84,000.

2. Reduce the number of on-site reviews of general
church agencies and theological schools; schedule reviews
in connection vrith other meetings ah-eady scheduled
within the geographical area. Estimated savings/cost
avoided: $6,200.

3. Contract with a long-distance telephone carrier and
later shift to participate in the denomination-wide long-
distance telephone carrier contract Estimated savings/cost
avoided: $18,000.

4. Use mail-order discount office supply distributors,
and other discount opportunities. Estimated savings/cost
avoided: $10,000.

Total Estimated Cost Avoidance: $118,200.

General Commission on The Status
and Role of Women (GCSRW)

Improvements and Economies for 1993-1996:

1. Using contract staff rather than full-time
employees.

2. Utihzing jurisdictional conference calls rather than
scheduling three-day regional training events for annual
conference commissions on the status and role of women.

3. Sharing the cost of training events with annual
conferences and other constituents.

GCFA Report

1141

4. Scheduling more conference calls in lieu of face-to-
face meetings.

5. Utilizing fewer liaisons from the Commission to
monitor the general agencies because of program cuts.

6. Joining with the general agencies in a telephone
plan which brings overall savings in telephone costs.

7. Obtaining an "800" number to reduce the costs of
aedit card calls to the office.

8. Changing the printer and the central distribution
process for the Commission's newsletter, The Flyer.

9. Reducing the amount of executive staff travel

10. Strengthening and enforcing travel guidelines for
members and staff.

11. Changing to a travel agency which works more
closely within the budgetary constraints of the
Commissioa

12. Paying less rent due to property tax exemptioa

13. Paying less in retiree insurance premiums, which
were offeet by overfunding of some staff pension plans.

14. Decreasing the number of subscriptions to
journals, publications, etc.

These economies, along with others which may be
identified, will continue through next quadrennium.

General Council on Ministries (GCOM)

Improvements and Economies Instituted
During the 1993-96 Quadrennium:

GCOM has instituted measures in several areas to
provide improvements and/or to contain costs or effect
economies during the 1993-96 quadrennium.

1. Staffing. GCOM is operating with a minimal level
of staffing based on the quantity of its disciplinary
responsibilities and General Conference assignments.
However, it was possible to reduce one support staff
position during this quadrennium, a reduction of slightly
over 8%. Estimated savings: $65,000.

2. Council Meetings and Staff Travel GCOM
continued to hold most major meetings over weekends,
which allowed the Council to take advantage of lower air
fares and lower rates with hotels. In addition, carefully
negotiated meal and other meeting-related expenses added
to the savings. Meeting sites were carefully selected after
detailed financial analysis to provide for economies in
both air fare and hotel rates.

Council members and staff were required to travel at
lowest possible airfares and to use discount fares
wherever possible.

Expenses for Council meetings and staff travel were
further reduced by careful monitoring and analyzing the
necessity of holding various meetings. Increased
conference call meetings were used whenever possible in
place of holding meetings. Estimated savings: $200,000.

3. Computerization. The Council installed a new
network system to replace an antiquated 10-year old
system. This has resulted in a major increase in staff
efficiencies and ability to respond to constituency needs
and requests. The new system has also provided lower
maintenance costs, improved compatibility with industry
standard hardware and software, and the ability to
upgrade equipment and software easily and cost
effectively.

Upgrading of the computer system has also allowed
GCOM to bring desktop publishing and graphic design in-
house.

Computer training of GCOM staff is being done in-
house by a GCOM staff person, resulting in considerable
savings compared to the cost of hiring outside computer
training consultants.

Remote computer access capability has been
established improving the ability of staff to conmiunicate
and carry out responsibilities while away fi'om the office.
Estimated savings: $40,000.

4. GCOM Building and Equipment Cost savings were
realized in the operation of the building in which GCOM's
offices are housed in Dayton, Ohio. GCOM holds title to
the building and is responsible for the upkeep and day-to-
day operation of this facility. This is a valuable asset of
The United Methodist Church and is treated as such.
Other United Methodist entities, an interdenominational
coalition, an office of the United Church of Christ, and a
health ministries program related to two Dayton hospitals
occupy space within the building. Additional occupants in
the building provide additional funds to operate the
building, allowing GCOM to operate the building with
reduced expenditure of its own World Service funds for
this purpose. Resources provided for building maintenance
and operation by sources other than GCOM is
approximately 35%.

During this quadrermium, repair and maintenance
costs were analyzed, and changes in these areas have
resulted in lower maintenance costs without sacrificing
the quality and functionality of the building.

Negotiation on insurance coverage for the building
has also resulted in a lower premium cost while still
providing quality coverage.

A new building-wide phone system was installed in
1992. This system has allowed for in-house programming,
eliminating the cost of outside contractors to make
changes to the system, as well as providing voice mail

1142

DCA Advance Edition

capability throughout the building. GCOM negotiated an
AT&T Uniplan contract for long distance services
providing a 20% discount as well as a $3,000 rebate on
long distance charges. In June 1995, GCX)M joined with
other United Methodist agencies and institutions in a long
distance plan providing even deeper discounts.

A Xerox lease contract was renegotiated providing
GCOM the ability to own their Xerox 5090 maclune at the
end of the lease term with no additional increase in lease
payments and eliminating the buy-out payment at the end
of the lease. As part of the renegotiated lease, GCOM was
also given another copier free of charge.

Other technology-related improvements included
upgrading of facsimile machines, desktop publishing
systems, spreadsheets, human resource systems, and
individual PC software products applicable to specific
tasks.

GCOM also installed a new Paragon mailing system
linked to a shipping manifest system. This system has
enabled a reduction in mailing costs by providing
accurate metering of mail and packages. Estimated
savings: $55,000.

5. GCOM Outside Consultants. GCOM has utilized the
expertise of our full-time staff to the fullest extent
possible, thus reducing some of the need for the use of
outside consultants. Estimated savings: $10,000.

Total Estimated Savings: $370,000.

General Council on Finance
and Administration (GCFA)

Cost Saving Measures Implemented During
the 1992-1996 Quadrennium:

A. During the past four years GCFA instituted several
changes in policies and practices which resulted in
savings both in its own operations and those of other
general agencies and Church units.

1. GCFA put the General Agency Benefit Plan out to
bid to include a Managed Point of Service (POS) option,
in addition to the traditional optioa Eleven of the thirteen
general agencies participate in this plan. This change in
the plan and a change in carriers resulted in a reduction
of $270,000 in premium. Also, there was no increase in
premiums for 1996, resulting in an additional estimated
savings of $270,000.

In addition to these changes, GCFA approved a
Flexible Spending Plan that allows employees at each of
the eleven agencies to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for
noncovered medical expenses (deductibles, copayments,
eye exams, eye glasses, etc.), as well as dependent care.
Agencies save as a result of a reduction of the Employer
FICA expense on the pre-tax dollars. The savings to the

employee to be able to pay with pre-tax dollars is an
increased benefit

Administration of the Flexible Spending Accounts
and employee insurance database is performed by
existing staff in the Nashville Service Center. This
increased workload was enabled by changes in the
Nashville Service Center computer system that allowed for
uploading of data files versus data entry by Service
Center personnel as well as data entry being performed at
the serviced agency. The savings for not having to
outsource these functions is estimated at $60,000 annually.

2. The GCFA and general agency travel policy was
revised to specify a maximum per diem dollar amount
allowed for hotel, meals, and incidentals. The per diem is
specific to each city and is based on the per diem rates
established by the I.RS. for that city.

3. The Price Waterhouse contract for auditing of
general agency funds was re-negotiated at no less than a
40% discount, saving the cost of putting the audit out to
bid.

4. A long distance telephone contract was negotiated,
providing savings for 11 of the 13 general agencies that
participate in the plan, as well as numerous aimual
conferences, seminaries, and local churches.

5. GCFA's legal department provides guidance to the
other agencies, bishops, district superintendents,
treasurers, and others on legal matters, and therefore
provides significant savings to the agency as well as the
denomination by handling most legal matters in-house,
rather than using outside counsel.

6. GCFA is assisting the Judicial CouncU to make its
decisions available on computer diskette. The use of an
in-house scanner will result in lower overall costs for this
project

7. The responsibility for protecting the Cross and
Flame trademark is being moved from UMCom to GCFA's
legal department which should save time and money in
handling associated legal issues.

8. Bishops' medical insurance benefits are now equal
to those of the general agencies. This has resulted in
bishops contributing toward premiums for dependent
coverage in 1995. In 1996, bishops will have the option to
select the managed care Point of Service plan for medical
and dental coverage.

9. The Management Information Systems Division
adopted "Open Systems" technology, which permits
network connections to other UMC offices and agencies
having open-system networks. A Wide Area Network
faciUtates data transfer and printing to the Nashville UMC
boards and agencies. This saved UMCom from

GCFA Report

1143

purchasing unnecessary equipment during their network
upgrade.

10. The MIS and Accounting Departments helped
develop and install a purchase order system at UMCom.

B. The following steps have been taken to effect savings
in GCFA's internal operations:

1. Considerable savings resulted from the printing of
GCFA's 1994 annual report by using desktop publishing
functions on in-house computers rather than using outside
typesetters. Additional savings were achieved by having
the GBPHB print the 1994 annual report

2. Printing costs for preparing "The Financial
Commitment of the United Methodist Church, 1993-1996"
were greatly reduced by producing camera-ready copy in-
house, and by using a less costly grade of paper.

3. The Records and Statistics Section provides report
forms, on request, to most annual conference secretaries
as a word processing file on diskette. This saves printing
costs, since the smaller number of necessary paper copies
are produced in-house.

4. All GCFA agency travel has been consolidated. A
contract with a major airline for reduced fares has been
implemented.

5. Office supply purchases have been consolidated,
and a discount house is being used.

6. GCFA's Nashville office contracted with The Sun
Trust Bank to handle its banking services. The contract
allows a lower account balance of $1,300,000 for services
that previously required an account balance of $2,300,000.
This frees up $1,000,000 for GCFA to invest, with the
potential to earn a minimum of $60,000 annually (at 6%).

7. A new credit card policy was implemented which
changed the maximum dollar limits on each corporate
card to be dependent on the amount of travel by the
individual staff member, thereby decreasing the total
credit card exposure.

8. GCFA, along with UMCom, facilitated the
implementation of the Native American FAX Network.
This network links UM Native American churches,
centers, and ministries. GCFA's Washington Office
benefited from this program by acquiring a facsimile
machine at a reduced rate. Further savings are realized by
not having to pay service charges to GBCS when sending
or receiving faxes.

9. Three staff positions have been eliminated, either
by consolidation of functions or by taking advantage of
more efficient technology.

10. Additional savings are realized through network
stabilization, software standardization, and systems
training.

11. Telephone conference calls are being used in lieu
of having committee meetings, and an analysis is being
done to make cost effective decisions on deployment of
staff for meeting support

12. Semi-weekly coordinated mailings to our
constituencies have been implemented.

This report was compiled by the general secretary of
the General Council on Finance and Administration, on
behalf of and from information supplied by the general
secretaries and/or presidents of the general agencies as
follows:

GBCS Bishop Joseph Yeakel, President

Thom White Wolf Fassett General Secretary

GBOD Bishop David J. Lawson, President

Ezra Earl Jones, General Secretary

GBGM Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, President

Randolph W. Nugent General Secretary

GBHM Bishop Calvin D. McConnell, President

Roger W. Ireson, General Secretary

GBPN Bishop Clay F. Lee, Jr., President

Barbara Boigegrain, General Secretary

GBPB Robert K Feaster, President and Publisher

GCAH Bishop Emilio J. J. de Carvalho, President
Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., General Secretary

GCCU Bishop William Boyd Grove, President

Bruce W. Robbins, General Secretary

UMCom Bishop L. Bevel Jones, III, President

Judy Weidman, General Secretary

GCRR Bishop S. Clifton Ives, President

Barbara Ricks Thompson, General Secretary

GCSW Bishop Ann Sherer, President

Stephanie Anna Hixon, Cecelia M. Long,

General Secretariat

GCOM Bishop William Dew, President

C. David Lundquist General Secretary

GCFA Bishop Edwin C. Boulton, President

Sandra Kelley Lackore, General Secretary

1144

DCA Advance Edition

Financial Disclosure Report
General Agencies of The United Methodist Church

t804 of The Book of Discipline provides that "all of
the general agencies of the Church... shall account for
receipts and expenditures of funds in a format designed by
the General Council on Finance and Administration. A
quadrennial report of such accounting shall be included in
the report of the General Council on Finance and
Administration made to the General Conference." Another
portion of that paragraph calls for annual reports from
general agencies on their contributions to entities which
are not formally part of The United Methodist Church.

1906 states that GCFA is to be accountable to The
United Methodist Church through the General Conference
in all matters relating to the receiving, disbursing, and
reporting" of general church fimds, and that agencies
receiving such funds are to be fiscally accoimtable to
GCFA. The reports on the pages which follow have been
compiled by GCFA in fulfillment of the requirements of
those two directives.

The reports fall into three sections. The first section
includes reports of fund balances for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995. They reflect fiind balances
as reported in 28 separate 1994 audits issued by Price
Waterhouse and Co. for general agencies of The United
methodist Church. In addition, the unaudited figures for
1995 are also provided. These reports do not include
either the United Methodist Publishing House or the
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, as those
entities do not receive general church funds.

The following definitions will be helpful in gaining an
understanding of the numbers in these reports:

Unrestricted, Board-designated. These funds have
been designated by the board for use in a specific
program or activity. They are not available for any
other use unless the designation is removed. Some of
these fimds may be committed but not yet distributed.

Restricted. These funds are restricted for particular
uses by either the General Conference or an outside
donor or organization. The funds may not be used for
any other purposes unless the General Conference or
outside donors agree. Some of these funds may be
committed but not yet distributed.

Endowment. Endowment funds are permanently
restricted—that is, principal must be conserved and
only income can be used.

Plant. These are funds that are invested in buildings,
equipment, and land. They are not available for any
other purpose unless the property is sold.

The GCFA committee which reviews general agency
budgets recommends that agencies begin each year with
amoimts equal to at least 25 % of their operating budget in
unrestricted reserve funds. These funds are needed for
cash flow to support agency expenditures through the first
three or four months of the year when very little funding
from the local church reaches the general level.

The second section consists of statements of receipts
and expenditures for each of the general agencies for the
years 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995. The information is
reported in standardized categories and in a format
designed by GCFA, as directed in ^804.

Unrestricted. These funds may be spent for any work
related either programmatically or administratively to
the disciplinary assignments of the agency.

The third section reports grants from United
Methodist general agencies to organizations and entities
which are not formally part of The United Methodist
Church. As with the statements of receipts and
expenditures, these reports are for the years 1992-1995.

GCFA Report

1145

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DCA Advance Edition

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GCFA Report

1149

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES OF THE GENERAL AGENCIES
OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1992

GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY
INCOME

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

Apportioned Funds:
World Service
Mission Initiatives

Special Day Offerings:

Human Relations Sunday
Peace with Justice Sunday

Other Income:

Sale of Literature & Other Publications

Sales/Rentals of Films & Audio- Visuals

Special Gifts/Contributions

Dividends and Interest

Service Fees

Receipts from Other Agencies

Other Income

Rental Income

Wedding Fees

Total Income

EXPENSE

51,864,775

$1,924,052

$1,987,641

$2,083,711

24,651

23,986

24,459

37,310

34,540

32,731

43,570

85,051

78,304

64,189

65,753

34,250

62,352

65,511

72,753

26,392

6,087

4,222

2,388

8,756

712,807

818,843

518,831

373,786

111,362

132,475

65,168

62,093

75,000

75,110

142,199

321,969

53,772

18,203

55,780

53,506

928,382

998,614

908,830

1,162,512

82.925

66.130

58.395

54.015

$4.014.414 $4.248.117 $3.927.483 $4.318.127

Distributions and Grants

$134,221

$200,689

$183,115

$212,925

Grants - Non UMC

14,733

13,601

23,035

31,523

Program Expense

54,181

225,862

158,833

161,683

Research and Program Development

25

Salaries

1,022,310

1,142,189

1,264,180

1,341,525

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

123,880

166,417

134,152

154,098

Employer's Payroll Taxes

63,706

90,935

85,668

79,911

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

258,610

187,825

175,993

191,161

Continuing Education and Staff Training

9,693

10,110

7,525

7,637

Rent

131,208

138,021

133,430

167,928

Telephone and Telegraph

31,538

37,009

40,230

49,403

Postage and Freight

111,405

107,169

87,061

154,689

Printing and Duplication

76,987

89,171

89,485

77,161

Office Supplies

36,609

52,580

50,781

56,274

Equipment Replacement

9,112

8,304

8,007

32,056

Equipment - Repair and Maintenance

22,954

41,332

29,377

36,376

k

1150

DCA Advance Edition

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

Equipment Leasing

8,960

14,568

10,170

20,947

Building Repair and Maintenance

447,930

Other Office Expense - Books and Subscription

11,341

11,064

9,590

11,410

Depreciation Expense

47,823

51,761

50,774

50,000

Legal Fees

4,516

6,111

Consultant Fees

32,450

19,196

21,584

37,458

Meeting Expense

110,888

132,888

141,715

142,794

Travel - Staff

139,412

143,808

141,275

198,429

Materials for Resale

76,699

62,740

14,204

55,327

Promotional & Informational

Materials (not for resale)

11,981

10,755

1,906

12,591

Films and Audio- Visuals

31,122

1,929

All Other Insurance

15,810

13,905

14,717

14,000

Special Promotion - Joint Seminar Program

140,000

Miscellaneous - Employee Activities

11,571

8,990

16,034

16,755

Real Estate Management/Building Operation

583,313

532,923

605,382

373,427

Discipleship Resources

3,550

Professional Fees

127
$3,326,219

Total Expenditures

$3,515,741

$3,502,739

$4,141,529

GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service
Mission Initiatives

Other Income:

Sale of Literature & Other Publications

Special Gifts

Dividends, Interest, Capital Gains

Service Fees

Receipts from Other Agencies

United Methodist Men

Rental Income

Total Income

EXPENSE

Grants - Non-UMC

Program Expense

Research and Program Development

Salaries

Employer's Pension Fimd Contribution

$5,461,910

$5,510,543

$5,707,643

$6,005,523

34,410

33,981

34,650

12,038,920

12,187,438

12,860,433

14,340,154

273,355

377,204

508,510

570,431

433,269

1,191,870

1,034,120

2,383,651

2,929,832

2,485,142

4,477,586

226,067

183,273

191,063

223,434

248,051

173,543

163,837

166,869

29.495
$21,755,158

34.104
$23,045,277

36.979

$20,929,030

$26.827.825

$11,000

$8,000

$9,000

$7,525

840,154

1,968,146

2,469,371

2,639,217

35,335

224,808

5,752,803

6,466,453

5,235,052

5,929,634

730,606

775,328

674,477

732,266

GCFA Report

1151

UnaudllMl

1992

1993

1994

1995

Employer's Payroll Taxes

356,098

395,747

302,802

336,723

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

1,591,985

1,187,179

833,897

1,031,156

Continuing Education and Staff Training

50,611

35,686

32,289

48,445

Moving Expense

5,664

12,843

35,365

19,261

Utilities

222,338

215,936

169,919

197,216

Telephone & Telegraph

362,751

445,656

347,370

469,163

Postage & Freight

1,819,535

2,326,934

2,261,927

2,333,947

Printing & Duplication

157,956

213,815

191,169

165,418

Office Supplies

186,743

99,593

197,603

222,611

Equipment-Repair, Replacement & Service

251,317

85,630

59,454

122,073

Building Repair & Maintenance

708,104

326,958

398,793

640,235

Other Office Expense

34,896

42,631

34,311

32,927

Depreciation Expense

971,460

1,018,316

843,834

832,932

Legal Fees

6,988

11,681

6,300

8,456

Consultant Fees

56,952

29,376

80,101

194,428

Data Processing Rental & Service

323,739

332,770

67,451

402,290

Services Rendered by Other Agencies

315,584

878,238

1,213,698

Meeting Expense

90,453

126,265

150,029

188,647

Travel Staff

307,430

301,796

345,037

403,720

Materials for Resale

3,309,972

3,440,174

3,283,531

3,776,736

Promotional & Informational

Materials (not for resale)

864,976

1,056,925

1,121,527

1,729,656

Films & Audio- Visuals

22,533

30,389

5,259

10,253

All Other Insurance

97,030

98,885

120,373

110,131

Taxes

17,800

17,800

32,890

45,984

Miscellaneous

43,819

66,893

91,277

234,322

Computer Hardware Maintenance

17,655

Information Services

119,122

Support Service/Interdivisional

1,232,933

744,621

873,298

501,401

Temporary Help

316,208

49,282

Capital Deduction

87.884

Total Expenditures

$20.969.515 $22.198.010 $21.236.561 $24.805.279

GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES
INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service
Mission Initiatives

Special Day Offerings:

Human Relations Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing
World Communion Sunday
Native American Awareness Sunday

$19,587,734

335,787

2,868,370

397,456

37,379

$19,857,718 $20,607,182 $21,650,385
521,335 537,697 548,291

310,858 294,578 392,131

2,769,096 2,709,104 2,971,949

395,000 434,576 444,968

78,495 87,327 74,145

1152

DCA Advance Edition

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

Other General Funds:

General Advance Specials

33,945,929

33,430,229

30,351,947

24,998,323

Global Mission Partners

13,957

65,120

107,808

308,192

Other Income

Sale of Literature & Other Publications

2,708,925

4,126,975

2,919,474

2,937,708

Sales/Rentals of Films & A/V

17,490

16,335

15,236

13,438

Special Gifts

4,852

667

117,017

556,277

Dividends and Interest

9,357,048

8,937,108

13,859,951

13,129,214

Income from Outside Trusts

1,753,573

1,461,939

1,654,987

6,481,885

Capital Gains

5,059,949

8,492,926

1,499,855

41,951,540

Legacies and Bequests

3,012,475

3,133,024

5,689,202

1,878,322

Service Fees

3,669,924

2,730,398

2,293,429

2,694,485

Women's Division/UM Women

25,259,760

23,042,799

22,925,291

22,503,336

Other Income

5,738,179

6,668,515

3,057,905

5,629,084

Collins Pension Fund

2,419,848

2,299,815

3,130,000

3,400,000

Relief Agency Projects

(Government Grants & Inkind)

20,628,014

19,136,441

Missionary Support Reimbursement

134,131

181,833

111,759

66,887

Transfer from Other Funds

209,902

(2,993,288)

400,000

156,039

Permanent Fimds

1.068.703

233.274

187.472

811.983

Total Income

$117,601,371

$115,760,171 $133,619,811

$172,735,023

EXPENSE

Distributions & Grants

$28,835,449 $33,097,160 $30,351,393 $37,809,156

Direct Support of Persons in Mission 20,412,695

Distribution and Grants - Non UMC 10,796,099

Relief Agency Projects (distrbutions to Bosnia, Georgia,
and Zaire received fom Government agencies)

20,953,532 20,501,243 26,692,762
9,074,536 9,511,580 11,119,101

20,638,516 19,653,834

Research and Program Development

207,986

335,093

419,865

156,432

Salaries

15,337,842

16,035,381

16,167,275

16,916,918

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

1,817,533

1,836,718

1,928,188

2,032,032

Employer's Payroll Taxes

1,092,158

1,140,615

923,372

1,151,122

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

2,573,703

2,613,036

2,129,461

1,956,662

Moving Expense

80,132

85,165

69,851

28,742

Rent

2,017,071

2,083,822

2,273,577

2,033,305

Utilities

204,843

215,878

215,721

210,066

Telephone & Telegraph

713,214

802,908

791,332

891,316

Postage & Freight

1,202,690

1,287,194

1,251,298

1,191,163

Printing and Duplication

2,579,894

2,150,146

2,174,928

1,641,983

Office Supplies

434,297

469,733

409,879

523,093

Equipment Replacement

150,000

164,260

116,883

195,614

Equipment - Repair and Maintenance

152,097

176,386

198,887

406,379

Equipment Leasing

200,000

224,971

233,360

242,931

Building Repair & Maintenance

568,260

603,117

425,111

676,065

Other Office Expense

155,950

196,234

229,622

251,628

GCFA Report

1153

UimudlUd

1SS2

1993

1994

1995

Depreciation Expense

639,793

647,717

842,630

961,291

Records Management

53,323

29,555

32,612

37,144

Audit Fees

58,552

85,715

67,516

110,351

Legal Fees

166,037

213,636

231,891

295,577

Consultant Fees

1,240,336

1,376,468

1,655,964

2,090,687

Investment Fees

601,827

608,324

665,216

989,284

Labor Relations

9,384

9,721

11,390

15,248

Meeting Expense

1,819,496

1,763,565

1,268,329

1,717,539

Conference & Educational Events

1,994,979

2,849,456

3,403,908

3,268,790

Staff Travel

2,183,150

2,400,076

2,296,396

2,277,925

Materials for Resale

986,071

1,202,824

1,049,897

1,006,690

Promotional & Informational

Materials (not for resale)

1,123,766

1,150,523

1,185,572

1,095,253

Films & AudioA'isual

253,228

260,216

320,987

310,044

All Other Insurance

1,193,364

1,478,042

1,964,370

1,973,342

Special Promotion - Evanston

253,645

444,793

361,707

481,164

Taxes

57,141

61,636

67,298

65,720

Interest Expense

490

56,549

46,248

108,666

Miscellaneous

2,741,382

1,079,660

1,169,922

1,651,536

Computer Hardware Maintenance

339,040

499,227

532,452

403,016

Miscellaneous Credits

(540,478)

(625,000)

(599,420)

(572,608)

Transfer to other Funds

2,014,503 1,319,857
$111,153,091 $128,856,084

324.909

Total Expenditures

$104,706,439

$144,391,872

GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service
Ministerial Education
Black College
Africa University
Mission Initiatives

Special Day Offerings:

United Methodist Student Sunday

World Communion Sunday

Native American Awareness Sunday

$4,649,281

$4,601,232

$4,742,913

$4,981,494

14,231,926

14,569,018

14,938,337

15,617,140

7,526,600

7,590,472

7,694,444

8,192,103

1,928,998

1,918,861

1,943,098

1,926,902

70,692

70,627

72,018

391,408

338,785

375,287

393,815

397,692

396,244

434,751

445,093

118,258

78,495

87,327

83,593

Other General Funds:

1154

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993 1994

Unaudited

1995

World Service Specials
(AMca University Endowment)

1,324,069

1,005,420

932,670

863,133

Other Income:

Sale of Literature & Other Publications

Special Gifts

Dividends and Interest

Income from Outside Trusts

Service Fees

Other Income

Loan Collections

Scholarship Funds

Methodist Corporation

General Fimd

USAID

Reserve Fund

Transfer from Other Funds

Total Income

EXPENSE

70,190

75,184

69,020

55,235

3,554

1,280,247

1,139,026

871,616

1,055,287

450,000

450,000

500,041

324,237

187,263

165,000

48,633

61,492

112,084

130,867

283,891

564,860

1,579,905

1,452,213

2,478,614

2,473,780

388,407

515,886

254,466

441,935

101,110

100,363

62,878

83,937

214,800

189,450

1,100,000

38,000

500.000
$36,288,613

$34,993,792

$34,787,208

$38,736,054

Distributions & Grants - UMC

$24,178,255

$27,658,427

$26,327,227

$26,644,986

Grants - Non-UMC

134,778

134,730

114,208

155,000

Program Expense

2,566,009

2,550,046

3,020,411

2,884,503

Research and Program Expense

17,317

10,928

9,991

9,729

Salaries

2,134,821

2,183,871

2,223,373

2,337,880

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

266,899

281,130

279,706

295,822

Employer's Payroll Taxes

105,366

103,199

107,768

112,589

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

512,800

391,411

289,185

373,274

Continuing Education and Staff Training

6,449

20,772

15,648

9,669

Moving Expense

8,461

17,614

30,152

Telephone & Telegraph

63,448

62,911

65,104

65,132

Postage & Freight

176,597

144,897

144,792

141,905

Printing & Duplicating

146,274

168,174

166,119

154,693

Office Supplies

35,848

42,893

38,553

43,994

Equipment Replacement

3,228

3,446

Equipment-Repair and Maintenance

54,744

47,663

45,461

54,335

Building Repair & Maintenance

3,528

72

3,910

Depreciation Expense

139,620

132,605

136,127

139,033

Legal Fees

20,767

39,880

60,165

53,969

Consultant Fees

31,926

17,206

9,671

23,525

Data Processing Rental and Service

17,157

16,493

18,814

15,518

Services Rendered by Other Agencies

356,463

282,925

266,150

271,688

Meeting Expense

224,283

184,084

204,254

218,318

Travel - Staff

413,913

393,163

456,780

460,560

Promotional and Informational

Materials (not for resale)

41,638

10,312

GCFA Report

1155

UnaudIM

1992

1993

1994

1995

Films and Audio- Visuals

6,540

2,508

4,152

All Other Insurance

40,254

50,337

49,508

38,152

Special Promotion

2,605

7,910

4,961

5,101

Interest Expense

34,608

26,100

26,389

21,190

Miscellaneous

85,497

199,800

186,340

166,843

Computer Hardware Maintenance

3,993

11,238

2,175

1,567

Loan Principal Payment

82,190

Software Purchase & Support

664

33,571

16,163

12,737

Lx)an Principal Payment

79,901

USAID Grant to Africa University

1,100.000

Total Expenditures

$31,789,884

$35,216,486

$34,446,475

$35,909,281

GENERAL COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:

General Administration

$512,735

$583,895 $589,683

$622,134

Other Income:

Sale of Literature & Other Publications

Special Gifts

Grants

Dividends and Interest

Other Income

20,953

20,933

18,167

1,166

11,053

7,511

20,000

20,410

15,800

24,265

4.221

6.422

5.301

29,568

17,142

Total Income
EXPENSE

$565.830

$628.216 $668.469

$668.844

Distributions & Grants - UMC

(Shrines and Landmarks)
Direct Support of Persons in Mission (Awards)
Program
Salaries

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution
Employer's Payroll Taxes
Group Insurance & Hospitalization
Rent and Library Expense
Telephone and Telegraph
Postage and Freight
Printing and Duplication
Office Supplies

Equipment Repair & Maintenance
Depreciation Expense
Data Processing Rental and Service

$21,437

$23,396
5,000

$23,164

$25,880

2,000

2,000

264,742

233,713

264,686

258,981

30,712

29,921

31,530

29,679

11,651

9,792

14,333

13,176

48,901

29,209

26,386

31,803

116,380

124,499

135,162

146,884

1,827

2,153

1,846

2,265

3,956

2,570

3,264

5,453

936

100

9,457

8,780

7,739

7,090

4,855

4,104

8,216

4,586

14,465

14,436

14,486

135

2,000

2,768

1156

DCA Advance Edition

Meeting Expense
Travel - Staff
Materials for Resale
Promotional and Informational

Materials (not for resale)
Special Promotion
All Other Insurance
Miscellaneous
Prizes and Awards
Cost of Historical Markers

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

16,953

16,673

12,574

20,625

25,181

29,521

23,276

20,565

21,117

18,841

15,675

22,214

436

747

1,751

2,046

4,708

4,578

2,232

3,780

12,665

781

1,000

3,550

377

Total Expenditures

$597.565

$560.434 $603.393

$602.978

GENERAL COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY AND
INTERRELIGIOUS CONCERNS

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service

$679,251

$718,990 $746,557

$775,647

Other Income:

Dividends and Interest

Other Income

World Service Contingency Funds

6,229

3,680

7,447

8,730

839

300

2,312

841

14.000

60.000

Total Income

$700.319

$722.970 $816.316

$785.218

EXPENSE

Distributions and Grants-UMC

Grants - Non-UMC

$47,550

$48,850

$69,350

$63,500

Program

10,551

21,363

15,328

36,544

Salaries

322,201

326,709

301,615

370,671

Employers Pension Fund Contribution

41,585

40,162

39,164

44,532

Employer's Payroll Taxes

11,812

12,326

13,107

16,303

Group Insurance and Hospitalization

43,226

35,974

28,756

31,250

Continuing Education and Staff Training

700

3,434

429

500

Moving Expense

491

Rent

33,841

35,170

36,780

35,826

Telephone & Telegraph

16,247

14,912

17,283

23,749

Postage and Freight

8,808

8,451

9,467

9,141

Printing and Duplicating

2,871

3,698

3,010

2,522

Office Supplies

4,750

4,239

4,071

4,451

Equipment Replacement

298

892

7,681

9,317

Equipment Repair & Maintenance

2,607

2,871

800

480

Consultant Fees

8,098

GCFA Report

1157

Depreciation Expense

Meeting Expense

Travel Staff

Promotional and Informational

Material (not for resale)
All Other Insurance
Miscellaneous

19J>2

1993

1994

1995

15,286

7,514

3,662

4,570

58,477

71,100

88,168

108,264

59,426

46,251

67,280

44,673

5,521

13,088

18,763

6,133

3,057

9,143

1,530

4,095

1.058

12.288

3.573

19,873

Total Expenditures

$690.363

$718.435 $737.915 $836.394

GENERAL COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service

Other Income:
Grants

Dividends and Interest
Other Income
Transfer from Other Fimds

Total Income

$1,733,988

$1,581,778

$1,642,255

$1,712,525

2,750

3,322

69,500

74,500

33,551

24,877

30,713

49,461

21,694

19,525

13,623

7,607

(8.000)
$1,621,502

(9,000)
$1,747,091

(1.000)

$1,791,983

$1,843,093

EXPENSE

Distribution & Grants - UMC

$629,060

$625,797

$593,175

$560,523

Grants - Non-UMC

164,838

180,800

159,032

114,375

Program Expense

3,149

5,928

52,823

19,435

Research and Program Development

11,788

15,875

27,798

16,245

Salaries

405,466

413,641

429,977

447,441

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

48,141

49,941

50,339

53,591

Employer's Payroll Taxes

18,404

19,779

19,148

20,495

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

61,987

64,054

56,397

58,400

Continuing Education and Staff Training

2,773

3,559

3,560

1,552

Moving Expense

5,462

800

2,094

Rent

64,388

67,559

69,618

72,230

Telephone & Telegraph

15,329

11,807

9,673

9,056

Postage & Freight

11,328

8,034

8,978

11,114

Printing & Duplication

14,106

2,579

7,494

16,903

Office Supplies

13,337

15,409

10,300

14,031

Equipment-Repair and Maintenance

26,977

8,850

7,347

11,186

Equipment Leasing

22,606

29,123

25,609

Other Office Expense

1,329

1,896

9,047

1,163

Depreciation Expense

10,008

5,987

12,595

14,355

Meeting Expense

87,115

55,711

33,108

63,583

1158

DCA Advance Edition

Travel - Staff

Films and Audio- Visuals

All Other Insurance

Miscellaneous

Total Expenditures

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

89,860

82,765

61,815

88,764

29

29

505

6,495

6,662

3,926

3,823

23.532

19.084

6.507

10.942

$1,714,872

$1,689,152

$1.663.903

$1,635,321

GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service

$428,645

$429,702 $448,275

$477,589

Other Income:

Sale of Literature and Other Publications

Special Gifts

Grants

Dividends and Interest

Income from Outside Trusts

Other Income

Transfer from Other Funds

7,487

5,150

5,814

4,867

1,690

45,600

300
21,183

702

1,553

1,177

1,397

900

3,054

6,643

9.117

6.447

Total Income

$439.424

$448.576 $513.956

$505.336

EXPENSE

Program Expense

$66,253

$46,318

$101,825

$63,651

Salaries

145,344

153,987

173,616

182,782

Employers Pension Fimd Contribution

18,782

20,037

20,893

24,185

Employers Payroll Taxes

7,309

7,725

8,556

9,411

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

22,080

19,014

16,193

16,638

Continuing Education and Staff Training

1,006

3,423

1,565

5,841

Rent

20,692

21,159

21,310

22,026

Telephone and Telegraph

5,940

5,731

7,279

5,946

Postage and Freight

3,499

2,845

5,712

4,455

Printing and Duplication

4,745

3,910

5,828

4,172

Office Supplies

1,040

1,452

1,409

2,378

Equipment Replacement

585

1,963

Equipment-Repair and Maintenance

180

(213)

103

Other Office Expense

911

79

880

Consultant Fees

2,000

1,889

Depreciation Expense

9,117

9,117

6,447

10,967

Meeting Expense

50,556

66,722

78,027

78,357

Travel - Staff

10,582

12,064

11,507

15,526

Promotional and Informational

Materials (not for resale)

1,741

984

GCFA Report

1159

1992

1993

1994

UtuudlUd

1995

All Other Insurance
Miscellaneous

Total Expenditures

2,137
250

$372.749

2,403
4.549

2,362
8.955

$380.243 $473.563

1,209
1.180

$454.543

GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

INCOME

Apportioned Funds:
World Service
Episcopal

General Administration
Interdenominational Cooperation Fimd
Ministerial Education Fund
Black College
Africa University
Mission Initiatives

Special Day Offerings:

Human Relations Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing
United Methodist Student Sunday
World Communion Sunday
Peace With Justice Sunday
Native American Awareness Sunday

Other General Fimds:
Youth Service Fund

$1,262,745

$1,303,960

$1,311,873

$1,212,343

303,670

328,705

326,470

302,109

1,382,334

1,493,279

1,550,257

1,693,772

31,231

30,282

30,175

28,997

382,296

404,759

402,741

370,014

202,421

211,243

208,841

195,531

54,560

56,254

54,874

48,178

18,548

18,424

16,502

13,275

13,425

12,572

13,324

83,413

82,979

78,472

75,619

12,806

12,199

12,161

11,657

24,808

25,723

27,091

24,301

4,274

4,710

3,871

3,557

6,297

7,191

7,400

5,953

3,655

3,630

3,736

3,128

Other Income:

Sale of Literature & Other Publications
Dividends and Interest
Capital Gains
Other Income

Total Income

EXPENSE

Distributions and Grants

Research and Program Development

Salaries

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

Employer's Payroll Taxes

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

Continuing Education and Staff Training

Moving Expense

12,790

9,956

13,028

12,128

330,286

221,908

314,172

417,485

240

4,628

550

360.777

413.808

408.164

514.364

$4,471,878

$4,647,187

$4,784,872

$4,948,962

$46,167

$48,455

$47,252

$45,424

12

377

1,827,189

1,899,647

1,933,909

2,073,754

208,811

227,379

229,183

244,277

118,078

120,559

124,364

134,712

392,111

320,505

293,414

294,094

42,343

32,735

28,975

33,753

1,312

2,221

9,079

932

1160

DCA Advance Edition

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

Rent

204,189

172,390

230,926

185,863

Utilities

6,648

5,497

4,881

5,433

Telephone & Telegraph

42,458

60,740

73,817

77,411

Postage & Freight

61,925

75,898

71,657

64,669

Printing & Duplication

139,868

110,886

103,623

83,223

Office Supplies

23,830

42,133

43,542

48,042

Equipment Replacement

2,208

5,573

6,089

2,306

Equipment Repair and Maintenance

25,999

27,081

23,035

30,362

Building Repair and Maintenance

5,836

14,075

5,691

11,129

Other Office Expense

4,867

3,993

4,494

3,222

Depreciation Expense

112,249

216,943

189,008

187,904

Audit Fees

370,360

375,898

435,826

416,985

Legal Fees

34,830

51,355

81,884

71,457

Consultant Fees

30,353

61,911

31,419

(2,158)

Investment Fees

17,704

25,887

238

Meeting Expense

344,725

282,011

320,077

311,282

Travel - Staff

175,602

200,615

167,222

187,835

Promotional and Informational

Materials (not for resale)

606

3,817

16,545

39,946

All Other Insurance

27,528

30,674

34,759

44,281

Miscellaneous

102,066

119,350

110,429

146,829

Computer Hardware Maintenance

59,318

50,662

48,607

76,670

Software Purchase & Support

5,258

19,061

16,580

9,354

Information Services

37.428

38,859

40.170

41,307

Total Expenditures

$4.471.878 $4.647.187 $4.726.695 $4.870.298

GENERAL COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES
INCOME

Apportioned Fimds:

World Service

$1,578,220

$1,573,155

$1,621,059

$1,684,502

Other Income:

Sale of Literature and Publications

64

754

120

51

Dividends and Interest

50,068

36,949

28,597

22,696

Capital Gains

8,043

4,574

20,155

69,431

Receipts from Other Agencies

133,078

137,587

161,213

152,803

Other Income

21,281

33,478

Transfer from Other Funds

11,255

252,979

119,375

Other Income

16,085

37,596

Joint Training Events

138,443

Quadrennial Projects

14,750
$1,950,006

Total Income

$1,774,300

$2,117,601

$2,086,454

GCFA Report

1161

im

1993

1994

liiuudlKd

1995

EXPENSE

Research and Program Development

Salaries

Employer's Pension Fimd Contribution

Employer's Payroll Taxes

Group Insurance and Hospitalization

Continuing Education and Staff Training

Moving Expense

Utilities

Telephone and Telegraph

Postage and Freight

Printing and Duplication

Office Supplies

Equipment Replacement

Equipment - Repair and Maintenance

Equipment Leasing

Building Repair and Maintenance

Other Office Expense

Depreciation Expense

Consultant Fees

Investment Fees

Meeting Expense

Travel - Staff

All Other Insurance

Interest Expense

Miscellaneous

Computer Hardware Maintenance

Software Purchase and Support

DS-CCD Training Event

Building Telephone System

Joint Training Event

Total Expenditures

$91,365

$5,408

$41,484

$19,552

670,773

735,158

755,772

733,261

79,164

90,765

92,555

90,743

37,908

42,404

43,264

40,946

147,273

130,813

110,123

109,309

2,207

2,746

3,948

4,529

4,311

3,782

-0-

26,058

38,717

34,546

32,514

23,354

79,003

93,307

77,213

19,396

17,557

17,868

16,740

(25,356)

(27,659)

(11,533)

(6,196)

10,397

15,433

8,761

10,789

3,135

3,924

4,579

3,775

3,396

3,075

3,253

5,067

4,932

11,075

61,474

65,470

72,336

52,702

8,526

8,740

6,519

7,702

104,332

104,930

100,553

99,238

8,186

2,937

5,017

16,860

7,538

9,527

9,180

6,053

232,488

510,241

602,750

665,136

90,843

73,406

75,333

54,657

18,599

19,148

20,970

19,498

7,447

6,089

11,546

10,141

34,047

36,334

8,086

7,616

20,439

13,113

5,305

4,443

2,107

1,513

2,079

4,166

78,004

42,703

134,960

$1,950,006

$2,003,649

$2,117,601

$2.086.454

NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY ORGANIZATION
INCOME

Apportioned Funds:

General Administration

Other General Funds:
Youth Service Fund

$90,241 $111,810 $114,683 $121,758

136,881 131,259 139,164 132,578

Other Income:

Sales of Literature and Other Publications

1,086

2,339 1,558

4,986

1162

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

Special Gifts
Grants

Dividends and Interest
Other Income

Transfer from Other Funds -
Deferred Projects

15

400

13

10,000

4,644

2,528

430

2,634

7,613

6,426

30

Total Income

$243.327

$250.570 $263.418

$265.761

EXPENSE

Distributions and Grants - UMC

$108,475

$100,045

$77,756

$84,038

Grants - Non-UMC

26,475

31,425

33,575

22,025

Program

10

159

24

Research and Program Development

4,006

5,545

Salaries

59,846

69,139

71,345

70,639

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

7,128

8,221

8,572

8,925

Employer's Payroll Taxes

3,415

2,637

2,699

2,558

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

7,875

7,656

7,630

7,004

Continuing Education and Staff Training

1,338

1,400

1,085

1,400

Rent

7,923

5,941

5,341

5,100

Telephone & Telegraph

2,629

3,059

2,654

3,584

Postage and Freight

6,959

2,630

3,381

2,326

Printing & Duplication

5,594

2,585

3,504

6,779

Office Supplies

1,349

1,728

458

1,199

Equipment Replacement

8

Equipment-Repair and Maintenance

1,247

350

40

Depreciation Expense

2,108

2,130

2,108

2,376

Consultant Fees

2,417

2,063

Meeting Expense

25,473

22,403

19,717

31,278

Travel - Staff

6,390

6,291

5,096

3,124

Materials for Resale

533

1,566

Promotional & Informational

Materials (not for resale)

5,019

3,498

195

13,206

Films and Audio Visuals

25

19

42

Miscellaneous

389

837

973

911

Computer Hardware Maintenance

240

761

2,510

Software Purchase and Support

1.267

81

568

Total Expenditures

$283.638

$281.670 $247.459

$273.285

GCFA Report 1163

UnaudllMl

1992 1993 1994 1995

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS
INCOME

Apportioned Funds:

World Service

$8,620,999

$8,615,190

$8,935,676

$9,400,149

Promotion Charges:

World Service

287,000

330,000

334,000

370,000

Episcopal

7,000

27,000

4,000

4,000

General Administration

3,000

14,000

14,000

15,000

Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

43,000

46,000

46,000

47,000

Ministerial Education

83,000

65,000

64,000

65,000

Black College

53,000

47,000

85,000

95,000

Africa University

114,000

115,000

101,000

115,000

Mission Initiatives

20,000

20,000

20,000

Human Relations Day

124,000

140,000

141,000

129,000

One Great Hour of Sharing

255,000

231,000

214,000

233,000

United Methodist Student Sunday

95,000

108,000

85,000

108,000

World Communion Sunday

134,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

Peace With Justice Sunday

75,000

92,000

80,000

85,000

Native American Awareness Sunday

78,000

103,000

101,000

104,000

World Service Specials

(1,997)

202

192

General Advance Specials

220,000

421,000

333,000

426,000

(Prior claims for promotional resources only)

Other Income:

Sale of Literature and Publications

840,800

1,119,458

959,677

1,070,387

Sales/Rentals of Films & Audio-Visuals

1,132,102

1,184,265

1,058,198

1,022,002

Salary /Equipment Recovery

69,158

91,145

110,832

Grants

50,000

79,396

79,396

64,031

Dividends and Interest

8,086

69,550

Capital Gains

8,052

Service Fees

9,694

Other Income

87.931

99.177

51.511

54.323

Total Income

$12,318,615

$12,986,450

$12,937,795

$13,755,326

EXPENSE

Distribution and Grants - UMC

$14,000

Grants - Outside UMC

244,510

242,712

266,872

246,000

Program

3,673

17,394

4,900

Research & Program Development

138,250

102,637

54,833

99,898

Salaries

4,091,142

4,172,845

4,200,358

4,535,444

Employer's Pension Fund Contribution

467,607

478,876

482,113

516,387

Employer's Payroll Taxes

284,568

278,945

280,281

289,473

Group Insurance & Hospitalization

862,135

697,558

553,452

632,419

1164

DCA Advance Edition

Unaudited

1992

1993

1994

1995

Continuing Education and Staff Training

36,124

16,825

13,456

11,204

Moving Expense

974

26,442

3,006

Rent

85,870

82,056

78,854

40,612

Utilities

81,991

80,825

75,644

77,521

Telephone & Telegraph

155,927

151,392

144,903

142,789

Postage & Freight

815,054

821,107

795,440

1,176,690

Printing & Duplication

1,440,261

1,348,120

1,318,762

1,762,963

Office Supplies

28,931

38,877

5,336

15,077

Equipment Replacement

10,566

4,846

64,345

26,859

Equipment-Repair & Maintenance

9,909

15,262

33,114

46,163

Equipment Leasing

31,408

25,799

12,603

22,979

Building Repair & Maintenance

74,293

77,316

97,903

137,397

Other Office Expense

31,760

24,685

21,916

26,215

Depreciation Expense

437,447

440,242

397,168

405,388

Audit Fees

157

5,173

2,500

144

Legal Fees

13,514

13,983

4,930

24,405

Consultant Fees

216,913

33,500

32,264

63,222

Data Processing Rental and Service

33,990

8,245

10,858

Services Rendered by Other Agencies

18,000

8,187

4,393

Meeting Expense

175,346

61,293

103,356

48,623

Travel - Staff

344,979

348,955

360,046

368,693

Materials for Resale

8,033

6,096

6,724

Promotional & Informational

Materials (not for resale)

235,464

319,938

437,751

296,577

Films & Audio-Visuals

1,237,062

1,341,722

1,167,312

1,355,781

All Other Insurance

55,989

62,290

55,781

62,898

Special Promotion

265,695

284,330

291,117

271,787

Taxes

2,892

2,570

Interest Expense

140,400

82,845

55,496

43,959

Miscellaneous

164,158

114,438

102,648

99,733

Computer Hardware Maintenance

22,820

22,921

25,777

19,050

Information Services

5,274

Fund Transfers

a88.718')

Total Expenditures

$12,262,521

$11,843,320

$11,581,829

$12,704,507

GCFA Report 1165

GRANTS FROM UNITED METHODIST GENERAL AGENCIES

TO ORGANIZATIONS NOT FORMALLY PART OF

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The following list of grants made by the general agencies of The United Methodist Church for the years 1992, 1993,
1994 and 1995 to organizations outside The United Methodist Church was submitted to the General Council on Finance
and Administration by the agencies and printed as submitted after some editing for mathematical accuracy and spelling.
The General Council on Finance and Administration expresses no opinion on the accuracy or completeness of the grant
disclosure.

UnaudlKd

1992 1993 1994 1995

GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY

Association Nacional Indigena Salvadorena $1,000

California Council of Churches 1,000

Cambodia Campaign $500

Center for the Study of Harassment

of African Americans 2,000

Church for the Middle East $1,000 $1,000 500

Community Farm Alliance 2,500

Cooperative/Institute for Peace and Justice 2,000

Disarmament and Community Development Project 1,000

Energy Conservation Coalition 250

Enough is Enough 3,000

Environmental Ministries 1,000

Forum for African Voluntary Develop. Organizations 1,000

Galloway, Beth (Grant for peace mission

Okinawa Japan) 500

Geer, Rev. Ann E. 500

Grace United Methodist Church

"Peacemaking Academy" 3,500

HONOR, Inc 15 20

Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility 2,000 2,000 2,000

Interfaith Impact for Justice and Peace

Foundation 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000

International Christian Federation - ICF 100

Maguiladores 250

MFSA National Office 33

Mid- Atlantic Indian Alliance 25

National Commission for Economic

Conversion & Disarmament 1,000

National Council of Churches 1,018 1,000

National Farm Worker Ministry 1,000 500

National Interreligious Service Board

for Conscientious Objectors 1,000 500

NCAI 100

North Carolina Council of Churches "People of Faith

Against the Death Penalty" 1,000

Peace Action Education Fund 500

Project Equality 100

Re Use Industries 3,000

1166

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993

1994

Unauditol

1995

Religion and Labor Council of Kansas City

Survival International 25

Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and Art Gallery

Thompson, Becky (Witness for Peace trip to Guatemala)

Tides Foundation/US Network for Habitat II

U.S. Holocaust Memorial

U.S. Air Club

United Nations Association of The USA 300

Washington Office on Haiti

West, Lola (Peace mission trip to Okinawa, Japan)

Total S14.733

36

300

$13.586

35

$23.035

5,000

1,500
300
250

150

70

3,000

500

$31.523

GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP

Education for Christian Life and Mission

for Ministries in Christian Education
Child and Family Justice
Multicultural Education Res.
PAACE

Friendship Press/Education for Mission
National Council of Churches, Dept. of Education
Ecumenical Center for Stewardship Studies

Total

$5,000

$5,500

1,000

1,000

500

1,000

6,000

5,025

2.500

2.500

3.000

2.500

$11.000

$8.000

$9.000

$7.525

GENERAL BOARD OF mCHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

American Association Ministry in Workplace
Appalachian Ministries Resource Center
Conference on Ministry in Specialized Settings
Council for Ecumenical Student Christian Ministry
Ecumenical Ministries in Education
Endorsing Conference to Veterans

Administration Chaplains
Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
Fund for Theological Education
Higher Education Ministries Arena
Institute for Antiquity
National Association for College &

University Chaplains
National Campus Ministry Association
National Conference on Ministry to Armed Forces
National Council of Churches
Professional Church Leadership
World Student Christian Federation

$78

5,000

500

15,000

11,000

14,000

15,000

7,500

5,000

500

48,000

42,000

36,000

63,000

27,000

30,000

28,648

28,000

7,560

8,000
3,500

2,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

3,500

10,500

2,500

2,500

4,500

18,000

17,000

15,500

14,000

8.200

18.230

10.000

15,000

Total

$134.778

$134.730 $114.208

$155.000

GCFA Report

1167

1992

1993

1994

UnaudlUd

1995

GENERAL COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY
AND INTERRELIGIOUS CONCERNS

Consultation on Church Union
Ecumenical Decade/Churches in

Solidarity with Women
Joint WCC/NCCCUSA Hearings on Racism

as a Human Rights Violation
National Council of Churches

Ecumenical Networks of National Ministries

Ecumenical Networks Working Group

Eastern European Christian Education

Faith and Order Working Group

General Support

Interfaith Relations Working Group

Racial Justice Working Group

Youth Ministry
The Irish School of Ecumenics
World Conference of Religions for Peace
World Coimcil of Churches

Ecclesial Relations

Faith and Order Conunission

General Support

Interreligious Relations Committee

Office of Interfaith Relations

U.S. Conference Young Adult Intern

Youth Desk, World Conference
World Methodist Council

Ecumenics and Dialogue

Diversity Consultation

General Support

Youth Committee
Third International Consultation on National
Council of Churches
World Conference on Faith and Order
World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP)

$21,275
2,500

$21,350

$21,350

10,000

$21,000

5,000

3,000

3,750

2,000

3,000

3,000

14,000

5,000

3,500

3,750

5,000

1,500

1,000

500

1,000

4,500
1,000

3,000

3,000

2,000
14,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

4,000
5,000

3,000

1,000

3,000

1,275

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,000

3,500

1,500

1,000

1,000

2,000
5,000

1,250

1.000

1.000

Total

$47.550

$48.850

$69.350

$63.500

1168

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

GENERAL COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE

1988 Projects

Grace Education Project

Sub Total - 1988 Projects

1990 Projects

Dallas Interfaith Organization
Substance Abuse Education
Dulac Community Center
Koco Housing Code ENF

Sub Total - 1990 Projects

S.OOO
5.000

6,000
3,500
1,250
1.750

12.500

1991 Projects

Asian Womens Resource Center

Basic Learning Comprehensive Center

Campaign for Empowerment

Clinton Association for Rights and Equality (CARE)

Civil Rights & Corporate Social

Responsibility in US-Japan Relations
Cultural and Arts Program Ruiz

Belvis Cultural Center
Dagot'ee Project Program
Downtown Immigrant Advocates
Fair Share Economic Development
Farmworkers in Post-Immigration

Reform Period - Year II
Indian Alcoholism Treatment Services

(lATS) Project Esperanza
Island Children and Youth Community Intervention
Latin Empowerment & Leadership Development
Metro East Church-Based Citizens Organization
Native Monthly Reader
New Horizons Outreach Ministries
People Act for Community Together
South Phoenix Interfaith Project

4,000
3,750
4,000
3,750

3,500

8,250
4,000

1,000

1,750

80.300

Sub Total - 1991 Projects

1992 Projects

African American Community Research Project

Black Community Development

Civil Rights US-Japan

College Station Community Dev. Fund - Literacy Project 2,750

4,000

4,000

2,000

4,000

6,750

2,250

3,250

6,500

4,000

10,000

11,800

1,500

5,000

12.750

4.000
4,000

2.000

9,000

9,000

2,750

9,375

3,125

(2,362)

GCFA Report

1169

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

Constitutional Assembly

(2,169)

Ecumenical Working Group Asian Pacific Americans

250

Empowerment of Elderly

7,875

2,625

Farm Worker Labor Rights

4.000

Indian Youth Project

2,000

6,000

Indian Alcoholism Treatment

7,500

2,500

National Council of Churches

Racial Justice Working Group

500

Refugee Assistance Council

3,625

7,250

Sisters of Struggle (SOS) Teen support Group

2,350

Snoqualmie Falls Pres

8,500

8,500

Sojourners

1,000

Stop Violence Teen Leadership

2,563

2,563

Substance Abuse Education

3,000

1,500

Treaty Rights Defense Project

6,000

Vida/Sida Alternative

7,500

7,500

World Council of Churches

Special Fund, Program to Combat Racism

500

72,038

Sub Total - 1992 Projects

42.250

12.782

1993 Proiects

-0-

Black Community Development/Rights
California Communities at Risk Project (CCAR)
Concerned Citizens of North Camden (CCNC)

Community Advocacy
College Station Community Development Fund
Constitutional Assembly
Empowerment of Elderly
Environmental Rights Project
Environmental Racism Campaign

Frankford Human Relations Coalition Organizing Project
Housing Assistance for Haitian Homeless in New York
Indian Alcohol Treatment Services
Indian Youth Empowerment
Indianapolis Asian Help Service
Korean Women in Need

Metro East Church-Based Citizens Organizing (MECCO)
National Council of Churches
New Horizon Outreach Ministry
People United for a Better Oakland (PUEBLO)
Refugee Assistance Council
Rural to Urban Direct Marketing Program
Sisters of Struggle (SOS) Teen Support Group
Sisters of Struggle (SOS) Teen Support Group
Snoqualmie Falls Preservation Project
Stop Violence Teen Leadership
Treaty Rights Defense Project
Utah Human Rights Coalition

8,250

5,000

5,000

11,250

3.750

8,250

5,250

2,000

6,000

2,000

6,000

10,500

2,000

5,250

1,750

11,250

3,750

3,500

3,500

1,500

3,000

1,250

3,750

9,000

1,500

1,500

500

6,000

5,000

3,625

11,250

3,750

7,050

1,500

4,500

3,000

9,000

5,125

6,000

2,500

7,500

1,500

5,000

1170

DCA Advance Edition

1992

1993

UnaudlUd

1994 1995

Watch Home Inc Domestic Violence Shelter
World Council of Churches - Racial
Justice Working Group

Sub Total 1993 Projects

1994 Projects

Adelante Con Latinas

Black Community Development Organization of

Newburgh, Inc.
Calmecac Community Empowerment Project
Concerned Citizens of North Camden (CCNC)

Community Advocacy
Chinese American Cancer Assoc

Clinton Association for Rights and Equality, Inc. (CARE)
Counseling and Traditional Native American Values
El Divino Salvador Indigenous

Community Developer Project
Hispanic Empowerment and Leadersip

Development Project
Intercommunity Responses to

Anti-Asian Violence: A Resource Guide
Mei Wah School
Native Monthly Reader
NCC - Racial Justice Working Group
Newtown Cancer Research
Sisters of Struggle (SOS) Teen Program
Utah Human Rights Coalition
WCC - Special Fund Program to Combat Racism

Sub Total 1994 Projects

1995 Projects

Empowerment and Liberation of
Immigrant Women Workers
Expansion of Tutoring Services
Calmecac Communiy Empowerment Project
Hiroshima/Nagasaki 50th Anniversary Commemoration
Waawanyanka Oti (Watchful Home, Inc)
Treaty Rights Defense Project
Snoqualmie Falls Reservation Project
Native Monthly Reader

WCC - Special Fund Program to Combat Racism
NCC - Racial Justice Working Group

Sub total 1995 Projects

Total $164.838

2,000 6,000
500

125.800 84.750 6.500

1,750

3,500

1,000

2,000

12,000

4,000

1,500

4,500

3,000

9,000

1,750

5,250

4,000

1,250

1,250

11,250

3,500

4,000

8,000

13,500

4,500

500

6,000

2,000

1,250

3,750

2,000

2,000

500

7.500

61.000

1,875
9,750
7,500
5,000
3,250
6,750
6,000
3,750
500
500

44.875

$180.800 $159.032 $114.375

GCFA Report

1171

1992

1993

1994

Unaudited

1995

NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY ORGANIZATION

Boys Teen Program

$5,500

Brothers in the Name of God

15,000

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County

1,250

Closer to Earth

7,875

CODEL

3,500

East Boston Ecumenical Community Council

4,000

Epiphany Ministry, Inc.

3,500

2,100

700

Eglesia Metodista Del Peru

1,250

Farmworkers Self-Help, Inc.

6,750

Get a Life

2,250

Homeless Youth Center Project

2,250

2,250

Native American Children's Connection

2,100

Neighborhood Services Organization

700

Night Ministry

7,000

5,000

Restart, Inc.

1,875

625

Soweto Mehodist Youth Advice Office

Time Out for Families

Tucson Metropolitan Ministry

1,000

Tyrand Cooperative Ministries

1,500

Youth Reaching for Christ

15.000

9,000

750

7,025
5,250

Total

$25.725

$31.425

$33.575

$22.025

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS

Religion in American Life
Protestant Hour

National Coalition Against Censorship
National Council of Churches -

Communications Commission
Ecumedia

Media Action Research Center
Sand Castles International
StoodyAVest/Perryman Grants

$24,000

$25,000

$25,000

$25,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

890

675

810

160,000

160,000

185,000

170,000

2,500

2,500

2,674

2,855

2,500

1,200

13.420

14.363

13.207

8,500

Total

$244.510

$242.712 $266.872

$246.000

1172

DCA Advance Edition

GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

GRANTS TO ENTITIES NOT FORMALLY PART
OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992

A Christian Ministry -National Parks $1 ,000

A Cradle Of Hope, Opelousas, LA

A Wmn Tie & Dye, Sewing & Adult Literacy Training -

Liberia 15,000

AAC Conflict Resolution Tmg. Programs

AACC Women's Program 8,500

AACC General Assembly 5,000

AACC Youth Desk / Pre-Assembly & Handbook 3,000

Abakrampa Canopy Hireling Project / Ghana

Abalolo Women's Club Honiara, Solomon Island

Action For A Better Community

Action For Corporate Accountabihty

Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment Program - Bath, NY

Adult Education For Fishermen / North Korea

Afforestation Program / Ethiopia

Afghan Refugee Ministries / Pakistan

Afghanistan Emergency

Africa News

African Batik - Kinshasa, Zaire

African Student Advisory Program

African Women's Program

Africare-Refugee Children's Program JC

Ag Missions - Future Directions

Ag Missions Basic Service

Agricultural Component / Solomon Is

Agricultural Missions

Agricultural Production / Honduras

Agricultural Project - India

Agricultural Women Involved In New Goals / Dade City, FL

Agriculture & Animal Husbandry Development / Nicaragua

Agri-Health Training Prog. & Deep Well / Solar Powered Water

Agroforestry And Irrigation / India

Aid Shifnnents To Eritrea / Eritrea

Aid To FamiUes Of Political Detainees / South Africa

Aid To Returning Refiigees / Mozambique

AIDS hiterfaith Network 750

1993

1994

1995

$1,000

$1,800
3,000

$1,800

5,000

5,000

2,116

15,000

4,300

5,000
1,000

3,000

4,000

4,000

40,000

40,000

30,000

50,000

25,000

25,000

25,000
5,850

5,000

1,000

2,000

10,000

1,000
10,000

5,000

5,000

2,881

2,881

26,530

26,530

24,000

24,000

8,000

1,646

5,000

5,000

5,000

17,000

7,000

20,000

30,000
25,000

10,000

15,000

6,000

6,000

12,000

25,000

15,000

GCFA Report

1173

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

AIDS Pastoral Care Network

Alfalit - International / Global

Algeria Emergency

All Africa Conference Of Churches

All Africa Conf. / Regional Network Building

All Africa Drought / Famine / Africa

Allentown Center City Ministries

Alpacas, Llamas And Guinea Pigs / Bolivia

American Committee On Africa

American Dream Camftaign

American Friends Service Committee - International
Division

American Indian Law Alliance

American Indian Movement, O.I.C. / Minnesota

Amer. Int'l. Assoc. Of Hematologists Of The World For Children

Amity Foundation Program

Amity Foundation Teachers For China / China

Amity Foundation-Educ. & Social Serv. Proj. / China

Amity Foundation / Medical Training / China

Amity Foundation: Rural Poor School

Amity Printing Press - Hymnals / China

Anishinaabe Way Youth Program / Wisconsin

Appalachian Ministries Educnl. Resources Ctr. / National

Appalachian Regional Ministries (ARM) / Maryland

AppUed Nutrition Project / Honduras

Appopriate Technology And Technical Services / World

Apprenticeship For School Dropouts / Pakistan

Apres Toute Environment Health Project / Grenada

Argentina - Emergency Food ReUef

Argentina Theol. Tmg. & Women's Leadership Workshops

Argentina / Theol. Educ. / Study Grant

Arkansas Valley Resource Center

Armenia / Georgia Emergency /CIS

Asia Center

Asia Grant For A / P Center

Asia Pacific Center For Justice And Peace

Asia Resource Center (CCRAI) Japan

Asia Scholarships

Asian Health Institute Intl. Training Course

Asian Health Inst.- Japan

Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA)

Asian Rural Institute / Japan

Asian Women Worker's Center-Student Project

500

12,000

58,341

125

550

6,749

15,750

27,000

10,750
7,500

10,750

77,000

15,015

4,000
10,000

1,000

12,500
5,000

3,000

3,200

2,000

1,000

1,000

2,000

100,841

5,000

2,200

270

383

180

330

993

1,800

11,000

10,000

30

95
5,000

51

777

6,317

5,180

13,141

15,000

6,000

6,000

8,000

523

40,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

800

3,500

1,500

4,000

63,409

75,216

(50,272)

1,000

1,000

1,000

5,000
10,000
6,000

6,167

4,000

4,000

7,200

15,290

4,000

2,000

5,000

7,300

9,000

8,000

10,000
500

10,000

1174

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Assistance To Polio Victims In Huaiyin Prefecture / China

Assistance To Refugee Projects-USA

Association Of Christian Lay Centers hi Africa

Atlanta Interfaith AIDS Network

Bangladesh Emergency / Bangladesh

Bangladesh Gourandi Agricultural & Community
Development

Bangladesh Health Agency Coordination

Bangladesh Voluntary Agency Coordination

Bangladesh Women's Desk

Barbados Assist. For Develop. Alternatives With Women

Barrios Unidos

Beijing Women's Cooperative Travel Proj.

Beirut University, Lebanon JC

Belgium - Grants To Support Programs

Bethlehem Bible CoUege 240 / Israel, W Bank

Bible Training Institute Program / Pakistan

Bienville House Center For Peace & Justice, Baton Rouge

BoUvia Emergency Fund / Lost People Program

Bohvia Prim. Health Care Program

BoUvia-Seed Money For Extension Program

Borderlinks - Tucson Ecumenical Council

Bom Free Stay Free

Bosnian Refugee Assistance

Botswana Biogas Energy Promotion

Botswana Ministry Community Project

Botswana: Maun EngUsh Speaking Congregation

Brazil Hunger

Brazil Body And Culture: AIDS

Brazil Ch. Develop. - Conic

Brazil Ecumenical Center For Documentation And Research

Brazil Ecumenical Program Of Post Graduate Studies

Brazil Institute For Study On Rehgion

Brazil Institute Of Higher Studies On Rehgion

Brazil Landless Poor

Brazil NCC BraziUan Inst. Social & Econ. Analysis

Brazil NCC Center Ecum. Action In Evang. Pop. Ed.

Brazil Pastoral De Mujeres Afro-Americanas

Brazil Promoting Pubhc Awareness Of Women's Issues

Brazil Protestant Missionary Task Force

Bread For The World

Breman Asikuma Habitat For Humanity / Ghana

Broadway United Church Of Christ- Aids Interfaith Network

5,000

5,000

10,000

30,646

66,726

14,500

15,310

500

500

390,000

20,000

32,000

22,500

36,358

24,000

10,000

46,921

5,000
2,500

2,500
9,683

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

266

169

150

10,000

6,000

13,500

69,500

1,500

1,000

10,000
10,000

2,000

10,000

6,000

2,000
9,000

9,000
12,000
3,000
1,000
1,000

33,226

20,000

9,000

9,000
4,000

1,000
2,000

32,458

4,000

100

10,000
4,500

10,000

21,522

4,000

7,500

8,000

25,000
5,000

26,545
8,000

GCFA Report

1175

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Buffalo Banks / Thailand

Buffalo Empowerment Project's Lead Poisoning Buffalo, NY

Burma Civil Strife Emergency Relief

Burma Internationalization Of Mission

Burma Urban Rural Mission (URM)

Burundi AACC Conflict Resolution & Peace With Justice

Burundi Council Of Chiuches

Burundi Emergency

Burundi Maize

Burundi Mweya Bible School

Burundi Special Needs

Calcutta Ch. Develop. - Urb. Srvce.

California Council Of Churches

Cambodia Appeal / Cambodia

Cambodia HIV -Prevention Program / Cambodia

Cameroon Support Of Women Enterpreneurs JC

Canaan Shelter

Caribbean Conf. Of Churches: Youth

Caribbean Conference Of Churches

Caribbean Mission And Evangelism, UTCWI

Caribbean-Belize Rural Women's Association

Caribbean / African American Dialogue

CCA URM Rural Mission

CCA URM Women Wrkrs. Actn.

Center For Community Action

Center For Constitutional Rights

Center For Democratic Renewal, Atlanta, Georgia

Center For Ethics And Economic Policy

Center For Food Action Of New Jersey

Center For Immigrant Rights

Center For Media And Values

Center For Rehabilitation Of The Paralyzed / Bangladesh

Center For The Prevention Of Sexual & Domestic Violence

Center Of Concern / Alternative Women In Development /
Washington, D.C.

Central America Working Group / Washington, D.C.
Central American Refugee Committee, Hempstead, NY
Central America / Chr. Ed. - Study Travel To Central America
Central Ap)palachian People's Federal Credit Union / Berea,
Centro Adelante Campesino / Arizona
Changhua Chr. Hosp. Med. Bldg. Eqpt.
Chemical Weapon DemiUtarization Comm. Anniston, AL
Chickaloon Village Tribal Hatchery Project

1992

1993

1994

1995

20,000

20,000

20,000
15,000

25,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

3,500

5,000

25,000

85,000

2,131

2,000

2,000

00,187

3,000

1,500

50,000

45,000

30,000

20,000
48,200

5,500

5,500

5,000

7,500
10,000

10,000

10,000

3,000

3,000

5,000

6,000

6,000

7,500

7,500

4,300

5,000

10,000

7,000

4,500

5,000

5,000
5,000

5,000
2,000
5,000

6,500
7,000

8,000

8,000

8,000

2,743

3,866

105

7,945

2,000

2,500

3,500

1,000

4,000

4,000

4,000

2,000

1,300

2,500

165

310

474

265

150

1,940

20,200
5,000

1176

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Child And Youth Development / Egypt

Child Care Nutrition Project

Child Nutrition / Ecuador

Child Nutrition - Water / Haiti

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Seattle, WA

Children's Defense Fund / Washington, D.C.

Children's Fund / International Org.

Children's Leprosy Survey - Special Program

Children's Project - Los Angeles

Chile Casa De La Mujer

Chile Piret Project

Chimborazeo Agr., Health & Nutrition Project / Ecuador

China Cambodia, Fact Finding Team

China Christian Council Rural Evang.Theol. Ed.

China Christian Presence China

China Christianity In China, Scholarship Guide

China Language Teachers For Volunteers In Asia

China Hong Kong Christian Institute

China Indonesian Council Of Churches

China National Minority Women Seminary Studies

China Program - Hong Kong

China Program General

China Program Of National Council Churches

China Program: Communications

China Service With PRC Persons In USA

China Strengthening / Network Building

China Summer Of Sharing—NCCUSA China Program

China Third World Dialogue

Chinese Church Leaders International Travel

Chinese Staff & Workers Association (CSWA)

Chiradzuhi Protected Springs / Malawi

Children & Minorities Program, Hiroshima S. Center / Japan

Choto Valley Community Health Project / Ecuador

Christian Care For Refugees / Zimbabwe

Christian Council Of Mozambique / Mozambique

Christian Rural Development & Water Resources / Madagascar

Christian Service Committee / Malawi

Christianity And Crisis

Christn. Conf. Of Asia Ch. Program

Christos House Battered Women's Shelter

Chung Nam / Agric. Rural - Xn Farmers

Church Based Health Promotion / Dominican Rep.

1992

1993

1994

1995

20,000

4,000

10,000

10,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000
500

5,000

5,000

25,000

35,000
2,000

35,000

40,000

2,000

2,000

6,000

12,000

12,000

9,525

15,000

15,000

600

5,000
2,000

6,000

6,000

1,950

3,150

3,500
2,700

25,000

25,779

37,000

63,243

10,000

215

133

896

4,000

53

2,000

2,000

3,904

3,000

750

1,774
4,000

1,200

650

1,676

1,950

4,000

4,300

5,000

10,000

5,064

944

12,000

12,000

30,000

35,000

35,000

35,000

10,000

10,000

20,000

34,000

20,000

20,000

10,802

4,802

3,000

2,250

3,000

2,000

4,000

4,000

25,000

GCFA Report

1177

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Church School Materials For Ethnic Educ, KCCJ / Japan

Church Women United

Church Women's Conference Assembly, Asia

Church World Service Administration

Church World Service Community Hunger Appeal (CROP)

Church World Service Disaster Fimd

Church World Service Division Of Education

Church World Service Material Aid Program

Church World Service One Great Hour Of Sharing

Church World Service Overseas Program

Church World Service Promotion And Interpretation

Churches For Middle East Peace

Churches Human Rights Program For Csce

Churches United For Community Action

Citizens Advocate

Citizens Alert

Clarkabad Village Health Care Project / Pakistan

Coalition For Economic Survival / Los Angeles

Coalition For Justice In The Maquiladoras

Codel Program

Coloring Book For Children Whose Parents Have AIDS N

Cohunbus Organizing Project

Combating Female Circumcision / Egypt

Comm. Econ. Devel. Special Priority Program

Commission On ReUgion In Appalachia / KnoxvUle

Commnty Orgnzg. - Urban Rural Mission (URM)

Communications Fund

Communications & International Understanding / Nicaragua

Communities Of Shalom

Community Agroforestry Project / Nicaragua

Community Based Family Planning In Egypt

Community Based Maternal & Child Health Proj./ Bolivia

Community Based Victim Restitution / Detroit, Michigan

Community Business Initiative

Community Center Of Hato De La Culata / Dominican Rep.

Community Development For Farmers & Fishermen / Indonesia

Community Development Initiative

Community Education Promoters

Community Health And Family Planning / India

Community Health Center - Ambihkkai / India

Community Health Program / Personnel Support / Pakistan

Community Health Supplementary Support / India

448

190

246

29,520

40,976
10,000

42,524

37,524

153,334

109,998

220,000

110,000

40,335

35,857

31,399

94,298

55,500

35,500

25,000

10,000

9,999

10,000

93,530

165,643

110,000

476,830

10,000

9,999

10,000

10,000

228,000

194,499

225,000

225,000

26,666

30,000
5,000

6,500

30,000

5,500

2,250

3,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,500

200

4,300

5,000

1,500

1,500

1,500

13,500

16,000

10,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

10,000

1,500

145,000

88,000

8,730

78,960

5,000

5,000

1,815

2,037

75

4,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

10,000

2,000

15,000

2,000

2,000

1,500

1,500

5,000

209

5,000

10,000

5,000

3,000

7,000
305
10,000
9,000
5,000

3,000

10,000 15,000
5,000

1178

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Conununity Health & Mother / Child Care / Bangladesh
Community Latch Key Program / Hiawatha, KS
Community Loan Fund Of SW Pennsylvania
Commimity Organic Farming Training Program
Community Organizing Training Seminar
Community Survival Center / Baltimore, Md
Community Women Health Scheme Narsingdi, Bangladesh
Community-Based Preventive Health Educ. Prog. - Thailand
Comm. Based Rural Sanitation / Safe Drinking Water, India
Comm. Survival Thru Protection Homa Bay, Kenya
Comprehensive Rural Health, Jamkhed, India

Computer And Vocational Training Project - Su Won City,
Korea

Conference On Refijgees & Displaced Women

Construction Of Grain Banks / India

Contact Chicago Teen Outreach Project, Chicago

Contingency & Renewal Ministry

Contingency Fds. Women & Children Ministries

Co-Operative Firewood Plantations / Nicaragua

Costa Rica Agriculture Extension & Technical Training

Costa Rica Centers For Articles Of Basic Consumption

Costa Rica Ecumenical Department Of Research

Costa Rica Seminario BibUco

Costa Rica Women's Intl. League For Peace & Freedom

Council For American Indian Ministry

Council Of Federated Organizations

Council On Ecum. Stdnts. Ch. Min.

Council On Interracial Books For Children

Covenant Education Center / Shiprock, NM

Crayon Power / New Jersey

Credit With Education / BoUvia

Crippled Children's Center / W.Bank Israel

Critical Food Shortage Areas / Indonesia

CrossviUe PubUc Housing Resident Association

Cuban Rafters

Cuba / Ch. Develop. - Vehicle For Ecumenical Council Of

Cuba / Theological Seminary In Matanzas

Cyprus / Turkey Emergency

C.A.T.-Community Health / Haiti

Dakota Rural Action / South Dakota

DAWN (Develojjment Alternatives With Women For A New Era)

Day In The Village - Integrated Rural Development / India

Deaf Aids Center At St. Benedict

1992

1993

1994

1995

28,000

14,000

8,000

5,000

10,000

4,000

11,503

7,963
8,000

5,083

10,000

15,000
10,000

10,000

8,000
10,000

5,000

20,000

10,000

2,000

5,867

12,661

500

424

2,500

750

100
14,663

9,500

3,000

20,000

20,000
500

18,000
10,000

20,000
5,000

5,000

10,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

1,000

10,000

10,000

37,000

22,000

45,000

10,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

2,000

560

1,825

5,000

1,050

11,398

19,620

18,239
600

19,814
5,000

23,310

40,000

25,000

25,000

50,000

500

GCFA Report

1179

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Decade For Women Program

Defense For Children International

Desert Reclamation / Senegal

Development Education Towards Self-Reliance,
Johaimesburg, South Africa

Development Of Peasants Of Mobin / Haiti

Development Of Rural Community, Eurytania Region Greece

Development Of Rural Domestic Water Supplies

Washington, D.C.

Development Of Small-Scale Farmers And Artisans / Nicaragua

Development Of Women's Cooperative - Cambridge, MA

Diary And Agricultural Farming Project, Kampala, Uganda

Dig Forty-Five New Wells And Renovate 25 / India

Dioro AIDS Education / Mali

Direct Action For Rights & EquaUty

Domestic SoUd Waste Management, Beirut, Lebanon

Dominican RepubUc Water Project

Dominican RefHibUc Special

Dosso Valley Wells Project / Niger

Dress A Low Income Child For School - Dover, OH

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention / Rehabihtation Prog.

Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment Prog.

Earmald Fitting For The Hearing Impaired / China

Earth Trade, Inc.

Earthquake / PhiUppines

East Oakland Ecumenical Renewal

East Timor Human Rights Committee

East Timor Research Project

ECLOF Loans For Women In Development

Eco-Justice Project And Network / Ithaca, NY

Ecomomic Development Project

Economic Justice

ECPAT USA

Ecuador Improving The Health Of Our Sisters & Brothers

Ecuador / Min. Of Children / IVS-Ecuador: Chota Valley Community

Ecumenical Assn. Of Third World Theologians (EATWOT)

Ecumenical Child Care Network

Ecumenical Decade: Churches In Solidarity With Women

Educational Enhancement For Youth - Trinidad

Educational Program To Help Haitian Women, Miami

Egypt CEOSS Emergency Grant

Egypt Ecomomic Development Conference

Egypt Emergency

1992

1993

1994

1995

2,000

2,000

1,500

1.000

15,195

25,000

25,000

35,000

12,500

25,000

25,000

15,000

22,000

10,000
10,000

351

375

15,000

10,000
4,000
2,000

15,000
215

20,000

14,200

2,500
2,500
15,000

50,000

7,500

10,000

5,000

10,000
2,000

40,000

8,000
20,000

13,850

10,000
5,000
2,500

25,000
36,125

(7,500)

10,000
10,000

10,000

4,300
15,000

10,000

9,500

15,000

202

9,024

2,500

20,150

20,000

5,000
5,000

7,500

36,000
5,000

6,000

7,500

10,000

2,125

30,000

16,665
5,000

5,000

2,000
20,000

1180

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Ekan Muri Agricultural Development Program / Nigeria

El Salvador Agricultural Project

£1 Salvador General / El Salvador

El Salvador Human Rights & Solidarity In El Salvador

El Salvador Index To Accountability-Human Rights

El Salvador Inter-ReUgious Task Force / CA

El Salvador Leadership Development For Women

El Salvador Yoxmg Civil War Victims

El Sinai Cooperative For Agricultural Prod. / El Salvador

Elderly Women's Health & Envimmntl. Rehab. Proj.
Washington.D.C.

Emergency Relief - Vietnam

Emergency Rehef / Bangladesh

Emergency Rehef / Belize

Emergency Rehef / Caribbean

Emergency Rehef / El Salvador

Emergency Rehef / Honduras

Emergency Rehef / Madagascar

Emergency Rehef / Mexico

Emergency Rehef / Nicaragua Roods

Emergency Rehef / Uganda / Rwanda

Emergency Rehef / Yugoslavia

Emergency Rehef / Zaire

Emergency Rehef & Rehabihtation Program / Lebanon

Employment Projects (FGM)

Empowering Rural Communities On Health, Washington

Empowering Women Through Self-Employment, Manila

Enabling Aids Ministry / National

Envimmnt. Testing / Maquiladora Factories San Antonio, TX

Environmental Advocacy For Housing

Environmental Safety & Health Project, Oakland, CA

Equal Means

Equal Rights Congress

Eradicate Child Prostitution Assoc. With Asian Tourism

Espanola Hospital Cancer Clinic

Ethiopia Famine

Ethiopia Rehabihtation - Ethiopia

European Women's Synod JCIM Project

Evang. Inst. For Theol. Studies (Isedet)

Evangehcal Theological Seminary (Isedet) / Argentina

Evangehcals For Middle East Understanding / Alabama

Evangelism Work Projects, Kyodan - Japan

Evangehsm, Outreach, Multan Diocese - Pakistan

15,000

50

12,000

800

4,000

500

500
853

5,000

15,000

10,000
10,000

16,000

10,000

53,204

80,000

10,000

5,000

3,000

3,289

10,000

55,000

10,000

25,000

5,937

269

7,750
2,000
12,689

25,000

5,937

20,000

269

40,000

40,000
6,000
15,000

100,000

10,000

3,000

10,000

20,000

24,900

1,000

1,500

1,500
3,500

242

1,500

1,500

17,000

7,500

28,425

5,000

30,000

30,000

30,000
5,000

19,000

19,000

5,000

5,000

3,800

2,000

100

3,000

3,000

2,000

GCFA Report

1181

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994 1995

Evang.Outreach Among Hiodu Tribes, Siod Dist. / Pakistan 1,900

Face It - Rockwell, lA

Families Count!

Family Development - Stark Co. Community Development 6,000

Family Helpline

Family Preservation Project, South Sioux City, NE

Family Service Centers / Gaza Strip

Farm Labor Organizing Committee

Farm To Family Project

Farmer Promotion In Tanzania / Tanzania

Farms, Food And Family Life / Nepal

Farmworker Food Cooperative

Federation Of African Media Women / SADC

Federation Of Apf)alachian Housing Enterprises / Berea, K

Federation Of Southern Cooperatives

Federation Of Southern Cooperatives / Land Assistance Program

Feeder Pig Proj., Mideastem Farmers Swine Proj. / South

Carolina 130

Fellowship Of Reconciliation

Fiji Christian Writing Project-Fiji Council Of Churches

Fiji Cyclone ReUef

Fiji Faculty Development Program / Pacific Theology
College

Fiji Indian Evangelism Program-South Pacific

Fiji Leadership Development Grant

Fiji Mission Evangelism Ministries-Fiji

Fiji Pacific Conems Resource Center

Fiji Weavers Com. On Women & Theol. Educ. Of South Pacific

Fill The Ark - Heifer Project International / Global

Film Arts Foundation

Film News Now FouiKlation

Finanl. Assist. For The Theol. Students, KCCJ / Japan

Fingerprinting Refiisers Legal Support Fund, KCCJ / Japan

First Asylum Seekers USA

Fisheries, Health, Water-SSID / Dom. Repubhc

Five Village Primary Health Care / Egypt

Food Aid To Soviet Union / USSR

Food Production / Nutrition Project / Nigeria

Formation Of Guatemalan Women Refugees Mexico City

Fortune Society

Four Homes Of Mercy (Jerusalem) / Jerusalem

France / Cimade JC

Frankford Group Ministry / Philadelphia 9,000

2,000

5,000

1,500

3,000

35,000

50,000

50,000

3,000

3,000

7,300

5,000

5,000

10,000

30,000

5,000

3,000

3,000

600

2,500

1,000

500

1,825

410

150

100
2,500

100

3,000

4,000

1,000
25,000

10,736

3,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

3,000

1,000

5,000
86,245

1,500

2,500

156

70

50

24

70,000

53,000

88,610

70,000

3,274

29,060

t37,867

95,281
27,014

213,247

23,112

10,000

250

250

250

250

4,000

8,000

8,000

14,000

5,000

5,000

1182

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Free Care For Poor Patients / Nepal

Free Trade Agreement: Challenge For Women Working Org

Friends Committee For National Legislation

Frontier Internship Mission

Functional Literacy Prgm. For Yoimg Women-India

Galilee Community Centre / Israel

Garbage Collectors Development (COESS) / Egypt

Ghana Model Cooperative

Ghana Applied Nutrition Program / Ghana

Ghana Start- A-Library Project

Girls' Urdu Medium Secondary School Scholarships, Ra /
Pakistan

Global Action On Aging Pension Watch Project

Global Children Village And The Greening Team, Detroit

Global NCC Children's International Ministries

Global Seed Distribution / World

Golden Key Education For The Blind / China

Grace Children's Hospital (Child Care Fndtn.) / Haiti

Grace United

Graduate Teaching Scholarships / Japan

Grassroots Community Land Trust, Grayson, KY

Grassroots Development / Uganda

Grenada Union Of Productive Cooperatives

Grinding Mills For Refugee Camps / Zaire

Guatemala / Refugees

Guatemala / See. Cone. - Human Rights In Guatemala

Gulf Crisis Emergency / Middle East

Habitat / Guatemala

Habitat - Bolivia

Habitat - India

Habitat - Mexico Projects

Habitat - Mezquital Valley / Mexico

Habitat - Papua New Guinea

Habitat - Peru

Habitat - Philippines

Habitat - Tanzania

Habitat - Zambia

Habitat - Dominican Republic

Habitat For Humanity-Housing Construction / Americus

Habitat For Humanity: Self-Help Housing Min. / Americus

Haiti - Training Community Health Workers

Haiti Refugee Emergency / USA

Haitian And Caribbean Foundation For Educ. & Dev.

1992

1993

1994

1995

11,916

441

515

673

8,000

3,000

1,000

1,000

48,200

38,200

3,000

330

15,000

15,000
10,000

15,000

20,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

12,000
5,000

200

2,000

6,000

75,000

60,000

10,000

10,000

214,400

195,993

232,843
40,000

298,085

7,500

7,500
5,000

4,000

10,000
40,000
22,000

10,000

23,000

12,000

5,000

61,000

189,420

10,000

8,000

10,000

8,000

5,000

5,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

6,000

9,600

10,000

5,000

5,000

9,500

10,000

8,000

8,000

8,000

6,000

6,000

9,600

8,000

8,000

8,000

16,000

8,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

8,000

14,000

4,000

8,000

(10,000)

36,485

36,656

25,311

40,798

23,825

16,971

12,798
25,000

26,408

1,946

826

5,000

1,000

1,000

GCFA Report 1183

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Haitian Children In The Dominican Republic

Haitian & Caribbean Foundation

Haiti: Humanitarian Aid

Hawaii Ecumenical Coalition

Healing Of Memories In Bougainville / Papua New Guinea

Healing Wings Ministry / Nicaragua

Health Action Network For Development / Phihppines

Health And Clean Water, Hohoe, Ghana

Health And Environment Curricuhmi, El Paso, TX

Health And Integrated Development Program / Colombia

Health Care We Gotta Have It

Health Care & Environmnt Prog. Womenfolk,
TiiuchirapaUi, India

Health Care, Education And Nutrition For Fam. / Peru

Healthy Families Maine

Heed Bangladesh Rural Dev.Proj.& Leprosy Hosp.

Heifer Project International

Heifer Project International (Living Gift Program)

Help Asian Women's Shelter / Japan

Helping Hands Of St. Louis

High Tech Campaign - Albuquerque, NM

Hillsborough Organization For Progress And Equality

HIV Prevention / Thailand

HIV Prevention Program / Cambodia / NCCUSA

HIV / AIDS Chaplaincy, C / O Vassar Temple

HIV / AIDS Preventions, Sitka, AK 3,000

Home For The Homeless Project - Dhaka, Bangladesh 10,000

Home For Women And Children / New Mexico

Homemaking Skills For Muslim / Christian Girls / Egypt

Homes For Homeless Children - Sierra Leone, West Africa

Honduras Emergency Assistance

Hong Kong Christian Coimcil

Hong Kong Christian Study Center

Hong Kong Society For Community Organization

Hong Kong Women Christian Council, Beijing CoaUtion

Hongkong - Feminist Theology Conference

Hongkong Tuition Assistance For Ba At Open Lmg.Inst.

Hope Secondary School Beit Jala, West Bank

Hotel Tenants Rights Project / New York, NY

Human Promotion Institute / NCCUSA-Carib. / Latin Am. Comm.

Himian Rights Info. Translation Eqpt. , KCCJ / Japan

Humanity Comes Of Age - A Challenge For The Church

Hunger Action Network Of New York State

1992

1993

1994

1995

5,000

5,000

1,000

30,000

5,000

1,200
10,000

3,500

5,000

5,000

5,000
15,000

2,000

5,000

10,500
5,000

4,000

2,109

469,059

518,314

478,996

655,922

256,234

231,798

225,348

301,831

9,690

2,529

2,116

3,000

20,000

820

2,500

12,000

10,000
750

18,000

18,000

27,000

11,000

12,500

10,000

2,000

5,000

2,000

2,000

4,000

1,000

2,500

3,846

1,750

1,750

5,000

100

4,300

5,000

6,000

635

593
1,000

200
500

1184

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Hunger Relief - South Africa

Hurricane Andrew /USA

Hurricane Hugo / East Caribbean

Hurricanes '95 / Global

ICCR Advocacy Work

Immigration Counseling Program UMCOR / U.S.A.

Immigration / Refugee Program

Impact

Improving Agricultural Communities - Zimbabwe

Improving Formers' Group - Zimbabwe

In The Child's Best Interest

In' Ash El-Usra Society / Palestine

Income Generating Posho Mill Project - Nairobi, Kenya

India Attwi Women Theological In India

India Bhopal Victims Rehef

India Concerned For Working Children

India Corp: Community Outreach Program Bombay

India Expan.Outreach Prog. For Squatters Colony

India Grant To Support Publication Of Books

India Henry Martyn Inst. For Islamic Studies

India Kodaikanal-Woodstock Foundation

India NCC-Youth Desk

India Pastoral Ministry Among AlcohoUcs & Drug Addicts

India Samarpan-Hope For Drug Addicts And Alcoholics

India Seminar On Chemical Dependency

India Spare Parts For Medical Eqpt. At Vell.Chr. Co.

India "Doing Christian Ethics"

Indochina 1995 Indochina Ministries Appropr.

Indochina Asia Resource Center-Indochina Prg.

Indochina Indochinese-American Revival Conference

Indochina IVS AIDS-Prevention Program

Indochina Women & Children Health Program

Indonesia Primary Health Care

Industrial Areas Foundation

Infant / Child Health - Mathare Valley / Kenya

Institute For Development Training

Institute For Development Training (IDT)

Institute For Food And Development PoUcy

Institute For Pohcy Studies - Third World Women's Project

Institute For World Evangelism Atlanta / Georgia

Integrated Development Program Of CEP AD / Nicaragua

Integrated Rural Comm. Develpmnt Proj., Dhaka,
Bangladesh

1992

32,083
60,000

27,000
60,000
29,500
10,000

7,000

10,000

1,000

15,000
4,300

9,000

1993

180,000

35,000
60,000
25,000

2,000
6,000

3,000
5,000

2,500
2,000

15,000

200
5,000

1,000
1,000 1,000

3,000
20,000
10,000

1,000

1994

50,000

600

27,200
80,000
20,000

20,000
5,000

2,000

5,000
4,000

1,600

7,500

2,000

13,450

10,000

1,000

1995

12,660

145,589

600

11,500

25,000

5,000

7,500
5,000

20,000

4,000

5,000
2,500

60,000
20,000

10,000

2,000

8,156

3,490

1,524

2,706

30,000

20,000

20,000

15,000

15,000

GCFA Report

1185

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Interchurch Medical Assistance

Interchurch Ministries Of Nebraska

Interfaith Action For Economic Justice

Interfaith Center On Corporate Responsibility

Interfaith Imp>act For Justice And Peace

Intermedia

Internally Displaced Persons: Refugees In Phillippines

International Committee For World Day Of Prayer

International Consultation Minority Issues & Mission

International Cross-Cultural Black Women's Studies / NY

International Federation Of Settlements

International Indian Treaty Council

International Labor Rights Education & Research Fund

International Nursing Services Association

International Society For Korean Studies In The Americas /
NJ

International Vohmtary Services, Inc.

International Women's Network Tribune

International Women's Tribune Center

International Working Group On Child Labor

International Women's Tribune Center

InterreUgious Health Care Access Campaign

Interreligious Task Force On Criminal Justice / New York

Int'l. Conf. On Population And Developnnent

Int'l. Cross-Ultural Black Women's Studies

Int'l. Indian Treaty Coun. Environmental Prog., San Francisco

Ipil Tree Nursery Project / Nigeria

Irrigation System For Wuyi County

Islam In Africa; Nigeria Office

Israel Palestine Needle Aid Centre (PNAC) JC

Israel West Bank Abu-Dees Children JCIM

Israel, W.Bank Bethlehem Bible College 240

Israel / Palestine Teacher Of English & / Or Sciences

Jamaica Seed Project / Jamaica

Jamaica Sewing Center Program - YWCA

Jamaica Sistren Theatre Collective

Jaftan Kansai Industrial Mission

Japan KCCJ Community Centers

Japan KCCJ Leadership Tmg

Japan KCCJ Pastors Retirement

Japan Korean Christian Church Institute Raik

Japtan Kyodan Information Center

Japan National Christian Council Of Japan

9,944

13,525

59,104

3,000

104,014

375

5,000

14,308

59,774

5,000

1,000

5,000

500

3,000

2,000

1,000

15,572

9,604

4,000

5,035

59,875
6,000

5,000
10,300
3,000

2,000
1,500
5,000

1,000

4,000
5,000
12,723
57,000
4,000

10,000
5,000

2,200

3,500
3,000

2,500

25,000

25,000

20,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

3,000

3,000

750
3,000

20,000

5,000
8,000

3,000

3,000

1,050

6,500
5,000
14,870

6,000

5,900

10,000

10,000

10,000

3,000

3,000

5,000

5,000

2,900

2,900

4,000

3,000

5,710

8,565

4,000

1,500

1,500

3.000

3,000

1186

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Japan North American Commission

Japan Radio Evan.-Kyodan

Japan Social Wk. Prog.-Kyodan

Japan Center For Christian Response To Asian Issues

Japan Christian Conference Of Asia

Japan Christian Social Work League

Japan Consultation Between- Japanese Racism / Japan Ba

Japan General Recur. Prog.

Japan HIV-AIDS And Women's Health: Workshops

Japan International Campaign For Justice In Bhopal

Japan JNAC International Travel Seminar

Japan Korean Christian Church Community Center / Women

Japan National Federation Asian American UM

Japan Peace-Human Rights Center Hiroshima

Japan Special Ministries To Japanese

Japan / Korea Christian Ch. Comm. Cntr. Leadershp Tmg.

Japan / Korean Christian Church Leadership Training

Japan / Korean Christian Church Women's Programs

Japan / Korean Christian Ch. Korea Comm. Action
Women's Prog.

Japan / NCC: Ecumenical Women's Desk

Japan / Theol. Educ. - Council Of Cooperation

Jerusalem Four Homes Of Mercy

Jerusalem Tamer Institute

Jerusalem Infant Welfare Center / Israel

Jerusalem Vocational Education / Jerusalem

Jerusalem Women's Center / Legal Aid & Counseling-JC

Jerusalem YWCA

Jobs Phis / Pima Coimty Interfaith Coimcil / Tucson, AZ

John Milton Society For The Blind

Journey Of Hope / Griffin, GA

Jumla Technical Secondary School / Nepal

Just Economics

Justice For Women Working Group, NCC

Justice Works Community

Keepers Of The Sacred Albuquerue, NM

Kenya Famine

Kenya AACC; Youth Desk Jt. Cte. Proj.

Kenya Africa Women's Communication Network JC

Kenya Education Of Women And Girls

Kenya Emergency Food Aid

Kenya Limuru Agricultural Youth Scholarships (Girls)

Kenya Nairobi Peace Initiative

1992

1993

1994

1995

40,455

40,452

40,452

40,455

3,000

2,000

2,000
4,000

10,000
1,000

2,000

3,057

2,512

1,247
5,000

1,416

2,000
1,500

1,500

1,500

10,000

4,800

3,000

500

500

1,000

1,000

3,000

2,500

5,000

1,500

5,000

2,500

16,600

16,600
6,000

16,600
31,000

16,600

480

472

11,000
1,000

500

20,000
5,000

4,000

60

1,500

2,500

6,000

2,000

4,000

7,000

10,000

1,500

20,000

3,000
5,000

5,000

1,000

10,000
3,000

GCFA Report

1187

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992

Kenya NCC-Kenya: Women's Prog. / Beijing

Kenya The Limuru Boys' Centre, Nairobi 1,500

Kenya Women's Program Desk

Kenya Young Women's Program Staff

Kenya Youth Desk

Kenyan Pastor... Planting Churches In Tanzania

Kikolo Suf>plementary Feeding Project - Washington 10,000

Kitchen Incubator Project

Klanwatch, Montgomery, Alabama 500

Klong Toel Shun Day Care / Thailand

Knitting Industry For Palestinian Refugees / Jordan

Kodaikanal And Woodstock School Budgets / India-Ecum

Korea Advocacy Program For The Wom For MiUtary Sla

Korea Amerasian Children And Youth

Korea Amerasian Counselling Program

Korea Asian Church Women's Conference

Korea Association Of Women's Theologians

Korea Assoc. Of Korean Christ Scholars N. Africa

Korea Church Women United

Korea Community Action, Japan

Korea Conf. On Peace And Reunification Of Korea

Korea CWU, Kawt-Ecum. Women

Korea Documentation / Poor Women

Korea Ecumenical Program

Korea Ewha Woman University

Korea Flood

Korea Gen. Educ. / Assist S.J.Chun

Korea Inchon Urban Industrial Mission

Korea Inst. For Dev. -Justice

Korea Inst. For Devl.&Justice Documtation / Poor Children

Korea International Ecum. Coimcil For Peace / Reunfication

Korea Mission Evangelism Ministry-North Korea

Korea Next Campaign - Advocacy

Korea North American Coalition

Korea Peace Reunification Conference

Korea Scholarship Assist. For Chun Ja Yoo

Korea Women's Department

Korea Women's Legal Rights

Korea Women's Ministries

Korean Christian Center, Osaka, KCCJ / Japan

La Mujer Obrera Program

La Reforma Housing Coojjerative / Nicaragua 577

1993

6,000

1994

15,000
10,000
6,000

1995

5,000

15,000
7,500

6,000

8,000

10,000

2,137

10,000
2,000

3,000

2,000

15,000

15,000

3,000

3,000

620

4,500

2,000

2,000

1,000

5,000

5,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

1,000

1,000
10,000

1,000
6,500

10,000
10,000

5,000

5,000

2,000

2,500

10,000

1,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

8,500

1,500

9,080

4,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

11,000

11,000

11,000

2,609

140

634

430

4,300

5,000

1188

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Lahore Diocese - Technical Service Assoc. - Pakistan

Land Assistance Fund / Black Farmer Program

Land Reclamation / W.Bank, Israel

Land Rights And Legal Aid / Brazil

Laos / Soc. Cone. / Developing Indigenous Developers Project

Las Vegas Campaign - SWOP

Latin America Technical Exchange Of Leaders

Latin America 500 Years-New Beginning

Latin America Black Women's Pastoral

Latin America CCLA Sao Paulo Process

Latin America Comptroller For Carib.Conf.Ch.PIM

Latin America Ecological Issues

Latin America Ecum. Program For Comm & Action

Latin America Human Rights In Latin America / Caribbean

Latin America Inst Econ. & Social Research (INIES)

Latin America International Indian Treaty Council

Latin America International Understanding

Latin America InterreUgious Found. Comm. Organ

Latin America Peace Justice Liberation Caribbean & Latin
America

Latin America Programs For Children- Youth- Young Adults

Latin America Publication Of Books And Materials

Latin America Regional Workshops For Working Women

Latin America SBL-Ministries With Women & Children

Latin America Seminario BibUco Latinoamericano

Latin America Study Grants

Latin America United Theol. College West Indies

Latin America Young Adults

Latin America Youth Ministries Consultation-South Cone

Latin American Coimcil Of Churches

Latin American Organizing Project

Latin America / Caribbean Women- Youth / Conference Participation

Latin America / Caribbean Conf. Of Ch. -Women's Program 3,250

Latin America / Carribean Conf. Of Ch. Bloc Grant 20,000

Latin America / NACLA 2,000

Latin America / Native American International Caucus

Latin America / PACCA 2,000

Latino Children's Project - Washington D.C.

Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law / D.C. 2,000

Lay Training, Multan Diocese - Pakistan 2,000

LA / Agric. Rural - C URM Intraregional Program 8,000

Ldrshp. Tmg. For Asian Women 5,000

Leadership Conference On Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 2,000

1,000

1,000
8,000

25,000

25,000

25,000
5,000

50,000

6,000

10,000

27,465

16,000
6,000

8,000

4,000

2,000

6,000

3,409

7,000

7,000

2,500

2,500

1,248

1,250

1,000

8,000

100

2,000

1,400

1,500

1,400

300

7,000

800

12,152
3,000
1,000

10,000

10,000
9,000
3,000
4,370

6,000

3,250

20,000

2,000

3,000
3,000

2,000

3,000

1,500
7,500
15,000

15,000
10,000

2,500

1,000
6,000
3,000

1,500

5,000
10,000
5,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

GCFA Report 1189

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992 1993 1994 1995

Leadership Development Gmnts 28,150

Leadership Development Scholarships / Ecuador 5

Leadership Role Of The Older American, Essex, Montclair, NJ 5,000

Leadership Training Grant 16,764

Legal Aid For Asians And Africans / Turkey 40,000

Legal Aid For Palestinian Families / Jerusalem 235

Legal Education / Legal Ass't. Prog. / Haitian Women, Port

Au Prince 10,000

Leprosy Treatment Renewal Program / 2^aire 20,000

Levering Fund 2,000

Liberia Council Of Churches: Women's Programs 5,000

Liberia Drinking Water And Latrine Project 20,000

Liberia Emergency 25,909 10,000 10,000

Life Challenge Of Cleveland 35,000

Listo Job Referral Corp.

Lit. Adult Education (Bicycles) / Nigeria

Literacy And Reading Courses (CEOSS) / Egypt

Literacy Campaign, Madurai, India

Livestock Improvement And Range Management / Kenya

Los Angeles ReUef / RehabiUtation

Madre

Madre-Solidarity With Haitian Women

Mahendra Bhawan Girls' School / Nef>al

Mapuche Development Project / Chile

Maputo Green Zones Duck Production / Mozambique

Mary Magdalene Project, Inc. / California

Maternal MoitaUty Reduction / Health Education / Nepal

Maun Secondary School; Scholarshif>s / Botswana

Meadow LI

Medicine Box / Global

Medicines for Iraq via Medicines for Peace

Meetingplace On Health & Economic Justice Durham, NC

Membership To Amnesty Intl. USA: Hahm, M.

Mentoring And Literacy Project For Minority Youth

Mesquakie Women And Youth, Tama, lA

Mexico Farmers Assisting Farmers

Mexico Food Emergency

Mid West Flooding 1993 - Disaster Response / USA

Middle East Churches For Middle East Peace 2,000

Middle East Gasa Women's Affairs Centre JC 5,000

Middle East General Fund / Middle East 927 1,525

Middle East Grant For Study & Interpretation In USA 10,000

Middle East Council Of Churches 6,000

4,000

5,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

29,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

4,200

1,500

500
5,000

1,104

200

1,020

5,000

5,000

6,477

459

265

10,000

2,764

20,000

8,920

54,401

50,060

15,000

10,600
135

5,000

574

4,000

15,000

7,000

5,000
501,925

119Q_

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Middle East Council Of Churches-Intl. Liaison

Middle East National In Mission, Palestine

Middle East Palestinian Youth Program JC

Middle East Professional Training- Women / YWCA JC

Middle East Refiigee Kindergarten Program / YWCA JC

Middle East Refugee Program, Jordan JC

Middle East Research & Information Project (MERIP)

Middle East Shufat Refugee Camp / Summer Camp JC

Middle East Task Force, Washington, D.C.

Middle East The Coptic Orthodox Church In Egypt

Middle East Training Courses For Women / YWCA JC

Middle East Vocational Training Program / YWCA JC

Migrant Work

Milk For Child Survival / India

Minnesota AIDS Project

Mission For Environmental Protection, Seoul, Korea

Mobile Health Care, Pakistan

Mobile Home Court Organizing Project

Mobile School Unit Training Women In Coops / Zambia

Model Ex-Offender Prog. , Prisoner Release Min. / JoUet, IL

Molino De Nixtamal San Antonio Or Com Mill - Washington,

Mother Child Survival - Sialkot Diocese / Pakistan

Mother, Child Health Program / Nigeria

Mother / Child Care Center / Jordan

Mozambique Emergency / Mozambique

Mozambique Support Network

Mtn. Com. Child Care & Devel. Cntr., Inc. - Duff/ Tenness

Murder Victims Families For Reconciliation

Muskegon County Organizing

My Sister / My Friend, Augusta, GA

Myajeka Leadership Studies

Myanmar MC-Lower: Vocat'l.Tmg. / Indian Dist.

Myanmar MC-Lower:Day Care Prgm.Indian Dist.

Myanmar MC-Lower:Ministry To Women

Myanmar Pator Support / Burma / MC Children

Myanmar-Burma Council Of Churches: Women's Prg.Office

Namibia Christian Pre-School & Training Center JC

Namibia Women's Program Desk JC

Namibian Economic Pohcy Research Unit

Nashville Interfaith Sponsoring Committee

National Black Women's Health Project

National CoaUtion Against The Death Penalty, Philadelphia

National Committee On Pay Equity

National Congress Of Neighborhood Women

National Council For Research On Women

National Council Of Churches Communications Commission

National Council Of Churches In Christ

National Council Of Churches / Div. Of Overseas Ministries,

Leadership

National Council Of Negro Women, Beijing

1992

1993

1994

1995

0,000

7,000

7,000
5,000

7,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

2,000

3,500

4,500

5,000
5,000

4,000

4,000

4,500
5,000

7,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

210

10,000

500

8,000
16,000

5,000

10,391

25

50

8,705

15,000

15,000

17,500

10,000

26,470

17,991

30,227

1,715

7,566

1,000

12,154

10,005
1,000
2,500

165
2,300

10,450

9,700
1,000
2,000
2,500
5,000

2,500
5,000

2,500

2,500

2,500

4,000

4,000

1,000
2,000

2,500

2,500

1,500

1,500

3,000

2,500

2,500

2,700

3,000

750

1,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

7,500

39,192

40,072

40,996

39,998

4,000

4,000

4,000

4,000
5,000

1992

1993

1994

1995

4,000

4,000

4,000

3,500

3,000

1,500

3,000

1,500

1,500

2,000

3,000

GCFA Report 1121

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

National Farm Worker Ministry

National Institute For Women Of Color

National Interreligious Task Force On Criminal Justice

National Media Center Foundation, Inc.

National Union Of Eritrean Women In North America

National Welfare Rights Union 2,000

National Workers Centers Conference

Native Action

NCC Agmissions, Inc. Women's Dev. Committee

NCC Agricultural Missions

NCC Child And Family Justice Project

NCC Children And AIDS

NCC Com. On Justice & Liberation

NCC Commission On International Affairs

NCC Communication - Intermedia: NCC Func. Committee

NCC DCS Justice For Women - Africa Office Of The NCC

NCC Division Of Church And Society

NCC DOM Middle East

NCC DOM Africa

NCC DOM Agricultural Missions

NCC DOM General Service

NCC DOM East Asia & The Pacific

NCC DOM End Child Prostitution In Asia Tourism

NCC DOM Europe / USSR

NCC DOM Hong Kong Society For Community Organization

NCC DOM Human Rights

NCC DOM Human Rights Office

NCC DOM Intermedia - Basic Services

NCC DOM International Congregations - Lay Ministry

NCC DOM Latin America & Caribbean / Programs

NCC DOM Southern Asia

NCC Evangelism Working Group / New York, NY

NCC E.Asia Pac.Office / Ch.Devlpm. / CCA-WSCF Joint Program 1995

NCC Global Education Office

NCC Hiroshima Peace And Human Rights / Japan

NCC ICCR Maquiladora Project

NCC Interfaith Relations

NCC Intern At East Asia / Pacific Office-NCCCUSA 5,000

NCC Japan Women / HIV-AIDS & Women's Health 5,000

NCC Joint Consultation Between The Christian Conf. 5,651

NCC Kenya Women's Desk 5,000

NCC Korea Coop. Council Of Christian Education 400 400

NCC Korea Coop. NCC Korea Work 5,000

NCC Korea Coop. Student Christian Fund 1,005

NCC La Frontera Consultation On The Mexico-US Border 13,311

NCC Ministry To Women & Children 20,000 20,000

NCC Myanmar Advocacy Proj.-Release-PoUtical Prisoners 200

NCC Phihppines Ch. Coahtion For Human Rights 550

NCC Phihppines Work 5,000

NCC Prisoners Of Conscience Project 700

3,000

4,300

5,000

15,000

15,000

16,700

16,700

2,000

500

16,802

16,802

16,000

16,000

22,564

22,564

18,000

17,750

31,174

30,000
2,000

127,000

137,500

82,000

130,750

7,500

10,000

7,500

7,500

13,500

20,000

20,000

20,000

6,000

6,000

63,512

68,512

57,000

57,000

27,269

27,269

27,268

27,268

4,000

3,500

7,000

7,000

7,000
1,000

14,485

12,485

4,000

4,000

42,780

40,000

8,164

8,164

7,000

7,000

70,000

70,500

35,000

35,000

53,753

53,086

23,084

35,000

9,000

27,000

5,000

1995

5,000

25,000

25,000
318

4,000

4,000

50.184

25,092

1192

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992 1993

NCC Racial Justice Fund 100

NCC Russia Work Teams 1,000

NCC Support For Mission Intern To NCCCUSA

NCC USA CWS Cambodia To Enable Disaster Management

NCC USA Office Of Global Educ. Anti-Personnel Landmine

NCC USA, Youth Desk

NCC USA: China Program 37,000 35,000

NCC Washington Office 4,000 3,000

NCC World Community Unit (Appropriation)

NCCC Amity EngUsh Teachers

NCCC CCLA Black Women's Program

NCCC CCLA Child Ministries To Children

NCCC CCLA Ecumenical Youth Council

NCCC CCLA Educational Materials On The Environment

NCCC CCLA Interp. Of Cuba Issues & Church Projects

NCCC CCLA Ministries To Children

NCCC CCLA Natl. Student Christian Movement Building-WSCF

NCCC CCLA Regional Programs For Women

NCCC CCLA Seminars On Gender Relationships

NCCC CCLA Training Women-CLAI

NCCC CCLA Women's Program-WSCF

NCCC CCLA Women's Rights In Society

NCCC CCLA WSCF LAC - General Administration

NCCC Curriculum Development (Celadec) 1,000 1,000

NCCC DOM Latin America / Caribbean 2,000 4,000

NCCC Human Rights In Latin America & The Caribbean 6,500 8,500

NCCCUSA CCA 10th General Assembly

NCCCUSA Human Rights Working Group

NCCCUSA Training Of Sunday School Teachers

NCCCUSA Philippines: Liberate Bautista, Ph.D. Program 7,500

NCCJ ReUgions Study Center 1,600 1,600

NCCJ Women's Committee 3,000 3,000

Near East Council Of Churches: Gaza

Neighbors At Our Door UMCOR / U.S.A.

Nepal Functional Literacy / Nepal 8,000

Nejjal General Recur. Prog. 576

Nepal Health Training Workshops 15,000

Nepal Innovative Short Term 2,800

Nepal Maternal Child Health Services Ckhaldhunga

Nepal Non-Formal Education In Jalakot

Nepal Patan Hospital

Nepal Salary Support For Treasurer Of United Mission 5,000

Nepal Short-Term Surgical & Medical Svcs. 3,500

Nepal Tansen Hospital

Nepal United Mission To Nepal Block Grant 5,000

Nepal United Mission: Women's Program Desk

Nepal Young Women's Center

Nepal / Northern India Earthquake Emergency / Nepal 3,000

Netherlands / Eradication Of Child Labor

Network Of African Women And Human Rights

1994

500
5,000

32,000

8,000

56,700

71,637

4,000

5,000
2,000

5,000
4,000
10,000

5,000
5,000
5,000
3,000

5,000

703

1995

5,000

5,000

10,000

32,000

3,000

56,700

5,000

2,000

4,000
5,000
8,000
5,000
5,000

3,000

5,000
2,000
2,500
5,000

15,000
50,000

16

2,000

5,000
5,000
1,000

2,000

3,000

5,000

6,182
5,000

5,000
6,000

2,000

1994

1995

200

5,250

30,000

GCFA Report 1193

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992 1993

Network, Washington, D.C. 1,000

New Guinea Coounun. PIM Broadcast / Media Tmg. Officer 2,500

New Horizons, Inc.

New Life For Factory Dwellers / Uruguay 4,000

New River Valley AIDS Coalition 500

New Salem Prodigals Community Project 10,000

Newton Cancer Research, Training & Advocacy Gainesville, GA

Niafiinke Dam / Mali

Nicaragua Centro Valdivieso

Nicaragua Child Welfare Program

Nicaragua Community Health Program

Nicaragua Emergency

Nicaragua General

Nicaragua Integral Training For Women Leaders

Nicaragua Interchurch Center Theol. & Social Studies

Nicaragua International Person In Mission

Nicaragua Leadership Development Programs

Nicaragua Min. To Persons With Handicapping Cond.

Nicaragua Ministries Among Women

Nicaragua Ministries To Victims Of War

Nicaragua Radio Program Of Integral Evangelization

Nicaragua Resource-Docimientation Center-CEPAD

Nicaragua Sewing Workshops

Nicaragua SoUdarity Program

Nicaragua Video Technician

Nicaragua Writer For CEP AD

Nigeria Country Women's Association Of Nigeria

Noor Eye Clinic

North America Area, World Federation Of Methodist Woriien

North American Coalition For Human Rights In Korea

North Carolina Workplace Reform Ministry 7,500

Northfolk Housing AUiance Inc., Tmg. Prog. / NY 1,220

Nursery And Women's Vocational Training / Jordan 227

Nursing Campus Scholarships / Nepal 2,609

Nursing Campus: UMN Programs / Nepal 5,250

Nutrition Assistance To Sudanese In Egypt / Egypt 40,000

Nutrition Program For Children At Risk / Egypt 18,000

Nutrition Program / The Momentum Project, Inc. 4,000

Nvoad Project 2,500

Nyanyahun (Women) Agricultural Dev. Proj. - Freetown,

Sierra Leone 4,990

Occupational Safety And Health Law Center 1,500 2,000

OWer Women's League 4,100 3,500 5,000 3,100

Omaha Indian Children & Youth Drug, AlcohoUsm, Macy, N 4,000

Ongoing Emergency / Angola 15,520

Operation Joseph / Zimbabwe 30,000

Operation S.M.A.R.T. (Science,Math,Relevant Technology) 3,500

Opportunity School For Mentally Retarded Children / India 18,000

Oral Communications Improvement Workshop, Jersey City 4,000

Organic Farming Initiative / Malaysia 4,500 4,500

7,500

62,000

9,600

1,576

7,000

7,000

7,000

7,000

18,000

7,407

31,500

580

7,407

5,000

1,000

1,000

4,000

7,200

18,120

2,000

1,842

7,000
5,500

5,000
5,000

4,000

4,000

10,000

6,000

10,000
9,400

10,000

10,000

5,000

5,000
5,000

5,000

5,000

2,500

1,000

1,500

1,500

2,000

2,000

2,000

1194

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Organization For African / American / Korean-American Solidarity

Organization Of African Instituted Churches / Africa

Organizing Communities Of Need

Organz. Support / Training Literacy Supervisors Santiago,Chil

Oriya Women:The Care Takers Of The Environment, Orissa, hidia

Outreach For Juveniles / Youngstown, OH

Pacific Christian Conf. Of Asia: Youth Desk

Pacific Christian Conf.Of Asia: Women's Desk

Pacific Conference Of Churches

Pacific Conference Of Churches Human Rights

Pacific Theological College - General

Pacific Theological College: Upgrading Program

Pacific Women's Program Pac. Conf. Churches

Pacific WSCF Support Regional Programs

Pacific WSCF: Women's Program

Pacific-General PCC: Youth Desk

Pakistan Bible Girls Training Program

Pakistan Communication Equipment For Techn. Serv. Assoc.

Pakistan Communication / Ashatar Acting Workshop For Young Women

Pakistan Community Develpment Plan, Raiwind Diocese

Pakistan Commun. Health Prg., Raiwind Diocese

Pakistan Evangehsm & Chr. Outreach-Raiwind

Pakistan EvangeUstic Work

Pakistan Faisalabad Diocese

Pakistan Flood Rehef & Repair

Pakistan General Recur. Prog.

Pakistan Karachi Diocese-Grant

Pakistan Medical - Pastor Support

Pakistan Medical Equipment

Pakistan Christian Industrial Service

Pakistan Preshawar: Pastor Sujjport

Pakistan Raiwind:Dar-Ul-Mussarat Sch. Handicapped Children

Pakistan Raiwind: Pastor Support

Pakistan Resources - Chr./Muslim Dialogue For Ch.

Pakistan Scholarship Assistance For Nazgul WUhams

Pakistan Sind Evang. - Tribal Women

Pakistan Synod - Church Of Pakistan

Pakistan Synod Women's Work

Pakistan Synod's Women FeUowship

Pakistan United Bible Training Center

Pakistan United Christian Hospital Lahore

Pakistan Urdu Language Min. Gulf Of Pakistan

Pakistan Village Schools

Pakistan Women From Phihppines Visit Pakistan

Pakistan / Asian Women's Institute

Pakistan / Karachi:Dar-Ul-Khusnud Sch. Handicap / Children

Pakistan-COP Lahore: TSA Vocational Training

Pakistan-COP Lahore: Women's Dev. & Svc. Prog.

Pakistan-COP Faisalabad Diocese:EvangeUsm Outreach

Pakistan-COP Hyderabad Diocese: Sind Evangehsm

1992

1993

1994

3,000

1995

2,000

6,000

10,000

6,000

7,500

10,000

10,000

4,500

5,000

7,520

5,000

5,000

2,000

2,000

35,000

4,500
1,000
2,700
1,500

5,000

35,000

4,000

1,000

1,500

2,500
2,500

4,500

2,000

3,000
1,000
3,500

5,000

10,500

5,000

2,500

2,500

1,000

nen

3,000

3,000

1,000

18,000

16,000

20,000

40,000

1,350

1,350

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

20,000

20,000

16,839

5,500

5,500

5,300

2,500

4,000

7,000

3,000

3,500

3,000

2,000

2,000
3,000

20,000

7,500
2,000

5,000
2,000
3,000
3,000

GCFA Report 1125

NAME OF ORGANIZATION 1992 1993 1994 1995

Pakistan-COP Multan Diocese: Women's Ministry

Pakistan-COP Raiwind DioceserVillage School

Pakistan-COP Raiwind Diocese: Youth Program

Pakistan-COP Sialkot Diocese:Leadership Center

Pakistan-COP Synod Women's Fellowship

Pakistan-COP WCSA Property Board

Pakistan / Lahore Diocesan Church Planters Prg.

Palestine Bethlehem Bible College Christian Ctr.JC

Palestine Grassroots hitemational JC

Palestine Human Rights Campaign

Palestine National Youth Service Prog.

Palestine Partners, Global Mission Partners / Middle East

Palestine Refugee Program / Middle East

Palestine Soc. Cone. /Challenge Speaking Tour

Palestine Society Of In'Ash El-Usra JC

Papua New Guinea - Refugee Program

Papua New Guinea - Self-Help Program

Papua New Guinea Multi-Purpose Hall For Poropor

Papua New Guinea Seghe Lay Training Centers

Parents United For Child Care, Inc. / Massachusetts

Pastor Suppwrt For Pioneer EvangeUsm, KCCJ / Japan

Pathways To Promise

Patient's Friends Society / Jerusalem

Peace Study, Inter. Christian University / Japan

Peace With Justice Week Program

Peacework '93

People Acting For Commimity Together (PACT)

People Engaged In Active Community Efforts

People United For A Better Oakland (PUEBLO)

Personal & Enviroiunental Revival, Miami, Fl

Peru - Human Rights: Andean Region

Philadelphia Interfaith Action

Philippine Disaster Emergency

Phihppine Humanitarian Assistance

Philippines 3rd World Movement Against Exploitation of Women

Philippines 95 NGO Forum, Communication

Philippines Asian Women's Human Rights Coimcil

Philippines Awit: Assn. Of Women In Theology

Philippines Ch.Of Christ Organizing & Leadshp.

Philip>pines Christ. Lit. For Children Values 5,000

Philippines Consultation On Women's Issues 1,445

PhiUppines Cooperative Farming Program 1 1 >000

PhiUppines Cross Cultural Youth Exchange Program

PhiUppines Faith & Struggle-Faith In Prac. Course

PhiUppines Gabriela- Natl. AlUance Of Women's Org.

PhiUppines Isis International

PhiUp>pines The ReUgious AlUance Against Pom.

PhiUppines Visiting Prof. At Asian Inst. For Lit.

PhiUppines-Human Rights 14,632 6,324

PhiUppines-NCCP Commission On Youth & Student Min.

1,500

1,500

5,000

3,000

5,000

3,000

2,500

2,500

1,500

3,000

2,000

2,500

6,700

300

6,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

1,000

10,000

476

20,000

8,000

40,000
300

3,000

3,000

10,000

10,000

30,000

10.000

4,000

6,000

75

1,221

1,102

800

1,491
7,000

8,000

316

30,056

20,734

4,000

3,516

4,000

7,500

2,500

3,600

5,000

4,000

4,300
15,000

5,000

1,000

10,000

4,000
2,000

5,000

3,000

-

5,000

5,000
5,000

3,000

3,000
1,500
3,000

2,500

5,000

1,430

2,000

5,000

1,828

4,755

3,000

3,000

4,000

112fi_

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Philippines-UCC Education And Nurture
Philippines-UCC Human Rights Desk
Philippines-UCC National Church Women Association
Philippines-UCC National Youth Fellowship
Phihppines-UCC Theological Scholarships
PhiUppines-UCC Union Theol. Seminary Manila / Extn.
Phihppines-UCC Women's Scholarships
Phihppines-UCCP Evaluation Of Mission Programs
PhiUppines-UCCP Women's Scholarships

Place To Be For Migrant / Homeless Unorganized

Wm-Bombay,India

Png And Si Human Developanent The United Church

Png And Si Scholarships United Church

P*ng-Uc Women's Scholarships

Pohcy Alternatives For Carribean & Central America

Popua Migrant Family Settlement / Tonga

Positive Women

Prairiefire

Prevention Of Child Abandonment / Philhppines

Prevention Of Infant Mortahty & Family Reh. / India

Prisoner Visitation And Support

Program Miscellaneous Support Services

Program Of Democratic Development

Program Of ReconciUation / Honduras

Program Of Training Workers In Needy Areas

Project Cominunidad li

Project Equahty

Project Prosperity / Tax Justice Campaign

Protective Home For Yoimg Girls / Argentina

Provide Leprosy Drugs To Cure Infected Chldren / Burma

Provide Good Drinking Water For The Poor, Tamil Nadu, India

Providing Protective Footwear / India

Pubhc Housing Empowerment

Quality Affordable Food

Quetta Community Health Care / Pakistan

Racial Justice Working Group

Radio Evangelism / Japan

Rainbow Women's Project

Raiwind Mother Child Survival / Pakistan

Ramalleh Day Camp For Refugee Girls / West Bank

RCS Family House

Reconstruction Of Building Workteam / Nicaragua

Recycling Resources / World

Reforestation Program / Uganda

Refiigee Emergency / Somaha

Refiigee Ministries In The Carribean

Refiigee Programs In Latin America

Refiagee Programs Ministries In Africa

Refiigee Program-Swaziland

Refiigee Women's Nutrition / Ethiopia

3,000

3,000

2,000

2,000

4,000

4,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

1.590

3,000

3,000

2,000

6,240

6,240
10,000

4,000

4,000

2,000

1,000

2,000

2,000

4,000

500

1,250

8,000

8,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

9,147

72
2,900

9

754

25

8,000

25,000

(25,000)

5,000

2,000

2,000
4,000

2,000

2,000

5,000

30,000

30,000

30,000
2,344

60,000

10,000

8,000
5,000
4,000

16,000

8,000

7,000

7,000

3,500

7,000

1,682

3,000

3,500

3,750

5,000

12,600
5,000

8,000

4,800

348

10,000

.25,000

90,000
35,000

374,994

388,371

32,000

7,000

5,000

26,000

57,095

10,000

15,000

GCFA Report

_LL22

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN)

Rehabilitation Institute & Hosp. For Disabled / Bangledesh

Rehabilitation Of War Victims / Nicaragua

Reintegration Of Refugees And Repatriates

Reintegration Of Returnees / Uruguay

Religion And Labor Council Of Kansas City

Religious Coalition On AIDS

Relocation Of Oldnawa Chr.Jr.Coll. Campus / Japan

Relocation & Repopulation Program / EI Salvador

Research Act. Inst. For Koreans In Japan, KCCJ / Japan

Resettlement Of Dislocated Persons / Angola

Resource Center For Women & Ministry In The South, Inc.

Resource Exptansion Project

Resurrection

Restart, Inc. Program / Kansas City, MO

Returnees To El Salvador / El Salvador

Returnees To Guatemala / Guatemala

Returnees To Nicaragua / Nicaragua

Rhode Island Organizing Project

Rio Paloma Coconut Production / Panama

Rogue Valley Fair Share / Medford, OR

Rosenberg Fund For Children / Springfield, MA

Rumania Emergency ReUef

Rural Community Promotion - El Chaco / Argentina

Rural Farm Crisis Ministry

Rural Health And Development / India

Rural Housing Program Of Covenant House

Rural Initiative

Rural Network / Agr. Mission

Rural Revitalization Project

Rural Training / Global

Rural Training / Agr. Mission

Rural Village Health Projects / Viet Nam

Rural Women's Skill Training / Harijans & Tribals Pupupattu,

Rural Womens Assoc. Of HorticulturaUsts - Hunger / Guinea Bissau

Rural Women Agr. Missions

Russia Association Of Kindergarten Teachers

Russia Union Of Parents With Disabled Children

Russia "Boomerang" Assoc. Of St. Petersburg

R.N.E.W.

R.O.O.T.S. hic.

Saavedra Children's Day Care / Argentina

Sabah Theological Seminary Extension Project / Malaysia

SACC Emergency Fund / South Africa

Safe Homes For The Poorest Of The Poor - Onitsha, Nigeria

Safe Water & Sanitation For Rural Communities New York

Sahel Desert Programs / Sahel

Salvdoran Women's Network For QuaUty Of Life El Salvador

Samrong Vocational Training For Yoimg Women / Thailand

San Fernando YWCA Food Kitchen / Port-Of-Spain Trinidad

500

764

4,670

1,085

100

20,000

20,000

25,000

5,000

2,500

3,500

500

2,136

100

20,000

1,078

25,000

200

2,000

2,000

2,000

5,000

3,000

1,164

1,500

12,000
12,000
14,000

18,000

4,000

4,300

5,000

500

100

2,500

25,000

10,000

10,000

12,000
4,850

10,000

10,000

10,000

20,000

5,000

2.500

9,124

9,124

3,000

15,000

8,000

8,000

10,000

8,643

8,643

5,000

4,152

4,000

4,000

6,531

7,706

10,000

40,000
10,000

15,000
10,000

8,000

20,900

8,000

10,000

7,500
20,000
15,000

2,000
7,000
1,075

10,000

1198

PCA Advftnc.e. Fdition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

San Francisco Community Tree Nursery Project

Sanitation East Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Scholarships For Boys At Gandaki Boarding School / Nepal

Scholarships For Leadership Devel. hi Education / Nepal

Scholarships For Asian Rural histitute / Japan

Scholarships For Asians & Minorities In Japan

Scholarships hitemational Christian University

Scholarships Theological And General / Japan

School For Mentally Handicapped Children / L^ore Pakista

School Hot Lunch Program / Haiti

Schuylkill Women In Crisis / Pottsville, PA

Search For Reunification Conference

Second African Women hi Media Seminar hi Zambia

Seeds Of Hope Farmers' Market

Seminario Bibhco Latinoamericano / Costa Rica

Seminary Graduates Continuing Education - China

Senegal Mauritania Ethnic Strife

Senegal Task Force Travel Exp

Senor De Mayo Development Project

Service To Newcomers /USA

Servicio, DesarroUo Y Paz, A.C. / Mexico

Seventh hitemational Mtg. Of Women And Health

Sexual Harrassment Campaign

Shared Interest Project

Shelter And Housing For Refugees / South Africa

Sheltered Workshop For Single Mothers / Argentina

Shisong Primary Health Care / Cameron

Shuar hidian Food Production And Nutrition / Ecuador

Singapore Christian Chr. & blam hi S.E. Asia

Singapore Trinity College

Sisterhood Of Black Single Mothers

Sisters Of Struggle (S.O.S.) Teen Group - Chicago

Sitoni Village Sewing Project - Honiara, Solomon Island

Skills For Dominican / Haitian Women / Dominican Rep.

Sky Lake

Small Holder Farm Production In Guatemala

Small Scale Working Capital For Women / Tanzania

Social Work Projects / Japan

Sojourners

Solar Box Cooker Project

Solar Water Purifier-JCIM Project . „ • .

Solomon Isl. / S.E.I. / Wahere Village-Sewing & Prmtmg Project

Soochow Univ.Library- Acquistion Of Publctns. / Taiwan

SOS Children / Brazil

Sosh Eyecare Mission / Mexico

South Africa Multipurpose Centre

South Africa Phelps-Stokes Fund

South Africa Council Of Churches Youth Desk

South Africa Council Of World AffiUated YWC A JC

South Africa SACC, Women's Dev. Foundation Comm.

1992

1993

1994

1995

10,000

10,000

2,087

98

616

1,315

1,455

50

22,762

1,100

15

339

322

1,056

12,901

738
500

241

37,000
4,000

283
50

12,500

5,500

4,000

5,000

3,765

5,000

20,000

6,398

5,000

4,000

33,000

35,000

52,068

3,000

2,000

5,000

3,500

5,000
25,000

10,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

(18,000)

15,000

12,000

12,000

15,000
4,000

8,200

10,000
2,000

10,000

2,000

8,000

15,000

8,000

8,000

560

200

277

8,400
8,000
5,000
4,000

25

8,000

3,000

3,000

3,000

10,983

60,000

2,000

8,000

5,000
10,000

2,500

2,500

GCFA Report

Aisa.

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

South Africa Scholarship

South Pacific Theological College

Southeast Asia Resource Center

Southern Africa Federation Of Africa Media Women

Southern Justice Institute

Southern Organizing Cte. For Econ. & Social Justice / Louisvi

Southerners For Economic Justice

Southside Welfare Rights Education Association

Southwest Georgia Project For Community Education, Inc.

Southwest Organizing Project

Southwest Regional Economic Justice Network

Southwest Research & Information Center

Sp. Program Church World Service-CROP

Spiral Arts

Spiritual Phoenix / Oregon

Spring Water / Rwanda

Sp. Program Heifer Project International

Sp. Prog. Refugee Resettlement

Sri Lanka Agric. Rural - Xn. Wrkrs. Flshp.

Sri Lanka Communal Violence

Stand Up For Survivors And Kids

Strength For The Journey Retreat

Strengthening The Organization Of Mozambican Women, NY

St. Croix Self-Help Income-Generating Prg. For Une

St. Lucia Conmitmication & Consultation, Carribean

St. Paul's Pds Program

St. Vincent National Youth Council

Sudan SuppUes For Sanitation Work

Sudan Emergency

Summer Camps For Children And Youth / Durant, MS

Summer Youth Program, Dayton, OH

Summit On Africa Aid

Sunflower Cultivation Project / Rwanda

Super Stars, Dubuque, LA

Support For Christian Comm. For Development / Bangladesh

Support For Post-Production Of "Voices Heard"

Support Of The UCBWM

Support Of Youthquest

Supporting Grassroots Women Leaders Nashville, TN

Sup»p. For Returning Chinese Faculty, Soochow U / Taiwan

Survivors Working Through, Tulsa, OK

Sustainable Agriculture & Envimmnt. Sanitation, Sierra Leone

Sweat Equity Cooperative Housing - Program / Nebraska

Symposium On World Peace

S. Pacific Theol. College Women's Program

Taiwan Center For Young Friends-JCIM Project

Taiwan Church Program

Taiwan Mountain Work Committee

Taiwan Program Human Rights

Taiwan Tainan College Theological Ed. By Extent

1992

1993

1994

1995

4,330

10,000

7,500

23,900

23,900

23,900

20,000

7,500

7,500

4,000

4,000

4,300

5,000

14,500

7,000
7,000

8,800
1,500

17,000

7,000

3,000

8,300
500

9,000

1,000

346,540

361,812

256,909

254,658

8,000

2,000
11,857

8,000

664,411

635,542

736,210

780,053

700

3,000

3,000

25,000

5,000

1,000

10,000

28,290

5,000

1,000

500

50,000

45,000

6,000
500

92

20,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

2,800
2,772

10,000
1,000

20,000
5,000

25,000

2,800
7,000

150

5,000

5,000

5,000

75

3,000

2,000

200

10,000

5,000

50,000

500

70,000

5,000

1,000

1200

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

1995

Taiwan Yushan Theological Institute

Tanzania Food Production

Tarhell Soul Talk / Washington.D.C.

Technical Service Pakistan Genl.

Tech. Serv. Assoc. -Agric. Program.Ecumenical / Pakistan

Teen Dating Violence Resource Manual, Denver, CO

Teen Parent Project / Portland, OR

Teen Talk / Columbia, MS

Teen To Teen, Berea, KY

Tell Tale Media

Tennessee / Emergency Disaster ReUef

Tennis Anyone

Texas Emergency

Thaba Kbupa Farm Institute / Lesotho

Thailand Day Care Centers & Cooperative Stores

Thailand / Displaced Person

Thakkar Tribal Development Project / India

The Bahn In Gilead New York

The Health & Income Project

The Missing Peace, Inc.

TheWeU

Theological Books / Bibles-Georgian Orthodox Sem. / USSR

Third World Housing - Stack-Sack

Timber Community Outreach Project

Toledo Ecumenical Youth Project - Toledo, OH

Tonga / Free Wesleyan Ch. Teacher Training Program

Tonga / MC: Teacher Training

Towards Domestic Violence Prevention Program -

Greensboro, NC

Training Of Appropriate Technology Promoters / Chile

Training Of Traditional Birth Attendants... Kamuli, Uganda

Training Related To Education Of Women

Training Seminar On Liturgy

Transcultural Family Counseling Center \Okla City

Tree Of Life Ministry

Triad Native American Mission

Tribal Hatchery Project

Trinidad & Tobago / Youth Empowerment Program- YWCA

Trinidad & Tobago / YWCA

Trinity College Seminary - Ghana

Tmg. Fund For Women &FamiIy Life Prog. Leaders / Taiwan

TSA Ctr. For Mentally Handicapped Children-Bldg. /

Pakistan, Ecum.

Tuesday Child

Tuesday Night Youth Group - Harwood, MO

Tunghai Univ. Music Program

Turkey Dairy Cattle Project

Turn Around Program

Tyrand Cooperative Ministries / WV

Ubchea Scholarships

5,000
8,000
1,000
100
3,433

5,000
4,000

95

10,244

25,000
10,000

1,320
5,000
2,520

4,050
5,000
10,000

1,500
1,067

100

813

20,000

5,000

15,000

5,000

118,298
2,000

750
4,800

100
5,000
1,000

1,500

734
85,000

7,000

1,000
2,000

2,944
500

.5,000
7,500
12,000

23,200

44,521

2,520

2,650

10,000
3,000
5,000
1,500

1,250
500

104

2,000

35,000

3,000

500

5,000

8,000

4,000

2,500

675
8,000

GCFA Report

.1201

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Ubchea Soochow Univer. Reverse Flow Program / Taiwan

Uganda Nandegejja Agricultural Project

Uganda Small Fanners Training For Women

UN Women's Decade Global Forum

UN World Conference On Human Rights 6 / 93

Unconditional Love, Inc.

Under Five Feeding Program / Malawi

Unemployment Organizing Project

United Bd. Of Christian Educ. In E. Asia

United Bible Training Center, Ecumenical / Pakistan

United Nations Children's Fund

United Protestant Theological

United Theological Sem. Angola

University District Inter-Agency / Youth Homelessness, Seattle

Upper Catskill Council On AIDS Support And Education

Urban Ministries Documentation

Urban / Rural Min. (URM) Contingency

Urgent! Young People Need Help - Program / Dominican Rep.

Uruguay / Chile / BoUvia Feeding Program

US InterreUgious Committee For Peace In The Middle East

USA Asian American Women In Theol. & Min.

USA Environment Workshop

USA Refugee Indochina Program

USA Refugee Resettlement Program

USA Women For Mutual Security

U.S. Interrehgious Cmte. For Peace In The M.E.

Vehicle For Bethlehem Bible College / Israel,W.Bank

Vehicle Maintenance & Equipment / Nicaragua

Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) Latrine Building / Lusaka, Zambia

Venture-Vegetables And Sewing / West Bank

Vehicle Family AUiance Organization / Scripps Clinic & Research

Victim Offender ReconciUation Training Center / Valparaiso, IN

Victims Of War Foundation

Victims Voice, Inc.

Village Development Program / Botswana

Village DevelojMnent Through Agriculture

Village Drinking Water Supply - New York, NY

Village Volunteers / Bangladesh

Village Water And Sanitation Improvement / Vietnam

Village Women's Intergrated Rural Development Project

Villages And Women's Group Support / Bangladesh

Virginia Avenue Project / Knoxville, TN

Visitors' Cntr. At Attica Corr. Fac. / NY

Vocational Skills In Cottage Industry Yangon, Myanmar

Vocational Training Centers / Gaza Strip

Vocational Training For Leprosy Patients / India

Voices For Haiti

Volcanic Eruption / Colombia

WACC

WACC Empowering Women Through Communication

1992

1993

9,000

5,000

9,500

500

500

1994

20,000

1995

1,250
51,400

5,000

25,000

6,000

4,500

2,650

2,500

442

5,500

5,500

5,500

7,500

8,000

8,000
1,500

8,000

1,000

3,600

3,600

2,700

2,700

550

50

10,000

500

1,500

525

2,000

(9,392)

5,643

36,275

41,104
5,695

100

500

100

50

1,879

668

5,760

375
1,500

21,725

5,000

3

270

1,000

1,500

1,500

5,000

5,000
17,500

10,000

20,000
25,000
10,000

20,000

3,500

1,901

1,736

156

833

10,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

14,000

7,000

7,000

10,000
1,500

29,659

12,000

25,000

14,400

14,400
5,000

14,400

12Q2_

nr.A Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

WACC Inter. Women's Conf. On Women Empowering

WACC: Women's Media Prog. & Consultation

Walk Across America

Washington Office On Africa

Washington Office On Haiti / Washington, D.C.

Washington Office On Latin America / USA

Water And Soil Restoration / Eritrea

Water Development, Guatemala

Water Development / Malawi

Water Development Program / Ethiopia

Water For Tomorrow / India

Water Project / Swaziland

Water Resources In Kompong Thorn Province / Cambodia

Water Wells For Minority Villages / Laos

Water & Sanitation In Guyuk & Fufore Local Govt. Areas

WCC Administration

WCC Christian Medical Commission

WCC Com. On Churches Participation In Dev.

WCC Com. On Wld. Mission & Evangelism

WCC Consultant To WCC Women's Desk

WCC Dialogue With People Of Living Faiths

WCC Earth Summit Video

WCC Ecumenical Leadership Development

WCC Hong Kong Industrial Comm

WCC Intl. PIM For The WCC Prog. To Combat Racism

WCC Office Of Education

WCC Program To Combat Racism

WCC Programme On Theological Education

WCC Programme To Combat Racism

WCC Renewal & Congregational Life

WCC Salary Support

WCC The House Of Youth (Ecuador) JCIM

WCC U.S. Office Special Project Ecumenical Decade

WCC Women In Church & Society

WCC Women's Global Course For Leadership

WCC Women's Programs

WCC Women's & Children's Program Areas

WCC World Youth Projects

WCC Youth Desk

WCC Youth Sub-Unit

WCC "Decade" Women Under Racism Global Gathering

Wedo Women USA Fund, Inc. / New York

Well Construction / Mali

Wellness Intervention Program

Wells For Ghana

Wells For Sierra Leone

Wenslydale Farmer Training / Zimbabwe

West Africa Assitance For School Fees

West Africa Cameroon National Committee

West Africa Refugee / Hunger

1992

2,000

31,000

3,000

5,000

50,000
10,000

195,000

7,683

18,728

75,844

30,000

5,841

8,000
6,000

8,643
10,000

8,723
45,366

3,362
23,000

8,000
9,604

15,000
4,000

15,000

1993

19,406

28,000
3,000
7,885

6,000
20,000

18,728

75,844

30,000

5,841

29

3,000

8,643

8,723

45,366

3,363

9,604

1,000

20,000

12,500
8,081

1994

14,000
3,000
2,500

30,000

6,000

20,000

195,000 210,000

14,000

66,700

30,000

5,220

7,740

8,000

43,500

2,968

2,500
8,640

65,000
10,000
20,000
20,120

1,500

11,200

1,000

1995

30,000

11,500
3,000
4,500

20,000

30,000

59,400

25,000

10,000

210,000

14,000
66,700

2,610

2,000

30,000

7,740

8,000

13,500

2,970

3,000

4,320
5,000

65,000
10,000
20,000

5,000

5,000
12,825

GCFA Report

A2m.

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

West Africa Regional Youth Network

West Africa Village Women's Organzation In Cameroon

WFMW Leadership Development

Who Speaks For The Poor / Washington, D.C.

Wider Ojjportunity For Women

WiUiamsbury & Claredon County Co-Op

Wld. AUiance Of YMCA Refugee Serv.

Women's Health & Environment Develpmnt. Proj. Hyderabad, India

Women's Project In The Communities Of Apopa, El Salvador

Woman Theology Professor / Taiwan

Women Against Toxics Project / Oakland, CA

Women And Children In Street / Kenya

Women Artist On Women - Manila, PhiUjjpines

Women For Mutual Security

Women In Development / Egypt

Women In Develojjment / Ethiopia

Women Ldrshp. Development

Women Of Color Strategic Planning Project / Beijing 95 & Beyond

Women Working Together, Little Rock

Women's Agricultural Program / Paraguay

Women's Agriculture, Health And Nutrition / Ecuador

Women's Agroforestry / Nicaragua

Women's Circle Peer Education Nutrition Group

Women's Community Health / Bangladesh

Women's Contribution To A Healthy Planet

Women's International League For Peace & Freedom

Women's Legal Defense Fund / Washington, D.C.

Women's Ministry, Multan Diocese - Pakistan

Women's Residences Related To Drug And Alcohol Programming

Women's Small Business Training Program / Nicaragua

Women's Tailor Training Program / Ethiopia / Eritrea

Women's Television Project / New York

Women's Theology Seminar At Isedet

Women's Transmigrant Self-Help Project

Women's Work / Zambia

Women, Youth And Farmers Project / Philippines

Worchester Area Campus Ministry

Workshops For Pastoral Lay Leaders / Nicaragua

World Women In Rural Mission

World Association For Christian Communication

World Educational Concerns For Hunger

World Federation Of Methodist Women

World Feeding Program

World Food Day

World Hunger Nejjal Tibetan Refugee Rehab.

World Hunger Rural Family Schools-Nicaragua

World Hunger Social Ec. Dev. / India

World Neighbors USA

World Women In Rural Mission

World YMCA Young Women Leaders

1992

1993

1994

12,000

1995

5,000

5,000

500

2,150

150

1,000

5,000

20,000

20,000

20,000
10,000

20,000
10,000

8

300
19,000

564

8,000

8,000

8,000

15,000

3,000

17,000

10,000

1,000

20,116

10,000

10,000
3,500

5,500

5,000

80

946

122

320

5,000

15,000

10,000
5,000

20,000

500

17,530
3,000

2,000

4,000
240

10,000

10,000

15,000

2,500

5,000

8,000

5,000

5,000

7,000

500

980

15,000

10,000

10,000

12,000

73,424

58,884

53,100

53,200

8,724

9,842

7,109

8,275

35,495

35,525

37,264

52,152

2,500

2,500

2,500

2,500

2,515

10,000

9,000

7,300

35,595

8,358
10,000

20,000

20,000

1204

DCA Advance Edition

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1992

1993

1994

World YWCA In Switzerland JCIM Project

World YWCA Leadership Training

World YWCA Leadership Training

World-Seed Development & Water Purification

WSCF Admin. - Regional Africa

WSCF Administration

WSCF Africa / General Administration JC

WSCF Africa / Natl. Student Christian Movement Building

WSCF Africa / Women's Program JC

WSCF Asia-Pacific Region Genl. Adm.

WSCF Asia / Pac. Region Youth Desk

WSCF Centennial General Assembly

WSCF Headquarter PubUcation Jt. Ct.

WSCF Headquarters Jt. Ct. Proj.

WSCF Literature- PubUcations

WSCF Medical - Exiles And Refiigees

WSCF Regional Budget.Caribbean

WSCF Support 1995 Centennial Fund

WSCF Women's History Proj. Jt. Cte.

WSCF Women's Program Africa

Wyoming Sustainable Agriculture Project

Young Adult Contingency Fund

Young Women Sewing Project - St. George's, Grenada

Young Women's Programming

Your Choice, Inc. / Maine

Youth Encounter: Finding Our Identity / The Colombian

Legacy

Youth Leadership Development Project, New York, NY

Youth Outreach Worker, Sitka, AK

Youth Resources

Youth / Young Adult Holistic Ministry / El Salvador

Yu-Shan Theol. College, Hualien: Scholarships / Taiwan

YWCA Korea 1995 World CouncU Meeting

YWCA Nursery And Vocational Training Centre, Jordan

YWCA Sewing Centre Kingston, Jamaica

Y.E.S. (Youth Embraces Self-Esteem) - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Zaire Church Of Christ In Zaire- Youth Ministry

Zaire Eglise De Christ Au Zaire

Zambia Agricultural Programs

Zambia Education In Integral Development

Zambia Ldshp. Dev. / Award Catherine M. Akale-Theresa Hoover

Zambia Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation

Zambia Mindolo Ecum. Foundation-Women's Prog. Desk

Zambia YWCA Zambia JC

Zimbabwe National Farmers Association Of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe International Women's Summit JC

Zimbabwe Skills Training For Mozambican Refugee Women

Zvidu Zvedu Dress-Making Cooperative - San Francisco, CA

3,750

14,610

14,280

12,500

12,500

30,000

2,500

2,500

13,524

13,524

6,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

8,000

8,000
10,000
11,000
15,000

5,000
15,000

2,000

2,000

2,082

2,082

11,960

8,300

2,500

5,000

28,655

6,200

150

5,000

4,000

73

425

220

50

22,508

10,000

3,000

3,000

10,000

Award

67

10,000

235

1,000

20,000

10,674

7,500

4,420

5,000

5,000
2,000

9,000
20,000

8,000

8,000

10,000

4,025

Total

$10,796,099 $9,074,536 $9,511,580 $11,119,101

GCFA Report

1205

Report On Central Ordering

I

This report is provided as a followup of the General
Council on Ministries Report No. 34 on Telecommunica-
tions and Central Ordering, which can be found in the
Advance DCA on page 671. The 1992 General Conference
directed that "the GCOM, GCFA, and the United
Methodist Publishing House (UMPH)..., in cooperation
with the general program-related agencies, develop a plan
and implement a Central Ordering System which will
utilize the technology of telecommunications for the
ordering of resources. "

A one-month feasibility study of a central ordering
system was conducted in January, 1996. United
Methodists were encouraged to place orders for resources
produced by United Methodist general agencies through
the toll-free phone number of Cokesbury, the retail arm
of the UMPH. Each church agency provided the UMPH
with information about its resources available for purchase
and for free. The UMPH provided items it regularly
carries and faxed orders for other materials to the
appropriate agency.

During the study, Cokesbury received 1,600 calls
which were identified by the caller as being part of central
ordering. The calls resulted in 1,300 orders, of which
1,100 were filled by Cokesbury from within its own
inventory, and 200 were faxed to the appropriate general
agency for order fixlfillment. An additional 8,400 calls
requesting resources continued to be received through the
general agency offices. Most of these calls were through
the General Board of Global Ministries Service Center,

Discipleship Resources, and United Methodist
Communications .

Given the short period of study, the use of the
Cokesbury toll-free line by approximately 15% of those
requesting resources was considered a good sample. The
trial period indicated that central ordering is feasible when
using Cokesbury as the place to order resources. It is the
only place within the denomination which has the
technology, staff, and systems to implement central
ordering. There was sufficient volume in the study period
to confirm that, given an opportunity, local churches and
aimual conferences would utilize a central ordering system
if publicized. It is also noted that many general agencies
are already providing "for sale" items through Cokesbury
in the belief that easier access to the resources will result
in greater utilization.

Two areas requiring further investigation were
identified through the study. The first was how to defray
the cost of processing orders for free items, which would
be approximately $4.50 to $5.50 per order. These costs
would need to be borne by the agency making free
resources available or passed on to the ordering party.
This increased cost could affect the availability of free
resources. The second was that when orders were faxed
to another agency, Cokesbury was unable to verify
fulfillment of that order.

The GCOM, GCFA, and the UMPH will continue to
work cooperatively with the general program-related
agencies towards the implementation of a Central
Ordering System.

In Essentials Unify

In Non-Essenfiols Liberty

In All Things Charity

DAILY CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE

Advance Edition
Volume II

Petitions from Individuals, Local Churches,
and United Methodist Groups

i

In Essentials Unity

In Non-Essentiols Liberty

In All Things Charity

DAILY CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE

Advance Edition
Volume II

Petitions from Individuals, Local Churches,
and United Methodist Groups

1206 DCA Advance Edition II

Table of Contents

Introduction and Petition Coding Page 1207

Central Conferences Commission

Proposed Resolutions Page 1210

Church and Society Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1211

Proposed Resolutions Page 1234

Conferences Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1258

Proposed Resolutions Page 1272

Discipleship Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1278

Proposed Resolutions Page 1285

Financial Administration Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1308

Proposed Resolutions Page 1317

General/Judicial Administration Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1324

Proposed Resolutions Page 1333

Global Ministries Legislative Committee

Report and Resolutions of Native American Comprehensive Plan Task Force Page 1342

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1358

Proposed Resolutions Page 1360

Higher Education and Chaplaincy Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1379

Proposed Resolutions Page 1382

Independent Commissions Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1385

Proposed Resolutions Page 1391

Local Church Legislative Committee

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1405

Proposed Resolutions Page 1427

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry Legislative Committee

Report of Task Force on Fair Process and Grievance Procedures Page 1428

Proposed Changes to the Discipline Page 1430

Proposed Resolutions Page 1495

Proposed Changes to Ministry Study Legislation Page 1502

Daily Christian Advocate Advance Edition Workbook Volume 11

This volume contains information for delegates to the 1996 General Conference. Included are petitions from local churches,
United Methodist groups, and individuals. Cost of volume is $15.00.

J. Richard Peck Editor Carolyn Marshall General Conference Secretary

JoanM. Shoup Associate Editor Odell Thompson Petitions Secretary

Sheila W. McGee Managing Editor Roger Kruse General Conference Business Manager

Neil Alexander Publisher John Brawn Computer Assistant

Billy Murphy Production Manager

Copy Editors: Martha Cooper, Marvin Cropsey, Michael Fleenor, Mary Ann Haney, Sheila Hewitt, Patty Meyers, Marjorie
Pierson, John Rudin, Beverly Salmon, Phyllis Weeby

DCA Advance Edition II 1207

Introduction to Volume II

The following petitions are submitted under Discipline ^ 608.8. This edition principally contains petitions sent by
churches, church-related groups, and individuals. In a few instances, petitions from annual conferences or general
agencies are included if they did not arrive in the Petitions Secretary's office before the deadline for Advance
Edition I.

This is not an official book of petitions; editing has been done to conserve space and to maintain consistency of
style. During General Conference, complete petitions will be in the hands of the Committee on Reference and the
legislative committees to which they are assigned. Any delegate wishing to see a complete petition may obtain a
copy from the petitions secretary.

Proposed deletions to existing legislation are indicated by atrilcc through. Proposed additions to existing
legislation are indicated by bold fJace. Each petition is numbered according to the following code:

Petition Coding

First series of numbers Chronological listing of petition ( begins with 20,001)

First two letters Legislative Committee

Second series of numbers Paragraph in Discipline

NonDis Non-Disciplinary matter

Single letter:

C Constitutional amendment

D Discipline other than constitution

U Update to Book of Resolutions

R Referral on calendar item

0 Other

$ Financial implications (existing budget)

! Financial implications (new budget)

Legislative Committees General Agencies

CC Central Conferences GBCS General Board of Church and Society

CS Church and Society GBOD General Board of Discipleship

CO Conferences GBGM General Board of Global Ministries

DI Discipleship GBHEM General Board of Higher Education

FA. Financial Administration and Ministry

GJ General and Judicial Administration GBPHB General Board of Pensions/Health

GM Global Ministries Benefits

HE Higher Education and Chaplaincy GBOP General Board of Publication

IC Independent Commissions GCAH General Commission on Archives

LC Local Church andHistory

MN Ordained and Diaconal Ministry GCCUIC General Commission on Christian

Unity/Interreligious Concerns
Studv GrouDS GCOC General Commission on Communications

GCEA General Council on Finance and

BPSC Baptism Study Committee Administration

RBGM Task Force to Study Relocating General GCOM General Council on Ministries

Board of Global Ministries GCRR General Commission on Religion and

MS Ministry Study Race

GCSRW Commission on the Status and Role

of Women

1208

DCAAdvance Edition II

Abbreviations for the

AFL Alabama-West Florida

BMW Baltimore-Washington

BUL Bulgaria Provisional

CAP California-Pacific

CLZ Central Luzon

CZA Central Zaire

DEN Denmark

EMP East Mindanao Philippines

EAN Eastern Angola

FIF Finland-Finnish Provisional

GRE German East

GSW German Southwest

HNG Hungary Provisional

KSW Kansas West

LRK Little Rock

MEM Memphis

MDO Mindanao

MOE Missouri East

NEB Nebraska

NYK New York

NAK North Arkansas

NCP North Central Philippines

NSH North Shaba

NZA Northeast Zaire

NPH Northern Philippines

NOR Norway

OKI Oregon-Idaho

PED Peninsula-Delaware

PRC Puerto Rico

RKM Rocky Mountain

SGA South Georgia

SNJ Southern New Jersey

Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church

AKM Alaska Missionary

BMP Bicol Mission Philippines

BUR Burundi

CAM Caribbean & the Americas

CPA Central Pennsylvania

GSR Czech and Slovak Republics

DSW Desert Southwest

EOH East Ohio

EPA Eastern Pennsylvania

nS Finland-Swedish Provisional

GNO German North

GRB Great Britain

IWAIowa

KEN Kentucky

LSA Louisiana

MXC Mexico

MNN Minnesota

MOW Missouri West

NEN New England

NGR Nigeria

NCA North Carolina

NGA North Georgia

NIX North Texas

NIL Northern Illinois

NWP Northwest Philippines

OKL Oklahoma

PNW Pacific Northwest

PHI Philippines

RBM Red Bird Missionary

SLE Sierra Leone

SIN South Indiana

SZA Southern Zaire

AUS Austria Provisional

BCP Bulcan Philippines
CNV California-Nevada
CIL Central Illinois

CIX Central Texas
DKTDakotas
DET Detroit

EPI East Philippines

EST Estonia Provisional
FLA Florida
GSO German South

HOLHolston

KSE Kansas East

LIB Liberia

LVL Louisville

MID Middle Philippines

MSS Mississippi

MOZ Mozambique

NMX New Mexico

NAL North Alabama

NNY North Central New York

NIN North Indiana

NEP Northeast Philippines

NNJ Northern New Jersey

NWT Northwest Texas

OKI Oklahoma Indian Missionary

PLW Palawan Provisional

POL Poland

RIO Rio Grande
SCA South Carolina
SIL Southern Illinois

SWP Southwest Philippines Prov.

DCA Advance Edition II

1209

SIX Southwest Texas

TGK Tanganyika

TOY Troy

VNM Visayas-North Mindanao Phil.

WOH West Ohio

WAN Western Angola

WPA Western Pennsylvania

YEL Yellowstone

SWE Sweden

TEN Tennessee

UZA Upper Zaire

WMI West Michigan

WVA West Virginia

WNY Western New York

WIS Wisconsin

YUG Yugoslavia Provisional

SWF Switzerland/France

TEX Texas

VIR Virginia

WMP West Middle Philippines

WZA West Zaire

WNC Western North Carolina

WYO Wyoming

ZIM Zimbabwe

1210

DCA Advance Edition II

Central Conferences

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 22013-CC-NonDis-O; General
Commission on Central Conference Affairs.

Zaire to Become a Central Conference

Whereas, the Zaire section of the Africa Central
Conference meeting in Kamina in August 1992 requests
the General Conference in 1996 for an enabling act that
would authorize the establishment of the Zaire Cenfral
Conference;

Whereas, the same petition has been confirmed by
the Africa Central Conference meeting in Harare in
1992; and

Whereas, there are currently seven annual confer-
ences in Zaire, namely:

1. Central Zaire

2. Northeast Zaire

3. North Shaba

4. Tanganika

5. Southern Zaire

6. Upper Zaire

7. West Zaire

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church authorize
the establishment of the Zaire Central Conference of
The United Methodist Church to be composed of the
aforementioned seven annual conferences anytime dur-
ing the quadrennium 1997-2000.

Be it further resolved, that the said Zaire Cenfral
Conference will be under the episcopal supervision of
three bishops, the same number which it now has.

Petition Number: 23021-CC-NonDis-D;CLZ.

Creation of a New Conference

We petition the General Conference to create a new
conference by the year 1996 to be called the Fangasinan
Philippines Annual Conference. This conference will
comprise all the United Methodist churches in the prov-
ince of Pangasinan now under the Pangasinan West,
Pangasinan Cenfral, Southwest Pangasinan East, and
Southwest Pangasinan East districts.

Petition Number: 23022-CC-NonDis-D;CLZ.

Creation of a Central Conference

We petition for the creation of the Northern Philip-
pines Cenfral Conference.

Petition Number: 23023-CC-NonDis-O; General
Commission on Cenfral Conference Affairs.

Episcopal Oversight in the Commonwealth
of Independent States

Whereas, United Methodist work has considerably
grown in the Commonwealth of Independent States
during the 1993-1996 quadrennium; and

Whereas, the CouncO of Bishops has evaluated and
affirmed the Eurasia Episcopal Area;

Be it resolved, that said Episcopal area be continued
and the Northern Europe Cenfral Conference be author-
ized to continue with two bishops.

Church and Society

1211

Church and Society

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^70.

Petition Number: 22295-CS70-D; Priest, K. C, St.
Paul UMC, South Charleston, WV.

TTie Natural World

Add the following new text to ^ 70:

We believe in a recent creation of a mature and
perfect physical universe in six normal, sequential
days, with the created organisms capable of only
limited variation after "their kind." We believe
that Adam and Eve were real people created in the
image of God with no animal ancestry.

^70.

Petition Number: 22534-CS-70-D; Thurman, Gary,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

Social Principles

Amend Part IE Social Principles:

SOCIAL PIUNCIPLES CREED

PREFACE

The United Methodist Church.. .and to the cruel
treatment of prisoners and children.

In the early twentieth century, A social creeds
¥^89 were adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Church
(North), in 1008. Within the next decade similar state-
ments were adopted by the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and by the Methodist Protestant
Church....

The Social Principles at=e were a prayerful.. .They
afe were intended to be instructive and persuasive in
the best of the prophetic spirit. Lamenting that tThe
Social Principles are a call to all members of The United
Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of
faith and practice had become compromised by po-
litical and other inappropriate agendas, the 1996
General Conference withdrew the Social Princi-
ples with a commitment for reclaiming and pro-
claiming the Church's prophetic role in society.
(See ^ 610.)

Retain Preamble. Delete ^ 70 and replace with new
text:

I. THE >JATURi\L WORLD OUR SOCIAL
CREED

^70.

We believe in God, Creator of the world, and
in Jesus Christ the redeemer of creation. We be-
lieve in the Holy Spirit, through whom we receive
God's gifts; and we repent of our sin in misusing
these gifts to idolatrous ends.

We afiirm the natural world as God's handi-
work and are committed to its preservation, en-
hancement, and faithful use by humankind.

We joyfully receive for ourselves and others
the blessings of commimity, sexuality, marriage,
and the family.

We commit ourselves to the improved lives of
men, women, children, youth, young adults, the
aging, and those with handicapping conditions, as
well as individuals of racial, ethnic, and religious
minorities.

We believe in the privilege of persons to work
for the glory of God and the good of themselves
and others, and in the protection of their welfere
in so doing; in the rights to property as a trust from
God; in collective bargaining and responsible con-
sumption; and in the elimination of economic,
political, religious, and social distress.

We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout
the world, realized by doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking in humility before God.

We believe in the present and final triumph of
God's Word in human affairs and gladly accept our
commission to manifest the life of Jesus Christ as
salt and light in the world. Amen.

(It is recommended that our Social Creed be
frequendy used in Sund^ worship.)

1212

DCA Advance Edition II

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22296-CS-71-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

TTie Nurturing Community

Add new text at the end of the introductory para-
graph of ^71:

We recognize and affirm that all persons are
made in the image of God and that all who are
Christians are members incorporate of the Body
of Christ.

Although some of us pursue our spiritual jom*-
neys within bodies with distinct disabilities and,
as such, have gained certain gifts and special in-
sights which are important to the vitality of the
chiu"ch, nonetheless we differ with the rest in de-
gree, never in kind. All persons share the bond of
pain and suffering; aU persons have some form of
disability, physical, emotional, mental, or spiri-
tual. The qualify of shared pain and joy is central
to what it means to be a human being.

Jesus explicitly separated sin and disability.
We proclaim this biblical truth that disability has
no relation to sin. Fmther, because we are all
made new in Christ, we proclaim that disabiUty
has no relationship to imperfection. We further
affirm that all persons, whether disabled, tempo-
rarily abled, or differently abled, are equal before
God and in the chiu'ch and, hence, are both
needed and welcomed to use all of their capacities
of leadership in the total ministry of the Body.

Wholeness is the deepest need we all share,
and the \^oleness of the Body requires the par-
ticipation of all of its members.

Petition Number: 22297-CS-71-D; 30 Church
Members, Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Families Take Many Forms

Amend the second sentence of ^ 7L4:

...families, couples without children, and other
households which meet the definition above, re-
gardless of sexual orientation.

^71.

Petition Number: 2229&-CS-71-D; Administrative
Board, Bethany UMC, San Francisco, CA

Marriage

Amend the first sentence of ^ 71 C:

...and shared fidelity between a man and a woman
two persons.

^71.

Petition Number: 22299-CS-71-D; 29 Church
Members, Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Marriage

Amend the first sentence of ^ 71C:

...and shared fidelity between a man and a woman.

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22535-CS-71-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

The Nurturing Community

Delete ^ 71.

Petition Number: 22300-CS-71-D; Administrative
Board/Council, Trinity, First, and Lake Villa UM
Churches, Sterling, Forreston & Lake Villa, IL.

The Marriage Covenant

Reaffirm the first sentence of ^ 71C and retain
without change.

^71.

Petition Number: 22493-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

Ceremonies that Celebrate Homosexual Unions

Add new text to ^ 71C:

Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions
shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall
not be conducted in oxu- churches.

Church and Society

1213

Petition Number: 22301-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grant Park-Aldersgate UMC. Atlanta, GA

Covenant Relationships

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 71D:

Covenant Relationships. — ^We affirm the sanctity
of covenant relationships expressed in love, mu-
tual support, and personal commitment, and the
rites and ceremonies celebrating these relation-
ships. We believe that God's blessing rests upon
such covenant relationships.

^71.

Petition Number: 22722-CS-71-D; Phillips, Richard +
Brown, David W. Rev., Trinity UMC, Chillicotiie, OH.

Divorce

Add new text after the third sentence of "J 71D:

We encourage the use of methods of mediation
in order to minimize the adversarial and fault-find-
ing that is often part of our current judicial proc-
esses, and that custody not be reduced to financial
support, control, or manipulation and retaliation,
but that the interest of the child's development be
paramoiuit.

^71.

Petition Number: 20054-CS-71-D; Adminisb-ative
Council and Task Force, Faith United Methodist
Church, Buchanan, MI.

Homosexuality Incompatible With Christian Teaching

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 7LF:

Although we do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible with
biblical Christian teaching, we affirm...

^71.

Petition Number: 20055-CS-71-D; Fireside Sunday
School Class, Clark Memorial UMC, Oklahoma City,
OK

An Effort to Clarify a Position on the Issue
of Human Sexuality

Amend TI 71F:

F) Human Sexuality. — ^We recognize that sexuality
is God's good gift to all persons. Wc believe persons may

be fully human only when that gift is acluiowlcdgcd and
affirmed by themselves, the Church, and society. Wc
call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment
of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of
this gift. Wc also recognize our limited understanding
of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theologi-
cal, and social science disciplines to combine in a deter-
mined effort to understand human sexuality more
completely. Wc call the Church to take the leadership
role in bringing together these disciplines to address
this most complex issue. Further, within the context of
our understanding of this gift of God, wc recognize that
God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and
loving forms of expression. Sexuality misses its pur-
pose when treated as £in end in itself or when
cheapened by using another person to satisfy por-
nographic and perverted sexual interests. We view
all forms of sexual intimacy that occur outside the
covenant of heterosexual marriage as sinful distor-
tions of the holiness and the beauty God intended
for it.

Although all persons are sexual beings whether or
not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly
affirmed in the marriage bond covenant of the hetero-
sexual marriage bond. Sex may become exploitative
within as well as outside marriage. Wc reject all sexual
expressions which damage or destroy the humanity
God has given us as birthright, and wc affirm only that
sexual expression which enhances that same humanity,
in the midst of diverse opinion as to what constitutes that
enhancement.

We deplore all forms... Wc insist that all persons,
regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual ori-
entation, arc entitled to have their human and civil rights
ensured.

We recognize the continuing need for full, positive,
and factual sex education opportunities for children,
youth, and adults. The Church offers a unique opportu-
nity to give quality Christian guidance/education in
this area.

Homosexuality is one means by which human
sexuality is perverted. We recognize the depth of
the perversion that leads to homosexual acts but
afBrm the biblical position that such acts are sinful
and subject to the wrath of God. We believe the
grace of God sufficient to overcome the practice of
homosexuality (I Corinthians 6:9-11). We deplore
any action or statement that would seem to imply
compatibility between Christian morality and the
practice of homosexuality. We urge clear preach-
ing and teaching concerning Bible standards of
sexual morality.

We affirm that God's grace is available to all,
and all persons need the ministry and guidance of
the church in their struggles for human fulfill-
ment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care
of a fellowship which enables reconciling relation-
ships with God, with others, and with self. We do

1214

DCA Advance Edition II

not condone the practice of homosexuality and con-
sider this practice incompatible with Christian
teaching.

[Delete fifth paragraph.]

^71.

Petition Number: 20864-CS-71-D; 26 Adm.
Boards/Groups & 749 Individuals, Bartlett Chapel
and Other UM Churches, Danville, YN.

Human Sexuality

Retain the last two sentences of ^ 71F without
change.

^71.

Petition Number: 20972-CS-71-D; McNaughton, John,
WML

Reconciling Congregations

Add new text at the end of ^ 7LF:

The General Conference of 1996 encourages
at least one United Methodist church in our large
cities to become a Reconciling Congregation.

^71.

Petition Number: 20974-CS-71-D; Missions and Social
Concerns Committee, Church of the Redeemer UMC,
Cleveland Heights, OH.

Human Sexuality

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 71F:

Although we do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible with
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

^71.

Petition Number: 20975-CS-71-D$; Terneus, John,
Yukon UMC, Yukon, OK.

Membership of Homosexual Study Committee

Add new text to ^ 7IF:

The Homosexual Study Committee shall in-
clude two ex-homosexuals (males) and two ex-les-
bians (females) selected by the Coimcil on
Ministries from nominees recommended by local
United Methodist churches.

This reconstituted Homosexual Study Com-
mittee of no more than thirty (30) members shall
continue its study for another quadrennium be-
fore submitting its report to the 1996 General
Conference.

Each member of the Homosexual Study Com-
mittee shall state in writing to the 1996 General
Conference his or her:

1. Personal marital status, sexual orientation
and practices;

2. Personally approved and disapproved sex-
ual practices (pedophilia, incest, pre-marital,
marital, homosexual, heterosexual, bi-sexual,
sado-masochism, bestiality, rape, sex with dead
bodies, etc.) for United Methodist Chiu-ch employ-
ees, members officers, delegates, and ordained on
all levels (local church, district, annual confer-
ence, jurisdiction, and general agencies) and why;

3. Proposals of what The United Methodist
Church should do about those whose sexual prac-
tices are disapproved: accept or reject attendance,
employees, members, officers, delegates, and or-
dained; conversion (by witnessing, preaching,
evangelism, counseling, group therapy, aversion
therapy, etc.); referral to appropriate government
authorities, etc., and why.

4. Proposed sexual education provided about
United Methodist Chiu-ch sexual standards to
Sunday school classes, prospective church mem-
bers, employees, members, officers, delegates,
and ordained.

^71.

Petition Number: 22302-CS71-D; 13 Adm.
Boards/Groups & 10 Individuals, St.Paul, Leighton &
Other UM Churches, Mountville, PA, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Human Sexuality

Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ 71Fby adding a
new sentence between the first and second sentences:

We call upon the general agencies and the
local churches to affirm sexual abstinence outside
of marriage as the primary behavioral standard of
United Methodism.

Church and Society

1215

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22303-CS71-D; 12 Adm.
Boards/Groups & 10 Individuals, St. Paul, Leigh ton &
Other UM Churches, Mountville, PA & Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Human Sexuality

Amend the last sentence of the last paragraph of ^
71F:

We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with
to all persons.

^71.

Petition Number: 22304-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grant Park-AIdersgate UMC, Atlanta, GA

The Nurturing Community

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 7LF:

Although all persons are sexual beings whether or
not they are married or in covenant relationships,
sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage
bond or covenant relationship...

171.

Petition Number: 22305-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grant Park-Aldersgate UMC, Atlanta, GA

The Nurturing Community

Amend the second sentence of the second para-
graph of ^7LF:

Sex may become exploitative within as well as out-
side marriage and covenant relationships.

171.

Petition Number 22306-CS-71-D; Riggins, Virginia G.,
Faith UMC, Champaign, IL

Human Sexuality

Amend 1 71F:

[Second paragraph] Although aAll persons are sex-
ual beings whether or not they arc married, sexual
relations arc only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond.

[Fifth paragraph] ...Although wc do not condone
the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching, wWe affirm that
God's grace...

Petition Number: 22307-CS-71-D; 12 Adm.
Boards/Groups + 11 Individuals, St. Paul, Leighton &
Other UM Churches, Mountville, PA

Regarding Human Sexuality

Amend the last sentence of the first paragraph of ^
71F:

Further, within the context of our understanding of
this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to
find responsible, committed, and loving forms of cxpres-
8t©ft we gratefully receive the scriptural witness to
the will of God that heterosexual marriage is the
responsible, committed, and loving relationship
for sexual expression in its fullness.

171.

Petition Number: 22308-CS-71-D; Administrative
Board, Armona + Laton UM Churches, Laton, CA

Human Sexuality

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 71F:

...and emotional care of a fellowship which enables
reconciling and transforming relationships with
God,...we affirm that God's grace is available to help all
people in need of transformation, including homo-
sexuals. We commit ourselves....

171.

Petition Number: 22309-CS-71-D; Administrative
Board, Bethany UMC, San Francisco, CA

Human Sexuality

Amend ^ 71F:

[Delete second paragraph and substitute new text.]
Persons of all ages, partnered or single, are sexual
beings. Sexual attack, abuse, threat, promiscuity,
idolatry of pleasure, violence, and exploitation are
wrong. We believe that covenantal relationships
which feature gendeness, warmth, compassion,
mutuidity, fideUty, and commitment to one an-
other enhance the humanity God has given us as
a birthright.

[Fifth paragraph] ...Although wc do not condone
the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching, wWe affirm that
God's grace....

1216

DCA Advance Edition II

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22494-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grace UMC and E. Helena UMC of RKM,
Newport, KY.

Human Sexuality

Retain the wording of the last sentence of ^ 71F
without change.

^71.

Petition Number: 22495-CS-71-D; Naapi, Leo L,
Covenant UMC, Reedsport, OR.

Human Sexuality

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 7LF:

Homosexual/bisexual persons no less than.. .with
God, with others, and with self. A heterosexual life-
style is the only acceptable lifestyle according to
the Scriptures in the Bible. Although we do not
condone the practice of homosexuality' and consider this
practice incompatible with Christian teaching, wWe af-
firm that God's grace...

^71.

Petition Number: 22496-CS-71-D; Church Council,
Calvary UMC, Flint, MI.

Homosexual Behavior

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 7 IF:

...Although wWe do not condone the practice of
homosexuality and consider this practice homosexual
behavior as sin eind incompatible with Christian teach-
ing, calling for repentance and an openness to the
transforming power of God. Wwe do affirm that
God's grace is available to all. We and commit our-
selves....

^71.

Petition Number: 22497-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

Sexual Relations

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 71F:

...sexual relations are only clearly affirmed only in
the marriage bond....

Petition Number: 22579-CS-71-D; Byroads, Marjorie,
Williams Center Asbury UMC, Bryan, OH.

Human Sexuality

Amend <n 71F:

[Third paragraph, last sentence] ...their human and
civil rights ensured, without necessarily granting
them preferential privileges or special rights.

We recognize the continuing need. ..and adults,
with a strong emphasis on chastity and fidelity. The

Church offers...

[Last paragraph, next to last sentence] ...and con-
sider this practice incompatible with the Holy Scrip-
tures and Christian teaching,.. .ministry for and with all
persons, including homosexuals.

The United Methodist Church should encour-
^e local chiurches, districts, and conferences to
become actively involved in ministries to those
struggling with homosexuality-ministry based on
compassion. Scripture, and the Discipline.

^71.

Petition Number: 22611-CS-71-D; Temeus, John,
Yukon UMC, Yukon, OK

Human Sexuality

Add new text to "H 71F:

Among the sexual practices incompatible with
Christian living are fornication, adidtery, homo-
sexuality, lesbianism, pedophilia, bestiality, sa-
dism, and necrophiUa. A person who is
self-avowed or proven with clear and convincing
evidence to be practicing these sexual perversions
is not to be accepted as a candidate, ordained as
a minister, or appointed to serve in The United
Methodist Chxu-ch; nor accepted as a local church
member or officer; nor as an employee at all levels
and institutions; and after due process, these re-
lationships shall be terminated. Even the desires
and fantasies of these sexual activities can and
should be replaced through repentance by faith in
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Opportunities for
this saving and rehabilitative repentance should
be offered through prayer, Bible study, worship,
preaching, healing services, Christian fellowship,
individual counseling, and group therapy.

Church and Society

1217

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22612-CS-71-D; Iowa Annual
Conference Human Sexuality Committee.

Homosexuality and the Church

Delete the last two sentences of ^ 71F and replace
with new text:

We acknowledge with humility that the Church
has been unable to arrive at a common mind on
the compatibility of homosexual practice with
Christian fiaitfa. Many consider this practice in-
compatible with Christian teaching. Others be-
lieve it acceptable when practiced in a context of
huraan covenantal faithfulness. The Church seeks
further understanding through continued prayer,
study, and pastoral experience. In doing so, the
Church continues to affirm that God's grace is
bestowed on all and that the members of Christ's
body are called to be in ministry for and with one
another and to the world.

Petition Number: 22875-CS-71-D; Lum, Men, NYK.

Openess to Homosexuals in The United Methodist
Church

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 71F:

Although we do not condone the practice of homo-
aexuality and conaidcr this practice incompatible with
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

^71.

Petition Number: 22876-CS-71-D; Berg, Avis and 4
others. Federated UMC, Flagstaff, AZ.

Human Sexuality

Delete the next to last sentence of ^ 71F.

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22873-CS-71-D; MFSA. 2 Adm.
Councils/Groups & 45 Individuals.

Human Sexuality

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 71F.

Although wc do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible with
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

^71.

Petition Number: 22874-CS-71-D; 19 Administrative
Boards/Groups & 31 Individuals, Leigh ton and Other
UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Human Sexuality

Retain the next to last sentence of ^ 71F without
change.

Petition Number: 22877-CS-71-D; Sunday S. Class, 1
Adm. Council & Peace w/Justice, Church of the
Redeemer and 2 Others, Cleveland Heights, OH.

Human Sexuality

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 71F:

Although wc do not condone the practice of homo-
sexuality and consider this practice incompatible with
Christian teaching, wWe affirm that God's grace is avail-
able to all.

^71.

Petition Number: 22879-CS-71-D; Church and Society
Committee + 55 Individuals, First UMC, Ypsilanti, MI.

Human Sexuality

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 71F:

Homosexual persons no less than and heterosexual
persons.. .Although wc do not condone the practice of
homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible
with Christian teaching, wc affirm that God's grace is
available to all. We commit...

1218

DCA Advance Edition II

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22880-CS-71-D; Deppe, Martin, NIL.

Human Sexuality

Delete paragraphs 1, 2 and 5 of ^ 71Fand add new
text at the beginning:

We recognize sexuality as a gift of God to all
persons. We believe persons may be more fully
human when they acknowledge this good gift for
themselves and others. We call all persons to a
disciplined and responsible stewardship of this
gift so that it may be fulfilled in them. We recog-
nize our limited understanding of this precious
gift, and we encoiu-age theological, social science,
and medical disciplines to join together in efforts
at increased knowledge and understanding of hu-
man sexuidity. We call on the Church to take the
lead in this endeavor.

Because we understand sexuality as a gift of
God, we are challenged to responsible, commit-
ted, and loving forms of sexual expression. We,
therefore, affirm sexual relations only in the sanc-
tity of the marriage bond and in the sanctity of
committed and covenantal relationships. Sex may
become exploitative in any human relationship.
We, therefore, reject all sexual expressions that
demean, subordinate, or damage the humanity
God has given us, and we affirm only those sexual
expressions that enhance and fulfill this human-
ity.

All persons, regardless of gender or sexual
orientation, are individuals of sacred worth. The
ministry and guidance of the Church should be
available to all who stru^le toward human and
sexual fuffiUment. The Church should provide the
spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that
enables reconciling relationships with God, with
others, and with self. We a£Grm that God's grace
is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in
ministry for and with all persons.

^71.

Petition Number: 22881-CS-71-D; Work Area of
Church and Society, Williamsburg UMC,
Williamsburg, VA

Human Sexuality

Retain the last paragraph of ^ 71F without change.

Petition Number: 22882-CS-71-D; Work Area of
Church and Society, Williamsburg UMC,
Williamsburg, VA

Human Sexuality

Retain the first paragraph of % 7LF without change.

^71.

Petition Number: 20056-CS-71-D; Cobb, Flora , 2 Adm.
Boards & 1 Church Group, Edenton St. and Other
UM Churches, Raleigh, NC.

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Retain ^ 71G without change.

^71.

Petition Number: 22310-CS-71-D; 30 Church
Members, Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Human and Civil Rights

Amend ^71G:

G) Rights of Homosexual All Persons. — Certain basic
human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We
are committed to support those rights and liberties, f©f
homosexual persons regardless of a person's sexual
orientation. We see a clear issue of simple justice in
protecting their the rightful claims where they of all
persons who have: shared material resources... equal
protection before the law. Moreover, we support efforts
te^tep Furthermore, we oppose any legislation that
might strive to take away these rights, and we
encourage the legal recognition of such committed
partnerships nationwide. We condemn violence
and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians
persons due to their sexual orientation and sup-
port efforts to stop it

^71.

Petition Number: 22311-CS-71-D; Kuyper, Robert L,

CNV.

Supporting the Rights of Former Homosexuals

Amend % 71G:

G) Rights of Homosexual and Former Homosexual
Persons. — Certain basic human rights and civil liberties
are due all persons. We are committed to support those
rights and liberties for homosexual persons and former
homosexual persons. We see a clear issue... More-

Church and Society

1219

over, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms
of coercion against gays and lesbians and against for-
mer gays and former lesbians.

1171.

Petition Number: 22312-CS-71-D; 11 Administrative
Boards & 14 Individuals, St. Paul, Leighton and Other
UM Churches, Mountville, PA & Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Rights of Homosexual Persons

Amend % 71G:

[Third sentence] We ace a clear iaauc of simple
justice in protecting their rightful claims where they
have: shared material resources, pensions, guardian
relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other such
lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relation-
ships which involve shared contributions, responsibili-
ties, and liabilities, and equal protection before the law.
We reject, however, efforts to extend to same-sex
living arrangements those rights generally re-
served to preserve and support heterosexual mar-
riage. Moreover, — wWe support efforts to stop
violence....

^71.

Petition Number: 22498-CS-71-D; Sunday School
Class, First UMC, Sedalia, MO.

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Delete the third sentence of 1[ 71G.

^71.

Petition Number 22499-CS-71-D; Church Conference,
Old Zion and Big Bend UMC, Emlenton, PA

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Amend ^ 71G:

...civil liberties are due all persons,. We arc commit-
ted to support those rights and liberties for including
homosexual persons.. ..shared material resources, pen-
sions, guardian relationships, mutual powers.. .equal
protection before the law. However, we do not en-
dorse same-sex marriage or the raising of children
by homosexual partners through birth, adoption,
or foster care. Moreover, wWe support efforts...

^71.

Petition Number: 22580-CS-71-D; Knotts, Alice G.,
ORI.

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Renumber ^ 71G as ^ 72//.

^71.

Petition Number: 22613-CS-71-D; Church Conference,
Van and Hill City UMC, Cranberry, PA

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Amend ^ 71G:

G) Rights of Homosexual Persons. — Certain basic
human rights and civil liberties are due all persons.rWe
arc committed to support those rights and liberties for
including homosexual persons.. ..shared material re-
sources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual. .and
equal protection before the law. However, we do not
endorse same-sex marriage or the raising of chil-
dren by homosexual pjirtners through birth, adop-
tion, or foster care. Moreover wWe support efforts...

^71.

Petition Number: 22883-CS-71-D; Work Area of
Church and Society, Williamsburg UMC,
Williamsburg, VA

Rights of Homosexual Persons

Delete the third sentence of ^ 71G and amend the
last sentence:

Moreover, wWe support efforts...

^71.

Petition Number: 20057-CS-71-D; Cobb, Flora + 2
Church Gr., 3 Individuals & CIL, Edenton St. and
Otiier UM Churches, Raleigh, NC.

Abortion

Retain ^ 71// without change.

1220

DCA Advance Edition II

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 20976-CS-71-D; Quinton, Diana H.
Collierville UMC, CoUiemlle, TN.

Abortion

Amend ^ 7UI:

[Second sentence] ...when and even whether new
individuals will be bom. Human life begins in the
womb at conception. God creates, forms, and is
intimately involved with the unborn child. God's
purpose for the individual begins to be fulfilled
before birth. Therefore, because of our belief in
the sanctity of unborn hiunan life, we do not ap-
prove of abortion. Devastating damage results
from abortion, not only death for the tmbom baby,
but also emotional, physical, psychological, and
spiritual side effects, and sometimes death, for the
mother. Abortion is not a safe procediu-e. We un-
conditionally reject abortion as a means of gender
selection and as a means of birth control. Otif

Petition Number: 20977-CS-71-D; Anneberg, Allen,
Carroll UMC, Carroll, lA

Abortion: Right of the Mother

Amend "J 71H:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctity of un-
born human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.
Indeed, we cannot affirm abortion as an accept-
able means of birth control, and we uncondition-
ally reject it as a means of gender selection. But
wWe are equally bound to respect the life and well-being
of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result
from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity vidth past
Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts, ef
where the life of the unborn with immediately
threatens the life of the mother, that may justify
abortion, and in such cases encourage clergy and
congregations to pray for and support such moth-
ers and their families, support the legal option of

belief in the sanctity of unborn human life malccs us abortion under proper medical procedures. We cannot

reluctant to approve abortion. But we arc equally bound
to respect the sacrcdncss of the life and well-being of the

affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control,
and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender

mother, for whom devastating damage may result from selection. We call all Christians to a searching and

an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past
Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life
with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases
support the legal option of abortion under proper medi-
cal procedures. Wc cannot affirm abortion as an accept-
able means of birth control, and we unconditionally
reject it as a means of gender selection. Wc call all
Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the
sorts of conditions that may warrant abortion. Wc call
for the Church to provide nurturing ministries to those
persons who terminate a pregnancy. Wc encourage the

prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may
warrant abortion. Furthermore, wWe call for the
Church to provide nurturing ministries to those persons
who have obtained abortions for whatever reasons
terminate a pregnancy. Also, wWc encourage call the
Church to provide a full range of welcoming, nurtur-
ing ministries to those giving who give birth — espe-
cially to those in the midst of crisis pregnancies.
Finally, we acknowledge that gGovernmental laws
and regulations do not provide all the guidance required
by the informed Christian conscience teaching. There-

Church to provide nurturing ministries to those who fore, a decision concerning abortion should be made

give birth. Governmental laws and regulations do not
provide all the guidance required by the informed Chris-
tian conscience. We call all Christians to follow
God's law to defend and to seek to preserve the
life of the unborn child. We are also called to
minister to women who are in crisis pregnancies
and to minister to and evangelize those involved
in past abortion. Therefore, a decision concerning
abortion should be made only after thoughtful and
prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with
medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel.

only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the
parties involved, with medical, pastoral, and other appro-
priate counsel.

^71.

Petition Number: 20978-CS-71-D; Centenary UMC,
ShelbyviUe, KY.

Seek to Find Alternatives

Amend ^ 7\H:

...We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful
inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant
abortion and to seek to find alternatives that might
be available....

Church and Society

1221

^71.

Petition Number: 20979-CS-71-D; Centenary UMC,
Shelbyville. KY.

Our Belief in the Sanctity of Unborn Human Life

Amend the third sentence of ^ 71//:

Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life
moltea ua reluctant to approve keeps us from approv-
ing abortion on demand.

^71.

Petition Number: 20980-CS-71-D; Centenary UMC,
Shelbyville, KY.

Conflicts of Life That May Justify Abortion

Amend ^ 71H:

In continuity with past Christian teaching, we rec-
ognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify
abortion, these conflicts being incest, rape, or en-
dangering the mother's life, and in such cases sup-
port the legal option of abortion...

^71.

Petition Number: 22313-CS-71-D; Namie, Bernard E.,
NGA

Abortion

Delete % 71// and replace with new text:

The beginning and end of life are the God-
given boundaries of htunan existence. While indi-
viduals have always had some degree of control
over when they would die, they now have the awe-
some power to determine when and even whether
new individuals will be bom. Our belief in the
sanctity of unborn human life compels us to a£Grm
that abortion is a sin. For this reason, we cannot
affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth
control, and we unconditionally reject it as a
means of gender selection or to facilitate medical
research or treatment.

We recognize that evil exists in the world and
that pregnancies may arise from acts of violence
such as rape £md incest Yet, we cannot teach that
it is scriptural to intentionalfy take the life of a
child so conceived. Christ teaches to return good
for evil, and God teaches that our knowledge is
limited and that his thoughts are not our thoughts.
It is not our place to judge the value of a life,
especialfy from the circumstances by which it is
conceived. We encoiu-age the Church to provide

niuturing ministries to those who give birth, to
include counseling on the life-affirming choice of
adoption.

We recognize that agonizing situations arise in
which the life of the mother is jeopardized by the
life of her unborn child. However, we also affirm
that God-and God alone-is the source of life, both
corporal and spiritual, and that it is God's prov-
ince-not man's-to determine when physical life
shall end. We recognize that human life growing
within a woman is not only a mystery and a bless-
ing from God, it is also unique in that, unlike other
physical causes of death, surgical intervention
that piuposefully kills the cause is not sanctioned
by God. In such situations, the search for guid-
ance should certainly include the exploration of all
that human knowledge and skill can bring to bear.
But God, who is the author of all things, should be
at the center of this issue. His will should be
sought through pastoral and other appropriate
counsel as well as through personal and interces-
sory prayer.

While we cannot condone abortion or call it
anything but sin, we recognize that it is our nature
to sin and that even the path of sanctification is
cobbled with worldfy patterns and the desires of
the flesh. While Scripture teaches that grace does
not increase with an increase in sin, and that sin,
while forgiven, still has consequences, it also
teaches that none can cast the first stone. In Micah
6:8, God calls us to act justiy-and we here attempt
to do so-but He also calls us to love mercy-and we
here affirm it. All have fallen short of the glory of
God; and being called to love one another, we
must do so mindful of this state we share. Ulti-
matefy, we are called to be conformed to the image
of Christ, who loved us even unto death upon a
cross, given of and from God, who loved us while
we were yet sinners. We call for the Church to
provide niuturing ministries to those who termi-
nate a pregnancy.

^71.

Petition Number: 22314-CS-71-D; Decker, David L.,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Abortion

Amend ^ 71//:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctify of un-
born human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion.
But we arc equally bound to respect the sacrcdncss of
The sanctify of unborn human life precludes us
from approving abortion, except where necessary
to protect the life and well-being of the mother, for
whom devastating damage may result from an unaccept-
able pregnancy. In continuify with past Christian teach-

1222

DCA Advance Edition II

ing, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may
in rare instances justify abortion, and in such cases
support the legal option of abortion under proper medi-
cal procedures. We unconditionally reject cannot af
Sfi» abortion as a an acceptable means of birth control;
and wc unconditionally reject it as a means of gender
selection. [Delete remainder of paragraph.]

^71.

Petition Number: 22315-CS-71-D; 12 Adm.
Boards/Groups & 3 Individuals, Leighton UMC +
Kriesch, Richard L, Rev., Caledonia & Lexington, MI.

Regarding Abortion

Amend ^71/f:

...the sorts of conditions that may warrant abortion.
We commit our Church to provide viable alterna-
tives to abortion at all levels of the denomination.

We call for the Church to provide....

^71.

Petition Number: 22336-CS-71-D; Administrative
Council, Saint James UMC, Tucson, AZ.

Regarding Abortion

Amend ^ IIH:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctity of un-
born human life makes us reluctant tmable to approve
abortion except under extreme conditions. But we
are equally bound. ..In continuity v/ith past Christian
teaching, wc recognize tragic conflicts of life with life
that may justify abortion, and in such cases support the
legal option of abortion under proper medical proce-
dures. We cannot affirm.. .that may warrant abortion.
We commit our Church to provide viable alterna-
tives to abortion at all levels of the denomination.
We call for the Church....

damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In
continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize
tragic conflicts, \^ere the life of the unborn imme-
diately threatens the life of the mother of life with
life that may justify abortion, and in such cases encoiu"-
age clergy and congregations to pray for and sup-
port such mothers and their families, support the
legal option of abortion under proper medical proce-
dures. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable
means of birth control, and wc unconditionally reject it
as a means of gender selection. Wc call all Christians to
a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of con-
ditions that may warrant abortion. Ftirtiiermore, wWe
call for the Church to provide nurturing ministries to
those persons who have obtained abortions for what-
ever reasons terminate a pregnancy. Also, wWe eft-
courage call the Church to provide a full range of
welcoming, nurturing ministries to those who five
giving birth-especially to those in the midst of
crisis pregnancies. Finally, we acknowledge that
gGovernmental laws and regulations do not provide all
the guidance required by the informed Christian een-
scicncc teaching. Therefore, a decision concerning
abortion should be made only after thoughtful and
prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with
medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel.

^71.

Petition Number: 22501-CS-71-D; Quam, Dolores,
Zion UMC, Grand Fork, ND.

Regarding Abortion

Amend ^ 71i/by deleting all existing text beginning
with the fourth sentence and substituting a new final
sentence:

...makes us reluctant to approve abortion. We call
for the ChiiTch to provide ministry that encourages
emd provides alternatives to abortion.

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22500-CS71-D; Church Councils,
Calvary and Beaverton UM Churches, Flint, MI.

Regarding Abortion

Amend % 71H:

[Third sentence] Because of oOur belief in the
sanctity of unborn human life, we reject abortion as
an acceptable means of birth control and gender
selection makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But
wWe are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the
life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating

Petition Number: 22502-CS-71-D; Church Conference,
Old Zion and Big Bend UMC, Emlenton, PA

Abortion

Amend ^ 71H:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctity of un-
born human life makes us extremely reluctant to ap-
prove abortion. But we arc equally bound to respect the
sacredness of life and well-being of the mother, for
whom devastating damage may resultfrom an unaccept-
able pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teach-
ing, wc recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may
justify abortion, and in such eases support the legal
option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We

Church and Society

1223

recognize God's infinite wisdom in all matters of
conception of life and development of that life. Cer-
tain conditions may occur that the life of the child
or serious health problems of the mother could be
a major concern. In those instances, we believe that
after much consultation with the pastor, family,
fiather of the child, and the guidance of God, in
accordance with Jesus' teachings to act with love in
all matters, an abortion may be warranted. In the
decision process of these matters, those parties
involved must realize that all of them shall be ac-
countable not to humankind, but to God. We cannot
affirm abortion...

^71.

Petition Number: 22581-CS-71-D; Byroads, Marjorie,
Williams Center Asbury UMC, Bryan, OH.

Abortion

Amend ^ 71H:

...the sacredness of the life and well-being of the
mother, for whom devastating damage may result from
an unacceptable whose life may be endangered by
pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching,
we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may on
occasion justify abortion, mi4 as in instances of in-
cest, rape, when the unborn child is known to be
seriously deformed, or when the life of the mother
is endangered. Itn such cases, we support.. .prayerful
consideration by the all parties involved,...

We approve legislation that prohibits the use
of government funds for performing abortions for
convenience or birth control. We also approve leg-
islation that prohibits the use of government funds
by any organization that refers for or performs
abortions. Abortion on demand for reasons of per-
sonal convenience, birth control, or gender selec-
tion is morally wrong. Abortion is an attack on the
image of God, and is an act of violence that always
results in the death of an luibom child. Our rev-
erence for life must include the unborn child, who
is a member of the human family and entided to
oiu" tender care and protection. Our United Meth-
odist Chiu'ch should also give help and financial
aid to abortion alternative centers and to homes
for xmwed girls and women with unwanted preg-
nancies-through the channels of our local
churches, districts, and conferences.

^71.

Petition Number: 22582-CS-71-D; Guerard, Susan &
John + Allred, Scott, St. Mark's UMC, Bakersfield, CA

Abortion

Beginning with the fourth sentence of ^ 71//, delete
existing text and substitute the following:

...makes us reluctant to approve abortion. Indeed,
we unconditionally reject it as an acceptable
means of birth control or gender selection. We are
equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life
and well-being of the mother. In continuity with
past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic con-
flicts where the life of the unborn immediately
threatens the life of the mother that may justify
abortion, and in such cases, encourage clergy and
congregations to pray for and support such moth-
ers and their families.

Furthermore, we call for the Chiu-ch to provide
nurturing ministries to those persons who have
obtained abortions for whatever reasons. Also, we
call the Church to provide a full range of welcom-
ing, nurturing ministries to those giving birth-es-
pecially to those in the midst of crisis pregnancies.
Finally, we acknowledge that governmental laws
and regulations do not provide the guidance re-
quired by Christian teaching.

1[71.

Petition Number: 22583-CS-71-D; Church Conference,
Van and Hill City UMC, Cranberry, PA

Abortion

Amend ^ 71//:

[Third sentence] Our belief in the sanctity of un-
born human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion
heartily disapprove of abortion, except when the
mother's life is in danger. But we arc equally bound
to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the
mother, for whom devastating damage may result from
an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity" with past
Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life
with life that may justify" abortion, and in such cases
support the legal option of abortion under proper medi-
cal procedures. We cannot affirm...

1224

DCA Advance Edition II

^71.

^71.

Petition Number: 22614-CS71-D; Administrattive
Council, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

Financial Responsibilities

Delete ^ 71^ and replace with new text:

The abortion on demand situation in the
United States and other countries is deplorable.
We affirm the Church's stand against abortion
throughout its history, beginning in the early
Church. We give our assent to John Wesley's in-
dictment of the killing of unborn children as
"more than Pagan or Mahometan barbarity." The
premature termination of a pregnancy can only be
justified when done: (1) to prevent the death of the
mother and/or child, after all efforts have been
made to preserve the lives of both; and (2) to
protect the health of mother or child without harm
to the other. The direct killing of either is unac-
ceptable. The procedure and its timing must maxi-
mize the chances of survival of both mother and
child. We commend those Christian ministries
that assist mothers with problem pregnancies in
carrying their babies to term and also help women
in facing the consequences of abortion.

No conference, council, commission, board,
agency, committee, or local church shall give
monetary or other assistance to any organization
that performs or promotes the acceptance of abor-
tions contrary to the above guidelines.

^71.

Petition Number: 22884-CS-71-D; Outhwaite, Warren
Rev. & 5 Members, Mentor Plains UMC, Mentor, OH.

Abortion

Delete the current text of ^ 71i/ beginning with the
second sentence and replace with new text:

...boundaries of human existence. We beUeve in
the sanctity of unborn human life and reject abor-
tion as a means of birth control and gender selec-
tion. We also respect the sacredness of the
mother's life. Whenever the unborn immediately
threatens her life, abortion may be justified. We
call upon the Church to provide nurturing minis-
tries to those who have been affected by crisis
pregnancies and abortion as well as to those who
have given birth.

Petition Number: 22885-CS-71-D; Cornerstone and
Friendly Hour Classes, First UMC, Crawfordville, IN.

Abortion

Delete the current text of ^ 71// beginning with the
third sentence and replace with new text:

...whether new individuals will be born. However,
governmental laws and regulations do not provide
the guidance needed by the Christian conscience.
A decision concerning abortion must be made on
the basis of the holy Scriptures, which clearly de-
clare the sanctity of the human life fi"om concep-
tion to death. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn
hiunan life as stated in the holy Scriptures makes
it impossible for us to approve abortion. We are
equally bound to respect the life and well-being of
the mother. We call for the Church to provide
nurturing ministries to both those women who
give birth and those who terminate a pregnancy.
Abortion-vulnerable women should be welcomed
by the Church and offered life-saving resources.
Relationships with abortion-alternative centers
and maternity homes should be strengthened.

^71.

Petition Number: 22886-CS-71-D; Nouwen, Bob, Jr.,
Tanner Williams UMC, Mobile, AL.

Abortion

Amend ^ 71i/:

...Our belief in the sanctity of unborn all human life
both living and unborn makes it impossible for us
reluctant to approve abortion because it is the taking
of that which is of God and by God. Our belief is
that an unborn child has a soul from the moment
of conception and, therefore, is a child of God
from that point But we are equally bound...

^72.

Petition Number: 22536-CS72-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

The Social Community

Delete ^ 72.

Church and Society

1225

^72.

Petition Number; 22445-CS72-D; MFSA, WOH MFSA
& CIL Annual Conference.

Basic Human Rights

Add a new sentence at the end of the Introductory
paragraph of ^ 72:

We support the basic rights of all persons to
equal access to housing, education, employment,
medical care, legal redress for grievances, and
physical protection.

^72.

Petition Number: 20981-CS-72-D; McGonegal, Donal,
White Stone UMC, White Stone, VA

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Persons

Delete the last sentence of ^ 72A and replace with
new text:

We reject legislation requiring affirmative ac-
tion as reverse racism — repugnant both to the
provider and the recipient.

laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down
our lives for the brethren" (NAS).

^72.

Petition Number: 22316-CS-72-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Affirmative Action

Amend ^ 72:

A) ...as members of society. We assert the obliga-
tion of society, and groups within the society, to implc-

fHefrt compensator^' programs that redress

long-standing systemic social deprivation of racial and
ethnic people. We further assert the right... We support
affirmative action as one method of addressing the in-
equalities and discriminator^' practices within our
Church and society'.

F) ...employment and recruitment. We support af-
firmative action as one method of addressing the in-
equalities and discriminatory practices within our
Church and society. We urge employers....

^72.

^72.

Petition Number: 20985-CS-72-D; Bast, Robert D.,
Sunrise UMC, Phoenix, AZ.

The Social Community

Add a new sub-paragraph to ^ 72:

We, as United Methodists believe that organ
transplantation and organ donation should be
viewed as an act of charity, agape love, and self-
sacrifice, much as that of Jesus when he gave his
life for the salvation of the world. We recognize the
life-giving benefits of organ and other tissue dona-
tion and encourage all people of faith to become
organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and
ministry to others in need. We request only that it
is done in an environment of respect for the de-
ceased and/or living donor and for the benefit of
the recipient; and following protocols which will
carefully prevent abuse to the donor and their
family. As the official voice of The United Method-
ist Chiu-ch, we find no religious problem with or-
gan donation and praise and respect the
individual's right to make decisions about giving
the "Gift of Life" by donating his or her own body.
This spirit of giving the gift of life is best expressed
by John the Apostie in 1 John 3:16, speaking of
the love of Christ: "We know love by this, that he

Petition Number: 22447-CS-72-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

The Rights of Sexual Minorities

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 725:

Rights of Sexual Minorities. — ^All creation is a gift
of God, and all persons are sexual beings. There-
fore, we celebrate the gift of sexuality. Some per-
sons discover that their inner gender differs from
their outer gender. Others bond affectionately
with persons of the same gender. We recognize
that all persons are created in God's image and are
worthy of respect. We encoiu-age and support sex-
ual maturity that honors the integrity both of indi-
viduals involved and of the relationship that does
not misuse position or power or abuse children
sexually. Wherever sexufil minority people strug-
gle against non-acceptance, rejection, alienation,
discrimination, and violence, we call upon the
Church and all persons to speak and act in ways
that show God's love and acceptance for all.

We oppose economic, political, social, and re-
ligious discrimination against sexual minorities.
We call for the creation and enforcement of legal
sanctions against such discrimination. We urge
religious and social service agencies to make af-
firmative efforts to develop programs sensitive to
and respectful of the needs of sexual minority
persons and their families.

1226

DCA Advance Edition II

^72.

Petition Number: 22585-CS-72-D; Marsh, Susan D.,
Amboy UMC, Amboy, IN.

Rights of the Unborn

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 72B:

Rights of the Unborn. — ^An ongoing discussion in
society raises the question whether the developing
fetus is a mass of tissue that can be nourished or
disposed of upon the wishes of the pregnant
woman or as potential life sacred in the eyes of
God. While the rights of the pregnant woman must
always be respected, we affirm that the developing
fetus also has the right to be seen as developing
life and, therefore, deserving of treatment that is
due those \dio are made in the image of God.

^72.

Petition Number: 22584-CS-72-D; Case, Riley B., NIN.

Rights of the Unborn

Add a new sub-paragraph after II 72C:

Rights of the Unborn. — Once considered the
property of their mothers, unborn children are
now acknowledged to be human beings in their
own right, but beings to whom adults and society
in general have special obligations. Thus, we sup-
port the development of adoption agencies, coun-
seling services for expectant mothers, and centers
for unwed mothers, designed to guarantee that
every unborn child has a right to life and to devel-
opment as a part of a loving family. These rights
we affirm as theirs, regardless of actions or inac-
tions of their parents.

^72.

Petition Number: 22317-CS-72-D; U.M Task Force on
Developmental Disabilities.

Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions

Amend ^ 72G:

G) Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Disabilities. — ^We recognize and affirm the full humanity
and personhood of all individuals with disabilities as
full members of the family of God. We affirm the respon-
sibility of the Church and society to be in ministry with
all persons with mentally, phyaically, and/or psychologi-
cally handicapping conditions whose disabilities or dif-
fcrcnccs in appearance or behavior create a problem in
children, youth, and adults with mental, physical,
developmental and/or psychological disabilities

whose different needs in the areas of mobility, com-
munication, intellectual comprehension, or personal re-
lationships!— which might interfere with their
participation. ..We urge the Church and society to re-
ceive the gifts of persons with handicapping conditions
disabilities to enable them to be included as full partici-
pants...and advocate for programs... and transportation.
We call on the Church and society to protect the
civil rights of persons with disabilities.

^72.

Petition Number: 22318-CS-72-D; The National
Committee on Deaf Ministry.

Rights of Persons with Special Needs

Amend ^ 71G:

G) Rights of Persons with Handicapping Conditions
Special Needs. — ^We recognize.. .We urge the Church
and society to receive the gifts of persons with handicap-
ping conditions special needs to enable them...

^72.

Petition Number: 22319-CS72-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

The Social Community: Rural Life

Add new text at the end of ^ 72M:

We further recognize that increased mobility
and technology have brought a mixture of people,
religions, and philosophies to rural communities
which were once homogeneous. While often this
is seen as a threat to or loss of community life, we
understand it as an opportunity to uphold the
biblical call to community for all persons. There-
fore, we encourage nxral communities and indi-
viduals to maintain a strong connection to the
earth and be open to offering mutual belonging,
caring, healing, and growth; sharing and celebrat-
ing cooperative leadership and diverse gifts; sup-
porting mutual trust; and affirming individuals as
unique persons of worth, and thus to practice
Shalom.

Church and Society

1227

1172.

^73.

Petition Number; 22320-CS-72-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Urban-Suburban Life

Amend ^ 727V:

...Maaaivc programs of renewal and social planning
are needed to bring a greater degree of humaniaation
into urban-suburban life atylca. Christians must judge
all programs, including encourage economic and com-
munity development, new towns, and urban renewalrby
the extent to which they protect and enhance human
values, that permit personal and political...

^73.

Petition Number: 22321-CS-73-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

The Economic Community

Amend the second sentence of ^ 73:

Therefore, we recognize the responsibility of gov-
ernments to develop and implement sound fiscal and
monetary policies that provide for the economic life of
individuals and corporate entities, and that ensure full
employment and adequate incomes with a minimum of
inflation help increase the economic opportunities
of individuals and corporate entities.

Petition Number: 22446-CS-73-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Right to a Job: Work and Leisure

Delete the first sentence of ^ 73C and replace with
new text:

Every person has the right to a job at a living
wage. Where the private sector cannot or does not
provide jobs for all who seek and need them, it is
the responsibility of government, organized "to
provide for the general welfare" (U.S. Constitu-
tion), to provide for the for the creation of such
jobs.

^73.

Petition Number: 22449-CS-73-D; Colbeth, Carol A,
Foundry UMC, Washington, DC.

Consumption

Amend the next to last sentence of ^ 73Z):

We call upon consumers, including local congre-
gations and Church-related institutions, to organ-
ize....

^73.

^73.

Petition Number: 22322-CS-73-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Collective Bargaining

Delete the last sentence of ^ 73B.

^73.

Petition Number: 22323-CS-73-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Work and Leisure

Amend ^ 73C:

...outiets that enhance the use of such time. We
believe that persons come before profits. Wc deplore the
selfish spirit which often pervades our economic life. We
support policies...

Petition Number: 22324-CS-73-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Poverty

Amend ^ 73E:

[Third sentence] Increasing technology and ex-
ploitative economic practices impoverish many persons
and make poverty sclf-pcrpctuating. Therefore, wc do
not hold poor people morally responsible for their eco-
nomic state. To begin to alleviate poverty, we support
such policies as: adequate income maintenance, quality
education, decent housing, job training, meaningful em-
ployment opportunities, adequate medical and hospital
care, and humanization and radical revisions of welfare
programs.

1228

DCA Advance Edition II

^73.

174.

Petition Number: 22450-CS-73-D; Colbeth, Carol A.,
Foundry UMC, Washington, DC.

Poverty

Add a nevf sentence at the end of ^ 73£:

Since low wages are often a cause of poverty,
employers should pay their employees a wage that
does not require them to depend upon govern-
ment subsidies such as food stamps or welfare for
their livelihood.

^73.

Petition Number: 22451-CS-73-D; Colbeth, Carol A,
Foundry UMC, Washington, DC.

Migrant Workers

Add new text at the end of the last sentence of ^
73F:

...people who come within their parish and support
their eflforts to organize for collective bai^aining.

Petition Number: 22325-CS-74-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Basic Freedoms

Amend the first sentence of ^ 744:

...redress of grievances without fear of reprisal; and
to the right to privacy; and to the guarantee of the rights
to adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, and
health care.

174.

Petition Number: 20058-CS-74-D; Circle C Class,
United Methodist Church, Moline, IL.

Education for All

Amend the second sentence of ^ 74D:

In our society this function can best be fulfilled
through public policies which ensure access for all per-
sons to free tax-paid public elementary and secondary
schools...

^73.

^74.

Petition Number: 22448-CS-73-D; Wmget, Garry, KSW.

The Economic Community

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 73:

Responsible Funding. — While we stand by high
moral principles, we are not as moral when there
is money to be received from inmioral sources.
Local churches, agencies, and institutions of The
United Methodist Church should not soUcit or
accept money from soiu"ces that have made the
money with tobacco, gambling, legal or illegal
drugs, prostitution, or any other activity that is
opposed in these social principles.

Petition Number: 20982-CS-74-D; McGonegal, Donal,
White Stone UMC, White Stone, VA

Criminal Justice

Delete the last sentence of ^ 74F and replace with
new text:

We approve of capital punishment for indi-
viduals convicted of heinous crimes — and as nec-
essary to protect good citizens from paroled
miu"derers and rapists.

1[74.

^73.

Petition Number: 22537-CS-73-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

The Economic Community

Delete ^ 73.

Petition Number: 20983-CS-74-D; McGonegal, Donal,
White Stone UMC, White Stone, VA.

Military Service

Delete 1 74 G and replace with new text:

Military Service. — We believe that young adults
should cooperate with federal conscription legis-
lation— serving either in the military or alternative
service.

Church and Society

1229

^74.

1174.

Petition Number: 22326-CS-74-D; Decker, David L,
Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Military Service

Amend ^ 74G:

Though We strongly discourage the use of coer-
cion, violence, and war ore presently the ultimate aanc-
tions in international relations;; we reject them as
incompatible with the gospel and spirit of Christ how-
ever, history has shown that in some instances
such drastic measures are essential to preserve
htunan rights, religious freedom, and economic
freedom. We therefore urge the establishment of the
rule of law in international affairs as a means of elimina-
tion of to eliminate war, violence, and coercion in these
international affairs.

174.

Petition Number: 22615-CS-74-D; Temeus, John,
Yukon, OK

Military Service

Add new text at the end of ^ 74G:

The United Methodist Church will support and
provide counselors for all who claim religious con-
scientious objection to:

1. Compulsory military service.

2. Compulsory draft for military service.

3. Military service under non-USA chain of
command.

4. Military service without Congress declaring
war constitutionally (Section 8).

5. Military service not under the rules and
regulations of Congress (Section 8).

6. Military combat, housing, or service with
homosexuals, lesbians, or the opposite sex.

7. Military service under a presidential direc-
tive not made fully and completely known to all
(such as Bill Clinton's #25).

8. Military service that requires another oath
than the USA military ofiBcers and enlisted person-
nel oaths (such as an oath to the United Nations).

None of these religious conscientious objec-
tions shall afifect their military careers, retire-
ments, and/or pensions, nor their status in The
United Methodist Church as members or clergy.

Petition Number: 22538-CS-74-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

The Political Community

Delete ^ 74.

175.

Petition Number: 20060-CS-75-D; Circle C Class, First
UMC, Moline, IL

The World Community

Amend the second sentence of ^ 75:

The ^obal unity now being thrust upon us by the
technological revolution has far outrun...

175.

Petition Number: 22327-CS-75-D; Culver, WilUam
Lawson, Harper Chapel UMC, Osage Beach, MO.

National Power and Responsibility

Add a new sentence between the third and fourth
sentences of "J 75S:

The form and the leaders of thefr governments
must be determined by exercise of the right to vote
guaranteed all adult citizens.

175.

Petition Number: 20059-CS-75-D; Peace with Justice
Task Force, Board of Church and. Society, Pasadena,
CA

General and Complete Disarmament

Amend the second sentence of f 75C:

We therefore reject war.. .as governments deter-
mine their priorities; that the militarization of society
must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture,
sale, and deployment of armaments must be reduced
and controlled; and that the production, possession, or
use of nuclear weapons be condemned. Consequently
we endorse general and complete disarmament
imder strict and eflfective intemationzd control.

1230

DCA Advance Edition II

^75.

^728.

Petition Number: 22539-CS-75-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

The World Community

Delete ^ 75.

^76.

Petition Number: 22328-CS-76-D; Administrative
Board, Bethany UMC, San Francisco, CA

Our Social Creed

Amend the fourth paragraph of ^ 76:

...and to the rights and dignity of racial, ethnic, and
rcligioua minorities all people, regardless of race,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or religious
affiliation.

^76.

Petition Number: 22330-CS-728.3-D; SEJ Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Fellowship.

Church and Society's Responsibility for Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Concerns

Amend the first sentence of ^ 728.3:

...within the bounds of the conference, which in-
clude prison ministry and reform concerns.

^728.

Petition Number: 22331-CS-728.4-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Annual Conference Board of Church and Society
Responsibilities

Amend the last sentence of ^ 728.4:

...action on issues confronting the Church in rural
and urban areas consistent with....

Petition Number: 22540-CS-76-D; Thurman, Gary L,
First UMC, Midland, TX.

Our Social Creed

Delete ^ 76.

^728.

Petition Number: 22329-CS-728-D;CIL.

Board of Church and Society

Add new text at the end of ^ 728.1:

The responsibilities of the Board of Church
and Society may be assigned to an existing or
newly created multifunctional agency of the Coun-
cil, or alternative structure, that cares for the func-
tions and connectional relationships of the
General Board of Church and Society, the confer-
ence, the districts, and the local churches. The
person or persons serving as member(s) of the
General Board of Chm-ch and Society shall be
member(s) of the conference Board of Church and
Society or equivalent structure and may be
granted voting privileges.

11101.

Petition Number: 22541-CS-llOl-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

General Board of Church and Society

Amend % 1101:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Board of Church
and Society in The United Methodist Church, as an
cxprc33ion of the mission of the Church.

11101.

Petition Number: 22723-CS-llOl-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Aldersgate UMC,
Denton, TX.

General Board of Church & Society

Delete ^ 1101.

11101.

Petition Number: 22864-CS-llOl-D; Solwell, Joe, NCA
General Board of Church and Society
Delete ^^1101-1115.

Church and Society

1231

^1102.

^1103.

Petition Number: 22542-CS1102-D; Tliumian, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland. TX.

The Purpose of the General Board of Church
and Society

Amend ^1102:

Purpose. — ^The primary purpose of the board shall
be to propose to the 2000 General Conference two
(one clergy and one laity) restatements of our So-
cial Principles that are consistent with relate the
gospel of Jesus Christ, to the members of the Church
and to the persons and structures of the communities
and world in which they live. It shall seek to bring the
whole of human life, including all activities, possessions,
and community and world relationships, into conformity
with the will of God. It Such proposed Social Princi-
ples shall show the members.. .social and civic right-
eousness as integrated in Micah's Triad: doing
justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with
God.^

^1102.

Petition Number: 22724-CS-l 102-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Purpose of the General Board of Church and Society

Renumber ^ 1102 as 1 1402.16.

^1103.

Petition Number: 22543-CS-l 103-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC. Midland, TX.

The Objectives of the General Board of Church
and Society

Delete ^ 1103 and replace with new text:

Objectives. — To achieve its primary purpose,
the board shall expeditiously terminate member-
ships, associations of other relationships with ex-
isting political and social action groups and/or
other endeavors not fully subject to General Con-
ference. The board shall reduce staff, except as
positions directly support the primary responsi-
bilities set forth in % 1104, as revised.

Petition Number: 22725-CS-l 103-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Objectives of the General Board of Church and Society

Renumber ^ 1103 as % 1403.

^1104.

Petition Number: 22332-CS-1104-D; Gibson. James A
III, SGA

The Responsibilities of the General Board of Church
and Society

Amend the first paragraph of ^ 1104:

[Last sentence] In particular, the board shall vigor-
ously support the Church's long-standing commit-
ment to the sanctity of human life, marriage, and
the family as basic foundations for responsible
living in civil society. Consistent with Scripture
and the "Social Principles," the board shall op-
pose attempts to legitimize behaviors, lifestyles,
and practices — such as sexual promiscuity, homo-
sexuality, alcoholism, drug abuse, pornography,
abortion on demand, racism, and gam-
bling— ^which are contrary to Christian principles
and serve to undermine the overall good of soci-
ety. For the purpose of providing leadership for
the Chm-ch in the area of responsible social ac-
tion, the board shall conduct a program of research...

^1104.

Petition Number: 22333-CS-1104-D; Gibson, James A
III, SGA

TTie Responsibilities of the General Board of Church
and Society

Add new text at the end of the third paragraph of ^
1104:

Board executives should consider themselves
accountable to the clergy and laity of local United
Methodist churches and should take care to solicit
and consider their concerns when formulating
public statements on social issues.

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DCA Advance Edition II

^1104.

^1105.

Petition Number: 22334-CS-1104-D; Gibson, James A
III, SGA

Responsibilities of the General Board of Church
and Society

Add new text at the end of the fourth paragraph of
^ 1104:

The board shall not support any movement
advocating gay and lesbian rights, abortion on de-
mand, and policies of reverse racial and sexual
discrimination .

^1104.

Petition Number: 22335-CS-1104-D; Gibson, James A
III, SGA

Responsibilities of the General Board of Church
and Society

Delete the fifth paragraph of ^ 1104 and substitute
the following new text:

The board shall advocate through public chan-
nels the Church's positions on social issues, inter-
preting the Social Principles in light of the
authority of Scripture and the witness of Christian
tradition.

^1104.

Petition Number: 22726-CS-1104-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Responsibilities of the General Board of Church
and Society

Renumber "J 1104 as ^ 1403. lo and amend as fol-
lows:

1. o) Responsibilities. — Prime A significant respon-
sibility...

Petition Number: 22727-CS-1105-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Incorporation of the General Board of Church
and Society

Renumber ^ 1105 as "JI 1406.2a and amend as fol-
lows:

Incorporation. — The General Board of Church and
Society shall be a corporation existing under the laws of
the District of Columbia, and The General Board of
Global Ministries shall be the legal successor and
successor in trust of the corporations, boards, depart-
ments or entities, known as the General Board of
Church and Society of The United Methodist
Church; the General Board of Christian...

^1106.

Petition Number: 22544-CS-1106-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC. Midland, TX.

The Organization of the General Board of Church
and Society

Amend 11106:

Organization. — ^The General Board of Church and
Society shall, through August 31, 1997, be com-
posed according to.. .the Central Conference College of
Bishops.

Effective September 1, 1997, and through the
2000 General Conference, the General Board of
Church and Society shall operate according to the
instructions defined for all program boards in ^^
802-810 of the General Provisions; provided,
however, that the board membership shall be con-
stituted as follows: one clergy member elected by
secret ballot by clergy delegates to each 1997
annual conference; one lay member elected by
secret ballot by lay delegates to each 1997 annual
conference; two clergy and two lay members
elected by the Council of Bishops upon nomina-
tions by the Central Conference College of Bish-
ops; three clergy and three lay members elected
by the Council of Bishops, one of whom shall be
designated to convene the reconstituted General
Board of Church and Society.

After September 1, 1997, the board shall (ex-
cept for membership) organize itself within the
guidelines of H 801-810 of the General Provi-
sions with the additional provision that the clergy
members shall constitute the Clergy Committee
on Social Principles and the lay members shall
constitute the Lay Committee on Social Principles.
Each of the two committees shall organize itself for

Church and Society

1233

the purpose of preparing and submitting to General
Conference the proposed restatement of United
Methodist Social Principles required by "n 1 102.

Prior to September 1, 1997, the board shall
reduce staff and other expenditures insofar as rea-
sonable; and the board shall not take any actions
that in any way prejudice the reconstituted board,
with special regard to its primary responsibility to
the 2000 General Conference.

^1107.

Petition Number: 22545-CS-1107-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC. Midland, TX.

Filling Vacancies on the General Board of Church
and Society

Amend ^ 1107:

Vacancies. — ^Prior to September 1, 1997, vVa-
cancies in the board membership may shaH be filled by
the procedure defined in ^ 812 of the General Provi-
sions. After September 1, 1997, vacancies may
only be filled according to the election procedure
set forth in ^ 1 106, as revised.

^1110.

Petition Number: 22547-CS-lllO-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Meetings of the General Board of Church and Society

Amend ^1110:

Meetings. — ^The board shall hold aft semi-annual
meetings, at a times and places...

^1114.

Petition Number: 22548-CS-1114-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Headquarters of the General Board of Church
and Society

Delete the last sentence of ^ 111.

^1109.

Petition Number: 22546-CS-1109-D; Thurman, Randy
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Membership of the Executive Committee
of the General Board of Church and Society

Amend 11109:

[Second sentence] The committee shall include
representation from racial and ethnic groups, women
and men, age groups, the Central Conferences,. ..It shall
have special responsibility for long-range planning, for
reviewing and recommending program priorities to the
board, and for recommending allocations.. .This would
include long-range planning that anticipates the future
needs of the board, the Church, and the society.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Resolutions

The Natural World

Petition Number: 22462-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Affirming the Household EcoTeam Progriim

The United Methodist Church is committed to pro-
tecting and preserving the environment for the benefit
of present and future generations. The Social Principles
of The United Methodist Church reminds us that "all
creation is the Lord's and we are responsible for ways in
which we use or abuse it" (^ 70) . Many of our churches
already sponsor recycling and other "environment
friendly" projects.

We commend to our churches and United Method-
ist families a new, "human scale" program to help save
the earth. The Global Action Plan, based in Woodstock,
New York, along with local organizations nationwide,
sponsors the Household EcoTeam Program. This pro-
gram can be organized by small groups of friends, family
members, neighbors, or co-workers, who form an
EcoTeam to support one another in working on monthly
action areas such as reducing garbage, improving home
water and energy efficiency, Eco-wise consuming, etc.
There is a parallel program for children, "Journey for the
Planet." Workbooks and other materials are available to
EcoTeams at nominal cost.

The Household EcoTeam Program is similar in
many ways to the Methodist Class System, which did so
much to energize and build the Methodist Church. This
same organizational method can now be used in local
churches to preserve and protect the environment and
to meet the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

We commend the EcoTeam Program to our
churches and direct the General Board of Church and
Society to make information on it available to the
Church.

Petition Number: 22463-CS-NonDis-O; Widmer, Scott
& Members, First UMC, Elysburg, PA, WPA.

Proposal to Reduce the Waste of Paper

We petition General Conference:

1. That all United Methodist divisions, boards, agen-
cies, conferences, and other groups reduce the waste of
paper by reducing or eliminating duplicate mailings sent
to more than one leader in the church or from more than
one group.

2. That all divisions, boards, agencies, conferences,
congregations, and groups use recycled paper. I would
urge local congregations to bulk purchase with other
local congregations.

Petition Number: 22617-CS-NonDis-O; Echols, Vema
K., Lake Wales First UMC, Lake Wales, FL.

Reduce Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency of
the United States (EPA) has established the health risks
attributed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) , also
known as second-hand, passive, or involuntary smoke;
and

Whereas, EPA studies conclude ETS is responsible
for lung deaths of approximately 3,000 non-smokers in
the United States each year; and

Whereas, EPA studies conclude exposure to ETS
causes other health problems in adults, including
coughing, phlegm production, and reduced lung func-
tion; and

Whereas, in school systems within the United
States, children suffer from asthma, noted to be the
fastest growing condition among children with ETS
increasing its severity as well as generating other risks;
and

Whereas, the Clean Air Act does not encompass
involuntary smoke in public restaurants, a threat to the
health of non-smokers;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 session of
the General Conference of The United Methodist
Church go on record in support of any federal legislative
and adminisfrative efforts to curtail or eliminate the
presence of ETS in public restaurants; and

Be it further resolved, that this action encourage the
inclusion of ETS prevention in the Clean Air Act and
enable more stringent laws by the states to supersede
those of federal law, in this case, specifically the Clean
Air Act.

Petition Number: 22732-CS-NonDis-O; Broussard,
Margaret R, Florida Conference Council on
Minisfries, FL.

Environmental Protection

Whereas, we have been given a divine mandate
(Genesis 1:26, 28) to care for all of God's creation; and

Whereas, ^ 70 of the Social Principles (Part III) in
the 1992 Book of Discipline supports and encourages the
conservation of the natural world, including water, air,
soil, minerals, and plants, in addition to energy and
animal life; and

Whereas, numerous resolutions have been passed
at both General and annual conferences, encouraging
Christian stewardship of our environment; and

Church and Society

1235

Whereas, many health problems, particularly of
children, have been caused by the degradation of our
environment; and

Whereas, most medicines are discovered by study-
ing the chemical properties of non-domestic plants and
animals; and

Whereas, many species are being eliminated by
human activities before they have been studied or even
discovered; and

Whereas, the legal protection that has been af-
forded our environment and endangered species by the
Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered
Species Act, and other laws is under serious attack by
those who profit from polluting industries and commer-
cial development of currendy protected ecosystems; and

Whereas, the rights of the people as a whole to a
healthy environment and other benefits of nature must
supersede rights of individuals to self-enrichment;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church petition the gov-
ernment of the United States to strengthen those laws
that protect our air, water, soil, plants, and animals,
especially endangered species; and

Be it further resolved, that copies of this resolution
be sent to the president and the vice-president of the
United States, to all members of both Houses of
Congress, to the speaker of the House of
Representatives, and to all announced candidates for
president of the United States.

The Nurturing Community

Petition Number: 22345-CS-NonDis-O; 7
Administrative Boards/Councils & 2 Individuals,
Leighton and Other UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

R^arding Parental Family Responsibility

We affirm the principle of parental responsibility in
families. TTie family in its varying forms is the fundamen-
tal unit of society and constitutes the primary focus of
love, nurture, and acceptance, bringing fulfillment to
both parents and children. Healthful, wholesome, and
complete personhood develops as one is loved and re-
sponds to that love, and in that relationship comes to
wholeness as a child of God.

Each married couple has both the right and the duty
prayerfully and responsibly to control conception ac-
cording to the circumstances of their family. In our view,
they are free to use those means of conception control
considered medically safe, including abstinence and
voluntary sterilization. The decision to conceive a child
must include acceptance of the parental responsibility
to provide for the child's spiritual, moral, mental, and
physical nurture and growth.

To support the sacred dimensions of personhood,
all reasonable efforts should be made by parents, other
family members, the community of faith, and the com-
munity at large to ensure, insofar as possible, that every
child is born vidth a healthy body and comes into an
environment conducive to healthy spiritual, moral, men-
tal, and physical nurture and growth so that the child
may develop his or her full potential and become a
constructive and positively contributing member of so-
ciety.

In accordance with the Scriptures, we believe that
all sexual intercourse with anyone other than one's
spouse is forbidden. Therefore, all unmarried persons
should abstain from sexual intercourse, thereby avoid-
ing conception and contributing to the development of
a community environment that is conducive to healthy
spiritual, moral, mental, and physical nurture and
growth.

When conception takes place and pregnancy
occurs, we believe that the resulting unborn life is a
human being and, therefore, has a right to be bom,
loved, and cared for. In those tragic cases where
continuance of pregnancy clearly endangers the life or
health of the mother, the path of mature Christian
judgment may indicate the consideration of abortion.
While we support the legal right of the mother to have
an abortion in these cases, we encourage her to counsel
with her husband, family, pastor, and doctor to make a
responsible decision concerning the personal and moral
questions of ending the life of her unborn child through
abortion or risking her own life by carrying the baby to
full term.

Petition Number: 22452-CS-NonDis-O; Dickerson,
Rusty, STX.

Adoption vs. Abortion:
Curbing Birth-Control Abortions

Whereas, the United Methodist position on abor-
tion (^ 71H) confirms our respect for the "sacredness
of life," the "well-being of the mother," and the "sanctity
(holiness) of the unborn human life" and emphasizes
that abortion should never be used as a "means of birth
control" or "gender selection"; and

Whereas, even the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the
research arm of Planned Parenthood, which is a pro-
choice organization, says that 90% of abortions are done
for birth control reasons and that only 6% of all abortions
are done for health-related problems (from their publi-
cation entitied Family Planning Perspectives) ; and

Whereas, the primary national voice of The United
Methodist Church on the abortion problem has been
that of United Methodist agency representatives' advo-
cation directly and through the Religious Coalition for
Reproductive Choice (formerly RCAR) for taxpayer-
funded abortions with no disclaimers against the 90% of
abortions performed for birth control and gender selec-
tion reasons; and

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DCA Advance Edition 11

Whereas, we vigorously support adoption as an
invaluable means of caring for children who would have
been aborted for any reason since we believethat "chil-
dren are a gift from God to be welcomed and received"
(^717); and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church still calls
itself a church of Jesus Christ the Savior, who came to
save lives deemed unwanted by the world;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference (a) promote The United Methodist
Church's clear opposition to the 90% of abortions per-
formed for birth control reasons; (b) proclaim the un-
profaned sanctity of pre-bom human life in light of the
Christian church's historic witness; (c) protect women
from economic, social, and legal inducements to seek
abortions and/or to use abortion-causing medications
flike RU-486 and its generics) ; (d) work to prevent the
public funding of abortions for birth control and gender
selection reasons; (e) protest experiments on human
fetuses, as well as in vitro or in vivo experimentation on
human embryos not obtained from natural abortion
(miscarriage); and most importantly, (f) that the Gen-
eral Conference provide funds for: 1) information and
resources to parents seeking to adopt children; 2) more
vigorous advertisement about maternity and adoption
centers, particularly those associated with The United
Methodist Church, such as the Methodist Mission
Home in San Antonio, Texas; 3) counseling of mothers,
married or unmarried, who are pregnant, but who are
having a difficult time deciding between abortion, adop-
tion, or keeping their baby, to encourage them to place
their pre-born babies in the adoption process (if they are
not going to keep the baby) because there are many
couples who are desperate to adopt a baby of any gender

Petition Number: 22587-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, St. Paul UMC, Gulf Breeze, FL

Sanctity of Life and Opposition to Abortion

Whereas, Scripture holds that all persons are
uniquely created in the image of God, from the time of
conception through development in the womb, and that
God perceives us as persons from conception Geremiah
1:4; Ephesians 1:4); and

Whereas, abortion at any stage in development is
the taking of a uniquely created human life; and

Whereas, nearly 30 million pre-bom lives have been
aborted in the United States since 1973, the vast majority
for reasons of birth control, convenience, and gender
selection; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has tradi-
tionally upheld the defense and support of those unable
to defend themselves;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference:

A. Promote the value and sanctity of the unborn life;

B. Seek all lawful means possible to eliminate elec-
tive abortions;

C. Oppose experimentation on elective abortion fe-
tuses;

D. Cease financial support to any United Methodist
agency and/or connected group tiiat advocates and
supports abortion.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence support, with all available resources, adoption
agencies, crisis pregnancy centers, homes for unwed
mothers, pro-life education programs, and all other pro-
life alternatives and legislation that undergird the above
position and fall within the Wesleyan tradition.

Petition Number: 22730-CS-NonDis-O$; Voice for Life,
South Georgia Annual Conference.

Establishment of a Ministry Promoting
the Sanctity of Human Life

We petition the General Conference to establish an
official and coordinated program through which the
Church's "commitment to the sanctity of unborn human
life" and "the sacredness and well-being of the mother"
(^ 71H) may be promoted at the denominational level.
This program would consist of a qualified United Meth-
odist in good standing, selected by the official Voice for
Life of the South Georgia Annual Conference and other
like-minded organizations in other conferences, who
would: a) promote, encourage, and coordinate nurturing
ministries at the local, district, and annual conference
levels to women who have chosen birth over abortion;
b) seek for both mother and child new ministries of
support which will reach well beyond the immediate
needs accompanying birth; c) promote, encourage, and
coordinate nurturing ministries at the local, district, and
annual conference levels to women who have chosen
abortion; and d) work to enhance and encourage, at the
denominational level, the option for life over abortion.

Petition Number: 22621-CS-NonDis-O; Congregation
+ Byroads, Marjorie, OH, First UMC, Bayou La Batre,
AL.

Membership in Religious Coalition
for Reproductive Choice

I petition that the Women's Division and the Board
of Church and Society withdraw their affiliation and
participation with the organization Religious Coalition
for Reproductive Choice. RCRC's goals and actions are
not compatible with our Church's stance on abortion as
stated in our Discipline in 1 71H. Therefore, United
Methodism should end its relationship with the Relig-
ious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and return our
Church to the historic Christian position on abortion.

Church and Society

1237

Petition Number: 22899-CS-NonDis-O; Friendly Hour
and Cornerstone Classes, First UMC, Crawfordville,
IN.

Support of the Religious Coalition
for Reproductive Choice

We, the members of the Friendly Hour Class of the
First United Methodist Church of Crawfordsville, Indi-
ana, call for the discontinuation of support by The United
Methodist Church of the Religious Coalition for Repro-
ductive Choice, an organization that lobbies for tax-
funded abortions and promotes abortion as a means of
birth control.

Petition Number: 22343-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action &, CIL.

Regarding Clinic Violence

Faithful and conscientious persons hold widely dif-
ferent convictions concerning abortion. Some oppo-
nents of abortion have publicly postulated a "justifiable
homicide" rationale for killing abortion providers. Esca-
lation of attacks on abortion clinics has resulted in the
murder of doctors, clinic office workers, and visitors and
constitutes domestic terrorism. Escalation of rhetoric on
all sides continues to push people apart and make useful
dialogue around common ground issues difficult.

The increase of violence, both in attitude and acts
of physical violence, calls all of us to:

1. repent of violence, turn toward attitudes of re-
spect, and seek areas of common ground between those
who call themselves pro-life and those who call them-
selves pro-choice;

2. reject and condemn the use of violence against
providers of legal services related to reproductive
health;

3. encourage local churches, annual conferences,
and General Conference agencies to speak out when-
ever such violence occurs.

Petition Number: 22342-CS-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Comprehensive Health Care

Whereas, the role of the church includes concern
for the whole person, including the physical body; and

Whereas, the church has a long and glorious history
of being involved in matters that affect the life of the
community; and

Whereas, the health of many citizens is being in-
vaded by illnesses that can be prevented with a change
of lifestyle; and

Whereas, the ability of citizens to receive quality
health care is directly related to income level; and

Wliereas, certain illnesses present themselves at an
alarming rate in minority communities, especially in the
Black community; and

Whereas, the church enjoys a presence in the mi-
nority community that makes it possible to initiate
change through the church; and

Whereas, it is incumbent upon the Body of Christ
to be about the work of Christ in bringing healing to the
people;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church support all movement toward the provision
of quality health care, regardless of race, gender, ethnic-
ity, and economic status; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church initiate discussions with other denominations,
regarding serving as catalysts for becoming the fiscal
intermediary for new and progressive methods of pro-
viding health insurance to the otherwise uninsured.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church explore the possibility of creating parish staff
positions that would address the physical health needs
of congregations.

Petition Number: 22461-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

A National Health Care Program

The United Methodist Church and its predecessors
have a long history ofcommitment to health and healing.
Many of the nation's finest medical institutions were
founded by the people called Methodist to meet a des-
perate need for health care and healing in a young
nation. Today our nation faces a different kind of health
crisis, but the Church's calling to heal the sick remains.
Only the means have changed.

The health care system in the United States is a
patchwork of private practitioners, HMO's, Medicare,
Medicaid, private insurance plans, employer insurance
plans, etc. Recent and current attempts by Congress to
"reform" Medicare and Medicaid threaten to reduce the
benefits and quality of care in these programs and to
further increase the number of Americans without medi-
cal care. Over 37 million Americans are without any
medical insurance, and their number is growing.

Much of the reason for the rapidly rising cost of
medical care lies in the layers of bureaucracy in the
present system. The amount of duplication and waste
caused by the layers of claims, review, monitoring, mul-
tiple billing and collection is staggering. In addition,
efforts to cut costs by offering lower rates to healthy
people often forces those most in need of care into
expensive programs or leaves them without minimal
care.

The best solution to the present crisis is a system of
universal health care administered by the government

1238

DCA Advance Edition II

or by a government chartered agency such as the Social
Security System. Health care would be available to all
Americans on an equal basis, paid for by tax dollars. The
cost of administering the program would be greatiy
reduced with the elimination of bureaucratic layers and
mountains of paperwork.

Such a program of universal health care, sometimes
called a Single Payer System, has been vigorously op-
posed by insurance companies and by the private plans,
which profit most from the present wasteful and unjust
system. They have spent millions of dollars in a barrage
of advertising attacking proposals for such a program.
We lament that this has prevented universal health care
from receiving a fair hearing by the American people.

To address this problem. The United Methodist
Church:

1) directs the General Board of Church and Society
to prepare materials to facilitate a dialogue on universal
health care within The United Methodist Church; and

2) calls upon the U.S. administration and Congress
to enact a system of tax-funded universal health care.

Petition Number: 22466-CS-NonDis-O; Phillips,
Richard G., Trinity UMC, Chillicothe, OH.

Church PoUcy to be Constructed to Express
Encouragement for Involvement of Both Parents

Be it resolved, that areas of official policy be con-
structed for the Church to express encouragement of
the active involvement of both parents in a child's life,
especially in instances when the parents are no longer
together in a relationship. These areas of policy must
also discourage legal means by which one of the parents
in a domestic relations case is either forced out of or
greatly diminished in a child's life.

The need for these areas of policy can be justified
by statistics comparing children raised in two parent
homes to those raised in fatherless homes. These statis-
tics include the following findings:

• increased rate of teen pregnancy

• decreased academic performance

• lower graduation rates

• increased rates of juvenile delinquency

• increased rates of drug abuse

increased likelihood of abuse, including sexual
abuse, by a non-related person such as a boyfriend or
step parent

Petition Number: 22344-CS-R125-U; 8 Adm.
Boards/Councils & 3 Individuals, Leighton and Other
UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding "Responsible Parenthood"

Delete "Responsible Parenthood," pages 125-128,
from the Book of Resolutions.

Petition Number: 22506-CS-R125-U; Church
Conference, Old Zion and Big Bend UMC, Emlenton,
PA.

Responsible Parenthood

Amend "Responsible Parenthood," pages 125-128:

[Delete paragraphs 4 and 5 and replace with the
following text.] The Ijeginning of life and the ending
of life are the God-given boundaries of human
existence. While individuals have always had
some degree of control over when they would die,
they now have the awesome power to determine
when and even whether new individuals will be
bom. Our belief in the sanctity of xmbom human
life makes us extremely reluctant to approve abor-
tion. We recognize God's infinite wisdom in all
matters of conception of life and development of
that life. Certain conditions may occur that the life
of the child or serious health problems of the
mother could be a major concern. In those in-
stances, we believe that after much consultation
with the pastor, family, father of the child, and
guidance of God, in accordance with Jesus' teach-
ings to act with love in all matters, an abortion may
be warranted. In the decision process of these
matters, those parties involved must realize that
all of them shall be accountable not to humankind,
but to God.

5. [Second sentence] We support first and fore-
most abstinence, then the free flow of informa-
tion...and increased participation in family planning
services that do not support abortion only by public
and private agencies,...

7. [Delete.]

98. Assist the states to make provisions in law and
practice for treating as adults minors who have, or think
they have, venereal a sexually transmitted diseases,
or female minors who are, or think they are, pregnant,
thereby eliminating the legal necessity for notifying
parents or guardians prior to care and treatment. Paren-
tal support is crucially important and most desirable on
such occasions, but needed treatment ought not be
contingent on such support.

mo. View parenthood in the widest possible
framework, recognizing Recognize that many children
of the world today desperately need functioning parental
figures and also understandtflg that adults can realize...

Church and Society

1239

PeUtion Number: 22616-CS-R126-U; Church
Conference, Van and Hill City UMC. Cranberry, PA

Responsible Parenthood

Amend "Responsible Parenthood," pages 125-128:

[Delete fourth paragraph.]

(Fifth paragraph] When, an unacceptable through
contraceptive or human failure, a pregnancy oc-
curs,...endangers the life or health of the niotherr-ef
po9C9 other serious problems concerning the life,
health, or mental capacity of the child to be, is not a
moral necessity.... We support strongly oppose the le-
gal right to abortion...

5. [Second sentence] We support first and fore-
most abstinence, then the free flow of informa-
tion...family planning services that do not support
abortion by public and private agencies,...

7. [Delete.]

98. Assist the states to make provisions in law and
practice for treating as adults minors who have, or think
they have, venereal a sexually-transmitted disease,
or female minors who are, or think they are, pregnant,
thereby eliminating the legal necessity for notifying
parents.. .on such occasions, but needed treatment
ought not be contingent on such support.

iilO. View parenthood in the widest possible
framework, — recognizing Recognize that many
children. ..and also understanding that adults can
realize...

Petition Number: 22887-CS-NonDis-O; Work Area of
Church and Society, Williamsburg UMC,
Williamsburg, VA

Responsible Parenthood

Retain "Responsible Parenthood," pages 125-128 in
the Book of Resolutions.

Petition Number: 20061-CS-NonDis-O; Ostertag.
Frank, NNJ.

Affirm the Present Language on Homosexuals

I encourage you to retain the present language in
the church Social Principles regarding our welcoming
all persons, yet not condoning the practice of
homosexuality. Gospel hospitality does not allow for
even greater toleration of social license.

Petition Number: 20123-CS-NonDis-O; Abiade, Zawdie
Dr., WML

Study on Homosexuality

I request that general boards and agencies, jurisdic-
tions, conferences and local congregations reference

materials from Exodus International for continued study
on the issue of homosexuality.

Petition Number: 20973-CS-NonDis-O; Berman, Carol
Bauer, St. John's of Baltimore UMC, Baltimore, MD.

"Open the Door" to All God's Children

Include language in the Social Principles that does
not point a finger at/not forgive/not accept people who
happen to have a different sexual orientation than the
majority of God's children. It is time for United Method-
ists to truly be inclusive — to be the church that loves/ac-
cepts everyone. I prayerfully extend this plea and
invitation to "Open the Door" to all God's children.

Petition Number: 20984-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, DK.

Human Sexuality

The historical, biblical and doctrinal position of The
United Methodist Church is and has been that homo-
sexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. The
meaning of this is that the true United Methodist
Church holds the historical, biblical, doctrinal position
that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teach-
ing. And since those who are true to the historical,
biblical, and doctrinal position of The United Methodist
Church, that is are true United Methodists, are those
who agree with and affirm the position that homosexu-
ality is incompatible with Christian teaching.

It must be seen, therefore, that those who are trying
to change the historical, biblical, doctrinal position on
homosexuality are not in agreement with the historical,
biblical, and doctrinal standards of The United Method-
ist Church and are, therefore, outside of the true United
Methodist Church.

Therefore, be it resolved that if the General Confer-
ence passes any petition/resolution that changes The
United Methodist Church's historical, biblical, doctrinal
standards in regard to homosexuality, we call the Gen-
eral Conference to dissolve The United Methodist
Church and turn all assets of The United Methodist
Church over to those who are true United Methodists,
that is, those who hold to the historical, biblical, doc-
trinal standard that homosexuality is incompatible with
Christian teaching.

Petition Number: 22339-CS-NonDis-O; Lum, Allen H..

NNY.

The Homosexual Issue

It is very disturbing to realize that many United
Methodists are becoming polarized and opposed over
the homosexual issue. Arguments are grounded in
Scripture, experience, tradition, and reason. I hope Gen-
eral Conference will resolve the issue.

A person born heterosexual or homosexual cannot
change his or her sexual orientation. If on the border-

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DCA Advance Edition II

line, maybe so. But there is evidence of intolerance and
unequal rights across the country and the Church.

Individuals are of sacred worth, then let's get legis-
lation that makes this clear in the Social Principles and
give them equal civil rights. There must be a celebration
and recognition of individuals' commitments and have
this recognized and honored by all, if rights are to be
equal; otherwise, we live a lie and become judgmental,
as Romans 2 proclaims.

Let's not get hung up like Washington, DC, officials
and representatives, who are bogged down. Listen to the
people you represent.

Petition Number: 22340-CS-NonDis-O; White,
Michael L, AFL.

An Official Denominational Stance
on Homosexuality

Whereas, The United Methodist Church professes
to accept and teach scriptural theology as contained in
both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible; and

Whereas, Scripture is the primary of our four funda-
mental bases for religious faith and practice in John
Wesley's "Quadrilateral"; and

Whereas, the Bible is very explicit throughout both
Testaments regarding God's abhorrence and condem-
nation of the practice of homosexuality (see Leviticus
18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1
Timothy 1:8-11); and

Whereas, the rejection of the sin of homosexuality
is not to be construed as a rejection of those homosexual
persons making repentance and seeking grace and par-
don from God and the Church, nor is it to be construed
as a shirking of the Church's responsibility to evangelize
those still deeply entrenched in the homosexual lifestyle
just as much as those entangled in any other sin;

Therefore, be it resolved, that since God is so clear
in the Bible about his commandment concerning homo-
sexuality that we, as a highly visible, world-wide Church,
do hereby proclaim God's standard of holiness and
moral righteousness and forbid ever after consideration
of the questions of ordination of homosexuals for minis-
try or the acceptance of the homosexual orientation/life-
style in The United Methodist Church; and

Be it further resolved, that United Methodist con-
gregations, pastors and/or other Church leaders who
insist on defying this stance of the Church as it is based
upon God's statute will be disciplined in accordance with
procedures in applicable paragraphs of the Book of Dis-
cipline.

Petition Number: 22346-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Manchester, TN.

Reaffirm the Discipline's Position
on Homosexuality

The First United Methodist Church of Manchester,
Tennessee, petitions the 1996 General Conference to
reaffirm the Discipline's position on homosexuality and
take appropriate measures to ensure timely enforce-
ment thereof.

Petition Number: 22347-CS-NonDis-0$; 33 Members,
Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Human Sexuality Ciuricula Task Force

Whereas, our "Social Principles" state: "We recog-
nize that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We
believe persons may be fully human only when that gift
is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the
Church, and society. We call all persons to the disci-
plined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others,
and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also
recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift
and encourage the medical, theological, and social sci-
ence disciplines to combine in a determined effort to
understand human sexuality more completely. We call
the Church to take the leadership role in bringing to-
gether these disciplines to address this most complex
issue. Further, within the context of our understanding
of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us
to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of
expression."

Whereas, the current study material entitled The
Church Studies Homosexuality deviates from our princi-
ple that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons; and

Whereas, our "Social Principles" recognize God's
good gift of sexuality as a whole, and these principles do
not differentiate between different expressions of this
gift; and

Whereas, the process for understanding human
sexuality needs to be continued; and

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individu-
als continue to benefit from open and informed discus-
sion about sexuality; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has yet to
develop study materials that address an understanding
of sexuality as God's good gift to all persons;

Therefore, we petition the General Conference to
discourage the further use of The Church Studies Homo-
sexuality, and

We petition the General Conference to authorize a
task force to develop educational material that reflects
the "Social Principles'" statement of human sexuality as
God's gift to all persons.

Church and Society

1241

Petition Number: 22504-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

Use of The Church Study on Homosexuality

Whereas, our Social Principles state: "We recognize
that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We
believe persons may be fully human only when that gift
is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the
Church, and society. We call all persons to the disci-
plined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others,
and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also
recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift
and encourage the medical, theological, and social sci-
ence disciplines to combine in a determined effort to
understand human sexuality more completely. We call
the Church to take the leadership role in bringing to-
gether these disciplines to address this most complex
issue. Further, within the context of our understanding
of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us
to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of
expression" CJ 71F); and

Whereas, the Committee to Study Homosexuality
provided a meaningful model and process of study,
prayer, reflection, and action of a complex and signifi-
cant issue facing United Methodists; and

Whereas, the study resource includes stories of
individuals struggling and growing, sharing their under-
standing of faithfulness to the mind of Christ; and

Whereas, the use of these materials expands our
spiritual grow1;h in understanding God's good gift of
human sexuality; and

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individu-
als continue to benefit from open and informed discus-
sion about homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the annual confer-
ences are urged to support the use of this study; and

Be it further resolved, that the Council of Bishops
is encouraged to use the study; and

Be it further resolved, that the Board of Discipleship
facilitate the use of the study in church school, retreat,
district Council on Ministries, and other settings.

Petition Number: 22453-CS-NonDis-O; Billings, James
J.,FirstUMC,DelRio,TX.

Church and Homosexuals

ft seems to me that if God were so powerfully op-
posed to acts of homosexuality and viewed homosexuals
with such contempt as some people seem to think, God
would have put that in the list of commandments forbid-
ding such conduct. Evidently God did not think that acts
of homosexuality were worthy of a commandment, just
activities like committing adultery, killing, stealing, cov-
eting the neighbor's wife, or working on the Sabbath.
These were apparently very terrible sins in the sight of
God. Yet I feel sure that The United Methodist Church

and many other churches have members who have
violated one or more of these commandments. These
people, as far as I can discern, are not excluded from the
Church; yet homosexuals are branded as sinners and
are not allowed to preach or participate in certain
Church rites.

Regarding The United Methodist Church and other
churches, I think that the most they can legitimately say
is, "We don't want homosexuals in our Church." This is
somewhat the way it was previously with Blacks. Such
a statement, in addition to being honest, is more in
accord with what the average church member thinks
and is straightforward with no room for argument.

Therefore, I suggest that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church simply state: "We
don't want homosexuals in our Church." ft the Church
cannot make that simple statement, then I suggest that
the Church leave the judging and condemning to God,
whether homosexuals are sinners or not. I suggest fur-
ther that the Church grant homosexuals the full privi-
lege of membership in the Church, as it does for people
who commit adultery, worship money, worship corpora-
tions, worship the Bible, worship the nation, or covet the
neighbor's wife.

Petition Number: 22456-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Use of The Church Studies Homosexuality

Whereas, our Social Principles state: "We recognize
that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We
believe persons may be fully human only when that gift
is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the
Church, and society. We call all persons to the disci-
plined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others,
and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also
recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift
and encourage the medical, theological, and social sci-
ence disciplines to combine in a determined effort to
understand human sexuality more completely. We call
the Church to take the leadership role in bringing to-
gether these disciplines to address this most complex
issue. Further, within the context of our understanding
of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us
to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of
expression" CJ 71F); and

Whereas, the Committee to Study Homosexuality
provided a meaningful model and process of study,
prayer, reflection, and action of a complex and signifi-
cant issue facing United Methodists; and

Whereas, the study resource includes stories of
individuals struggling and growing, sharing their under-
standing of faithfulness to the mind of Christ; and

Whereas, the use of these materials expands our
spiritual growth in understanding God's good gift of
human sexuality; and

1242

DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individu-
als continue to benefit from open and informed discus-
sion about homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, 1) that the annual confer-
ences and congregations are urged to support the use
of this study; 2) that the Council of Bishops is asked to
engage in the study in its own gatherings; and 3) that
the General Board of Discipleship is urged to promote
the use of the study in Church schools, retreats, Council
on Ministry meetings, congregations, and other settings
and to report upon the board's efforts and achievements
to the next General Conference.

Petition Number: 22457-CS-NonDis-O; Fellowship
Sunday School Class, First UMC, Liberty, TX.

Human Sexuality

We, the undersigned members of the Fellowship
Sunday School Class of the First United Methodist
Church of Liberty, Texas (Texas Conference), hereby
respectfully petition the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church as follows:

(1) To request that the General Conference strin-
gently monitor violations of ^ 906.12 of the Book of
Discipline, which prohibits the use of United Methodist
monies to promote the acceptance of homosexuality,
whether by the General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns, or by any other agency of
The United Methodist Church;

(2) To request that the General Conference
promptly call for the removal, or at least the censure, of
any United Methodist official or agency that violates said
^906.12;

(3) To request, in particular, that the General Con-
ference call for the immediate removal, or at least the
censure, or Jeanne Audrey Powers, the United Method-
ist official who, as associate general secretary of the
General Commission on Christian Unity and Interre-
ligious Concerns, on July 15, 1995, in an address to the
"Reconciling Congregations Convention" in Minneapo-
lis, Minnesota, publicly announced that she was a les-
bian and went on to describe as "false teaching" the
position of The United Methodist Church, as set out in
the Discipline, that homosexuality and lesbianism are
incompatible with Christian teaching; and

(4) Generally, to request that the General Confer-
ence condemn and not affirm homosexuality and lesbi-
anism in all areas of The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 22458-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Christian Endeavor UMC, Newark, OH.

Homosexual Advocacy

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who
put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put
bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.. ..Therefore, as
tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down

in flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow
away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord
Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of
Israel. Therefore, the Lord's anger burns against his
people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down"
asaiah5:20,24,25).

'The earth is defiled by its people; they have dis-
obeyed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the
everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the
earth; its people must bear their guilt" (Isaiah 24:5, 6).

Specifically, with regard to homosexuality, the Bible
says:

"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman ; that
is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22).

"K a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman,
both of them have done what is detestable. They must
be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads"
(Leviticus 20:13).

"No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine
prostitute" (Deuteronomy 23:17).

'The wrath of God is being revealed fi-om heaven
against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who
suppress the truth by their wickedness.. ..For although
they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor
gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and
their foolish hearts were darkened.... Therefore God
gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts to
sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with
one another.. .Because of this, God gave them over to
shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural
relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men
also abandoned natural relations with women and were
inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed
indecent acts with other men, and received in them-
selves the due penalty for their perversion.. ..Although
they know God's righteous decree, that those who do
such things deserve death, they not only continue to do
these very things, but also approve of those who practice
them" (Romans 1:18, 21, 24, 26, 32).

"We also know that law is made not for the righteous
but for... adulterers and perverts" (1 Timothy 1:9, 10).
[Greek word translated "perverts" is also translated
"sodomites."]

"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit
the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the
sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male
prostitutes nor homosexual offenders... wdll inherit the
kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).

The United Methodist Social Principles affirm:

"Although all persons are sexual beings whether or
not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly
affirmed in the marriage bond.. ..we do not condone the
practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching" (^ 71F)-

Church and Society

1243

"We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant
which is expressed in. ..shared fidelity between a man
and a woman" (^710.

Therefore, The United Methodist Church must op-
pose giving homosexuality legitimacy; giving marital or
family status or benefits to homosexual unions; or giving
any special consideration, rights, protections, or privi-
leges (over the basic rights accorded to all citizens) in
society or the Church on the basis of [homo] sexual
orientation. In harmony with ^ 402.2, The United Meth-
odist Church must oppose efforts to ordain or appoint
practicing homosexuals as pastors or leaders in the
Church.

We further resolve that the conference secretary,
within 10 days of the close of this session, communicate
this position to the United Methodist General Board of
Church and Society, to both houses of the U.S. Con-
gress, and to the President of the United States.

Petition Number: 22510-CS-NonDis-O$; Mission, C &
S Committee and Adm. Council, St. Paul and St.
Andrew UMC, New York, NY.

A Reconciling Denomination

Whereas, for over 25 years The United Methodist
Church has incidentally, rather than systematically,
struggled with the issues raised by gay and lesbian
Christians in the Church; and

Whereas, the current stand of treating homosexu-
ality as a sinful "practice" CH 71F) contradicts the posi-
tion that homosexuality is an identity requiring
protection of civil rights ("J 71G) ; and

Whereas, many biblical prohibitions on issues such
as gender, slavery, diet, and dress have been deemed
limited by time and culture, while those that reinforce
the current cultural bias against homosexual persons
are held to be literally true and applicable today; and

Whereas, Jesus did not say anything either for or
against homosexuality but was very clear about treating
people jusdy and with compassion; and

Whereas, St. Paul's criticism of same gender sexual
relations were in the context of irresponsibility, cult
practices, and general chaos in some early churches and
not in the context of loving, constructive relationships;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, at all levels of its organizational structure,
embark on an eight-year study process on becoming a
Reconciling Denomination; and

TTierefore, be it further resolved, that the staff of the
General Board of Church and Society work directly with
staff of the Reconciling Congregation Program to de-
velop a plan for implementing the study in the United
States' United Methodist churches; and

Therefore, be it further resolved, that the General
Conference of The United Methodist Church vote in the

year- 2004 on whether or not to become a Reconciling
Denomination, which accepts as full members with all
rights and responsibilities all those who are disciples of
Jesus Christ and choose to be members of The United
Methodist Church, regardless of sexual orientation.

Petition Number: 22586-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, St. Paul UMC, Gulf Breeze, FL

Homosexuality

Whereas, Scripture is the inspired Word of God,
revealing to us the heart and mind of God and capable
of instruction in matters of faith and life, revealing to us
God's will and way for humankind; and

Whereas, Scripture, tradition, reason, and experi-
ence have shown that Christ died for sinners and that
they can become new persons in Christ (2 Corinthians
5:17); and

Whereas, Scripture and the Christian tradition hold
that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with
Christian teaching; and

Whereas, the Social Principles of the Book of Disci-
pline affirm and uphold this biblical and traditional posi-
tion regarding the practice of homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference maintain and uphold this scriptural and
traditional moral stance by:

A Clearly stating its opposition to this un-Christian
and unbiblical lifestyle;

B. Holding firm the present stance of The United
Methodist Church against the ordination of self-avowed
practicing homosexuals;

C. Not electing or appointing practicing homosexu-
als to positions of leadership in the Church;

D. Allowing no monies to go to any agency or group
that supports and/or advocates homosexual and/or gay
lifestyles.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence develop ministries to help homosexual and/or gay
individuals experience a spiritual and moral transforma-
tion.

Petition Number: 22651-CS-NonDis-O; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

A Moratorium on Homosexuality Legislation

Be it resolved, that a legislative moratorium on all
homosexuality legislative proposals be declared for the
next four years until after the end of the General Con-
ference of 2000.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Petition Number: 22652-CS-NonDis-O; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding Whether Same Sex Unions are
Properly Called Christian Marriage

Christian marriage is by definition an enduring
covenant between one male and one female, since it is
grounded in the potential gift of sexual generativity,
bonded with a solemn promise of enduring mutual com-
mitment in the service of holy matrimony, and offered
up in the presence of God and the community of faith so
as to provide a nurturing environment for parenting
children, the most precious gift that can come from
sexuality.

Classic Christian teaching views it as an oxymoron
that persons of the same sex might be feigned in God's
presence as being married in valid holy matrimony,
though they may indeed have enduring friendships and
may, as all of us sinners may, receive the forgiving grace
of baptism and eucharist. Such liaisons, even if loving
and continuing, shall not receive the Church's blessing
as though they are on the same standing or level of
legitimization as enduring fidelity in monogamous mari-
tal covenant.

Petition Number: 22728-CS-NonDis-O; Schaning,
Gary T., Emanuel UMC, Baraboo, WI.

Hiunan Sexuality

Retain the Discipline language concerning homo-
sexuality without change.

Petition Number: 22888-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Wauhatchie UMC, Chattanooga, TN.

Church's Stand on Homosexuality

Whereas, the Bible clearly teaches that we should
love everyone but not condone sinful actions; and

Whereas, the Bible clearly teaches that homosexu-
ality is wrong; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has an
appropriate stand on homosexuality and clearly states
that homosexuality is not appropriate for a Christian;

We petition General Conference to leave all Disci-
pline paragraphs as they are or restrict our Church's
acceptance of homosexuality further. But do nothing
that would make homosexuality more acceptable.

Petition Number: 20004-CS-NonDis-O; Wilson,
Wayne, Hughes United Methodist, Wheaton, MD.

Support Rights to Object to an Autopsy
on Religious Grounds

In technical terms, an autopsy consists of an exter-
nal and internal examination of a body to identify all
evidence of injuries and abnormalities that will assist a
pathologist to determine the cause of death. In layman's

terms, an autopsy is a process where one's heart, lungs,
liver, intestines, stomach, genitals, brain, etc., are re-
moved from the body, cut up into small pieces, and
studied individually for evidence of abnormaUties.

Most people understand that autopsies are per-
formed to determine the cause of death. They assume
that this has some medical value. Actually, unless re-
quested by a doctor or an individual, autopsies are not
performed for any medical reason whatsoever. Autop-
sies are performed to determine if criminal neglect was
the cause of death, or to determine if a crime was
committed. The chief medical examiner submits his
autopsy report to the state's attorney general where it is
filed for use by lawyers should some legality arise.

Maryland state law (Article 5-309) and the laws of
most other states give the medical examiner permission
to autopsy any person who dies when not under the care
of a physician. This includes people who die in their
sleep, by violence, suicide, accident, fire, drowning, or
disease. Even if you die in a hospital while under a
doctor's care, you may be autopsied. The law requires
hospitals to autopsy 25% of the deaths which occur in
hospitals to maintain their credentials. At least, a hospi-
tal will ask for permission to do an autopsy. The medical
examiner does not need your permission, and in most
cases the next of kin will not ever know that an autopsy
was performed.

Maryland state law allows a person to object to an
autopsy for religious reasons; however, few people know
this. Even if you know the law, and you do object, the
medical examiner can override your objection if he
thinks there is just cause.

The laws on autopsy in Maryland are written so
loosely that the state's medical examiner has full author-
ity to determine who he, or she, will autopsy, how or
where the autopsy will be performed, and what is done
with the body parts after they are removed. Up until
about five years ago, Maryland either incinerated the
body parts or sent them to the county dump. The District
of Columbia and a New Jersey medical examiner have
been charged with distributing body parts to universi-
ties and research institutions without permission from
the deceased or the next of kin.

Most medical examiners are affiliated with univer-
sities in one way or another, and they are expected to
provide body parts to the universities in return for high-
paid professorships. The latest suggestion from re-
search personnel is to remove eggs from female corpses
and to fertilize them with the sperm from male corpses
in a petri dish to study fetal development. This is also
being considered for gene research, and it can be as-
sumed that such things have already been done.

This is a terrible violation of a person's privacy. It is
wrong, yet there is no law to protect a person after death.
Presently, the only protection we have against this abuse
is to object on religious grounds. I consequently request
that the United Methodist Church go on record to sup-

Church and Society

1245

port those of us who would object to an autopsy on
religious grounds.

Petition Number: 22349-CS-NonDis-O; Cottrell, David
R, WOH.

Total Tissue Transplant Program

Whereas, the Church has historically stood in de-
fense of those who suffer, without regard to their station
in life; and

Whereas, that defense understandably will entail
the willingness of the Church to oppose certain practices
of society, even if some such practices enjoy the protec-
tion of law; and

Whereas, the Fetal Tissue Transplant Program,
since its receipt of federal monies in 1993, has acceler-
ated its practices, some of which admittedly include the
removal of organs from still-living aborted fetuses; and

Whereas, the medical community itself is unable to
reach a consensus on the long-term effectiveness of
some of the fetal tissue experiments; and

Whereas, the church of Jesus Christ remains the
only advocate that many of these pre-boms have, and
given the stated "belief in the sanctity of unborn human
life" (^ 71 of the "Social Principles"); and

Whereas, the use of tissue from aborted fetuses can
lead to further dehumanization of the human person
while also leading to rationalizations and more wide-
spread instances of abortion as researchers call for more
organs (from anelecephics, and from other handicapped
and non-handicapped persons) ;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence voice its opposition to any experimentation employ-
ing organs or tissue from aborted fetuses, either living
or dead.

Petition Number: 23024-CS-NonDis-O; Willis,
Clarence J., The United Methodist Church of
Bernardsville, Bernardsville, NJ.

Worth of a Life of Service

Whereas, the choice of a career is one of the most
important decisions a young person must make; and

Whereas, many people in mid-life are faced with the
necessity of obtaining the knowledge and skills required
for a change in career; and

Whereas, increasingly, older people are facing peri-
ods of many years duration when they are not gainfully
employed; and

Whereas, the Church is uniquely able to provide the
guidance needed to help individuals make choices that
will enable them to live satisfying lives of productive
activity, basing their decisions on the rewards of service
to others rather than merely material gain;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence urge its laity and clergy, individually and through
its commissions, boards, and agencies, to actively pro-
mote the idea of the worth of a life of service, whether it
is in great matters or small; and

Let it further be resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church urge everyone, of whatever faith or station in
life, to hold in high regard not those who have acquired
great wealth but those who have served society.

The Social Community

Petition Number: 22508-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Abundant Living - Sustainable Lifestyle

We strongly urge the adoption of the new resolution
"Abundant Living-A Sustainable Lifestyle," being pro-
posed by the General Board of Church and Society.

Petition Number: 20025-CS-NonDis-O$; Holmes,
Kilton, Arlington United Methodist Church, Poynette,

WI.

Task Force to Study Food Distribution in the
United States to Low Income Persons

I am petitioning the United Methodist General Con-
ference to set up a task force to study food distribution
in the United States for low income poverty people. The
mission of the task force is to see if people not getting
the nutrition they need is because of how the food is
distributed, working on the assumption there is plenty
of food in the U.S., and if the response of The United
Methodist Church is adequate.

Petition Number: 22454-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Call for a Rebirth of Compassion

The great strength of U.S. society has always been
that its citizens believed that despite hardship, inequi-
ties, and injustice, the system has the capacity to be
fundamentally fair and offers the possibility of a better
life to all its citizens. This belief, despite segregation, led
Blacks to work to reform and not overthrow the system.
It led women, despite patriarchy and discrimination, to
demand and work for full participation in the system. In
the worst social crisis of this century, the Great Depres-
sion, widespread unrest and upheaval was avoided when
the system moved quickly to assist the poor and the
unemployed. In these times of crisis, the U.S. people
have joined together for the common good, drawing
upon a deep-seated sense of fairness and compassion
rooted in their religious and ethical traditions.

Today, this "social contract," which has been the
glue holding together a nation as diverse as any in the
world, is being replaced by a new spirit of divisiveness
and narrow self-interest. It is as though the challenge of

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DCA Advance Edition II

John F. Kennedy, "Ask what you can do for your coun-
try," has been changed to "Ask only what's in it for you."
This has led to a massive upward redistribution of wealth
in U.S. society until today the top 5% have more wealth
than the bottom 40% combined. Conspicuous consump-
tion and waste goes hand in hand with rising homeless-
ness, children bom into poverty and the elderly forced
into it. As this process continues, middle America, for
the first time since the Depression, has seen its standard
of living decline and can no longer expect the next
generation to have a better life.

The response of our political leadership to this crisis
has been to point the fmger of blame at those deemed
responsible — the poor. In a "big lie" reminiscent of Nazi
Germany, the problems of U.S. society are blamed on
teenage mothers, welfare recipients, racial minorities,
women's liberation, programs of social welfare, and ho-
mosexuals.

Encouraged by demagogic politicians, mean-spir-
ited talk-show hosts, and millionaire tele-evangelists, the
social contract that has bound this nation together since
the Civil War is being systematically unraveled, with the
result that increasing numbers of Americans are forced
into poverty, unemployment, low-wage jobs, and home-
lessness, while their children are denied the education
that once promised that children of poverty could aspire
to a better life than that of their parents. The direction
is clear: as economic and social conditions worsen, those
who benefit from injustice and inequality will become
increasingly strident in placing blame on the poor and
the powerless; and the downward spiral will continue
until the nation explodes in civil unrest and the repres-
sion of a police state.

In such a climate of anger, violence, and stridency,
even Jesus would be derided were he to call in to one of
the popular talk shows and call for a rebirth of compas-
sion. There are few politicians in either major party who
are willing to challenge the ethics of selfishness, greed,
and scapegoating, which characterize politics today.
Too few voices challenge the culture of sex, violence,
self-indulgence, and instant gratification spewed into
millions of homes 24 hours a day.

We believe that it is to such a time and such a
mission that God is calling the church 2000 years after
the Savior's birth. It is the unique mission of the religious
community to call this nation to a rebirth of compassion.
How prophetic today are the words of Jesus, quoting
Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has
sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery
of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to
proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18).

In this spirit, we call upon United Methodists
throughout the land not only to feed the hungry and
house the homeless, but to work for policies that will
end hunger and homelessness. We call upon our bish-
ops to speak boldly for those who cannot speak for
themselves — against economic policies that benefit the

few at the expense of the many, against violence toward
women and homosexuals, and against the continued
militarization of a nation with no external threat.

We call on our people to support candidates for
office who are committed to policies of fuU employment,
universal health insurance, long-term health care, qual-
ity public education for all children, reduced military
spending, and progressive taxation.

Finally, we call on our churches to reach out in love
and compassion to all persons, regardless of race, eco-
nomic condition, sexual preference, and religious per-
suasion, becoming beacons of love in a stormy sea of
hatred, discrimination, and violence. Let us be signs of
the coming reign of God in our midst — a reign marked
by compassion and justice.

Petition Number: 22337-CS-R235-U;CIL.

Regarding Tobacco Marketing

Amend "Drug and Alcohol Concerns," Section HI.
Tobacco, by adding new text after the first paragraph on
page 235:

Since 1992, tiie marketing of tobacco in devel-
oping countiies has intensified. The resistance of
the tobacco industry to health regulations has
hardened. The evidence of the human suffering
due to tobacco use has continued to mount, and
the denials and equivocation of tobacco industry
leaders on this m-gent health issue have as-
tounded and alarmed the public. Tobacco compa-
nies have become owners and marketers of many
leading food brands.

The industry leaders are Phihp Morris, which
sells Marlboro, Chesterfield, Maretti, Lark, Am-
bassador, L&M, Parliament, Alpine, Cambridge,
Merit, Bristol, Bucks, Benson & Hedges, and Vir-
ginia Slims cigarettes while marketing many com-
mon food products, including Kraft, General
Foods, Oscar Mayer, Miller Brewing, Post Cere-
als, Entenmann's, Jell-0, Log Cabin, Maxwell
House, Kool-Aid, Uncle Ben's, Country Time, Mir-
acle Whip, Parkay, Cracker Barrel, Tang, and
Velveeta; and RJR Nabisco, which entices untold
numbers of young people into tobacco use
through Joe Camel cartoon advertising.

Public concern about the marketing strategies
of the tobacco industry, especially as they affect
children and youth and persons in developing
countries, has generated a growing grassroots
movement of education and action coordinated by
INFACT.

Add new text after number 4:

5. We commend the General Board of Pen-
sions for its longtime exclusion of tobacco manu-
facturers fi-om its portfolio of securities and ask it
to intensify dialogue with public media in which it

Church and Society

1247

is part owner and which carries advertising or pro-
motion of tobacco products.

6. We ask all United Methodist agencies and
related institutions to establish purchasing poli-
cies that take into account the Church's Social
Principles and resolutions on tobacco concerns,
and specifically to consider the role of Philip Mor-
ris and RTR Nabisco in tobacco marketing as a
factor in any decision as to whether to buy a food
product manufactured by Philip Morris or RJR
Nabisco.

7. We instruct the United Methodist Associa-
tion of Health and Welfare Ministries and the
Board of Higher Education and Ministry to com-
municate, interpret, and advocate for this concern
with their affiliated institutions.

8. We ask all local chiu-ches, annual confer-
ences, and chiu-ch members also to take into ac-
count the Church's position on tobacco use and
marketing when making decisions about purchas-
ing food products from Philip Morris and RJR
Nabisco.

9. We direct the General Board of Church and
Society to communicate this resolution to the to-
bacco companies, serve as continuing advocate of
the United Methodist position with The United
Methodist Church and with the companies, and
monitor the implementation of this resolution for
report at the next General Conference.

10. We request that the General Board of
Church and Society explore the institution of a
formal United Methodist boycott of all Philip Mor-
ris and RJR Nabisco products, following the
"Guidelines for Initiating or Joining an Economic
Boycott" adopted in 1988 (1992 Book of Resolu-
tions, pages 423-426), and make a specific recom-
mendation regarding such a boycott at the next
General Conference.

Petition Number: 22653-CS-R372-U; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding Obsolete Data

I petition that Part II of the resolution entitled "The
Status of Women," pages 372-374, be rescinded and
removed from the 1996 Boo^ of Resolutions inasmuch as
it contains unreliable data from the late 1960's and 1970's
that have been repudiated by subsequent scientific stud-
ies, political and economic assumptions that are out-
moded, and broad generalizations that lend themselves
to misrepresenting the views of many members of The
United Methodist Church. The entire document is so
flawed as to require a complete reworking.

Petition Number: 22654-CS-R373-U; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding Data Reliability in the Resolution on
the Status of Women

I petition that the second paragraph concerning
legal rights under Part II of the resolution entitled 'The
Status of Women," page 373, in the Book of Resolutions
be rescinded inasmuch as it contains unreliable data
from the late 1970's that remain uncorrected in the
Federal Statutes.

Petition Number: 22655-CS-R375-U; Oden, Thomas
D., Dr., OKL.

Regarding Public Funding for Condom
Distribution

I petition that Part III, paragraph eight, of the reso-
lution entitled 'The Status of Women," pages 375-376,
be rescinded and removed from the 1996 Book of Reso-
lutions.

The Economic Community

Petition Number: 20986-CS-R413-U; Rech, Edward,
Wesley UMC, Marysville, PA

Impact of Gambling on Local, State, and
National Communities in the United States

Whereas, the U.S. House Small Business Commit-
tee two-hour hearing of Sept. 21, 1994 on the impact of
casino gambling, in reports to the committee by recog-
ni2ed experts who have conducted recent total eco-
nomic and social impact studies of the effects legalized
casino gambling has had upon local and state communi-
ties nationwide and the overall effect upon the national
economy, has determined that in the long run an overall
disproportional negative impact exists when casino
gambling is legalized. This long-term negative impact is
predatory, regressive, and includes a great increase in
public safety costs. This equates to a negative impact
upon individuals and families.

Therefore, it is imperative that all United Method-
ists affirm their stand against all forms of legalized
casino gambling and actively inform their local, state,
and national government representatives of their con-
cern based upon the studies/reports noted above.

The PoUtical Community

Petition Number: 22467-CSNonDis-O; 12 Members,
Wallingford UMC, Seattle, WA.

Election Campaign Reform in the United States
of America

In the U.S.A, the pouring of tens of millions of
dollars into political campaigns in order to buy special
influence with legislators has become a national scandal.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Many citizens have forsaken participation in the political
process because they believe policies are shaped by
money from special interests and not by the national
interest or the needs of people.

The General Conference of The United Methodist
Church believes that there is a serious threat to political
democracy if large campaign contributions continue to
undermine traditional values and the belief that all citi-
zens can work together to set national goals and devise
policies that seek to better the lives of all. In the first six
months of 1995, the top 400 U.S. corporate-industrial
political action committees (PAC's) gave nearly 60% of
their $10 million in largess to Republican House mem-
bers. In 1994, almost two-thirds of this beneficence went
to House Democrats. Despite strenuous national efforts
to reduce smoking, 79% of all current members of Con-
gress— 339 Representatives and 83 Senators — have ac-
cepted tobacco industry PAC contributions in the last 10
years. Common Cause states that the average member
of the United States Senate has to raise over $2,000 a day
during sbc years in office to court the favor of special
interests to be reelected, thus diverting substantial time
and effort from his/her official responsibilities. We com-
mend those politicians of both parties who are working
to achieve real campaign reform, including measures to
end contributions by political action committees; to limit
a candidate's personal loans to his/her campaigns; to
end out-of-state contributions to campaigns; and to ban
meals, trips, and gifts paid for by special interests to
legislators, their families, and staff.

We call upon all United Methodists who are citizens
of the U.S.A to work within their own states to build
support for measures that would end the flood of special
interest monies to political campaigns and restore
integrity to decision-making in the Congress.

Petition Number: 22889-CS-NonDis-O; Mission and
Outreach Cluster, Dumbarton UMC, Washington, DC.

Campaign Finance Reform in the United States

In the U.S.A, the pouring of tens of millions of
dollars into political campaigns in order to buy special
influence with legislators has become a national scandal.
Citizens forsake participation in the political process
because they believe policies are shaped by money from
special interests — not by the national interest or the
needs of the people.

The issue of campaign financing is far more than a
political matter. It goes to the heart of the ethical and
moral life of our nation.

The present system compels most members of Con-
gress to continually court monied special interests in
order to finance their next election campaign. It is time
to free Congress from this corrupting pres-
sure— through a system of public campaign financing
that would take government away from special interests
and return it to the people.

If the members of Congress are to focus on the
well-being of the people and the nation, they must be
able to depend on public financing rather than pursuing
special interest money.

We commend those politicians of both parties who
are working to achieve real campaign financing reform.

We call upon all United Methodists who are citizens
of the U.S.A to work within their own states to build
support for measures that would end the flood of special
interest monies to political campaigns and restore integ-
rity to decision-making in Congress.

Petition Number: 22620-CS-NonDis-O; Stoner,
Nadine, First UMC, Beloit, \VI.

Land Value Taxation

Whereas, *n 73A of the Book of Discipline says: "We
believe private ownership of property is a trusteeship
under God, ...We believe that Christian faith denies to
any person or group of persons exclusive and arbitrary
control of any other part of the created universe. ...We
believe, therefore, governments have the responsibility,
in the pursuit of justice and order under law, to provide
procedures that protect the rights of the whole society,
as well as those of private ownership"; and

Whereas, monopolization of land and denying ac-
cess to it creates poverty. In Leviticus 25:23-25, God
commanded: "The land shall not be sold forever; for the
land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with
me. And in all of your land of your possession, you shall
grant a redemption for the land. If your brother be waxen
poor, and has sold away some of his possessions, and if
any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem
that which his brother sold."

Whereas, a modem-day prophet Henry George,
after laboring with the question of why increasing
wealth is accompanied by deepening poverty, con-
cluded that poverty, inequality, and conflict are not the
inevitable results of natural laws, but the results of an
unenlightened social organization that fails to follow the
moral law for all. Equality in politics without an equal
right to land is a meaningless form of equality. Since the
concentration of people in a city drives up land values,
George proposed land value taxation, concluding that
justice would be served by the community reclaiming
for itself the increase in land values, as opposed to the
land speculator receiving the "unearned increment."

Whereas, urban blight is a consequence of the pre-
sent heavy weight of the property tax on buildings, since
rehabilitation creates higher assessed value and thus a
higher property tax. This is especially a deterrent to
rehabilitation among low-income persons. Urban sprawl
is another consequence of the present property tax with
its light taxation of urban land, especially vacant and
derelict urban sites, since a minimal property tax on the
location value is insufficient to encourage sale for pro-
ductive use now as opposed to the owner holding onto

Church and Society

1249

the site in its unproductive state for a future higher sale
price and bigger profit.

Whereas, charity alone is not enough to address
poverty; and redistribution of wealth through the federal
income tax is in jeopardy in light of a $5 trillion federal
debt;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Church lift its
vision beyond the symptoms of poverty and look at the
cause, the inequitable access to God's gift of land to all
humankind; and

Be it further resolved, that information on land value
taxation be published in various United Methodist peri-
odicals (such as Christian Social Action) by experts
qualified in theory and practice of land economics, and
that the General Board of Church and Society consider
offering land value taxation as a quadrennium workshop
emphasis.

Petition Number: 22341-CS-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

In Favor of Human Intervention:
No Military Involvement

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has de-
clared war to be "incompatible with the teachings of
Jesus Christ;" and

Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote that
"racism and its perennial all — economic exploita-
tion— provide the key to understanding most of the
internal complications of this generation;" and

Whereas, General Colin Powell offered testimony
to the Congressional Black Caucus that the military
presently provided the only means whereby thousands
of black youth and young adults could obtain a decent
standard of living and an education, going on to say that
such opportunities should also be made available by the
private and the rest of the public sectors; and

Whereas, tens of thousands of African American
male and female young adults have never been em-
ployed and are therefore not counted in current unem-
ployment statistics; and

Whereas, the majority of public school districts (es-
pecially those that serve the masses of urban Black,
Hispanic, and poor people) find themselves facing se-
vere financial shortfalls, staff cuts, the elimination of vital
programs, and school closings; and

Whereas, those same communities are experienc-
ing social trauma due to plant closings and the relocation
of industry to countries where the wages are from $.50
to $1.00 an hour;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church petition the Presi-
dent and Congress of the United States to cease all
pro-active U.S. military involvement in every region of
the world; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
petition the President and Congress to reapportion dol-
lars that have been designated for military spending and
those dollars that have been saved from base closings
for domestic programs that will ensure an increase in
quality education offerings in the public school systems
of the country for all Americans, adequate health care
for all Americans, the creation of sufficient employment
opportunities for all Americans, and a new comprehen-
sive employment training act that will funnel federal
dollars into elements of the private sector that are cur-
rently in compliance with Affirmative Action guidelines,
for the purpose of encouraging their participation in the
retraining of American workers and redevelopment of
plants within the continental United States; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
petition the President and Congress to conduct nation-
wide hearings on the creative redistribution of wealth in
the United States and that these hearings include testi-
mony from transnational corporations, industry, small
business persons, the unemployed, the employed and
the marginally employed, with a view toward enhancing
the creativity, rights, participation, and privileges of all
Americans in our world market economy.

Petition Number: 22619-CS-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board and Charge Conference, Lakeland and
Nashville UM Churches, Lakeland and Nashville, GA

Restore Religious Freedom

Whereas, we, the Nashville United Methodist
Church believe that the marginalization of religion and
the pushing of faith out of the public square denies
Christians in America freedom of religious expression;
and

Whereas, we believe that three decades of United
States Supreme Court decisions have eroded 200 years
of legal precedent regarding religious liberty; and

Whereas, we oppose government intrusion into re-
ligion, including government designed school prayer;
and

Whereas, support of efforts to protect religious ex-
pression is consistently in the 70 percent range; and

Whereas, we believe every citizen should have free-
dom of religious expression as well as secular expres-
sion; and

Whereas, we believe a religious equality amend-
ment to the United States Constitution is needed to
clarify the freedom of religious expression which the
First Amendment already allows;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence hereby enthusiastically support the following pro-
posed Religious Equality Amendment to be proposed in
the United States House of Representatives:

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DCA Advance Edition II

Section 1. Neither the United States nor any state
shall abridge the freedom of any person or group, includ-
ing students in public schools, to engage in prayer or
other religious expression in circumstances in which
expression of nonreligious character would be permit-
ted; nor deny benefits to or otherwise discriminate
against any person or group on account of the religious
character of their speech, ideas, motivations, or identity.

Petition Number: 22729-CS-NonDis-O; Allward, Gary
A., Riverview UMC, Riverview, MI.

A Religious Liberty Amendment

Be it hereby resolved, that the General Conference
of The United Methodist Church go on record in sup-
port of an amendment to the Constitution of the United
States of America to clarify, correct, and restore relig-
ious liberty to the people of this nation as intended by
the First Amendment.

Be it further resolved, that the bishops, pastors, and
laity of the Church be encouraged to notify their respec-
tive members of Congress (both U.S. Senators and Rep-
resentatives) as well as their state legislators of this
resolution of support.

Petition Number: 20862-CS-R536-U; Fishel,

Geo., Hopkins, Ron, Hossler, Robt, Rech,Ed, Wesley

UMC, Marysville, PA

Gun Control and U.S. Gun Violence

Delete "Gun Control" and replace with new text:

Whereas, the Brady Act has been declared
unconstitutional in at least four U.S. District
Courts, and any action w^hich supports the disarm-
ing of law-abiding citizens who seek to protect
their families in situations when and where police
cannot respond quickly enough to assure safety of
those threatened will no doubt also be declared
unconstitutional. More recent evidence supports
the claim that self-defense and defense of others
is a legitimate form of deterrence, according to the
Bureau of Justice. While gun-control advocates
claim that handgun owners are more likely to
shoot themselves or their loved ones than to stop
a criminal, it has been identified that half of the
firearm accidents in which the type of weapon is
known involve rifles and shotguns, not handguns.
In less than two percent of the gun fatalities has
the victim been mistaken for an intruder. Only
about two percent of the sixty-five million plus
privately owned h2indguns are used to commit
crimes and only about one-sixth of those are pur-
chased from a gun shop or pawn shop. Most hand-
guns used by felons are stolen, borrowed, or
bought privately.

Therefore, a realistic goal of The United Meth-
odist Church membership in the United States
should not be to support the disarming of law-

abiding citizens but rather to support the reduction
of the number of people who carry any weapon
unlawfully. There are enough laws in place already
to be able to assure a safer America. The most
effective way to reduce illegal gun or other weapons
carrying is to take away gtuis and other weapons
from people who carry them without a required
permit. This means that United Methodists should
actively support the proper training of police offi-
cers to recognize actions that provide a reasonable
suspicion to stop and frisk and to actively and ag-
gressively enforce the law. To fiisk-pat-down a per-
son's outer clothing is lawful if the officer has
reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and
dangerous. If the pat-down reveals an object that
might be a gun or illegal weapon, an officer can
remove it. If a gun or other weapon is being carried
illegally, the suspect can be arrested. This preven-
tative or pro-active approach to addressing weap-
ons violence in the United States is in keeping with
all existing laws and rights of citizens yet represents
the most realistic and achievable approach to the
problem of weapons and violence in America.

References

Wilson, James Q., professor of management
and public poUcy, UCLA; author of Thinking About
Crime, The Moral Sense, and Just Take Away Their
Guns.

Kleck, Gary, professor of criminology, Florida
State University; research — National Review of Fire-
arms Statistics.

PetiUon Number: 22464-CS-R536-U; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Gun Molence

Amend "U.S. Gun Violence," beginning with the
third paragraph on page 538:

...or ignores the social consequeces of ther their

misuse.

Once again, tThe church dare not... spiritual eofl-
ereft concern and public responsibility.

Therefore, as The United Methodists Churchr^we
recommends the following:

1 . That the United Methodists work toward discour-
aging discourage the graphic depiction and glorifica-
tion of violence by the entertainment industry, which
greatly influences our society. Further, and urge that
these issues be addressed through education and con-
sciousness raising, and we urge that this be done at all
levels.

2. [Delete.]

32. That annual conferences all governing bodies,
congregations; and their members join in dialogue-wtth
gun clubs and similar associations in the effort to estab-

Church and Society

1251

lish...and to convince ask sports people ...waiting peri-
ods before weapons purchases in order to...

3. That annual conferences make visible pub-
lic witness to the sin of gun violence and to the
hope of community healing.

4. [Delete.]

&4. That annual conferences, all congregations
and their members become involved...

6. [Delete.]

?5. That the General Board...

Furthermore, we call upon the United States govern-
ment to:

1. Establish meaningful and effective federal legis-
lation to regulate the importation, manufacture,...

2. Address more urgently the societal situations,
including the clmatc climate of fear...

4. Outlaw the sales and manufacture of all automat-
ic-weapon conversion kits since their only purpose ia to
produce illegal fircorma.

5. ...with standard detectors.

Finally, we instruct the Secretary of General
Conference to communicate this resolution on
gun violence to the Congress and to the President
of the United States.

Petition Number: 22509-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

A Resolution on Reducing Gun Violence

Whereas, the gospel calls us to peace and nonvio-
lence with those we love and with those whom we
consider our enemies. The proliferating possession of
guns and the escalation of the violence that they gener-
ate in our communities is of great concern in the faith
community. Jesus calls us to turn the other cheek, to go
the extra mile, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The Ten Commandments demand that we have no other
God but God; yet there is developing a worship of guns
and the power they seem to bring, with no regard for the
consequence to God's family; and

Whereas, the United States experiences the death
of too many of God's children who are killed or hurt by
their sisters or brothers, The United Methodist Church
views effective gun control and regulation to be a matter
of spiritual concern and public responsibility;

Therefore, we recommend:

• That United Methodists discourage the graphic
depiction and glorification of violence by the
entertainment industry, through local congregation
education and information.

• That United Methodists individually, in local
congregations, and through annual conferences
must begin to join others in developing efforts to
establish responsible gun regulations and to provide
our children a safe environment for living.

• That we United Methodists, through our local
congregations, work expeditiously to combat the
societal situations, including the climate of fear,
violence-including family and child
violence-vengeance, and despair, in which persons
turn to guns.

• That we consider the slight inconvenience of a
waiting period before purchasing a gun in order to
reduce the senseless deaths of so many of God's
children.

• That local congregations join with their sisters and
brothers in coalitions with other religious,
professional, educational, and community-based
organizations that support gun control legislation
consistent with the resolutions and
recommendations stated by General Conference.

• That the General Board of Church and Society give
emphasis to this issue and work with other
organizations to develop model legislation and
guidelines for implementation.

Furthermore, we call upon the United States gov-
ernment to:

• Design meaningful and effective federal laws to
regulate the manufacture, sale, and possession of
guns and ammunition by the general public.

• Construct laws that will outlaw the sale and
manufacture of all automatic weapon conversion kits.

• Make the manufacture and sale of guns that cannot
be detected with standard detectors illegal.

• Provide significant assistance to victims of gun
violence and their families.

Finally, we instruct the secretary of the General
Conference to communicate the resolution on gun vio-
lence to the Congress and to the President of the United
States.

The World Community

Petition Number: 21513-CS-NonDis-O; Chai, Alice
Yun, Christ UMC, Honolulu, HI.

Chxmgshindae/"Comfort Women"/Sex Slaves
Drafted by Japan During World War II

Whereas, in Scripture we are exhorted to bring
lasting justice to all and to establish justice on the earth
and are warned against healing the wound of the people
lightly, delivering false peace (Isaiah 42:1-7 and Jere-
miah 6:14);

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DCA Advance Edition II

AVhereas, our Social Principles state, "The church
must regard nations as accountable for unjust treatment
of their citizens and others living within their borders.
While recognizing valid differences in culture and politi-
cal philosophy, we stand for justice and peace in every
nation" (^75^1);

Whereas, The United Methodist Church, taking
note of the successful contributions made by the World
Council of Churches in supporting the "comfort women"
survivors at the United Nations human rights bodies;
and also taking note of the recommendations to Japan
on the "comfort women" issue made by the United
Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimina-
tion and Protection of Minorities in August 1995, as well
as paragraph* 147(f) of the Platform for Action adopted
by the Beijing United Nations Fourth Conference on
Women in September 1995, "endorses the United Na-
tions and its related bodies" and urges the United Na-
tions to "take a more aggressive role in the development
of international arbitration of disputes and actual con-
flicts" (^ 75D) ;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence— its membership, churches, and ministries — be-
come informed on the history of military "comfort
women" in Korea and other Asian and Pacific countries
and on the plight of the survivors and families of "com-
fort women"; educate local congregations on Chung-
shindac/ "comfort women"/sexual slaves; and hold
survivors and their families in prayer.

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
communicate to the United Nations human rights bod-
ies its concern over the inclusion of Japan as a perma-
nent member of the United Nations Security Council
until Japan recognizes the act of sexual slavery as a
crime against humanity and as a war crime under inter-
national humanitarian laws; that the General Confer-
ence communicate its support of the Korean Council for
the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan
(Korean Council) as it demands that Japan take respon-
sibility for its crimes by passing a bill immediately in the
Japanese Diet to apologize and pay redress directly to
the individual "comfort women" survivors as the most
urgent state responsibility of Japan.

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
support and communicate with Radhidka Cooma-
raswany of Sri Lanka, the Special Rapporteur on Vio-
lence Against Women (appointed by the Un
Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Pro-
tection of Minorities in 1994), and publicize and dissemi-
nate her reports to educate members of The United
Methodist Church on district, annual conferences, juris-
dictional, and general board levels as a special study
project.

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
communicate with the World/Regional/National bod-
ies of Methodist churches and the Christian Council of
Asia, etc., and ask them to support the Korean Council's

political ideology and activities if they agree with the
ideology and activities of the Korean Council.

* 147(f) of the Platform for Action: "Uphold and
reinforce standards set out in international humanitar-
ian law and international human rights instruments to
prevent all acts of violence against women in situations
of armed and other acts of conflict; undertake a full
investigation of all acts of violence against women com-
mitted during war, including rape, in particular system-
atic rape, forced prostitution and other forms of indecent
assault and sexual slavery; prosecute all criminals re-
sponsible for war crimes against women; and provide
full redress to women victims.

Petition Number: 22890-CS-NonDis-O; Church
Congregation, Lake Harriet UMC, Minneapolis, MN.

Calling for a Ban on Anti-Personnel Land Mines

According to the State Department, in 1993 there
were an estimated 1 10 million unexploded land mines
in 62 countries. Millions of new mines were laid in 1994.
They kill and maim approximately 26,000 people each
year.

Senate Bill 940, announced last year by the United
Nations General Assembly, expresses support for a goal
of eliminating all anti-personnel land mines world-wide
and prohibits the export of any military equipment to
countries that sell, export, or transfer anti-personnel
land mines to any other nation. Provisions of the bill
were offered in August, 1995, as an amendment to the
Department of Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year
1996 and were adopted by an overwhelming vote.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence join the more than 350 NGO's (non-governmental
organizations) calling for an international ban on the
use, production, stockpiling, sale, transport, or export of
anti-personnel land mines.

Petition Number: 22338-CS-R634-U;CIL.

Regarding Recognition of Cuba

Amend "Recognition of Cuba," pages 634-636:

[Third paragraph] For over 30 32 years the govern-
ment..pursued an economic embargo prohibiting any
all kinds of trade with Cuba. The Cuban Democracy
Act of 1992 (22U.S.C.6001 et seq.) has tightened
the embargo restrictions by penalizing other coun-
tries if their ships stop in Cuba. This policy. .The
objectives sought by the proponents of this policy in the
Cold War era were to force a change...

It is now clear that the embargo policy has not
succeeded with those objectives, li anything, its most
evident result of the embargo was has been to force
Cuba to an even closer political and military reliance on
the Soviet Union. The Cold War is over. The socialist
bloc of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union have
dissolved and no longer exercise any influence on

Church and Society

1253

Cuba's foreign policy or pose any threat to the
United States. Yet the embargo continues, and con-
tinues to increase the suffering of the Cuban peo-
ple, particularly children and the elderly, due to
lack of essential medicines and food.

Whereas, tTlie Methodist Church in 1964 made an
hiatorical atatcmcnt entitled the "Re examination of Pol-
icy Toward Mainline China, Cuba and other Countries,"
which said stated: "The Christian gospel..."

Whereas, the government of tThe United States is
the only major Western country pursuing a policy of
non-relations with Cuba., while Canada, France, Great
Britain, West Germany, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Bo'
livia and almost all other countries of the western alli-
ance maintain normal diplomatic and/or economic
relations with Cuba; and The General Assembly of
the United Nations has several times voted over-
whelmingly in favor of the United States lifdng the
embargo and all restrictions against Cuba.

Whereas, tThe government of the United States has
in recent years strengthened its established commer-
cial and diplomatic relations with other Communist
countries such as the Soviet Union itself, China, Hun-
gary, Poland, and Romania, Vietnam and has in-
creased contacts and negotiations with North
Korea, independently of their foreign policy which dif-
fers and often collides with that of the United States; and

[Delete next paragraph.]

Whereas, tThe lifting of the economic embargo
against Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Common
Market (CARICOM), would help relieve tensions in
the Caribbean while creating a new and important mar-
ket for American U.S. industry and agriculture .T-espe-
cially at a time of high unemployment in this country;

Whereas. tThe Ecumenical Council of Cuba (now
Councils of Churches in Cuba) of which the Meth-
odist Church. ..and several other international as well as
and U.S. religious bodies such as the United Church of
Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Ameri-
can Baptist Churches have passed resolutions in favor
of lifting the embargo.

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, from its Christian and humanitarian perspec-
tive, inspired by the love of God and the historic
Methodist commitment to peace and social jus-
tice, and in light of historic changes with the end
of the Cold War, hereby petitions the government of
the United States to lift its economic embargo against
Cuba and seek negotiations with the Cuban government
for the purpose of resuming normal diplomatic relations.
requests that the President and Congress of the
United States 1) repeal the Cuban Democracy Act
of 1992 (22U.S.C.6001 et seq.) as well as the
1994 tightened travel restrictions that prevent
normal working relationships between religious

communities in Cuba and the United States; and 2)
resume normal diplomatic relations between the
government of Cuba an the United States.

Resolved, further, that the General Confer-
ence request that the Council of Bishops and the
General Boards of Church and Society and Global
Ministries advocate with the President and Con-
gress of the United States for these changes in
U.S-Cuba policy.

"Re-examination of Policy Toward Mainland
China, Cuba and other Countries"

Petition Number: 22704-CS-NonDis-O; MARCHA.

Resolution for Economic Development
of Puerto Rico

Whereas, Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code
of the United States allows that corporations be estab-
lished in Puerto Rico with tax exempt benefits to provide
employment and economic development through the
Caribbean Basin Initiative; and

Whereas, these corporations generate approxi-
mately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, which constitute
a vital part of the economy of Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, the earnings generated by the employees
of these companies generate financial benefits for
Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, the new Republican Congress, with the
support of the Commissioner Resident of Puerto Rico,
Hon. Carlos Romero Barcelo and the Governor of
Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro Rossello Gonzalez, have pro-
posed the elimination of this Section 936 so as to balance
the national budget in seven years; and

Whereas, the elimination of Section 936 will cause
great harm to the economy of Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church fosters
and promotes a society where it is more dignified to
work for a living than depend on others for subsistence;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the funds being de-
posited in Puerto Rico be kept there so that low interest
loans be available in Puerto Rico for the use of Puerto
Ricans; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
of The United Methodist Church support the maintain-
ing of Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code and that
this support be communicated to President William
Jefferson Clinton and members of the U.S. Congress.

Petition Number: 22505-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is sacred to all the children of Abraham:
Jews, Muslims, and Christians. We have a vision of

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DCA Advance Edition II

Jerusalem as a city of peace and reconciliation, where
indigenous Palestinians and Israelis can live as neigh-
bors and, along with visitors and tourists, have access to
holy sites and exercise freedom of religious expression.
The peaceful resolution of the Jerusalem issue is crucial
to the success of the whole process of making peace
between Palestinians and Israelis.

International consensus and law, in accordance with
United Nations Resolution 242, support the view that the
Jerusalem issue is unresolved and that East Jerusalem
is occupied territory. However, the prospects for a just
resolution in accordance with Resolution 242 are being
seriously compromised by policies of the Israeli govern-
ment These include the confiscation of increasing
amounts of Palestinian land, expansion of the borders of
Jerusalem to include more and more Palestinian villages
and lands (thus forming what is now known as "Greater
Jerusalem") , the building of settlements for Jewish fami-
lies on these lands, closures that prevent Palestinians
from traveling to or through Jerusalem, the withholding
of basic services from tax-paying Palestinian neighbor-
hoods, the denial of Jerusalem identity cards to Palestin-
ian citizens, and the denial of building permits for
Palestinians (causing an increased number of homeless
persons and the departure of Palestinian residents from
Jerusalem) .

Therefore, The United Methodist Church requests
that the government of the United States, and other
nations as well, urge the State of Israel to:

1) Cease the confiscation of Palestinian lands;

2) Cease the building of new, or expansion of exist-
ing, settlements in the occupied territory and Gaza;

3) Lift the closure of Jerusalem to Palestinians;

4) Issue Jerusalem building permits to Palestinians
so that they can build and maintain their buildings;

5) Halt the practice of denying Jerusalem identity
cards to Palestinian citizens; and

6) Address the problem of homelessness, severe
overcrowding, and substandard housing among the Pal-
estinian residents of Jerusalem.

Governments, by their silence and through financial
assistance, contribute to the creation of these "facts on
the ground," which impede peace and may preclude any
hope of Jerusalem ever becoming the City of Peace and
Reconciliation for which we pray. Therefore, we urge
our governments to:

1) Reject efforts to move embassies from Tel Aviv
to Jerusalem;

2) Deduct annually from any Israeli loan guarantees
an amount equal to all Israeli settlement spending in that
year, including spending for settlements in and around
Jerusalem; and

3) Affirm that the status of Jerusalem is unresolved,
and that East Jerusalem is, indeed, occupied territory.

Petition Number: 22507-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

Global Economy and the Environment

The United Methodist Church has been rightly
concerned about the environment and its sustainability,
given the rapid depletion of natural resources and the
contamination of the air, water, and land. However, we
have been slow to recognize the impact of the emerging
global economy and its impact upon the environment

When the economic institutions were contained
within the boundaries of countries, governments had
the power to regulate. Particularly, in the area of the
environment communities could exercise control so
that pollution and waste could be regulated and conser-
vation encouraged. Of course, this adds costs to doing
business. However, if everyone is under the same con-
straints, no one is at a disadvantage.

As countries rush to open up markets in the name
of free trade, it is obvious that those countries which
have strict environmental regulations are going to be at
a competitive disadvantage in attracting and keeping
business. Business will seek countries in which to oper-
ate that have lower environmental standards and, there-
fore, lower operating costs. Pressures will increase on
countries with higher standards to lower them and de-
veloping countries will be hesitant to enact environ-
mental legislation.

The United Methodist Church therefore recom-
mends:

1. That every country, including the United States,
require that there be roughly equivalent environmental
standards between itself and any other country with
which it enters into a free trade agreement so that there
is not a competitive disadvantage for the country with
the stricter standards. Mechanisms should also be in-
cluded in the agreement that will allow for further new
standards of environmental regulations in the future.

2. Tliat the General Board of Church and Society
develop a statement outlining the relationship of the
world economy to the environment and communicate
this to appropriate governmental agencies and the
Church.

3. That the General Board of Church and Society
develop study materials for local congregations.

4. That local congregations study the implications
of the global economy on the environment. Study mate-
rials might include: For the Common Good: Redirecting
the Economy Toward Community, the Environment, and
a Sustainable Future by Herman E. Daly and John B.
Cobb; Sustaining the Common Good, A Christian Per-
spective on the Global Economy; or materials to be devel-
oped by the General Board of Church and Society.

Church and Society

1255

Petition Number: 22465-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

World-Wide Abolition of Nuclear Weapons
by the Year 2000

Humanity has faced the threat of mass destruction
since the first nuclear weapons exploded fifty years ago.
Even if all existing arms control treaties are fully imple-
mented, 20,000 warheads will remain by the year
2003— the equivalent of 200,000 Hiroshima bombs or
two tons of TNT for every man, woman, and child on the
planet.

Nuclear weapons are a threat to human health and
society wherever they exist or may be produced and
deployed.

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church:

1) Calls upon the nations of the world, and especially
on the nuclear weapons states, to enter immediately into
negotiations to permanentiy abolish nuclear weapons;

2) Calls upon these nations to complete these nego-
tiations by the year 2000 so that we can enter the new
millennium free of the threat of thermonuclear holo-
caust; and

3) Calls upon all nations to cease immediately the
testing of nuclear weapons.

Petition Number: 22460-CS-NonDis-O; Elmslie, James
S., Dr., First UMC, Salt Lake City, UT.

World-Wide Celebration on Population

If the General Conference could persuade the
World Council of Churches or some similar interna-
tional group to sponsor a worldwide celebration to ac-
knowledge the fact that we have accomplished God's
directive to populate the earth, maybe the word would
get around that everyone should limit the size of his or
her family.

Other Resolutions

Petition Number: 20062-CS-NonDis-O; Ostertag,
Frank, NNJ.

Support "English Only" Language

I encourage you to support "English Only" efforts
in our country. If new citizens are not skilled in English
two serious dangers occur:

1. The new citizens themselves are hurt by their
inability to gain their rightful place in this society.

2. The nation itself is hurt by the loss of the unifying
power of a common language.

Petition Number: 22618-CS-NonDis-O; Echols, Verna
K., First UMC, Lake Wales. FL

In Support of the United States Food
and Drug Administration

Whereas, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has concluded that nicotine is a deadly drug; and

Whereas, resurgence of old movies is glamorizing
this "habit of the stars" on screen once again for Amer-
ica's youth to experience; and

Whereas, emergence of new and popular movies
targeting the young Black audience is charming the
latter as the stars smoke vigorously while overcoming
stress; and

Whereas, low statistics are recorded for Black youth
in the use of tobacco products, which could abruptly
change with the seduction directed toward these young
people by today's entertainment demonstrating the al-
lure of smoking; and

Whereas, the cigar, also, as pictured commonly in
use by Queen Victoria and in itself a cause of cancer of
the mouth, is enjoying a "hot cigar-smoking" trend in
luxurious high-priced clubs, soon to be franchised as
"havens" for cigar smokers; and

Whereas, it is obligatory that the public and elected
officials go on the offensive in support of the FDA in its
action to monitor nicotine products;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church go on
record as supporting the current action of the FDA; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
declare its advocacy of the FDA's position in a letter to
its director Dr. David Kessler, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockeville, MD 20857.

Petition Number: 22459-CS-NonDis-O; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Leadership by the Church Regarding
the Use of Tobacco

The single most preventable cause of illness, death,
and disease (with the possible exception of consumption
of ethyl alcohol) is the use of tobacco — both to the
smoker/other user of tobacco and to those who are
forced to "use" tobacco second hand. The scientific
evidence against tobacco is in, and the Church must give
leadership to:

• educate as to tobacco's harm;

• urge laws and ordinances for clean air in all public
buildings and places;

• boycott the products of companies who also own
tobacco companies;

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DCA Advance Edition II

urge the government to provide limited-term assis-
tance in research for and conversion to agricultural
products to replace tobacco farming.

Petition Number: 22503-CS-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

Boycott Phillip Morris & RJ.R. Nabisco

We request that the General Conference call for a
boycott of all Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco products to
become effective in 1997.

We request that the General Board of Church and
Society follow the "Guidelines for Initiating or Joining
an Economic Boycott," adopted in 1988, in organizing
this boycott and distributing information to all boards,
agencies, and local congregations.

We request that everyone who joins this boycott
write to Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco, explaining the
reasons their products are no longer being purchased.

Petition Number: 22898-CS-R235-U; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Tobacco Marketing by Phillip Morris
and RJR Nabisco

The United Methodist Church and its predecessor
denominations have a long history of witness against the
use and marketing of tobacco products.

In our Social Principles "we recommend total absti-
nence from the use of tobacco" and "recognize the
harmful effects of passive smoke and support the restric-
tion of smoking in public areas and workplaces." (^72J) .

In 1992, we called upon United Methodists to "work
with local, state, and federal government repre-
sentatives on legislation to limit advertisement of alco-
hol and tobacco" (Confronting the Drug Crisis),
expressing our deep concern about the promotion of
tobacco products through advertising.

"We are especially concerned about the portrayal of
smoking in connection with commercial advertising. We
commend the suspension of cigarette advertising on
radio and television. Smoking in other advertisements
is still depicted in ways which identify it with physical
and social maturity, attractiveness, and success. We
support the Federal Trade Commission's rules requir-
ing health warning statements in cigarette packaging."

"We are also concerned that the tobacco industry is
implementing marketing strategies that focus on the
sales of tobacco in developing countries." (Drug and
Alcohol Concerns)

The resolution made this far-reaching proposal:

"We recommend the prohibition of commercial ad-
vertising of tobacco products in order to reduce entice-
ment toward use of a proven health hazard" (p. 235) .

Since 1992, the marketing of tobacco in developing
countries has intensified. The resistance of the tobacco
industry to health regulations has hardened. The evi-
dence of the human suffering due to tobacco use has
continued to mount, and the denials and equivocation of
tobacco industry leaders on this urgent health issue
have astounded and alarmed the public. Tobacco com-
panies have become owners and marketers of many
leading food brands.

The industry leaders are Philip Morris, which sells
Marlboro, Chesterfield, Maretti, Lark, Ambassador,
L&M Parliament, Alpine, Cambridge, Merit, Bristol,
Bucks, Benson & Hedges, and Virginia Slims cigarettes
while marketing many common food products, includ-
ing Kraft, General Foods, Oscar Mayer, Miller Brewing,
Post cereals, Entenmann's, Jell-0, Maxwell House, Ja-
cobs Suchard, and Kraft Food Service; and RJR Nabisco,
which produces Nabisco, Planters, and Life Saver prod-
ucts, while enticing untold numbers of young people
into tobacco use through Joe Camel cartoon advertising.

Public concern about the marketing strategies of
the tobacco industry, especially as they affect children
and youth and persons in developing countries, has
generated a growing grassroots movement of education
and action, coordinated by INFACT.

In view of the urgency of this issue. The United
Methodist Church:

A. Commends its General Board of Pensions for its
longtime exclusion of tobacco manufacturers from its
portfolio of securities and asks it to intensify dialogue
with public media in which it is part owner and which
carries advertising or promotion of tobacco products;

B. Asks all United Methodist agencies and related
institutions to establish purchasing policies that take
into account the Church's Social Principles and resolu-
tions on tobacco concerns and, specifically, to consider
the role of Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco in tobacco
marketing as a factor in any decision as to whether to
buy a food product manufactured by Philip Morris or
RJR Nabisco;

C. Instructs the United Methodist Association of
Health and Welfare Ministries and Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to communicate, interpret, and
advocate for this concern with their affiliated institu-
tions;

D. Asks all local churches, annual conferences, and
church members also to take into account the Church's
position on tobacco use and marketing when making
decisions about purchasing food products from Philip
Morris and RJR Nabisco;

E. Directs the General Board of Church and Society
to communicate this resolution to the tobacco compa-
nies, to serve as continuing advocate of the United
Methodist position within The United Methodist
Church and with the companies, and to monitor the

Church and Society

1257

implementation of this resolution for report at the next
General Conference; and

F. Requests that the General Board of Church and
Society explore the institution of a formal United Meth-
odist boycott of all Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco prod-
ucts, following the "Guidelines for Initiating or Joining
an Economic Boycott," adopted in 1988, and make a
specific recommendation regarding such a boycott at
the next General Conference.

Petition Number: 22731-CS-NonDis-O; LaDelfa,
Laurie K, Riviera UMC, St. Petersburg, FL

A Commitment to Our Children
Regarding the Use of Tobacco

Whereas, more children alive today will die from
tobacco use than from any other single cause — includ-
ing AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides,
illegal drugs, and fires combined; and

Whereas, child smoking rates are rising, with the
number of eighth graders who smoke increasing 30%
between 1991 and 1994; and

Whereas, every day, another 3,000 American chil-
dren start to smoke, nearly 1,000 of whom will die from
lung cancer and other diseases caused by smoking; and

Whereas, the tobacco industry spends over $6 bil-
lion a year on advertisements and promotions that,
whether intentional or not, have the effect of encourag-
ing children to use tobacco products; and

Whereas, over 85% of the children who smoke use
one of the three most heavily advertised cigarette
brands flVIarlboro, Camel, or Newport); and

Whereas, state and local laws restricting tobacco
sales to minors have been largely ineffective;

Therefore, be it resolved, that this 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church go on
record as supporting the common-sense goal of decreas-
ing tobacco use by children by reducing the access and
appeal of tobacco products to children; and

Be it further resolved, that this General Conference
oppose efforts to enact legislation that would weaken or
delay the president's proposal to decrease tobacco use
by children.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Conferences

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

tl2.

Petition Number: 22154-CO-12-C; Handy, W. T., Jr,
Bishop, COB.

Composition of General Conference

Amend ^ 12.1:

1. The General Conference shall be composed of not
less than 600 nor more than 1,000 delegates, one half
forty percent of whom shall be ministers clergy and
one half sixty percent lay members,...

^13.

Petition Number: 20778-CO-13-C; Gregg, Odie, United
Methodist Church of Hartselle, Hartselle, AL

Meeting of the General Conference

Amend ^13:

Article II. — ^ITie General Conference shall meet in
the month of April or May once in fewf six years at such
time...

^14.

Petition Number: 20779-CO-14-C; Gregg, Odie, United
Methodist Church of Hartselle, Hartselle, AL.

The Responsibility of General Conference

Amend ^ 14:

Article III. — ^The General Conference shall fix the
ratio... (1) Factor One — ^The number of ministerial
clergy members and the number of lay members of
local churches in ef the Annual Conference and the
Missionary Conference shall be added together as
one body to form the sum total of the members of
the Annual Conference and the Missionary Con-
ference for the purpose of this article, and (2) Fac-
tor Two — the number of church members in the
Annual Conference and the Missionary' Conference
One delegate shall be allotted for the first 10,000
members of the Annual Conference as computed
in factor one, and one delegate for each additional
10,000 members of die Annual Conference or
major fraction thereof. The number of delegates
shall be one half clergy and one half lay members

to comply with the Constitution, Division Two, Sec-
tion n, AJticle I, ^12; provided that each Annual Con-
ference...

^35.

Petition Number: 20780-CO-35-C; Bell, Howard S., SIL.

Composition of Annual Conference

Amend ^35:

Article I. — ^The Annual Conference shall be com-
posed of ministerial members as defined by the General
Conference, together with a lay member elected by each
charge chiu-ch, the diaconal ministers,...

^35.

Petition Number: 22155-CO-35-C; Kuyper, Robert L,

CNV.

Equalization of Clergy and Lay Members
at Annual Conference

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 35:

If the lay membership should number less than the
average attendance of tiie last quadrennium of the

ministerial members... to equalize lay and ministerial
membership of attendance at the Annual Conference.

^35.

Petition Number: 22432-CO-35-C; Winget, Garry,
KSW.

Composition of the Annual Conference

Amend ^ 35:

...defined by the General Conference, together with
a lay member elected by each charge, fi-om each dis-
trict of the Annual Conference. There shall be a lay
member elected for each 400 members. They
shall first be elected from local churches with 400
members, and multiples of 400 members. The
remaining lay members shall be elected by the
district conference.... Each charge served by more
than one minister shall be entitled to as many lay mem-

Conferences

1259

bcrs as there arc miniatcrial mcmbcra. The lay mem-
bers....

1135.

Petition Number: 22736-CO-35-C; Assoc.of
Deaconesses & Home Missionaries, Church, &
Community Workers National Organization and,
Commission on Deaconesses of the, Phillipines.

Lay Membership of Annual Conference
for Deaconesses

Amend TI 35:

...the diaconal ministers, the deaconesses, the

conference president...

^36.

Petition Number: 20781-CO-36-C; BMW Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, Washington, DC.

Lay Members voting on the Board
of Ordained Ministry

Amend ^36:

Article 11. — ^The Annual Conference... delegated to
the General Conference under the Constitution, with the
exception that the only those lay members elected to
serve in the membership of the Board of Ordained
Ministry may nei vote on matters of ordination,...

^36.

Petition Number: 22433-CO-36-C; Virginia Annual
Conference Board of Laity.

Voting Rights of the Annual Conference

Amend ^ 36:

...and conference relations of ministers, with the
further exception that lay members of the District
Committee on the Ordained Ministry be full par-
ticipating members of the district Committee on
the Ordained Ministry with vote. It shall discharge...

136.

Petition Number: 22622-CO-36-C; Kalamazoo District
Committee on Ordained Ministry, Cassopolis, MI.

Annual Conferences

Amend ^ 36:

...or Central Conferences, on all matters relating to
the character and conference relations of its ministerial
mcmbcra, and on the ordination of ministers and such
other rights as have not been delegated to the General
Conference under the Constitution, with the exception
that the lay members may not vote on matters of ordina-
tion, character, and conference relations of ministers.
Only the clergy members may vote on matters of
ordination, character, and conference relations of
ministers, with the exception of lay members
properly elected by the annual conference to those
organizational bodies charged with the oversight
of these matters and only within the scope of their
duties on these bodies as defined by the General
Conference. It shall discharge such duties....

137.

Petition Number: 22733-CO-37-C; Annual Charge
Conference, Franklin UMC, Franklin, MA

Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of ^ 37:

Those persons serving on general boards and
agencies diuing the quadrennial in which General
Conference occurs shall be ineligible to be dele-
gates to General or jurisdictional conference.

138.

Petition Number: 20782-CO-38-C; Lawler, Larry, CIL.

Clergy Conference Membership

Amend ^38:

Article IV. — The ministerial delegates to the Gen-
eral Conference and to the Jurisdictional or Central
Conference shall be elected by the ministerial members
in full connection under appointment with the Annual
Conference...

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DCA Advance Edition II

^38.

^39.

Petition Number: 20872-CO-38-C; NCJ Town &
Country Assoc. & Urban Network, Auburn, IN.

Election of Clergy Delegates to General
and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences

Amend ^ 38:

The ministerial clergy delegates to the General
Conference and to the Jurisdictional or Central Confer-
ence shall be elected by the ministerial clergy members
in full connection with the of the Annual Conference or
Provisional Annual Conference; provided that such dele-
gates shall have been traveling preachers clergy mem-
bers in The United Methodist Church for at least four
years...

^38.

Petition Number: 22156-CO-38-C; Johnson, William R.,
IWA

Ministerial Delegates to General, Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences

Delete ^ 38 and replace with new text:

Delegates t» the General Conference and to
the jurisdictional or central conference shall be
elected by the lay members and ministerial mem-
bers in full connection within the annual confer-
ence or provisional annual conference.

^38.

Petition Number: 22157-CO-38-C; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, Elliott, Dirk.

Election & Eligibility of Clergy Delegates to General,
Jurisdictional or Central Conference

Amend % 38:

The ministerial clergy delegates to the General
Conference... elected by the ministerial clergy members
in full connection with of the Annual Conference.. ./)ro-
vided that such delegates shall have been traveling
preachers clergy members in. ..and are in full connec-
tion with clergy members of the Annual Conference...

Petition Number: 22158-CO-39-C; Johnson, William R.,
IWA.

Lay Delegates to the General, Jurisdictional
or Central Conference

Amend ^ 39:

The lay delegates to the General and Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences shall be elected by the lay mem-
bers of the Annual Conference or Provisional Annual
Conference without regard to age,. ..or Central Confer-
ences. The ministerial delegates shall have been
traveling preachers in The United Methodist
Church for at least four years next preceding their
election and shall be in full connection with the
Annual Conference of Provisional Annual Confer-
ence electing them when elected and at the time
of holding the General and Jurisdictional or Cen-
tral Conferences.

^505.

Petition Number: 22159-CO-505-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Number of Bishops in Jurisdictions

Amend ^ 505:

1. [Delete existing text.] Fulfilling the mission of
the chiu-ch shall be the basis for determining the
number of bishops to be elected in each jiuisdic-
tion.

2. The number of bishops shall remain as it is
at the beginning date of each General Conference
unless changed by General Conference upon rec-
ommendation of the jurisdictional conference of
the jurisdiction affected and the interjiuisdictional
Committee on Episcopacy and adopted by the
General Conference, (i 612).

33. In Central Conferences,...

34. This legislation shall take effect be effective
immediately upon adjournment of its adoption by the
4:992 1996 General Conference.

Conferences

1261

^506.

1506.

Petition Number: 22160-CO-506.1-D; Coile, James H.,
NCA

Election

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 506.1:

In the election of bishops, conference delega-
tions and individual delegates shall not engage in
the practice commonly known as "vote swapping."

1506.

Petition Number: 22161-CO-506.2-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Election of Bishops and Limited Tenure

Add new sub-points at the end of "J 506.2:

d) Beginning with the 2000 jurisdictional con-
ference, those elected to the office of bishop shall
have such tenure as the jurisdictional conference
electing him/her shall have determined but shall
not exceed 12 years. Bishops whose terms of of-
fice expire prior to the term of compulsory retire-
ment because of age and who are not reelected by
the jurisdictional conference shall be returned to
membership as traveUng elders in the annual con-
ference (or its successor) of which they ceased to
be a member when elected bishop. Their term of
office shall expire at the close of the jurisdictional
conference at wliich their successor is elected,
and they shall be entided to participate as a bishop
in the consecration of their successors. The cre-
dentials of office as bishop shall be submitted to
the secretary of the jurisdictional conference, who
shall make thereon the notation that the bishop
has honorably completed his/her term of service
for which elected and has ceased to be a bishop of
The United Methodist Church.

e) A bishop elected prior to 2000 upon retire-
ment shall be entided to the following status and
emoluments, prospectively and from the time of
adoption of this provision: (1) the right to use the
tide "bishop"; (2) the right to attend sessions of
the Council of Bishops; (3) the right to have ex-
penses paid for attendance at sessions of the
Council of Bishops; (4) the right to be seated
among the bishops and retired bishops on the
platform of the General Conference; and (5) the
right to have expenses paid for attendance at ses-
sions of the General Conference.

Petition Number: 22734-CO-506.2-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Process of Election at Jurisdictional and Central
Conferences

Add new text at the end of ^ 506.2:

d) No person shall have his or her name of-
fered for a vote at any jurisdictional/central con-
ference for the office of bishop until and unless he
or she shall have submitted to the authority pre-
siding over that conference a signed statement
affirming that he or she (1) does not beUeve that
homosexuality is God's perfect will for any person;
(2) does not and will not engage in homosexual
practices; (3) does not and will not promote ho-
mosexuality; (4) accepts fully his or her responsi-
bility to maintain the order of the Church in this
area by refiising to ordain or appoint persons who
have not made a similar commitment; and (5)
realizes that swearing falsely or failing to keep this
commitment is grounds for charges, discipline,
and expulsion.

1507.

Petition Number: 22162-CO-507.3-D; Native American
International Caucus.

Assignment of a Bishop to Oversee The Native
American Comprehensive Plan With the Church

Add new text at tiie end of ^ 507.3:

The Council of Bishops shall, with the consent
of the bishop and the concurrence of the jurisdic-
tional conference, assign one of its members for
the 1997-2000 quadrennium to give partictdar
emphasis to the Native American Comprehensive
Plan and to review interaction between the general
Church and the Native American Comprehensive
Plan.

1602.

Petition Number: 20873-CO-602-D; Bell, Howard S.,
SIL

Composition of General Conference

Delete "J 602.2, .3 and replace with new text:

2. Each Annual Conference shall be entitied to
12 delegates to the General Conference (six clergy
and six lay).

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DCA Advance Edition II

^602.

Petition Number: 22163-CO-602-D; Parrott, Bob + 2
Individuals & 1 Adm. Council, NTX.

Composition ofThe General Conference

Add new text at the beginning of "n 602.5:

5. Members who are salaried fuU-time/part-
time employees of any general or jurisdictional
board or agency of The United Methodist Church
shall be ineligible for election of delegate member-
ship to the General or jurisdictional conferences.
The secretary...

^602.

Petition Number: 22164-CO-602-D; Gregg, Odie,
Hartselle UMC, Hartselle, AL.

Composition of The General Conference

Amend ^ 602:

2. The number of delegates to which and Annual
Conference is entitled shall be computed on a two-factor
basis: Factor One — the number of clergy members of
the Annual Conference and the number of lay members
of local churches in the Annual Conference shall be
added together as one body to form the sum total
of the members of the Annual Conference for the
ptirposes of this paragraph. Factor Two — one dele-
gate shall be allotted for the first 10,000 members
of the Annual Conference as computed in factor
one, and one delegate for each additional 10,000
members of the Annual Conference or major frac-
tion thereof.

The term "clergy members" as uacd in the para-
graph shall refer to both active and retired members of
the Annual Conference (TI 702.1).

3. ...based on the factors specified above;, as follows
provided that

a) [Delete existing text.] The number of lay dele-
gates shall be equal to the number of clergy dele-
gates authorized for each Annual Conference.

b) [Delete existing text.] Every Annual Confer-
ence shall be entitled to at least one clergy and one
lay delegate.

c) [Delete existing text.] The secretary of the
General Conference meets the constitutional pro-
vision of ^ 12 that prescribes the minimiun and
maximum number of delegates to a General Con-
ference as not less than 600 nor more than 1 ,000
delegates.

d) [Delete existing text.] Should the computa-
tions provided in the paragraph result in a figxire

below the prescribed minimimi (600) or above the
prescribed maximum (1,000) for delegates, the
secretary of the General Conference shall be
authorized to remedy the situation as follows: The
number 10,000 in factor two, prescribed in % 14
and % 602.2, shall be adjusted up or down as nec-
essary to entitie an Annual Conference to elect dele-
gates; any such adjustment shall ensure the
entitiement to delegates is based on the sum total
of the Annual Conference's membership as pre-
scribed in factor one of ^ 14.

e) [Delete.]

^602.

Petition Number: 22165-CO-602.3-D; Pepper, John,
Chapel Hill UMC, Decatur, AL.

Membership of General Conference

Add a new sub-point at the end of "J 602.3:

f) Annual Conferences should provide a sys-
tem of rotation for election. No delegate should
serve for more than two consecutive terms at a
time.

1603.

Petition Number: 22735-CO-603-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Presiding Officers of General Conference

Add new text at the end of ^ 603:

Each person who has been selected as a
bishop at the time of General Conference shall
submit to the secretary-designate of the General
Conference a signed statement that he or she (1)
does not believe that homosexuality is God's per-
fect will for any person; (2) does not and will not
engage in homosexual practices; (3) does not and
will not promote homosexuahty; (4) has not know-
ingly tolerated homosexual practice or promotion
within any portion of the Chtu-ch under his author-
ity since having become bishop. In the absence of
such a statement, no bishop shall be permitted to
preside at any session of the General Conference,
and in the absence of such a statement, the Gen-
eral Conference shall vote on whether or not to
expel said bishop firom all offices and the Church.
In the absence of such a statement by a bishop,
majority vote of the General Conference for expul-
sion on two different days shall suffice for loss of
episcopal office and annual conference member-
ship.

Conferences

1263

^608.

^608.

Petition Number: 22351-CO-608-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Printing of Petitions in the Advance DCA

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 608.7:

Petitions referred to any board or agency of the
Church by the previous General Conference shall be
printed in the Advance Edition of the Daily Christian
Advocate.

^608.

Petition Number 20783-CO-608.7-D; Bell. Howard S.,
SIL

Printing of petitions in the Advance Edition
of the Daily Christian Advocate

Amend «|I 608.7:

7. ...orcouncils of the Church; and petitions prop-
erly submitted by individuaJ members (either
clergy or lay) of The United Methodist Church and
local church groups, provided that they have been
received...

Petition Number: 22166-CO-608.1-D; Commission on
The General Conference.

Petitions to General Conference

Amend ^608.1:

TTircc copies of (The petition must be sent to the
secretary of the General Conference or a designated
petitions secretary in a format determined by the
secretary of die General Conference.

^608.

Petition Number: 22167-CO-608.3-D; Commission on
The General Conference.

Petitions to General Conference

Add new text at the end of ^ 608.3:

Each petition submitted by fax or electronic
mail must identify the individual submitting it,
accompanied by identification as above, and must
contain a valid electronic mail return address or
return fax number by which the submitter can be
reached. Electronic signatures will be accepted in
accordance with common business practice.

^608.

Petition Number: 22168-CO-608.6-D; Commission on
The General Conference.

Petitions to General Conference

Amend ^ 608.6:

6. ...in the hands of the petitions secretary no later
than ninety one hundred twenty days prior to the
opening session of the General Conference.

Exceptions to the time limitations... session held
within between one hundred twenfy and forty-five
days prior...

^608.

Petition Number: 22169-CO-608.7-D; Peck, J. Richard,
NYK

Petitions to General Conference

Amend "B 608.:

7. ...or councils of the Church, provided that they
have been received by the petitions secretary or secre-
tary' of the General Conference no later than 120 days
before the opening of General Conference, shall be
printed in the first Advance Edition of the Daily Chris-
tian Advocate provided they are submitted accord-
ing to a printing schedule provided by the
secretary of the General Conference and the editor
of the Daily Christian Advocate. The first edition will
be mailed to delegates 90 days prior to the open-
ing of General Conference. All otiier petitions sub-
mitted no later than 120 days before the opening
of General Conference will be printed in a second
Advance Edition given to delegates on the first day
of the conference.

8. [Delete the first sentence and add the last sen-
tence to the end of .7 above.]

98. The petitions secretary....

^608.

Petition Number: 22170-CO-608.8-D; Commission on
The General Conference.

Petitions to General Conference

Amend ^ 608.8:

8. ...printed or copied and provided to the appropri-
ate legislative committee in sufficient quantity for every
committee member to have a copy all delegates. Where
the content of petitions is essentially the same, the
petition will be printed once, with multiple authors listed

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DCA Advance Edition II

the first author named and the number of additional
copies received printed.

^608.

Petition Number: 22171-CO-608.9-D; Commission on
The General Conference.

Petitions to General Conference

Delete ^ 608.9 and replace with new text:

9. The secretary of the General Conference
shall arrange for electronic access to all petitions,
including General Conference action, and the re-
sulting impact on TJie Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church throughout the General Confer-
ence session. This access shall be available until
the publication of the new edition of The Book of
Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Implemen-
tation shall be according to guidelines established
by the Committee on Plan of Organization and
Rtiles of Order.

^610.

Petition Number: 22705-CO-610-D; Spady, R.+ Cate,
Wm. & Jan, + Ellington, + Harding, ,Joe + 40 Lay
Members & Adm C. St. Peters UMC, Seattle, WA.

Speaking for the Church

Amend ^ 610.1:

1. ...reserved exclusively to the General Conference
representatives under the Constitution. However and
conversely, in our heritage and tradition as Prot-
estants, we do not believe in the doctrine of the
infallibility of the Church. Therefore, the General
Conference does not have the right to speak offi-
cially, through the Book of Resolutions or elsewhere,
for the conscience of any individual member of the
Church, this right having been reserved exclu-
sively for the Holy Spirit under Chm-ch doctrine.
Any written public...

^610.

Petition Number: 22172-CO-610.1-D; White, Michael
L, AFL

Accountability for United Methodist Agencies/
Officials

Delete the second sentence of "J 610.1 and replace
with new text:

No general Church agency shall be permitted
to issue public policy statements which contradict

official statements of The United Methodist Church
(^817). Any United Methodist official who publicly
contradicts official United Methodist statements,
either verbally or by written statement, without
clearly identifying either at the beginning or at the
end of such statement that this is not the official
position of The United Methodist Church shall be
required to publicly recant to the media or be sub-
ject to disciplinary review and possible loss of tide
and position. In cases when an official refuses to
recant, she/he shall be ipso facto removed from
office, and the Judicial Council shall be authorized
to clarify such matters to the public.

^610.

Petition Number: 22434-CO-610.3-D; Kuyper, Robert
L, CNV.

Support for Programs Inconsistent with the Social
Principles

Add a new sub-paragraph after % 610.2:

Bishops, the staff of general boards, agencies,
committees, commissions, and councils, and
other Church officials shall not give public support
to any program or movement that advocates posi-
tions in any way inconsistent with the Social Prin-
ciples. This shall not be construed to prevent their
right to propose changes in the Soci^ Principles.

11611.

Petition Number: 20987-CO-611.2-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Amend % 611.26:

2. h) The General Council on Ministries and tThe
program boards....

1611.

Petition Number: 22173-CO-611.2-D; 7 Adm.
Boards/Councils + 3 individuals, Leighton and other
UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding the Book of Resolutions

Amend 1 611.2a:

2. a) Resolutions and positions adopted by the Gen-
eral Conference of The United Methodist Church are
valid until they arc spccLfically rescinded, amended, or
superseded for twelve years unless they are specifi-
cally extended by action of subsequent sessions of the

Conferences

1265

General Conference. All valid rcaolutiona and poaitiona
of the General Confcrcnec of The United Methodist
church beginning with those adopted by the 1068 Unit-
ing Conference shall be listed in eaeh edition of the Book
of Resolutions. Tliere shall be a complete...

^611.

Petition Number: 22623-CO-611.2-D; Administrative
Council, Saint James UMC, Tucson, AZ.

Regarding the Book of Resolution

Amend ^611.2fl:

2. a) ...are valid for twelve years unless or until
they are specifically rescinded, amended, Of super-
seded, or extended by action of subsequent sessions
of the General Conference. All valid resolutions and
positions of the General Conference of The United
Methodist Church beginning with those adopted by the
1068 Uniting Conference shall be listed in eaeh edition
of the Book of Resolutions. There shall be...

SI612.

Petition Number: 22174-CO-612.1-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy and
Number of Bishops in Jurisdictions

Amend "1612.1:

1. [Third sentence] The function of this joint com-
mittee shall be a) to recommend to the General
Conference for its adoption the number of bishops
allocated to each of the jurisdictions for the ensu-
ing quadrennium Cn 502.2); and b) to discuss the
possibility... responsible to the interjurisdictional com-
mittee. This legislation shall be effective immedi-
ately upon its adoption by the 1996 General
Conference.

^660.

Petition Number: 20834-CO-660.1-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

The Office of District Superintendent

Amend 1660.1:

[Third sentence] Such conference and/or district
superintendent (s) shall be an elder (s), and may not be
appointed for more than eight years. Years of service
may be cither consecutive or nonconsccutivc. Years of
service as a conference and/or district superintendent
in a Missionary Conference shall be counted toward the

total of twelve years permitted in a regular Annual Con-
ference, serve for one term of two years. With a
two-thirds majority vote by the Missionary Confer-
ence said superintendent(s) may continue serving
that conference for a second two year term (a
maximum of four yeeu-s).

^700.

Petition Number: 22352-CO-70O-D; Eckert, Jerry, WI.

Establish a Conference Nominating Committee

Add a new ^ after ^ 707:

Conference Nominating Committee. — Every an-
nual conference shall have a conference Commit-
tee on Nominations, which shall be nominated
and elected for a term of four years from the floor
of the annual conference session in the year of
General Conference. Each annual conference
shall determine the number of members it will
need to carry out this function, how many quad-
rennia they may serve, as well as how membership
shall be rotated.

^700.

Petition Number: 22353-CO-700-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Formation of an Annual Conference Committee on
Petitions

Add a new '^ to Chapter 5, Section K:

There shall be a Committee on Petitions in
each annual conference. The annual conference,
upon nomination of the conference Nominating
Committee, shall elect at its session after General
Conference a Committee on Petitions, consisting
of one lay and one clergy member of the previous
General Conference, two lay members and two
clergy members-at-large, and one youth.

It shall be the function of this committee to: a)
provide all pastors and all lay members of the
annual conference. Administrative Board chair-
persons of local churches, and chairpersons of
conference agencies with the procediu^es for
preparation of petitions in September of the year
following their election; b) establish one of its
members as recipient of petitions to immediately
acknowledge the receipt of a petition. If necessary,
the recipient shall immediately suggest any
changes that would put improperly drawn peti-
tions into proper form. The petitioner may also be
referred to the annual conference, jurisdictional
conference, and/or general conference agency
which may work with the petitioner to improve the
petition; c) organize the petitions into subject mat-

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DCA Advance Edition II

ter; d) be sure that every petition is submitted in
good form to be presented to the annual conference
without recommendation; and e) be sxu-e that peti-
tioners are aware of the address of the General
Conference petitions secretary so that further peti-
tions or petitions not passed by the annual confer-
ence may still be forwarded to the general Church.

^702.

Petition Number: 20784-CO-702-D; Lawler, Larry, GIL
Clergy Conference Membership
Amend ^ 702:

1. The clergy membership of an Annual Conference
(^412) shall consist of members in full connection un-
der appointment (^422),... associate members under
appointment (^419),...

a) Clergy members in full connection under ap-
pointment shall have the right...

2. The following shall be seated in the Annual Con-
ference and shall be given the privilege of the floor
without vote: retired members in full connection,
retired associate members; part-time and student
local pastors...

^702.

Petition Number: 22175-CO-702-D; Alter, Jean Ann,
Northern Light UMC, Juneau, AK.

Voting Rights of Pastors

Add a new sub-point at the end of 11 702.1:

l.f) Pastors of United Methodist union congre-
gations appointed by the bishop shall have all
voting rights afforded to clergy members in full
connection of the annual conference where they
are serving for the duration of their appointment
to a union United Methodist church.

^702.

Petition Number: 22176-CO-702-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship +Paige, Margaret, WML

Voting Rights for Clergy Members

Amend % 702:

1. ...and local pastors under full-time appointment to
a pastoral charge....

c) Associate clergy members shall have the
right to vote in the Annual Conference on all mat-
ters except the election of lay delegates to the

General and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences,
and matters of ordination, character, and confer-
ence relations of clergy.

€d) Aasociatc and aASiliate clergy members shall
have the right to vote in the Annual Conference in
which they are serving as missionaries on all mat-
ters except constitutional amendments, election of
clergy delegates to the General....

de) Local pastors under full-time appointment.. .on
all matters except constitutional amendments, election
of lay delegates to the General....

tf) Under special conditions.. .allow local and stu-
dent local part-time pastors under appointment... except
constitutional amendments, election of clergy dele-
gates...

2. ...given the privilege of the floor without vote:
part-time and student local pastors;...

^702.

Petition Number: 22435-CO-702-D; Winget, Garry,
KSW.

The Purpose of the Annual Conference

Amend ^ 702:

1. ...shall consist of members in full connec-
tion (^422). , probationary members (11 413), associate
members CJ 410), affiliate members (11 1432.5q), and
local pastors under full-time appointment to a pastoral
charge (H 408.1) ^ {See also H 35.)

[Delete Ih - e.]

7. It is the duty of every member and all probationers
and local pastors of the Annual Conference...

11702.

Petition Number: 20785-CO-702.1-D; Lundy, J.T.,
First-Centenary UM Church, Chattanooga, TN.

Local Pastors Voting Rights

Amend H 702. Irf:

1. d) Local pastors under full-time appointment...

Conferences

1267

^702.

^702.

Petition Number: 22185-CO-702.1-D; Richard, Joe and
Long, Donald E., Sr, CIL

Composition and Character

Amend ^702.1:

1. ...and local pastors under full-time appointment to
a pastoral charge....

^702.

Petition Number: 22350-CO-702.1-D; Sunshine
District, Community UMC, Pueblo, CO.

Consistency in Responsibilities of Ordained
and Local Pastors

Amend ^ 702.1<i:

I. d) Local pastors under full-time appointment...

^702.

Petition Number: 22911-CO-702.1-; Richard, Joe and
Long, Donald E. Sr., CIL.

Local Pastors Voting Rights

Amend <n702.M

1. d) Local pastors under full-time appointment...

^702.

Petition Number: 23025-CO-702.2-D; Sunshine DCOM
oftheRKM,Beulah,CO.

Consistency in Responsibilities & Privileges of
Ordained and Local Pastors

Amend 1 702.2:

...given the privilege of the floor without vote: paft-
timc and student local pastors;...

1702.

Petition Number: 22624-CO-702.3-D; Nat.Assoc.
Deaconeses & Church & Community Workers.

Voting Rights for Deaconesses

Amend \ 702.3:

3. Diaconal ministers and deaconesses are lay
members....

1703.

Petition Number: 22178-CO-703.7-D; Whitfield, D.
Max,LRK

Organization of the Annual Conference

Amend the first sentence of ^ 703.7:

7. ...member in good standing of one of the local
churches in the episcopal area and who is a member
of the bar....

Petition Number: 22177-CO-702.2-D; Richard, Joe and
Long, Donald E., Sr., CIL.

Voting Members of The Annual Conference

Amend ^ 702.2:

2. ...given the privilege of the floor without vote:
part-time and student local pastors; official repre-
sentatives...

1703.

Petition Number: 22625-CO-703.7-D; New York
Conference Board of Trustees, Port Washington, NY.

Organization of the Annual Conference

Amend % 703.7:

7. TTie Annual Conference may designate a person
who is a member in good standing of one of the local
churches and who is a member of the bar of the state or
of one of the states in which the Annual Confer-
ence is located as chancellor. It is preferable that
the person named as chancellor be a member in
good standing of one of the local chiu"ches in the
Atmual Conference. The chancellor may be re-
tained by the Annual Conference and shall serve
as legal advisor and chief counsel to the bishop,
the Board of Trustees, and the Annual Confer-
ence. The chancellori-wh© shall be nominated by the
bishop in consultation with the Board of Trustees

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DCA Advance Edition II

and elected by the next session of the Annual Confer-
ence, shall serve as legal advisor to the bishop and to the

Annual Conference.

^704.

Petition Number: 22647-CO-704-D; Gardner, Larry +
Gipson, Robert W. + Jones, Dale, KEN.

Powers and Duties of the Annual Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 704:

For purposes of improved clergy morale, more
effective itineracy, compensation equity, or other
reasons, the annual conference may choose to
adopt a conference-wide plan for compensation of
pastors. Such a plan shall provide the method for
setting and funding the salaries, and/or other
compensation elements as specified in the plan,
of the pastors appointed to the charges of the
annual conference.

^705.

Petition Number: 22179-CO-705-D; Agnew, Theodore
L, First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Definition of "Clergy Session"

End ^ 705.6 with the second sentence and add the
remainder of the paragraph to a new sub-paragraph .7 :

6. The Annual Conference shall make inquiry.. .to
the bishop and the conference in open session.

7. Clergy Session. — ^The annual conference may
be convened in clergy session for the purpose of
voting on questions relating to matters of ordina-
tion, character, and conference relations of clergy.

Questions relating to the matter of ordination, character,
and eonfcrcncc relations of clergy shall be the business
of the clergy session. ...Only the ordained clergy in full
connection may vote CJ 701.1a 701.2a). Others may be
admitted.. .by the clergy session, shall have voice CB
422).

^706.

Petition Number: 20988-CO-706.2-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Amend % 706.2:

2. ...two printed copies of its annual journal and one
printed copy to the General Council on Ministries.

^707.

PetiUon Number: 22180-CO-707.4-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Membership on Annual Conference Councils, Boards
& Agencies

Amend ^ 707.4:

4. ...older adults (^ 264.5.), persons from
churches with small memberships, persons with
handicapping conditions....

^726.

Petition Number: 22181-CO-726-D;CIL.

Flexibility in Conference Council on Ministries

Amend ^ 726:

In each Annual Conference of TTie United Method-
ist Church there shall be a conference Council on Min-
istries or alternative structure; provided that such
council...

5. Committees, Task Forces, and Consult-
ations.— ^The council shall appoint a Committee on Eth-
nic Local Church Concerns or alternative structure.
In addition,...

a) Committee on Ethnic Local Church Con-
cerns.— ^There shall be organized in each Annual Con-
ference a Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns
or alternative structure. The responsibilities of the
Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns may
be assigned to an existing or newly created multi-
functional agency of the Council that cares for the
functions of and the connectional relationships of
ethnic local church concerns, conference, dis-
tricts, and local churches. It shall relate to all...

c) Committee on Planning and Research. — In each
Aimual Conference Council on Ministries or alter-
nate structure, chosen by it and amenable to it,
there may be a Committee on Planning and Re-
search. It should not be deemed necessary...

d) Committee on Evaluation. — ^There may be or-
ganized in each Annual Conference Council on
Ministries or alternative structure, chosen by it
and amenable to it, a Committee on Evaluation. It

should not be deemed necessary...

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1269

^726.

^747.

Petition Number: 22182-CO-726.2-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Annual Conference Council
on Ministries Membership

Amend ^ 726.2:

2. ...and commissions described in^^739-?44-742;
representatives of other conference agencies as deter-
mined by the Annual Conference including the chair-
person of the Parish and Community
Development Committee and chairpersons of the
Subcommittees on Church and Community Min-
istry, Congregational Development, Small Mem-
bership Church, Town and Country Ministries,
Urban Ministries, and other subcommittees
formed by the committee; the conference secretary;...

1726.

Petition Number: 22183-CO-726.10-D; Brown, George
C, PNW.

Responsibilities of the Annual Conference
Council on Ministries

Add a new sub-point at the end of % 726.10:

h) To prepare (or have prepared) a map of the
annual conference showing district boundeiries
and locations of local chtu-ches. Such maps shall
be reviewed annually to adjust for any changes
that may have occurred since prior review.

1726.

Petition Number: 22184-CO-726.10-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Responsibilities of Annual Conference
Council on Ministries

Add a new sub-point after <n 726.106:

To encourage and enable local churches, cir-
cuits, and cooperative ministries to develop strate-
gies for providing effective nurttire, outreach, £md
witness ministries relevant to the sociological, his-
torical, and theological contexts in which they are
situated.

Petition Number: 22186-CO-747-D; CIL

Committee on Ministry to Persons
with Handicapping Conditions

Add new text at the end of "JI 747:

The purpose and functions of this committee
may be assigned to an existing or newly created
multifunctional agency of the council or alterna-
tive structure.

1747.

Petition Number: 22897-CO-747-D; UM Task Force on
Developmental Disabilities, First UMC, Philadelphia,
PA.

Annual Conference Committee on Disability Concerns

Delete ^ 747 and replace with new text:

There shall be in each annual conference a
Committee on Disability Concerns.

1. The basic membership of the committee
shall be nominated and elected by established
procedures of the respective annual conference.
Each annual conference shall determine the
number and composition of the total membership.
Membership shall include persons with physical
disabilities and persons with mental disabilities.

2. It shaU be the responsibility of this commit-
tee:

a) To be aware of the role of persons with
disabilities in ministry, including ordained and
diaconal ministries and local church and annual
conference leadership positions.

b) To advocate for and help develop programs
within the annual conference that meet the needs
of persons with disabilities.

c) To be informed about current ministries
within the annual conference that are related to
persons with disabilities.

d) To develop ways to sensitize persons in
leadership positions on issues that affect persons
with disabilities and, therefore, the entire Chtirch.

e) To foster cooperation among ministries
within the annual conference that focus on specific
mental and/or physical disabilities.

J9 To be a resource for local churches that are
attempting to develop ministries that are attitudi-
nally and architecturally accessible.

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DCA Advance Edition II

g) To promote the full inclusion of persons
with disabilities in the life of the local church and
the annual conference.

^749.

Petition Number: 22187-CO-749-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Annual Conference Judiciary Committee

Add a new sub-paragraph following *n 748:

Annual Conference Judiciary Committee. — 1. Each
annual conference shall nominate and elect a Ju-
diciary Committee whose purpose it shall be to
review any appeal of rulings of law made by the
bishop between annual conference sessions in the
course of administering the life of the conference.

a) Nomination and Election. — 1) Nominations
for the Judiciary Committee shall be from the con-
ference Committee on Nominations and from the
floor of the annual conference. Not eUgible for the
Judiciary Committee are the conference chancel-
lor, members of the Cabinet, conference staff, ju-
risdictional or central conference appellate
committee, and Judicial Council. Eligible shall be
full members of the conference, preferably retired
and honorably located members, and lay mem-
bers of the conference. Upon election, they shall
all resign from any other annual conference board
or agency to which they have belonged prior to
election.

2) There shall be three elected, one of whom
shall be lay, to the Judiciary Committee. In addi-
tion, two alternates, one lay and one clergy, shall
also be elected.

3) Each of the five must be elected by a major-
ity of the members of the annual conference pre-
sent and voting.

4) The term of office shall be for the quadren-
nium, with election being at the annual conference
immediately following General Conference and
continuing until their successor(s) are elected.

2. Officers. — The committee shall select its con-
vener, who shall have the authority to gather the
other members, or if they are unavailable, alter-
nates, so that at least three can meet as soon as
possible. The convener shall report the commit-
tee's ruling in writing to the appellant and the
bishop as soon as possible.

3. Time Frame.— The committee shall meet
within a week of the appeal and must make its
ruling no later than the second week unless the
bishop and appellant agree to an extension.

4. Authority. — a) The committee shall seek to
make the best interpretation possible of the part

of the conference rules or of the Book of Discipline
being appealed and may overturn, modify, or sup-
port the ruling of the bishop. The committee must
respond to the issue of law raised by the appellant.
While the task is legal, it shall be done in the spirit
of coUegialify and reconciliation.

b) This authorify shall be valid on any written
challenges of the bishop's interpretation of confer-
ence rules or of the Book of Discipline, including
matters related to % 2620 and following. In par-
ticular, appeals of fair process procedures may be
made to this body.

5. Procedure. — If someone sees what seems to
be a violation of conference rules, establishment
of policies and procediwes that are not the author-
ity of the individual, board or agency, or violation
of the Book of Discipline in the course of events in
the life of the Church, she/he may raise a question
of law in writing to the bishop. The bishop shall
make a ruling of law in writing within a week of
receiving the question of law. The questioner and
bishop may agree to an extension.

1) A question of law shall ask for an interpre-
tation of conference rules or of one or more para-
graphs of the Book of Discipline pertinent to an
immediate action pending or taken at any level in
the conference. The question may not be hypo-
thetical or fiivolous.

2) The bishop may refer the question of law to
a superintendent or conference chancellor or
other she/he selects to handle the matter but shall
take responsibility for the ruling.

3) (a) The ruling of the law shall respond to the
speciiSc question asked and shall provide direc-
tion for action or interpretation of meamng to be
taken under conference rules or the appropriate
disciplinary paragraph(s).

(b) To challenge the ruhng of law, the ques-
tioner or any other interested person shall do so
in writing, stating the grounds for the challenge.
This shall be sent to the bishop and to the con-
vener of the Judiciary Committee.

(c) The ruling of law of the bishop shall have
the authority of law within the annual conference
until it has been modified or overturned by the
Judiciary Committee or, upon further appeal, by
the annual conference for conference rules or by
the Judicial Council for the Discipline.

(d) The members of the Judiciary Committee
must be open to presentations in session fi^om
anyone interested in the question of law, though it
will be the responsibility of the bishop and the
questioner to communicate with others about the
challenge and its issues. The committee may hold
a hearing with the interested parties, or it may
handle contact with those interested in any way

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1271

that facilitates gathering of all relevant data and
resolution of the challenge.

e) The ruling of the Judiciary Committee shall
become law for that conference unless it is over-
turned upon further appeal.

6. Appeal. — Should either the bishop or the
questioner feel that the Judiciary Committee's rul-
ing is not correct vdthin the conference rules or
the Book of Discipline, they may bring the matter
before the annual conference for resolution of con-
ference rules interpretation or for referral to the
Judicial Council under %1 2613, 2614, or 2616.

^749.

Petition Number: 22188-CO-749-D; SEJ Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Fellowship.

Committee on Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries

Add a new ^ after f 748:

The annual conference shall establish a Com-
mittee on Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries
(CJAMM) to accomplish the following: (1) raise
the awareness and generate local church involve-
ment; (2) identify existing programs; (3) promote
criminal justice ministries; (4) serve as a resource
and connectional link with local churches, general
program agencies and ecumenical groups, and
use Prison Ministry/Prison Reform resources
made available through the general agencies. The
purpose is to promote a ministry to persons of all
genders and ages who are in prison, to the families
of those in prison, and to the victims of crime and
their families, and to be an advocate for prison
concerns. A minimum of three lay and three clergy
persons shall compose the committee. The
CJAMM committee may relate to the Board of
Global Ministries and/or the Board of Church and
Society, which shares social justice concerns.

1752.

Petition Number: 22189-CO-752.2-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Membership in District Council on Ministries

Amend % 752.2:

2. [Third sentence] ...district directors for Church
and society, district disaster response coordina-
tors, work area chairpersons.. .special attention to the
inclusion of clergywomen, youth, young adults, older
adults, persons from churches with small member-
ships, persons with handicapping conditions

1752.

Petition Number: 22190-CO-752.2-D; SEJ Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Fellowship.

District Council on Ministries Membership Include
Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries Coordinator

Amend "D 752.2:

2. [Third sentence] It may include the following:
district coordinators of age-level and family ministries;
district coordinator of Criminal Justice and Mercy
Ministries; the district director/president....

1752.

Petition Number: 22191-CO-752.4-D; SEJ Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Fellowship.

Dist. Council on Ministry Include Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministries as Program Responsibility

Amend ^ lb2Ak:

4. k) To assist in the implementation of the program
of the Annual Conference, which shall include Crimi-
nal Justice and Mercy Ministries.

1750.

Petition Number: 22626-CO-750-D; Crouch, William
C.NTX.

The District Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 750:

The district conference may approve a district
budget and apportion the cost to the churches of
the district in a method approved by the district
conference.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20777-CO-NonDis-O; Clark,
Stephen E., First United Methodist Church of
Glendale, Glendale, AZ.

Churches Outside the United States

I petition the General Conference to:

1. Organize the Church outside the United States
the same way it is organized in the United States.

2. To effect number one above, the central confer-
ences should be converted to jurisdictional conferences
with the same duties, powers, etc. as the jurisdictional
conferences in the United States.

3. To effect number one and two above, make the
appropriate amendments to the Constitution of The
United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20869-CO-NonDis-O; Vieira, Gilbert
H., CNV.

Annual Conference Voting by Retired Clergy

Whereas, our annual conferences seek to comply
with the disciplinary requirement for equal repre-
sentation by lay and clergy; and

Whereas, we believe the total of lay and clergy
members has grown too large, imposing burdensome
costs upon the church; and

Whereas, the unwieldy size of our conference bod-
ies limits significant participation by the members; and

Whereas, many of the retired clergy do not attend
the sessions because of ill health, living at distant loca-
tions, or lacking interest in participation, thus resulting
in an imbalance of lay and clergy members; and

Whereas, our times call for realism in the way we
conduct the business of the church and for a leaner and
more rigorous discipline that confers greater meaning
to conference participation;

Therefore, be it resolved, that in an effort to reduce
the total number of voting members, clergy members,
upon retirement, will have voice but not vote in the
annual conference sessions. An exception will be ob-
served for retired clergy serving an appointment. While
under appointment, retired clergy will retain the right to
vote, that right to be relinquished upon termination of
the appointment. The number of non-voting retired
clergy members of an annual conference will not be
included in the formula to equalize lay and clergy mem-
bership.

Petition Number: 21514-CO-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Appalachian Development Committee,
Hagerstown, MD.

A Day at the 1996 General Conference
to Address Central Conference Issues

The United Methodist Appalachian Development
Committee petitions the Commission on the General
Conference for 1996 to provide for a means of address-
ing issues and concerns important to the ministries and
mission of the Central Conferences and to schedule a
time in the plenary sessions of the conference to address
thoroughly such issues and concerns.

Petition Number: 22192-CO-NonDis-O; Wilcox,
Deborah M., St. Paul UMC, Terre Hill, PA

Date of 2000 General Conference

Student involvement in The United Methodist
Church is a vital and necessary part of the Church's
plans for the future, and there has been an increase in
students (both youth and adult) who have been elected
as delegates to General Conference in 1996.

Most students are dedicated not only to their
church but also to their studies; ti:ie 1996 General Con-
ference, being held in April, has caused students to miss
two full weeks of classes.

The committee for the 2000 General Conference
should consider holding the General Conference be-
tween mid-May and mid-June 2000.

Petition Number: 22193-CO-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Black Leadership in Annual, Jurisdictional
and General Conference Levels

Whereas, The United Methodist Church eliminated
the Central Jurisdiction in 1966 and yet has achieved
little in the area of racial inclusiveness with minuscule
number of ebony bishops, district superintendents, an-
nual conference and district officers. General and juris-
dictional conference board and agency officers and
members; and

Whereas, all leadership, including Black leader-
ship, is developed through modeling, cultivating, and
providing opportunities to develop and demonstrate
leadership skills; and

Whereas, competent Black talent exists among the
membership of local United Methodist churches but is
often tapped only through meager attempts at inclusion
amounting to little more than "tokenism;" and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church, with its
resources of Black clergy and laity, has an opportunity

Conferences

1273

to be an agent in demonstrating the effectiveness of
culturally diverse leadership by truly integrating its con-
gregations and pastors;

Tlierefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church in all of its annual conferences will actively
seek to identify Black clergy and laity for leadership
positions at the local, district, annual conference, juris-
dictional, and general Church levels. Such active identi-
fication may be accomplished through;

• The conducting of district leadership training
seminars to which at least three members of each
predominantly Black church have been invited; and

• The establishment of a "mentor system" in which an
effective Black leader would become a mentor to a
potential Black leader and would encourage and
assist that person into the full development of his or
her leadership skills; and

• The frequent fellowshipping of racial ethnic
congregations leading to an understanding of racial
differences; and

• Bishops and district superintendents actively
choosing Black United Methodists to fill appointive
positions in the annual conference, jurisdictional, and
general Church levels.

Petition Number: 22194-CO-NonDis-0;TEN.

Allow Part-Time and Student Pastors
to Vote at Annual Conference

Whereas, local and student part-time pastors under
appointment are persons whose mission and ministries
are strategically as important as pastors serving as per-
sons in full connection, probationary membership, asso-
ciate membership, and affiliate membership; and

Whereas, the role of local and student part-time
pastors is missional in nature for many congregations
which would not have a pastor if it were not for these
pastors; and

Whereas, local and student part-time pastors sup-
port the mission and ministry of The United Methodist
Church, the same as other pastors do; and

Whereas, once a person moves from the status of
lay person to local or student pastor under part-time
appointment, the person no longer has a vote on any
issue at annual conference;

Therefore, be it resolved that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church make appropriate
amendments to the Constitution and the Book of Disci-
pline to allow local and student pastors under part-time
appointment both membership and/or vote at an annual
conference either similar or identical to that of a local
pastor under full-time appointment.

Petition Number: 22195-CO-NonDis-O; Swantner, M.
Thos., CIL.

Lay Members of the Annual Conference Sessions

Whereas, the equalization of lay and clergy mem-
bership at the annual conference sessions is a highly
desirable factor in our connection; and

Whereas, the equalizing formula is based upon the
clergy membership, many of whom cannot attend be-
cause of age, health, and distance since retirement; and

Whereas, such equalization requirements have
caused a mushrooming of both size and cost for annual
conference sessions;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the lay membership
of an annual conference session shall be based on the
voting clergy roll call attendance of the immediately
preceding annual conference session.

Petition Number: 22196-CO-NonDis-O; Shuler, Bob -i-
15 Clergy and 27 Lay Members, CNV.

Imperatives for "A Conference
In The Imperative Mood"

Having met on Saturday, October 7, 1995, we fifty
UM laity and clergy who attended the Conference in the
Imperative Mood at Riverside First United Methodist
Church in Riverside, California, having adopted as our
own the following ten imperatives for Christian charac-
ter, both individual and collective, now offer these im-
peratives to members of the General Conference of The
United Methodist Church in the hope that they, too, will
adopt these for their expression of Christian character,
individual and collective.

1. The annual conferences shall offer opportunity
and encouragement for theological discussion, dia-
logue, and debate both within the annual conference and
among the local churches on matters of theological
importance, this in order to make laity and clergy alike
"thinking" Christians.

2. Conference caucuses began with good intent.
However, now these divide us politically. We encourage
all annual conference caucuses to unify around the prin-
ciple of having and developing in us "the mind of Christ."
We must be under the common mantle of Christ's king-
dom.

3. United Methodist pastors shall become joumey-
man/journeywomen theologians, general practitioners
of the historic Christian faith. Laity, too, shall be chal-
lenged to take and to teach annual courses in general
theology, this as a challenge beyond our continuing
education.

4. Laity and clergy of the General Conference shall
be, as first priority, witnesses to Christ. We shall be
asked by our every meeting of the annual conferences
if we have been faithful to this witness.

1274

DCA Advance Edition II

5. Local and church pastors shall study and teach
Bible, Church history, and historic doctrine during the
church year. Pastors as preachers and teachers shall be
encouraged by the General Conference and monitored
by annual conferences.

6. Bishops of our general Church shall take on as
primary role being pastors to the pastors under their
annual conference care. District superintendents shall
as well seek as priority the same role to local church
pastors.

7. No more shall The United Methodist Church
adapt to society's norm and measure. The church of
Christ rather shall impregnate these civic and social
structures with the Spirit of God and the values of God's
kingdom.

8. We shall make as our constant General Confer-
ence goal inward and outward holiness, where the love
of God and the love of neighbor are our twin missions.

9. Our United Methodist Church, which must evan-
gelize, shall also be evangelized. The Good News we
hope to offer unto others must as well be offered unto
us by someone else. Let us cooperate with the Spirit's
design to evangelize United Methodists.

10. The General Conference, and the annual confer-
ences thereafter, with the help of our local churches,
pastors and laity, shall give first priority to a timely and
relevant theological agenda shaped for the new millen-
nium, which puts to secondary concern budgets and
programs and puts to primary concern the conversion
to Christ and deepening of our Christian lives.

Petition Number: 22197-CO-NonDis-O; Association
for Physically Challenged Ministers.

General Language Change

Whereas, The United Methodist Church proclaims
that its mission is to minister to populations in this
country and throughout the world; and

Whereas, various mission, evangelical, and educa-
tional programs of the UMC encourage congregations
to welcome all of God's people to the fellowship in the
name of Christ; and

Whereas, many among God's people, one out of ten
nationwide, are bom with or during life experience or
acquire a disability, we would recommend that the Gen-
eral Conference of the UMC in 1996 adopt the following:

General language change to apply throughout the
Book of Discipline to change "persons with handicapping
conditions" to "persons with disabilities."

Petition Number: 22198-CO-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Use Standard English in The Book of Discipline

Whereas, The United Methodist Church contains
large numbers of the two major political parties as well
as numerous members of the smaller political parties;
and

Whereas, at one point, the General Conference
adopted strained and unusual terminology that is the
property of only one of the major political parties;

Therefore, be it resolved by the 1996 General Con-
ference that the editor of the 1996 Discipline return its
wording to standard English and omit such invented
words now in the Discipline, especially "layperson" and
"chairperson."

Petition Number: 22258-CO-NonDis-0;CIL.

Paragraph Changes in The Book of Discipline

Whereas, every quadrennium a revised Book of Dis-
cipline is published with the changes approved by Gen-
eral Conference; and

Whereas, this revised Book of Discipline changes
many of the paragraph reference numbers for informa-
tion that is regularly used by many boards, councils,
committees, agencies, and individuals to guarantee the
fulfillment of their responsibilities; and

Whereas, a considerable amount of time is spent by
individuals in each annual conference and duplicated by
numerous persons in each annual conference identify-
ing the reference numbers that have changed and locat-
ing the information pertinent to their responsibilities;
and

Whereas, there is currently no prepared guide avail-
able for the changes in reference;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the publisher of each
new Book of Discipline prepare a table of paragraph
numbers that have changed from the previous Book of
Discipline, showing the corresponding new paragraph
numbers, and that the list be made available through the
annual conference secretary.

Petition Number: 22354-CO-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Edinic Membership on Conference Boards
and Agencies

Whereas, the Judicial Council has declared that
mandated membership of ethnic persons on boards and
agencies of the Church at any level is unconstitutional;
and

Whereas, a cross representation of all constituents
of the Church on boards and agencies is necessary for
their most effective work; and

Conferences

1275

Whereas, the inclusion of ethnic minorities in rep-
resentative numbers on every board and agency at all
levels of the Church is consistent with the doctrine,
Discipline, and "Social Principles" of the Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the delegates at the
various jurisdictional conferences be urged to be inten-
tional in their nominations to the various general boards
and agencies to assure that ethnic minorities are elected
to these boards and agencies in representative numbers;
and

Be it further resolved, that the nominating commit-
tees of each annual conference include in their nomina-
tion and election process an equitable number of ethnic
minorities on every board and agency.

Petition Number: 22356-CO-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Commend Rev. Donald E. Wildmon

Whereas, within the past two decades there has
been an ever-growing disregard for those ethical stand-
ards (accepted by all branches of the Christian church
for centuries) regarding sexual activity only within mar-
riage, and that homosexual activity is to be discouraged
as being undesirable; and

Whereas, the Rev. Donald E. Wildmon, a member
of the Mississippi Annual Conference, has been effective
in supporting the long-held Christian ethical position in
these areas; and

Whereas, Rev. Wildmon has been especially effec-
tive in the last seven or eight years in the removal of both
television programs and printed material that promotes
promiscuous sex and that also promotes homosexuality
as normal and so both acceptable and desirable;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference commend Rev. Donald E. Wildmon for his
efforts in the reduction of the promotion of promiscuous
sex and homosexual activity in both television and the
printed media.

Petition Number: 22627-CO-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board -i- 3 Individuals, Drummond Chapel UMC,
Morgantown, WV.

Establishment of Parish Health Nurse Program

Be it resolved, that annual conferences be directed
to promote the establishment of Parish Health Nurse
Programs in each local congregation or charge.

Petition Number: 22648-CO-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH.

Random Assignment of Delegates to Committees

Beginning with 2000, the General Conference man-
dates that all elected General Conference delegates
shall be assigned to legislative committees on a random
basis.

This mandate shall be referred to the Rules Com-
mittee and the Council of Bishops to ensure proper
implementation.

Petition Number: 22649-CO-NonDis-O; Oden,
Thomas C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding The T\tle of The Book of Discipline

Change the title of the Book of Discipline:

Tlte Book of Doctrines and Discipline of The United
Methodist Church

Petition Number: 22650-CO-NonDis-O; Oden,
Thomas C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding Longstanding Inequities Toward Men
in The Book of Resolutions

Be it resolved, that no further resolutions concern-
ing women shall be added to the Book of Resolutions until
more deliberate study is given to Christian men: the
special burdens men carry, the unique responsibilities
they bear, the forms of suffering that are common
among men.

Petition Number: 22706-CO-NonDis-O; MARCHA

Resolution in Support of the Rio Grande
Conference

Whereas, November 20, 1995 was the 142nd anni-
versary date that Benigno Cardenas, under the auspices
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached the first
sermon in Spanish in what is now the state of New
Mexico and became the first Hispanic clergy in that
church and a pioneer in what is now the Rio Grande
Conference of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference has recently
celebrated its 80th anniversary of being organized as an
annual conference to reach and serve Hispanics in Texas
and New Mexico; and

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference, as the only
Spanish-speaking conference in The United Methodist
Church in the United States, continues to be a viable
mission structure to reach Hispanics for Christ and his
church in those two states, condnues to develop signifi-
cant ministries in the communities it serves, continues
to develop leadership for this ministry in spite of limited
resources, and has welcomed other sister conferences
beginning to respond to the overwhelming Hispanic
population growth in the area (over 1.4 million in one
decade); and

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference, through the
years to the present time, has developed and shared its
leadership, lay and clergy, with other conferences, gen-
eral agencies, and the whole Church; and

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference continues to
play an important and vital role in the implementation of
the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries; and

1276

DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference in its last
annual conference session affirmed its desire to deter-
mine its own future and has established a process of
self-study, visioning, and planning to accomplish this
goal as it has done before in past self-studies; and

Whereas, the Rio Grande Conference at its last
session declared its commitment and resolve to pray and
to continue to work to strengthen and expand its minis-
try and outreach, to deepen its spiritual life, and to
dedicate itself to grow in all aspects of its ministry,
including its stewardship, membership, participation in
various ministries, etc.; and

Whereas, the South Central Jurisdiction College of
Bishops, and perhaps others, have had conversations
regarding the future structure of the Rio Grande Con-
ference;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence continue to affirm and support the Rio Grande
Conference, its ministry, and leadership as a viable mis-
sional structure.

Petition Number: 23009-CO-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Delegates Expenses to Conferences

Delegates or members of the annual, jurisdictional,
and General conferences shall pay their own way for
travel, food, and lodging. Delegates to political conven-
tions pay their own way; is politics more important than
Jesus Christ?

Petition Number: 23010-CO-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

General Conference Sessions

General Conference sessions are to be chaired by
lay persons. Worship each day is to be led by clergy and
bishops.

Petition Number: 23011-CO-NonDis-O; Martin,
James, Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Responsibilities of Bishops
at General Conference

During the sessions of the General Conference, the
bishops, rather than sitting as observers of the General
Conference, shaU be sent to special service around the
city in which the General Conference is meeting. Such
service might include street preaching, working in food
kitchens, or planning and holding services of worship in
local congregations.

Petition Number: 23012-CO-NonDis-O; Martin,
James, Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Lay Persons Responsibilities at General
Conference

Lay persons shaU have the responsibiUty to present
committee reports at the General Conference.

Petition Number 23013-CO-NonDis-O; Martin,
James, Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

General Conference Legislative Committees

In the committees in which petitions are judged and
accepted or rejected, staff people shah not be elected to
chair where matters of their professional competency
are being acted upon.

Petition Number: 23014-CO-NonDis-O; Martin,
James, Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

The Election Procedm-es for Bishops

The elections of bishops in The United Methodist
Church shaU take place at the General Conference. The
foUowing procedures shaU be utilized:

1. Divide members of the General Conference into
jurisdictional voting units.

2. Jurisdictions nominate candidates according to
the numbers needed for each jurisdiction.

3. All candidates nominated wiU be presented to the
General Conference for election.

Petition Number: 23015-CO-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Jurisdictions and Jurisdictional Conferences

The jurisdictions as weU as the jurisdictional confer-
ence should be eUminated. The election of bishops can
and should be done at General Conference.

Petition Number: 23016-CO-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Aimual Conference Membership

As presently formed, the annual conference is not a
democratic body. The ratio of pastors/lay people is not
in balance. This must be remedied. A more equitable
ratio in numbers would be one pastor to 200 laity.

Petition Number: 23017-CO-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, AdeU, WI.

Voting Rights of Pastors

Pastors not serving a local church wiU be without
vote at the annual conference.

Conferences 1277

Petition Number: 23026-CO-NonDis-O;CLZ.

Global Nature of the Church

We petition that the General Conference endorse,
adopt, and study globalization as stated in the episcopal
address.

1278

DCA Advance Edition II

Discipleship

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^66.

Petition Number: 22199-DI-66-D; Parrott, Bob, NTX.

Our Doctrinal History

Amend ^ 66:

The Wesleyan "Standards" in Great Britain

[Fourth paragraph] These writings, then, contained
the standard exposition of Methodist teaching. They
provide a model and measure for adequate preaching in
the Wesleyan tradition, doctrinal sennons became in
the witnessing experience more than a belief as-
sented to. In the dynamic of the occasion, the
sermons become a "present existing and estab-
lished standard of doctrine." The primary norm...

Doctrinal Standards in American Methodism

[Seventh paragraph] ...as assurance and Christian
perfection. Wesley's Sermons and Notes, therefore, con-
tinued to function as the traditional standard exposition
provided these missing doctrinal emphases, and
through the dynamic of doctrinal preaching, pro-
vided a standard of distinctive Methodist teaching.

[Ninth paragraph] Within the Wesleyan tradition,
then as now, the Sermons and Notes furnished models of
doctrinal exposition, contained doctrine that chal-
lenges each generation of Methodists not to
merely assent to beliefs but to witness. The doc-
trinal witness is in the process a "standard" of
doctrine. Other documents forms of witnessing have
also served...

^66.

Petition Number: 23070-DI-66-D; Blankenship, Paul
F.„ MEM.

Resolution of Intent

Amend ^ 66, footnote 3:

For the contemporary interpretation of this and
similar articles (i.e.. Articles XTV, XV, XVI, XVII, XK, XX
and XXI) in consonance with our best ecumenical
insights and judgement see A Resolution...

^67.

Petition Number: 22865-DI-67-D; Blankenship, Paul
F., MEM.

A Resolution of Intent

Amend ^ 67, footnote 5:

For the contemporary interpretation of this and
similar articles (i.e. , Articles XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XIX, XX
and XXI) in consonance with our best ecumenical
insights and judgement see A Resolution...

^68.

Petition Number: 22511-DI-68-D; Sebastian, Roy and
Virginia, United Methodist Church, New London, CT.

Our Theological Task

Retain ^ 68 without change.

1[68.

Petition Number: 22555-DI-68-D; Case, Riley B., NIN.

The Doctrinal Statement and Tradition

Delete the third through the sixth paragraphs of ^
68 'Tradition," and the first sentence of the seventh
paragraph, and replace with new text:

United Methodists see oiu*selves as standing
in the center stream of that legacy and corporate
experience, loyal heirs to all that is best in spiri-
tuality and doctrine in our Christian past. Through
statements such as the Articles of Religion of the
Methodist Chixrch, the Confession of Faith of the
Evangelical United Brethren Church, and the
General Rules of the Methodist Church, the pio-
neers in the traditions that flowed together to form
The United Methodist Church sought to summa-
rize and identify with the central afBrmations of
Christian faith. These doctrinal standards, along
with the Standard Sermons of Wesley and the Explana-
tory Notes Upon the New Testament, have helped to
summarize scriptural truth and give guidance for
Christian teaching.

In addition, tradition for United Methodists
can be traced further back through the writings of
the reformers, the early church fathers and coun-

Discipleship

1279

cils, and the historic creeds. In these and other
Christian formulations and experiences, a collec-
tive wisdom emerges that offers a perspective from
which to approach faith and life in a changing world.

But our understanding of tradition is also
open to the experiences of other Christian groups.
We are now challenged by traditions from around
the world. These traditions help us rediscover....

11278.

Petition Number: 22737-DI-278-D; North Alabama
Conference Board of Laity, NAL.

Lay Speaking

Amend Part V, Chapter One, Section X:

Section X. Lay Spooking Ministry.

^278.

Petition Number 22738-DI-278-D; North Alabama
Conference Board of Laity, NAL.

Lay Speaking

Amend % 278:

Lay Speaking Ministries. — 1. A lay speaker minis-
ter Oocal church or certified)...

2. Lay spcalccrs ministers are to serve...

3. Through continued study and training a lay
speaker minister should prepare...

b) ...or Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries.

c) ...or Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries.

4. Lay spcalccr ministry training courses... confer-
ence Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries....

5. ...as local church or certified lay speakers minis-
ters.

^279.

Petidon Number: 22739-DI-279-D; North Alabama
Conference Board of Laity.

Local Church Lay Speaker

Amend ^ 279:

Local Church Lay Speaker Minister. — 1. A candidate
may be recognized as a local church lay speaker min-
ister by the district or conference Committee on Lay
Speaking Ministries after the candidate has:

b) Completed the basic course for lay speaking
ministries.

2. The local church lay spcaltcr minister shall
serve...

^279.

Petition Number: 20989-D 1-279. 1-D; Martin, Wilber
Jarold, Oswego Prairie UMC, Montgomery, IL.

Local Church Lay Speaker

Amend ^279.16:

1. b) Completed the basic course for lay speaking,
and in the absence of completing at least once
every three years an advanced course for Certified
Lay Speakers, shall repeat the completion of the
basic course for Local Church Lay Speakers at
least once every three years.

^280.

Petition Number: 22740-DI-280-D; North Alabama
Conference Board of Laity.

Certified Lay Speaker

Amend II 280:

Certified Lay Speaker Minister. — 1. Acandidate may
be recognized as a certified lay speaker minister by the
district or conference Committee on Lay Speaking Min-
istries after the candidate has:

b) Competed both basic and one advanced training
courses for lay speaking ministry.

c) ...responsibilities of a lay speaker minister {see
^278.2).

2. The certified lay speaker minister shall con-
tinue...In addition, the certified lay speaker minister
may serve...

3. Recognition as a certified lay speaker minister
shall be renewed annually by the district or conference
Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries after the certi-
fied lay speaker minister has:

b) Submitted an annual report to the Charge Con-
ference and the Committee on Lay Speaking Minis-
tries, giving evidence of the satisfactory performance of
lay speaking ministry service.

d) Completed at least once in every three years an
advanced course for lay speakers ministers.

1280

DCA Advance Edition I!

^281.

Petition Number: 22741-DI-281-D; North Alabama
Conference Board of Laity.

Transfer of Certification by Certified Lay Speakers

Amend 1 281:

Transfer of Certification by Certified Lay Speakers
Ministers. — A certified lay spcalccr minister who
moves.. .Committee on Lay Spcaldng Ministries con-
firming current certification...

^282.

Petition Number: 22403-D 1-282-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Lay Preacher

Amend ^ 282:

1. a) Made application in writing to the appropriate
district eCommittee on Ordained Ministry and has
been recommended by the pastor and the Pastor-Par-
ish Relations Committee of tiie local church ...and/or
the Charge/Church Conference wherein....

b) Completed both the basic and advanced lay
speeiking training courses to be designed by the Gen-
eral Board of Disciplcship or alternate courses to be
designed by the j\nnual Conference Board of Disci-
plcship in consultation and cooperation with the Cabinet
and/or any other educational courses recom-
mended by his or her district Committee on Or-
dained Ministry. This is to include competency...

f) [Delete.]

2. ...until and unless he/she is appointed assigned
to a church or charge...

a) The lay preacher's license is to be reviewed
for renewal annually by the district Committee on
Ordained Ministry is to be rcliccnscd annually. The
lay preacher may be utilized in charges or churches
which arc left "to be supplied" when it is impractical to
serve such congregations with part-time local pastors or
ordained elcrg^' or as part of an extended or shared
ministry model (^ 206.3/) where it is practical and
desirable to do so, at the discretion of the district
superintendent.

b) ...the local church relates to the connection. The
pastor-in-charge shall have responsibility for the
administration of the sacraments (^ 439.16).

c) ...and missional thrust of tThe United Methodist
Church. This assumes an in-rcsidcncc ministry and
assumes that the lay preacher is a person whose intcg
rity and witness as a Christian and as a United Methodist
arc established. This ministry...

3. [Delete existing text.] Lay preachers will be
assigned by the district superintendent after due
consultation with the leadership of the local
church an the pastor-in-charge. It is recom-
mended that this assignment be affinned and cele-
brated in both the lay preacher's home church and
the receiving chiu-ch.

4. [Delete.]

^282.

Petition Number: 22226-DI-282.2-D; Van Giesen,
David L, MOW.

Lay Preacher

Amend %, 282.2:

2. The lay preacher shall continue to serve and
worship in the local church where membership resides
until and unless he/she is appointed assigned to a
church or charge...

^282.

Petition Number: 22227-DI-282.2-D; Adminish-ative
Council, Mt. Hermon UMC, Salem, MO.

Sacraments to be Given by Appointed Lay Preachers

Amend ^ 282.2c:

2. c) The lay preacher shall preach the Word, be
authorized by the district superintendent and the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry to serve
the sacraments within the congregation to which
he/she is appointed, provide a care ministry...

^632.

Petition Number: 20990-DI-632.8-D; Administi-ative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Youth Members to the General Council on Ministries

Delete % 632.8.

^729.

Petition Number: 22200-DI-729-D; CIL.

Conference Board of Discipleship

Amend % 729:

...as set fortii in \%_ 1201, 1202. The responsibili-
ties of the Board of Discipleship may be assigned
to an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the Council or alternative structure that
cares for the functions of and the connectional

Discipleship

1281

relationships of the General Board of Discipleship,
the conference, the districts, and the local
churches. The person or persons.. .Board of Disci-
pleship or alternative structure and may be granted
voting privileges.

1729.

Petition Number: 22201-DI-729.3-D; SEJ Criminal
Justice and Mercy Ministry Fellowship.

Board of Discipleship "Area on Evangelism" for
Ministries of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministry

Amend TI 729.3e:

3. e) To give particular emphasis to the promotion
of programs of evangelism, which shall include
Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries in jails and
prisons with offenders, victims, and their famiHes,

in order that all persons....

^730.

Petition Number: 22202-DI-730.1-D; CIL

Conference Board of Laity

Amend ^730.1:

1. Conference Board of Laity. — ^There shall be in
every Annual Conference a conference Board of the
Laity or alternative structure which shall provide.. .as
set forth in "^ 1201-1229. The responsibilities of the
Board of Laify may be assigned to an existing or
newly created multifunctional agency of the Coun-
cil, or alternative structure, that cares for the func-
tions of and the connectional relationships of the
General Board of Discipleship Section on Laity in
Ministry, the conference, the districts, and the
local chtu'ches.

1730.

Petition Number: 22404-DI-730.1-D; National Assoc, of
Ann. Conference Lay Leaders.

Conference Board of Laity

Amend ^730.1:

1. ...a conference Board of the Laity, or its equiva-
lent, which shall provide...

1745.

Petition Number: 22203-D 1-74 5-D; CIL.

Establish Young Adult Ministry
Add a new II after \ 744:

1. In each annual conference there may be a
conference Council on Young Adult Ministry. Its
purpose shall be to strengthen the young adult
ministry in the local churches and districts of the
annual conference. For administrative purposes,
the council shall be related to the annual confer-
ence Council on Ministries.

2. Membership. — The membership of the coun-
cil shall be young adults (ages 18-30). There shall
be one young adult elected by each district of the
conference and selected by the district Council on
Ministries. There may also be members at large
nominated by the conference Nominating Com-
mittee. It is recommended that the council in-
clude racial and ethnic members and persons of
both genders to ensure inclusiveness. Those serv-
ing on the conference Council on Young Adult
Ministry shall be members of The United Method-
ist Church. At least one half of the members shall
be lay persons. Members should represent the
diversity of young adults in the general popula-
tion, including college students, working persons,
single, and married.

3. Responsibilities. — a) To initiate and support
plans, activities, and projects that are of particular
interest to young adults who are college students,
working persons, single, and married; b) to be an
advocate for the free expression of the convictions
of young adults on issues vital to them; c) to sup-
port and facilitate, where deemed needed, the for-
mation of young adult caucuses; d) to cooperate
with the boards and agencies of the annual confer-
ence, especially the Board of Higher Education
and Campus Ministry (including the Wesley Foun-
dations), receiving recommendations from and
making recommendations to the same to provide
for the needs of young adults in The United Meth-
odist Church; e) to recommend to the annual con-
ference Committee on Nominations qualified
young adults for membership on boards and agen-
cies; f) to participate with the conference Council
on Ministries in the nomination of the conference
coordinator of young adult ministry, who shall
serve as its advisor.

1282

DCA Advance Edition II

^745.

Petition Number: 20878-DI-745.2-D; Martineau, Larry
W.,NAK

Membership of the Conference Council
on Youth Ministry

Delete the last sentence of 1 745.2 and substitute
new text:

For those youth and adults serving on the con-
ference Council on Youth Ministry, it is recom-
mended that they be full or preparatory members
of The United Methodist Chixrch. However, all
members of the conference Council on Youth Min-
istry must be active participants of their local
United Methodist church youth ministry.

^757.

Petition Number: 22405-DI-757-D; National Assoc, of
Annual Conference Lay Leaders.

District Board of Laity

Amend ^ 757:

Each district of an Annual Conference may organize
a district Board of Laity, or its equivalent

^757.

Petition Number: 22512-DI-757.2-D; National Assoc, of
A C. Lay Leaders Committee.

District Board of Laity

Amend <n 757.2:

2. The membership of the board shall include dis-
trict lay leader, associate district lay leader (s), and dis-
trict director of lay speaking, the district
superintendent, and may include....

^1201.

Petition Number: 22742-DI-1201-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Purpose of the General Board of Discipleship

Delete <n 1201.

^1202.

Petition Number: 22556-DI-1202-D; Reconnecting
United Methodists, Milton, WI.

The Living Church in an Electronic World

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1202.11:

To put a special emphasis upon electronic me-
dia such as die World Wide Web, the Internet,
Ecunet, and other emerging avenues of electronic
mail and communications as special, key ways to
implement 1 1201, so that by the year 2000:

a) All boards, conferences, districts, and or-
ganizations supported by The United Methodist
Church will be connected by electronic communi-
cation via the World Wide Web, Ecunet, and/or
the Internet (or other modes as they develop) for
the piupose of internal communications £md invit-
ing people to see God through Christ

b) All bishops, district superintendents, and
clergy will participate in these new forms of elec-
tronic communication for the piupose of effective
growth in their responsibilities as Church leaders
and disciples in the contemporary world.

c) The laity are encouraged to utilize whatever
access they may have to these new forms of com-
mimication, especially through local church, dis-
trict and conference offices, for the purpose of
effective growth in their responsibiUties as faithful
disciples in the contemporary world.

^1202.

Petition Number: 22743-DM202-D; Aldersgate
Covenanting Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Responsibilities of the General Board of Discipleship

Renumber 1 1202 as ^ 1713.1 and amend:

Responsibilities. — ^All the responsibilities assigned
to the General Board of Discipleship in the 1992
Book of Discipline MmifiWithm the board shall be consid-
ered to be the responsibilities of the General Bboard
of Publication. Included among In addition to these,
the board shall have authority:

h a) To provide...

3t b) To manage...

3t c) To provide...

4? d) To cooperate with...

&7C.) To provide...

%:f) To develop...

?T^To develop...

Discipleship

1283

8: h) To plan...

9r i) To provide...

i^j) To respond...

iir Jfe.^ To engage in research... set forth in ^ iSQi
1713. This responsibility will include authority for ex-
perimentation and research in all areas of ministry for-
merly assigned to...

iSr/; To ensure that...

m) To develop and offer to local churches,
districts, conferences, jurisdictions, and central
conferences resources, training, and networks
that support local churches in their mission of
making disciples for Jesus Christ, including
books, Sunday school curriculum, computer ma-
terials, networks, training events, and video re-
sources.

^1202.

Petition Number: 22204-DI-1202.4-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Board of Discipleship Responsibilities

Amend 1 1202.4:

4. ...in creating new congregations; revitalizing es-
tablished congregations; and in initiating new forms
of ministry.

^1203.

Petition Number: 22744-DI-1203-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Incorporation of the General Board of Discipleship

Renumber *n 1203 as <n 1709.4 and amend as follows:

Incorporation. — The General Board of Publica-
tion, doing business as The United Methodist
Publishing House, shall be the legal successor
and successor in trust of The General Board of Dis-
cipleship, shall be a corporation existing under the laws
of Tennessee, and its predecessor shall be the legal
successor and successor in trust of the corporations
including known as the General Board of Evangel-
ism...of TTie United Methodist Church.

The following provisions of the 1992 Book of
Discipline which refer to the Board of Discipleship
regarding the division of the former General
Board of Education of the Methodist Church, shall
apply henceforth to the General Board of Publica-
tion; and the General Board of Publication is
authorized to take whatever steps necessary to
accomplish the intent of this transfer of responsi-
bilities and assets for the educational resourcing

of The United Methodist Church: "The General
Board of Discipleship is authorized...

'The divisions of the General Board of Education...

"In the event that...

"It is further intended...

"It is further intended. ..equally between the two
boards."

^1217.

Petition Number: 22205-DI-1217-D; Van Giesen, David
L, MOW.

Leadership and Ministry Development
Responsibilities

Add a new sentence at the end of "J 1217.9:

This also may apply to certified lay speakers
who have been assigned pastoral roles in a church
or in more than one church by the district super-
intendent.

^1218.

Petition Number: 22221-DI-1218.4-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Christian Formation Responsibilities - EUB Traditions

Amend ^ 1218.4:

4. ...in the richness of the United Methodist tradi-
tion, including the tradition of The Evangelical
United Brethren.

^1218.

Petition Number: 22206-DI-1218.5-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Christian Formation Responsibilities

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 1218.5:

When developing resources, attention should
be given to the impact of the oral and visual cul-
tures in which we live and to the importance of
story.

1284

DCA Advance Edition II

^1223.

Petition Number: 22656-DI-1223-D; Oden, Thomas C,
Dr., OKL.

Regarding Correction of Discriminatory Language

Amend "n 1223 by eliminating the term "United
Methodist Men's Division" as a separate entity of the
General Board of Discipleship and creating a "Family
Division" that includes United Methodist Women and
United Methodist Men.

^1225.

Petition Number: 22745-DI-1225-D; Adminisb-ative
Board, Meadowview UMC, Meadowview, VA

Curriculum Resources

Amend the second sentence of "J 1225:

...shall reflect the universal gospel of the living
Christ, shall use the traditional calendar year des-
ignations of B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno
Domini, or Year(s) of the Lord) as a reflection of
and witness to the Christian understanding of the
centrality of Jesus Christ in the history of human-
kind, shall be in agreement.

Discipleship

1285

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20109-DI-NonDis-O; Mayo, Robert,
WMI.

Development of Bible Distribution Ministries
within the United Methodist Church

Whereas, we have had the wonderful opportunity of
hearing the Good News of peace, love, and forgiveness
through Jesus Christ contained within the pages of the
Bible; and

Whereas, the Bible offers a wonderful hope for
those in Christ, described in Scriptures as eternity with
God in heaven; and

Whereas, God desires that others all over the world
be given the same opportunity to know Christ and the
reconciliation with God and hope for the future that faith
in Christ brings; and

Whereas, there is currently no provision in the 1992
Discipline of The United Methodist Church for promotion
of Bible distribution ministries within the structure of
the Annual Conference;

Let it therefore be resolved, that each Annual Con-
ference create a Committee on Bible Distribution, ame-
nable to the Annual Conference Council on Ministries.
Furthermore, let that committee be a communication
link with the local church to raise awareness of the
opportunities worldwide related to the distribution of
Scriptures and to encourage financial support of organi-
zations devoted to placing Bibles in the hands of those
who desire them. Finally, let each committee be espe-
cially sensitive to those areas of the world where the
need is greatest and the desire for God's Word is the
most profound.

Petition Number: 20712-DI-NonDis-O$; United
Methodist Men Foundation, Waymire, Dale, Pres.,
Madil, OK, Adams, David C, Nashville, TN.

General Commission on United Methodist Men

Add a General Commission on United Methodist
Men to the Discipline:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Commission
on United Methodist Men in The United Methodist
Church.

The general commission shall be amenable to
the General Conference of The United Methodist
Church. Between sessions of the General Confer-
ence, the commission shall be accountable to the
General Council on Ministries by reporting and
interpreting activities in its purpose.

Ptupose. — ^The General Commission on
United Methodist Men shall have primary over-

sight for the coordination and resourcing of men's
work within The United Methodist Church.

1 . To provide resources and support services
to foster the development of units of United Meth-
odist Men.

a) Provide specific and optional models for
these units in the local church, district, annual
conference, and jurisdiction.

b) Receive recommendations from the Na-
tional Association of Conference Presidents of
United Methodist Men and other national organi-
zations representing the Central Conferences and
other worldwide Methodist liaisons.

c) Promote the chartering and annual recerti-
fication of local chiu-ch men's units with the Gen-
eral Commission on United Methodist Men.

2. To seek methods for involving men in a
growing relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ and
his Chtu"ch.

a) Provide resources and support for pro-
grams of evangelism which are geared to men's
needs in cooperation with the area of evangelism.
To assist men to discover that witness is an inte-
gral part of daily life in the work place, the com-
munity, the parish, and the home.

b) Provide resources and support for pro-
grams of mission in cooperation with all areas of
the church dealing with missional opportunities
enabling men for outreach and service as an inte-
gral part of their Christian servimthood.

c) Provide resoiu-ces and support for pro-
grams of spiritual life in cooperation with areas of
faith development to assist men to realize that
witness and outreach, mission and ministry, are
extensions of their faith development and their
relationship to God through Jesus Christ.

d) Provide resources and support for pro-
grams of stewardship in cooperation with the area
of stewardship which will lead men to an under-
standing of their responsibility for stewardship,
including time, talent, money, and prayer.

e) Seek resources and support for men as
husbands and fathers in a rapidly changing soci-
ety.

f) Continue in a constant search for new and
better ways for The United Methodist Church to
minister to and through men.

g) Provide resources and support for the office
of scouting ministries and the national association
of United Methodist Scouters for training of local

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DCA Advance Edition II

church district, annual conference, jiuisdictional
scouting coordinators.

h) Be an active partner with The Upper Room
in the living Prayer Center ministry, with support
for WATTS telephone service and promotion. At
every level there shall be Prayer Coordinators in
United Methodist Men.

i) United Methodist Men shall be partners
with local churches with moving members. The
program shall be called Moving United Methodist

Membership.

1 . Two bishops elected by Coiuicil on Bishops.
Foiu- members elected by each jiuisdiction from
the National Association of Conference Presi-
dents, one of whom will be the Jiuisdictional
President, two members elected by jurisdiction
conference which shall include one woman and
one clergy, one of whom shall be ethnic. The Na-
tional Association of Conference Presidents will
assiu-e that each ethnic group is represented on
the commission (Asian American, African Ameri-
can, Hispanic American, and Native American) as
well as two young adults (under 35) from their
organizations. Ex officio members — (not ehgible to
hold offices in GCOUMM) President of National
Association of Conference Presidents United
Methodist Men, President of National Association
of United Methodist Scouters, and President of
United Methodist Men Foundation.

2. Vacancies. — ^Vacancies in the general com-
mission membership shall be filled by procediu-es
defined in ^812 of the General Provisions.

3. Officers. — The General Conmiission on
United Methodist Men shall elect as its officers a
president, vice president, secretary, and other
such officers as it shall deem necessary.

4. Staff. — ^The General Commission on United
Methodist Men shall nominate for election by the
General Coiuicil on Ministries its general secre-
tary, who shall provide executive, administrative,
and programmatic leadership (^813). The com-
mission shall elect such other staff members as
needs require within the General Conference
mandates and the authority vested in the commis-
sion to develop pohcies and programs directed
toward the realization of its purpose.

5. Meetings. — ^The general conunission shall
meet annually with such additional meetings as
needs demand.

6. Funding. — TThe General Council on Finance
and Administration shall make provision for the
necessary support of the work of the commission
including provisions for a general secretary, asso-
ciated staff, and an office for the conunission for
the first quadrennium of its existence only. In the

event that the organization is not self-supporting
after the first quadrennium, disposition wUl be at
the direction of the General Conference.

Petition Number: 20786-DI-NonDis-O; Gooding, Dick,
Calvary United Methodist Church, SherrodsvUle, OH.

Baptism Study

The Church and Society Committee of Calvary
United Methodist Church has reviewed the baptism
study. By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Un-
derstanding of Baptism. We do not support the deviation
from the current doctrine of The United Methodist
Church.

It is with strong resolve that we respectfully request
that the committee not try to reformulate this under-
standing of baptism which would elevate it to a level
heretofore unknown in United Methodism. We suggest
standing on our memberships' word of public confes-
sion of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord for
salvation.

Petition Number: 20787-DI-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion United Methodist Church, Adell, WI.

The Washing of Feet

The washing of feet is as significant and real as the
cross. Therefore, The United Methodist Church shall
consider it as a sacrament to be celebrated yearly in our
churches, either symbolically or literally; and a sacra-
ment shall be written for use by the congregations.

Petition Number: 20788-DI-NonDis-O$; Martin,
James, Zion United Methodist Church, Adell, WI.

Establish a General Board of Evangelism

Establish a General Board of Evangelism with a
corresponding board in each annual conference.

Petition Number: 20790-DI-NonDis-O; Charles
Wilder, Oak Park United Methodist Church,
Bartlesville, OK

Lay Speakers Training

Remove the need for additional training for lay
speakers when the advanced lay speaker has reached
65 years of age and has met either of the following
requirements: (1) after 20 years of service as a lay
speaker; or (2) after conducting 100 church services.

Petition Number: 20822-DI-NonDis-O; Jones, W. Paul,
Dr., MOW.

Ecumenical Commitment Within
Our Theological Task

In witness to the essential oneness of the gospel of
Jesus Christ and in response to the Spirit's call for
separated Christian churches to show mutual respect

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1287

and recognition of each other's traditions, special in-
stances of personal ecumenism may be permitted and
affirmed as symbolic witness by United Methodists of
the hoped-for reuniting of the body of Christ.

Building upon present disciplinary affirmations
(e.g., granting full clerical status in two communions to
clergy when appointed to ecumenical ministries such as
federated or union congregations; permitting the merg-
ing of two congregations in which membership of mem-
bers in both denominations is affirmed; granting dual
lay standing in two denominations through associate or
affiliate membership; permitting the appointment of
clergy across denominational lines), we propose that
clergy persons be approved for special ecumenically
symbolic status or ministry by presenting their case in
writing to their annual conference Board of Ordained
Ministry. If approved, this request would be forwarded
to the cabinet and bishop for final authorization and
reported to the annual conference. A personal interview
may be requested at any level of this process. Responsi-
bility for acquiring approval in writing from the non-
United Methodist Church, agency, or order shall be the
responsibility of the person applying.

In all such requests for dual participation and/or
membership, the person must show that this special
ecumenical ministry is:

A Theologically consistent;

B. Loyal to the integrity of each body; and

C. A significant ministry to and for each church.

Such ecumenical standing shall be reviewed annu-
ally by the respective board (s) or authorizing person (s)
of each body involved.

Petition Number: 20991-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, TX.

Doctrinal Standards

There is a crisis of faith in The United Methodist
Church today, as evidenced by the fact that there are
beliefs held and taught throughout The United Method-
ist Church that are inconsistent with and in opposition
to the only legal Doctrinal Standards that The United
Methodist Church can hold. And the answer to this
crisis lies in the Doctrinal Standards of The United
Methodist Church as protected by Restrictive Rules 1
and 2.

Therefore, we call the General Conference to reaf-
firm its belief in and support of the Doctrinal Standards
of The United Methodist Church by condemning all
beliefs inconsistent with the Doctrinal Standards of The
United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20992-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, ND.

The Doctrinal Standards of the United
Methodist Church and Homosexuality

The debate over the doctrinal standards of The
United Methodist Church is whether Wesley's Sermons
and Notes on the New Testament are included with The
Articles of Religion and The Confession of Faith (^ 67) .
This debate is not over the existence or non-existence
of doctrinal standards for The United Methodist
Church. This question of the existence of doctrinal
standards is answered by Restrictive Rule 1 and 2 which
state very clearly that The United Methodist Church
does have doctrinal standards. Restrictive Rule 1 also
states that there can be no other doctrinal standard
established for The United Methodist Church. Every
person ordained as an elder in The United Methodist
Church publicly acknowledges that they are in full
agreement with these doctrinal standards and will teach
them to others ("J 425, questions 8, 9, 10). The doctrinal
standards of The United Methodist Church at least
include The Articles of Religion and The Confession of
Faith, and these two articles state that "the Bible is the
true rule and guide for faith and practice" ("J 67) . And
the Bible clearly calls the practice of homosexuality sin;
Leviticus 20:13 calls homosexuality an "abomination"
(NRSV). The Hebrew word translated abomination
means "something abominable, detestable, something
offensive, an offense (William Holladay, A Concise He-
brew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, page
388). It is used to describe dishonest scales (Proverbs
11:1), lying lips (Proverbs 12:22), adultery, incest, bribes
to shed blood, usury, excessive interest, extortion
(Ezekiel 22:11, 12), is said to defile God's holy name
(Ezekiel 43:8), describes idols which anger God (Deu-
teronomy 32:16), describes dishonest weights and prac-
tices (Deuteronomy 25:13-16), describes things that the
Lord hates (Deuteronomy 12:31), is used to describe
someone who rejects the Lord and worships idols (Deu-
teronomy 13:12-16).

The New Testament also clearly states that homo-
sexuality is a sin: 1 Corinthians 6:9 states that homosex-
ual offenders will not inherit the kingdom of God. The
Hebrew word used in this passage means " a male who
practices homosexuality, pederast, sodomite" (William
Amdt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek Lexicon of the
New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature,
page 109) . 1 Corinthians 6:9 says that homosexuality is
viewed by God as wicked and is seen on the same level
as sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prosti-
tutes, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swin-
dlers. In 1 Timothy 1:10 the word is translated as
sodomites (NRSV). 1 Timothy 1:9, 10 places homosexu-
ality on the same level as lawbreakers, rebels, ungodly
sinful, unholy, irreligious, those who kill their mothers
or fathers, murderers, adulterers, slave traders, and
liars, perjurers.

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DCA Advance Edition II

It can be seen from the above that if homosexuality
is a gift from God then so is adultery, incest, dishonesty,
oppression, idol worship, perversity, slave trading, mur-
dering, and a host of other practices that are condemned
in the Bible.

The claim by some that the Bible is culturally bound
in a bygone era is an irrelevant argument because the
Doctrinal Standards calls the Bible "the true rule and
guide for faith and practice." United Methodists have no
other doctrinal standard (Restrictive Rule 1) and no
other rule and guide for faith and practice other than the
Bible.

Therefore, we call the General Conference to affirm
its belief in and commitment to the Doctrinal Standards
of The United Methodist Church by agreeing with the
Bible and by stating once and for all that homosexuality
is incompatible with Christian teaching.

Petition Number: 20993-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, ND.

Doctrinal Standards

The crisis of faith in The United Methodist Church
is growing. The United Methodist Church can no longer
speak with one voice concerning its central tenet of faith.

Whereas, The Book of Discipline of lite United Meth-
odist Church states that there are doctrinal standards
that each clergy person affirms and publicly commits to
at ordination; and

Whereas, each and every layperson affirms and
commits to the same doctrinal standards on joining The
United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, The Doctrinal Standards of The United
Metiiodist Church states that The United Methodist
Church believes in Jesus Christ who is the Son of God
(^ 67, Article II, page 59 and Article II, page 66), who is
also the Lord (^ 67, Article K, page 60), who is also the
only Savior (^ 67, Article I, p. 60 and Article II page 66;
Article XX, page 63; Articles VII and K, page 68); and

Whereas, the Confessing Movement believes that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God ("We confess, in accord-
ance with the Holy Scripture and with the Holy Spirit" s
help, that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God..."
A Confessional Statement of The Confessing Movement
with The United Methodist Church, April 29, 1995) ; and

Whereas, the Confessing Movement believes that
Jesus Christ is the Savior ("We confess, in accordance
with Holy Scripture and with the Holy Spirit's help that
Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the world...."
Same document) ; and

Whereas, the Confessing Movement believes that
Jesus Christ is the Lord ("We confess, in accordance
with Holy Scripture and with the Holy Spirit's help, that

Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord of creation and
history...." Same document); and

Whereas, the confession of the Confessing Move-
ment is in complete agreement with, in support of, and
identical with the Doctrinal Standards of The United
Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Confessing Movement is a movement
within The United Methodist Church and is calling The
United Methodist Church to confess its belief in and
allegiance to the Doctrinal Standards of The United
Methodist Church;

Therefore, we petition the General Conference to
affirm its belief in and allegiance to the Doctrinal Stand-
ards of The United Methodist Church by affirming the
Confessing Movement and by calling The United Meth-
odist Church to express its allegiance to The Doctrinal
Standards by joining the Confessing Movement

Petition Number: 20994-DI-NonDis-O; Administi-ative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, ND.

Concerning Eternal Truth

We ask that the 1996 General Conference ask and
answer these questions:

1. Is John Wesley and over 200 years of Methodist
history and doctrinal teaching concerning homosexual-
ity a lie?

2. Is almost 2,000 years of Christian history and
doctrinal teaching concerning homosexuality a lie?

3. Is eternal truth determined by a majority vote of
sinful human beings?

4. When will the General Conference refuse to hear
petitions attempting to substitute the majority vote of
sinful human beings in favor of homosexuality for eter-
nal truth?

5. When will the General Conference direct the
Council of Bishops, all boards and agencies on all levels
of The United Methodist Church, all institutions of
higher education related to The United Methodist
Church, including all those who administer and teach at
those institutions, to conform to and affirm the historical
and doctrinal standard that homosexuality is incompat-
ible with Christian teaching?

6. When will the General Conference insist that
although The United Methodist Church is not known to
be a creedal church. The United Methodist Church does
have doctrinal standards protected by Restrictive Rules
1 and 2 and that everyone in The United Methodist
Church, either by ordination or church membership,
makes a public declaration of belief in and support of the
Docti-inal Standards of The United Methodist Church,
that all must conform to the Doctrinal Standards of The
United Methodist Church or face an examination to see
if they are truly United Methodist?

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1289

7. Is it the intention of the General Conference to
make The United Methodist Church a lie by declaring
John Wesley and over 200 years of Methodist history
and doctrinal teaching concerning homosexuality a lie
by changing its position on homosexuality?

Petition Number: 20995-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bov^^man UMC, Bowman, ND.

The Bible as the Rule of Faith and Practice

The lack of belief in The United Methodist Church's
doctrinal standards is deepening. This lack of belief is
seen in the rejection of the Scriptures as the authority in
matters of faith and practice. The United Methodist
Church does have doctrinal standards, and these doc-
trinal standards are found in The Book of Discipline of
The United IVIethodist Church and are stated to include
belief in and commitment to the scriptures as the author-
ity in matters of faith and practice (Discipline, page 43,
which states: "We share with many Christian commun-
ions a recognition of the authority of scripture in matters
of faith..." and ^ 67, Article IV, page 66). The Doctrinal
Standards of The United Methodist Church states that
"the Scriptures" means the books of the Old and New
Testament {% 67, Article V, page 59) and calls these
books, that is the Bible, canonical Cn 67, Article V, page
59, 77) where canonical means: "the books which form
the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and
practice of the Christian church, i.e., the Old and New
Testaments. The word canon is properly a "straight rod,
a rule.' The word canon indicates the rule by which the
contents of the Bible must be determined, and also an
index of the constituent books" (the definition of canon
I comes from A Dictionary of the Bible by William Smith,
^ page 105) . The Discipline also calls the Bible the Word
of God (page 77) . And The Discipline states that The
United Methodist Church believes that the Bible is the
primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine
(page 77).

The Discipline also states that the rejection of the
scriptures, that is, the Bible, as the authority in matters
of faith is a rejection of the Doctrinal Standards of The
United Methodist Church and places one in a situation
where one can be tried for teaching that which is con-
trary to the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist
Church (^2623).

TTierefore, we petition the General Conference to
affirm its belief in and commitment to the Doctrinal
Standards of The United Methodist Church and the
Bible as the canonical rule of The United Methodist
Church by directing every board and agency on the
General Conference and annual conference level, all
institutions of higher education related to The United
Methodist Church to hold, propagate, and teach only
those positions which are consistent with the Bible, the
only canonical rule of the Doctrinal Standards of The
United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20996-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Bowman UMC, Bowman, ND.

Doctrinal Standards

Wliereas, The Book of Discipline states that the
doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church are
found in the Articles of Religion, the Confession of Faith,
Wesley's Sermons and Notes on the New Testament;
and

Whereas, Restrictive Rule 1 states that no other
doctrinal standard can be established for The United
Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Articles of Religion and the Confes-
sion of Faith state that The United Methodist Church
believes in "God the Father" (^ 67, Article I, page 59 and
Article I, page 66) ; and

Whereas, the 1988 General Conference affirmed
the use of "Father" in reference to God (1992 Book of
Resolutions, page 663) ;

Therefore, we call the General Conference to reaf-
firm its commitment to and support of the Doctrinal
Standards of The United Methodist Church by outlaw-
ing any and all discrimination by boards, agencies of the
General Conference, annual conferences, and local
church, all institutions of higher education related to
The United Methodist Church against those who use
the term "Father" in reference to God.

Petition Number: 20997-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Keith Memorial UMC, Malvern, AR.

Sophia

We, the pastor and members of the administrative
board of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church be-
lieve that enough is enough.

We need to put "Sophia" and all other pagan gods
behind us. We believe in God the Father Almighty, God
the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that he and
he alone should be the center of our worship and him
only should we serve.

We beg you to exert your influence and vote at
General Conference to put "Sophia" behind us and look
to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Otherwise, The
United Methodist Church will continue to lose members
in striking numbers.

Petition Number: 22207-DI-NonDis-O; O'Dell, David
and Paulette and Spencer, Jack, Magnolia, AR.

A Call to Reaffirm the Centrality of Christ

Whereas, the Articles of Religion and Confession of
Faith, along with Wesley's Standard Sermons and Ex-
planatory Notes Upon the New Testament remain the
unchangeable doctrinal standards of The United Meth-
odist Church; and

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DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, all candidates for ordained ministry must
agree to believe, preach, and maintain the doctrines of
The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, it is the role of General Conference to
interpret, maintain, and guide the application of the
doctrinal standards of the Church; and

Whereas, teaching of various doctrines and prac-
tices has aroused confusion and caused division within
the Church, hindering our mission;

We petition the 1996 General Conference to uphold
the centrality of Christ in the doctrinal standards of The
United Methodist Church, particularly reaffirming our
faith in:

- the triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

- Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God

- salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus
Christ as Savior and Lord

- the sacrificial death of Christ as the sole required
redemption and satisfaction for sin

Thereby, specifically rejecting these current exam-
ples of theology as contrary to our doctrinal standards:

- acts of worship addressed literally or metaphori-
cally to Sophia as a substitute for Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.

- teaching that Jesus Christ is only one of many
incarnations of God, or that Jesus is not the incarnation
of God

- teaching that Jesus' sacrificial death was not nec-
essary for our salvation

- teaching that religions other than the Christian
faith provide a means of salvation apart from God's grace
manifested in Jesus Christ

- practicing non-Christian religious rituals in the
context of United Methodist worship.

Petition Number: 22208-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Poca UMC, Poca, WV.

ReafSrm the Holy Scriptures as the Primary and
Central Authority

Whereas, The United Methodist Church, along
with the universal church, is being pressured by an
immoral culture to compromise its holy standards; and

Whereas, Scripture says, "Do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2); and

Whereas, the 1992 Book of Discipline (pg. 77) says,
"United Methodists share with other Christians the
conviction that Scripture is the primary source and cri-
terion for Christian doctrine;" and

Whereas, the authority of Scripture is continually
being undermined and/or rejected within the institu-
tional church;

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church reaffirm the
holy Scripture (Old and New Testaments) as the pri-
mary and central authority for all Church doctrine, pol-
icy, rules, and regulations.

Petition Number: 22209-DI-NonDis-O; 29 Individuals
& 1 Administrative Council, Hinton & Other UM
Churches, Texarkana and Hope, AR.

Reaffirm The Doctrinal Standards
of the United Methodist Chiu"ch

We petition the 1996 General Conference to reaf-
firm the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist
Church.

The Book of Dicsipline states that the doctrinal
standards are unchangeable (^"n 3, 16) and that all
candidates for ordained ministry must agree to believe,
preach, and maintain the United Methodist doctrines (^
425). "1% 15.6, 16 state that it is the role of General
Conference to maintain and guide the application of the
doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church.
Part II states that the Council of Bishops, in its study of
wisdom, states, "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theologi-
cal Task provides the foundation for responding dialogi-
cally and faithfully to current issues." Our Theological
Task "is grounded upon God's supreme mode of self-
revelation — the incarnation of Jesus Christ {Book of Dis-
cipline, page 75) .

We reaffirm our faith in:

- the triune God (Articles of Religion, Article I; Luke
3:21-22; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew ,28:19)

- Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God, fully human
and fully God (Articles of Religion, Article II; Confession
of Faith, Article II; Matthew 1:20-23; John 1:14)

- Salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus
Christ as Savior and Lord (Articles of Religion, Articles
II, VIII, K; Romans 3:28 and 4:5)

- And the sacrificial death of Christ as the sole
required redemption and satisfaction for sin (Articles of
Religion, Articles II, XX; Confession of Faith, Articles H,
VIII; Romans 5:8 and 10:8-10).

We stand firm on Acts 4: 12 that tells us that salvation
is in no one else but Jesus and that there is no other
name by which we can be saved! We reject all acts of
worship addressed literally or metaphorically to Sophia
as a substitute for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
teaching that Jesus Christ is only one of many incarna-
tions of God or that Jesus is not the incarnation of God,
teaching that Jesus' sacrificial death was not God's will
or was not necessary for our salvation. We further reject
teaching that religions other than the Christian faith

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1291

provide a means of salvation apart from God's grace
manifested in Jesus Christ. We reject practicing non-
Christian religious rituals.

Petition Number: 22210-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board and Members + Jenkins, Wm. E., First UMC,
Wharton, TX.

Doctrinal Integrity

Spiritual dilution and confusion characterize the
times in which we live. Challenges abound with respect
to the nature and existence of God, the substitutionary
death of Christ, the efficacy of his blood atonement for
sin, the constitution of the Godhead, and the fallen
nature of humankind.

We have observed that influential leaders within
The United Methodist Church have capitulated to this
confusion and dilution.

We recognize the need for theology to take contem-
porary forms of expression but find a clear and present
danger of severing ourselves from the apostolic testi-
mony of the Christian faith.

The apostolic faith, more than the contemporary
experiences of individuals, defines the center and cir-
cumference of Christian teaching.

Therefore, as United Methodists, we reaffirm Jesus
Christ as the unique Savior of the world; we endorse his
substitutionary death for sinners and his atonement for
sin.

In addition to the traditional faith of the church
universal, we also endorse those Wesleyan teachings
which comprise the doctrinal standards of United
Methodism.

Furthermore, we reject those forms of theologizing
which mock, repudiate, dismiss, or essentially alter the
gospel by which we are saved.

Recognizing that we have lost enough members to
populate a denomination, members who became disillu-
sioned by theological compromise, disheartened by our
diminished strength, and discouraged by infidelity to
our historic standards, we call upon the Church to com-
mit itself anew to vigilance in doctrinal integrity.

Petition Number: 22211-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board and Members -i- Jenkins, Wm. E., First UMC,
Wharton, TX.

Doctrinjil Integrity in Denominational Leaders

The doctrinal standards of United Methodism stand
in the broad stream of apostolic Christianity. These
standards are distinguishing characteristics of our
unique identity. Whenever persons become members
of local United Methodist congregations, they, along
with the congregations of which they become a part,
affirm the Apostles' Creed as a summary of doctrine.

Whenever persons are ordained within The United
Methodist Church, they covenant to "proclaim the faith
of the Church and no other..." {Book of Worship, page
675, Ordination of Elders).

The certificate of ordination attests that each ordi-
nand is "set apart for the work of an Elder.. .so long as
this person continues to be a faithful servant of Jesus
Christ and adheres to and teaches the Gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrines of the Church."

Episcopal leaders are given responsibility to "guard,
transmit, teach, and proclaim corporately and individu-
ally the apostolic faith...." (^ 114.2).

In addition, all general agencies of The United
Methodist Church are amenable to the General Confer-
ence (^ 802). This amenability extends to the affirma-
tion and defense of the doctrinal standards of the
denomination, on whose behalf the general agencies
have been created to serve. Some elders, episcopal
leaders, and members of boards and agencies, having
made these commitments in good conscience at one
time, may determine that they are no longer able to
affirm and uphold the doctrinal standards of The United
Methodist Church.

Therefore, be it resolved, that those whose teaching
and/or leadership demonstrably repudiates the doc-
trine of United Methodism and who persistently refuse
to relinquish their privilege of leadership granted by the
people they have been called to serve must be subject
to the provision for removal in The Book of Discipline of
The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 22212-DI-NonDis-O; Reconciling
Congregations Committee & MESA. MNN.

Service of Worship for the Celebration
of Persons' Mutual Support and Commitment

Whereas, the Constitution of The United Methodist
Church states the General Conference shall "provide
and revise the Hymnal and Ritual of the Church" and
"regulate... worship, subject to the limitations of the first
and second Restrictive Rules" (^ 15.6); and

Whereas, Article XXII of the Articles of Religion of
The United Methodist Church indicates, "It is not nec-
essary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be
the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always
different, and may be changed according to the diversity
of countries, times, and [people's] manners..."; and

Whereas, pastors are called to "oversee the worship
life of the congregation..." (^ 439.1a); and

Whereas, 'The local church is required to respond
to the changes which are occurring in its surrounding
community and to organize its mission and ministry
accordingly" (^I 207); and

Whereas, members of our congregations need and
have asked for a rite which expresses and blesses mu-

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DCA Advance Edition II

tual support and fidelity, commitment and love outside
of civil marriage, because family, social, and economic
barriers related to civil marriage have served to prohibit
and to work severe hardship upon many of our mem-
bers;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church authorizes
that a service of worship for persons of all classes and
every status, celebrating persons' mutual support and
fidelity, commitment and love be written and added to
the United Methodist Book of Worship.

Be it further resolved, that local churches and their
pastors be encouraged to prayerfully develop worship
services to bless, affirm, and support persons' relation-
ships, mutual support and fidelity, commitment and love
outside the rite of marriage.

Petition Number: 22213-DI-NonDis-O; 10 Adm.
Council/Boards and 12 Individuals, Leighton and
other UM Chuches, Caledonia, MI.

Doctrinal Integrity

We live in an era of spiritual confusion. Speculation
abounds on the existence and nature of God, the mean-
ing of human relationships, modes of spirituality, the
endeavor for justice, the possibilities for peace, and the
ground of hope. The United Methodist Church, given
the opportunity of bearing winsome witness to the en-
during reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ, seems to
share in this confusion.

We affirm the need for theology to take contempo-
rary forms of expression but find a clear and present
danger of severing ourselves from the apostolic testi-
mony to the Christian faith. "United Methodists share a
common heritage with Christians of every age and na-
tion. This heritage is grounded in the apostolic witness
to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, which is the source
and measure of all valid Christian teaching" (^ 65).

It is the apostolic faith more than the contemporary
experience of persons that defines the center and cir-
cumference of Christian teaching. While broadly ecu-
menical in many areas, we are not indifferent in matters
of doctrine. We affirm with John Wesley that the Chris-
tian is "fixed as the sun in the main branches of Christian
doctrine" (Sermon, "Catholic Spirit").

Therefore, as United Methodists, we again affirm
Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of the world. We again
take as our task the summoning of people to experience
the justifying and sanctifying grace of God and to assist
them in their growth in tiie knowledge and love of God
within the context of Christian community. In addition
to the primitive faith of the universal church, we endorse
those Wesleyan distinctives which comprise the doc-
trinal standards of United Methodism. We reject at-
tempts at theologizing which mock, repudiate, dismiss,
or essentially alter the gospel by which we have been
saved. On behalf of Christian sisters and brothers who

have been scandalized by efforts which reconstruct the
nature of God, deify personal experience, and deny
Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of the world, we
commit ourselves anew to vigilance in our doctrinal
integrity.

We understand a fi-esh interest in doctrinal integrity
to be essential in renewing our effectiveness. Our doc-
trinal standards define United Methodism as standing
within the broad stream of apostolic Christianity. These
standards are distinguishing characteristics of our iden-
tity. When persons become members of local congrega-
tions, they, along with the congregations of which they
are becoming part, affirm the Apostles' Creed as a sum-
mary of doctrine ("Baptismal Covenant I," page 35,
UMH). When persons are ordained within United
Methodism, they covenant to "proclaim the faith of the
Church and no other..." (Book of Worship, 675, "Order
of Service for Ordination of Elders"). The certificate of
ordination attests that each ordinand is "set apart for the
work of an Elder.. .as long as this person continues to be
a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and adheres to and
teaches the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine
of the Church" (emphasis added). Episcopal leaders are
given responsibility to "guard, transmit, teach, and pro-
claim, corporately, and individually the apostolic faith..."
(^ 514.2). "All general agencies of The United Method-
ist Church. ..are amenable to the General Conference"
CJ 802), and we take this amenability to extend to an
affirmation of the doctrinal perspectives of the denomi-
nation, on whose behalf the general agencies have been
created to serve. Some, having made these commit-
ments in good conscience at one time, may determine
that they are no longer able to affirm and uphold the
doctrinal standards of United Methodism. In such in-
stances, it is a matter of both justice and integrity that
these persons officially withdraw from the covenant of
membership, ordination, consecration, or institutional
leadership rather than attempt to promote a different
gospel under the auspices of the Church. Those whose
teaching and/or leadership demonstrably repudiates
the doctrine of United Methodism and who persistentiy
refuse to relinquish their privilege of leadership granted
by the people they have been called to serve are subject
to the provisions for removal in the Discipline. A lack of
accountability in the teaching tasks of the Church only
leads to weakness within and without. Vigilance in doc-
trine undergirds a vibrant understanding of both our
identity and the good news to which we bear witness.

Afresh interest in doctrinal integrity is essential, as
well, to renewed engagement with the cultures of which
United Methodists are part. Christian doctrine gener-
ally, and our doctrinal standards in particular, engage in
the great opposites of human experience: law and grace, -
sin and forgiveness, guilt and absolution, wrath and
mercy, life and death, God coming to us and our coming
to Christ, obedience and freedom, authority and ac-
countability, curse and blessing, hell and heaven. These
opposites stand within creative balance in our doctrinal
standards. A small mistake in Christian teaching can
lead to huge blunders in human well-being. For the sake

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1293

of the world Christ came to save, the Church must take
exceptional care to faithfully communicate the truth in
which we find life eternal and abundant.

Petition Number: 22214-DI-NonDis-O; Johnson, David
K, Bering Memorial UMC. Houston, TX.

The Renewal of Theology and Mission
in The United Methodist Church

We call upon all members of The United Methodist
Church to participate in a renewal of theology and mis-
sion in the Wesleyan tradition. No one is excluded from
this invitation, for Jesus Christ has opened the church
to people of all ages, nations, and races.

The renewal to which we are inviting our United
Methodist sisters and brothers is one that seeks to be
faithful to the Wesleyan traditions. These traditions call
us, first, to confess our faith in and obedience to Jesus
Christ and no other. They call us, second, to resist evil,
injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present
themselves.

For those who stand within the Wesleyan traditions,
Jesus Christ, as the center of our faith and obedience,
cannot be replaced by any creed or tradition, not even
by Scripture itself. Even the Scriptures are themselves
authorized to guide our faith and action only to the
extent that they preach Jesus Christ. This is the first test
of a truly Wesleyan renewal of theology and mission.

The apostolic faith is that faith in Jesus Christ which
the apostles proclaimed. From the beginning, the apos-
tolic faith came to expression in many diverse forms.
What binds the New Testament together is a common
conviction that Jesus Christ is God's agent of salvation.
That is the "one faith" of which the letter to the Ephe-
sians speaks and to which the letter of Jude refers when
it says "the faith that was once for all entrusted to the
saints." Each New Testament author, however, under-
stands that conviction differently. From the beginning
and throughout its history, the church found it neces-
sary to reformulate its interpretation of the apostolic
faith in various ages and contexts.

Interpretations of the apostolic faith in our day, as
in the early church, do not need to be uniform, and they
do not need to conform to those past interpretations
expressed in the historic creeds of the church. The test
of whether they preach Jesus Christ, and whether those
who so believe will continue to preach Jesus Christ, is
sufficient.

We deplore the condemnation of Christians who are
exploring new ways of preaching Jesus Christ today. We
commend the Council of Bishops for the exemplary tone
they have set before us for discussing theological differ-
ences in the Church. To those within our midst who are
calling for conformity to a specific definition of "ortho-
doxy" in matters of belief and mission in The United
Methodist Church, we respond with John Wesley that
"orthodoxy... or right opinions, is but a slender part of

religion at best, and sometimes no part at all." To those
who would seek to discuss differences in our under-
standings of the Christian faith, we call upon them to join
us in following the principles found in John Wesley's
"letter to a Roman Catholic":

1. "In the name,. ..and in the strength of God, let us
resolve, first not to hurt one another, to do nothing
unkind or unfriendly to each other, nothing which we
would not have done to ourselves."

2. "Let us resolve.. .to speak nothing harsh or unkind
of each other. The sure way to avoid this is to say all the
good we can, both of and to one another...."

3. "Let us.. .resolve to harbour no unkind thought,
no unfriendly temper towards each other. Let us.. .exam-
ine all that rises in our heart and suffer no disposition
there which is contrary to tender affection."

4. "Let us.. .endeavor to help each other on in what-
ever we are agreed leads to the Kingdom."

We believe that "right opinions" are measured by
whether they build up faith, hope, and love, within the
community offaith, and whether they lead to doing good
to all — in short, whether they preach Jesus Christ.

To Resist Evil, Injustice, and Oppression

The teaching of "right opinions" cannot be sepa-
rated from the central mission of the church. The most
important mission of the church is to proclaim the good
news of Jesus Christ announcing that God sets people
free from all forms of evil and equips them for a life of
holiness. For Wesley, the holiness for which God,
through the church, equips people includes social holi-
ness. Recognizing the differences between John
Wesley's social world and ours today, we call upon The
United Methodist Church to be faithful to this mission
heritage by continuing to work toward creating a more
just social order for everyone, especially those who are
poor and otherwise pushed to the margins of life — one
in which people of various races and ethnicities, both
genders, all social and economic classes, and different
sexual orientations can live together lovingly and justly.

We affirm the importance of communities of com-
mitted, active Christians in churches at tlie same time
that we believe that no particular church is perfect in its
faith and action, and that every church, indeed the
church as a whole, faces serious crises in these times.
We also believe that in most churches much good is
being done in the name and on the behalf of Jesus Christ.
This belief gives us confidence and hope in calling for a
renewal of theology and mission in The United Method-
ist Church.

An Invitation to The United Methodist Church

We invite all United Methodists to condemn all
attempts:

• to equate Christianity with any particular culture;

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DCA Advance Edition II

• to centralize authority in the person of the bishop;

• to coerce doctrinal uniformity; and

• to confuse patriotism and nationalism with the
holiness for which God, through Jesus Christ and the
Holy Spirit, calls us.

We invite all United Methodists to oppose these
perversions of the Church.

We especially invite them to oppose the persecution
of any person simply because their religion, race, ethnic
background, gender, sexual orientation, economic sta-
tion, physical or mental condition, and in opposing all
other forms of oppression as sins against God and Jesus
Christ.

We invite all United Methodists:

• to affirm the Wesleyan vow to receive into fellowship
all those who confess faith in Jesus Christ;

• to affirm that the invitation to confess in faith in Jesus
Christ is not ours nor that of any particular church or
denomination, but that of Jesus Christ;

• to renew the pledge of loyalty to The United
Methodist Church that individuals make when they
join a congregation;

• to maintain fellowship in Tlie United Methodist
Church with all those who affirm the above in spite
of differences in theology and in understanding of the
mission of the church;

• to renounce the threat of withdrawal from The United
Methodist Church as a means of coercion;

• to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in any form.

We invite all United Methodist seminaries, bishops,
pastors, and laity to remember the Wesleyan proclama-
tion of God through Jesus Christ and to strive toward an
atmosphere of openness in which all thoughtful and
prayerful expressions can be searched and heard. We
believe that this call for renewal of theology and mission
in The United Methodist Church is faithful to Wesleyan
traditions.

Petition Number: 22215-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Manchester, TN.

Regarding Worship

The First United Methodist Church of Manchester,
Tennessee, petitions the 1996 General Conference to
take appropriate measures to halt the worship or promo-
tion of the goddess Sophia or any other non-Trinitarian
deity in our Church.

Petition Number: 22216-DI-NonDis-O; Bassett, Lowell
D., Milliard UMC. Hilliard, OH.

The Membership Vows

Resolved, that the General Conference cause a
meaningful and acceptable membership vow concern-
ing the holy Scriptures to be written and added to the
service of Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
{The United Methodist Hymnal, page 34, number 4) and
if at all possible, do so during the April 16-26, 1996,
session so the vow may have early publication and
implementation.

This vow might be worded as follows:

Do you receive and profess the Christian faith as
contained in Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments,
believe the Bible to be the true rule and guide for faith
and practice for Christians, and realize that sincerely
studying the Bible will be a great benefit to your life? If
so, answer, "I do."

Petition Number: 22217-DI-NonDis-O; White, Michael
L,AFL.

A United Methodist Creed

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has been
termed a "non-creedal" church — meaning, presumably,
that we have no official creed or doctrine by which we
define and identify ourselves, supposedly allowing for a
diverse theology and an environment of pluralism; and

Whereas, this atmosphere of inconclusive beliefs
has tolerated many unscriptural and even heretical state-
ments of theological belief in the name of "pluralism;"
and

Whereas, it is partly due to this lack of a denomina-
tionally well-defined theology and the subsequent infil-
tration of a radical liberalism that has prompted many of
our members to leave our Church;

Be it therefore resolved, that the Articles of Religion
as contained in ^ 67 and Our Theological Task as con-
tained in ^ 68 of the Book of Discipline (1992) be hereby
.adopted as the official Theological Creed of The United
Methodist Church and publicized and distributed as
such.

Petition Number: 22218-DI-NonDis-O; UM Task
Force on Developmental Disabilities.

Camping for Persons with Developmental
Disabilities

Whereas, the 1992 Discipline requires that the
Board of Discipleship of each annual conference will
"foster and promote camping experiences for persons
with handicapping conditions including camps specifi-
cally designed for persons with handicapping condi-
tions, and the participation of persons with handicapping
conditions, when feasible, in camps sponsored by the
district and conference" (^ 729.1c); and

Whereas, the annual conference Board of Disci-
pleship must "provide training for clergy and laity in

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1295

ministries with a population with handicapping condi-
tions,..." (^ 729.lt/); and

Whereas, the General Board of Discipleship is to
"develop standards governing all types of camping in
regard to physical facilities, program, and leadership" (*n
1209.5); and

Whereas, the United Methodist Task Force on De-
velopmental Disabilities affirms camping programs de-
signed for persons with disabilities already in place
throughout the Church and advocates for the full inclu-
sion of persons with developmental disabilities in the life
of the Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that each annual confer-
ence will develop at least one camping program that
addresses the needs of children, youth, and adults with
developmental disabilities.

Be it further resolved, that in accordance with ^
1209.5 and to assist annual conferences in complying
with ^ 729. Irf, the General Board of Discipleship will
design appropriate leadership training for camping min-
istries with persons with developmental disabilities and
will make such training available to each annual confer-
ence to assist in developing and maintaining camping
ministries with persons with developmental disabilities.

Petition Number: 22219-DI-NonDis-O; UM Task
Force on Developmental Disabilities.

Architectal Accessibility of Camping Facilities

Whereas, camping ministries with persons with de-
velopmental disabilities will often require physical ac-
cess modifications in existing camps and architectural
design modifications in new camps;

Therefore, be it resolved, that based upon the public
accommodation provisions of the Americans With Dis-
abilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the General Board of Disci-
pleship will develop appropriate standards for
architectural accessibility of camping facilities in accord-
ance with its authority (^ 1209.5); and

Be it resolved, that the General Board of Global
Ministries will develop an accessibility audit to be spe-
cifically used by the General Board of Discipleship in
surveying United Methodist-related camping facilities;
and

Be it resolved, that by the end of AD. 2000 each
annual conference will submit to the Camping Division
of the General Board of Discipleship a plan to make all
conference-related camping facilities architecturally ac-
cessible before the end of A.D. 2008; and

Be it resolved, that at least one conference-related
camping facility in each annual conference shall be
architecturally accessible by AD. 2002 in accordance
with the standards established by the General Board of
Discipleship; and

Be it further resolved, that the annual conferences,
conference Boards of Discipleship, the General Board
of Discipleship, and any annual conference-related
camping boards or agencies assist in the financing of
projects to make camps architecturally accessible.

Petition Number: 22220-DI-NonDis-O; Methodist
United for Peace with Justice.

Curriculum on Nonviolent Action
and Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Whereas, we take as our chief guide for living and
acting in the faith Jesus Christ, who said, "Blessed are
the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God," and who also said, "Do not resist an evildoer. But
if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other
also"; and

Whereas, we also have been instructed by Paul, who
wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good"; and

Whereas, living out these teachings is difficult in the
many situations where we find ourselves, and we need
the opportunity of instruction; and

Whereas, we have been given the leadership of the
Council of Bishops in the document entitled In Defense
of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace, in which
the bishops wrote, "If any person is denied shalom, all
are thereby diminished"; and

Whereas, we have received additional leadership
from the General Board of Church and Society in its
Peace With Justice program to employ Jesus' teachings
and Paul's writings in living lives of faithfulness in diffi-
cult situations; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has many
opportunities for education, including church school,
vacation Bible school, Bible study groups, and many
others;

Therefore, we request the General Board of Disci-
pleship, with cooperation from the General Board of
Church and Society, to develop and publish during the
1997-2000 quadrennium curriculum material focusing
on nonviolent action and peaceful conflict resolution for
use by children, youth, and adults.

Petition Number: 22222-DI-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Include the Hymn "Eternal Father, Strong To
Save" in the Next Printing of the U.M. Hymnal

Whereas, the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to
Save" is important to members of the United States
Navy, having been classified as the "official hymn" of the
United States Navy; and

Whereas, many members of The United Methodist
Church served in the United States Navy; and

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DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, this hymn is an appropriate prayer for all
those who earn their living by working on the oceans of
the world; and

Whereas, this hymn appeared in the most recent
United Methodist hymnal;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church instruct
the United Methodist Publishing House to include the
hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" in the next print-
ing of The United Methodist Hymnal.

Petition Number: 22223-DI-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Include The 2nd. Verse of "America

The Beautiful" in the Next Printing

of the Hymnal

Whereas, the United Methodist Publishing House
inadvertently omitted from The United Methodist Hym-
nal that verse from "America the Beautiful" that reads:
"0 beautiful for pilgrim feet, whose stern impassioned
stress/A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wil-
demess;/America! America! God mend thy every flaw.
Confirm thy soul in self control. Thy liberty in law"; and

Whereas, this verse has been printed in every Meth-
odist hymnal for at least sixty years;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church instruct
the United Methodist Publishing House to include the
second verse of "America the Beautiful" in the next
printing of TTte United Methodist Hymnal.

Petition Number: 22224-DI-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Omit the 4th. Verse of the Hymn "Praise
To The Lord, The Ahnighty"
in the Printing of the Hymnal

Whereas, we know there was an effort by some on
the 1984 hymnal committee to be what is now referred
to as "politically correct"; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has no
business being concerned with whether it is or is not
"politically correct," having other things as a standard
for what should or should not be done; and

Whereas, anyone with even a superficial knowledge
of church history knows the wording in verse 4 of the
hymn "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" wherein it
reads: "God as a mother doth speed" is repugnant to the
understanding of God as given in both the Old and New
Testaments; and

Whereas, this is an obvious attempt to "bring the
church up-to-date," relying on secular standards rather
than on Scripture;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church instruct
the United Methodist Publishing House to omit the
fourth verse of the hymn "Praise to the Lord, the Al-
mighty" in the next printing of The United Methodist
Hymnal.

Petition Number: 22225-DI-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Regarding the Service of Holy Communion

Whereas, it has been our practice for two centuries
to use what the ritual printed in our hymnals has re-
ferred to as "the pure, unfermented juice of the grape"
for Holy Communion; and

Whereas, this terminology was inadvertently omit-
ted when the present hymnal was adopted;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference restore this phrase to our ritual by ordering
that the words 'The pure, unfermented juice of the
grape shall be used during the service of Holy Commun-
ion" be added beneath the heading of "A Service of Word
and Table I," "A Service of Word and Table II," and "A
Service of Word and Table III."

Petition Number: 22406-DI-NonDis-O; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

The Confessional Movement

We petition the General Conference to reject efforts
to change the statements of faith in the Book of Discipline
or in any way give authority to the efforts of the so-called
"Confessional Movement."

We have read everything that has come from and
about the "Confessional Movement" and have con-
cluded:

1. The United Methodist Church is not a "Confes-
sional" church as the "Confessional Movement" would
redefine us.

2. The materials of the "Confessional Movement"
convey an arrogance and narrowness of faith.

3. If the "Confessional Movement's" agenda is ac-
cepted, it would promote heresy hunting.

4. This confessional theology violates the spirit of
the Wesleys (among other things).

Petition Number: 22407-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board and Members, Church of The Cross, Wooster,
OH.

A Confessional Statement of the Confessing
Movement vrithin the United Methodist Church

We confess Jesus Christ: the Son, the Savior, the
Lord.

Preamble

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1297

During the first week of Easter, 1994, a group of 92
laity, clergy, bishops, and professors gathered to consult
about the future of The United Methodist Church. We
issued "An Invitation to the Church" for others to join us
in exalting Jesus Christ as we confront the crisis of faith
within The United Methodist Church. In love for the
Church, we now present this Confessional Statement for
the renewal and reform of The United Methodist
Church.

TTie crisis before us is this: Will The United Meth-
odist Church confess and be unified by the apostolic
faith in Jesus Christ, or will The United Methodist
Church challenge the primacy of Scripture and justify
the acceptance of beliefs incompatible with our Articles
of Religion and Confession of Faith?

The United Methodist Church is now incapable of
confessing with one voice the orthodox Trinitarian faith,
particularly Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of
the world, and the Lx)rd of history and the church. While
giving assent to Jesus Christ as Lord, our denomination
tolerates opinions that "strike at the root of Christianity"
Oohn Wesley). Our Church suffers from private ver-
sions of the faith that do not find their root in Scripture.

The purpose of this Confessional Statement is to call
The United Methodist Church, all laity, and all clergy,
to confess the person, work, and reign of Jesus Christ.
This Statement confronts and repudiates teachings and
practices in The United Methodist Church that cur-
rently challenge the truth of Jesus Christ-the Son of
God, the Savior of the world, and the Lx)rd of all. Aware
of our own sinfulness, we who make this Confession
submit our common witness and our lives to the judg-
ment and mercy of God as attested in scripture, the
written Word of God.

We confess Jesus Christ.

The Son

"He [Jesus] said to them, 'But who do you say that
I am?' Simon Peter answered, Tou are the Messiah, the
Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him,
'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and
blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in
heaven.'" (Matthew 16:15-17, NRSV)

We confess, in accordance with holy Scripture and
with the Holy Spirit's help, that Jesus Christ is the one
and only Son of God. Confession of Jesus as the Son is
essential, not a matter of personal opinion. It is a matter
of revelation, which was given to Peter and to the church
by God, whom Jesus called Father. With Peter and the
other apostles, we confess that Jesus is the Christ. We
confess with John and the other apostles that in Jesus of
Nazareth, the Word made flesh, the eternal Son of God
has come into the world to make known the fullness of
God's glory in grace and truth Oohn 1). Therefore, we
confess, in continuity with the apostolic witness of the
church, that Jesus Christ is "true God from true God"

(the Nicene Creed), the Second Person of the Holy
Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We repudiate teachings that claim that the person
of Jesus Christ is not adequate to reveal the fullness of
God (Hebrews 1:1-3). We reject the claim that the male-
ness of Jesus disqualifies him as the true revelation of
God. We reject the claim that God can be fully known
apart from Jesus Christ. According to the apostolic faith,
such teachings are false and unfaithful to the gospel.

The Savior

"Tliere is salvation in no one else, for there is no
other name under heaven given among mortals by
which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NRSV).

We confess, in accordance with holy Scripture and
with the Holy Spirit's help, that Jesus Christ is the one
and only Savior of the world. In him, we see not only the
fullness and the glory of God, but also the model and
power of our own freedom from the bondage of sin and
death (Hebrews 2:14-18). Through his obedient life,
teaching, and ministry, his death on the cross for the
sins of the world, and his bodily resurrection, he is the
Savior of the world. God through Jesus Christ conquers
sin and death, brings salvation to this rebellious world,
and reconciles "the world to himself' (2 Corinthians
5:18-21).

We repudiate teachings that repress, turn away
from, or offer substitutes for the atoning death and
life-giving resurrection of Jesus, We oppose any redefi-
nition of the Christian faith that diminishes or eliminates
the saving work of Jesus Christ in order to make dia-
logue with others more agreeable. We reject any claim
that regards the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrec-
tion as merely one salvation among others. According
to the apostolic faith, such teachings are false and un-
faithful to the gospel.

The Lord

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the
Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built
up in him and established in the faith, just as you were
taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one
takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit,
according to human tradition, according to the elemen-
tal spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and
you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of
every ruler and authority" (Colossians 2:6-10, NRSV).

We confess, in accordance with holy Scripture and
with the Holy Spirif s help, that Jesus Christ is the one
and only Lord of creation and history. In the midst of
many competing voices, the church seeks to hear, trust,
and obey Jesus the Lord and his commandments (1
Corinthians 8:5, 6) . True authority in the church derives
from and furthers obedience to this Lord. True authority
in the church holds the community accountable to this
Lord, especially when teachings and practices arise that
undermine or deny his Lordship.

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We repudiate teachings and practices that misuse
principles of inclusiveness and tolerance to distort the
doctrine and discipline of the Church. We deny the claim
that the individual is free to decide what is true and what
is false, what is good and what is evil. We reject wide-
spread and often unchallenged practices in and by the
Church that rebel against the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
For example:

• experimenting with pagan ritual and practice;

• consuming the world's goods without regard for the
poor;

• accommodating the prevailing patterns of sexual
promiscuity, serial marriage, and divorce;

• resigning ourselves to the injustices of racial and
gender prejudice;

• condoning homosexual practice;

• ignoring the historic church's long-standing
protection of the unborn and the mother.

Any new teachings in the Church that seek to set
aside the biblical witness cannot be established by votes,
by appeals to personal experience, or by responding to
contemporary social pressures. According to the apos-
tolic faith, such teachings and practices are false and
unfaithful to the gospel.

The Confessional Charge

This, then, is our confession: We confess that Jesus
Christ is the Son, the Savior, and the Lord, according to
the Scriptures. The United Methodist Church has never
had an institutional guarantee of doctrinal diversity with-
out boundaries. We implore other United Methodists,
laity and clergy, to join us in this confession. Relying
upon the power of the Holy Spirit, we vow to make this
confession in the congregations, boards, divisions,
agencies, seminaries, and conferences of our denomina-
tion. We will faithfully support United Methodist activi-
ties, groups, programs, and publications that further this
confession and spread the good news throughout the
world in faithful obedience to the apostolic witness. We
will vigorously challenge and hold accountable those
who undermine this confession. All the while, readying
for the coming of Jesus Christ in power and glory, we
welcome ecumenical partnerships in the advancement
of this confession.

Petition Number: 22408-DI-NonDis-O; Mission,
Church & Society and The Adm. Council, St. Paul and
St. Andrew UMC, New York, NY.

Creation of Commitment Ceremonies

for Same-Sex Couples Within the United

Methodist Chm-ch

Whereas, The United Methodist Church affirms
that "homosexual persons no less than heterosexual
persons are individuals of sacred worth" ("Social Princi-
ples," TI 71F) and that "all persons and groups are of

equal worth in the sight of God" (1992 Book of Resolu-
tions, "Human Rights") ; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church affirms "a
clear issue of simple justice in protecting [homosexual
persons'] rightful claims where they have shared mate-
rial resource, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual
powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims typi-
cally attendant to contractual relationships which in-
volved shared contributions, responsibilities, and
liabilities, and equal protection under the law" ("Social
Principles," ^71G); and

Whereas, the Book of Discipline, "Social Principles,"
^ 71F acknowledges that The United Methodist Church
is "committed to support those rights and liberties for
homosexual persons"; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church "has a long
history of concern for social justice" (Social Principles,
Preface) and recognizes that "the struggle for human
rights for all people of God to be a continuous unfolding
of the gospel" (1992 Book of Resolutions, "Human
Rights"); and

Whereas, the denial of a covenant of same-sex un-
ions between lesbians or gay men within Church and
society continues to violate the human rights of gay men
and lesbians and contradicts United Methodist teach-
ings of the sacred worth of homosexual persons; and

Whereas, Scripture advocates a model of faithful
love between life companions; and

Whereas, the absence of support for permanency in
relationships has contributed to multiple deaths from
AIDS in the gay men's community;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church undergird long-term, faithful, loving relation-
ships between persons of homosexual orientation
through the creation of commitment ceremonies.

Petition Number: 22409-DI-NonDis-O; Reynolds,
Virginia, Good Faith UMC, Pine Bluff, AR.

A Call to Reaffirm our Belief in The Deity
of Jesus Christ

Whereas, the members of Good Faith United Meth-
odist Church wish to reaffirm our Christian beliefs to the
1996 General Conference of The United Methodist
Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that in keeping with the
holy Scriptures and our doctrinal standards, as stated in
11 67, Section 3, Article 1 of the 1992 Book of Discipline,
we reaffirm our faith in the deity, the atonement, and the
resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second member of the
Holy Trinity-God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Spirit; further emphasizing Acts 4:12 and John 14:6 that
Jesus Christ is the way and the only way to salvation.

It is with joy that we state we will never compromise
on this truth. It is with further joy that we serve our Lord

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and make this strong and visible stand for our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.

Petition Number: 22410-DI-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

A United Methodist Alternative
to Promise Keepers

No doubt there is a spiritual crisis for many men in
the church today. The women's movement has brought
into question-and rightfully so-a lot of the old assump-
tions about Christian manhood. But how the problem is
addressed is critically important.

The Promise Keepers movement, which is filling
huge sports arenas in the United States with enthusias-
tic rallies, offers one approach. It aims to help Christian
laymen to have a strong and positive self-image, to put
God at the center of their lives, to give leadership to the
church, and to attend to their families. Its concern for
radical reconciliation is also very commendable. Hon-
esty and integrity are lauded, and men are encouraged
to find mentors in the practice of the faith. Participants
are assured that a "real man can enjoy a deep and
meaningful, non-sexual relationship with another man."
Band together, men are urged, for prayer, sharing of
Scripture, and hearing one another's pain.

Alongside these commendable aspects, the move-
ment has shortcomings that have caused many United
Methodist men to take a cautious approach to it.

A careful reading of a basic text of the movement.
Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper (Focus on the Family
Publishing, 1993), gives cause for concern. Having al-
legedly become "feminized men" and "sissies" for giving
over spiritual or other leadership to women, men are told
to "take back" the leadership of the family. "A father is
to be the priest of his home." TTie biblical notion of
equality and partnership between men and women ("in
Christ there is neither... male nor female") is ignored,
and the notion of patriarchal privilege is promoted.

To Promise Keepers, the crisis in families across the
nation is primarily caused by "the feminization of the
American male"-"a misunderstanding of manhood that
has produced a nation of 'sissified' men who abdicate
their role as spiritually pure leaders, thus forcing women
to fill the vacuum." This suggests the oppressive stereo-
type that women are weak and that the worst thing a man
can be is "weak" like a woman.

The movement ignores some of the most serious
ways in which men have violated their promises and
transgressed upon their responsibilities: wife abuse,
marital rape, incest, or the sexual abuse of children.
There is not a single reference to them in the book.

TTie attitude toward women as clergy is problem-
atic. While on the one hand clergymen are enthusiasti-
cally affirmed as "God's treasures," clergywomen are
either studiously ignored or informed that they are not

welcome at Promise Keepers events, even special ones
for clergy.

The United Methodist General Board of Disci-
pleship has wisely decided not to endorse Promise
Keepers, pointing out that women are not involved, that
leadership is structured around a small group of men,
and that leaders may espouse beliefs that are not in
keeping with United Methodist theology and practice.
Yet there desperately need to be ways for United Meth-
odist men to experience Christian manhood and male-
ness in the best sense.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence direct the General Board of Discipleship to develop
a United Methodist alternative to Promise Keepers that
affirms men in equal partnership with women, and that
conveys the depth of understanding of personal and
social responsibility characterized by our "Social Princi-
ples."

Petition Number: 22411-DI-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Affirming our Theological Task

God the Creator called John Wesley to address his
generation with an innovative social holiness; God the
Redeemer endowed him with incarnational power to
organize the people of God; God the Holy Spirit gifted
him as a "brand plucked from the burning" to emblazon
God's signature on an entire generation, century, and
era. That same holy and triune God calls us to be the
church in our time, not denying any part of our tradition,
but applying its truths to the issues God has created us
to face, so that our generation can know the redemption
that only God can offer and the sustaining power that
makes God real in our time.

Some state that our doctrine is defined solely by the
General Rules, The Articles of Religion, The Confession
of Faith, The Standard Sermons of Wesley, and Wesley's
Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament. The Dis-
cipline, however, begins with the ecumenical context of
our United Methodist heritage, reminding us that we are
part of the whole body of Christ. It presents our distinc-
tive United Methodist witness in the light of our com-
mon heritage as Christians. These are as much a part of
our tradition as the teachings of Wesley, Albright, and
Otterbein.

The so-called "confessional" approach violates the
Wesleyan spirit of our tradition. The Discipline further
affirms that our theological task is open-ended: critical
and constructive, individual and communal, contextual
and incarnational, as well as practical. We believe that it
is transforming and transformational as well, because
Wesley believed in Christian perfection. That is, every
generation must re-think its faith responses to society's
ills. For instance, our Wesleyan tradition has helped us
overcome some of the 18th century prejudices (which
Methodism shared) against women and Roman Catho-
lics.

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The Discipline cites the Wesleyan quadrilateral:
"Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian
faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition,
vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by rea-
son" (^ 68). It points out that there is always a present
challenge to theology in the church which must not be
ignored or evaded.

How can we do theology (as opposed to just reading,
writing, studying or teaching it) if God's revelation to
Methodism ceased somewhere in the 18th century?
Wesley's world gave him a historical perspective on the
social ills of his day. He ministered to the poor, the
miners who were victims of the Industrial Revolution,
and other oppressed groups such as women and chil-
dren. If Wesley had accepted the New Testament writ-
ers' tolerance of slavery and sexism at face value, simply
because it was biblical, he never would have become the
theological and ecclesiastical hero that his commitment
to social holiness made him. That is what he meant by
"going on to perfection."

Just so, we are called in our generation to continue
the struggle for the elimination of racism, sexism, clas-
sism, heterosexism, and all forms of spiritual and social
oppression. Paul says that we are new creations in
Christ. In the spirit of Abraham, Hagar, Mary, Wesley,
Albright, Otterbein, and other faithful servants of God,
we are called to discern the outward cry of that spirit in
our historical context.

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church affirms its commitment to our
historic standards for understanding the Christian faith
as contained in Parts II, III, and IV of The Book of
Discipline, entitled, "Doctrinal Standards and OurTheo-
logical Task," "Social Principles," and 'The Ministry of
All Christians," respectively. Efforts to lift certain of
these standards to the exclusion of the rest constitute a
call for a loyalty oath in The United Methodist Church,
which is not in keeping with the spirit of Our Theological
Task.

Petition Number: 22412-DI-NonDis-O; Billings, James
J., First UMC, Del Rio, TX.

A Proposal of Belief
for the United Methodist Church

I propose that The United Methodist Church at its
1996 General Conference establish a mechanism that
will prepare the Church to enter the approaching millen-
nium with new programs that will take account of the
doubt, skepticism, and despair so prevalent in the 20th
century. This would require, in part, a program for
distilling from the works of modem theologians and
philosophers ideas for use among the general congre-
gation. This certainly should emphasize our not really
knowing for sure many ideas people have and think are
true. It should also make clear to people the disagree-
ment among Bible scholars as to exactly what the Bible
means, develop a new Christianity consistent with mod-
ern knowledge and our uncertainty as to what we know

and believe, and be ready to assist those who need help
as these changes are made. To transform the Church
into a body more in tune with the modem ideas of
present-day people will require much time and effort.

I think that a good way to start is for religious people
to agree that no human being has access to God's mind.
Realizing that we do not have access to God's tmth, we
can start shaping a new world based on what we think
is the best knowledge and wisdom human beings have
acquired over the centuries.

Once we get past the Bible, perhaps then we could
make additional changes, perhaps an Axiom 2 also not
subject to proof It is tragic when someone loses faith
because of some terrible event in his or her life that
makes it seem as if God does not care. Why not just
assume that God does not care and let humanity leara
to care and do the caring? Axiom 3: God loves everyone
the same.

I do not like to be critical of The United Methodist
Church, in particular, or the Christian church, in gen-
eral, but I do wonder. Is it really Christian to create this
rather complicated system of beliefs, which, I believe,
causes many people much pain and suffering? Many
theologians and preachers seem to have worked it out
so that they can cling to and proclaim old beliefs with a
clear conscience, but are they being honest when they
proclaim doctrines that seem one way to their congre-
gations while they themselves think of these doctrines
in an entirely different manner? In church on Sunday,
we solemnly proclaim creeds as if these creeds are
absolutely true. Perhaps it would be more honest if these
creeds were preceded by these words: "We do not know,
and we cannot prove as true, but we believe..." and as an
ending, we add for emphasis, "...but we do not know."

What I am suggesting is not too different from the
way we actually live. I am merely suggesting that we
bring into the open what we really believe instead of
pretending to believe what we don't seem to believe.

Petition Number: 22513-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Wauhatchie UMC, Chattanooga, TN.

Church's Stand on Baptism of Infants

Whereas, our Church has an adequate practice of
infant baptism, to be followed by later acceptance of
Christ when the child matures; and

Whereas, we do not see any biblical precedent that
a child would automatically be tme to Christ without
personal commitment;

Therefore, be it resolved, that General Conference
leave all appropriate Discipline paragraphs as they cur-
rently read and that infants be counted as at present.

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Petition Number: 22514-DI-NonDis-O; Upper Room
Sunday School Class, Central UMC, Fitzgerald, GA.

Re-Affirm the Historic Foundation
of United Methodist

We, members of The Upper Room Sunday School
Class of the Central United Methodist Church, are
greatly disturbed as we see a growing trend in the
Church to reinterpret the Holy Scriptures and even to
deny and violate basic doctrines upon which our Church
was founded.

We believe that the Christian faith is a revealed faith,
not one that was based upon the mind of man or any
mythical gods or goddesses. We believe that Christians
should never compromise the superiority and unique-
ness of our faith as the only way given to the world for
salvation and eternal life with God, through Jesus Christ.

We make these pertinent points, in brief:

1. TTie "outing" of Jeanne Audrey Powers and others
in open defiance of the doctrine and policy of our
Church.

2. The modern heresy and pluralism in the Church
and the lack of courage by our bishops to stand up
against this dangerous situation.

We petition as follows:

TTiat this General Conference reestablish the supe-
riority of the Christian faith and reaffirm the historic
foundation of United Methodism through unequivocal
statements of our faith. That is superiority and unique-
ness be upheld in any dialogues with other religions,
such as Buddhism, Mohammedanism, etc. That this
conference take steps at once to censor those who hold
heresy concerning the Trinity and Jesus' teachings on
human sexuality.

Petition Number: 22515-DI-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

A Renewal Faithful to Our Heritage

The call is echoed across the land. The Church
needs a revival, a new birth, a spiritual awakening. No
matter where one is on the theological spectrum, the
need is understood: many call the gospel irrelevant;
greed triumphs in business; preachers pander to peo-
ple's fears and prejudices; self-centeredness under-
mines families; personal irresponsibility spawns a
morality alien to Christ; we succumb to simplistic solu-
tions; or insensitivity disdains those in need-"the least
of these"-and thus we "pass by on the other side."

It is not enough, however, simply to call for renewal.
Our renewal must understand its Wesleyan heritage,
must have a clear vision that captures the image of God's
realm portrayed by Christ, and must be driven by im-
peratives that are not self-serving. It is not enough to
intone Wesley's name; we must be faithful to his legacy.

Wesley's "Holy Club" was not born to protect ortho-
doxy as was true of 16th century reform movements. Of
the Methodist Societies he wrote, "I do not know any
other religious society... wherein such liberty of con-
science is now allowed, or has been allowed, since the
age of the Apostles. Here is our glorying; and a glorying
peculiar to us. What society shares it with us?"

Wesley's was an 18th century movement concerned
with the personal spiritual apathy of that day and the
social decay of that time. The Wesleyan heritage was
less concerned with orthodoxy than with personal and
social integrity. Methodism began among the poor and
marginalized of a developing industrial economy, and
thus Methodists offered an alternative vision of commu-
nity that affirmed their worth and dignity.

Our Wesleyan heritage continues to call us to be the
conscience of a flawed society. We must understand that
we are a Church defined by how we serve God. United
Methodism is not a creedal church. We do not derive
our authority from static confessions of faith. We find
our identity in Jesus Christ and our authority in the
patterns of ministry he lived.

Nevertheless, as God's people seeking renewal,
these convictions undergird and shape our quest:

1. We believe that the Bible is the primary witness
to God's redemptive purpose and action. It is a living
book about a living God. To make the Bible static is to
kill it.

2. We believe that God created the universe. We
affirm that God sent Jesus to demonstrate the contrast
between our ideas of righteousness and God's right-
eousness. We proclaim the cross as the gift of redeem-
ing grace to all of God's people. We witness to the empty
tomb as the sign that God's order will reign in this world
and the next.

3. We believe that all persons are sinners, in spite of
their claims of righteousness or signs of piety. Sin is the
human condition of rebellion against God-both by indi-
viduals and society.

4. We believe that God calls all of us to be "new
creations" in Christ.

5. We believe that God's sovereignty is grounded in
an inclusive (not exclusive) grace.

6. We believe that our obedience to Christ compels
us more to confront our own sins than to expose the sins
of others.

7. We believe that discipleship is carrying the towel
and basin of servanthood, not concerned with personal
assurance or worldly possessions but with serving those
who are thirsty, hungry, blind, sick, in prison, outcast,
and even "the sinner."

The so-called "confessional" approach violates the
Wesleyan spirit of our tradition. The Book of Discipline
cites the Wesleyan quadrilateral: "Wesley believed that

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the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in
Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal
experience, and confirmed by reason." It points out that
there is always a present challenge to theology in the
church which must not be ignored or evaded.

Therefore, the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church affirms its commitment to our
historic standards for understanding the Christian faith
as contained in Parts II, III, and W of The Book of
Discipline, entitled "Doctrinal Standards and Our Theo-
logical Task," "Social Principles," and 'The Ministry of
All Christians," respectively. We reject efforts to lift
certain of these standards, to the exclusion of the rest,
which constitute a call for a loyalty oath in The United
Methodist Church not in keeping wdth the spirit of "Our
Theological Task." These historic standards provide for
us a firm foundation grounded in our Wesleyan heritage
that will enable us to move forward toward the future in
faithfulness to the living God revealed in Christ Jesus.

Petition Number: 22557-DI-NonDis-O; Byroads,
Marjorie, Williams Center Asbury UMC, Bryan, OH.

Evangelism as a Missional Priority of the United
Methodist Church for the next Quadrennium

I petition that evangelism become the number 1
missional priority of The United Methodist Church for
the next quadrennium. I further petition that evangelism
also become the number 1 priority of all our mission
work around the world — and of all our commissions,
boards, and agencies at all levels — for the purpose of
persuading men, women, and children to come to Jesus
Christ and so be reconciled to God. It is imperative for
us to fulfill the Great Commission left to us by Jesus
Christ, God's Son, to go into all the world in the power
of the Holy Spirit to influence the unsaved persons of
our world to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Petition Number: 22558-DI-NonDis-O; Hershberger,
Nyle M., Belmont UMC, Johnstown, PA

Institute Service of Infant Dedication

Whereas, there are within The United Methodist
Church many devout believers who do not accept the
teaching that infant baptism is biblically sound; and
therefore, there is a need for a means whereby these
families may commit their children to God; and

Whereas, the biblical basis of infant baptism is in
question for the following reasons:

The primary basis for infant baptism is those Scrip-
tures that say the entire family was baptized (1 Corin-
thians 1:16; Acts 16:1, 33) . There is no indication that the
baptism was extended to infants. If it was, then Paul
would be contradicting his own teaching in 1 Corin-
thians 7:14, where he completes his discourse that the
children are "now holy" because of a believing parent.

The second basis for infant baptism is the reasoning
that infant baptism unites the infant into the family of

believers. This is contradictory to the teachings of Jesus.
In Mark 10:14, Jesus concludes by saying about the
children, "ofsuch is the kingdom ofheaven." This surely
puts children in good standing without anything else
being done. Jesus did not say, "Hurry up and baptize
these children so that they can be a part of my family."

The third basis for infant baptism is the theological
explanation of what happens when an infant is baptized.
In all material written about infant baptism, including the
study done by our denomination, there is a lengthy
theological explanation of what happens at the time of
baptism when an adult is baptized. This experience is
then transferred to an infant at the time of infant baptism.
What is forgotten is that preceding baptism in the adult
is an act of repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Savior.
Infant baptism contradicts the teaching of Jesus, who
told Nicodemus that he must be born again, and other
biblical references to baptism that are preceded by the
call for repentance before baptism.

Therefore, be it resolved, that this General Confer-
ence adopt the service of Infant Dedication as an accept-
able order of worship for those desiring to use it and
direct the General Council on Ministry to develop a
service of Infant Dedication to be placed in the Discipline
and the Book of Worship.

Petition Number: 22628-DI-NonDis-O; Tippit, Stephen
L, United Methodist Church of Belleville, IL,
Mascoutah, IL.

Recovering the Centrality of the Eucharist

Whereas, John Wesley called Christians to "con-
stant communion," as he believed it to be "the duty of
every person to receive the Lord's Supper as often as
possible, because it is a plain command of Christ"; and

Whereas, John Wesley also, in his September 10,
1784, letter to Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our brethren
in North America, advised "the elders to administer the
supper of the Lord on every Lord's day"; and

Whereas, during the lifetime of John Wesley, Meth-
odists crowded parish churches to celebrate Holy Com-
munion with a "zeal kindled in [their] hearts... by the
flaming message of the love of God which they received
from the Methodist preachers" ; and

Whereas, since Wesley's death "the place of Holy
Communion in Methodist worship [has] declined, and
the beliefs about it [have] lost continuity with the tradi-
tional doctrines which the Wesleys espoused...." ; and

Whereas, the 1982 World Council of Churches
Faith and Order Paper No. Ill, Baptism, Eucharist and
Ministry (BEM) reminds us that:

1. "Christian faith is deepened by the celebration of
the Lord's Supper";

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2. "as the eucharist celebrates the resurrection of
Christ, it is appropriate that it should take place at least
every Sunday"; and

3. "as it is the new sacramental meal of the people
of God, every Christian should be encouraged to receive
communion frequently"; and

Whereas, the April 30, 1986, response of The United
Methodist Church to BEM issued by the Council of
Bishops:

1. affirms that "the Wesleyan renewal movement
within and beyond the Church of England was as much
sacramental as it was evangelical";

2. judges BEM to be "right" in considering the
eucharist, as it "effectively unites word and sacrament,"
to be "the central act of the Church's worship";

3. proclaims that "God's effectual word is there [in
the central act of the Church's worship] revealed, pro-
claimed, heard, seen and tasted";

4. acknowledges that "the Church's long experience
shows [weekly celebration of the eucharist] to be nor-
mative"; and

5. declares that "we intend to urge our congrega-
tions to a more frequent, regular observance of the
sacrament";

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence direct the Council of Bishops of The United Meth-
odist Church to take the necessary actions in the annual
conferences to assure that all parishes are continually
growing in their understanding of Wesleyan eucharistic
piety and practice and moving toward the frequent,
regular celebration of the eucharist as the parishes'
central act of worship, which the Council of Bishops
committed to in their response to the BEM paper; and

Be it further resolved that the General Conference
direct the bishops to charge each district superinten-
dent in his or her respective cabinet with the responsi-
bility of developing with each pastor and parish specific
plans and timetables for recovering the weekly celebra-
tion of the eucharist as the central act of the parish's
worship; and

Be it further resolved, that until such time as weekly
celebration of the eucharist becomes the central act of
each parish's worship throughout The United Method-
ist Church, the General Conference direct the Council
of Bishops to develop and implement annually a calen-
dar of Sundays and other holy days (including but not
limited to: Christmas Eve, Baptism of the Lord, Trans-
figuration Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy
Thursday, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity Sun-
day, World Communion Sunday, All Saints Sunday, and
Christ the King Sunday) that are to be specifically set
aside for eucharistic celebration as the central act of
worship in all United Methodist parishes throughout the
world.

J. Ernest Rattenbury, The Eucharistic Hymns of
John and Charles Wesley (Cleveland: OSL Publications,
1990, page 3).

Geoffrey Wainwright, Methodists in Dialog
(Nashivlle: Kingswood Books, 1995, page 211).

Petition Number: 22629-DI-NonDis-O; Robertson,
Christopher E., Ebenezer UMC, Woodbine, MD.

The Issue of Baptism

Regarding the study By Water and the Spirit, I find
it to be both generally and specifically flawed in both
point and precept. The statement most genuinely ex-
presses the irreconcilable gap between the truth of
baptism and the practice of infant baptism. It outlines
the purpose and effects of baptism as such as would
require knowledged participation then takes a leap, not
of faith but of absurdity, to infant baptism with no rea-
sonable justification for the position whatsoever. I find,
though, that I am considerably more concerned as to the
lie that is further perpetrated upon the members of this
denomination as to whether or not baptism equals sal-
vation. The statement mentions that the act of baptism,
either as infant or adult, does not equal salvation. How-
ever, the list of spiritual benefits, the overall tone, and
the conspicuous exclusion of what does constitute sal-
vation becomes misleading. This is a point in which the
consequences of confusion are eternal and the gain is to
the one-time enemy of Christ's church.

I must mention, too, that there is conflict in the fact
that the arguments for the United Methodist stand are
based largely on tradition and not Scripture. Where
Scripture, which is the only source of authority, is
quoted, the arguments are not so supportive of our
historical stand. I hope we can all agree that Scripture is
superior to tradition.

We, as a denomination, are confronted with a won-
derful opportunity to really examine ourselves and our
doctrine in the light of Scripture and, where need be,
break free from prideful bondage to the errors of tradi-
tion and embark on a new course with the confidence
born of truth.

Petition Number: 22630-DI-NonDis-O; Chesnut,
James W. & Edgar, Dave, Trinity UMC, San Antonio,
TX.

Affirmation of tiie Doctrinal Standards

Whereas, we affirm the gospel as declared in the
doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church;
and

Whereas, we recognize our responsibility in pro-
claiming the good news of "the sovereignty of God and
of God's love in Christ amid the continuing crises of
human existence" ; and

Whereas, we believe this gospel that we are to
proclaim is "revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition.

1304

DCA Advance Edition II

vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by rea-
son" as affirmed in ^ 68 of The Book of Discipline of The
United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, in a document dated April 29, 1995, the
Confessing Methodist Movement has called upon The
United Methodist Church to confess in one voice, with-
out regard to the individual believer's reason and expe-
rience and The United Methodist Church's
long-standing tradition of religious freedom as assured
its members in the Book of Discipline; and

AVhereas, the Confessing Methodist Movement has
stated in its abovementioned document that it intends
to "vigorously challenge and hold accountable those
that undermine" its efforts to reform and renew The
United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, there may be others who from time to
time may propose restrictions, requirements, and/or
other language that would narrowly define the call of
Christ for individual believers;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church reject any and all
attempts to change the Book of Discipline that would
define in any way and therefore limit the faith of individ-
ual Christians in ways not in keeping with The United
Methodist Church's tradition of supporting the Protes-
tant concept of the priesthood of the believer.

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist
Church, 1992, page 40.

Ibid., page 76.

Petition Number: 22631-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Lakeland and Nashville UMC, Nashville, Ga,
Lakeland, GA

Resolution to Confess Jesus as Lord of All

Whereas, over the last 40 years, an increasing atti-
tude of moral relativism has intruded into the doctrinal
discourse of the Church, thereby striking at the root of
Christianity; and

Whereas, in direct contradiction to the Scriptures
(Hebrews 1:1-3 and Colossians 2:9) , some claim that the
maleness of Jesus Christ disqualifies him as the true
revelation of God; and

Whereas, in direct contradiction to the holy Scrip-
tures, some repress, turn away from, or offer substitutes
for the atoning death and life-giving resurrection of
Jesus; and

Whereas, some redefine the Christian faith, dimin-
ishing or eliminating the saving work of Jesus Christ in
order to make dialogue with others more agreeable; and

Whereas, some advocate the incarnation, crucifix-
ion, and resurrection as merely one salvation among
many others; and

Whereas, in the name of a distorted inclusiveness
and tolerance, some have advocated pagan ritual and
practice, condoning homosexuality and other sinful
practices;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence repudiate all such teachings and practices and
declare that Jesus Christ is the Son, the Savior, and the
Lord of all according to the Scriptures; and

That Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God
sent from heaven; and

That Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the
world and that "There is no other name under heaven
whereby men may be saved" (Acts 4:12); and

That Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord of crea-
tion and history; and

That Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures, is
"the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the
Father but by me" Qohn 14:6).

Petition Number: 22746-DI-NonDis-O; Evangelical
Fellowship for UM in West Virginia.

Resolution to AfBrm the Confessing Movement
Within the United Methodist Chxu-ch

Whereas, the gospel of Jesus Christ declares his
sufficiency to meet all needs; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has
strayed from its scriptural and traditional foundations;
and

Whereas, the unity of believers within The United
Methodist Church has disintegrated and continues to
disintegrate as it strays even further from its scriptural
and traditional foundations; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church continues
to decline in membership and credibility as it strays
further from its scriptural and traditional foundations;
and

Whereas, the Holy Spirit will not bear witness with
our spirits that we are the children of God if our doc-
trines and practices are not in harmony with God's
declared Word; and

Whereas, the Confessing Movement within The
United Methodist Church seeks to "confess the person,
work, and reign of Jesus Christ," calling on our members
individually and our Church as a whole to return to
scriptural doctrine and holy living befitting our
Wesleyan heritage through "unequivocal and confident
allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ";

In order that doctrinal purity, scriptural/biblical
faith and true unity be restored to The United Methodist
Church;

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church affirm the

Discipleship

1305

Confessing Movement within The United Methodist
Church.

Petition Number: 22747-DI-NonDis-0$; Heavner, B.,
Quick, J., Anderson. T. Euper, Jackie, NWT, NAK,
WNY, DET Youth Directors, Lubbock, TX.

Celebrate and Implement the Focus

on Young People: Walking Together

in the Way that Leads to Life

As adult workers with youth:

• We rejoice and celebrate the call from the General
Council on Ministries for a focus on young people.

• We advocate gathering young people and adults,
along with resources staif, to strengthen ministry
with young people and to proclaim and embody the
gospel of Jesus Christ.

We propose a plan for implementing a focus on
young people:

• $500,000 will be available to local churches in the
form of grants for use as seed money to respond to
the needs and issues of young people in the church
and community. Grants will be administered by the
Shared Mission Team as proposed by the General
Council on Ministries.

• The Shared Mission Team will oversee and
coordinate quadrennial pilot programs in ten
conferences and ten local churches (not in the same
ten conferences), which will provide $2.4 million for
salary of trained and qualified staff to craft ministry
with young people for the future and for these staff
people to meet together on an annual basis for review
of the program.

• A fund for the purpose of strengthening theological
education in the area of ministry with young people
will be established with an initial grant of $100,000.

• Existing programs and staff for ministry with young
people throughout the Church should be continued
at the current or increased levels of funding.

• Programs and resources for young people should be
coordinated throughout the Church, building on
current strengths.

Petition Number: 22748-DI-NonDis-O; Blankenship,
Paul R, MEM.

"Guidelines" the UMC and the Charismatic
Movement be Printed in the Book of Resolutions

Whereas, a significant number of United Method-
ists are active participants in the charismatic movement;
and

Whereas, the charismatic movement is often misun-
derstood and misinterpreted; and

Whereas, the 1976 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church approved a helpful interpre-
tive statement entitled "Guidelines: The United Method-
ist Church and the Charismatic Movement"; and

Whereas, this statement is no longer in print and is
difficult to locate;

Therefore, be it resolved, that "Guidelines: The
United Methodist Church and the Charismatic Move-
ment," pages 1989-1996 of the Journal of the 1976 Gen-
eral Conference (excluding the bibliography, which
begins at the bottom of page 1996 and is now out of date)
be printed in the 1996 edition (and subsequent editions)
of The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist
Church.

Petition Number: 22749-DI-NonDis-O; Stockholm
UMC, Stockholm, NJ.

National Day of Prayer

Whereas, the Word of God admonishes us, "...if My
people, who are called by My name, will humble them-
selves and pray and seek My face and turn from their
wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles
7:14) ; and Psalm 33:12 tells us that peace within a nation
is based on willingness to acknowledge God; and

Whereas, the public law was amended on May 5,
1988, to 'The President shall set aside and proclaim the
first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of
Prayer, on which the people of the United States may
turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in
groups, and as individuals" (P.L 100-307.102, Stat. 456);
and

Whereas, the Word of God says, "Everyone must
submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is
no authority except that which God has established"
(Romans 13:1);

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church proclaim to its congregations its support of
and encouragement to participate in the National Day of
Prayer on the first Thursday in May 1997 and every first
Thursday in May thereafter.

Petition Number: 22750-DI-NonDis-O; Smith, Donald
A, NIL

Denomination-wide Membership Data Base

Whereas, this denomination spends hundreds of
thousands of dollars attempting to communicate with its
membership with a variety of general mailings and frag-
mented lists; and

Whereas, general agencies spend thousands of dol-
lars trying to reach missing members for a variety of
reasons; and

1306

DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, we annually fund a program to track mem-
bers who move from one conference to another, with
limited results; and

Whereas, one of the most effective means of pro-
moting and improving stewardship is telling the stories
of ministry to every person who has contributed to an
organization; and

Whereas, periodic contact is one of the most effec-
tive means of making a membership connection real;

Therefore, be it resolved, that a denomination-wide
database of the membership of The United Methodist
Church be created and that this database be managed
by the General Board of Discipleship, using information
and communications systems provided by the General
Council on Finance and Administration, which shall
emphasize on-line, real-time data input wherever possi-
ble.

Be it further resolved, that this database shall be
used exclusively for the purpose of communicating op-
portunities for mission and ministry; and the results
therefrom shall not be sold or otherwise furnished for
private, political, or commercial purposes.

Be it further resolved, that this database shall be
operational by January 1, 1998; and that every local
church shall submit an up-to-date name and address
roster of its membership and constituents to the General
Board of Discipleship no later than July 1, 1997.

Petition Number: 22751-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Mandarin UMC, Jacksonville, FL

Regarding Future Editions of the Book of Hymns

Whereas, Jesus is quoted in Matthew 5:43-44: "You
have heard that it was said, Tou shall love your neighbor
and hate your enemy.' But I say unto you. Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you"; and

Whereas, when John Wesley "sent a psalter to
America for the use of the infant Methodist Episcopal
Church, the last paragraph of his preface to his collec-
tion read: 'Many psalms [are] left out, and many others,
as being highly improper for the mouths of a Christian
congregation'" (The Story of Methodism, Luccock and
Hutchinson, page 189); and

Whereas, verses 7 through 9 of Psalm 137 culmi-
nates in the words, "Happy shall they be who take your
little ones and dash them against the rock"; and

Whereas, these verses, found on page 853 of the
current United Methodist Hymnal, illustrate material
highly improper for congregational worship as well as
in sharp contrast to the spirit and teaching of Jesus;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church delete the
above verses from future editions of the United Method-
ist Hymnal and counsel churches currently using the

hymnal to omit use in worship of verses 7 through 9 of
Psalm 137 as was done in the previous hymnal.

Petition Number: 22822-DI-NonDis-O; GBOD.

Support for the Approval of "By Water
and the Spirit"

Whereas, the 1988 General Conference directed the
General Board of Discipleship, along with the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Gen-
eral Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious
Concerns, to study the meaning of baptism as it relates
to confirmation and other rites of the Church; and,

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference received
the committee's report entitled By Water and the Spirit;
and

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference instructed
the committee, in conjunction with The United Method-
ist Publishing House, to publish the report. By Water
and the Spirit, along with a study guide and a response
questionnaire; and

Whereas, the committee has received the re-
sponses from a broad cross-section of the Church, evalu-
ated them, and revised the paper with the responses in
mind;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church approve
By Water and the Spirit as a position paper on baptism
for The United Methodist Church and as an official
interpretive statement of the new Services of the Baptis-
mal Covenant found in the 1989 Hymnal.

And further be it resolved, that By Water and the
Spirit be used by Church School Publications and by the
General Board of Discipleship as a guide for teaching
about baptism.

And further be it resolved, that it commend this
interpretation of baptism and its relation to confirmation
and other rites of the Church to any entity of the Church
interpreting or administering the sacraments.

And further be it resolved, that By Water and the
Spirit be published in The Book of Resolutions and that
it be offered in book form with a leader's guide for study
by the Church.

Petition Number: 22866-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Rincon UMC, Rincon, GA

"By Water and the Spirit" Document

Whereas, The United Methodist Church's present
stand on baptism has been in use for many years; and

Whereas, to make a baby or small child a member
when baptized will simply lead to more members but
less committed members; and

Discipleship

1307

Whereas, we oppose the language change to *n 208
proposed in the document "By Water and the Spirit: A
United Methodist Understanding of Baptism" which
states in part, "...without regard to age or intellectual
ability, race or nationality, gender or sexual identity,
class...";

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence reject the new baptism document "By Water and
the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Bap-
tism"; and

Be it further resolved, that if this document is ap-
proved, the Rincon United Methodist Church, in future
session, may take other actions to let the General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church know how
strongly she opposes such approval.

Petition Number: 22867-DI-NonDis-O; Reynolds,
Virginia, Good Faith UMC, Pine Bluff, AR

A Call for the Examination of Doctiine Being
Presented in Books and Study Materials

Whereas, books are being published and sold in
Cokesbury Bookstores that explain and support femi-
nist theology; and

Whereas, some of these books give derogatory
views of Jesus Christ and support false doctrine such as
the introduction of Sophia and other feminist metaphors
into the literature of the Church; and

Whereas, books used in United Methodist schools
of mission are subtly introducing feminine metaphors
such as Sophia and Christa as objects of worship;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference call on all of the laity and clergy within their
congregations, boards, divisions, agencies, and confer-
ences to do all within their power to study and examine
the books and study materials used in Sunday school
classes, study groups, schools of mission, or any other
area of Church literature to eradicate all evidences of
false doctrine being printed in any of these books and
materials published by the United Methodist Publishing
House, and to examine and remove books and materials
that support the worship of any being other than the
Holy Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God
the Holy Spirit. ("Salvation is found in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven given to men by
which we must be saved" Acts 4:12 NFV.)

Petition Number: 22868-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Viola UMC, Viola, IL

Concerning the Services
of the Baptismal Covenant

Whereas, it is believed that the second sentence of
the form on page 32 of the United Methodist Hymnal
entitled "Concerning the Services of the Baptismal
Covenant" should be changed to reflect that baptism

should not be tied in any way to membership, but should
be a celebration of God's love for all persons, to wit:

'Those within the covenant constitute the commu-
nity we call the church; therefore, the services of the
Baptismal Covenant are conducted during the public
worship of the congregation where the person's mem-
bership is to be held, except in very unusual circum-
stances God's love for all persons is celebrated,
and those being baptized are welcomed into the
church universal."

Therefore, be it resolved, that all persons wishing
to be baptized themselves, or requesting that their chil-
dren be baptized in The United Methodist Church,
should be allowed to be so baptized regardless of
whether or not they are members of the congregation
of such United Methodist church.

Petition Number: 22900-DI-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Lake Jackson, TX.

Resolution on Doctrinal Integrity

Spiritual dilution and confusion characterize the
times in which we live. Challenges abound with respect
to the nature and existence of God, the substitutionary
death of Christ, the efficacy of his blood atonement for
sin, the constitution of the Godhead, and the fallen
nature of humankind.

We recognize the need for theology to take contem-
porary forms of expression but find a clear and present
danger of severing ourselves from the apostolic testi-
mony of the Christian faith.

The apostolic faith, more than the contemporary
experiences of individuals, defines the center and cir-
cumference of Christian teaching.

Therefore, as United Methodists, we reaffirm Jesus
Christ as the unique Savior of the world; we endorse his
substitutionary death for sinners and his atonement for
sin.

In addition to the traditional faith of the church
universal, we also endorse those Wesleyan teachings
that comprise the doctrinal standards of United
Methodism.

Therefore, we respectfully request this General
Conference to reaffirm our believe in our basic doc-
trines:

1. That Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God.

2. That Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the
world.

3. That God is the one and only Lx)rd of creation and
history.

1308

DC A Advance Edition II

Financial Administration

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^709.

Petition Number: 22228-FA-709.2-D; United Metiiodist
Rural Fellowship.

Membership on Annual Conference Council
on Finance & Administration

Amend the third sentence of ^ 709.2a:

Churches of less than two hundred members may
shall be represented on the conference Council....

^710.

Petition Number: 22646-FA-710-D; Case, Riley B., NIN.

Duties of the Annual Conference Council
on Finance and Administration

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 710:

To ensure that no apportionnient conference
funds are expended for lie use of alcoholic bever-
ages.

^709.

^711.

Petition Number: 22633-FA-709.6-D; MOE & MOW
Structure Task Force of Reorientation, Columbia, MO.

Amenability of the Annual Conference Council
on Finance and Administration

Amend ^ 709.6:

6. Amenability. — ^The council shall be amenable and
may report directiy to the Annual Conference. The
Annual Conferences may adopt a plan of organiza-
tion that requires the coxmcil to report its recom-
mendations to some other body of the Annual
Conference for perfection prior to their submis-
sion to the Annual Conference.

Petition Number: 20998-FA-711.3-D; Administi-ative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Apportionments of World Service
and Conference Benevolences

Delete "J 71l.3d and replace with new text

The World Service and Conference Benevo-
lences shall be treated as separate items and ac-
counts by each annual conference. As separate
sections of the conference budget, a statement of
the percentage for World Service and the percent-
age for Conference Benevolences shall be pro-
vided.

^710.

^711.

Petition Number: 22634-FA-710-D; MOW & MOE
Structure Task Force on Reorientation, Columbia,
MO.

Responsibilities of the Council on Finance
and Administration

Amend ^ 710.1:

1. To recommend to the Annual Conference, or
other body of the Annual Conference as the con-
ference's plan of organization directs, for its ac-
tion....

Petition Number: 22229-FA-711.3-D; First UMC,
Bridgeton, NJ.

Budgets

Amend <n 71 1.3(i:

3. d) ...shall combine the total World Service appor-
tionment, vtithout reduction for the quadrcnnium, and
the approved.. .The World Service and Conferences Be-
nevolences budget thus established shall tBekide*8tate-
mcnt of the percentage for World Service ^d the
percentage — fof — conference — benevolences. list
amounts of request from general boards and agen-
cies as dollar figm^e amounts for the quadrennium
on a per year's basis. {See also ^ 712.)

Financial Administration

1309

^711.

Petition Number: 22357-FA-711.3-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Definition of a Line Item for Use in
P reparing the Conference Budget

Add new texttoTI 711.3c:

The term "line item" shall identify each cause,
program, institution, agency, mission, service
cause, and conference benevolence that is funded
by the annual conference for the purpose of fulfill-
ing its mission agenda for the conference. Line
items shall be brought before the annual confer-
ence for its vote as the substance of the conference
benevolences budget. Neither administrative cate-
gories of the conference benevolences budget nor
the sum of the conference Board of Global Minis-
tries budget may not be considered a line item.

^711.

Petition Number: 22469-FA-711.3-D; Horton, Alvin J.,
VIR.

World Service and Conference Benevolences Budget

Amend ^ 711.3c:

3. c) [Third sentence] ...conference Council on Min-
istries, conference treasurer's office, and annual
conference session, may also be included in the con-
ference benevolences budget...

^712.

Petition Number: 20835-FA-712-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Apportionments of World Service
and Conference Benevolence

Add a new sentence at the end of the opening
paragraph of ^712:

Such apportioning shall serve only as a guide
to the conferences, districts, and local churches,
and shall always remain subordinate to the budget
decisions and ministry support preferences of
each local church.

^712.

Petition Number: 22752-FA-712-D; Hill, James R., CAP.

Apportionments

Add new text at the end of the introductory para-
graph of ^712:

No district, church, or charge shall be appor-
tioned any amount by any agency of an annual
conference if that annual conference shall have
ordained or appointed any minister who engages
in or practices homosexuality, nor shall there be
any retribution against any church or the pastor of
any church that declines to pay apportionments to
an annual conference that promotes or tolerates
the practice or promotion of homosexuality.

^711.

Petition Number: 20999-FA-711.4-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Apportionments of World Service
and Conference Benevolences

Add new text at the end of % 711.4:

All such recommendations shall be submitted
with the understanding that each local congrega-
tion shall set and determine annually which items
are to belong to its own local church budget.

^712.

Petition Number: 22230-FA-712.1-D; First UMC,
Bridgeton, NJ.

Apportionments

Amend %, 712.1:

1. ...by whatever method the conference may direct,
but without reduction for the local churches' ap-
proval.

^712.

Petition Number: 22231-FA-712.1-D; 9 Administrative
Boards + 10 Individuals, Leighton and Other UM
Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Apportionments

Amend 11 712.1:

1. ...by whatever method the conference may direct;
but without reduction.

1310

DCA Advance Edition II

^712.

Petition Number: 22232-FA-712.5-D; Administrative
Board, Shoregate UMC, Willowwick, OH.

Regarding Apportionments

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 712.4:

The council may recommend to the annual
conference for its action and determination a pol-
icy and plan for the review of pastoral compensa-
tion for local churches and charges in the
conference that do not fully fund their apportioned
amounts in the previous year. The policy and plan,
if adopted, shall allow the council's action in the
setting of pastoral compensation to supersede and
take priority over the pastoral compensation as set
by the charge conference (^ 248.13).

^718.

Petition Number: 22233-FA-718-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan
- Clergy Support

Amend ^ 718:

...for the support of district superintendents and
conference claimants, and for the Equitable Compensa-
tion Fund (^722), and for the Basic Salary Plan (^
723) when one has been approved by the annual
conference, whether by percentages...

1719.

Petition Number: 22234-FA-719-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan Option
-Proportional Payments

Amend ^ 719:

When the apportionments for bishops, district su-
perintendents, conference claimants, and the Equitable
Compensation Fund, and the Basic Salary Plan
(when approved by the annual conference) for the
several districts... paid on the clergy base compensation
or the amount the pastor is paid by the annual
conference when it has adopted a Basic Salary
Plan (^ 925). The treasurer... conference claimants, and
the Equitable Compensation Fund, and the Basic Sal-
ary Plan (when a Basic Salary Plan has been
adopted) to the proper treasurer or treasurers.

1720.

Petition Number: 22235-FA-720-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan Option -
Clergy Base Compensation

Amend ^ 720:

The several Charge Conferences shall determine
the pastors' base compensation according to the provi-
sions of ^ 248.13, except for items covered by a
Basic Salary Plan when one has been approved by
the annual conference.

1722.

Petition Number: 2223&-FA-722-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship + Elliott, Dirk, WOH.

Basic Salary Plan - Option for Annual Conference

Add a new ^ after ^ 722:

Basic Salary Plan. — ^An annual conference may
by a two-thirds majority vote at any regular session
adopt a basic salary plan for the support of its
active itinerants and local pastors.

1 . The Basic Salary Plan shall provide a salary
schedule for the support of all active clergy and
include a plan for its implementation and funding.
It may take into account factors such as training,
experience, amount of responsibility, financial
need, and differences in costs of living. On recom-
mendation of the conference Commission on
Equitable Salaries, the Basic Salary Schedule may
be changed from time to time by a majority vote of
the annual conference.

2. In consultation with the Commission on
Equitable Salaries, the conference Council on Fi-
nance and Administration shall estimate the
amount needed to provide such clergy support as
may be required by the schedule and shall pro-
pose to the annual conference a method by which
all or part of the amount shall be apportioned to
the districts or pastoral charges.

3. The conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall provide a means for the col-
lection and distribution of funds according to the
provisions of the Basic Salary Plan and Schedule.
The basic salary provided for each clergy shall
constitute his/her entire salary.

Financial Administration

1311

^722.

Petition Number: 22475-FA-722.12-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

Equitable Compensation

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 722:

An annual conference may adopt a Shared Sal-
ary Option Plan for compensating active itinerant
clergy under appointment The plan shall be put
into effect after it has been ratified by at least 2/3
of the charge conferences within the annual con-
ference. The plan may include allowances for dif-
ferences in the years of service, educational levels,
number of dependents, or other variables such as
actual differences in living costs as determined by
the annual conference. The conference Council of
Finance and Administration shall administer the
Shared Salary Option Plan and shall be responsi-
ble for collecting and disbursing the funds. The
Shared Salary Option Plan may be terminated by
a 2/3 vote of the charge conferences within the
annual conference.

1723.

standard salaries due shall be paid from that treas-
ury. The standard salary provided for each minister
under the plan shall constitute his/her entire sal-
ary.

5. The Conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall administer the Standard Sal-
ary Plan and shall be responsible for collecting
and disbursing the funds.

6. An annual conference that has elected to
pay its salaries according to a Standard Salary
Plan as herein provided, may terminate the plan
by a 2/3 vote of the annual conference at any
regular session.

^902.

Petition Number: 22753-FA-902-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Finance and Administration

Amend ^ 902:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Council on Board
of Finance and Administration of The United Methodist
Church, hereinafter called the council board.

Petition Number: 22468-FA-723-D; Mediodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Shared Salary Plan Option

Insert a new % after % 722:

1. An annual conference at any regular ses-
sion may adopt by 2/3 vote for a plan for stand-
ardizing and sharing the cost of salary of its active
itinerant clergy under appointment. The Standard
Salary Plan shall be put into effect after it has been
ratified by at least 2/3 of the charge conferences
within the annual conference. The district super-
intendents shall certify the results of the charge
conference actions to the annual conference sec-
retary.

2. The Standard Salary Plan may allow for
differences based upon years of service, educa-
tional levels, number of dependents, or other vari-
ables such as actual differences in living costs, as
the annual conference may approve.

3. The Conference Council on Finance and
Administration shall estimate the amount neces-
sary to pro\ide such ministerial support as may be
required by the schedule adopted, which amoiuit
shall be distributed as an apportionment to the
districts or pastoral charges by a method deter-
mined by the conference.

4. The amounts due from the pastoral charges
on apportionment shall be paid to a conference
treasury established for that purpose, and all

^903.

Petition Number: 22754-FA-903-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Incorporation of the General Council on Finance
and Administration

Amend ^ 903:

...Church of the United Brethren in Christ, an Ohio
Corporation) , the General Commission on Archives
and History (a New Jersey corporation), the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries (an Ohio corporation),

and the Board of Trustees.

...incorporated under the laws of Maryland, the
General Commission on Archives and History, in-
corporated under the laws of New Jersey; and the
General Council on Ministries, incorporated un-
der the laws of Ohio; and so far as may be legal,...

^906.

Petition Number: 20883-FA-906-D; Administrative
Board, Trinity UMC, Annapolis, MD.

Fiscal Responsibilities

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "J 906:

The Council shall be responsible for ensuring
that no board, agency, committee, commission, or

1312

DCA Advance Edition 11

council shall give United Methodist funds to any
group which promotes any cause which is not com-
patible with the Doctrinal Standards or the stated
goals of the Social Principles of The United Meth-
odist Chiu-ch. The Council is empowered to stop
such expenditures.

^906.

Petition Number 22759-FA-906-D; Grimes, Shirley,
Shiloh UMC, Granite Quarry, NC.

Regarding the "Black College Fund" and the "United
Methodist Student Day Fund"

Amend "H 906 by combining the Black College Fund
and the United Methodist Student Day Fund into one
fund to be called the United Methodist College Fund.

^906.

Petition Number: 22237-FA-906.1-D; 8 Administrative
Boards + 10 Individuals, Leighton and Other UM
Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding General Church Funding

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of ^
906.1:

It shall recommend a total budget for a given
quadrennium which is no larger than the actual
receipts of the preceding quadrennium, adjusted
upward or downward for die percentage of infla-
tion or deflation diu-ing the preceding quadren-
nium, and adjusted again upward or downward for
the percentage increase or decrease in total mem-
bership of the Church during the preceding quad-

^906.

Petition Number: 22241-FA-906.1-D; White, Michael
L.AFL

A Uniform Church-Wide Apportionment Formula

Delete ^ 906.1c and replace with the following new
text:

1. c) The General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall inform all annual conferences to
use a uniform, Church-wide apportionment for-
mula as follows: all apportionments approved by
General Conference shall be assessed at no more
than seven percent increase per year, using the
previous year's apportionment amount as the base
figure (TI 911.5).

^906.

Petition Number: 22755-FA-906.1-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Fiscal Responsibilities

Delete % 906. Ic and b.

^906.

Petition Number: 21000-FA-906.11-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Amend the first sentence of % 906.11:

11. ...in consultation with the General Council on
Ministries and the Council of Bishops...

^906.

Petition Number: 21034-FA-906.12-D; 4 Church
Groups and 7 Individuals, Church of the Redeemer
and Other UM Churches, Cleveland Heights, OH.

Human Sexuality

Delete ^906.12.

^906.

Petition Number: 22238-FA-906.12-D; 30 Members,
Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Financial Non Discrimination

Amend ^906.12:

12. The council shaU be responsible for ensuring
that no board, agency, committee, commission, or coun-
cil shall five restrict United Methodist funds to «fff
"gay" caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to
promote the acceptance of homosexuality. The council
shall have the right to stop such expenditures. This
restriction shall not limit the church's ministry" in re
sponsc to the RIV epidemic any members of the
worshiping body with respect to race, color, na-
tionaUty, gender, sexual orientation, level of abil-
ity, or economic condition.

Financial Administration

1313

^906.

Petition Number: 22239-FA-906.12-D; Kuyper, Robert
L, CNV.

Suppoil for Programs Inconsistent
With the Social Principles

Add a new sentence between the next to last and
last sentences ofj 906.12:

Bishops and staff of these boards, agencies,
committees, commissions, or councils shall not
give public support to any program, such as Rec-
onciling Congregations, which practices ministry
in any way inconsistent with the Social Principles.

^906.

Petition Number: 22240-FA-906.12-D; 31 Church
Boards and Groups + 383 Individuals, Christian
Endeavor & Other UM Churches, Newark, OH.

Regarding Funding Homosexual Advocacy

Retain ^ 906.12 without change.

^906.

Petition Number: 22470-FA-906.12-D; Cummings,
Ben, Mr. & Mrs., UMC, Hope, AR.

Funds to Homosexual Groups

We petition the 1996 General Conference to strictly
enforce ^ 906.12. As members of The United Methodist
Church, we cannot accept the fact that our financial gifts
are being used to further causes that are "incompatible
with Christian teaching" either directly or through other
organizations.

^907.

Petition Number: 22559-FA-907-D; Case, Riley B., NIN.

Responsibilities of the General Council
on Finance and Administration

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 907.12 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

In keeping with the Church's historic stand on
total abstinence, the council shall seek to ensure
that no apportioned general funds are expended
for the use of alcoholic beverages.

^907.

Petition Number: 21001-FA-907.2-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX,

General Council on Ministry

Amend the first sentence of 11 907.2:

2. To act in concert with the General Council on
Ministries to establish a procedure...

^907.

Petition Number: 22471-FA-907.3-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

General Agency Energy Audits

Amend the first sentence of "J 907.3:

3. ...general maintenance, energy audits of prop-
erty and equipment and plans to improve energy
efficiency, lease or rental...

^908.

Petition Number: 20837-FA-908-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Apportionments of World Service
and Conference Benevolence

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of "J 908:

Submission of a statement of apportionments
is to be done with the understanding that each
local church shall select those items which it
deems most worthy of support, given its own par-
ticular missional priorities, its understanding of
mission, and its own expectations of financial sup-
port.

^909.

Petition Number: 22756-FA-909-D; Annual Charge
Conference, Franklin UMC, Franklin, MA

Responsibilities of the Treasurer of General Council
on Finance and Administration

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of ^ 909:

The treasurer shall see that each year all
boards, agencies, and affiliated Methodist organi-
zations that receive General Conference budgeted
funds are audited and that the audited Balance
Sheet and Statement of Revenue, Expense and
Charges in Fund Balance be made available each
year to conferences and local churches.

1314

DCA Advance Edition II

^911.

Petition Number: 21002-FA-911.2-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Amend ^911.2:

2. ...unnecessary duplication of administrative func-
tion; ifl-eoopeFati©ft-with-aft4^iH=eee«Hfteftdati©ft-©##ie 91912.
General Council on Ministries, it may withhold ap-
proval...

^911.

Petition Number: 22242-FA-911.5-D;First UMC,
Bridgeton, NJ.

Apportionments
Delete % 911.5.

^911.

Petition Number: 22243-FA-911.5-D; 10 Administrative
Boards and 8 Individuals, Leighton and Other UM
Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Apportionment Policy

Amend ^911.5:

5. The apportionments for all apportioned general
church funds, as approved by the General Conference,
shall not may be subject to increase or reduction...

^912.

Petition Number: 20838-FA-912-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

The World Service Fund

Delete the introductory paragraph of ^ 912.

^912.

Petition Number: 20839-FA-912.1-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

The Apportionments of World Service And
Conference Benevolence

Delete the first sentence of ^ 912.1 and replace with
new text:

1. The General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration shall recommend to each quadren-
nial session of the General Conference the amount
which has been requested for the World Service

budget for the ensuing quadrennium. It shfill like-
wise recommend the method by which this may be
apportioned to the churches of each annual confer-
ence. It remains the responsibility of each local
church's finance committee to suggest to each
charge conference what amounts of the appor-
tioned World Service figiu-e shall be accepted. In
cooperation with...

Petition Number: 20840-FA-912.2-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

The Apportionments of World Service
and Conference Benevolence

Delete "J 912.2 and replace with new text:

2. The Council on Finance and Administration
of each annual conference may as needed invite
representatives of any World Service agency to its
own duly announced meetings and to participate
in interpretive toiu-s of the annual conference.

^921.

Petition Number: 22244-FA-921-D; 8 Administrative
Boards + 3 Individuals, Leighton and Other UM
Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Tlie Ministerial Education Fund

Amend ^ 921:

1. Of the total money raised in each Annual Confer-
ence for the Ministerial Education Fund, 36 50 percent
shall be retained...

2. Of the total money raised in each Annual Confer-
ence for the Ministerial Education Fund, 7S 50 percent
shall be remitted...

^921.

Petition Number: 20794-FA-921.1-D; Cambre, Allison,
TEX.

The Ministerial Education Fund

Add a new sentence to ^ 921.1:

Ministerial student scholarships provided for
seminary work shall be only for the support of
students enrolled in the theological schools of The
United Methodist Church.

Financial Administration

1315

^921.

Petition Number: 22657-FA-921.1-D; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Vouchers for the Ministerial Education Fund

Amend ^921:

1. [Delete existing text.] The Ministerial Educa-
tion Fund shall be allocated by means of direct
vouchers to those ministerial candidates who are
o£Bcially approved as United Methodist candi-
dates by their conference Board of Ordained Min-
istry to attend any seminary that is found
acceptable to the board.

a) "Service Loans" from the various conferences,...

2. [Delete existing text.] The Ministerial Educa-
tion Fund shall be reallocated by means of direct
vouchers to those ministerial candidates who are
ofScially approved as United Methodist candi-
dates by their Board of Ordained Ministry to at-
tend any seminary that is found acceptable to the
board.

a) At least 75 percent of the amount...

^921.

Petition Number: 22658-FA-921.2-D; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

United Methodist Seminaries Mission Statements
on Doctrinal Standards

Delete the first sentence of ^ 921.2a and add new
text after the last sentence:

United Methodist seminaries shall include
within their mission statements that they seek to
be accoimtable to United Methodist doctrinal
standards.

^925.

Petition Number: 22245-FA-925-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan - Option
Episcopal Fund

Amend the last sentence of "J 925:

...in the same proportion as the charge pays its
pastor or the pastor is paid by the annual confer-
ence \^en it has adopted a Basic Salary Plan.

^1606.

Petition Number: 22246-FA-1606.2-D; Ivey, Ruth Ann,
Bethany UMC, Summerville, SC.

Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities

Amend ^ 1606.2c:

2. c) Pensions earned by bishops (elected by a
Jurisdictional Conference), ordained ministers, dia-
conal ministers, and local pastors, and protection
benefits for such bishops, ordained ministers, diaconal
ministers, and eligible local pastors....

^1606.

Petition Number: 22901-FA-1606.20-D; Ivey, Ruth
Ann, Bethany UMC, Summerville, SC.

The Annual Conference Board of Pensions

Amend "J 1606.20:

...to enroll ordained ministers, diaconal minis-
ters, and local pastors...

^1701.

Petition Number: 22757-FA-1701-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Publishing Interests

Amend ^ 1701:

Publishing Interests. — ^The General Board of Publi-
cation Discipleship Resources comprises...

^1702.

Petition Number: 22758-FA-1702-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Organization of the General Board of Publication

Amend ^ 1702:

Organization. — ^The General Board of Publication
Discipleship Resources, hereinafter... ex officio mem-
ber of the board without vote.

a) The General Board of Discipleship Re-
sources shall adopt the operating style and busi-
ness procedures of the former General Board of
Publication. Thus, its resources will be funded by
proceeds from the sale of its products, training,
and services. After the year 2000, it shall receive
no apportionment support through World Service
Funds. During the 1997-2000 quadrennium, it
shall receive only those funds necessary for a
smooth merger of the two agencies. It is envi-

1316

DCA Advance Edition II

sioned that apportionment support will decline
from 100% to 0 during that time.

^2513.

Petition Number: 22472-FA-2513-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Conference Trustees Energy Audits

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2513:

The conference Board of Trustees shall con-
duct, with the assistance of expert consultation, an
energy audit of properties and equipment owned
or held in trust to assess their energy efficiency. It
shall then develop a plan to maximize the energy
efficiency of these properties and equipment
based on this audit. This plan shall be reviewed
annually and updated at appropriate intervals.
This plan, its review and update shall be included
in the board's annual conference reports.

^2516.

Petition Number: 22560-FA-2516-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Sale, Transfer, L^ase or Mortgage
of Annual Conference Property

Add new text after the second sentence of ^ 2516:

...included in any instrument of transfer or encum-
brance. No property of a discontinued or aban-
doned local church or former local church
parsonage held in trust by the annual conference
Board of Trustees shall be mortgaged to provide
for the current (or budget) expense of the annual
conference or of local churches therein, nor shall
the principle proceeds of a sale of any such prop-
erty be so used. (See ^ 2543.1.) Any required
written instrument...

^2518.

Petition Number: 22473-FA-2518-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

District Trustees Energy Audit

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2518:

The district Board of Trustees (or district Un-
ion) shall conduct, with the assistance of expert
consultation, an energy audit of all properties and
equipment it owns or holds in trust to assess their
energy efficiency. It shall then develop a plan to
maximize the energy efficiency of these properties
and equipment based on this audit. This plan shall
be reviewed annually and updated at appropriate
intervals. This plan, its review and update shall be
included in the board's (or Union's) annual con-
ference reports.

^2518.

Petition Number: 22561-FA-2518.2-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Mortgage of Sale of Real Property by a District Board
of Trustees

Amend ^ 2518.2:

.. .it may be mortgaged or sold and conveyed by such
trustees only by authority of the Annual Conference. No
property of a discontinued or abandoned local
chiu-ch or former parsonage held in trust by a
district Board of Trustees (by assignment from an
Annual Conference Board of Trustees or the An-
nual Conference) shall be mor^aged to provide
for the current (or budget) expense of a District
Conference or local church; nor shall the principal
proceeds of the sale of any such property be so
used. (See ^ 2543.1.) The District Conference,...

Financial Administration

1317

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20792-FA-NonDis-O; Cambre,
Allison, TEX.

Black College Fund

Allow using a portion of the monies raised for the
Black College Fund as direct scholarships to African-
American United Methodists.

Petition Number: 20823-FA-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, Adell, WI.

The Annual Salary of Bishops

The annual salary of the bishops shall be reduced
to a level slightly above the median salary of the church
as a whole.

Petition Number: 21515-FA-NonDis-0$; Africa
University Committee & Bd. of Higher Ed., North
hidiana Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.

The Africa University Fund

Whereas, Africa University has recaptured the long-
standing mission of The United Methodist Church in
developing institutions of higher learning worldwide;
and

Whereas, the continued development of Africa Uni-
versity will require additional resources of time, money,
work, and faith through the end of the decade;

TTierefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church approve
the apportioned support of Africa University in the 1997-
2000 quadrennium, in addition to World Service Special
Gift support.

Petition Number: 22247-FA-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

The Book of Resolutions
in Computer Readable Format

Whereas, The Book of Resolutions is not currently
available in a computer readable format; and

Whereas, The Book of Discipline, The United Meth-
odist Hymnal, and The Book of Worship are currently
available in computer readable formats; and

Whereas, The Book of Resolutions collects in one
volume all current and official social policies and pro-
vides official policy statements, educational resources,
and guides and models for helping United Methodist
members and groups relate a lively biblical faith to
action in daily life;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the United Methodist
Publishing House be directed to publish The Book of
Resolutions in a computer readable format.

The computer readable Book of Resolutions can be
funded in the same way as the other computerized
resources noted above and could be marketed as a
companion to The Book of Discipline on disk.

Petition Number: 22248-FA-NonDis-O; Lepley, Ralph
J.,WNC

Basic Salary Plan

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church restore the text of ^ 893
"Basic Salary Plan" of the 1972 Discipline to the 1996
Discipline.

Petition Number: 22249-FA-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Continue Funding for Africa University

Whereas, the Africa University initiative formally
began by the inspiring address delivered by Bishop
Emilio de Carvalho of Angola at the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry of The United Method-
ist Church in October 1984; and

Whereas, Bishop de Carvalho was joined by Bishop
Arthur Kulah of Liberia, Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, then
President of the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, and other members in discussing the educa-
tional needs of Africa and ways the Church might re-
spond to this challenge; and

Whereas, the African Cenfral Conferences of The
United Methodist Church asked the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry to assist them in devel-
oping significant post-secondary institutions of learning
for the churches of Africa; and

Whereas, in St. Louis, Missouri, the 1992 General
Conference of TTie United Methodist Church over-
whelmingly approved the establishment of a university
on the continent of Africa to be built in Zimbabwe and
authorized an apportionment of $10 million over a four
year period and an additional $10 million to be raised
through World Service Special Gifts; and

Whereas, the official ground-breaking for the uni-
versity occurred on site in Old Mutare; and

Whereas, the support and enthusiasm of United
Methodists for this project are demonstrated in the
apportionments remitted annually and contributions
from churches and individuals for the Africa University
Endowment Fund;

Therefore, be it resolved, that we believe the Africa
University Project to be a dynamic and important pro-
gram of The United Methodist Church; we affirm the
leadership of all those involved in the development of
the university; we commend the Africa University Board

1318

DCA Advance Edition II

of Directors for its persistence, diligence, and visionary
leadership in overcoming the obstacles and barriers to
fulfilling the dream; and

Be it further resolved, that we call upon the General
Conference of 1996 to adopt the continuing resolution
for $20 million in apportioned funds and special gifts to
continue development, construction, and establishment
of the Africa University as outlined in the planning
process determined by the Africa University Board of
Directors.

Petition Number: 22250-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Zion UMC, Norlina, NC.

Concerning the Black College line Item
in the Annual Apportionment

Whereas, the Black college line item was estab-
lished as a way to support our traditionally Black col-
leges; and

Whereas, some of our churches withhold or do not
pay this line item;

Therefore, be it resolved, that this line item be
placed under the General Board of Higher Education's
request for funding for other colleges without a reduc-
tion in what would normally be apportioned through this
separate line item.

Petition Number; 22251-FA-NonDis-O; Michael, Greg,
Northville UMC, Northville, MI.

Establishing a Relationship with a Major Credit
Card Company

Be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church
fully investigate the benefits, issues, and membership's
interest in establishing a relationship with a major credit
card company whereby the Church may offer its mem-
bers a United Methodist — or some affiliated en-
tity— credit card. Members who choose to use any such
sponsored card will contribute to ministries of the
Church via the monies generated by their normal
charge card activities.

Petition Number: 22252-FA-NonDis-O; Decker, David
L, Rockville UMC, Rockville, MD.

Conference Apportionments for Benevolences

The United Methodist Church should discontinue
the practice of assessing local churches with an appor-
tionment for benevolences.

Petition Number: 22253-FA-NonDis-O; Mines,
William, WOH.

Distribution of limited Fimds

The General Board of Global Ministries, including
the Women's Division, is instructed by the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church to re-allo-

cate at least three million dollars of its undesignated
funds now being given in grants to groups and/or or-
ganizations which are non-church related in their nature
and purpose to the Ministries Initiative Fund and to the
direct support of United Methodist full-time missionar-
ies. These funds shall be proportionately distributed
over the quadrennium in accordance with whatever
formula may be agreed upon by the General Council of
Finance and Administration. All monies made available
by the General Board of Global Ministries and the
Women's Division shall be certified and be subject to
audit by the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration.

Petition Number: 22254-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH.

Enabling of Ministries of Compassion
and/or Proclamation

Whereas, Christian unity is founded on faith in
Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, United Methodists are committed to
working cooperatively with a variety of ecumenical min-
istries of compassion and/or proclamation; and

Whereas, the funding for such ministries, as well as
United Methodist ministries, is limited;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of
Global Ministries be instructed to make available all
monies given in grants to groups and/or organizations
which are non-Church related in their nature and pur-
pose, and that such funds be re-allocated to ministries
of compassion and/or proclamation which are unapolo-
getically Church related. All such funds which are made
available by the General Board of Global Ministries for
re-allocation shall be certified by the General Council on
Finance and Administration and duly audited and re-
ported to the General Conference quadrennially.

Petition Number: 22255-FA-NonDis-0$; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

General Conference Budget

Whereas, many local congregations are hampered
in their outreach ministry due to the increasing dollars
requested by the apportionment askings of the general
Church; and

Whereas, the decrease in the amount of dollars
available to many of these congregations is due to a
number of factors;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference hold the budget for the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium to a 1% (one percent) increase per year.

Financial Adnninistration

1319

Petition Number: 22256-FA-NonDis-O; Conference
Board of Pension, WNC.

Study Ministerial Pension Plan Article 401a
and Supplement One

Be it resolved, that the General Conference instruct
the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits to
study Supplement One to the Ministerial Pension Plan;
to amend such supplement to provide classes of pension
rates based on the year of retirement; and further, to
study the deletion of the requirement of Article IV,
paragraph 4.01a(l) of the Ministerial Pension Plan re-
garding the .9% of the conference average compensation
for the pension rate.

Petition Number: 22257-FA-NonDis-O; Sutton, Letha +
30 Other Individuals, Fairview UMC, Texarkana, AR.

Implementation of "Voluntary" Apportionments

We petition the 1996 General Conference for volun-
tary apportionments instead of the set mandatory appor-
tionments. The fact remains that total monies are given
through each local church; therefore, the local church
should indeed have every right to decide how that
money is spent. Each local church would then become
accountable for the way in which God's money is spent
and would be free to choose which agencies to support
and how much support to send.

The Scripture of 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God
loves a cheerful giver; he does not demand that we give
or that we give a specified amount but leaves that choice
to each individual person.

We realize that by joining with other Christians to
do God's work, we increase Christian unity and help his
kingdom grow; but The United Methodist Church
should not demand how much each church gives.

We therefore petition the General Conference to
restructure the apportionment schedule.

Petition Number: 22259-FA-NonDis-O; Fincher, Jabe
Jr., AFL

The Apportionments System

In reference to the apportionments system, I believe
that the system should be put on an optional basis. Each
congregation should be allowed to choose or reject
sending apportionments of each particular item. If they
want to support the item based on the accountability
and/or the perceived good job it is doing, then they wall
support it. If an apportionment item does not meet the
expectations or wants of a congregation, then that con-
gregation should not have to support it. It is almost to
the point of taxation without representation. The appor-
tionments system must be based first and foremost on
the needs of the local congregation.

Petition Number: 22358-FA-NonDis-0$;
Administrative Council, First UMC, Ormond Beach,
FL

Financial Policies and Practices
of the United Methodist Church

Whereas, many programs are best directed by the
General Conference, with financial support by the local
churches through an apportionment system; and

Whereas, apportionments have taken an increasing
share of the local church budgets, resulting in signifi-
cant reduction in essential services to the local congre-
gations and communities; and

Whereas, the local churches are not provided suffi-
cient current information regarding programs of the
General Conference to make reasonable determinations
as to whether the General Conference is making good
use of funds received through apportionments;

Be it resolved, that the General Council of Finance
and Administration order a professional management
review of the General Conference financial policies and
practices with the following objectives:

1. to require a terse statement of objectives for each
significant expenditure, with cost estimates for the year
and criteria for the measurement of accomplishments
against these objectives;

2. to assure prior review of such statements from
the standpoint of expected accomplishments versus
cost;

3. to provide semi-annual reports to the local
churches for each item in the apportionments. Such
reports should contain:

(a) reference to the item in the apportionment;

(b) a terse statement of objectives and accomplish-
ments;

(c) cost estimates for the year;

(d) actual cost for the current quarter and year-to-
date;

Be it further resolved, that the professional manage-
ment review be completed during the 1997 Church year.

Petition Number: 22359-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Ormond Beach, FL.

Connectional Hthing

Whereas, the Bible calls us to tithing of our re-
sources as an expression of our love for God; and

Whereas, Wesleyan theology supports the connec-
tional system, community giving and sharing of re-
sources; and

Whereas, the Book of Discipline, ^ 112.4, states:
"...we recognize there are stresses that must be ad-

1320

DCA Advance Edition II

dressed if the connectional principle is to continue to
serve us well in the future. TTie stresses include issues
surrounding... apportionments and designated giving,
episcopal leadership, and mutual accountability. It is
important for connectionalism to bend, to have tolerance
in a changing world, to be able to live in the new days
ahead of us with freshness and new commitment"; and

Whereas, the amount of the annual apportionments
is the cause of growing discomfort for many local
churches, with the financial strength of the local church
impacting its apportionments;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the biblical expecta-
tion often (10) percent of each local church's operating
budget for the same year be established as the measure
of its apportionment; and

Be it further resolved, that such implementation of
this standard be established for the year 2001.

Petition Number: 22360-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Ormond Beach, PL.

Organizational Accountability
for Funds Apportioned

Whereas, the apportionments have taken an in-
creasing share of the local church budgets, resulting in
a significant reduction in essential services to the local
congregation and community; and

Whereas, the local churches feel a need for im-
proved accountability to their congregations; and

Whereas, the apportionments, as issued to the local
churches, do not clearly identify the amounts that are
the responsibility of the general board, the annual con-
ferences, and others; for example, the amount for World
Services includes funds for General Board of Global
Ministries and benevolences in the annual conferences;

Therefore, be it resolved, that effective with the
1997 apportionments to the local churches, each amount
will be identified with the organization to be provided
funds.

Petition Number: 22474-FA-NonDis-0$; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

A Budget to Sustain the Church's Mission

The budget being officially proposed to General
Conference by the General Council on Finance and
Administration is of deep concern, for it will require an
acceleration through the next quadrennium of program
cutbacks already made by the United Methodist church-
wide agencies. The proposal calls for a 0% increase for
1997 and 1998 and 2% increases for 1999 and 2000,
sometimes called a "0-0-2-2" budget.

Because inflation is very likely to run well above
these increases, this proposal constitutes a very signifi-
cant cut. Should, for instance, inflation average 3.5% per
year from 1997 to 2000, this proposal will entail a 10% cut

in funding for our Church's general program and mis-
sion.

This official proposal would undermine our
Church's mission and connectional witness. Further, it
represents a lack of confidence in the generosity of
United Methodists. We believe that our people would be
willing to fund the denomination at approximately the
same level of real dollars as over the last quadrennium.

Therefore, we urge, instead, the adoption of a "3-3-
3-3" budget, meaning an annual increase of 3% in current
dollars.

Petition Number: 22476-FA-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Adequate Funding for Racial/Ethnic
Minority Programs

Our concern is that the General Conference, while
giving overwhelming support to authorizing special pro-
grams to undergird our ministry with racial and ethnic
minorities, sometimes is reluctant to fund them ade-
quately.

We therefore petition the 1996 General Conference
to recognize the great importance of special ministries
with and by racial and ethnic minorities by adequately
funding any special programs adopted to undergird
such ministries.

Petition Number: 22562-FA-NonDis-O; Adminisfi-ative
Board, First UMC, Niceville, FL.

Restructure of the Language and Spirit of the
World Service and Conference Benevolence

The Administrative Board of First United Methodist
Church, Niceville, Florida, hereby petitions the 1996
General Conference to call for a restructuring of the
language and spirit of the World Service and Conference
Benevolence apportionment as contained in the present
Discipline to allow local churches to choose causes they
will support.

Although our church pays this apportionment in
full, many congregations withhold payment as a means
of protest against some boards and agencies of the
Church that receive funding from this apportionment.

We believe that if churches were able to choose
where their money would go, many that are currently
not paying anything would choose to pay part of the
asking, and total dollar support would increase.

Petition Number: 22563-FA-NonDis-O; Jones, Dale E.,
KEN.

Evaluate the Comprehensive Protection Plan
for Active Clergy during 1997-2000

1. Amend the Plan Document for the Comprehen-
sive Protection Plan, page 11, by adding a new item (5)
to Section 5.03, Death Benefits, subsection (d):

Financial Administration

1321

(5) The percentages in (4) above notwith-
standing, the maximum death benefit shall be
$50,000.

2. Request the General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits during the 1997-2000 quadrennium to evaluate
Comprehensive Protection Plan death benefits for active
clergy, assessing adequacy of benefits, income and tax
reporting implications, and other relevant considera-
tions, and recommend such changes as the board
judges appropriate to the 2000 General Conference.

Petition Number: 22564-FA-NonDis-O; Griffith,
Thomas H., CAP.

Plan Document for the Ministerial Pension Plan

Amend Section 4.7 of the Plan Document for the
Ministerial Pension Plan, page 7:

...is less than $7,000 $1,750; or with that Vested
Former Participant's written consent if the amount is
more than $7,000 $1,750 but less than three-fourths
one-fourth of the Denominational Average Compensa-
tion...Further, that this change shall be deemed
retroactive for all such eligible individuals whose
names are listed in the General Minutes of The
United Methodist Church in one of the cited cate-
gories as having left the membership of an annual
conference or a local pastor relationship to an
annual conference on or after January 1, 1982.

Petition Number: 22565-FA-NonDis-O; Griffith,
Thomas H., CAP.

Plan Document of the Ministerial Pension Plan

Add a new paragraph to the Plan Document of the
Ministerial Pension Plan:

Ordained Ministers who have been discontin-
ued from probationary membership, or who have
been involuntarily terminated from annual confer-
ence membership by administrative location or by
trial shall be eligible to request and receive a
liunp-sum refund of the entire balance of salary-
paying unit contributions to their vested accoxmt,
plus an amount equal to the net present actuarial
value of their years of service covered under the
former Ministers Reserve Pension Fund, upon
signing an affidavit waiving any future claims
against any and all annual conferences of The
United Methodist Church for any and all pension
benefits accrued during the time of their service
in the ordained ministry or as local pastors in The
United Methodist Church or one of its predeces-
sor denominations, their children living and yet
unborn, and their heirs and assigns.

Petition Number: 22635-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Trinity UMC, Richmond, VA

Reg£U-ding Funding of New Study Committees

We petition the General Conference not to form,
order, or fund any new study committees or task forces
that must be funded separately from general boards' or
agencies' budgets for the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

Petition Number: 22636-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Trinity UMC, Richmond, VA

Requesting the Church to Adopt a Balanced
Budget for 1997-2000 Quadrennium

We petition the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church to direct the General Board
of Finance and Administration to submit a budget that
does not increase apportionments for the quadrennium
1997-2000 and to make sure that expenditures not ex-
ceed receipts.

Petition Number: 22637-FA-NonDis-O; Temeus, John.
UMC, Yukon, OK

Reporting of Funds of General Boards, Agencies
and Committees

Whereas, general boards, commissions, agencies,
etc. submit requests to General Conferences of The
United Methodist Church every four years for funds to
be apportioned to the local churches; and

Whereas, the general boards, commissions, agen-
cies, etc. do not report their total incomes and expendi-
tures;

Therefore, be it resolved, that all general boards,
commissions, agencies, etc. report annually for the pre-
vious calendar year to all annual conferences for printing
in their journals at least the following:

Grand totals of income $ Expenditures $

Income Sources:

Total of local churches' apportionments $

Total of local churches' additional contributions

$

Assets total $_

Property $

Stocks $

Bonds $

_ from market value of $_
. from market value of $

. from market value of $_
. from market value of $_

Others itemized $

Expenditures total $_

Administration $

Fund Raising $

. from market value of $_

1322

DCA Advance Edition 1!

Ministry $_

Others itemized $_

Designated endowments, itemized by name, donor,
date received, and designation:

Original amount received from donor $

Value at the beginning of the calendar year $_
Income received during the calendar year $

Amount spent on designation during the calendar year

$

Value at the end of the calendar year $

Petition Number: 22638-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, Adel UMC, Adel, GA.

Apportionments

Whereas, the term Conference Benevolence shall
include those conference allocations and expenditures
direcdy associated with the program, mission, and be-
nevolent causes of annual conference program agencies
and institutions (^ 711.3c); and

Whereas, the World Service Fund is basic in the
financial program of The United Methodist Church and
represents the minimum needs of the general agencies
ofthe Church (^912); and

Whereas, the payment in full of the World Service
apportionment by local churches and annual confer-
ences is the first benevolent responsibility of the
Church; and

Whereas, the World Service Fund and the Confer-
ence Benevolences Fund support two separate and dis-
tinct agencies;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence take the appropriate steps necessary to separate
the apportioned line item, namely "World Service and
Conference Benevolences Fund" into two distinct line
items entitled "World Service Fund" and "Conference
Benevolences."

Be it further resolved, that "J 711.3 be changed to
reflect these two distinct apportionments.

Petition Number: 22639-FA-NonDis-O; Sellers, Max
W., WOH.

Employees/Retirees Pension Fund

Be it resolved, that by a majority vote in regular
session the 1996 General Conference of The United
Methodist Church direct the Board of Trustees (or
other appropriate body) of the General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits to enact the following revision for
the disbursement section of their Policies and Proce-
dural Manual:

• That this board adopt the permissive legislation of the
U.S. Congress in permitting employees (pastors and
other lay persons) to leave their personal funds in
savings until they are 75 years old if they wish (as
opposed to their present policy of the mandated
withdrawal of all funds at age 70%).

• That once this revision is enacted, all persons related
to the board (retired and sfill active) be apprised of
this change and be allowed to decide if they elect to
withdraw their funds at age IWz or 75 years.

• That should an employee (pastor or lay person)
decide to keep these funds in the care of the board
for a longer period, all appropriate efforts be taken to
continue to invest these funds to the benefit of all
clients with regular, semi-annual reporting, as in the
past.

Petition Number: 22640-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

Monetary Assistance to the Promotion
or Acceptance of Homosexuality

We petition the General Conference to add the
following to the Book of Discipline:

No conference, coimcil, commission, board,
agency, committee, or local chiu-ch shall give
monetary or other assistance to the promotion or
acceptance of homosexuality.

Petition Number: 22760-FA-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, University Park UMC, Portland, OR.

Expand Options of the Health Flex

Insm-ance Program '

The Administrative Council of University Park
United Methodist Church calls upon the General Con-
ference to direct the General Board of Pensions to ne-
gotiate with the providers of the Health-Flex Insurance
program to offer benefit coverage to the covenanted
partners of gay and lesbian employees enrolled in the
plan and to direct the annual conferences within the
general Church to notify all employees who are enrolled
or eligible for enrollment that this option is now being
offered.

Petition Number: 22761-FA-NonDis-O; Perry, Earl,
KSE.

Reporting of Missions Support

Whereas, the General Board of Global Ministries is
deeply involved in programs where the Church has long
been established; and

Whereas, there is a great need for missionaries in
unreached areas and people groups of the world; and

Whereas, the Mission Society for United Method-
ists is attempting to send missionaries into areas not
served by the General Board of Global Ministries; and

Financial Administration

Whereas, the Mission Society for United Method-
ists now has over 100 missionaries in overseas appoint-
ments; and

Whereas. United Methodist laypersons and
churches are now contributing to the Mission Society
for United Methodists, as well as supporting the General
Board of Global Ministries; and

1323

Whereas, the total United Methodist giving to
United Methodist-related missions is not now being
reflected in official records;

Therefore, be it resolved, that a separate column in
local church reporting and in annual conference benevo-
lence giving be identified as "Mission Society for United
Methodists."

1324

DCA Advance Edition II

General and Judicial Administration

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^4.

Petition Number: 20797-GJ-4-C; Gregg, Odie,
Hartselle United Methodist Church, Hartselle, AL.

Inclusiveness of the Church

Add new text at the end of ^ 4:

Delegates elected to the General Conference
and nominees elected to serve on all the commit-
tees, boards, and agencies of The United Method-
ist Church shall be made without regard to race,
color, national origin, or economic condition, and
shall be in direct proportion to the membership of
the annual conference as prescribed in ^ 14, and
shall reflect the composition of the membership of
the finnual conference.

^4.

Petition Number: 21003-GJ-4-C; Missions & Concerns
Cte., St. John's of Baltimore, City, 3 additional
Churches and 1 Sunday School, Class.

Inclusiveness of the Church

Amend ^ 4:

[Second sentence] Therefore all persons, without
regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orienta-
tion, or economic condition. ..because of race, color,
national origin, sexual orientation, or economic con-
dition.

^4.

Petition Number: 22516-GJ-4-C; Kuyper, Robert L,

CNV.

Opening Our Church to Those Who Struggle with
Homosexuality

Amend the second sentence of ^ 4:

Therefore all persons, without regard to race, color,
national origin, of economic condition, or stru^e with
homosexuality, shall be eligible....

^4.

Petition Number: 22707-GJ-4-C; Berg, Avis + 4 Other
Individuals, Flagstaff UMC, Flagstaff, AZ.

The Inclusiveness of the Church

Amend ^ 4:

[Second sentence] Therefore, all persons, without
regard to race, color, national origin, or economic con
dition, shall be eligible... or any constituent body of the
Church because of race, color, national origin, or eco-
nomic condition.

^4.

Petition Number: 22762-GJ-4-C; Fraser, Marcia P. +
Holly, Mary Lynn, First UMC, Franklin, TN.

Inclusiveness of the Church

Amend ^ 4:

[Second sentence] Therefore all persons, without
regard to race, color, national origin, or economic con-
dition, shall be eligible.. .constituent body of the Church
because of race, color, national origin, status, or eco-
nomic condition.

^4.

Petition Number: 22869-GJ-4-C; Berg, Avis and 4
other individuals, Federated UMC, Flagstaff, AZ.

The Inclusiveness of the Church

Amend % 4:

[Second sentence] ...national origin, disability,
sexual orientation, or economic condition.. .because of
race, color, national origin, disability, sexual orienta-
tion, or economic condition.

^62.

Petition Number: 20798-GJ-62-C; Bell, Howard S., SIL.

Amendment to the Constitution

Amend ^ 62:

...except in the case of the first and second Restric-
tive Rules,...

General and Judicial Administration

1325

11274.

Petition Number: 22763-GJ-274-D; DET Annual
Conference Pornography Task Force, Riverview
UMC, Riverview, MI.

Resolution to Conform to the Observance of
"Pornography Awareness Week"

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 274:

Six Seven special churchwide Sundays.. .an4Native
American Awareness Sunday, and Pornography
Awareness Week.

^274.

Petition Number: 23027-GJ-274-D; Lewis, Ruth W.,
Ames UMC, Baltimore, MD.

Children and Youth Sunday

We propose that a day of celebration for children
and youth of The United Methodist Church be observed
annually, preferably on the third Sunday during the
month of June. The purpose of this celebration is to
promote, encourage, nurture, and enhance programs
for children and youth ministries in the life of the Church
through worship, praise, readings, recitations, and mu-
sic on their own special day. Children and youth, under
the guidance of the pastor and children's and youth
coordinators, will conduct the worship services on this
Sunday. Special recognition for children and youth who
have been faithful to God, family, school, and church will
encourage and inspire children to take more seriously
participation in the mission and ministry of God's
church.

^275.

Petition Number: 22764-GJ-275-D; Pornography Task
Force, Detroit Conference, Riverview UMC,
Riverview, MI.

In Support of the Observance of "Pornography
Awareness Week".

Amend ^ 275:

Six Seven special churchwide Sundays...

7. Pornography Awareness Week — Pornography
Awareness Week shall be observed annually be-
ginning the last Sunday in October and ending the
first Sunday in November. The purpose of this
observance is to inform the people of the Church
and nation on "a clear and present danger" to the
family, an issue that greatly affects men, women,
and children, the whole moral fabric of society, as
well as to deliberately and proactively counter the
misinformation of the pornography industry.

a) There shall be a Church-wide appeal and
offering taken on either of the above Sundays, of
which up to 50 percent may be retained by the
local church in order to purchase materials to
inform their respective members and community
on the issue.

b) At least 50 percent of the offering shall be
remitted by the local church treasurer to the an-
nual conference treasurer.

c) The annual conference treasurer shall re-
tain 25 percent of the £imount received in order to
develop and/or purchase material for distribution
by the annual conference Board of Church and
Society to combat pornography.

d) The annual conference treasurer shall remit
75 percent of the amount received to the General
Council on Finance and Administration. Net re-
ceipts from the offering after payment of expenses
of promotion shall be remitted by the treasurer of
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion to the General Board of Church and Society
earmarked for the development of material and
ministries that combat pornography by informing
people on this issue.

SI275.

Petition Number: 22566-GJ-275.4-D; Pullman, Robert

S., NCA

United Methodist Student Day

Amend ^ 275.4:

4. United Methodist Student Day — United Methodist
Student Day shall be observed on the last Sunday in
November following Thanksgiving.... The United
Methodist Student Day offering, taken annually on the
last Sunday in November following Thanksgiving,
shall be received...

^275.

Petition Number: 21555-GJ-275.6-D; Native American
International Caucus

General Provisions Regarding Churchwide
Special Sundays with Offerings

Amend ^ 275.6d:

d) ...provide scholarships for Native Americans at-
tending United Methodist schools of theology and
schools of theology approved by the University
Senate of The United Methodist Chiu-ch and the

other 50 percent to...

1326

DCA Advance Edition II

^276.

Petition Number: 21518-GJ-276-D; Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry, CAP

Ministry Sunday

Add a new sub-paragraph to ^ 276:

Ministry S««dfly— Ministry Sunday shall be ob-
served annually by each local chiu-ch as a time of
afOrming and celebrating both the general and
representative ministry of the congregation. The
observance will give each local chiu-ch an oppor-
tunity to reflect on God's call to service to each
baptized Christian, and the call to representative
ministry that comes to some to equip and em-
power all the people of God in their ministry.

^276.

Petition Number: 22641-GJ-276-D; Ingram, Robert D.,
EOH.

Special Sundays: Earth Day

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 276:

Earth Day. — ^The annual observance of Earth
Day shall be added to all official calendars pre-
pared by United Methodist Communications and
shall be recommended by the General Board of
Church and Society for observance in all local
churches. Such local churches may celebrate
Earth Day by various means:

• Lifting up enviromnental concerns in worship
services.

• Undertaking special community, nationed, or
world-wide projects to address issues relating
to (1) responsible use of natural resom-ces; (2)
toxic and hazardous substances; (3) clean air;
(4) chemical use; (5) land use; (6) diversity of
life; (7) clean water; (8) impact of human
technology; and (9) military use of natural
resources.

• Evaluating the ways that the Church uses the
Earth's resources.

• Working poUtically to bring about more
Earth-friendly laws and policies.

• Using enviromnental themes in Sunday
schools, vacation Bible schools, Bible studies,
youth fellowships, scouting organizations, and
other areas of the Church's ministries.

^277.

Petition Number: 22260-GJ-277-D; U.M. Task Force
on Developmental Disabilities.

Relating to Disability Awareness Sunday

Amend % 277:

Three Foiu" special Sundays, approved by the Gen-
eral Conference...

4. Disability Awareness Sunday. — Disability
Awareness Sunday shall be observed annually on
a date to be determined by the annual conference.
Disability Awareness Sunday calls the Chiu"ch to
celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with dis-
abilities and calls the Church and society to full
inclusion of persons with disabilities in the com-
munity. If the annual conference so directs, an
offering may be received and the funds used by the
annual conference to promote the work of creating
architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local
churches.

^277.

Petition Number: 21519-GJ-277.3-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, National.

Setting the Annual Theme for Rural Life Sunday

Amend ^ 277.3:

3. [Second sentence] Rural Life Sunday shall call the
Church to celebrate the rural heritage of The United
Methodist Church, afl4 to recognize the ongoing crisis
occurring in rural areas of the nation and world today,
and to affirm the interdependence of rural and
m-ban communities. TTie observance of Rural life
Sunday shall be imder the general supervision of
the General Board of Global Ministries. Anyone
who desires to reconunend a theme for a given
year for this Sunday may do so one year prior to
the observance for which the recommendation is
made. This recommendation is to be made to the
General Board of Global Ministries, and the deci-
sion of the annual theme of this Sunday shall be
made by the voting members of the General Board
of Global Ministries. If the Annual Conference so
directs, an offering may be received for the work of
ministries in town and rural areas within the conference,
such as: rural chaplaincy, ministries with African- Ameri-
can farmers, development of cooperative parish minis-
tries, and/or purpose of strengthening the nurture,...

General and Judicial Administration

1327

^748.

Petition Number: 22261-GJ-748-D; Native American
International Caucus.

Committee on Native American Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph to "J 748:

1. Every local church at charge conference
shall designate by nomination and election a mini-
mum of one person per charge (without regard to
race or ethnic origin) to represent the need for
better awareness of Native American contribu-
tions in the local church. These names are to be
submitted to the district superintendent at charge
conference to be given to the annual conference
committee for Native American Ministries.

1748.

Petition Number: 22262-GJ-748-D;CIL.

Committee on Native American Ministry

Add a new sentence between the second and third
sentences of ^ 748:

The responsibilities of the Committee on Na-
tive American Ministry may be assigned to an ex-
isting or newly created multifunctional agency of
the Council or alternative structure that cares for
the functions of and the connectional relation-
ships to the Native American Caucus, the confer-
ence, £md local churches.

1801.

Petition Number: 22765-GJ-801-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Agencies and General Agencies

Amend TI 801:

Agencies and General Agencies. — 1. Connection-
alism is an important part of our identity as United
Methodists. It provides us with wonderful oppor-
tunities to carry out our mission in unity and
strength. We experience this connection in many
ways, including our systems of episcopacy, itiner-
acy, property, and mutual cooperation and sup-
port Our connectional system must carry out
three essential tasks as we move into the next
century. First, we must embrace God's mission for
the church as making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Second, we must organize our whole Church more
effectively to enable local congregations, the pri-
mary arena for mission, more faithfully and fruit-
fully to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Third, we
must redesign all components in the connection

to carry out their appropriate responsibilities in
ways tiiat enable the whole United Methodist
Church to be faithful in its mission. General agen-
cies, in particular, are important to our common
vision, mission, and ministry. They provide essen-
tial services and ministries beyond the scope of
individual local congregations and annual confer-
ences. The nature and scope of these services and
ministries, however, must become highly focused,
flexible, and capable of rapid response.

a) The term "agency,"...

1802.

Petition Number: 21534-GJ-802-D; Frederick, Austin,
Jr., STX.

Amenability and Program Accountability

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 802:

Each general agency of The United Methodist
Church as listed in % 802.2 shall be limited to
fiuiding the expenses of three representatives to
any non-sponsored United Methodist event

1802.

Petition Number: 22766-GJ-802-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Amenability and Program Accountability

Delete % 802.2, .3, and .4.

1802.

Petition Number: 21004-GJ-802.3-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Delete % 802.3.

1802.

Petition Number: 21535-GJ-802.4-D; Williams,
Mitchell, Asbury UMC, Birmingham, AL.

Amenability and Program Accountability

Add a new second paragraph to "JI 802.4:

When controversies arise, personnel and
members of general boards and agencies shall
seek understanding, resolution, and reconcili-
ation in a humble and open manner among the
parties involved, following biblical patterns (Mat-
thew 18:15-17; Acts 15; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephe-

1328

DCA Advance Edition II

sians 4:15-16; and others) to the greatest degree
possible while remaining good stewards of the time
and resources entrusted to their care. Bishops,
laity, and clergy gifted in reconciliation may be re-
cruited to assist. Other members and congrega-
tions ofThe United Methodist Church are likewise
expected hiunbly to seek imderstanding and per-
sonal reconciliation about controversial matters.

^802.

Petition Number: 21536-GJ-802.6-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, National.

Fostering Greater Awareness of Cooperative
Ministries Among General Boards and Agencies

Add a new sub-paragraph after 1 802.5 and renum-
ber accordingly:

6. Each general board and agency director and
staff member shall be trained in cooperative min-
istry concepts, including cooperative parish min-
istry, to provide support, resoiu-ces, guidance,
and training for annu£d conference cabinets, staff,
councils, boards, commissions, committees, and
where appropriate, districts and local churches.

^803.

Petition Number: 21537-GJ-803-D; Lydick, Howard L,
First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Amenability and Program Accountability

Add new text to ^ 803:

The Council of Bishops shall have continuing
jurisdiction over all the general boards and agen-
cies of The United Methodist Chxu-ch. At any regu-
larly called or special meeting, the council may, by
a two-thirds vote (provided same is at least equal
to a majority of the full voting membership of the
Council) order any general board or agency to stop
any program adopted by such board or agency;
withdraw any formal pubhc statement, except a
petition to General Conference; and rescind any
expenditure of money. In the case of the expendi-
ture of money, the executive committee of the
council may, by a majority vote, order any finan-
cial expenditure (except payroll of the staff)
stopped imtil reviewed by the council. Should the
executive committee take such action, the full
council shall meet within not more than forty-five
days after the stop order is issued for the purpose
of reviewing that order by the executive commit-
tee.

The Council of Bishops, by a three-fourths
vote of the full voting membership, may order any
general board or agency to take specific action

including the removal of any paid employee of a
general board or agency.

^803.

Petition Number: 22767-GJ-803-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Definitions, Structures, and Titles

Amend ^ 803, renumbering as appropriate:

1. [Delete.]

3. [Delete.]

5. [Second sentence] These agencies are amenable
to the General Conference and botvv^ccn sessions of the
General Conference arc accountable to the General
Council on Ministries: the General Board of Mission
and the General Board of Discipleship Resources.
Church and Society, the General Board of Disciplcship,
the General Board of Global Ministries, the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry', the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Intcrrcligious Con-
cerns, the General Commission on Religion and Race,
and the General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women. In all matters...

6. There are two inclusiveness boards: The
Board on the Status and Role of Women and the
Board on ReUgion and Race.

7. There are two support boards: The Board of
Communications and die Board of Ministry.

8. There are two administrative boards: The
Board of Finance and Administration and the
Board of Pensions and Health Benefits.

^803.

Petition Number: 21005-GJ-803.1-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Amend the last sentence of ^ 803.1 to eliminate the
General Council on Ministries.

^803.

Petition Number: 22768-GJ-803.3-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Other General Agencies

Amend ^ 805.3:

3. a) ...and Puerto Rico (^ 805.1). All other mem-
bership provisions in this and previous books of
Discipline are superseded by the following provi-

General and Judicial Administration

1329

sions. Each board, whether it is an inclusiveness
board, a support board, or an administrative board,
shall have tfiree bishops nominated by the Council
of Bishops and elected by the General Conference,
four members elected by each jurisdiction, four
members from central conferences nominated by
the Council of Bishops and elected by the General
Conference, and eight additional members elected
for inclusiveness or expertise. In case the General
Conference does not act on its elections of persons
to membership on any of these boards, the Council
of Bishops is empowered to elect persons to serve
there for that quadrennium only, in accordance with
the specific mombcrship provisions of thoac agcncica as
set forth in the Book of Discipline: General Council on
Ministries (11 1007), General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits CJ 1603.1a), General Board of Publica
tion en 1703), General Commission on Christian Unity
and Intcrrcligious Concerns en 3006), General Commis-
sion on Communication (^ 1007), General Commission
on the Status and Role of Women CH 3304), and the
General Commission on Religion and Race (11 3103).

b) [Delete.]

^803.

Petition Number: 20841-GJ-803.5-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Program Related General Agencies

Delete all of ^ 803.5, except for the last sentence.

^805.

Petition Number: 22361-GJ-805.1-D; North C, South
C, and Southeastern Jurisdictions.

General Agency Membership

Amend the third sentence of H 805.1rf:

Biographical statements for all persons in the juris-
dictional pool shall be given to each member of the
nominating committee available to the nominating
committee members in the meeting at which they
make their nominations.

tion of the clergy membership. Each central confer-
ence shall elect one member to each of the pro-
gram boards. Provided, — however, — that — effective
immediately, when a new Annual Conference or confer-
ences are created by a Jurisdictional Conference and
come into being following the Jurisdictional Confer-
ence, each such new Annual Conference or conferences
shall be authorized to elect one person directly to Gen-
eral Council on Ministries and each general program
board on which no person from the new Annual Confer-
ence already has been elected by the Jurisdictional
Conference under the provisions of this paragraph.

b) Episcopal Membership. — The episcopal member-
ship of eight ftot4e8s-thaft#ve-noiHflOfe4hafi-teft mem-
bers...shall be a Central Conference bishop. In the case
that the General Conference does not act on its
elections of persons to membership on any pro-
gram board in any category, the Council of Bish-
ops is empowered to elect persons to serve there
for that quadrennium only.

c) Additional Membership. — (1) United Method-
ist.— Eight aAdditional members shall be elected... geo-
graphic area. There shall be not less than five nor more
than nine additional members of each general program
board. It is recommended. ..In addidon, each board shall
elect six persons from the Central Conferences, and one
alternate for each who may attend if the elected member
cannot attend. In the election of the Central Conference
members, it is recommended that two be clergy, two be
laymen, and two be la^^women....

^810.

Petition Number: 22567-GJ-810.2-D; Case, Riley B.,

NIN.

General Agency Membership

Amend ^ 810.2:

2. Members of all general agencies shall be persons
of genuine Christian character who love the Church,
uphold the doctrinal standards of The United
Methodist Church, are morally disciplined....

^810.

^805.

Petition Number: 22769-GJ-805.2-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Program Board Membership

Amend "B 805.2:

2. a) Basic Membership. — Each jurisdiction shall
elect ofte six persons from each of its Annual and Mis
aionary Conferences to each program board. ...computa-

Petition Number: 22477-GJ-810.3-D; McCullough,
June D., Audubon UMC, Audubon, NJ.

Eligibility for Election to General Agencies

Delete the last paragraph of 1[ 810.3.

1330

DCA Advance Edition II

^813.

Petition Number: 21006-GJ-813-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 813.

^814.

Petition Number: 21007-GJ-814.3-D; 10 members,
Louisa UMC, Louisa, KY.

Mandatory Retirement
Amend % 814.3:

[Second sentence] Mandator^^ retirement for dec
tivc and appointive otaff shall be at age seventy. There
shall be no mandatory retirement age for ©thef em-
ployed staff....

^814.

Petition Number: 22263-GJ-814.3-D; Held, Richard E.,
KEN.

Provisions Pertaining to Staff
Amend ^I 814.3:

3. ...appointive, or employed capacity. Mandatory
retirement for elective and appointive staff shall be at
age seventy. There shall be no mandatory retirement
age for other employed staff. ...

^814,

Petition Number: 21008-GJ-814.6-D; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministry

Amend "J 814.6:

6. The general secretary of the General Council on
Ministries and/or the general secretary of the General
Council on Finance and Administration...

^815.

Petition Number: 21538-GJ-815-D; Sager, Stan, St.
John's UMC, Albuquerque, NM.

Policies Relative to Nondiscrimination
Amend ^ 815:

Policies Relative to Nondiscrimination. — 1. It shall
be the policy of The United Methodist Church that all

administrative agencies,. ..adequate representation by
laity.

2. All agencies and institutions shall, insofar
as reasonably possible, schedule and hold all
events, including designated places of lodging and
of meals for the events, in locations which conform
in all respects to federal (U.S.) requirements for
the accessibility of public accommodations to the
disabled. If for any reason whatsoever any event is
scheduled or held in a facility which does not so
conform, all notices of the meeting will include
plainly stated advice to that effect, or alternatively
may bear a logo consisting of the international
symbol for access placed inside a slashed circle.
The term "event" shall be given a broad interpre-
tation and shall include, byway of example, sched-
uled conferences, seminars, and other meetings
to which persons are invited or called to attend as
representatives of the Church or its various insti-
tutions and £^encies.

^816.

Petition Number: 21539-GJ-816-D; Gibson, James
A.ni, SGA.

Policies Relative to Socially Responsible Investments

Amend ^ 816:

...to support racial discrimination, apartheid birth
control and gender selection abortions, the accep-
tance of homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle, or

the production of nuclear armaments,....

^821.

Petition Number: 21540-GJ-821-D; Agnew, Theodore
L., First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Closed Session

Amend 1 821:

Closed Session. — In the spirit of openness....

^826.

Petition Number: 22770-GJ-826-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Meetings of General Boards and Agencies

Add a new 1 after ^ 825:

At least once each year, all general boards and
agencies of the Church will meet at the same time
and location to minimize cost and facilitate inter-
agency cooperation.

General and Judicial Administration

1331

^827.

Petition Number: 22771-GJ-827-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Administrative Council

Add a new "1 after ^ 825:

A General Administrative Council will meet
regularly to coordinate the work of the general
agencies, establish teams to address matters of
concern to the individual boards, ensure align-
ment of the boards with the Chiu-ch's mission, and
explore emerging issues for The United Methodist
Church. It will be composed of only one bishop,
two non-staff members from each general Church
agency, and the general secretary. This council
will be chaired by one of the eight member bish-
ops selected by the bishops. It will have no staff.

General secretaries of the eight boards will
meet regularly to facihtate interagency coopera-
tion.

^1001.

Petition Number: 21009-GJ-lOOl-D; Administrative
Council. First UMC, Kermit, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^^ 1001 through 1007.

^1001.

Petition Number: 21541-GJ-lOOl-D; Agnew, Theodore
L, First UMC, Stillwater, OK

The General Council on Ministries

Continue the General Council on Ministries, as de-
scribed in ^"K 1001-1007.

^1001.

Petition Number: 22772-GJ-lOOl-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1001.

^1002.

Petition Number: 22773-GJ-1002-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1002.

^1003.

Petition Number: 22774-GJ-1003-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1003.

^1004.

Petition Number: 22775-GJ-1004-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1004.

11005.

Petition Number: 22776-GJ-1005-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete % 1005.

11006.

Petition Number: 22777-GJ-1006-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1006.

11007.

Petition Number: 22778-GJ-1007-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Organization of the General Council on Ministries

Delete ^ 1007.

1332

DCA Advance Edition II

^1007.

Petition Number: 21542-GJ-1007.1-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship, National.

Length of Service on General Council on Ministries

Retain ^ 1007.1^ without change.

^2400.

Petition Number: 21011-GJ-2400-D$; Temeus, John,
Yukon UMC, Yukon, OK.

Offices of General Agencies, Boards, Commissions,
Councils and Organizations

Add a new ^ after <! 2406:

All general agencies, boards, commissions,
councils, and oi^anizations having an office(s) will
move their office(s) at least once every ten years
to a different geographical jurisdiction imtil that
o£Bce(s) has been in every jurisdiction.

For efficiency and economy, these moves are to be
coordinated by the Office Location Committee, com-
posed of:

1. Chairperson of the Council of Bishops (1),

2. Each jurisdiction's chairperson and execu-
tive secretary (10), and

3. Each organization's board chairperson and
executive secretary.

The Office Location Committee will meet dur-
ing each General Conference and before adjourn-
ment will provide a schedule of when which
organizations will move to which jurisdictions dur-
ing the next four years.

Arrangements for specific office space, com-
munications, transportation, moving expenses,
housing, etc. are to be negotiated by each organi-
zation and its receiving jurisdiction before the date
scheduled by the Office Location Committee.

General and Judicial Administration

1333

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20795-GJ-NonDis-O; Baker, Mr. &
Mrs. W. G., 1st. United Methodist Church, Crystal
Lake, IL

Granting of Advance Special Status
to Appalachia Service Project, Inc

Whereas, Applachia Service Project, Inc., has been
affiliated with The United Methodist Church since its
inception in 1969 and continues to grow and serve as an
arm of United Methodism mission;

Whereas, Applachia Service Project, Inc., through
its ministry of home repair and home building is a vital
mission outreach of the church in Central Appalachia;

Whereas, j'^plachia Service Project, Inc., plans to
operate out of fifteen centers in the summer of 1995,
enabling some 7,000 volunteers to work on 260 to 300
homes;

Whereas, additional funding would allow Applachia
Service Project, Inc., to expand its ministry of home
repair and building;

Whereas, the present route for churches to give to
./^plachia Service Project, Inc., and receive mission
credit goes through conference treasurers and the Gen-
eral Board of Discipleship and proves circuitous and
time-consuming;

Whereas, local churches seeking to give to Ap-
plachia Service Project, Inc., are sometimes discouraged
by its lack of Advance Special status;

Whereas, Advance Special status would bring in-
creased recognition and promote giving to Applachia
Service Project, Inc.; and

Whereas, two annual conferences have already
granted Advance Special status within their own confer-
ences for Applachia Service Project, Inc.;

We strongly urge the General Conference to recog-
nize and support the vital mission and ministry of Ap-
palachia Service Project, Inc., by granting it Advance
Special status.

Petition Number: 21010-GJ-NonDis-O; Drury, Steve,
KEN.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference voted to
relocate the General Board of Global Ministries; and

Whereas, the original petition to do so came from a
member of our annual conference; and

Whereas, the committee chosen to select a future
site for the location of the General Board of Global

Ministries has narrowed that selection to two cities not
much different from New York City; and

Whereas, Atlanta, Georgia is hosting the next Sum-
mer Olympics; and

Whereas, any city with the capability of handling a
Summer Olympics can surely handle a few more United
Methodists; and

Whereas, the decision to remain in New York will
do irreparable harm to the trust level of many members
of our Church who wanted the General Board to locate
to an area more representative of our grass roots con-
stituents;

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist church select Atlanta,
Georgia as the new site of the General Board of Global
Ministries.

Petition Number: 21554-GJ-NonDis-O; Lydick,
Howard L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference decided to
move the General Board of Global Ministries; and

Whereas, the new location is to be decided by the
1996 General Conference; and

Whereas, many persons believe it is the staff of this
agency which is the principal reason for the need to
move to a new location;

Be it hereby resolved by the 1996 General Confer-
ence, that when the General Board of Global Ministries
moves, the number of employees who will be moved to
the new location shall not exceed five percent of the
existing staff.

Petition Number: 22264-GJ-NonDis-O; BMCR, Native
American International Caucus.

Strengthening the Black Church
for the 21st Century

Whereas, African Americans have been present and
active in The United Methodist Church from the incep-
tion of Methodism in the United States; and

Whereas, this involvement for African Americans
continued in spite of the fact that we were placed in
missionary conferences within annual conferences in a
segregated Central Jurisdiction; and

Whereas, in 1968 the Black Methodists for Church
Renewal, Inc. (BMCR) , was formed to "help The United
Methodist Church become inclusive of African Ameri-
cans"; and

1334

DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, from the beginning, BMCRhas been con-
cerned with recruitment and itineracy of Black pastors,
supporting, empowering, and informing African Ameri-
can pastors and congregations; and

Whereas, BMCR has suggested new forms for the
life of local congregations and precipitated creative mo-
tives for the kind of unity among Black Methodists that
can mean a vigorous, faithful witness in Methodism and
toward the gospel of Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, the following 1992 statistical report indi-
cates the racial composition in The United Methodist
Church population as:

Hispanic Americans
Native Americans
Asian Americans
Pacific Islanders
African Americans*

0.63%
0.26.%
0.71%
0.12%
4.27%

* The largest percentage of any other racial ethnic
constituency.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference give its endorsement to "Strengthening the
Black Church for the 21st Century"; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
direct the General Council on Ministries to include
within its regular evaluation process with the general
program agencies a review of each agency's effective-
ness in strengthening the Black church from the period
1997-2000, including the 2000 General Conference; and

Be it further resolved, that GCOM consult with the
general program agencies for encouragement to build
program initiatives and budgets around program projec-
tions for strengthening the African American church.

Petition Number: 22265-GJ-NonDis-0;CIL.

Regarding Restructuring for Equality

The gospel call to take the Christian message to the
world moves us toward a global understanding of mis-
sion and ministry. It is our belief that as The United
Methodist Church restructures to meet this call it
should remain faithful to its historic and prophetic
stands of equality and ethnic/racial inclusion.

Toward this end, we call upon the General Confer-
ence to make major efforts to preserve and enhance
racial/ethnic diversity within any new structures during
and after restructuring.

Petition Number: 22266-GJ-NonDis-O; BMCR.

Ethnic Local Church Concerns

Whereas, it was the specific and intentional recom-
mendation of the Missional Priority Coordinating Com-

mittee for the 1985-1988 quadrennium that the various
general boards and agencies and each annual confer-
ence incorporate into their program for the 1989-1992
and 1993-1996 quadrenniums continued support for the
Ethnic Local Church Concerns; and

Whereas, for the most part, there has been only
minimal continued support for these concerns, particu-
larly at the annual conference level; and

Whereas, some of our ethnic congregations are the
fastest growing congregations in the Church; and

Whereas, there is still a great need for assistance to
these congregations to help them develop and grow; and

Whereas, the assistance previously given to these
congregations from the general boards and agencies,
annual conferences, and districts have proven to be
worthwhile investments; and

Whereas, the General Council on Ministries is rec-
ommending to the General Conference the continuation
of the sum of $5.5 million to develop and strengthen
ethnic local churches;

Therefore, be it resolved, that each general board
and agency and each annual conference design inten-
tional and specific programs to continue their support to
develop and strengthen ethnic local churches during
the 1997-2000 quadrennium by giving adequate human
and financial resources to implement these programs.

Petition Number: 22267-GJ-NonDis-0;TEN.

Similarities and Uniformity of Structure

Whereas, similarities and uniformity of structures
throughout the connectional system enhance under-
standing, familiarity, and communications among the
various entities of The United Methodist Church; how-
ever.

Whereas, flexibility of structure enhances an en-
tity's ability to adapt to the theological and ministry
needs of each part of the structure;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church establish stand-
ards and minimal requirements which all entities of The
United Methodist Church will include; and

Therefore, be it further resolved, that the General
Conference allow each entity of the UMC to organize in
the manner appropriate to its calling and ministry while
including standards and key minimal requirements.

Petition Number: 22355-GJ-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Black Church Growth

Whereas, The United Methodist Church in the
United States has consistently declined in membership
for more than a quarter of a century; and

General and Judicial Administration

1335

I

Whereas, at the 1992 session of General Confer-
ence, The United Methodist Church expressed genuine
concern for the growth of the Church; and

Whereas, urban centers of the United States are
experiencing racial transition; and

Whereas, Black Americans are becoming new resi-
dents in these transitional communities and represent
an excellent opportunity to plant new churches in estab-
lished communities, utilizing existing buildings;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church address racial transition as a model for build-
ing Black churches by providing denominational
resources and pastors to cultivate and promote Black
church growth; and

Be it further resolved, that each annual conference
identify a test group of Black clergy/lay persons and
empower the Boards of Discipleship and Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry to train these selected persons for
effective leadership in local churches, utilizing the most
capable resource persons across denominational lines.

Petition Number: 22362-GJ-NonDis-0$;
Administrative Council, First UMC, Ormond Beach,
FL

Programs of the United Methodist Church

Whereas, the budgets of the general boards of The
United Methodist Church have increased annually for
the past five years; and

Whereas, the nationwide membership has steadily
declined during the same period; and

Whereas, specifically, the programs that seem inef-
fective and over-budgeted from the point of view of local
churches are: hiterdenomination Cooperation, Status
and Role of Women, General Board of Church and
Society, and General Board of Global Ministries;

Therefore, be it resolved, that a critical review, pref-
erably by Lyle Schaller, with the goal of the removal of
ineffective programs, be made of the programs and
organization of the general boards.

Petition Number: 22455-GJ-NonDis-O; Steel, Darlene
+ 23 Other Individuals & 1 Adm. Bd., Fairview UMC,
Texarkana, AR

Exit Procedures for Persons in Leadership
Positions Who Profess to be Homosexuals

We petition the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church to change the "exit proce-
dure" for persons in positions of leadership with the
Church that profess to be homosexuals. ^ 7 IF of our
Book of Discipline clearly states that we do not condone
the practice of homosexuality and consider it incompat-
ible with Christian teaching.

While agreeing that homosexuals need our prayers
and that God's grace is available to all, we cannot allow
them to hold places of leadership with our Church. We
should fill our leadership positions with people who have
Godly wisdom and integrity. Those who violate God's
natural plan (Romans 1) should not be in leadership
roles. In Titus 1:5-9, most of the qualifications listed
involve the elder's character, not his knowledge or skill.
A person's lifestyle and relationships provide a picture
of his/her true character.

Therefore, based upon the recent statement of Jean-
nie C. Powers, a national United Methodist leader, in
which she professes to be a homosexual, we petition the
General Conference to immediately change the exit
procedure so that this leadership can be filled with
someone who agrees and abides by God's law and our
own Book of Discipline.

Petition Number: 22478-GJ-NonDis-0$; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Quadrennium of the Worker

We endorse the call of the Kingswood Project Task
Force and urge the adoption of the petition to institute
a Quadrennium of the Worker for 1997-2000.

Petition Number: 22479-GJ-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Staffing of General Boards and Agencies

Whereas, 67% of United Methodist churches are
congregations of 200 persons or fewer; and

Whereas, these churches have unique needs for
curriculum and resources for nurture, outreach, and
witness ministry compatible with the financial and per-
sonnel resources of the church; and

Whereas, all general boards and agencies should
continue to be consistent with the strategy of implemen-
tation requested by the "Report of the Study on Strength-
ening the Church with Small Membership" received by
the 1992 General Conference;

Therefore, be it resolved, that all general boards and
agencies continue to provide staff personnel and/or
consultants with significant and demonstrated experi-
ence and expertise in ministries of churches with small
membership, including nurture, outreach, witness,
Christian education, stewardship, worship, evangelism,
and team/cooperative ministries.

Petition Number: 22480-GJ-NonDis-O; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Chxu"ch Structure

We petition the General Conference to reject all
proposals to restructure and stop wasting church time
and money with incessant "tinkering with the machin-
ery." There are no compelling reasons to abandon struc-

1336

DCA Advance Edition II

tures of administrative board/council, Council on Min-
istries, education, mission, stewardship, finance, and so
forth, as we now have them. Mostof the new names have
little broad meaning and seem to be grotesquely manu-
factured names. Why not wait at least three quadrennia
and then check with the local churches to see if we need
to start tinkering again with structure?

Petition Number: 22481-GJ-NonDis-O; Colbeth, Carol
A., Foundry UMC, Washington, DC.

Guidelines for Labor Relations in United
Methodist Chiu-ch and Related Institutions

The General Conference of The United Methodist
Church has affirmed that workers have the right to
organize for the purpose of bargaining collectively with
their employers. Congregations, institutions, boards
and agencies of The United Methodist Church are
widely expected to exercise compassion, decency, and
respect toward their employees, who are, in turn, ex-
pected to exercise compassion, decency, and respect
toward those whom their employing body serves, and
to respect their employers.

It is important to formally reaffirm commonly ac-
cepted standards of compassion, decency, and respect,
which can inform the labor relations policies of United
Methodist organizations and related institutions.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church adopt the follow-
ing Guidelines for Labor Relations in United Methodist
organizations and related institutions, commend them
to all employers who operate in official relationship to
The United Methodist Church and are subject to the
provisions of the National Labor Relations Act, and urge
their formal consideration and adoption by such organi-
zations and institutions.

Furthermore, the General Conference of The
United Methodist Church directs the General Board of
Church and Society to communicate this action, along
with the guidelines, to all United Methodist employers
and related employers.

Labor Relations for United Methodist Organiza-
tions and Related Institutions

United Methodist organizations and related institu-
tions should affirm the right of their employees to organ-
ize a union for collective bargaining.

United Methodist organizations and related institu-
tions should refrain from any actions, legal or illegal, that
limit their employees' right to form or maintain a union
of their own choosing.

If a majority of employees in a United Methodist
organization or related institution choose to be repre-
sented by a union, every effort should be made to nego-
tiate a labor agreement as quickly as possible.

United Methodist organizations and related institu-
tions should see the union as a partner and resource in
their mission.

Petition Number: 22482-GJ-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Appalachian Development Committee.

Training of New District Superintendents
and Conference Council Directors by GCOM

The United Methodist Appalachian Development
Committee petitions the General Conference to direct
the General Council on Ministries to include training on
the characteristics and particular needs of circuits and
cooperative parish ministries in the annual training ses-
sions conducted for new district superintendents and
conference council directors.

Petition Number: 22483-GJ-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Appalachian Development Committee.

Program Funds of the General Board
of Global Ministries

The United Methodist Appalachian Development
Committee requests that no program funds of the Gen-
eral Board of Global Ministries be used to cover the cost
incurred by a move to a new location.

Petition Number: 22484-GJ-NonDis-O; Steriing/Alger
Charge Conference, Alger, MI.

Responsibilities of the General Council
on Ministries regarding Staff

We, the 1996 General Conference, submit the Gen-
eral Council on Ministries to perform their responsibil-
ity as outlined in the Book of Discipline, % 802.2:
"Between sessions of the General Conference, the fol-
lowing general agencies are accountable to the General
Council on Ministries: the General Board of Church and
Society..." that if any General Conference board mem-
ber conducts any representation of The United Method-
ist Church, by direct reference or by affiliation, which is
not conducent with the Book of Discipline, then such
board member shall be asked to repent publicly or
resign. To further wit: a public announcement correct-
ing the false impression made of The United Methodist
Church shall be made in accordance with the Book of
Discipline.

Petition Number: 22517-GJ-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Niceville, FL.

Lay Persons employed by Boards, Agencies,
and Committees of the United Methodist Church

We believe that all lay persons employed by boards,
agencies, and committees of The United Methodist
Church are in a different category than if they were
employed in a secular job, because the Church is always
called upon to model a moral lifestyle before the world

General and Judicial Administration

1337

and because lay employees have their salaries paid by
the Church, which advocates this moral standard.

Though we do not believe that lay employees who
consider themselves to be homosexual should be termi-
nated, we do believe that such employees should not be
allowed to use their position or place of employment in
the Church to advocate or promote a lifestyle that is
contrary to the standards for ordained ministers listed
in the Discipline.

As members of the Administrative Board of First
United Methodist Church, Niceville, Florida, we call
upon the 1996 General Conference to establish this as
the standard for all lay employees of The United Meth-
odist Church and to terminate all employees who refuse
to abide by this standard.

Petition Number: 22518-GJ-NonDis-0$; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

A U.S. Convocation on "Heterosexism
and the Mission of the Church"

God speaks to us through pain and suffering, calling
us to tasks of healing and reconciliation. Our Church
and societies are divided by heterosexism. We humbly
acknowledge that cultural and religious judgmentalism
contributes to disrespect, alienation and violence
against persons. We seek to understand God's call to the
church to be in mission.

TTierefore, before the General Conference meets in
2000 ce. The United Methodist Church will hold a series
of five meetings and a U.S. Convocation on "Heterosex-
ism and the Mission of the Church." The purpose of
these gatherings will be to:

1) Hear the pastoral and social needs of people both
within and outside the church who are affected by het-
erosexism.

2) Explore how heterosexism adversely affects both
the oppressed and the oppressors.

3) Discern how God is calling the Church to re-
spond to these needs.

4) Propose appropriate missional responses to
guide the Church in the 21st century:

a) local churches;

b) annual conferences;

c) boards and agencies;

d) UM-related institutions (seminaries, colleges,
hospitals, etc.) .

To accomplish this, the 1996 General Conference
authorizes the General Council on Ministries to form a
planning committee of 21 persons representing diver-
sity of geography, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Members of the planning committee will include per-
sons from the General Board of Church and Society,

General Board of Discipleship, General Board of Global
Ministries (each division represented), General Board
of Pensions, General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, General Board of Publication, General Council
on Ministries, Commission on Religion and Race, and
Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

Petition Number: 22642-GJ-NonDis-O; Terneus, John
L, UMC, Yukon, OK.

Annual Conference Church Membership
on General Boards and Agencies

Whereas, many ratios of marrieds, parents, and
annual conference members on the staffs, employees,
and directors of The United Methodist Church's general
boards, commissions, and agencies, etc. are less than
the ratios among the members of The United Methodist
Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that during the 1997-2000
quadrennium:

1. Each local church report to each 1997 annual
conference and the General Council on Ministries (and
the first year of each subsequent quadrennium) its
membership ratio of those who are and have been mar-
ried and the ratio of those who are and have been parents
with the total Church membership.

2. The 1997 annual conferences provide "pools" of
marrieds' and parents' names, addresses, and phone
numbers for general boards, commissions, and agen-
cies' staffs, employees, and directors to the General
Council on Ministries.

3. Before 1998 the General Council on Ministries
provide each general board, commission, agency, etc.
with:

a. The general total ratios of marrieds and parents
for all local churches and the total church membership
of each annual conference.

b. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of "pools"
of marrieds and parents from each annual conference.

4. During 1998-2000, the general boards, commis-
sions, agencies, etc. replace the staff, employees, and
directors lost through attrition viath marrieds and par-
ents of each annual conference up to the grand total
ratios of marrieds, parents, and annual conference
church membership.

5. Beginning in 2000, the ratios of marrieds, parents,
and annual conferences' church membership on the
staffs of general boards, commissions, agencies, etc.,
staffs, employees, and directors must at least equal the
grand total ratios reported by local churches during the
first year of the preceding quadrennium.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Petition Number: 22659-GJ-NonDis-O; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Uniting of United Methodist Men
and United Methodist Women
into United Methodist Families

Be it resolved, that United Methodist Women and
United Methodist Men shall be united into a single
organization called United Methodist Families, with two
coordinated divisions and with a focus on systemic good
for families rather than the special rights of either men
or women.

United Methodist Men would, under this proposal,
either shift from the General Board of Discipleship to
the General Board of Global Ministries, or United Meth-
odist Women would shift to the General Board of Disci-
pleship.

Petition Number: 22660-GJ-NonDis-O; National Youtii
Ministry Organization.

Schediding Board and Agency Meetings

Our Church desires to reach the youth of our world
and is attempting to take active steps to bring youth into
the Church and keep them active in the process of
spiritual growth. We, tiie youth of The United Methodist
Church, are thankful for being included in the decision
making of boards and agencies and as members of
annual conferences. We also appreciate the desire of the
Church to hear us, and agree that the key to reaching
more youth is by including and involving them in the life
of the Church.

The current scheduling of many of the Church's
administrative and governing body meetings precludes
attendance by youth. We propose that serious attempts
be made to examine ways in which our current system
blocks the working class and youth from participation
on boards and agencies. Furthermore, we propose that
steps be taken to correct our current system through
exploring rescheduling of meeting times as well as al-
ternative avenues that would enable the voice and vote
of these persons to be heard.

Petition Number: 22708-GJ-NonDis-O; MARCHA.

In Support of the General Council on Ministries

Whereas, the General Council on Ministries
(GCOM) played a very significant, constructive, and
respectful role in the development of the National Plan
for Hispanic Ministries during the 1988-92 quadren-
nium; and

Whereas, the General Council on Ministries has
provided important support to the Committee on His-
panic Ministry in the implementation of the National
Hispanic Plan and coordinating the work of the general
agencies during this quadrennium; and

Whereas, the General Council on Ministries has
provided consistent support to racial/ethnic communi-
ties such as the development of the Program to
Sfrengthen the Black Church for the 21st Century and
the work of the Native American Concerns Committee;
and

Whereas, there is a proposal being circulated for the
General Conference to eliminate the General Council on
Ministries;

Therefore, MARCHA (Methodists Associated to
Represent the Cause of Hispanic Americans) wishes to
express its support for the General Council on Minis-
tries and hereby petitions the 1996 General Conference
to vote nonconcurrence with all petitions directed at
eliminating the General Council on Ministries.

Petition Number: 22709-GJ-NonDis-O$; Kingswood
Project, MOW.

Resolution Proclaiming a Quadrennium
of the Worker

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference
proclaim 1997-2000 as the United Methodist Quadren-
nium of the Worker. The quadrennium will provide
opportunities for our denomination, annual confer-
ences, districts, and local congregations to explore the
history of our Church and its relationship to workers in
their struggles for workplace peace and justice. During
this quadrennium. United Methodists will celebrate
workers and their economic importance to our commu-
nity and their many and diverse contributions to a free
and just society. We will explore the new challenges that
confront us in an international economy and find ways
we can stand together in the continuing struggles.

The General Conference shall direct the General
Board of Church and Society and the General Board of
Global Ministries to give priority in programming and
funding to the implementation of the actions called for
in the resolution entitled "The Right of Workers" passed
at the 1988 General Conference (Book of Resolutions,
pages 369-370).

The General Conference shall direct the General
Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of
Church and Society to appoint a quadrennium coordi-
nating task force to implement the call of the 1988 "Right
of Workers" resolution and organize the Quadrennium
of the Worker and subsequent ministries. This task
force will be composed of both clergy and laity. The
General Board of Church and Society and the General
Board of Global Ministries will each appoint one-third of
the task force. Those appointed will then nominate the
final one-third of the task force to represent the Church
at-large. All appointees will be persons who are informed
about the issues and/or presently engaged in ministry
to working people, the unemployed, and the underem-
ployed. The task force will be gender, race, and class
inclusive.

General and Judicial Administration

1339

The General Conference shall direct the General
Council on Ministries and the General Council on Fi-
nance and Administration to provide from General Con-
ference funds the amount of $750,000 for the task force
to conduct its work during the quadrennium. The Gen-
eral Conference shall also direct the General Council on
Ministries to coordinate the General Board of Church
and Society and the General Board of Global Ministries
in modifying priorities so that funding and staff time is
available from within their existing budgets.

The quadrennium task force will coordinate the
research of old Methodist hymns that celebrate working
people and call for economic justice. It will coordinate
the collection and distribution of resources, including
new hymns, prayers, liturgies, lectionary reflections,
sermon material, and Sunday school curricula. The
quadrennium task force will assemble special materials
to assist in the recognition of Labor Day, Workers'
Memorial Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, and
other celebrations of working people. The General Con-
ference shall direct other general boards and commis-
sions and seminaries to assist this effort. The task force
will explore and recommend denominational forums in
which we can hear the concerns of working people, the
unemployed, and the underemployed.

The General Conference shall direct each annual
conference, district, and local congregation to explore
and develop their own ministries to working people, the
unemployed and underemployed. The General Board of
Global Ministries and General Board of Church and
Society will assist these local efforts to

• Identify working people, the unemployed, and the
underemployed who worship in our local
congregations and, in the best tradition of Wesleyan
inclusiveness, design settings in which to hear their
stories, survey their needs, affirm their diverse gifts,
and nurture their leadership skills;

• Encourage regular dialogue with local organized
labor communities and reach out to unorganized
workers;

• Advocate for the economic, social, political, and
spiritual interests of working people, the
unemployed, and the underemployed within annual
conferences, districts, and local congregations;

• Be in special community with local workers and
management during grievances, organizing efforts,
contract negotiations, strikes, lockouts, or plant
closings; and

• Participate in ecumenical, interfaith, and other
community-centered efforts to serve working people,
the unemployed, and the underemployed.

Our denomination, its annual conferences, districts,
and local congregations, its boards, commissions, agen-
cies, hospitals, nursing homes, seminaries, and other
higher education institutions employ many workers. We

commit ourselves to be model employers. To this end,
we will

• Listen to the concerns of our employees and respond
to their suggestions and grievances;

• Encourage, not impede, their efforts to organize for
the purpose of collective bargaining; and

• Develop and distribute written guidelines based on
the Social Principles for use within the denomination,
its annual conferences, districts, local congregations,
agencies, and affiliated institutions which affirm the
right of workers to organize for the purpose of
collective bargaining.

The General Conference recognizes that these min-
istries alone will not solve the workplace crisis. Each
United Methodist must make a personal commitment to
join the struggle. We worship the Carpenter and admire
the wisdom of John Wesley. Both served working peo-
ple. United Methodists are well positioned to serve
working people. We are workers, bosses, farmers, shop-
pers, preachers, educators, missionaries, administra-
tors, corporate officers, landlords, doctors, bankers,
stockholders, and consumers. Embracing the spirit and
implementing the call of the Quadrennium of the
Worker, United Methodists can help working people
realize their full potential and find justice, peace, and
wholeness within their workplaces. By our actions, we
seek to proclaim the sacredness of the workplace and
the dignity of its workers.

Petition Number: 22891-GJ-NonDis-O; MFSA, WOH
BGM, 2 Churches and 19 Individuals.

Location of the General Board
of Global Ministries

We petition that the 1992 legislation requiring the
relocation of the General Board of Global Ministries
from its present site in New York City be repealed and
that no further action be taken in this regard.

We believe that the proposed relocation subjects
the Church to a grossly unnecessary expense, that such
relocation is a serious breach of the principles of Chris-
tian stewardship, and that the relocation would cause
serious deterioration of the quality of our service to our
overseas and national mission personnel, as well as
decrease the overall performance of our executive staff.

Petition Number: 22892-GJ-NonDis-O; Mission,
Church & Society Committee and Adm. C, Church of
St. Paul and St. Andrew UMC, New York, NY.

For the General Board of Global Ministries
to Remain in New York

Whereas, the mission arm of The United Methodist
Church, now known as the General Board of Global
Ministries (GBGM), has been established in New York
City for decades and continues to enjoy productive and
important relationships with denominational and inter-

1340

DCA Advance Edition II

denominational organizations in the New York City
area; and

Whereas, the national and international dimensions
of New York City allow for meetings with ecclesiastic
and political figures and organizations of national and
global importance; and

Whereas, to be the church of Jesus Christ through-
out the world means to be in ministry with and among
marginalized communities, including those in New
York City; and

Whereas, the multi-ethnic and national communi-
ties of New York City allow for the recruitment and
employment of persons of diverse backgrounds to en-
rich the life of the GBGM, thereby supporting "the right
of members of racial and ethnic groups to equal oppor-
tunities in employment and promotion (^ 72/1); and

Whereas, the Interchurch Center, where GBGM is
located, is a not-for-profit building that provides a wide
range of services specifically designed for church agen-
cies at below market rates; and

Whereas, international travel to/from New York
City is among the best in the world in terms of cost and
quantity and is necessary in carrying out the work of the
GBGM; and

Whereas, we are called to be wise stewards of the
Church's money; and the proposed relocation will cost
tensof millions of dollars which could otherwise be used
for national and world missional outreach; and

Whereas, the variety of and continuous access to
public transportation in New York City allows GBGM to
commit to reducing pollution and excessive expenditure
of natural resources, thereby promoting the integrity of
creation (^70) and thewise stewardship of the Church's
finances;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of
Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church re-
main in New York City to continue the national and
global missional outreach of The United Methodist
Church.

Petition Number: 22893-GJ-NonDis-O; Acosta, William
H and Casey, Robert T, VIR.

Use Cost of Relocating the GBGM
as a Missional Priority Fund

Whereas, the committee recommending a new site
for the General Board of Global Ministries has estimated
the cost of moving the board at $42,000,000 (forty-two
million dollars) and has proposed funding this move
over a fifteen-year period, during which additional inter-
est costs estimated at $30,000,000 (thirty million dollars)
would be incurred; and

Whereas, the general board is able to provide space
for its operations at its current location at a fraction of
what it would cost to move; and

Whereas, the general board currently does not be-
gin to have adequate funding to carry out all of its fifteen
major responsibilities as enumerated in ^ 1402 of the
Discipline; and

Whereas, a new infusion of funds would give the
general board the opportunity to better underwrite sig-
nificant current ministries and to begin exciting new
ones;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence not apportion $42,000,000 plus the cost of interest
to fund the moving of the General Board of Global
Ministries,but give $42,000,000 over a fifteen-year pe-
riod ($2,800,000 per year, or $11,200,000 for the quad-
rennium) as a special Missional Priority Fund to assist
the General Board of Global Ministries in doing the
work for which it was created. This fund would not be
an apportionment, but an asking. Each annual confer-
ence and, in turn, each local church would be informed
as to its fair share, based on the same decimal as used
in the apportionments for World Service and Confer-
ence Benevolences.

Be it further resolved, that the General Board be
asked to make timely reports to the Church through its
publications and in other appropriate ways as to how
these funds are being used, as well as a full report at the
end of the quadrennium to the next General Conference
not only as to the use of the funds received in the
1997-2000 quadrennium, but as to how it envisions using
funds that may be received in the 2001-2004 quadren-

Petition Number: 22894-GJ-NonDis-O; EPA
Conference, 1 Adm. Board & 2 Individuals.

Relocation of the GeneraL Board
of Global Ministries

Whereas, the 1992 session of the General Confer-
ence authorized the move of the offices of the General
Board of Global Ministries from New York City to an-
other location in the country; and

Whereas, the cost for such a move was not known
in 1992; and

Whereas, anticipated costs of between forty million
and seventy million dollars have recentiy been circu-
lated in the print media; and

Whereas, the 1996 session of the General Confer-
ence will receive a report from the Location Committee;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Board of Global Ministries not be moved from New York
City in light of the extremely high cost to do same.

General and Judicial Administration

1341

Petition Number: 22902-GJ-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

The Church and God's Creation

As disciples of Christ, we are called to be good
stewards of God's creation. Accordingly, we call upon
The United Methodist Church to adopt fresh ways to
respond to the perils that now threaten the integrity of
God's creation and the future of God's children.

Specifically, The United Methodist Church:

• designates one Sunday each year as a Festival of
God's Creation, celebrating God's gracious work in
creating the earth and all living things, incorporating
into it the Church's liturgical calendar and
developing appropriate ways for congregations to
celebrate it;

• endorses the work of the Interreligious Coalition for
the Environment and the World Council of Churches
Consultation on "Accelerated Climate Change: Sign
of Peril, Test of Faith" and urges conferences and
congregations to support their activities and
programs;

• supports the annual observance of the United
Nations Environmental Sabbath and encourages
conferences and churches to participate in their
program;

• recommends that annual conferences establish
annual awards to honor prophetic defenders of God's
creation from within their own constituencies; and

• encourages a simplified and environmentally sound
lifestyle throughout the Church, and requests that
Church agencies, conferences, and congregations be
stewards of God's creation by reducing levels of
consumption and participating in programs that
reuse and recycle goods.

Petition Number: 22909-GJ-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board & Goldman, June of IWA First UMC, Niceville,
FL.

Relocation of the General Board
of Global Ministries

It appears to us that the site selection committee for
moving the General Board of Global Ministries has not
kept faith with the earlier study committee. In selecting
Reston, Virginia, they picked one of the most expensive
sites in the entire country, a move that seems designed
to persuade the General Conference not to move the
general board from New York.

We, the Administrative Board of First United Meth-
odist Church, Niceville, Florida, do hereby petition the
1996 General Conference to reject this site proposal and
to authorize a committee to select another site.

Petition Number: 22910-GJ-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Cokesbury UMC, Marcus Hook, PA

Opposition to Moving the General Board of
Global Ministries from New York to Reston, Va.

Whereas, the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration at its May, 1995, meeting tentatively agreed
that costs of moving the General Board of Global Minis-
tries from New York City to Reston, Virginia, would be
added as a line item in the General Administration Fund,
which would result in an increase in apportionments to
local churches of 4% in 1997 and beyond; and

Whereas, the price tag for moving the General
Board of Global Ministries has been set at $41,853,000
plus interest approximating $30,148,000 over fifteen
years, totaling $72,001,000; and

Whereas, the outlay for such an unnecessary move
of the board will adversely affect the mission and minis-
try at all levels of the Church, cause severe relocation
problems for all staff members, and put on hold the
effectiveness of the mission agency of The United Meth-
odist Church during the planning, construction, move-in
process, and adjustment to living and working in a new
environment; and

Whereas, an arbitrary increase of 4% in apportion-
ments over fifteen years is a hardship for small member-
ship churches;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference terminate all efforts to move the General
Board of Global Ministries from New York City; and

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence reject all efforts of the General Board of Finance
and Administration to mandate a 4% increase in appor-
tionments to finance such a move.

Petition Number: 23018-GJ-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, Adell, WI.

Chairpersons of Boards and Agencies

All boards, commissions, committees, and agencies
in The United Methodist Church will have lay persons
as chairpersons and clergy as vice-chair.

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DCA Advance Edition 11

Global Ministries

Native American Comprehensive Plan

I. General Conference Mandate

The following is the action of the 1992 General
Conference:

"Action. Implementing the Plan in tiie Future.

The General Board of Global Ministries requests that
the 1992 General Conference approve the directions and
priorities of this report for the 1993-1996 quadrennium,
with responsibility for implementation delegated to the
general program agencies of The United Methodist
Church as needed. An interagency task force staffed by
the General Board of Global Ministries and accountable
to the same, will oversee the plan and make annual
progress reports to the directors of each general agency,
to the Council of Bishops and each annual conference.
The task force will submit a report to the General Con-
ference in 1996 and GBGM will present a report every
quadrennium thereafter.

'The task force will be composed of one director and
one staff person selected by each of the four general
program boards, and two members from each of the
following: Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference,
The Native American International Caucus, and the
National United Methodist Native American Center,
and at least one Native American member from the
Alaska Missionary Conference.

'The estimated cost for program and administration
will be $1,200,000, or $300,000 for each year of the
quadrennium. It is recommended that the source of
funding be new monies, as determined by the General
Council on Finance and Administration. We also recom-
mend that the proposed budget be attached for informa-
tion." (Daily Christian Advocate, Advance Edition,
Volume I, page 731 and Daily Christian Advocate, Daily
Editions, Volume IV, page 287)

n. Introduction: Native Americans
Today

A. Native Americans in TTie United
Methodist Church

The 1992 United Methodist General Conference,
mandated a Native American Comprehensive Plan
(NACP) with a budget of $1.2 million. The final negoti-
ated amount for this four-year program was $900,000. It
was not until the midpoint of the present quadrennium
1994 that Native American Comprehensive Plan Task

Force began its work. In August 1994, the task force
developed the following Four Directions for the Plan.

1. Leadership Development

Native people need to be seen not as a mission of
the Church, but as a partner in the ministry of Jesus
Christ. The NACP found that in order for native people
to be a part of the Church, they needed to be involved
in ministry and leadership at all levels. Being involved
in the designing of leadership events will insure more
Native American participation. There is a need to iden-
tify Native American role models in the Church for our
youth and children. A key finding of the NACP was the
need for Native Americans to help design leadership
events and curriculum. Native American leadership
would insure sensitivity to the needs, talents, and cul-
ture of Native Americans. The NACP Leadership Devel-
opment Committee is responsible for recruiting,
affirming and supporting Native American leaders.
They are also responsible for developing model pro-
grams that will increase Native American participation
in the general Church.

2. Congregational Development

The NACP found there is a crucial need for new
models by which United Methodist ministries, in rural
and reservation Native American communities, could be
established, revitalized and strengthened. One pro-
posed programs was the development of new models in
the sharing of the Gospel with Native American families.
Other programs involved were the strengthening of
community bases, and ministries and/or churches or-
ganized that would promote and enhance the Native
American way of life. TTie expectation for these Native
American ministries/churches is that they would be
self-propagating, self-supporting and self-governing. It
was the intent of the NACP to utilize the various re-
sources of The United Methodist Church in accomplish-
ing the goals of the plan. A Congregational Development
Committee was charged with the responsibility to de-
velop goals to support these needs and to assure that all
aspects of these churches/ministries vrill be culturally
sensitive to Native American ways of life.

3. Native American Spirituality

Native American theology is about the tlieology of
Native Americans. Native Americans understand that
everything has spiritual significance. Thus the theology
of Native Americans is synonymous with Native Ameri-
can spirituality. This understanding sustains Native

Global Ministries

1343

American values, identity, and dignity as indigenous
people. The NACP Native American Spirituality Com-
mittee is responsible for helping Tlie United Methodist
Church develop abroad understandingof Native Ameri-
can ways of life.

4. Denominational Presence.

The NACP is concerned about The United Method-
ist Church continuing to respond to Native American
needs and concerns. Tliis committee will help Tlie
United Methodist Church be responsive to ministry
with Native American in the 21st Century. The Denomi-
national Presence Committee is responsible for devel-
oping structures within The United Methodist Church
that will keep the doors of communication open between
Native American ministries/communities and The
United Methodist Church.

B. Native Americans in Ministiy

1. Accomplishments of the 1992-1996 Native
American Comprehensive Plan (NACP)

Meeting in February 1995 the NACP took the Four
Directions: Leadership Development, Congregational
Development, Native Spirituality, Denominational Pres-
ence, and developed the following specific goal and
strategies. These specific work plans would be the work
of the NACPTF for the remainder of the quadrennium.
Throughout this report and recommendations you will
encounter the term "gatherers" and "gatherings." An-
thropologists use the term to describe the lifestyle of
Native Americans in the southwest. The NACP uses it
to describe the role of Native Americans who "gather"
other Native Americans for worship, fellowship, out-
reach and service.

2. Congregational Development

Goal: To develop, where needed and wanted, new
church and/or ministries. Also to revitalize and
strengthen existing churches. This would be in partner-
ship with the Native American International Caucus,
National United Methodist Native American Center,
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, four general
program boards and agencies, annual conferences, and
local Native American communities.

Strategy 1 : Develop initiative that oudines the part-
nership guidelines when creating new Native American
ministry models within rural or reservation communi-
ties and annual conferences. This will also include the
revitalization and strengthening of existing churches or
ministries.

Accomplished: Developed and shared the initia-
tive throughout the connectional Church. It includes a
vision statement and criteria for partnership. The guide-
lines offer technical assistance, support, and training for
annual conferences as a partner in developing Native
American ministries.

Strategy 2: Select one new church to be developed
in 1995 and one to be revitalized and strengthened in
1996.

AccompHshed: The NACP provided technical sup-
port to the Desert-Southwest annual conference in the
development of a new Native American ministry. The
NACP provided financial support and training for a new
ministry on the Navajo Reservation in the Desert-South-
west Annual Conference. This ministry began Septem-
ber 1995. The NACP is receiving and reviewing
applications for new and revitalizing ministries for 1996.

Strategy 3: To sensitize and train those working as
trainers in the Native American Training Program. It is
important that they understand the cultural context of
Native American churches and communities.

Accomplished: Ten trainers attended the first
Trainer's Orientation Program held September 30 - Oc-
tober 1, 1995 in Oklahoma City. These trainers coordi-
nated program, connectional support, community
resources, and cultural context for the building of a
Gatherer Team.

Strategy 4: Develop a program for the training of
Native American Gatherers. With supervision, these
persons will be trained to function in the role of lay pastor
in local Native American churches or in the staffing of
developing ministries.

Accomplished: Ninety-four participants attended
the first Native American Gatherers Training Program
held December 7-10, 1995. Gatherers trained at this
event make up a network of persons in annual confer-
ences who can gather Native Americans at new or revi-
talizing ministries. They may also assist pastors in local
church settings. Clergy, who attended as part of a three-
member annual conference team, received continuing
education credit. Annual conference staff persons were
also members of these teams.

Strategy 5: Assist Native American churches and
ministries in the development of new models, the revi-
talizing of existing programs, and the strengthening of
United Methodist networks that will benefit Native
American rural/reservation communities.

Accomplished: The NACP helped twelve persons
to participate in the Cooperative Ministries program
held November 16-19, 1995 in Louisville. Gatherers,
jurisdictional consultants, pastors, and members of the
Congregational Development Committee were there.

Strategy 6: Design a model for the endorsement of
Native Americans to serve as rural/reservation chap-
lains. These persons will pursue certification.

Accomplished: Enlist one person to petition for
certification and participation in the Cooperative Minis-
try program held in November 1995.

Strategy 7: Develop, in cooperation with seminar-
ies, a specialized track that will focus on Native Ameri-

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DCA Advance Edition II

can ministries appropriate for an annual conference to
certify for ordination. This will include a service grant
program, with assistance repaid through actual service
internships, and/or field experience assignment in a
rural/reservation setting.

Accomplished: The NACP is working with Boston
University School of Theology to develop this model.
We expect to recruit students for this training, begin-
ning with the September 1996 class.

Strategy 8: Develop models and resources for
those considering church-related ministry, certification
studies, and consecration and provide guidance and
support for those under endorsement.

Accomplished: In cooperation with the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Division of
Diaconal Ministry, the NACP will hold a diaconal con-
sultation in 1996 to develop models and resources for
certification and consecration, recruitment, and deploy-
ment of Native Americans as diaconal ministers.

3. Leadership Development

Goal: To identify, recruit, train and provide for the
whole support of Native Americans interested in the
ministry and mission of Christ in and through The
United Methodist Church.

Strategy 1: Develop a Continuing Education Skill
Development Program for Native American pastors.
The pastors will receive continuing education credit for
attending this program.

Accomplished: Working in partnership with the
National United Methodist Native American Center, the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and
the Native American International Caucus, workshops
are planned for each year of the quadrennium to up-
grade the leadership skills of Native American pastors.
TTiis took place at the National Native American Family
Camp July 1995. The continuing education program
included "Empowering the Laity," "Native American
Spirituality," and "Personal Health and Wholeness."

Strategy 2: Laity in Mission — Native American
Writers Training Program. Develop, in partnership with
the General Board of Discipleship, a Native American
writers training seminar. This seminar will attempt to
increase the inclusiveness of the present pool of free-
lance writers.

Accomplished: A Native American Writer's Work-
shop is scheduled to take place October 1-6, 1996, in
Nashville, Tennessee. This workshop will provide an
introduction to the variety of written resources needed
by the Church. It will also focus on writing skills devel-
opment, and actual writing sessions. There will be fel-
lowship times with editors and program staff and
networking with other Native American editors and
writers.

Strategy 3: Develop a process to study salary parity
of Native American pastors.

Accomplished: A model questionnaire requesting
information on salaries of Native American compared
with the denominational average was developed and I
then sent to Native American pastors and annual confer- I
ences. Each annual conference and the general Church
will receive the results of this questionnaire.

Strategy 4: Develop a Native American Jurisdic-
tional Consultant Training Program to help annual con-
ferences in the development of their Committee on
Native American Ministiy.

Accomplished: In partnership with program
boards and commissions, a consultant training program
was conducted September 1995 to train five persons, one
from each jurisdiction. These persons will work with
annual conferences to help in carrying out the mandate
of paragraph 748 (formation of "Committee on Native
American Ministry") of Tlie Book of Discipline of The
United Methodist Church. A key finding from the re-
sponses to a questionnaire was that only half the annual
conferences have complied with this paragraph. Some
annual conferences have refused to comply with this
paragraph. The consultants are continuing to work with
the annual conferences that do not have committees on
Native American Ministry in place.

Strategy 5: Develop, in cooperation with the Gen-
eral Board of Discipleship, a Native American Leader-
ship Training program.

Accomplished: This as a joint project of the Gen-
eral Board of Discipleship, the Native American Interna-
tional Caucus, the National United Methodist Native
American Center, the Southeast Jurisdiction Associa-
tion on Native American Ministries, and the Western
Jurisdiction Native American Council. Sixty-three Na-
tive Americans attended the leadership training event
May 18-21, 1995, held in Claremont, California. The
purpose was to train new (and some old) Native Ameri-
can leaders on the structure of the Church. Training also
involved General Conference and its impact on the local
Native American church. Responsibility of Native
American leadership in relation to this impact was also
a part of the purpose of this event.

Strategy 6: In cooperation with United Methodist
Communications, develop a training resource video for
Native American United Methodists from the May 18-21
ti-aining event that local Native American congregations
can use.

Accomiplished: The event was filmed and a 30
minute video was developed with a resource guide. New
and developing local Native American United Methodist
churches and ministries can use this video in training
new leadership in the local church setting.

Strategy 7: Develop phase two of the Native Ameri-
can Jurisdictional Consultant Training Program. This
program will enlist fifteen additional consultants, three

Global Ministries

1345

from each jurisdiction. These consultants will work with
local Native American churches and annual confer-
ences. They would help in visioning and planning for a
ministry in the Native American community. The con-
sultants would also help to provide access to resources
for these ministries.

Accomplished: Native American persons were en-
listed from the May Leadership Training event. The
fraining from that event will also be a component of
phase two. Components were: structure and resources
of the general Church available for local churches, as-
sistance for visioning and developing a ministry plan,
and how to obtain resources through grant writing.

Strategy 8: Develop a Native American Lay Speak-
ers and Parish Assistant Training model that will adapt
the present General Board of Discipleship Lay Speakers
and Parish Assistant Program to train Native American
leaders to lead in churches without pastors and assist in
churches that have a pastor.

Accomplished: The General Board of Discipleship
is working with annual conferences to recognize the
Native American Gatherers Training as an advanced
course in lay speaking.

Strategy 9: Develop a support network for retired
Native American pastors. In the Native American com-
munity the "old ones" are afforded a respect not found
in all cultures. Information helpful to Native American
minisfries can be exchanged between retired and active
pastors. In addition, this will afford the opportunity to
maintain the connection between the Native American
community and retired pastors. This will also offer a
unique opportunity to utilize the skills of retired Native
American pastors for staffing of new or existing
churches/ministries. These pastors also will provide
specific expertise for Native American programs.

Accomplished: During the National Native Family
Camp retired pastors and Native American communities
needs were assessed. A meeting to respond to these
raised needs and issues is planned for early 1996, when
retired pastors will gather to establish goals, strategies
and guidelines for continued programming.

4. Native American Spirituality

Goal: To help Native American United Methodists
and The United Methodist Church develop an under-
standing of Native American spirituality and native ways
of life.

Strategy 1: Create a survey insfrument that will
help to define Native American spirituality and native
ways of life.

Accomplished: The survey instrument was com-
pleted and tested with members of the Native American
Comprehensive Plan Task Force. A returned survey
instrument was completed by participants at the 1995
Native American Family Camp. The Oklahoma Indian
Missionary Conference has received and will share this

survey with their constituency. The results of the ques-
tionnaires are being analyzed. The Native American
Spirituality Committee will develop a resource for use in
The United Methodist Church.

Strategy 2: In cooperation with the General Com-
mission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns,
develop a Native Ainerican spirituality dialogue that will
help in the preparation of an approach or mission state-
ment sensitive to Native American culture and spiritual-
ity.

Accomplished: In trying to be frue to its task, and
recognizing the time required to develop this Native
American spirituality program, the Native American
Spirituality Committee recommends that these dia-
logues be scheduled during the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium.

5. Denominational Presence

Goal: To help annual conferences establish their
committees on Native American Ministry as required by
^ 748 of the Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
Also, to work with program boards and agencies in the
formation of board-wide Native American Advisory
Committees.

Strategy 1: Develop, in cooperation with the gen-
eral program boards and agencies, jurisdictional con-
sultants, and jurisdictional structures, a plan to frain
members of annual conference committees on Native
American Ministry.

Accomplished: The Southeast Jurisdiction held
the first training event October 1994, vrith twelve annual
conference committees on Native American Ministry
represented. Out of 15 annual conferences and one
missionary conference in this jurisdiction, fourteen con-
ferences have these committees. Training for the South
Cenfral Jurisdiction will take place August 1996. Out of
17 annual conferences in that jurisdiction, 11 have estab-
lished a Committee on Native American Ministry. West-
ern Jurisdiction training has yet to be scheduled.
However, present plans call for training during the fall
of 1996. The committee recommends that training for
the North East Jurisdiction and the North Central Juris-
diction take place during the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

Strategy 2: Consult and work with the program
boards, the United Methodist Publishing House, the
General Board of Pensions, the General Commission on
Finance and Administration, and United Methodist
Communications in the development of Native Ameri-
can Advisory committees. Advisory committees will
have a minimum of sbc Native American members. The
membership will include: members of the board of di-
rectors, representatives from the Native American Inter-
national Caucus, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference, the National United Methodist Native
American Center, and the Native American Comprehen-
sive Plan Task Force.

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DCA Advance Edition 11

Accomplished: A survey of the general boards and
agencies found that the following do not have advisory
committees: the General Board of Discipleship, the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society, the General Commis-
sion on the Status and Role of Women, and the General
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Con-
cerns. The General Board of Global Ministries
(GBGM), National Division, has a Native American
Linkage Group. This Linkage Group will become a
board-wide Advisory Committee when the GBGM com-
pletes its restructuring. Both the General Commission
on Religion and Race and the General Council on Min-
istries have Native American Concerns Committees.
United Methodist Communications has a Native Ameri-
can person on staff. The General Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry has agreed to work through the
Secretarj^s Council and the Ethnic Concerns Commit-
tee.

C. Native Americans in Society

To create a framework for its task and recommen-
dations the Native American Comprehensive Plan
(NACPTF) shares the following information on Native
Americans in society. This is important in order to un-
derstand the needs that exist and how Native Americans
compare with other segments of society.

Needing a framework for its task, the NACPTF
began by reviewing the 1990 Census as it relates to
"Indian Country." These reports show that there are L9
million Native Americans in the United States, including
Aleuts and Alaska natives. This is a 39% increase over
1980. At one time Native American nations and tribes
were able to take care of their children and elders. They
were taught that they were part of a family, not only a
biological family, but a tribal family. Native Americans
were also taught that they had a responsibility for every
other member of the family. This communal life ensured
that everyone received the attention and care he or she
needed. There was also a plan for the future. The Iro-
quois exemplified this when they asked, "how will this
affect the seventh-generation."

However, while attempting to deal with "their Indi-
ans," the federal government has reduced Native Ameri-
cans to "dependent nations." While the poor and those
on the fringes of society rely on individual subsidies, no
group has depended so heavily on promises (treaties)
as has the Native American. These "promises" were
agreements to provide support for education, basic
health care, and housing. Through these treaties Native
Americans also reserved land and resources for their
use. The federal government agreed to these "promises"
and "reservations."

Today, waving the cudgel of fiscal reform, govern-
ment bureaucrats are targeting an array of Native Ameri-
can programs for deep cuts. The social standing of many
Native Americans continues to worsen. At the same
time, the move is toward reducing many programs and
turning much if not all of the "Indian problem" over to

the states or tribal councils. If successful, this will loosen
a century-old partnership between the federal govern-
ment and Native Americans. Many critics and Native
American leaders long have charged, that these new
relationship will fail. This has led to skepticism about the
future of Native Americans and Native American na-
tions.

Much of what is "considered good" or "basic neces-
sities" in America has passed the Native Americans by.
The litany reads like a modern-day Trail of Tears. Ac-
cording to the 1990 Census, a third of the 1.9 million
Native Americans, including Eskimos and Aleuts, in the
United States live below the poverty level. For every
$100 earned by a U. S. family, a Native American house-
hold brings in $62. The per capita income for a Native
American living on the reservation is less than $5,000 a
year. Census data also shows that over 60% of Native
Americans live in major metropolitan areas. This is the
result of a federal relocation program of the 1950's and
1960's, which was for many, a dismal failure.

Just under half of those older than 25, living on the
reservation, are high school dropouts. Among teenag-
ers, the suicide rate is four times higher than all other
ethnic groups in the U. S.

In 1993, the Indian Health Service found that Native
American tuberculosis rates exceeded all other ethnic
groups by 400%, and by more than 900% over whites.
The mortality rate for diabetes exceeds the national
average by 138%. Native Americans also are four times
more likely to die of alcoholism than other groups in the
United States, and the fetal alcohol syndrome rate is six
times the national average.

Against this backdrop, federal assistance has been
steadily decreasing. As Washington attempts to make
sweeping reforms in the way it deals with Native Ameri-
cans, tribal leaders remain skeptical about whether the
government has their best interest at heart, to the point
that many Native Americans look upon the federal gov-
ernment as an enemy. Since the last of the great western
tribes were moved onto reservations at the end of the
19th century, more than 300 treaties have been broken.

This is shared to help the General Conference un-
derstand that this is not only a reference to the dark
pages of history, but a present reality. The Native Ameri-
can Comprehensive Plan exists to help the Church deal
with this reality.

III. Visioning for the 21st Century

A. Biblical Vision

The Bible tells us that "your young men will see
visions and your old men will dream dreams" Qoel 2:28c
and Acts 2:17). The Native American Comprehensive
Plan Task Force believes that there is a crisis in "Indian
Country." We will not repeat the economic and social
crisis material which exists above as background mate-

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1347

rial. However, there is also a spiritual crisis. The results
of the crisis are evident in our churches and ministries.
There is a lack of deeply committed spiritual leadership
with resulting economic and social crisis.

B. Native American Vision

This is the vision of Native Americans within The
United Methodist Church. We offer it with the hope that
we can move forward together. Please hear this: we
shall remain unified "for the common good" against that
which attempts to determine our future and destroy our
various spiritual and cultural values. It is our spiritual
determination to move with faith into the future. In doing
so, we will secure a place for our brothers and sisters in
The United Methodist Church.

Native Americans cannot and will not ignore or deny
the spiritual legacy left to us by our elders. Therefore,
all recommended programs will have unique Native
American elements that will consider the language, the
cultural values, customs, and spiritual values of Native
Americans. History shows that these cultural symbols
have either been consciously swept aside and forgotten
or they are being consciously and actively destroyed by
a society that is out of balance. This happens precisely
because the dominant society has lost its own spiritual
legacies.

Native Americans within The United Methodist
Church understand that there is no hostility between the
spirituality of non-Christian Native Americans and
Christian Native Americans. Many can embrace the
values and symbols of both without compromising their
faith in Christ. One powerful symbol that expresses the
meaning of the relationship between God and God's
creation is the circle. We are all part of this Circle of Life,
and therefore, all are relatives and members of the same
family. When we become aware of this, we then recog-
nize that we have a responsibility for every other mem-
ber of this family. In its recommendations, the NACPTF
will use the symbol of the Circle of Life and the Four
Directions (East, South, West, and North) to express its
vision.

IV. Circle of life and the Four

Directions (The East, The South,

The West, The North)

A. Recommendation for Mission

and Ministry with Native Americans

into the 21st Century

The accomplishments of the years 1992-1996 has
shown that the task as defined by the 1992 General
Conference is just beginning. Therefore, the Native
American Comprehensive Plan Task Force recom-
mends that The United Methodist Church continue the
present Native American Comprehensive Plan into the
1997-2000 quadrennium.

B. Additional recommendations

from the Native American
Comprehensive Plan Task Force.

It is with prayer and optimism that we offer the
additional recommendations to the 1996 General Con-
ference. Tlie Native American Comprehensive Plan
Task Force shares them as our vision and dream for
future ministries with Native Americans. These defined
recommendations will serve as a basis for envisioning
the 21st century.

1 . The East — Leadership Development

Many Native Americans perceive the sun rising in
the east as a symbol for new life. In much the same way.
Christians understand the rising of the Son of God as a
new life symbol. Christ has shown that new life occurs
when deeply committed persons are willing to offer
themselves in service. We are proposing several pro-
grams that will use the gifts and graces of Native Ameri-
cans. These are persons who will offer themselves for
mission and service with their brothers and sisters.

We are requesting that, during the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium, the program boards and agencies provide for
the recruiting and training of Native Americans in the
following programs. This will provide the foundation for
Native American leadership for the 21st century.

a. General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry

• Gatherers Training Program — ^The NACPTF recom-
mends that the General Conference direct the Gen-
eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry to
develop and conduct, in partnership with the General
Board of Discipleship and the NACP, an annual Gath-
erers Training Program. The Gatherers will be the
Native American leaders for new churches/minis-
tries or revitalizing and strengthening of existing
churches/ministries.

• Rural/Reservation Chaplain Program — ^The NAC-
PTF recommends that the General Conference di-
rect that the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, in partnership with the General Board of
Church and Society, the General Board of Global
Ministries and the NACP, continue further develop-
ment of a program that will recruit and train rural/
reservation chaplains.

• Diaconal Recruitment Program — ^The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Higher Education through its Dia-
conal Division to develop a Diaconal Recruitment
Program. This program will focus on recruiting Na-
tive Americans into the diaconal program through a
two-step program. The first-step would be a diaconal
intern program. Step-two would be the consecrated
diaconal program.

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DCA Advance Edition II

• Native American Grant Service Program — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the selected United
Methodist seminaries, the Native American Compre-
hensive Plan, the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry, and the National United Methodist
Native American Center be directed by General Con-
ference to develop a Native American Grant Service
Program. This program will provide assistance in the
form of grants to seminaries. The seminaries will
develop specialized programs that focus on Native
American ministries through ordained, diaconal, ru-
ral/reservation chaplaincy and course of study pro-
grams.

• Native American Mentoring Program — ^The NAC-
PTF recommends that the General Conference di-
rect annual conference boards of Ordained Ministry
to work with the NACP in the development of Native
American Mentoring programs. These programs will
be directed toward a national mentoring network that
will provide support for Native Americans in seminar-
ies and courses of study. The mentoring program will
provide a means for sharing Native American in-
sights and perspectives on common Native American
themes.

• Pastoral Care and the AIDS Education in Native
American Communities — ^The NACPTF recom-
mends that the General Conference direct the NACP,
the National United Methodist Native American Cen-
ter, and the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry to hold a national consultation on pastoral
care and AIDS in Native American communities. It is
so urgent that the NACP also recommends that this
take place as soon as possible.

b. General Board of Discipleship

• National Native American Lay Speakers Training
School.— The NACPTF recommends that the Gen-
eral Conference direct the General Board of Disci-
pleship to develop a National Native American Lay
Speakers Training School. The lay speakers curricu-
lum will include a Native American component and
material adapted to a Native American perspective.
The General Board of Discipleship will also be di-
rected to work with annual conferences to ensure
that Native American participants will receive certifi-
cation in their respective conferences.

• Native American Parish Assistant Training Pro-
gram.— ^The NACPTF recommends that the General
Board of Discipleship, in cooperation with the NACP
and the General Board of Global Ministries, be di-
rected to develop a Native American Parish Assistant
Program. The parish assistant curriculum will in-
clude a Native American component and material
adapted to a Native American perspective. The
NACPTF also recommends that the General Board
of Discipleship be directed to work with annual con-
ference boards of Ordained Ministry urging them to
assist the work and further education of the parish
assistant.

• Native American School of Evangelism. — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the General Board of
Discipleship, be directed to develop, in cooperation
mth the NACP, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference, the Native American International Cau-
cus, and the National United Methodist Native
American Center a Native American School of Evan-
gelism. This curriculum of the school of evangelism
will benefit from the added Native American perspec-
tive.

• Native American Writers Training Program. The
NACPTF recommends that the General Board of
Discipleship be directed to continue the Native
American Writers Training Program. This will be an
annual training program.

c. General Board of Church and Society

• Reservation Chaplain Program — ^The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Church and Society to work in
partnership with the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry and the General Board of Global
Ministries in the development of a program that will
provide training for the Reservation Chaplains Pro-
gram in the areas of economic development and crisis
intervention.

• Native American Issues — ^The NACPTF recom-
mends that the General Conference direct the Gen-
eral Board of Church and Society to develop a plan
for open forums on Native American issues across
the denomination. This plan shall include a process
that will provide information on Native American
issues on an ongoing basis to The United Methodist
Church and ecumenically.

• Native American Social Witness Program for Out-
reach— ^The NACPTF recommends that the General
Conference direct the General Board of Church and
Society to make available, on request, to every Native
American United Methodist church or ministry,
training and consultation on social witness during the
1997-2000 quadrennium. This program will be de-
signed and patterned after the gospel of Jesus Christ
The goal is to empower congregations to engage in
social witness in their respective Native American
communities.

d. General Board of Global Ministries

• Native American Mission Intern and Mission Re-
sources Program. — ^TTie NACPTF recommends that
the General Conference direct the General Board of
Global Ministries develop a Native American Mission
Intern and Mission Resource Program. This program
will be a joint project of National Division and World
Division. Treaties give Native Americans a unique
relationship with the United States. This relationship
has often contributed to devastating social and eco-
nomic conditions. This has resulted in a unique situ-
ation that The United Methodist Church can address

Global Ministries

1349

by acknowledging Native Americans as members of
sovereign nations within the United States. The
Church can then provide World Division resources
to these nations within a nation. Understanding this
relationship, the Church can then advocate with sen-
sitivity for Native Americans.

2. The South — Congregational Development

Warm healing winds come from the south. Christ
insisted that his followers were in the healing and res-
cuing business. New congregations and ministries will
be developed and supported. Existing churches and
ministries will be revitalized and strengthened. The plan
is to enable these churches and ministries to become
places where Native Americans can become aware of
the healing and reconciling power of God.

We recommend that, during the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium, the program boards and agencies provide re-
sources for new church and ministry development.
Also, we recommend that they provide the resources for
the revitalization and strengthening of existing
churches and ministries. These will provide the founda-
tion for the continued development of healing and res-
cuing churches and ministries in the 21st century.

a. General Board of Global Ministries

• Congregational Development Program — ^TTie NAC-
PTF recommends that the General Conference di-
rect the General Board of Global Ministries to
develop a Native American Congregational Develop-
ment Program. This will be a program to create and
support churches and ministries using criteria estab-
lished by the Native American Comprehensive Plan.

• Seminarians Educational Assistance Program — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the General Conference
direct the General Board of Global Ministries to de-
velop a joint program with the General Board of
Higher Education to provide seminarians tuition as-
sistance in exchange for contracting to provide pas-
toral leadership for reservation or rural Native
American churches and/or ministries for a stated
number of years.

• Reservation Chaplain Program— The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Global Ministries to assist in devel-
oping a cooperative Rural/Reservation Chaplaincy
Program with the General Board of Church and So-
ciety, and the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry.

• Native American Health Ministry Program — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the General Conference
direct the General Board of Global Ministries
through its Health and Welfare Ministries Depart-
ment and the NACP, and local Native American con-
gregations to cooperate in the development of a
National Native American Health Ministry.

• Native American Intern Program — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Global Ministries to develop a Na-
tive American Intern Program. This program will
train and support interns who will assist in the crea-
tion and support of creative rural/reservation /urban
ministries.

• Native American Young Adults in Mission — The
NACPTF recommends that the General Conference
direct the General Board of Global Ministries, Mis-
sion Personnel Resources Program Department,
World and National Divisions or their successor bod-
ies to assign Native American young adults to Native
American nations and tribes within the boundaries of
the United States, Central and South American, and
to overseas assignments.

• Native American Rural Initiative — ^The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Global Ministries to develop a ru-
ral/reservation initiative that will include the devel-
opment of new ministries and revitalize and
strengthen existing churches and ministries in rural
and reservation settings. This will include a coopera-
tive rural/reservation chaplaincy program with the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

b. General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

• Seminarians Educational Assistance Program. — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the General Conference
direct the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry to work in cooperation with the General
Board of Global Ministries, the NACP, the Oklahoma
Indian Missionary Conference, and the Native Ameri-
can International Caucus in the development of a
seminarian educational assistance program. This
program will provide a seminarian tuition assistance
in exchange for contracting to provide pastoral lead-
ership at Native American church or ministry for an
agreed upon number of years.

c. General Board of Church and Society

• Native American Justice Issue Training Pro-
gram— ^The NACPTF recommends that the General
Conference direct the General Board of Church and
Society to work in cooperation with the other pro-
gram boards and agencies in the development of
training programs that will assist in the training of
local Native American congregations in how to con-
front and advocate for justice issues in their respec-
tive communities.

d. General Board of Discipleship

• Native American Lay Witness Training Program —
The NACPTF recommends that the General Confer-
ence direct the General Board of Discipleship to
develop a Native American Lay Witness Training
program. This program will assist the other program
boards in the development of new churches/minis-

1350

DCA Advance Edition II

tries or the revitalizing and strengthening of existing
churches/ministries.

3. TTie West— Native American Spirituality

The west, a symbol of the Native American elders'
journey to eternity. During their earthly pilgrimage they
taught values that have enabled Native Americans to
survive, despite oppression, assimilation, genocide, and
termination. In the history of humankind conflict be-
tween cultures has been inevitable. And yet it is not
inevitable that Native Americans give up spiritual values
that have aided their survival and given strength and
meaning to their lives. Those who remain faithful to
these values should be encouraged in every way possi-
ble. The United Methodist Church needs to help keep
alive a rich spiritual legacy that can provide values sorely
needed by a culture seeking purpose and direction. The
United Methodist Church needs to assist Native Ameri-
cans in the crucial task of reclaiming and reaffirming
their spiritual heritage. There are many forces and poli-
cies that attempt to cut off Native American roots, which
have provided spiritual and cultural nourishment, and
thus created a people without roots or direction. The
United Methodist Church must join with those who
combat these forces and policies.

We request that, during the 1997-2000 quadren-
nium, the Native American Comprehensive Plan in part-
nership with the general boards and agencies provide
for programs that will help to reclaim and affirm the
theology of Native Americans. In addition, the Native
American Comprehensive Plan Task Force will conduct
dialogues on Native American spirituality. This will take
place with the general Church through jurisdictional
and annual conference structures. Data is now being
collected to create an appropriate model for achieving
this goal.

a. General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry

• Native American Theological Forum — ^This is an on-
going project of the National United Methodist Na-
tive American Center (NUMNAC) . It is recommend-
ed that the General Conference direct the NACP to
work with NUMNAC in continuing the forum. Possi-
ble other partners may be the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns and
the General Board of Church and Society. The goal
will be to develop a Native American spirituality pro-
ject. The project will explain that those Native Ameri-
can ways of life that include a centeredness within the
whole of creation can ensure a balanced life. This
theological forum will develop educational material
for use by the Church.

• Education Responsibilities Concerning Native
American Cultural Traditions — ^The NACPTF recom-
mends that the General Conference direct the NACP,
the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
and the National United Methodist Native American

Center to develop a curriculum that deals with The
United Methodist Church and colonial conquest. We
also recommend that this curriculum be available for
use by all United Methodist seminaries. This curricu-
lum shall include a process for the non-native pastor
to become sensitive to Native American culture, his-
tory, and language.

Native American Convocation on the Ordained Min-
istry— ^The NACPTF recommends that the General
Conference direct the NACP, General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, and the National
United Methodist Native American Center to spon-
sor a national convocation on the ordained ministry
early in the 1997-2000 quadrennium.

b. General Board of Discipleship

Native American Educators Forum — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Discipleship to develop, in coopera-
tion with the NACP and Native American educators,
a Native American Educators Forum. The forum will
develop a religious curriculum from a Native Ameri-
can perspective for Native American church schools
and the general Church. The project will ensure that
curriculum will be sensitive to the cultural and spiri-
tual values of Native Americans.

Native American Spirituality Dialogue Workshops —
The NACPTF recommends that the General Confer-
ence direct the General Board of Discipleship to
develop dialogue workshops on Native American
spirituality. These workshops will include the devel-
opment of a Native American cultural workbook that
defines Native American spirituality and native ways
of life. This resource will he helpful in initiating ex-
change between Native American United Methodists
and the general Church.

c. General Board of Church and Society

Native American Theological Forum — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Church and Society to work, in
cooperation with the General Board of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry, the General Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, and the
National United Methodist Native American Center
on a Native American Theological Forum project.
The focus for this project would be to develop an
understanding of spirituality and environment that is
consistent with the Native American perspective.

Native American Sovereignty Forum — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the
General Board of Church and Society to develop and
sponsor a forum on the issue of Native American
sovereignty and related issues.

d. General Board of Global Ministries

Native American Mission Statement. — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the

Global Ministries

1351

General Board of Global Ministries to develop a Na-
tive American theological statement. Tliis will form
the foundation for mission and ministry with Native
Americans and will be a joint project with Native
Americans. The statement will affirm tribal identity,
sovereignty and the leadership styles of Native
Americans. It will also give affirmation to Native
American cultural and spiritual values. These affirma-
tions will enable the forming of ministries and lead-
ership programs that are sensitive to, and compatible
with. Native American spiritual and cultural tradi-
tions.

4. The North — Denominational Presence

From the north come winds of power. These sym-
bolize the Holy Spirit as the power that guides and
provides direction for this prophetic vision.

We request, during the 1997-2000 quadrennium,
the development of programs that will provide informa-
tion, guidance, and direction for Native Americans.

a. The Four General Program Boards

The following are recommendations that the Native
American Comprehensive Plan makes to general pro-
gram boards:

• Jurisdiction Consultants Program — ^The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct that
the four general program boards develop within their
budgets a jurisdictional consultant line item. This
program will be the link between the local church and
the program boards. Each program board will be
directed to provide $25,000 each year to train and
empower jurisdictional consultants. These consult-
ants will resource local Native American churches,
annual conference Native American committees on
Ministry and Jurisdictional structures. Their respon-
sibilities will include, but not be limited to the follow-
ing:

— Survey Native American communities to deter-
mine where Native American churches/ministries need
to be developed or revitalized.

— ^Work with annual conference Native American
committees on Ministry in developing a process to revi-
talize or develop new Native American ministries and/or
churches.

— ^Work with annual conference Native American
committees on Ministry in assessing the needs and the
process to access the resources of the total United
Methodist Church (general boards and agencies, juris-
dictional and annual conference structures) to address
these needs.

• Native American Staff positions — ^The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference urge the gen-
eral program boards and agencies to hire Native
American staff for elected and support staff positions.
The NACPTF requests that when openings exist for

employment in program boards and agencies, that a
special effort to employ Native Americans be made.
This information will be given the widest possible
distribution. Two channels for this information are
through the Native American Communications Of-
fice in United Methodist Communications and The
Echo of the Four Winds. We especially encourage the
addition of Native American executive staff to the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and
the General Board of Church and Society.

b. General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women

• Native American Women Issues — ^The NACPTF rec-
ommends that the General Conference direct the
General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women to create a quadrennial strategy that will
confront the issues which will unique to Native
American women in the 1997-2000 quadrennium and
the 21st century.

• Native American Women Conference — ^Tlie NAC-
PTF recommends that the General Conference di-
rect the General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women to sponsor, financially and with technical
support, two educational conferences for Native
American laywomen and clergywomen, one at the
beginning of the 1997-2000 quadrennium and one
just before the 21st century. These events will offer
Native American women educational and networking
opportunities to further self, professional, and spiri-
tual development.

c. General Commission on Religion and Race

• Native American Board Member Convocation — ^The
NACPTF recommends that the General Conference
direct the General Commission of Religion and Race
to sponsor a convocation for Native American general
board membership at the beginning of the 1997-2000
quadrennium.

• Native American Issue Monitoring— The NACPTF
recommends that the General Conference direct the
General Commission on Religion and Race to con-
tinue to monitor boards and agencies to be sure they
are fulfilling their mandate regarding Native Ameri-
can issues and ministry and that an annual report be
given to the Native American Comprehensive Plan
Task Force.

d. United Methodist Communications

• Office of Native American Communications — ^We ap-
plaud United Methodist Communications for devel-
oping the Office of Native American Communica-
tions. Through this communication network
churches and ministries are being kept informed that
they are truly part of the United Methodist family and
not alone. Therefore, we recommend that the Gen-
eral Conference direct United Methodist Communi-
cations to continue to fund the Office of Native
American Communications.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Native American Fax Network — ^The isolation of Na-
tive American communities contributes to the many
negative factors in their community. To help deal
with this isolation, we recommend that the General
Conference direct United Methodist Communica-
tions to provide funding for the expansion of the
Native American facsimile network and to work with
the NACP in the selection and placing of additional
facsimile machines.

e. Recommendations to Jurisdictional Struc-
tures

Jurisdictional Networking— The NACPTF recom-
mends that the General Conference direct the Juris-

dictional Councils of Ministries and the Jurisdictional
Colleges of Bishops to work with the NACP in the
development of a process that will ensure the continu-
ation of Native American Ministries into the 21st
century and beyond. The NACPTF also recommends
that the General Conference direct that by the end of
the 1997-2000 quadrennium jurisdictions will have, if
not a full-time, at least a part-time Native American
staff person to work with the jurisdictional structures.
The United Methodist Church must demonstrate
that it is intentional about Native American minis-
tries. This staff person will ensure that Native Ameri-
can programs will continue in the jurisdictions
beyond the Native American Comprehensive Plan.

V. Budget

Native American Comprehensive Plan

A. Administration

B. General Operating Expenses.

C. Programs

Total request

A. Administration

Full time Coordinator 60,000 x 4 years
Benefits (computed at 25% of total)
15,000x4 years

Total salary for 4 years

500,000
160,000
540,000

1.2 million

500,000
240,000

60,000
300,000

Administrative Assistant 37,500 x 4 years 150,000
Benefits (computed at 25% of total)

9, 375 X 4 years 50,000

Total salary for 4 years 200,000

B. General Operating Expense

Phone, conference calls, facsimile network

4000x4 years 16,000

Postage and printing 2,000 x 4 years 8,000

Office supplies 1 ,500 x 4 years 6,000
Travel and related expenses

Coordinator 7,000 x 4 years 28,000

Task Force meetings 12,000 x 4 years 48,000
Task Force committee meetings

9,900 x 4 years 39,600

Rent 3,000 x 4 years 14,400

Total Operating Expense for 4 years 160,000

C. Quadrennial Programs

Leadership Development 150,000

Native American Gatherers Training Program (GBHEM, GBOD)

Native American Rural/Reservation Training Program (GBHEM, GBGM, GBCS)

Native American Diaconal Recruitment Program (GBHEM)

Native American Grant Sen/ice Program (Seminaries, GBHEM, NUMNAC)

Native American Mentoring Program (Annual Conferences, GBHEM)

National Lay Speakers Training School (GBOD, Annual Conferences)

Native American Parish Assistant Training Program (GBGM, GBOD)

Native American School of Evangelism (GBOD, OIMC, NAIC, NUMNAC)

Native American Writers Program (GBOD)

Global Ministries 1353

Native American Mission Intern and Mission Resources (GBGM)

Pastoral Care and AIDS Education in Native American Communities (NUMNAC, GBHEM)

Native American Issues (GBCS)

Native American Social Witness Program (GBCS)

Congregational Development 150,000

Native American Congregation Development Program (GBGM)

Native American Seminarians Educational Assistance Program (GBGM, GBHEM)

Native American Reservation Chaplaincy Program (GBGM, GBHEM, GBCS)

Native American Health Ministry Program (GBGM)

Native American Intern Program (GBGM)

Native American Justice Issue Training Program for Outreach (GBCS)

Native American Lay Witness Training Program (GBOD)

Native American Young Adults in Mission (GBGM)

Native American Rural Initiative (GBGM)

Native American Spirituality 140,000

Native American Theological Forum (NUMNAC, GCCUIC, GBCS)

Education Responsibilities Concerning Native American Cultural Traditions (GBHEM, NUMNAC)

Native American Convocation on the Ordained Ministry (NUMNAC, GBHEM)

Native American Educators Forum (GBOD)

Native American Spirituality Dialogue Worl<shops (GBOD, GCCUIC)

Native American Sovereignty Forum (GBCS)

Native American Mission Statement (GBGM)

Denominational Presence 100,000

Native American Jurisdictional Consultants

Training Program (GBGM, GBHEM, GBOD, GBCS, Annual Conferences)

Native American Women Issues (GCSRW)

Native American Women Conference (GCSRW)

Native American Board Member Convocation (GCORR)

Native American Issue Monitoring (GCORR)

Native American Facsimile Network (NAIC, UMCOM)

Jurisdictional Networking (all jurisdictions)

Committees on Native American Ministry (Par. 748 all Annual Conferences)

Total Quadrennial Programs 540,000

VI. Composition of Task Force VII. Organization and Functions

of tiie Task Force

The NACPTF recommends that the task force for

the 1997-2000 quadrennium include one director, one A. The Native American Comprehensive Plan Task

staff person selected by each of the four general pro- Force will set policies and make decisions regarding the

gram boards, and two members from each of the follow- four directions of the Comprehensive Plan,
ing: Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, the

Native American International Caucus, the National B. There shall be five committees:

United Methodist Native Arnerican Center, at least one ^ Executive Committee made up of the chairper-

Nahye Amencan member from the Alaska Missionary ^^^^ the vice-chairperson, the secretary, the chairperson

Conference, and one Bishop assigned by the Council of ^^ ^^^ Congregational Development Committee, the

Bishops. It IS further recommended that the General chairperson of the Leadership Development Commit-

Council on Ministnes, the General Council on Finance ^^^^ ^j^^ chairperson of the Native American Spirituality

and Administration the General Commission on the Committee, the chairperson of the Denominational

Status and Role of Women, the General Commission on presence Committee, and the bishop assigned by the

Religion and Race, the General Commission on Chns- ^^^^^-^ ^^ gj^^ ^.^ committee shall implement the

han Unity and Interreligious Concerns, and United jj^j^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^j^^jj ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^

Methodist Communications assign one person to be a ^j^^ executive director, who shall report directly to the

resource person. This person will not have a vote. ^^j^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ Executive Committee. The Ex-

1354 DCA Advance Edition II

ecutive Committee shall represent the task force be- 4. Native American Spirituality Committee, which

tween meetings. will work with the executive director in planning and

„, , ,. T^ , ^^ .^ v- u -It implementing the Native American spirituality direction

2. Leadership Development Committee, which will ^^ ^^ NACP

work with the executive director in planning and imple-
menting the leadership development direction of the 5. Denominational Presence Committee, which will
NACP. work with the executive director in planning and imple-

„„ ,.• 1 T^ 1 ,./- -^ 1.- u menting the denominational presence direction of the

3. Congregational Development Committee, which NACP

will work with the executive director in planning and
implementing the congregational development direc-
tion of the NACP.

Native American Comprehensive Plan Task Force 1992-1996

Alaska Missionary Conference

Josie Bourdon (Inupiaq Eskimo)

General Board of Church and Society

Celia Cox (Cherokee)
Thom White Wolf Fassett (Seneca)

General Board of Discipleship

Joe Parker (Abenaki)
Alan Waltz

General Board of Global Ministries

Rae Fixico (Creek)
Cynthia Ann Kent (Southern Ute)

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Billie Nowabbi (Choctaw)
Kil Sang Yoon

Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference

Alvin Deer (Kiowa/Creek) (Treasurer)
Josephine Deere (Creek)

National United Methodist Native American Center

Ann Saunkeah (Cherokee)
Homer Noley (Choctaw)

Native American International Caucus

Cynthia Abrams (Seneca)
Sam Wynn (Lumbee) (Chair)

Resource Persons

Kenneth Deere (Muscogee Creek) (GCORR)

Anne Marshall (Muscogee Creek) (GCCUIC)

Ginny Underwood (Comanche/Kiowa) (GCOM)

Harold Wright (GCOM)

Fred Rowles (Cherokee) (UMCOM)

Myong Gul Son (GBOGM)

Coordinator of the NACP

Marvin B. Abrams (Seneca)

Global Ministries

1355

I

VIII. NACP Action Relating

to tiie National United Methodist

Native American Center (NUMNAC)

Acknowledging that the Native American Compre-
hensive Plan is an appropriate avenue to ensure funding
for NUMNAC, the Native American Comprehensive
Plan voted at its June 29-30, 1995 meeting in Nashville,
Tennessee, to include as an addendum to its report to
the 1996 General Conference its support for the NUM-
NAC petition to the 1996 General Conference with its
budget request. The NUMNAC report appears below.

Native Americans: Seeking an Approach
to Greater Ministry

In 1981 at a consultation involving the General Pro-
gram boards of The United Methodist Church and a
representative body of Native American people from
across the United States, it was agreed that the leader-
ship crisis in Native American churches required urgent
and strong intentional efforts on the part of the Church
to resolve. TTie National United Methodist Native
American Center was established. The General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry gave initial support
and administrative guidance. In 1984 the General Con-
ference recognized the National United Methodist Na-
tive American Center as a needed program for
enlistment of Native Americans for leadership in the
Church and referred the Center's request to the general
program boards for funding. Subsequent efforts to se-
cure funding for the Center (NUMNAC) resulted in the
same action from the General Conference until 1992
when the General Conference assigned GCOM to con-
vene the leaders of the General Program boards and
begin to work on a plan of funding for NUMNAC. Major
support during its years of service, has come from the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and
in recent years the General Board of Global Ministries,
the General Council on Ministries, the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race. Except for the support of the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, NUM-
NAC's support has been in the form of one-time grants
and other small individual gifts.

Program: With basic and minimal support, NUM-
NAC has established a programmatic base around
which we do our recruitment and orientation for Native
American ministry. A Seminarian Gathering which
brings seminary students to the Claremont campus for
the purpose of fellowship and learning as well as to
provide the opportunity for building a mutual support
group for Native American seminarians. NUMNAC con-
ducts a Continuing Education Program in conjunction
with the National Family Camp. In 1995 we awarded 21
persons CEU's and a larger number of certificates of
attendance as lay church workers who also take advan-
tage of the CEU workshops. The Native American Theo-
logical Forum is an excellent program developed by the
Center to bring into a friendly gathering Native Ameri-

can Christian spiritual leaders and traditional Native
American spiritual leaders. In this forum issues relating
to Native American spirituality both Christian and tradi-
tional are explored and discussed at length. Other pro-
grams focus on women's issues, especially clergy
women, and youth and young adult issues. We are
extremely in need of a research component as we seek
to develop teaching materials for lay persons at local
church levels and teaching curriculum for graduate
school levels.

The program efforts of the Center have been funded
in past years by special grants from the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of
Global Ministries, the General Board of Church and
Society, the General Commission on Religion and Race
and the General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women. In the attached budget program funds are not
included. We will raise these funds as needed.

Following conversations with the general board
leaders and Native American national leaders, it is be-
lieved that a more stable funding base should be estab-
lished; and two of the general boards have committed to
helping the Center achieve that goal. This will be done
through enabling funding for the next quadrennium.
Also general board planning staff will work with Native
American leaders to achieve the overall goal of providing
more workers in the field of Christian service and wit-
ness. This will create the means and conditions in which
Native American Christians are ever greater contribu-
tors in the overall ministry of The United Methodist
Church in the world.

Native United Methodist
Native American Center

Budget Projection 1997 - 2000

Basic Costs per Year

Insurance 2,960

Operational Costs (Equipment and Supplies) 11,061

Staff & Board of Director Travel 26,000

Salary & Benefits 119.979

Total Per Year 160,000

Projected Income for Quadrennium

GBGM 160,000

GBHEM 164.000

Total Income 324,000

Total Requested from the General
Conference

316.000

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 22014-GM-NonDis-O$; Native
American International Caucus ofThe UMC.

Native American Comprehesive Plan

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church mandated a Native American
Comprehensive Plan (NACP) with a budget of 1.2 mil-
lion dollars; and

Whereas, the NACP Task Force has implemented
the plan by establishing four crucial goals: 1) congrega-
tional development, 2) leadership development, 3) Na-
tive American spirituality, and 4) denominational
presence; and

Whereas, significant progress has been made in
carrying out the identified goals of the plan; and

Whereas, the NACP Task Force voted to continue
this viable ministry into the 1997-2000 quadrennium;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference fund the Native American Comprehensive
Plan for the 1997-2000 quadrennium in the amount of 1.2
million dollars.

Projected Budget for NACP — 1997-2000
Quadrennium

Native American Comprehensive Plan

Administi-ation $500,000

General Operating Expenses $160,000

Programs $540,000

Total Request $ 1 .2 million

Petition Number: 22037-GM-NonDis-O$; National UM
Native American Center.

National United Methodist
Native American Center

Whereas, the National United Methodist Native
American Center O^UMNAC) came about as a vision of
the Native American community in 1981; and

Whereas, the General Conference has approved the
direction of NUMNAC and referred the funding to vari-
ous agencies since 1984; and

Whereas, that vision included recruiting, training,
and deploying pastoral leadership for local congrega-
tions and strengthening local churches; and

Whereas, that vision also included sensitizing The
United Methodist Church to the need for Native Ameri-
can ministries and providing a forum for theological
reflection among Native American United Methodists;
and

Whereas, NUMNAC has provided leadership for
the Native American community and has been a critical
instrument for Native American ministry since its begin-
ning; and

Whereas, NUMNAC and the needs of the Native
American community are more critical than they have
ever been, with a Native American population in the U.S.
having increased by 39% from 1980 to 1990; and

Whereas, the population of Native American semi-
nary students has increased from 5 in 1992 to 25 in 1995;
and

Whereas, the General Board of Higher Education
has committed $164,000 to NUMNAC during the next
quadrennium to support its work in development of
pastoral leadership, continuing education, and theologi-
cal reflection and research; and

Whereas, the General Board of Global Ministries
has committed $160,000 in direct funds and an equiva-
lent amount in a mission position to NUMNAC to sup-
port its work in congregational development, family life,
and empowerment of Native American youth; and

Whereas, the General Board of Ministries has also
committed the resources of the office of Finance and
Field Service to engage in a development program to
underwrite the work of NUMNAC for the longer term;
and

Whereas, the total of this support is $316,000 less
than is necessary to support the budget for the 1997-
2000 quadrennium; and

Whereas, the survival of NUMNAC through the
next quadrennium is in question without the additional
support; and

Whereas, NUMNAC has strong support from the
United Methodist Native American community; and

Whereas, the Native American Comprehensive
Plan assumes the continuation of NUMNAC and has
assigned responsibilities to it; and

Whereas, it is imperative that NUMNAC continue
in order to give support for future leadership in the
Native American community;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference fund the National United Methodist Native
American Center for the 1997-2000 quadrennium in the
amount of $316,000; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Council on
Ministries provide the coordinating role for the
interagency support of NUMNAC.

Global Ministries

1357

Petition Number: 22102-GM-NonDis-O; Native
American Comprehensive Plan Task Force.

Native American Comprehensive Plan Report
and Recommendations

Whereas, the 1992 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church mandated a Native American
Comprehensive Plan (NACP) with a budget of 1.2 mil-
lion dollars; and

Whereas, the NACPTF has set up the NACP by
establishing goals and strategies in the following four
directions: (1) leadership development, (2) congrega-
tional development, (3) Native American spirituality, (4)
denominational presence; and

Whereas, the NACP made significant progress in
accomplishing the identified four directions of the
NACP; and

Whereas, the Native American population in-
creased 39% between 1980 and 1990 (U.S. Census); and

Whereas, it is important for The United Methodist
Church to understand the economic, social, and spiritual
crisis that exists in "Indian Country"; and

Whereas, the NACPTF has a vision that, if acted
upon positively by The United Methodist Church, vnll
enable Native Americans to become aware of the reality
of God's presence, through worship, fellowship, out-
reach, and service; and

Whereas, the NACPTF voted to continue this viable
ministry into the 21st century; and

Whereas, the NACPTF presents the Circle of Life
recommendations with a budget recommendation of 1.2
million dollars; and

Whereas, the NACPTF recommends the composi-
tion, organization, and function of the 1997-2000 Native
American Comprehensive Plan Task Force; and

Whereas, the NACPTF voted to support the petition
of the National United Methodist Native American Cen-
ter and NUMNAC's budget request and to include the
petition and budget as an addendum to the report;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference adopt the report and recommendations and
direct the general boards and agencies to implement the
recommendations and budget of the NACPTF report to
the 1996 General Conference.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference approve the NUMNAC petition and
budget of $316,000.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^731.

Petition Number: 22278-GM-731-D;CIL

Board of Global Ministries

Amend ^ 731:

1. ...work of the General Board of Global Ministries
as set forth in ^^ 1402-1403. The responsibilities of
the Board of Global Ministries may be assigned to
an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the Coimcil or alternative structure that
cares for the functions and connectional relation-
ships of the General Board of Global Ministries,
the conference, districts, and local chiu-ches.

3. There shall be elected annually a conference
secretary of global ministries who shall be a member of
the Annual Conference board or alternative structure
and shall be a member of the Annual Conference Coun-
cil on Ministries or alternative structure. This person
shall work with the Annual Conference Board of Global
Ministries or alternative structure and the Annual
Conference Council on Ministries or alternative
structure to provide the necessary liaison...

The conference secretary of global ministries shall
work with the chairperson of the conference Board of
Global Ministries or alternative structure to relate the
Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries or alter-
native structure to the objectives...

5. The Annual Conference shall establish a Commit-
tee on Parish and Community Development or assign
this responsibility to an existing or newly created sin-
gle-purpose or multifunctional agency in the Annual
Conference...

^731.

Petition Number: 22279-GM-731.4-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Disaster Response Coordinator

Amend'n731.4i)(21):

4. b) (21) To appoint Annual Conference Disaster
Response Coordinators to assist... the General Board of
Global Ministries from the Annual Conference. The
membership of the Disaster Response Committee
may include district disaster response coordina-
tors. Annual conference and district disaster re-
sponse coordinators shall receive training at least
once a quadrennium.

^731.

Petition Number: 22280-GM-731.5-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Conference Parish & Development Committee

Amend ^ 731.5:

5. The Annual Conference shall establish a Commit-
tee on Parish and Community Development or assign
this responsibility to an existing agency in the Annual
Conference that will fulfill the responsibilities....

^1401.

Petition Number: 22779-GM-1401-D; Aldersgate
Covenanting Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Board of Global Ministries

Amend 1 1401:

There shall be a General Board of Mission Global
Ministries,...

@A=^1403.

Petition Number: 22281-GM-1403.1-D; Nation United
Methodist Native American Center.

Objectives of the General Board of Global Ministries

Amend ^ 1403.1w:

1. m) ...The United Methodist Church is not a party
to any international comity agreement that limits....

^1418.

Petition Number: 22643-GM-1418.5-D; Nat. Assoc.
Deaconeses & Church and Community.

Voting Rights for Deaconesses

Retain ^ 1418.5 without change.

^1422.

Petition Number: 22662-GM-1422-D; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Correction of Discriminatory Language

Amend f^ 1422-1430 by eliminating "United Meth-
odist Women" as a separate entity of the General Board
of Global Ministries and creating a "Family Division"
that includes both United Methodist Women and United
Methodist Men.

Global Ministries

1359

^1422.

Petition Number; 22663-GM-1422-D; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Changing the Name of the Women's Division
to the Family Division

Amend ^^ 1422-1430 by replacing Women's Divi-
aioft with Family Division; by adding and United
Methodist Men to all references to United Methodist
Women; and by substituting family for references to

^1460.

Petition Number: 22282-GM-1460-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Training of Disaster Response Coordinators:
Responsibility of U.M.C.O.R.

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1460.8:

To provide training for annual conference and
district disaster response coordinators at least
once each quadrennium.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20087-GM-NOND-O; United
Methodist Women, LRK UMW + 44 Others Conf., 24
Dist, 54 Local Units, and 212 Individuals.

Affirm the Purpose of United Methodist Women
and Continue Giving through Proper Channels

We the Executive Committee of Memphis Confer-
ence United Methodist Women reaffirm the reasons for
which we came into existence over 100 years ago: to
spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through mission out-
reach of the church, especially to women and children
throughout the world.

This is emphasized in our purpose which states: The
organized unit of the United Methodist Women shall be
a community of women whose purpose is to know God
and to experience freedom as whole persons through
Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellow-
ship; and to expand concepts of mission through partici-
pation in the global ministries of the church.

We are therefore committed as United Methodists
and United Methodist Women to continue our giving
through the proper channels of our organization.

Acting upon our purpose, United Methodist
Women do not deviate from the Discipline or the Social
Principles of The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 20800-GM-NonDis-O; Clark,
Stephen E., First United Methodist Church, Phoeniz,
AZ.

Restructure of the General Board
of Global Ministries

I hereby petition the General Conference of The
United Methodist Church:

1. To replace the national and world divisions of the
Board of Global Ministries with divisions based on geo-
graphical bases (i.e., western/eastern hemisphere);
continental (Asia, North America, South America, etc.);
or other geographical division.

2. That the Women's Division of the Board of Global
Ministries coordinate their mission programs with the
new divisions drawn up on geographical bases.

Petition Number: 20890-GM-NonDis-O; Fields,
Thomas, Cape Girardeau UMC, Cape Girardeau, MO.

Requirements for Missionaries

This petition requests that:

1. A written application be required of persons want-
ing to be missionaries in mission stations in the United
States of America. Presently no written application is
required of persons wanting to work as a volunteer in
missions on a short-term basis.

2. Visiting missionaries to home mission locations
be required to attend training on the need to respect
different cultures. Presently no training exists for visit-
ing missionaries who are in short-term positions of one
year or less.

3. Residents of the local mission areas within the
United States be allowed to review applicants for mis-
sions and be a part of the selection process.

Petition Number: 22283-GM-NonDis-O; WVA Church
and Community Ministry Committee, UM,
Appalachian Development Committee & 1 Individuals.

Program of Church and Community Ministry

Whereas, current social and economic needs across
the nation call upon the Church for attention and action
in accordance with Christ's teachings; and

Whereas, developing contacts and linkages be-
tween church groups and community organizations is
key to the understanding of and response to human hurt
and need and is a primary strength of the Church and
Community Ministry program; and

Whereas, for many decades Church and Commu-
nity workers have proven themselves to be an effective
response of national missionary outreach for The United
Methodist Church in rural areas, and more recently in
urban and specialized settings as well; and

Whereas, Church and Community workers as na-
tional missionaries have numerous skills that have en-
riched and continue to enrich Christian ministry in town
and country communities, urban settings, and special-
ized ministry assignments; and

Whereas, the Church and Community workers are
the only cadre of missionaries serving within the bounds
of the USA who are employed and assigned by the
General Board of Global Ministries;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the program of
Church and Community Ministry be continued with a
cadre of employed and assigned personnel within the
structure of the General Board of Global Ministries
and/or its successor organizations.

Petition Number: 22284-GM-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship +Paige, Margaret.

Rural life Regional Centers

Whereas, the five regional rural life centers — the
Center for Town and Rural Ministries, the Gulfside
Assembly, the Heartland Network for Town and Rural
Ministries, the Hinton Rural Life Center, and the West-
ern Small Church/Rural Life Center — have provided
vital leadership and resources to the entire Church; and

Global Ministries

1361

Whereas, regional centers have provided signifi-
cant training for district superintendents, council direc-
tors, pastors and laity, small membership churches,
Committees on Parish and Community Development,
and others; and

Whereas, the demand for training, resourcing, and
networking continues to expand; and

Whereas, the regional centers have helped create
vital cooperative ministries, including cooperative par-
ishes, have empowered churches to renew a vision for
ministry in their local communities, and have provided
networking among district superintendents and council
directors across conference and jurisdictional bounda-
ries;

Therefore, be it resolved, that all regional rural life
centers be affirmed and receive continued support from
the General Board of Global Ministries, jurisdictional
and annual conferences, and local churches.

Petition Number: 22285-GM-NonDls-O; UMRF &
Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

AfBrming Rural Chaplaincy

Whereas, rural communities continue to suffer from
the loss of leadership; economic resources; jobs in agri-
culture, mining, timber, processing, and textiles; small,
family-owned businesses; opportunities for youth; hu-
man service institutions; environmental quality; political
strength; viable churches; and

Whereas, God continues to call both laity and clergy
along with congregations and cooperative ministries to
be responsive to the hurts of people who suffer from
oppression, exploitation, and marginalization; and

Whereas, the General Board of Global Ministries'
Office of Town and Country Ministries has facilitated a
grassroots effort to enable local rural community and
church leaders to address the issues and concerns of the
rural crisis; and

Whereas, over one hundred persons representing
the diversity of The United Methodist Church have
become certified rural chaplains related to the General
Board of Global Ministries; and

Whereas, rural chaplains have received enthusias-
tic affirmation of the whole Church and have extended
fellowship to include ecumenical and international part-
ners in ministry;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church celebrate and affirm God's continued call of
persons committed to serving as rural chaplains in diffi-
cult times and places; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church reaffirm its commitment to rural commu-
nity/church development and vigorously pursue rural

chaplaincy as a significant part of resourcing renewal in
rural churches/communities.

Petition Number: 22286-GM-NonDis-O; UMRF +
Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

National Mission Personnel

Whereas, national mission personnel, which in-
cludes Church and Community workers, US II's, mis-
sion interns, summer interns, community developers,
rural chaplains, lay missioners, and others, have faith-
fully and effectively enabled The United Methodist
Church to facilitate mission and ministry across the
United States in settings often neglected and overlooked
by others; and

Whereas, for many people in the United States, life
is becoming increasingly difficult, with the basic neces-
sities of food, shelter, health care, job and educational
opportunities, child care, and transportation required
for daily survival often being beyond reach; and

Whereas, God continues to hear the cries of the
oppressed, impoverished, and neglected people; and

Whereas, God continues to call persons to offer
themselves for service with the poor to provide both
compassionate care and personal empowerment; and

AVhereas, The United Methodist Church, with its
unique Wesleyan traditions of identity and advocacy
with the poor and its historical focus on social issues and
human development, is challenged by God to be radi-
cally attentive and responsive to marginalized and dis-
possessed people and to bear responsibility for keeping
their plight before the total Church and world commu-
nity; and

Whereas, national mission personnel provide vital
leadership required to initiate and maintain cooperative
ministries, shalom zones/communities, etc. that focus
attention on the needs of women, children, youth, racial-
ethnic populations, the aging, and persons with handi-
capping conditions in both rural and urban areas;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church reaffirm its commitment to impoverished
people and oppressed communities in the United States
by creating and maintaining among its highest levels of
priority the recruitment, training, and placement of na-
tional mission personnel who can enable people,
churches, and communities to move beyond their pre-
sent circumstances to participate in healthy, whole com-
munities.

Further, be it resolved, that new and innovative
means of providing financial support for national mis-
sion personnel be developed as The United Methodist
Church at all levels confronts the challenge to deal with
limited available resources.

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DCA Advance Edition 11

Petition Number: 22287-GM-NonDis-O; UMRF
+Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

Office of Town and Country Ministries
and Office of Urban Ministries

Whereas, the Office of Town and Country Minis-
tries and the Office of Urban Ministries have been cru-
cial to the implementation of ^ 1414.13 and % 1415.6, .7;
and

Whereas, major economic and social problems such
as unemployment, violence, substance abuse, and
homelessness continue in rural areas and in the inner
city; and

Whereas, the vast majority of small membership
churches are located in rural areas and in the inner city;
and

Whereas, there is a continuing demographic move-
ment directly between rural areas and the inner city;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Office of Town
and Country Ministries and the Office of Urban Minis-
tries be continued in the structure of the General Board
of Global Ministries and/or its successor organizations.

Petition Number: 22289-GM-NonDis-O; UMRF &
Legislative Task Force Church & Community,
Workers.

Rural Crisis in the USA: Special Emphasis

Whereas, the existence and well-being of the entire
human family is directly dependent upon those living in
rural communities and involved in producing food and
fiber; and

Whereas, shifts in government policies and eco-
nomic changes around the globe continue to drive many
of the most experienced and effective farmers and their
families out of agriculture and off the land and to precipi-
tate the failure of rural businesses and industries in-
volved in fishing, logging, and mining; and

Whereas, the rural crisis in the USA that reached
an unprecedented high with the massive loss of family
farms during the mid-eighties continues to devastate
rural people, communities, businesses, and churches
with uncompromising cruelty; and

Whereas, the infrastructures and social institutions
that provide much-needed support in maintaining qual-
ity of life for those persons and families most vulnerable
and at risk continue to deteriorate in rural communities;
and

Whereas, key leaders for rural communities and
churches have been displaced and young people are
forced to seek opportunities elsewhere due to lack of
viable employment; and

Whereas, rural communities continue to be tar-
geted as dumping places for toxic waste and urban
garbage and suffer from contaminated ground water,
polluted streams, and questionable chemical applica-
tions; and

Whereas, God continues to be present with those
who suffer from injustices and who are driven from their
homes to live as sojourners in strange and unfamiliar
places; and

Whereas, God continues to call people to lift up
prophetic voices on behalf of those who suffer and to
serve in those situations where brokenness and hope-
lessness dominate life; and

Whereas, God calls The United Methodist Church
to be present with those who experience dehumaniza-
tion and humiliation in order that healthy life and com-
munity may be restored;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church designate
"Rural Crisis in the USA" as a special emphasis of the
Church, to be addressed at every level of the Church,
including establishment of new rural "Communities of
Shalom" and to be included by the General Board of
Global Ministries as one of its priorities in its work for
the quadrennium 1997-2000.

Petition Number: 22291-GM-NonDis-O; NCJ Urban
Network + The N.A International Caucus -i-. National
Urban Strategy Council.

Holy Boldness: A National Plan
for Urban Ministry

Whereas, the Holy Boldness National Urban Minis-
try Plan was developed by more than 1,000 United Meth-
odists representing urban, suburban, and rural
communities, congregations, as well as annual confer-
ences and national leadership. The plan sets forth a
vision, goal areas, and outcomes to organize and re-
source congregations and church-based community or-
ganizations for transforming urban congregations and
communities through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Whereas, the Holy Boldness Plan is a grassroots
movement that will empower congregations and
church-based organizations to develop local strategies
for urban ministry within present structures and exist-
ing resources to leverage new opportunities for urban
ministry. The plan is to be overseen by the General
Board of Global Ministries, Urban Ministries Division.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference adopt "Holy Boldness, a Plan for Urban
Ministry."

Global Ministries

1363

Petition Number: 22292-GM-NonDis-O; UMRF +
Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

Appalachia: God's Face Toward the Mountains

Wliereas, Tlic United Methodist Church continues
its mission and ministry denominationally, as directed
by the General Conference of 1968, through the coordi-
nation of the United Methodist Appalachian Develop-
ment Committee, and ecumenically through the
Commission on Religion in Appalachia; and

Whereas, the plight of the Appalachian region, with
the exploitation of its people and natural resources con-
tinues to manifest a striking similarity to conditions in
developing colonized nations of the world; and

Whereas, focused efforts on the part of private,
church, and governmental agencies over the past three
decades, aimed at stimulating appropriate development
and at restoring health and dignity to the people and to
the mountains, have fallen far short of projected goals;
and

Whereas, the United Methodist bishops of Ap-
palachia, along with other religious leaders, have joined
the Roman Catholic bishops of the region in producing
their pastoral letter, "God's Face Toward the Moun-
tains," calling attention to the continued exploitation of
the people of Appalachia and of the land; and

Whereas, a study guide has been produced to chal-
lenge The United Methodist Church to revisit Ap-
palachia with all of its beauty and strength alongside the
need for renewed commitment to ministries of compas-
sion and hope;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church reaffirm its commitments denominationally
and ecumenically to be present with and supportive of
the people and churches of Appalachia as they struggle
toward the realization of the vision set forth in the
Appalachian bishops' pastoral; and

Further, be it resolved, that Tlie United Methodist
Church, through all of its boards and agencies, examine
ways it might be participating in the ongoing plight and
exploitation of the people and land of Appalachia.

Petition Number: 22293-GM-NonDis-0$; The Native
American International Caucus of The, United
Methodist Church.

National Plan for Hispanic Ministries

Whereas, the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries
was adopted by the 1992 General Conference; and

Whereas, the first quadrennium has been used to
establish the infrastructure that was needed to accom-
plish some of the goals. The plan's goals are the creation
of 1,000 faith communities; the training and deployment
of 2,000 lay missionaries; and the establishment of 3,000

outreach ministries, 500 church schools, 100 new con-
gregations, and 100 revitalized churches; and

Whereas, the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries
Committee voted to continue the plan at its February
17-19 meeting in San Francisco for the 1997-2000 quad-
rennium with 3.1 million dollars to fund the plan during
that period; and

Whereas, the Native American Community believes
that the plan should be continued;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference approve the plan's continuation for the 1997-
2000 quadrennium and approve 3.1 million dollars to
fund the plan during that period.

Petition Number: 22294-GM-NonDis-0$; UMRF +
Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

Continuation of the Shalom Initiative

Whereas, the Shalom Initiative has made a differ-
ence in several urban neighborhoods as congregations
have worked with community leaders locally to share
God's love with all persons; and

Whereas, the blight and decay of many urban neigh-
borhoods and communities continue growing at an
alarming rate; and

Whereas, many town and rural communities con-
tinue in crisis due to the loss of family farms and other
rural-related businesses and industries, resulting in un-
employment and underemployment; and

Whereas, there are critically diminishing supports
for basic human services in numerous rural communi-
ties; youth continue to struggle in hopelessness in many
rural communities; and many rural communities and
urban neighborhoods are striving for wholeness and
health; and

Whereas, there are lay and clergy persons who
sense God's call to offer themselves and their gifts for
service in rural and urban communities and neighbor-
hoods so that personal and family life again will be
meaningful and creative patterns of congregational min-
istry and community life can again be established;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence continue the Communities of Shalom Initiative in
urban neighborhoods while continuing to expand the
initiative into town and rural communities.

Petition Number: 22348-GM-NonDis-O; Francis, John
Ed.& Carolyn +52 Other Missionaries, GBGM, World
Division, Missionaries in Okinawa, Ginowan-shi,
Okinawa.

The Search for Peace and Justice in Okinawa

In recognition of the great investment that The
United Methodist Church has made in the mission of

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DCA Advance Edition II

the Church in Okinawa Qapan) since the turn of the
century, with the arrival of the first Methodist mission-
ary, this resolution is presented to request the support
of United Methodist congregations for one of the urgent
issues in mission of the Okinawa District of The United
Methodist Church in Japan, the Christian body with
which The United Methodist Church has a cooperative
mission relationship.

With 1995 commemorating the 50th year since the
end of the Battle of Okinawa, the long-term oppressive
presence of U.S. military bases in Okinawa has become
a critical issue for the entire Okinawan society. In ac-
cordance with the Japan-AmericaSecurity Treaty, which
grants the U.S. "use of facilities and areas in Japan," the
United States military forces occupy 20% of the land area
of Okinawa Island, in addition to having exclusive use of
designated air and sea space for military training. This
vast military presence greatly hinders the development
of Okinawa and threatens the livelihood of Okinawan
citizens.

Even after Allied occupation ended on the Japanese
mainland in 1952, Okinawa remained under complete
U.S. military administration for 20 years, until 1972,
when the islands reverted to Japanese jurisdiction.

Private property requisitioned by the U.S. military
to construct the vast military bases after the war is still
held today, denying some 30,000 families the right to
live on and utilize their own land. Military aircraft pro-
duce ear-splitting noise on a daily basis. Military drills
endanger the lives of citizens and destroy the natural
environment.

Since 1972, the date of Okinawa's reversion to Ja-
pan, U.S. military personnel have committed 4,716
crimes. These crimes, which include robbery, murder,
and rape, imperil the fundamental human rights of the
Okinawan people.

The September 4, 1995, rape of an elementary
school girl by three American military personnel is not
an extraordinary case. Structural violence is inherent in
the enforced presence of the U.S. military in Okinawa.
The residents of Okinawa living around the bases be-
come the primary targets of this violence, with women
and children being especially vulnerable.

This latest rape is only the spark igniting the Oki-
nawans' anger over this and past crimes perpetuated
upon them by the U.S. military. Okinawan citizens are
demanding the reduction of U.S. military bases in Oki-
nawa and also a reappraisal of the Status of Forces
Agreement, the document that governs the presence of
U.S. military personnel in Japan.

The Okinawa District of the United Church of
Christ in Japan considers the militarization of Okinawa
to be an issue that the church is called on to address in
its mission of peacemaking. Following the resolution
acted on by the Okinawa District Executive Committee
of the United Church of Christ in Japan, a letter was sent

to partner church members in North America, including
The United Methodist Church, in the name of the mod-
erator of the United Church of Christ in Japan. This
letter appealed for support of Okinawan Christians, who
feel that it is no longer possible to coexist with military
bases and personnel.

In light of the above, this resolution requests the
General Conference of The United Methodist Church
to join with Okinawan Christians in urging the following
four appeals to the governments of the United States and
Japan:

1. A thorough investigation of all crimes and acts of
violence committed by U.S. military personnel stationed
on U.S. military bases in Okinawa and an apology and
compensation to the victims of the crimes;

2. An immediate cessation of all military exercises
that destroy the environment and threaten the daily life
of Okinawa citizens;

3. An immediate review of the Japan-America Secu-
rity Treaty (AMPO) and the Status of Forces Agreement
(SOFA), which completely ignores the laws of Japan,
imposing great hardship on the people of Okinawa;

4. Establishment of a peace not based on military
power, and the removal of all U.S. military bases from
Okinawa.

(These four appeals were directed to President Bill
Clinton by the Okinawa District of the United Church of
Christ in Japan.)

We submit this resolution to the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church, as missionaries
of The United Methodist Church General Board of
Global Ministries (World Division) assigned to the Un-
tied Church of Christ in Japan, Okinawa District, with
the full knowledge and support of the Okinawa District.
Attached to this resolution are the signatures of other
concerned United Methodists expressing their support
of this resolution in the search for peace and justice in
Okinawa.

Petition Number: 22364-GM-NonDis-O; Council on
Ministries, Jones Memorial UMC, Chattanooga, TN.

Media Education to Restore High Ideals
and Values to the Entertainment Industry

Be it resolved, that we believe that the quality of
visual and audio programming and the written word
influence our society to such a degree that we deplore
the use of nudity, sex, vulgarity, cursing, and the unnec-
essary horrific, realistic violence portrayed in the name
of entertainment. Further, we deplore the wasteland of
television talk shows based on low moral values, with
little or no redeeming values.

We feel that it is entertainment's moral obligation to
provide uplifting and enlightening programming. Our
society needs this influence to restore respect, dignity,

Global Ministries

1365

the value of human life, the building of character, and
the high ideals that are foundational to our country.

Therefore, be it resolved, that during the next quad-
rennium, The United Methodist Church enter into a
media education and improvement program with the
goal of restoring high ideals and values to the entertain-
ment industry.

Petition Number: 22485-GM-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Abusive Treatment Methods for Persons
vidth Mental Disabilities

A large part of the ministry of our Lord focused on
persons with mental disabilities. Such persons are chil-
dren of God and, therefore, our brothers and sisters
within God's family. The full and equal rights of persons
with mental disabilities are enshrined in the Social Prin-
ciples of The United Methodist Church.

Yet the use of abusive treatment methods as "ther-
apj^' for persons wath mental disabilities still occurs.
Such abusive treatment methods are used on both
adults and children, and programs that rely on such
abusive treatment methods are often funded by tax
revenues. A number of organizations that advocate for
persons with mental disabilities have already taken
stands against abusive treatment methods.

The United Methodist Church joins in affirming the
right of persons with disabilities to freedom from abu-
sive treatment methods. We oppose the use of any form
of punishment for children or adults with mental disabili-
ties in any case where such punishment would be con-
sidered illegal, abusive, or unconscionable if applied to
a child or adult who is not disabled. In particular, we
condemn as unacceptable the following practices:

1) Treatment methods which result in physical in-
jury or tissue damage to the person;

2) Verbal abuse or insult, humiliation, or degrada-
tion;

3) Prolonged isolation from others;

4) Denial of food, warmth, hygiene, contact with
other human beings, or other necessities of life;

5) The use of electric shock or noxious substances
as a form of punishment;

6) The use of any punishment on a child with a
mental disability that would be considered child abuse
if used on a child with no disabilities;

7) Neglect;

8) The misuse of physical or chemical restraint;

9) The threat of any of the above treatments;

Any therapy used in the treatment of persons with
mental disabilities must be potentially beneficial to the

person. As an alternative to abusive treatment methods,
we support the use of positive approaches in the treat-
ment of persons with mental disabilities. Positive ap-
proaches affirm the humanity of these persons and
recognize that the needs and desires of such persons
are not significantly different from those of other per-
sons. Our obligation to persons with mental disabilities
is to support and assist them in their efforts to live lives
as rich and rewarding as possible.

We call upon all public and private agencies and
service providers involved in treating persons with men-
tal disabilities to adopt and uphold the standards set
forth in this resolution.

We call upon United Methodist church-related in-
stitutions and agencies, including hospitals, homes,
schools, and universities to adopt and uphold the stand-
ards set forth in this resolution and to support research
on positive treatment methods.

We call upon governments at all levels to end imme-
diately the expenditure of public revenues on any
agency or program that fails to adopt and uphold the
standards set forth in this resolution.

The United Methodist Church declares itself to be
open to persons with mental disabilities and their fami-
lies, commits itself to support such persons and families
and to accommodate their needs within our community.
We further pledge our support to help persons with
mental disabilities and their families find appropriate
services, programs, and supports, and to protect them
from abusive treatment methods.

Petition Number: 22486-GM-NonDis-O; Deer, Alvin,
OKL.

Resolution to Support the Return of the FT.

Reno, Oklahoma Lands to the Cheyenne

and Arapaho Tribes

Whereas, in 1869 the Southern Cheyenne and Ara-
paho tribes settled on five million acres of land in what
is today northwest Oklahoma, designated as a reserva-
tion for the two tribes; and

Whereas, in 1883 Fort Reno was carved out of this
reservation by executive order of President Chester A.
Arthur for "military purposes exclusively" with the un-
derstanding that the tribes would get the land back
when and if it was no longer needed for military pur-
poses; and

Whereas, in 1890 the Dawes Act disbanded the
Cheyenne and Arapaho Reservation and opened mil-
lions of acres to white settlement, but Fort Reno re-
mained a military reserve; and

Whereas, in 1949 the army ceased any further mili-
tary use of the Fort Reno property, and for 47 years now
the tribes have been seeking return of the Fort Reno
lands; and

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DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, the 103rd Congress stated in 1995 that the
United States Department of Agriculture research sta-
tion now located on the Fort Reno property be defunded
and closed as a part of Congress' plan to reduce the
federal budget; and

Whereas, this USDA research station no longer
serves a purpose other than providing subsidies to se-
lected local farmers and is being advocated to remain
open by Congressman Frank Lucas (R) of Cheyenne,
Oklahoma; and

Whereas, according to the Federal Surplus Prop-
erty and Administrative Services Act of 1976, property
declared "excess" vdthin the original Reservation
boundary of the tribe where the property was situated
was to be returned to the Department of Interior for the
tribes in trust;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church hereby
supports the efforts of the Cheyenne and Arapaho
Tribes of Oklahoma in having the Fort Reno, Oklahoma
lands returned to them either through executive order
of the President or through the provisions of the Federal
Surplus Property and Administrative Services Act.

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church, through the
Council of Bishops and the General Board of Church
and Society, urge members of Congress to declare the
USDA station closed and the Fort Reno property de-
clared "excess" and to authorize the return of the Fort
Reno lands to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of
Oklahoma through the provisions of the Federal Sur-
plus Property and Administrative Services Act.

Be it also resolved, that if it is more expedient for an
executive order to be issued by the President of the
United States in order to return these lands to the
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, that this
route be pursued.

Petition Number: 22487-GM-NonDis-O; Deer, Ahnn,
OKL.

To Support Restitution to the Cheyenne

and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma

for the Sand Creek Massacre

Whereas, in 1851 the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes
of hidians signed a treaty with the U.S. government
called the Fort Laramie Treaty; and

Whereas, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were
given 51.2 million acres covering three U.S. territories,
including the Territory of Colorado; and

Whereas, in 1859 gold was discovered at Pike's
Peak, Colorado, which was part of the land given to the
Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes through the Fort Laramie
Treaty; and

Whereas, the U.S. government was powerless to
stop the thousands of greedy miners who wantonly
violated the provisions of the Fort Laramie Treaty and
began to enter onto the Cheyenne and Arapaho lands to
establish numerous mining towns such as Denver,
Pueblo, and Colorado City; and

Whereas, the Territory of Colorado made it a public
policy to "rid itself' of any tribe (s) of Native Americans
through whatever means expedient; and coupled with
rampant rumors of Indian uprisings, attacks were made
on Indian villages where women were raped and food
and other possessions taken; and

Whereas, one of the peace chiefs, Black Kettle, had
met with the governor and with Colonel John Chiv-
ington to stop the attacks against one another and was
assured by Governor Evans that hostilities would cease;
and giving him a U.S. flag to fly over his village. Governor
Evans asked Black Kettle and his people to camp for the
winter at Sand Creek in southern Colorado; and

Whereas, on November 29, 1864, Colonel John
Chivington, a Methodist lay preacher, did lead the 3rd
Regiment of the 1st Colorado Volunteers into apre-dawn
attack upon Black Kettle and his peaceful village at Sand
Creek, killing over 200 people, most of whom were
women and children; and

Whereas, horrible acts of inhumanity were commit-
ted upon the dead in the Cheyenne village, with bodies
mutilated and dismembered, and then taken to display
in a parade through downtown Denver; and

Whereas, the history of the hostilities of the White
men against the Indians of Colorado was fought purely
for gold and riches, which the Indians had no use for, as
their values were different from those of the White man;
and

Whereas, this wrong against humanity was acknow-
ledged by the U.S. government, resulting in the 39th
Congress awarding the descendants of the survivors of
this massacre millions of dollars; but to this date not one
descendent has received any money award;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church do hereby
declare that this wrong has gone unrectified long
enough and support the efforts of the Cheyenne and
Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma in having the actions of the
39th Congress fulfilled; and

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church, through the
Council of Bishops and the General Board of Church
and Society, urge all members of Congress to respond
to the efforts of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in
having this money award appropriated and disbursed to
the Cheyenne and Arapaho people posthaste.

Global Ministries

1367

Petition Number: 22488-GM-NonDis-O; Szpak,
Michael, BMW.

Opposition to the Deportation of Salvadoran
Refugees from the United States

Tlie Old Testament directs us to care about the
"foreigners" in our midst (Exodus 23:9) and reminds us
that we too are "sojourners" (Leviticus 25:23) . The New
Testament recounts how Jesus and his family had to flee
to Egypt to escape persecution (Matthew 2:19-22). We
are told in Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hos-
pitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares."

The United Methodist Church has strongly and
consistently expressed concern for Central American
refugees and the peace process in that region, as stated
in the Book of Resolutions: "Immigration," pages 507-510;
"Assistance and Sanctuary for Central American Refu-
gees," pages 463-464; "Central America: Peace and Jus-
tice with Freedom," pages 557-561; and "Concern for El
Salvador," page 570.

Thousands of Salvadoran were forced to flee their
homes in El Salvador to escape death and persecution
because of civil war. Many came to the United States for
refuge.

Now that the civil war in El Salvador has ceased, the
U.S. government has ended the temporary protected
status of the Salvadoran refugees. Deportation proceed-
ings could legally begin; over 150,000 Salvadoran refu-
gees could be affected.

Children of refugees born in the United States have
no knowledge of El Salvador and will face great hard-
ships there. Moreover, El Salvador still remains a place
of danger for many of the Salvadorans who face depor-
tation.

El Salvador is a country in turmoil. The return of
thousands of refugees from the United States will have
catastrophic consequences on this small and impover-
ished country, which is recovering from a bloody and
debilitating war. Unemployment is rampant, and the
Salvadoran economy depends heavily on remittances
from Salvadorans living outside the country.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church oppose the de-
portation of Salvadoran refugees from the United States
and calls on the President of the United States and the
United States Attorney General to grant them perma-
nent residency.

Petition Number: 22489-GM-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

The Church's Response to Ethnic
and Rehgious Conflict

"Would that you knew the things that make for
peace." - Jesus of Nazareth

The tragic conflicts in such places as Bosnia, the
Middle East, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, and Sri Lanka,
as well as inter-ethnic conflict in the United States, reveal
the deep potential for hatred and violence in humankind.
Tliese conflicts pose a great challenge to the Christian
church as the mediator of Jesus' gospel of love and
reconciliation in the world, as well as to the wider relig-
ious community. The church's pain is only made greater
by the fact that so many of these violent conflicts pit one
religious group against another-Protestant against
Catholic; Muslim against Jew; Hindu against Buddhist;
or Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim against one another.

The rising tide of violence in the world threatens to
engulf communities, nations, and world civilizations. As
we approach the year of our Lord 2000, it is time for the
church to become proactive in resolving conflict and
developing alternatives to violence. Specifically:

We call upon the General Board of Global Ministries
to enter into discussions with Christian Peacemakers, a
group which provides a Christian presence in situations
of international, interreligious, and inter-ethnic conflict,
to explore the possibility of including United Methodists
on the teams which are sent to areas of conflict.

We call upon the General Board of Global Ministries
to incorporate the principles of non-violent conflict reso-
lution and interethnic and interreligious dialogue in the
Shalom Zone Program.

We call upon the General Board of Church and
Society, together with the General Commission on Re-
ligion and Race, to hold a series of interreligious dia-
logues to develop new approaches to mutual
understanding, respect, and cooperation, and to de-
velop, for use in local church and community settings,
guidelines on how to set up local dialogues and how to
develop and implement alternatives to violence.

We call upon our seminaries and United Methodist-
related colleges and universities to offer courses on
alternatives to violence and to sponsor local community
initiatives to diffuse ethnic and religious conflict. We
also call on our seminaries to encourage the study of the
theological roots of violence and of Jesus' teachings on
non-resistance and resisting evil.

We call upon the U.S. government, working with the
United Nations, to give leadership in retraining the
military for the tasks of peacemaking, peacekeeping,
reconstruction, and rehabilitation. This means reallocat-
ing funds from building weapons to building communi-
ties, from teaching to kill to teaching to protect life.
Modest beginnings in such an effort can be seen in
community policing initiatives in many of our cities, in
the peacekeeping force in Bosnia, and in the nonviolent
fransition to democracy in South Africa.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Petition Number: 22490-GM-NonDis-O; Shepard, Paul
M. & Stella D., Glenwood UMC, Glenwood, AR.

Care of the Elderly

Whereas, the total number and percentage of the
elderly of the population in the United States will con-
tinue to increase into the next century; and

Whereas, the health care needs in the form of basic
custodial care for some of these elderly citizens will
likewise expand; and

Whereas, individuals, families, and governmental
bodies all incur a great and growing expense for this
basic care; and the continuing ability to provide such
care cannot be taken for granted; and

Whereas, the ongoing expense for this type of care
could potentially bankrupt individuals, families, and the
nation as a whole; and

Whereas, there is potential for conflict in providing
for the health care needs of the elderly and the available
workers whose tax dollars will be used to pay for such
services; and

Whereas, present cost-cutting proposals and meas-
ures could mean fewer services and poor quality of care
for the elderly population; and

Whereas, the people providing such care in institu-
tional settings such as nursing homes are among the
lowest paid workers in America; and

Whereas, the profit margins of some institutions are
razor thin; and the needs of elderly residents compete
with the needs of investors for a profit; and

Whereas, many so-called nursing homes are no
more than warehouses for large numbers of crippled
bodies; and

Whereas, in many instances the elderly resident of
such an institution has survived most family members
and has only a church body to visit or to express concern
on his or her behalf; and

Whereas, Jesus has called his church to action on
behalf of the weakest members of society (Matthew
25:3440); and

Whereas, faith without works is dead Qames 2:14-
18); and

Whereas, there are potential curses for a church
body for not responding to a need that is within our
ability to alleviate (Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 3:15-
16);

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church will endeavor to:

Pray for God's guidance in this and all areas of

ministry;

Undertake a timely, thorough study of the need for
and provision of health care services to the growing
elderly population;

Identify and publicize programs and institutions
that seem to be successfully meeting the needs of eld-
erly individuals and groups, with the idea that such
successful approaches can be copied by others in their
communities;

Focus locally upon the spiritual, physical, and emo-
tional needs of nursing home residents and the home-
bound elderly, encouraging new or expanded services
at the local church level;

Explore the need for and development of new ap-
proaches in health care delivery that provide quality care
at reasonable cost for the elderly, their families and
friends, and society as a whole;

Research the potential for and promote the develop-
ment of new technologies to help debilitated elderly
individuals meet their basic needs for cleanliness,
safety, and comfort at a reasonable cost while promoting
job security and enhanced status for the health care
workers directly helping the elderly;

Mobilize the vast resources of United Methodist
individuals, groups, and institutions to this end.

Petition Number: 22491-GM-NonDis-O; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

AIDS

Whereas, AIDS has moved to epidemic proportions
in the United States; and

Whereas, AIDS is being transmitted more and more
through contaminated needles used to inject drugs; and

Whereas, recent statistics indicate that Blacks are
being disproportionately infected; and

Whereas, current information often does not reach
Black communities; and where it does, cultural needs
are not being addressed;

Therefore, be it resolved, that each local church be
encouraged to establish care-giving teams, which will be
trained to minister specifically to AIDS victims, their
families, and the Black community, using materials from
general Church agencies.

Petition Number: 22521-GM-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

The U.S. Agricultural Crisis

We strongly urge the adoption of the new resolution
"U.S. Agriculture and Rural Communities in Crisis" be-
ing proposed by the General Board of Church and Soci-
ety.

Global Ministries

1369

Petition Number: 22522-GM-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, WOH.

United States Relations with Cuba

Whereas, in his parable found in Matthew 25, our
Lord described nations being judged on the basis of
their response to the basic human needs of people; and

Whereas, in 1961, in the midst of the Cold War, the
government of the United States imposed an embargo
against Cuba; and

Whereas, under intense lobbying by Cuban exiles
in the United States, our government in 1992 further
tightened the embargo by enacting the Torricelli bill
(entitled '"Die Cuban Democracy Act of 1992"), the
stated purpose of which was to "promote a peaceful
transition to democracy in Cuba through the application
of appropriate pressures on the Cuban government and
support for the Cuban people; and

Whereas, those Cubans residing in Cuba do not
experience the embargo as "support for the Cuban peo-
ple" and regard it as an inappropriate pressure by the
United States to exert control on Cuba; and

Whereas, the Methodist Church in Cuba, the Coun-
cil of Evangelical Churches of Cuba, and the Cuban
Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops have all con-
demned the embargo because of its severe economic
effects on the people of Cuba; and

Whereas, the United Nations General Assembly has
several times voted overwhelmingly in favor of the
United States lifting the embargo and all restrictions
against Cuba; and

Whereas, the embargo severely restricts the ability
of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba at a time when the
Methodist Church in Cuba is urging United Methodists
to visit Cuba to dialogue with Cuban Christians; and

Whereas, the government of Cuba is now seeking
foreign investments, and the lifting of the embargo
against Cuba would create a new and important market
for American industry and agriculture; and

Whereas, the government of the United States has
aided transitions toward democracy in former commu-
nist countries by the removal of travel restrictions and
resumption of normal economic relations with such
countries;

Be it therefore resolved, that The United Methodist
Church, in light of the teachings of our Lord and our
historic commitment to peace and justice, and in light of
historic changes with the end of the Cold War, requests
of the President and Congress of the United States: 1)
the repeal of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and such
other legislation and executive orders that prevent the
normal working relationship between churches in Cuba
and the United States; and 2) the resumption of normal
diplomatic relations between the government of Cuba
and the United States; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
requests the Council of Bishops and the General Boards
of Church and Society and Global Ministries of The
United Methodist Church to advocate with the Presi-
dent and Congress of the United States for the aforemen-
tioned requests.

Petition Number: 22644-GM-NonDis-0;Terneus,
John, UMC, Yukon, OK.

Concern for North Korea

Whereas, citizens of North Korea are disenfran-
chised, impoverished, and deprived of owning property;

Therefore, The United Methodist Church requires
all boards, commissions, agencies, employees, etc., at
all levels to publicize, advocate and comply with, and
petitions the Untied States government to:

1. Withhold all financial, material, and personnel
assistance from North Korea, except for food and medi-
cine distributed to North Korean individuals by the
donors; and

2. Embargo all military and dual-purpose materials,
including nuclear stores and fuels from all individuals,
companies, and nations; and secondary boycotts against
all non-United States of America sources; and

3. Embargo all military exports from North Korea
and secondary boycotts against receiving individuals,
companies, and nations.

Until:

1. All North Koreans in North Korean and in exile
have free and fair elections for all adult North Koreans
guaranteed and the first election verified by observers
from at least ten nations; and

2. All private property returned to Korean families
and/or heirs as it was before the Communist govern-
ment confiscated it; and

3. All of the net profits earned by trade or services
with North Korea by non-North Korean individuals,
companies, and/or nations go to those individuals, com-
panies, and nations whose properties were confiscated
without compensation and whose loans were not paid by
the Communist government until paid in full; and

4. The North Korean nuclear power plants not re-
ceive any nuclear ore or fuel, and any in North Korea be
returned to the country of origin; and

5. All nuclear weapons be dis-assembled in the
United States of America and random inspections be
allowed everywhere in North Korea.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Petition Number: 22645-GM-NonDis-O; Terneus,
John, UMC, Yukon, OK

Concern for Cuba

Whereas, citizens of Cuba are disenfranchised, im-
poverished, and deprived of owning property;

Therefore, The United Methodist Church requires
all boards, commissions, agencies, employees, etc., at
all levels to publicize, advocate and comply with, and
petitions the Untied States government to:

1. Maintain the present economic embargo on
Cuba, with exceptions for food and medicine distributed
to individual Cubans by the donors; and

2. Expand the embargo to include individuals, com-
panies, and nations who provide investments, materials,
and personnel to Cuba; and

Until:

1. All Cubans in Cuba and in exile have free and fair
elections for all adult Cubans guaranteed and the first
election verified by observers from at least ten nations;
and

2. All private property returned to Cuban families
and/or heirs as it was before Fidel Castro's government
confiscated it; and

3. All of the net profits earned by trade or services
with Cuba by non-Cuban individuals, companies, and/or
nations go to those individuals, companies, and nations
whose properties were confiscated without compensa-
tion and whose loans were not paid by Fidel Castro's
government until paid in full; and

4. The Cuban nuclear power plant not receive any
nuclear ore or fuel, and any in Cuba be returned to the
nation of origin; and

5. All nuclear weapons in Cuba be dis-assembled in
the United States of America and random inspections be
allowed everywhere in Cuba.

Petition Number: 22661-GM-NonDis-0$; Folkers,
Robert L + Bowyer, 0. Richard, NEB & WVA

Cooperative Parish Ministry

Whereas, cooperative parish ministry makes avaO-
able a useful, creative, and flexible way for rural,
town/country, urban and suburban congregations, in-
cluding all racial and ethnic constituencies, in a "defined
geographic area" to share with one another in ministries
to their members, constituents, and communities and to
live out the guidance given in ^ 202 of The Book of
Discipline, 1992, which states that the local church is:

• primarily where the Church encounters the world;

• a strategic base from which Christians move out to
the structures of society;

• to minister to persons in the community where the
church is located;

and further, that one of the minimal expectations of
an authentic local church is "to cooperate in ministry
with other local churches"; and

Whereas, ^ 206.1 indicates that, with guidance of
the Holy Spirit, local churches "may enhance their wit-
ness to each other and to the world by showing forth the
love of Jesus Christ through forms of mutual coopera-
tion"; and ^ 206.2 defines cooperative parish ministry as
"an intentional plan of enabling congregations, church-
related agencies, and pastors in a defined geographic
area to develop a relationship of trust and mutuality
which results in coordinated church programs and min-
istry, supported by appropriate organizational struc-
tures and policies"; and

Whereas, four national United Methodist consult-
ations on cooperative parish ministries have been car-
ried out in response to requests from laity, pastors,
conference leadership, researchers, and other persons
skilled in cooperative parish ministry; and the Fourth
National Consultation on Cooperative Parish Ministries
was held at Louisville, Kentucky, November 16-19, 1995,
with an attendance of 476 with approximately another
100 not being registered due to limitations of space; and
in its final plenary, unanimously directed that a petition
detailing the cooperative parish ministry concerns indi-
cated in this petition be forwarded to the 1996 General
Conference; and

Whereas, a major study of cooperative ministries
was completed in November of 1995, which received
information from 504 of the 526 United Methodist dis-
tricts and found that 43 percent of the districts have
cooperative parish ministries of some type; and

Whereas, Strategy VI of the report of the Task Force
on the Small Membership Church, which was ordered
by the General Conference and received unanimous
approval from the 1992 General Conference, calls for
"The initiation, ongoing development, and support of a
cooperative/team style of ministry in which nurture,
outreach, and witness ministries can be more effective";
and three of the report's "Implementation Strategies"
refer to the importance of developing strategies, proce-
dures, and policies that will facilitate the use of coopera-
tive parish ministries for purposes of ministry and
mission by the General Conference, the General Boards
of Discipleship, Higher Education and Ministry, and
Global Ministries, and conference cabinets. Councils on
Ministries, and seminaries; and

Whereas, cooperative parish ministry, along with
circuits and stations, is defined as a type of United
Methodist pastoral charge (^ 205.2) ; and

Whereas, in "J 1006.14, the General Council on
Ministries is charged with reviewing and evaluating "the
effectiveness of the general program agencies in fulfill-
ing the ministries assigned to them (see 1 802.3)"; and

Global Ministries

1371

in ^ 1006.11, with resolving any overlapping functions
or lack of cooperation among the general program agen-
cies by "coordinating.. .programs where two or more
general program agencies are involved"; giving leader-
ship with planning and research, "thereby helping all
levels of the Church to evaluate needs, set goals, and
plan strategy..."; and in '^ 1006.8, with providing re-
sources to annual conferences and Councils on Minis-
tries related to their tasks; and

Whereas, the General Council on Ministries is
charged with the responsibility for training district su-
perintendents and directors of Councils on Ministries;
and

Whereas, in the twenty-first century, cooperative
parish ministries can be expected to shape shalom com-
munities of hope, where increased nurturing, outreach,
and witnessing by churches and their communities will
take place;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence direct the General Council on Ministries to:

• activate a process for consulting with the bishops of
the Church regarding the criteria that should be used
in fixing the charges and implementing the
appointment processes used with pastors and other
staff assigned to cooperative parish ministries in
rural, town/country, urban and suburban settings;
and

• initiate a careful study that will assess the
effectiveness with which the general boards and
agencies of the Church are resourcing cooperative
parish ministries and the annual conferences are
making creative use of cooperative parish ministries;
and further,

• secure annual progress reports from the General
Board of Global Ministries, which has primary
programmatic responsibility for cooperative parish
ministry, and from the other general boards and
agencies, the bishops and cabinets, and the annual
conferences on their roles and responsibilities with
cooperative parish ministries; and further,

• include training on the characteristics and particular
needs of circuits and cooperative parish ministries in
the annual training sessions conducted for new
district superintendents and conference council
directors.

Petition Number: 22710-GM-NonDis-O; Brownalenoir,
Richard, TEX.

The American Churches Service

Add a new ^ to the Book of Discipline:

The American Churches Service, under The
United Methodist Church, is to develop and
strengthen the ministers serving the deaf and
hearing-impaired communities in selected cities.

The program includes (1) the silent United Meth-
odist churches; (2) special schools (kindergarten
through eighth grade); (3) a silent residential high
school in each jurisdictional area of The United
Methodist Church; (4) a university to be open to all
students, both demand hearing, including a school
of theology; (5) the mission programs; and (6)
medical care programs. Other services that serve
the deaf communities are also included. The re-
sponsibility of planning the budget for the Ameri-
can Chiu"ches Service rests under the Council of
Deputy General Secretaries, Board of Directors,
and general secretary who will submit the budget
presentation to proper org£inization(s) of The
United Methodist Church and fiiendly denomina-
tion(s). The purpose of this fund for the American
Churches Service is to provide financial supportfor
current operating budgets, capital improvements
of the forementioned institutions, and ministers to
the silent communities. The American Churches
Service shall (1) establish the churches for the deaf
in the selected cities within any annual conference
of The United Methodist Chiu-ch; (2) support them
financially; and (3) have authority and responsibil-
ity over these churches.

Petition Number: 22711-GM-NonDis-O; MARCHA

In Oppositio of Building a Radar in the Lajas
Valley and the Town of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Whereas, the United States Marines have decided
to use 70% of the fertile Valley of Lajas to build a radar
station, which would nullify use of the land for agricul-
tural purposes; and

Whereas, the use of this radar station is not clear at
the present time, the information being that it will be
used to detect planes coming from South America with
drug cargo; and

Wheels, this radar station will not only take the
Valley of Lajas but will be in part located in the island
town of Vieques, where the operation of such equipment
would generate radiation in such a way that the land, air,
and maritime life on this island will be in danger of
becoming extinct; and

Whereas, all the diverse political, social, and relig-
ious communities of Puerto Rico have spoken against
the establishment of such a radar station in Puerto Rico;
and

Whereas, studies made in the United States have
proven the ineffectuality of this kind of installation for
the purpose designated; and

Whereas, the problem of drug addiction and drug
trafficking are by nature moral and social problems
needing that kind of approach for a solution instead of a
technological one; and

Whereas, the bishop of the Affiliated Autonomous
Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, pastors, and lay lead-

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DCA Advance Edition II

ers of the church are actively participating, from their
faith perspective, in this effort to oppose the building of
this radar station;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence support MARCHA and those sectors of the Puerto
Rican society that oppose the building of the aforemen-
tioned radar station, and that copies of this resolution be
sent to the president of the United States of America, the
governor of Puerto Rico, the media, and the Methodist
Church in Puerto Rico.

Petition Number: 22712-GM-NonDis-O; MARCHA

Encounter with Christ in Latin America
and the Caribbean

Whereas, churches of Methodist heritage in Latin
America and the Caribbean now have extraordinary new
opportunities for mission and ministry, with many expe-
riencing marked numerical growth and renewed vitality
in witnessing to God's redemptive work through Jesus
Christ, our Lord; and

Whereas, many of these same churches are strug-
gling with severe financial problems rooted in the mas-
sive poverty that besets the majority of peoples of this
region of the world; and

Whereas, Methodist churches in the Caribbean and
Latin America have made costly decisions in their his-
tory of self-determination, seeking to be more faithfully
incarnate within the diversity of nations within this re-
gion; and

Whereas, the churches represented by the Council
of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America
and the Caribbean (CIEMAL) and the Methodist
Church of the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA)
urgently need sisters and brothers who will share with
them in supporting new church development, evangel-
istic initiatives, and programs that nurture justice minis-
tries and respect for all persons;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence will encourage and invite support for the General
Board of Global Ministries Permanent Fund entitled
"Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Carib-
bean" (No. 025100), a designated giving channel that
provides a special means for current and deferred giving
in order to strengthen our shared ministries with the
Methodist churches of Latin America and the Carib-
bean.

Petition Number: 22713-GM-NonDis-O; MARCHA.

Free the Puerto Rican PoUtical Prisoners

Today we have fourteen Puerto Rican political pris-
oners in the U.S. prison system. These men and women
received sentences that are excessive and geared to-
wards punishing political activity more than the stated
crimes and for reusing to participate in the U.S. judicial
system process based on their own conscientious objec-

tion. The average sentence among this group is 71.6
years for the men and 72.8 years for the women.

A total of thirty Puerto Rican prisoners refused to
participate in the U.S. court system because of their
belief that the U.S. government was the colonial and
enemy power. They requested a war court trial and were
denied. Some of these thirty have served their sen-
tences; others were let go because no valid case could
be brought against them.

The United Nations' resolutions on decolonization
have clearly established that colonialism is a crime and
recognize a colonized people's right to end colonialism.
The United Nations also recognizes that these resolu-
tions and laws apply to Puerto Rico. For many years, the
United Nations Decolonization Committee has ap-
proved resolutions recognizing the inalienable right of
Puerto Rico's people to independence and self-determi-
nation. The injustice suffered under Puerto Rico's colo-
nial reality cannot be overlooked. President Bush
admitted that the people of Puerto Rico have never been
consulted as equals on their political status.

The call for the release of these prisoners enjoys
wide support in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and internation-
ally. Many civic, religious, and international organiza-
tions have also joined in the effort.

We, as Christians, have been called to identify with
the prisoners and their needs. We have been called to
bring justice to them when injustice has taken place
(Luke 4:18; Matthew 25:36).

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church advocate for
justice and freedom for the Puerto Rican political pris-
oners; that a letter from the General Conference secre-
tary be sent to the President of the United States asking
him to grant pardon to all Puerto Rican political prison-
ers that are presently found in federal and state prisons;
and that a copy of the letter be forwarded to Dr. Luis
Nieves Falcon, coordinator of the effort to free the
Puerto Rican political prisoners.

Petition Number: 22714-GM-NonDis-O; MARCHA.

Proposition 187 of Cahfomia

Whereas, Proposition 187 of California, approved by
the electorate of this state in November 1994, is an
attempt against the most elemental Christian moral and
human principles that govern our life as a people, requir-
ing even that schools and hospitals become branches of
the Immigration and Naturalization Service, as they
would be required under this proposition to report chil-
dren and adults who are not legal citizens; and

Whereas, as Christians longing for a heavenly
homeland, we are strangers in a foreign land but at the
same time present in a world that demands God's will
and justice; and

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Whereas, our holy Scriptures call us time and time
again to the defense of the marginalized of our society,
in particular, the poor, the orphans, the widows, and the
strangers among us; and

Whereas, Proposition 187 of California represents a
backwards step in our development as a nation seeking
interracial harmony; and

Whereas, the spirit and intent of Proposition 187
goes against the Social Principles of our United Meth-
odist Church, specifically "J 72^4 where it states: "We
reject racism in every form and affirm the ultimate and
temporal worth of all persons... We assert the obligation
of society, and groups within the society, to implement
compensatory programs that redress long-standing sys-
temic social deprivation of racial and ethnic minorities
to equal opportunities.. .to education and training of the
highest quality, to nondiscrimination in access to public
accommodations..."; and

Whereas, Proposition 187 is being challenged in the
courts, and it has been found out of compliance with our
constitutional rights;

TTierefore, be it resolved that the General Confer-
ence categorically, unequivocally, and totally repudiate
Proposition 187 of California and the abusive and alien-
ating spirit that it fosters and represents against His-
panic and other ethnic groups; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
make a call to all churches to be witnesses against this
and other forms of alienation of our ethnic constituency.

Petition Number: 22780-GM-NonDis-O$; Welton,
Marilyn, Grand Avenue UMC, Crowder, OK.

Ministry to Persons Who have Mental Illness

I have been deeply moved to petition you on behalf
of the mentally ill. This is a class of people in today's
society who would have been thought of as lepers in the
time of Christ. I believe that the universal church will be
held accountable by God for its apathy and its lack of
knowledge regarding the human mind, for it is the
human mind that houses the soul of a man. It is the soul
of man for which Jesus came to this earth, suffered, and
died.

The only reason the Church can use as an excuse
not to have a ministry to the mentally ill is that it does
not know or realize the extent to which mental illnesses
and its residual effects reaches. Mental illness is actu-
ally biological brain dysfunction. One in four families or
one in ten persons has chronic persistent mental illness.
The trauma caused by mental illness affects directly or
indirectly at least 50 percent of the population at any
given time, causing breakdown in societies, in families,
and in relationships.

The systems that attempt to address or treat mental
illness have failed. The Church, to my knowledge, does
not address it as a ministry at all; however, society will

not improve until this issue is addressed. Therefore, my
petition to The United Methodist Church is to de-
velop/fund a ministry to persons who suffer from mental
illness and to their families.

Petition Number: 22781-GM-NonDis-O; Deer, Alvin,
OKI.

The Sand Creek Apology

Whereas, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Okla-
homa have suffered extreme transgressions against
them throughout history in America's great westward
expansion; and

Whereas, one of the blights on America's past was
an event that happened on November 29, 1864, when a
Cheyenne village was camped on the banks of the Sand
Creek in Colorado. The Cheyenne were led by a chief
named Black Kettle, who, during a treaty signing cere-
mony with the Territory of Colorado, had been given an
American flag to fly over his teepee; and

Whereas, Chief Black Kettle had been told that if he
flew this flag, his village would be protected from any
American aggression because Americans would not fire
on anyone under the protection of the U.S. flag; and

Whereas, the First Colorado Cavalry, a unit of Colo-
rado volunteers under the command of Colonel John
Chivington, a Methodist lay preacher, led a pre-dawn
attack on Black Kettle's village, killing and then mutilat-
ing many Cheyenne, mostly helpless and unarmed
women and children; and

Whereas, this atrocity, had it been committed in
1995, would have been condemned by all the nations of
the world, and those responsible would have been
branded and tried as war criminals; and

Whereas, Colonel Chivington not only received
commendations for this crime against the Cheyenne
people but was honored at his death in October, 1894,
as a hero and pioneer that both Coloradans and Meth-
odists looked up to; and

Whereas, Colonel Chivington's funeral, conducted
by Rev. Robert Mclntyre, pastor of the Trinity Methodist
Church, was attended by over 600 Masons and several
hundred members of the Grand Army of the Republic,
the Colorado Pioneers Association, and the Pioneer
Ladies Society, plus survivors of the First Colorado
Cavalry; and

Whereas, Colonel Chivington, who had held various
pastoral appointments, including a district superinten-
dency, is buried in a cemetery in downtown Denver,
Colorado, just minutes from the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has held
itself up as a champion of ethnic minority causes and
prides itself in its ethnically diverse membership; and

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Whereas, the United Methodists began their mis-
sionary work among the Native American people early
in the 1700's and established many Native American
mission churches in Oklahoma as early as the 1830's;
and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has estab-
lished Native American congregations in the Cheyenne
and Arapaho tribal areas of Clinton, Thomas, Kingfisher,
and El Reno, Oklahoma; and

Whereas, the people called Methodists have never
apologized to the Cheyenne and Arapaho people for the
atrocities committed at Sand Creek, Colorado, by one of
their own clergy members, who, although commis-
sioned as an officer of war, was commissioned by the
Church as an officer to bring peace and reconciliation to
all of God's people; and

Whereas, the Cheyenne and Arapaho still carry
deep scars from this genocidal act, which manifest them-
selves, even today, both socially and spiritually; and

Whereas, we the United Methodist people, who
believe in the ministry of reconciliation for all people,
must now after 132 years offer a sincere apology to those
who have been vironged and further offer a healing
service to our Cheyenne and Arapaho brothers and
sisters; and

Whereas, this 1996 General Conference will be in
session during the Native American Awareness Sunday
ofApril21, 1996;and

Whereas, to not make ourselves aware of the pain
still carried by our Native American brothers and sisters
is to diminish the opportunities that Native American
Awareness Sunday offers to all of us;

Therefore, be it resolved, that this body of the 1996
General Conference extend to all Cheyenne and Ara-
paho a hand of reconciliation and ask forgiveness for the
death of over 200 persons, mostly women and children,
who died in this state where this great conference is
being held; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist
Church offer at this General Conference a healing serv-
ice of reconciliation, asking that tribal leaders, elders,
and spiritual leaders come and sit with us, pray with us,
and bless us; and let us heal the past and offer to one
another the gifts with which God (Ma-Hay-0) has
blessed each of us, acknowledging that racism is a sin,
but also seeing one another as whole people who need
one another, as we acknowledge that we also need God.

Petition Number: 22903-GM-NonDis-O; PA District
UMW, DOOM and Christ UMC, Christ UMC,
Waynesboro, PA.

Television Awareness and Evaluation

Whereas, the Scriptures teach "whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is

pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if
there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy
of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8,
NRSV);and

Whereas, 'TV Tune-In" USA is a project of Church
Women United in Ohio, adopted by the Chambersburg
District UMW and Council on Ministries;

Whereas, continued awareness of the impact of
television on ideas and actions of individuals, especially
children, is necessary from our Christian perspective;
and

Whereas, on-going action by increasing numbers of
individuals and churches is needed in order to influence
program and commercial content;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church:

1. Observe Television Awareness Week, preferably
beginning with the second Sunday in October, or as
local church calendars dictate.

2. Encourage pastors and church members to think
about the impact of television on our Christian social
principles and those of our children, through sermons,
group discussions, and study.

3. Use 'TV Tune-In" USA materials, Lf appropriate,
to develop awareness and action and encourage televi-
sion viewers to send opinions (positive/negative) to
advertisers, stations, and networks responsible for pro-
gramming and commercials on both broadcast and ca-
ble television.

4. Suggest implementation of the resolution
through several methods:

a. The United Methodist Women's Units: TV aware-
ness and action are logically part of the "Campaign for
Children" and can be used for Christian social involve-
ment and supportive community focus, through pro-
grams, announcements, and the use of 'TV-Tune-In"
USA materials.

b. At the local level: Action can be encouraged
through prayer, through the work areas of Church and
Society, Religion and Race, Mission, Council on Minis-
tries, and Communications, as well as through children
and youth ministries and parenting groups.

c. At the Community level: Civic organizations can
be encouraged to highlight Television Awareness
Week. These groups include Lions, Lionesses, Rotary,
Kiwanis, Christian women's clubs, civic clubs, PTA,
PTO, and other groups that share our concerns. A re-
quest can also be made to the mayor and/or the city
council in the community for a proclamation to highlight
the second week in October.

d. At the national level: Explore the possibility of
supporting Mastermedia, an organization headed by Dr.
Larry Poland with the purpose of "working directly with

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the leaders of film and television in Hollywood and New
York in an effort to share the message of Jesus Christ
and biblical values and to build up media professionals
in their faith for positive impact."

e. Information/Speakers and "TV Tune-In" materi-
als are available by contacting Christ United Methodist
Church, 6 West Second Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268.

Petition Number: 22904-GM-NonDis-O; West Ohio
Conference MFSA.

Opposition to Abusive Treatment Methods
of Persons with Mental Disabilities

"Leaving that place, Jesus met a man who couldn't
speak because a demon was inside him. So Jesus cast
out the demon, and instantly the man could talk." Jesus'
ministry often focused on persons with mental disabili-
ties.

Persons with mental disabilities are children of God.
Our Social Creed calls us to "commit ourselves to the
rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the
aging and those with handicapping conditions." Our
United States Constitution and laws call for full and equal
rights of persons with mental disabilities.

We now note that the use of abusive treatment
methods as "therapy" for persons with mental disabili-
ties still occurs in the United States, that such abusive
treatment methods are used on both adults and chil-
dren, and that programs that rely on such abusive treat-
ment methods are usually funded by federal, state,
and/or local tax revenues.

We note that a number of organizations that advo-
cate for persons with mental disabilities have already
taken stands against abusive treatment methods.

The United Methodist Church affirms the right of
persons with disabilities to freedom to receive loving
and caring treatment methods.

The United Methodist Church opposes the use of
any form of punishment for children or adults with
mental disabilities in any case where such punishment
would be considered illegal, abusive, or unconscionable
if applied to a child or adult who is not disabled. We
particularly condemn as unacceptable the following abu-
sive practices:

• Treatment methods that result in physical injury or
tissue damage to the person.

• Verbal abuse or insult, humiliation, or degradation.

• Denial of food, warmth, hygiene, contact with other
human beings, or other necessities of life.

• The use of electric shock or noxious substances as a
form of punishment.

• The use of any punishment on a child with a mental
disability that would be considered child abuse if
used on a child with no disabilities.

• The misuse of physical or chemical restraint.

• The threat of any of the above treatments.

We support the use of positive approaches in the
treatment of persons with mental disabilities. Positive
approaches affirm the Parenthood of God and our family
relationship as sisters and brothers. Holistic strategies
will support and promote the spiritual needs of those
with mental disabilities. These approaches offer the
potential of being beneficial to the person. We give our
support and assistance in their efforts to live as rich and
rewarding lives as possible.

Therefore, we call all local congregations to work
with public and private agencies and the service provid-
ers involved in treating persons with mental disabilities
to stop the abusive treatment methods set forth in this
resolution and to initiate positive, holistic treatment
methods.

We call all United Methodist institutions and agen-
cies, including hospitals, homes, schools, and universi-
ties to stop the abusive treatments set forth in this
resolution.

We call upon all federal, state, and local govern-
ments to end immediately the expenditure of public
revenues on any agency or program that fails to adopt
and uphold positive standards of treatment.

We call The United Methodist Church to declare
anew that it is open to persons with mental disabilities
and their families. We commit ourselves to support such
persons and families and accommodate their needs
within our community. We commit ourselves to advo-
cate for fair housing and fair access to services for all
with mental disabilities.

We call Tlie United Methodist Church to pledge
commitment to help persons with mental disabilities and
their families find appropriate services, programs, and
supports, to protect them from abusive treatment meth-
ods, and to promote positive treatment methods.

Petition Number: 22520-GM-R87-U; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

U.S. Agriculture and Rural Communities
in Crisis

Whereas, the conditions in rural communities have
changed only slightly since 1992, such that conditions
described in the 1992 statement "U.S. Agriculture and
Rural Communities in Crisis" (1992 Book of Resolutions,
page 87) are still present and relevant to rural people;
and

Whereas, the responses of the Church to the calls
presented in the statement have largely not been ful-
filled and remain relevant for the Church;

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DCA Advance Edition II

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church reaffirm the statement "U.S. Agriculture and
Rural Communities in Crisis" by continuing its printing
in the Book of Resolutions; and

Further, be it resolved, that every person, congre-
gation, organization, committee, board, agency, or
leader named in the statement reaffirm his or her com-
mitment to respond faithfully, appropriately, and with
zeal to the needs, issues, and potentials of rural commu-
nities.

Petition Number: 22290-GM-R157-U; UMRF +
Legislative Task Force Church and Community,
Worker.

An AflBrmation of Basic Rural Worth

Replace "An Affirmation of Basic Rural Worth,"
page 157, with the following new text:

Rural people, rural communities, and rural
congregations are of great value in God's creation.

While only 2 percent of people in the United
States are directly involved in farming, approxi-
mately 30 percent live in rural areas.

Many rural communities are growing. Fami-
lies and individuals are moving back to rural com-
mtmities because of the quality of life there.

Recent developments in communications
technology and improved transportation systems
have done much to eliminate problems of isolation
and distance.

Approximately 50 percent of United Method-
ist churches are located in rural areas of 2,500
population or less.

Rtu-al people and rural chxu*ches have many
gifts and strengths to share with the Church of the
future.

Rural peoples are employed in farming, ranch-
ing, and other agricultural endeavors, trucking,
migrant work, timbering, recreation, fishing and
river work, rural factories, and small businesses
of nmnerous kinds.

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United
Methodist Church affirms that:

1. Persons who live in rural places, like other
persons, are persons of sacred human worth for
whom God's grace is available and operative.

2. Each rural church, regardless of size or
location, is valuable to The United Methodist
Church.

3. Riu-al communities are significant and valu-
able places of ministry, where new congregational
development and congregational redevelopment
should be, can be, and is happening.

4. Riu'al residents deserve the option of living
and prospering in the communities where they
Uve, and the goals and policies of the governments
that relate to rural places should provide this op-
tion.

5. Rural peoples deserve equitable and con-
tinuing spiritual care, recreational opportunities,
security for the elderly and those whose abilities
are challenged, niuture and protection for chil-
dren and youth, satisfying economic opportunity,
and a sense of purpose and hope.

6. As stewards of creation, rural people have
a right to determination of how land, water, air,
and other resources within their communities, es-
pecially in areas of limited population, are to be
used, with particular attention given to land use
and control being exercised by all who live within
an area.

Petition Number: 22288-GM-R204-U; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

The Church's Response to Changing
Riu'al Issues

Amend "The Church's Response to Changing Rural
Issues," page 204:

Be it resolved, that each board and agency of The
United Methodist Church, through its boards and
agencies at all levels of organization and district and
conference programming agencies, encourage and as-
sist urban, suburban, and rural churches to address and
respond to the following issues, which while present in
rural society, often are not recognized or acknowledged
by the larger society:

• The pPoor self-esteem and mental health of many
rural residents and communities. j

• The abandonment of the elderly...

• Homelessness and poor housing.

• The changing role of the family.

• Deterioration of the family,...

• The incidence of alcohol and substance abuse.

• Poor basic government services such as good
Inadequate physical and psychological health
care, rural public transportation, children's services,
and legal assistance.

• Rural cCrime and an absence of good police
protection.

• The effects of regional consolidations. . .

• Lack of consumer goods and feelings that consumers
arc at the mercy of businesses and industries.

• Peof^Stewardship of the environment, including the
pollution care of the soil, air, and water.

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• Ownership and control of land...

• Spiritual irrelevance.

• The changing role of the church within the rural
community.

Petition Number: 22519-GM-R634-U; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Recognition of Cuba

Amend "Recognition of Cuba," pages 634-636:

(Second paragraph] "God'a world is one world."
The Social Principles.. .the growth of world community."
We believe that "God's world is one world." How-
ever, sSuch a world...

For over 30 32 years... prohibiting any all kinds of
trade with Cuba. The Democracy Act of 1992 (22
U.S.C. 6001 et seq.) has tightened the embargo
restrictions by penalizing other countries if their
ships stop at Cuba. This policy has continues to
resulted in the loss of an important commercial market
and trade partner for the United States and in the height-
ening of heightened tensions in the Caribbean. The
objectives sought by the proponents of this policy in the
Cold War era were to force...

It is now clear that the embargo policy has not
succeeded with those objectives. If anything, its most
evident result of the embargo has been not only that
it to forced Cuba to an even closer political and military
reliance on the former Soviet Union but that it has
also increased the suffering of the children and the
elderly due to lack of essential medicines and
food. The Cold War is over, the socialist block of
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union has disap-
peared and no longer exercises any influence on
Cuba's foreign policy or poses any threat to the
United States.

[Sixth paragraph] Whereas, the government of the
United States is the only major.. .Mexico, Brazil, Argen-
tina, Bolivia and almost...

Whereas, the General Assembly of the United
Nations has several times voted overwhelmingly in
favor of the United States lifting the embargo and
all restrictions against Cuba; and

Whereas, the government of the United States has
in recent years strengthened its commercial and diplo-
matic relations with other Communist countries such as
the Soviet Union itself, China, Hungary, Poland, and
Romania, Vietnam and has also increased contacts
and negotiations with North Korea, independently
of their foreign policy, which differs and often collides
with contradicts that of the United States; and

Whereas, the Reagan administration declared that
the United States vwtt was not going to use food...

Whereas, the lifting of the economic embargo
against Cuba, a member of the Caribbean Common
Market (CARICOM), would help relieve., .industry
and agriculture, especially at a time of high unemploy-
ment in this country; and

Whereas, the Ecumenical Council of Cuba (now
Council of Chiu-ches of Cuba), of which. ..and several
other international as well as and U.S. religious bodies...

Whereas, the Ecumenical Council of Cuba has
stated that "the space for freedom and action for
the work of the Church and of Christians in Cuba
has been concretized in political and jiuidical de-
cisions that have allowed for the growth and ex-
pansion of all churches and the possibility of
better work for both within and with the rest of
civil society"; and

Whereas, more than 250 Christians from ap-
proximately 23 Protestant denominations and di-
verse ecumenical movements met in 1994 with
leaders of the Cuban Communist Party and of the
government, at the highest levels, to discuss both
accomplishments and shortcomings of the revolu-
tionary process and to encourage the government
to take measures that guarantee a greater respect
for and the promotion of human rights;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church, from its Christian and humanitarian perspec-
tive, inspired by the love of God and the historic
Methodist commitment to peace and social jus-
tice, and in the light of historic changes with the
end of the Cold War, hereby petitions the government
of the United States to lift its economic embargo against
Cuba and to seek negotiations with the Cuban govern-
ment for the purpose of resuming normal diplomatic
relations requests of the President and Congress of
the United States: 1) the repeal of the Cuban De-
mocracy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 6001 et seq.) as
well as the 1994 tightening of travel restrictions
that prevent the normal working relationship be-
tween religious communities in Cuba and the
United States; and 2) the resumption of normal
diplomatic relations between the government of
Cuba and the United States;

Be it further resolved, that the General Con-
ference requests the Council of Bishops and the
General Boards of Chiu-ch and Society and Global
Ministries of The United Methodist Church, as
weU as the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the United States, to advocate with the
President and Congress of the United States for
the aforementioned requests.

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Petition Number: 22664-GM-R653-U; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Regarding the Church in China

Rescind the 1984 resolution on "United States
Church-China Church Relations," pages 653-658 of The
Book of Resolutions.

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

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Higher Education and Chaplaincy

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^732.

Petition Number: 22268-HE-732-D;CIL.

Board of Higher Education & Campus Ministry

Add new text at the end of II 732.1:

The responsibilities of the Board of Higher
Education and Campus Ministry may be assigned
to an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the council or alternative structure that
cares for the functions and the connectional rela-
tionships of the General Board of Higher Educa-
tion and Ministry, the conference, districts, and
local churches.

^1501.

Petition Number: 22782-HE-1501-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Amend ^ 1501:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry, hereinafter...

^1504.

Petition Number: 22783-HE-1504-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Purpose of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry

Amend ^ 1504:

...oversight and care for campus ministries and in-
stitutions of higher education, including schools, col-
leges, univcrsitica, and theological schools.

^1505.

Petition Number: 22784-HE-1505-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Objectives of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry

Amend "H 1505:

1. [Delete.]

2. [Delete.]
14. [Delete.]
17. [Delete.]

19. [Delete.]

20. ...special days and funds: Black College Fund,
Ministerial Education Fund, United Methodist Student
©ayr World Communion Sunday,...

21. [Delete.]
28. [Delete.]

^1505.

Petition Number: 22269-HE-1505.3-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Objectives of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry

Amend ^ 1505.3:

3. ...with racial and ethnic persons and persons
with disabilities.

^1505.

Petition Number: 22270-HE-1505.26-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Responsibilities of the General Board
of Higher Education and Ministry

Amend ^ 1505.26:

26. ...and empowerment for women and racial an4
ethnic persons, and persons with disabilities in
higher education...

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DCA Advance Edition II

^1513.

Petition Number: 22785-HE-1513-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Responsibilities

Renumber ^ 1513 as ^ 1469 and amend:

General Responsibilities. — ^All functions assigned
to the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry in the 1992 Book of Discipline are the re-
sponsibility of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries. 1. Higher education...

^1513.

Petition Number: 22665-HE-1513.4-D; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Objectives of the Division of Higher Education

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 1513.4:

k) To seek to ensure that United Methodist
seminaries receiving support from the Ministerial
Education Fund shall make good-faith efforts to
anchor biblical, historical, theological, ethical,
and ministry studies in teachings not incongruous
with or dismissive of the Discipline's doctrinal
standards, and that deans of these faculties shall
be obliged not to knowingly condone or implicitly
sanction teaching that inveighs directly against
these standards or liturgical experimentation that
demeans them.

^1514.

Petition Number: 22786-HE-1514-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Responsibilities to General and Annnual Conferences

Renumber ^ 1514 as ^ 1470.

^1515.

Petition Number: 22870-HE-1515-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, First UMC, Denton,
TX.

Responsibilities to Institutions

Renumber "jl 1515 as ^ 1471.

^1516.

Petition Number: 22787-HE-1516-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Financing Higher Education

Renumber 1 1516 as ^ 1472.

^1517.

Petition Number: 22271-HE-1517.2-D; 8
Administrative Boards & 3 individuals, Leighton and
other UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Membership in the University Senate

Delete ^ 1517.2 and replace with the following new
text:

2. The senate shall be composed of twenty-five
voting members who, at the time of their election,
shall be members of The United Methodist
Church and who, by reason of professional back-
ground or education, are qualified for the work of
evaluating educational institutions. Election is for
the quadrenniiun. Of the twenty-five members,
nine shall be nominated by the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, eight shall be
nominated by the Council of Bishops, and eight
shall be nominated by the National Association of
Schools and Colleges of The United Methodist
Church. At the same daily session at which the
above nominations are announced, additional
nominations may be made fi-om the floor, but at
no other time. The members shall be elected by
the General Conference and by pluraUty vote with
any replacement members made necessary by
death or resignation being elected by the Coimcil
of Bishops. Of the members nominated by each
group and of the total elected by the General Con-
ference, no more than one-third shall be profes-
sionally affiliated with a United Methodist-related
educational institution. The general secretary of
the General Board of Higher Education and Min-
istry shall serve as an ex officio member of the
senate with voice but without vote. The associate
general secretaries of the Divisions of Higher Edu-
cation and Ministry and one representative of the
General Board of Global Ministries appointed by
that board's general secretary may attend meet-
ings with voice but without vote. The senate, at its
originating meeting each quadrennium shall elect
as its president a tnember not professionally affih-
ated with a United Methodist-related educational
institution.

This legislation is to be effective at the close of
the 1996 General Conference.

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

1381

^1518.

Petition Number: 22272-HE-1518-D; 8 Administrative
Boards + 2 Individuals, Leighton and other UM
Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding University Senate Purposes

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 1518.4:

To establish an effective evaluation process so
that the United Methodist theological seminaries
and other United Methodist institutions providing
professional training for ministry will be recog-
nized as teaching theology which faithfully reflects
United Methodist doctrine as delineated in ^ 67-
69.

^1518.

Petition Number: 22568-HE-1518.5-D; Case, Riley B.,

NIN.

Purposes and Objectives of the University Senate

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "J 1518:

To establish an effective evaluation process so
that theological seminaries recognized by the sen-
ate as affiliated with The United Methodist Church
will teach faithfully the doctrine and the heritage
of The United Methodist Church as set forth in fj
67 and 68 of the Book of Discipline.

TI1519.

Petition Number: 22273-HE-1519-D; 7 Administrative
Board/Councils, Leighton and other UM Churches,
Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Institutional Affiliation

Add a new sub-paragraph after "J 1519.5:

Biannual on-site evaluation of institutions oth-
erwise qualified for achieving or maintaining afBli-
ated status, the purpose of which is to monitor the
teaching content of affected schools and ensure
that they faithfully reflect the United Methodist
theological perspectives as outlined in 1^ 67-69,
shall be a part of the process for approving or
continuing affiliation with The United Methodist
Church.

^1519.

Petition Number: 22569-HE-1519.3-D; Case, Riley, B.,

NIN.

Purposes and Objectives of the University Senate
Amend 1 1518.3:

3. ...sound management, aft4 clearly defined church
relationships, and a mission and philosophy con-
sistent with the mission and doctrine of The
United Methodist Church.

^1519.

Petition Number: 22274-HE-1519.4-D; The Student
Forum of The United Methodist Church.

Requirements for Church Affiliation in Institutions
of Higher Education

Amend ^ 1519.4:

4. ...maintain appropriate academic accreditation
and have a policy prohibiting discrimination on
the basis of race, etiinicity, religion, sex, national
origin, sexual orientation, or physical disabiUties.

^1531.

Petition Number: 22523-HE-1531-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Schools of Theology and Small Membership Churches

Amend ^ 1531:

...and other such concerns of order, especially
with attention to churches with small member-
ship; and with the polity

1382

DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 22275-HE-NonDis-0$; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Funding Seminary Education

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has along-
standing tradition of assisting persons seeking educa-
tion in United Methodist seminaries; and

Whereas, United Methodist seminary students
need the support of the whole Church to adequately
address the increasing costs of seminary education; and

Whereas, if not addressed, this problem will not
disappear, but rather has the potential for worsening, to
the detriment of the effective ministry of TTie United
Methodist Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry be directed to imple-
ment the following actions:

1) Increase the amount of funding available to semi-
nary students through endowment programs and/or
capital fund drives for United Methodist student grants,
loans, and scholarships; and

2) Develop a plan for seminary student loan repay-
ment by years of service in United Methodist missional
areas, similar to programs established nationally for
guaranteed student loans; and

Be it further resolved, that additional creative efforts
be developed within local churches, annual confer-
ences, seminaries, and the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry to address the continuing need
to provide financial resources to enhance seminary edu-
cation.

Petition Number: 22276-HE-NonDis-0$; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Chair of Town and Country Ministries
at Each Seminary

Whereas, a majority of our churches are in town and
country areas, and pastors are needed who are creative
and effective leaders in these contexts; and

Whereas, the special gifts and graces which pastors
need in order to serve well in town and country minis-
tries can be improved and enhanced through education
and training; and

Whereas, there is also a great need to raise the level
of preparation for town and country ministry and to
improve the esteem with which town and country pas-
tors and congregations view themselves;

Therefore, be it resolved, that each United Method-
ist seminary or school of theology be requested to es-

tablish and maintain a faculty position or endowed chair
in town and country ministries.

Petition Number: 22277-HE-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Consistency in Language

in The Book of Discipline Regarding

Pastors/Clergy Members

Whereas, the terms "ordained minister," "traveling
preacher," "in full connection," "pastor," and "clergy
member" all appear in tiie Book of Discipline without
indication whether or not they are synonymous; and

Whereas, the disparity of usage of these terms is
confusing and serves to exclude some persons who
serve the Church under appointment but who do not
have certain rights granted to others because of differ-
ing nomenclature; and

Whereas, there is a growing concern for a more
inclusive understanding of who are clergy members of
an annual conference;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry be directed to examine
the language regarding ministers in the paragraphs
listed below and present to the General Conference in
the year 2000 such legislation as will standardize termi-
nology, utilizing the term "clergy member" whenever
possible and appropriate.

The paragraphs to be examined include:

25, 38, 205, 408-414, 416, 417, 419428, 431, 433438,
441, 443, 445, 448-457, 533, 608, 638, 657, 660, 702-705,
733, 737, 756, 905, 1310, 1416, 1429, 1520, 1529, 1604,
1606, 2604, 2625, 2626, 2628.

Petition Number: 22666-HE-NonDis-0$; Black
Methodist for Church Renewal.

Historically Black Colleges Related

to the United Methodist Church

and the Black College Fund.

Whereas, for more than a century. The United
Methodist Church, through its antecedent church, has
expressed its commitment to assure that spiritual qual-
ity education be available to all; and

Whereas, "People Calling Themselves Methodist,"
through the Freedman's Aid Society and The Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, established unsegregated and
non-segregating schools and colleges to assure church-
related quality education for the newly freed slaves; and

Whereas, the United Methodist historically black
colleges have an historic and significant tradition and
practice of accessibility for and acceptance of teachers,

Higher Education and Chaplaincy

1383

administrators, students, and staff of all races, creeds,
colors, and nationalities; and

Whereas, the United Methodist-related institutions
have consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability
to recognize, nurture, and educate both accelerated and
developing students to each group's maximum poten-
tial; and

Whereas, eleven such colleges and universities re-
main to continue the noble and spiritual mission for
more than 11,000 deserving and underserved students;
and

Whereas, United Methodist historically black col-
leges serve as intellectual founts preserving and ex-
pounding upon the rich history, tradition, and culture of
a people and a nation; and

Whereas, United Methodists continued their af-
firmation of the Church's historic and noble commit-
ment and the colleges' unique and uplifting mission
through the establishment of the Black College Fund in
1972;

Therefore, be it resolved, that $46,708,480 be estab-
lished as the Black College Fund goal for the 1997-2000
quadrennium; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry request through the
General Council on Finance and Administration a mini-
mum of $46,708,480 for the institutions in the 1997-2000
quadrennium, based on the World Service percentages
as follows:

1997
1998
1999
2000
Total

$10,926,448
11,426,896
11,927,344
12.427.792

$46,708,480

Be it further resolved, that one-sixth of the annual
request be distributed over the next quadrennium for
capital improvement; and

Be it further resolved, that the total amount be
distributed by the Office of Black College Fund of the
Division of Higher Education of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry, based on a formula
approved by the General Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration, the Division of Higher Education, and the
Council of Presidents; and

Be it finally resolved, that this resolution be re-
corded in the Book of Resolutions of the 1996 General
Conference.

Petition Number: 22788-HE-NonDis-O!; MARCHA

Funding the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico

Whereas, the Methodist Episcopal Church, one of
the predecessors of The United Methodist Church, was
one of the founders of the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico in 1919; and

Whereas, the bylaws of the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico state that in the event that the seminary
corporation ceases to exist, the assets will revert to the
founding denominations. This means that one fifth of
these assets will revert to The United Methodist Church
as one of the founders; and

Whereas, graduates of the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico are serving The United Methodist Church
in the United States; and it is expected that the flow of
pastors coming from Puerto Rico to serve in The United
Methodist Church will continue as well as increase; and

Whereas, the bylaws of the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico mandate that there be on the board of
directors at least one person representing The United
Methodist Church and two persons representing the
Methodist Church of Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, there has always been a strong Methodist
representation on the board of trustees, which has in-
cluded, among others. Bishop James Ault, Bishop Her-
bert Skeete, Bishop Susan Morrison, Bishop Dale C.
White, and Bishop Victor Bonilla; and

Whereas, the bylaws of the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico also mandate important Methodist repre-
sentation on the faculty and administration; and

Whereas, the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools
and by the Middle States Association; and

Whereas, the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
has been supported financially through the years by the
General Board of Higher Education, the General Board
of Global Ministries, and the Methodist Church of
Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
is an Advance Special of The United Methodist Church
and is authorized to promote the institution in the United
States and Puerto Rico; and

Whereas, it is expected that the National Hispanic
Plan will continue into the next quadrennium; and one
of the plan's fundamental components is the strengthen-
ing of theological education in order to produce the
necessary pastoral leadership for the emerging His-
panic congregations as well as for present churches; and

Whereas, the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
is playing a significant role in preparing leadership for
Hispanic congregations and other leadership positions
in the United States and Puerto Rico in order to respond

1384

DCA Advance Edition II

to the Hispanic National Plan and to the rapid population
growth among Hispanics; and

Whereas, the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry decided in 1991 to start decreasing their
financial contribution to the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico by 1993 so that by the year 2000 there will
be no more funding from the board; and

Whereas, the action of the 1992 General Conference
recommends to the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry and the General Board of Global Ministries
"the continuation of the present financial support at the
current level through the year 2000, and what financial
assistance is possible beyond the aforementioned pe-
riod, in the light of our ecumenical and moral responsi-
bilities as founders"; and

Whereas, a study made by the Evangelical Semi-
nary of Puerto Rico reveals that its ministry will signifi-
cantly suffer if the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry does not maintain its financial contribution
at the 1992 level until the year 2000;

Therefore, it is requested that:

1) The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry continue its financial support of the Evangelical
Seminary of Puerto Rico at the 1992 level through the
year 2000;

2) The General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry and the General Board of Global Ministries
negotiate in good faith with the Evangelical Seminary of
Puerto Rico the level of support beyond the year 2000;

3) The General Commission on Religion and Race
monitor the negotiation process between the Evangeli-
cal Seminary of Puerto Rico and the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry; and

4) Representation of the Methodist Church of
Puerto Rico and MARCHA be encouraged in the above
negotiation process.

Petition Number: 22789-HE-NonDis-O; Tagg,
Lawrence V., IWA

Policy of the Division of Chaplains
and Related Ministries

I respectfully petition the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church to revoke the policy of
the Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries that
forbids clergy under their endorsement to bear arms
under any circumstances. I do so because I believe that
the policy:

• is a denial of the basic right to choose a course of
action according to one's conscience, which includes
the choice of self-defense and defense of the sick and
wounded in their care;

• is based on significant errors of fact; for one, contrary
to policy assertions, neither the Geneva Convention
nor the armed forces have ever had a prohibition
against chaplains bearing arms;

• is a violation of the Geneva Convention, the Hague
Rules, and the United Nations Charter, which confer
the "inherent right" of self-defense and prohibit any
restriction of such right;

• is contrary to the spirit of a historic Church of
conscience, when administrators of one of its
agencies can impose their personal theology on all
who come under their jurisdiction.

The conscientious choice of a course of action by
chaplains in such matters of life and/or death is a choice
that only they have a right to make. This policy denies
that right.

Petition Number: 22871-HE-NonDis-O; Reynolds,
Virginia, Good Faith UMC, Pine Bluff, AR.

Examination of Curricula in Seminaries
and Eradication of False Doctrine Being Taught

Whereas, there is indication of false doctrine being
taught in some of the United Methodist seminaries; and

Whereas, a service was held at Garrett Evangelical
Theological Seminary on May 4, 1995, in which Sophia
and other goddesses of Egypt, Greece, Canaan, etc.
were worshiped rather than Jesus Christ;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church call on all
of the laity and clergy within their congregations,
boards, divisions, agencies, seminaries, and confer-
ences to do all within their power to study and examine
the curricula and personnel within each seminary sup-
ported by The United Methodist Church to determine
exactly what is being taught there, to eradicate all evi-
dences of false doctrine being taught, and to determine
that only the doctrine in keeping with the holy Scrip-
tures be taught in the seminaries. ("You must teach what
is in accord with sound doctrine" Titus 2:1 NIV.)

Independent Commissions

1385

Independent Commissions

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

^738.

Petition Number: 22015-IC-738.1-D;CIL

Commission on Archives and History

Amend ^738.1:

1. In each Annual Conference there shall be a con-
ference Commission on Archives and History or alter-
native structure. The responsibilities of the
conference Commission on Archives and History
may be assigned to an existing or newly created
multifunctional agency of the council or alterna-
tive structure that cares for the functions and con-
nectional relationships of the General
Commission on Archives, conference, districts,
and local churches. The commission shall be
elected...

^739.

Petition Number: 22016-IC-739.1-D;CIL

Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns

Amend ^ 739.1:

1. Each Annual Conference shall create a confer-
ence Commission or Committee on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns or alternative structure to
work with.. .in such manner as the conference may di-
rect. The responsibilities of the Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns may
be assigned to an existing or newly created multi-
functional agency of the council or alternative
structure that cares for the functions and connec-
tional relationships of the General Commission on
Christiein Unity and Interreligious Concerns, the
conference, districts, and local chiu^ches.

^740.

Petition Number: 22017-IC-740.1-D;CIL.

Commission on Religion and Race

Amend "2 740.1:

Tliere shall be in each Annual Conference a confer-
ence Commission on Religion and Race or alternative
structure, following the general guidelines.. .where ap-

plicable. The responsibilities of the Commission on
Religion and Race may be assigned to an existing
or newly created multifunctional agency of the
council or alternative structure that cares for the
fimctions and connectional relationships of the
General Commission on Religion and Race, the
conference, districts, and local churches.

^740.

Petition Number: 21012-IC-740.3-D; Abiade, Zawdie
K, Burton Heights UMC, Grand Rapids, MI.

Conference Commission on Religion and Race

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 740.3g:

The Board of Ordained Ministry and Cabinet
are encouraged to meet at least once per year in
separate sessions with GCORR.

1741.

Petition Number: 22018-IC-741-D;CIL.

Commission on Status and Role of Women

Amend ^ 741:

There shall be in each Annual Conference, includ-
ing the Central Conferences, a conference Commission
on the Status and Role of Women or alternative struc-
ture. The responsibilities of the Commission on
the Status and Role of Women may be assigned to
an existing or newly created multifunctional
agency of the council or alternative structure that
cares for the functions and connectional relation-
ships of the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women, the conference, districts, and
local churches.

1741.

Petition Number: 22715-IC-741-D; DeLong, Evelyn L,
Calvary UMC, Circleville, OH.

Conference Commission on the Status
and Role of Women

Delete ^ 741.

1386

DCA Advance Edition II

^742.

Petition Number: 22019-IC-742-D;CIL.

Commission on Small Membership Church

Amend ^ 742:

There may be in each Annual Conference a confer-
ence Commission on the Small Membership Church.
The responsibilities of tiie Small Membership
Chxirch may be assigned to an existing or newly
created multifunctional agency of the council or
alternative structure that cares for the functions of
support, nurture, and growth of small member-
ship chiu-ches and their relationships to the con-
ference, districts, and other local churches.

^742.

Petition Number: 22020-IC-742-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, Pigeon, MI.

Small Membership Church Commission

Amend ^ 742:

There msy^ shall be in each Annual Conference....

^1801.

Petition Number: 22790-IC-1801-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Commission on Archives and History

Delete f 1801.

^1804.

Petition Number: 22793-IC-1804-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Membership of the General Commission

Delete 1 1804.

^1805.

Petition Number: 22794-1C-1805-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Meetings of the General Commission

Delete ^ 1805.

^1806.

Petition Number: 22795-1C-180&-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Officers of the General Commission

Delete 1 1806.

Til 807.

Petition Number: 22796-IC-1807-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Staff of the General Commission on Archives
and History

Delete ^ 1807.

^1802.

Petition Number: 22791-1C-1802-D; Aldersgate
Covenant STeering Committee, Denton, TX.

Incorporation of the General Commission on Archives
and History

Delete 1 1802.

^1803.

Petition Number: 22792-IC-1803-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Purpose of the General Commission on Archives and
History

Delete ^ 1803.

^1808.

Petition Number: 22797-IC-1808-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Executive Committee

Delete ^ 1808.

^1809.

Petition Number: 22798-IC-1809-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Finances of the General Commission on Archives And
History

Delete ^ 1809.

Independent Commissions

1387

11810.

Petition Number: 22799-IC-1810-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Historical Society

Renumber ^ 1810 as <n 933 and amend:

1. ...at the Annual Conference; and Jurisdictional
Conference, and General Church levels as well as.. .serv-
ices as may be provided by the General Conference
Council Commission on Archives and History Finance
and Administration.

^1811.

Petition Number: 22800-IC-1811-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Archival Definitions

Renumber ^ 1811 as ^ 934 and amend:

3. a) The general commission council shall estab-
lish...

b) ...No records shall be destroyed until a disposal
schedule has been agreed upon by the General CommiS'
sion on Archives and History Council on Finance and
Administration and the agency. When the custo-
dian...certifies to the General Commission on Archives
and History Council on Finance and Administration
that such records have no further use or value for official
and administrative purposes and when the commission
council certifies... The General Commission on Ar-
chives and History Coimcil on Finance and Admini-
stration is hereby...

c) The commission council shall have the
right... Officials of general agencies shall assist the eom-
mission council in the preparation.. .met the require-
ments of 1 1811.36 934.36.

d) The council commission is authorized...

e) General documentary record material certified
by the commission coimcil as being.. .in the custody of
the commission council. Any general church official or
agency is hereby authorized and empowered to turn
over to the commission council any church records no
longer in current use, and the commission council is
authorized.. .in the archives of the commission council.
When such records.. .certified under seal ofthecommis-
sioft council, upon application. ..transferred to the eofn-
mission council.

h) ...if there be none, to the commission coimcil all
records,...

I) ...to the archives of the general commission
council.

n) Upon recommendation of its executive commit-
tee, the commission council may authorize...

11812.

Petition Number: 22801-IC-1812-D; Conferene
Commission on Archives and History, BMW.

Historic Sites, Historic Shrines,
and Historic Landmarks

Retain the term "shrines" in % 1812.

11812.

Petition Number: 23019-IC-1812-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee.

Historical Sites, Historical Shrines
and Historical Landmarks

Amend <n 1812:

1. a) ...shall advise the General Commission on
Archives and History Council on Finance and Ad-
ministration of the action taken and provide such docu-
mentation as may be required. The general commission
council in turn...

c) ...Such nominations shall be referred for consid-
eration to the General Commission on Archives and
History Council on Finance and Administration, in
accord with guidelines established by the commission.
Through its Committee on Historic Shrines and Historic
Landmarks the commission council shall consider the
merits...

The commission council shall recommend only...

d) Quadrennial Review. — ^The commission council
shall be responsible.. .The commission council shall
further be responsible...

11906.

Petition Number: 22363-IC-1906-D; Administrative
Council, Jacumba UMC, Jacumba, CA

Responsibility of the General Commission
on Communication

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of 1 1906:

The General Commission on Communication
shall be charged with planning and implementa-
tion of an ofiBcial United Methodist presence on
and use of the Internet, the World-Wide Web, and
other computer services that can connect United
Methodist conferences, agencies, and local
churches with one another and with the larger
world.

1388

DCA Advance Edition II

^1906.

^2101.

Petition Number: 22667-IC-1906.1-D; Case, Riley B.,

NIN.

Responsibilities of the General Commission
on Communication

Amend ^ 1906.1:

1. [Second sentence] In discharging its responsibili-
ties, in keeping with the historic freedom of the press, it
shall operate with editorial freedom as an independent
news bureau serving all segments of church life and
society, malcing it shall seek to interpret the activi-
ties of the Church, and particularly the boards and
agencies, the seminaries, and the episcopal of-
fices, to the best possible advantage (see ^
1906.6). It shall serve as a guardian of the insti-
tution and shall seek to diffuse all criticism of the
Church. In carrying out these responsibilities, it
shall make available to both religious and public news
media information concerning the Church at large.

^2001.

Petition Number: 22802-IC-2001-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

General Commission on Christian Unity
and Interreligious Concerns

Delete "JI 2001.

^2002.

Petition Number: 22803-IC-2002-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Purpose

Renumber 1 2002 as f 514.8 and amend:

Purpose. — The purpose of the General Commission
on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Council
of Bishops shall be exercise its ecumenical leader-
ship role in seeking to fulfill...

3. The council shall employ such staff as nec-
essary to carry out this ecumenical leadership
function. For this purpose, the council may
choose to incorporate itself or may have its staff
person be employed for legal and tax purposes by
the General Council on Finance and Administra-
tion.

4. The council may appoint such task forces
and committees composed of bishops, laity,
and/or clergy as it deems appropriate to carry out
its work.

Petition Number: 22423-IC-2101-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Affirming the Commission on Religion and Race

The General Commission on Religion and Race
(GCORR) fulfills a unique and essential role in our
Church. It is not primarily a program agency, but is
rather charged "to challenge. ..The United Methodist
Church to a full and equal participation of the racial and
ethnic constituency in the total life and mission of the
Church through advocacy and by reviewing and moni-
toring the practices of the entire Church so as to further
ensure racial inclusiveness" (1 2102). It serves a moni-
toring function which requires that it have a status
independent of other agencies.

It is clear that while progress has been made, racism
is still a potent force in the society and the church.

For the above reasons, we urge that all efforts to
abolish GCORR or to combine or merge it with another
agency be defeated and that GCORR be affirmed in its
present form and responsibilities.

^2101.

Petition Number: 22804-IC-2101-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Name

Amend ^ 2101:

Name. — There shall be a General Commission
Board on Religion and Race.

^2101.

Petition Number: 22805-IC-2101-D; Sowell, Joe H.,
SCA.

General Commission on Religion and Race

Delete 1^2101-2108. ^

^2200.

Petition Number: 22806-IC-2200-D$; Forsman, Don L,

NMX.

General Commission on Alcohol and Drugs

Add a new "J to Chapter Six:

The General Commission on Alcohol and
Drugs would be a small commission with approxi-
mately 25 persons and an annual budget funded

Independent Commissions

1389

by World Service. Its purpose is to call attention to
the problem of beverage alcohol and other drugs
and to assist local churches in various types of
programs to help Methodists with this problem.

The structure of the commission would in-
clude a very small staff, headed by one executive,
and a board of directors, which would be com-
posed of a few persons from each jurisdiction.
This general commission would not be as large as
either the General Commission on the Status and
Role of Women or the General Commission on
Religion and Race.

^2201.

Petition Number: 22424-IC-2201-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Affirming the Commission on the Status and Role of
Women

The General Commission on the Status and Role of
Women (GCSRW) fulfills a unique and essential role in
our Church. It is not a program agency but is, rather,
charged "to challenge The United Methodist
Church. ..to a continuing commitment to the full and
equal responsibility and participation of women in the
total life and mission of the Church, sharing fully in the
power and in the policy making at all levels of the
Church's life" (^ 2202) . It serves a monitoring function
that requires that it have a status independent of other
agencies.

It is clear that while progress has been made, sex-
ism is still a potent force in the society and the church.

For the above reasons, we urge that all efforts to
abolish GCSRW or to combine and merge it with an-
other agency be defeated and that GCSRW be affirmed
in its present form and responsibilities.

^2201.

Petition Number: 22716-IC-2201-D; DeLong, Evelyn L.
+ Sowell, Joe Rev. SCA, Calvary UMC, Circleville, OH.

General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women

Delete ^^ 2201-2209.

12201.

Petition Number: 22807-IC-2201-D; Aldersgate
Covenant Steering Committee, Denton, TX.

Name

Amend ^ 2201:

Name. — ^There shall be
Board on the Status...

a General Commission

12302.

Petition Number: 21014-IC-2302-D$; Terneus, John,
Yukon UMC, Yukon, OK

General Commission on the Status
and Role of Conservatives

Add a new 1 following % 2301:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Commission
on the Status and Role of Conservatives in The
United Methodist Church.

Purpose. — ^The primary purpose of the General
Commission on the Status and Role of Conserva-
tives shall be to challenge The United Methodist
Church, including its general agencies, institu-
tions, and connectional structures, to a continuing
commitment to the full and equal responsibility
and participation of conservatives in the total life
and mission of the Church, sharing fully in the
power and in the policy-making at all levels of the
Church's life.

Such commitment will confirm a new recogni-
tion of the fact that The United Methodist Church
is part of the universal church, rooted in the lib-
erating message of Jesus Christ, that recognizes
every person, woman or man as a full and equal
part of God's human family.

The general commission shall function as an
advocate with and on behalf of conservatives, in-
dividually and collectively, within The United
Methodist Church; as a catalyst for the initiation
of creative methods to redress inequities of the
past and to prevent further inequities against con-
servatives within The United Methodist Church;
and as a monitor to ensure inclusiveness in the
programmatic and administrative functioning of
The United Methodist Church.

(The responsibility, membership, officers,
meetings, funding, staff, and relationships would
parallel those of other commissions.)

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DCA Advance Edition II

^2303.

Petition Number: 21015-IC-2303-D$; Temeus, John,
Yukon UMC. Yukon, OK

General Commission on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
in the United Methodist Church

Add a new % after ^ 2301:

Name. — ^There shall be a General Commission
on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs in The United
Methodist Church.

Purpose. — ^The primary purpose of the General
Commission on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs shall
be to reduce the use, abuse, and addiction to
alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. These drugs
are so destructive of human health, families, and
society that they should be used only imder the
supervision of a licensed physician. All means
should be used to reduce consumption and the
ensuing damage: religious conversion, absti-
nence, abolish advertising, lower driving alcohol

blood levels, mandated drug rehabilitation, divestiture
from alcohol and tobacco production, stop selling
alcohol and tobacco on United Methodist Church
property, providing abstinence rehabilitation programs
for employees and members, replacing employees who
continue to use, putting members back as constituents
who continue to use and ordained back on trial who
continue to use.

TI2402.

Petition Number: 22524-IC-2402.1-D; Administrative
Council, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

The Consultation on Church Union

Amend <B 2402.1:

1. a) Our approval of the ministries of other
churches will not extend to the ministries of prac-
ticing homosexuals.

Independent Commissions

1391

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20083-IC-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, First United Methodist Church, Johnston
City, IL.

Constiltation on Church Union (COCU) Proposal

Even though the ideal of a church universal serving
and professing one Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
should always remain the goal of the people of God, the
means to such a unity should not be in opposition to the
Gospel of Jesus Christ or to The Discipline of The United
Methodist Church.

The notion of covenant has never been one of agree-
ing to "look the other way" while someone breaks the
Law of God. Covenant has always been a means by
which two parties strive together to keep God's laws.

And even though much may be accomplished by
lowering the fences which divide denominations and
even though much may be gained through a new under-
standing of our relationship to the Body of Christ and to
the Church Universal, we must first remain true to our
understanding of the Gospel even if such an under-
standing continues to divide us.

Whereas, the delegates to the Consultation on
Church Union (COCU) are proposing a covenant for
church unity; and

Whereas, such a unity would covenant us with de-
nominations who openly accept and ordain persons
whose lifestyle is "incompatible with Christian teaching"
and, therefore, against The Discipline of The United
Methodist Church; and

Whereas, said covenant would "include all persons
as a sign of wholeness" regardless of whether their
doctrines and beliefs were in agreement with The
United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the General Conference of 1996 shall
make a decision on whether or not to endorse such a
covenantal relationship; we ask

Therefore, the General Conference not to enter into
the COCU Covenant as long as such a covenantal rela-
tionship would require The United Methodist Church
to compromise its understanding of the Gospel and to
disregard its Discipline.

Petition Number: 20801-IC-NonDis-O; Fincher, Jabe
Jr., AFL.

Prejudice/Discriniination

In order to prevent racial discrimination, remove
references to race from all application forms. Change
forms to indicate the college for which the offerings are
intended rather than specifying the Black College Fund.

Petition Number: 21013-IC-NonDis-O; Shriver, Philip
K., Sweet Home UMC, Sweet Home, OR.

Discontinue Membership of the U. M. Church
in the National Council of Churches of Christ

I petition for action to discontinue the membership
of The United Methodist Church in the National Council
of the Churches of Christ.

Petition Number: 21557-IC-NonDis-O;
Christensen.Faye, Fithian.Marylee, Lundeen, Betty,
UMC, Brainerd, Minneapolis, New Brighton, MN.

Membership of Gideons International

Whereas, Gideons International provides an impor-
tant ministry in the distribution of scripture; and

Whereas, many United Methodist congregations
and individuals support Gideons International through
memberships and financial donations; and

Whereas, the membership of Gideons International
is limited to Protestant business and professional men;
and

Whereas, their membership criteria stand in oppo-
sition to the Discipline of The United Methodist Church
('The Social Principles") ; and

Whereas, the Minnesota Annual Conference and
the Minnesota Annual Conference Commission on the
Status and Role of Women have taken the position of
encouraging the Gideons International to reconsider
their membership criteria; and

Whereas, the membership criteria of Gideons Inter-
national detract from the strength of their ministry;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church and its member
congregations strongly encourage Gideons Interna-
tional to open their membership to all Christians, re-
gardless of sex, socio-economic class, or
denominational background.

Petition Number: 22022-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L, 20 Members Huntington NY UMC, First
UMC, Stillwater, OK

Adopt Churches in Covenant Communion

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church adopt the document
Churches in Covenant Communion: The Church of Christ
Uniting, produced by the Consultation on Church Un-
ion, with the recommendation that the responsibility for
implementing said Covenant be lodged with the Council
of Bishops in their role (^ 2405) as "primary liaison for
The United Methodist Church" in "formal relations with
other churches and/or ecclesial bodies."

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DCA Advance Edition II

Petition Number: 22023-IC-NonDis-O; NAIC + SCA
Comm. on CCUIC + OKL.

Adopt the Proposal Churches in Covenant
Communion

Whereas, the Scriptures call us to one hope; "one
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephesians
4:4-6) ; and

Whereas, Jesus prayed for the church "that they
may all be one" Gohn 17:21); and

Whereas, despite the brokenness of the church, the
Holy Spirit works among us to break down the dividing
walls between Christians; and

Whereas, the diversity of gifts among Christians is
for the building up and strengthening the Body of
Christ; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has pur-
sued and supported the unity of the church through
prayer, study, and leadership in the ecumenical move-
ment; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has been
a member of the Consultation on Church Union
(COCU) from its beginnings, giving leadership to the
work of the nine denominations in the United States as
they have sought to make visible the unity of the Body
of Christ; and

Whereas, The COCU Consensus: In Quest of a
Church of Christ Uniting was given overwhelming sup-
port by the 1988 General Conference as an expression
of the Apostolic Faith and "a sufficient theological basis
for the covenanting acts to be proposed by the Consult-
ation..." (1992 Book of Resolutions, page 206); and

Whereas, the COCU covenanting proposal.
Churches in Covenant Communion: The Church of Christ
Uniting, has been developed by the representatives of
the nine member denominations of the Consultation and
studied by The United Methodist Church over the past
eight years; and

Whereas, the United Methodist Council of Bishops
stated in May 1992, "We celebrate God's call to the
concept of covenant relationships expressed in Churches
in Covenant Communion...[and] long for the day when
the covenant may be realized among us, and acknow-
ledge with joy our eagerness to enter into covenant"
(1992 Book of Resolutions, page 217);

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church adopt the
covenanting proposal of the Consultation on Church
Union, Churches in Covenant Communion: The Church
of Christ Uniting; and

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church send greetings
of grace and peace in Christ to the other member

churches of the Consultation, offering prayers that we
may all be one so that the world might believe.

Petition Number: 22024-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L, Native American International, Caucus
of The UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Support Continuation of The General
Commission on Religion and Race

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the general
agency known as the General Commission on Religion
and Race, as described in The Book of Discipline 1992,
I"]! 2101-2108, and ensure that this agency receives
adequate financial support to enable it to fulfill its objec-
tives and responsibilities.

Petition Number: 22025-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L, Native American International, Caucus
of The UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Support Continuation of The General
Commission on The Status and Role of Women

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the general
agency known as the General Commission on the Status
and Role of Women, as described in the Book of Disci-
pline, 1992, ^^ 2201-2209, together with financial re-
sources adequate to enable the agency to carry out its
assigned mission.

Petition Number: 22026-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L., First UMC, Stillwater, OK

Continue Membership of The United Methodist
Church in the World Methodist Coimcil

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the member-
ship of the United Methodist Church in the World Meth-
odist Council, as described in The Book of Discipline
1992, ^ 2401, together with adequate financing to facili-
tate said membership.

Petition Number: 22027-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L, First UMC, Stillwater, OK

Continue Membership of the United Methodist
Church in the Consultation on Chiu-ch Union

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the member-
ship of The United Methodist Church in the Consult-
ation on Church Union, as described in The Book of
Discipline, 1992, ^ 2402.1, with financial support equal-
ing the fair-share proportion for The United Methodist
Church.

Independent Commissions

1393

Petition Number: 22028-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
TTieodore L, First UMC. Stillwater, OK.

Continue Membership of the UMC

in the National Council of the Churches

of Christ in the U.S.A.

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the member-
ship of The United Methodist Church in the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., as
described in ne Book of Discipline 1992, ^ 2402.2; and
that The United Methodist Church make certain to
support the NCCCUSA financially at a fair-share level.

Petition Number: 22029-IC-NonDis-O; Agnew,
Theodore L. First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Continuation of the Membership
of The United Methodist Church
in the World Council of Churches

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church continue the member-
ship of The United Methodist Church in the World
Council of Churches (as described in The Book of Disci-
pline 1992, ^ 2402.3) and to ensure that The United
Methodist Church pays its fair share of funding needs
of the Council.

Petition Number: 22030-IC-NonDis-O; BMCR.

Sexism

Whereas, sexism continues to be a pervasive and
systematic force within our Church and our society; and

Whereas, sexism deprives the Church and society
of the opportunity to use the skills and talents which
women have; and

Whereas, the study showing the pervasiveness of
sexual harassment throughout The United Methodist
Church raised many concerns about changing this
trend; and

Whereas, the recent Judicial Council decision rul-
ing against the mandatory inclusion of women at all
levels of the Church seems to be a sign that women are
losing ground; and

Whereas, sexism, when not monitored, continues
to rear its ugly head and deny the majority of women in
The United Methodist Church the opportunity to partici-
pate fully and equally in all areas of the Church;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence affirm the work and the necessity for the continu-
ance of the General Commission on the Status and Role
of Women and of the annual conference Commissions
on the Status and Role of Women; and

Be it further resolved, that each annual conference
commission be given the financial backing to pursue
projects which are aimed at educating the members of

the local churches about the issues of sexism and at
sponsoring the leadership events which enable the an-
nual conference commission members to be better ad-
vocates for all who seek equity and inclusiveness; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
make it mandatory for each annual conference. United
Methodist seminary, and all United Methodist-related
institutions to have policies on sexual harassment in
force by January 1997; and

Be it further resolved, that Black Methodist For
Church Renewal supports the General Commission on
the Status and Role of Women as the advocacy and
monitoring agency of women's issues in The United
Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 22031-IC-NonDis-O; BMCR.

Racism

Whereas, racism continues to be a pervasive and
systematic force within our Church and our society; and

Whereas, racism has the effect of diminishing self-
worth and denying equal opportunity; and

Whereas, racism deprives the Church and society
of the opportunity to utilize some of the best minds,
skills, and talents they have; and

Whereas, racist attitudes and practices in this coun-
try and in the Church do not abate without intensive
effort on the part of those who seek to ensure justice and
equality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence continues the General Commission on Religion
and Race and its mandate that there be a Commission
on Religion and Race in every annual conference; and

Be it further resolved, that each annual conference
be urged, through its commission, to design programs
specifically aimed at eradicating racism and achieving
equality and inclusiveness; and

Be it further resolved, that each annual conference
be encouraged to urge its local churches to develop
programs and activities that are directed at promoting
inclusiveness within the local congregation.

Petidon Number: 22032-IC-NonDis-O;CIL.

Eradication of Racism
in The United Methodist Church

Whereas, The United Methodist Church, through
its principles, policies, and its affirmation of equality as
a biblical principle, has sought to place racism as unac-
ceptable in God's eyes and the Church's ministry; and

Whereas, ethnic churches of color and clergy of
color continue to suffer the injustices which grow out of
acceptance of racism as a fact of life; and

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DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, we, who are striving for perfection but
realize we have not attended perfection in the case of our
corporate sins of racism, call upon The United Method-
ist Church to move farther down the Emmaus road with
Jesus that our eyes may be fully opened to the beauty
and gifts that all of God's children bring to the table of
Christian service;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church reaffirm its com-
mitment to the following:

1. The placement of clergy shall be based on gifts
and graces, not race.

2. The churches of color within The United Meth-
odist Church shall be looked upon and included as
equals in programming and staffing of general Church
agencies, annual regional conferences, and the confer-
ence Council on Ministries.

3. The General Commission on Religion and Race
or other appropriate bodies shall maintain data and
evidence of these activities to be reported through gen-
eral Church channels or publications on a quadrennial
basis.

Petition Number: 22033-IC-NonDis-O; Administrative
Council, Oakwood UMC, Lubbock, TX.

Su^ested Statement to Precede Each Press
Release, Statement or Study Position Paper

To express our concern, disappointment, and em-
barrassment by some press releases, policy statements,
and comments made by bishops and other "officials."

As the practice seems to have reached the point that
the use of a disclaimer is needed, we petition the Church
to adopt the following mandatory policy.

'The following statement is the personal opinion or
belief of a small group of Church officials. The member-
ship of The United Methodist Church has not been
consulted or surveyed. This does not and cannot neces-
sarily represent the Church — that authority is vested
with the General Conference which meets every four
years."

This wording should precede each press release,
statement, study, or position paper. Any news organiza-
tion should agree to include this statement to receive
permission to use the release.

Petition Number: 22034-IC-NonDis-O; White, Michael
L, AFL.

A United Methodist Presence on The Internet

Whereas, the technological advances of the com-
puter age have made trans-world communication and
networking a commonplace fixture for millions of world
citizens, including many United Methodists; and

Whereas, many United Methodist pastors, local
churches, annual conferences, and United Methodist
agencies have already begun participating on the In-
ternet and/or on national on-line services such as Amer-
ica Online or CompuServe; and

Whereas, since Rev. David Mullens, a member of
the North Indiana Conference of The United Methodist
Church, has already created an unofficial home page of
exceptional quality on the Internet;

Be it therefore resolved, that The United Methodist
Church establish an official home page on the Internet;
and

Be it further resolved, that since Rev. David Mullens
has already created an unofficial home page on the
Internet, he be authorized to make it an official home
page subject to regular review and monitoring by the
General Commission on Communication (GCOC), in
accordance with ^^ 1901-1908 of The Book of Discipline
(1992).

Petition Number: 22035-IC-NonDis-O$; Lydick,
Howard +33 other Individuals & 1 Adm. Bd., First
UMC, Richardson, TX.

EstabUsh a Standing General Commission
on Alcohol and Drugs

Whereas, the use of beverage alcohol and other
drugs has reached epidemic proportions; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has an
ethical obligation to do everj4hing within its power to
reduce the use of beverage alcohol and other drugs;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference establish an independent commission on
alcohol and drugs which will work wath annual confer-
ences and local churches on this issue.

Petition Number: 22036-IC-NonDis-O; Swift, Clyde, 29
Others & 1 Adm. Boards, NAK

To Withdraw Membership
from the National Coalition Against Censorship

^ 7LF states, "We deplore all forms of the commer-
cialization and exploitation of sex with their consequent
cheapening and degradation of human personality. We
call for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual
exploitation or use of children by adults."

In recent days, the National Coalition Against Cen-
sorship joined other organizations in defending the right
of the Pink PjTamid bookstore in Cincinnati to rent the
movie Salo: 120 Days of Sodom (which portrays teenage
boys and girls being burned with candles, scalped, and
forced to eat feces or participate in anal intercourse) .

United Methodist Communications (UMCOM) is a
supportive member of this coalition by investing God's
apportioned money in the form of dues to the organiza-
tion.

Independent Commissions

1395

This case was in direct contradiction to ^ 71F, and
the Church had no control in being linlced to this case.
Numbers 8:32 warns that gifts dedicated to God are to
be treated with respect. Tlie Church has a responsibility
to manage carefully the money and time people give to
the Lord and should insist that respect is shown for gifts
made to God by careful management and responsible
stewardship of his resources.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence withdraw UMCOM's membership from this coali-
tion and search for other means by which we can fight
against censorship and at the same time abide by our
United Methodist Discipline and our holy Scriptures.

Petition Number: 22426-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Racism Today

The United Methodist Church made a prophetic
witness against racism during the Civil Rights revolu-
tion, and we continue to be committed to becoming a
truly inclusive church. However, the face of racism in
America has changed from the crudeness of segrega-
tion to more sophisticated but equally oppressive forms.
If our church is to maintain a strong witness against
racism and for an inclusive church, we need an analysis
in keeping with the times.

Because of past inequality of opportunity and be-
cause of continuing discrimination against racial ethnic
minorities, it is Blacks, Latinos, and Native Americans
that are hardest hit by rising unemployment. Because
they have been kept at the bottom of the economic
ladder in numbers disproportionate to their percentage
of the general population, they are the first and the
hardest hit by cuts in welfare, health care, education,
and by harsher prison conditions and parole policies.
These policies, seemingly racially neutral on their face,
are harshly racist in their effect and implementation.
One of the most blatant forms of this new sanitized
racism is the rising clamor for imposition of the death
penalty. Over 40% of the men on death row in United
States prisons are Black, while Blacks make up only 11%
of the total U.S. population. This is due in large measure
to their economic inability to afford high-priced legal
representation, a factor never mentioned openly by
those who cry the modem equivalent of "Crucify him!"

TTie new face of racism requires new remedies. To
this, end we call for:

1) the General Commission on Religion and Race
(GCORR) to develop new programs to unmask and
eliminate racism in its new guises;

2) every annual conference to conduct anti-racism
training programs, with a list of organizations and
groups who provide such training to be provided by
GCORR;

3) increased salary and benefits to racial/ethnic
pastors who serve minimum salary churches in eco-
nomically depressed communities;

4) continued United Methodist opposition to the
death penalty, emphasizing its disproportionate impact
upon racial/ ethnic minorities;

5) local churches to become intentionally multi-cul-
tural and to share power with those they seek to include;
and

6) every annual conference to provide opportunities
for all United Methodists to develop appreciation of
ethnic heritages and cultures beyond their heritage of
birth.

In addition, we call for the U.S. government to enact
legislation:

1) creating public sector jobs for the chronically
unemployed;

2) creating a new and updated version of the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) of the 1930's to save an
alienated generation of youths in our urban ghettos; and

3) placing a greater emphasis on education, job
creation, drug rehabilitation, and community develop-
ment than on building prisons, hiring police, and impos-
ing the death penalty.

Petition Number: 22427-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Concerning Names Demeaning
to Native Americans

In our society today, there is a growing debate and
discussion about the appropriateness of using Native
American names as nicknames for professional sports
teams and university mascots. As highlighted by the
publication produced by The United Methodist Church,
Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, the use of names and
language is a powerful instrument for either good or
destructive purposes. It is demeaning to an entire seg-
ment of our society to depict them as violent and aggres-
sive people by calling a sports team the Braves or
Redskins. The implication is that all Native Americans
are aggressive and violent people. This use of nick-
names is not conducive to the development of a society
committed to the common good of its citizenry.

In the Book of Resolutions, 1992, page 178, 'The
United Methodist Church and America's Native Peo-
ple," The United Methodist Church has issued a call for
repentance for the church's role in the dehumanization
and colonization of our Native American sisters and
brothers. In light of this stand and the fact that we
strongly believe that the continued use of Native Ameri-
can names as nicknames is demeaning and racist, we
urge all United Methodist-related universities, colleges,
and schools to set an example by replacing any nick-

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DCA Advance Edition II

names that demean an offend our Native American
sisters and brothers.

Petition Number: 22428-IC-NonDis-O; Decker, David
L, Rockville UMC, RockvUle, MD.

Conference Publications

The United Methodist Church should establish
policies that ensure that publications of the Church, i.e..
The Interpreter and the Conference Journal, present re-
sponsible competing views on controversial issues. Ex-
isting publications of the Church sometimes present
articles containing significant liberal bias on controver-
sial topics with political and social implications. Fre-
quently this is done quite subtly. Responsible competing
conservative views are seldom, if ever, presented on
controversial political and social issues. The Church
should be able to express views on controversial issues.
However, Church publications should contain responsi-
ble articles expressing conservative and liberal views on
the issues.

Petition Number: 22429-IC-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Support Racism in Rural Areas Task Force
Report

Whereas, the Racism in Rural Areas Task Force,
created by the 1992 General Conference, through com-
prehensive study, has indeed determined that racism is
"alive and active in our society and in the church" in rural
areas; and

Whereas, racism is sin, separating us from God and
one another; and

Whereas, a manifestation of sin is injustice, abuse,
and violence; and

Whereas, the task force found personal and institu-
tional racism and inter-ethnic conflict in rural areas
throughout the United States;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church affirm the
work of the Racism in Rural Areas Task Force, accept
the report, and approve the adoption and implementa-
tion of the recommendations contained in the report.

Petition Number: 22430-IC-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Designate "The Elimination of Racism

in Its Many Forms" as a Special Emphasis

for 1997-2000

Whereas, the Racism in Rural Areas Task Force,
created by the 1992 General Conference, through com-
prehensive study, has indeed determined that racism is
"alive and active in our society and in the church" in rural
areas; and

Whereas, racism is sin, separating us from God and
one another; and

Whereas, a manifestation of sin is injustice, abuse,
and violence; and

Whereas, the task force found personal and institu-
tional racism and inter-ethnic conflict in rural areas
throughout the United States;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference of The United Methodist Church designate
'The Elimination of Racism in Its Many Forms" as a
special emphasis of the Church, to be addressed by
every level of the Church, and to be included by every
general board and agency as one of the continuing
priorities for the quadrennium 1997-2000.

Petition Number: 22431-IC-NonDis-O; 6 Adm.
Bds./Groups & 12 Individuals, Hope, AR & Rincon,
GA

Churches in Covenant Communion Proposal

We, the undersigned members of various United
Methodist churches, oppose COCU. There are serious
differences between the beliefs in the different
churches, and some of the churches have tabled their
decision on whether or not to join COCU until 2000. We
are not opposed to the principle of unity with other
Christians, but this plan goes way beyond this. We are
opposed to being linked with churches that ordain ho-
mosexual ministers as well as churches that do not
baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We petition the General Conference to, therefore, op-
pose that our beloved United Methodist Church be
linked to an organization such as this.

Petition Number: 22492-IC-NonDis-0;CIL.

Regarding Racism Today

The United Methodist Church made a prophetic
witness against racism during the Civil Rights revolu-
tion, and we are committed to becoming a truly inclusive
church. However, the face of racism in America has
changed from the crudeness of segregation to more
sophisticated but equally oppressive forms. If our
church is to maintain a strong witness against racism
and for an inclusive church, we need an analysis in
keeping with the times.

Because of past inequality of opportunity and be-
cause of continuing discrimination against racial ethnic
minorities, it is Pan-Africans, Latinos, and Native Ameri-
cans which are hardest hit by rising unemployment.
Because they have been kept at the bottom of the eco-
nomic ladder in numbers disproportionate to their per-
centage of the general population, they are the first and
the hardest hit by cuts in welfare, health care, education,
and by harsher prison conditions and parole policies.
These policies, seemingly racially neutral on their face,
are harshly racist in their effect and implementation.
One of the most blatant forms of this new sanitized

Independent Commissions

1397

racism is the rising clamor for imposition of the death
penalty. Over 85% of the men on death row in United
States prisons are Pan-African and Latino. Tliis is due in
large measure to their economic inability to afford high-
priced legal representation, but it is never mentioned
openly by those who cry the modern equivalent of "Cru-
cify him!"

The new face of racism requires new remedies. To
this end we call for:

1) the General Commission on Religion and Race to
develop new programs to unmask and eliminate racism
in its new guises.

2) every annual conference to conduct anti-racism
training programs, with a list of organizations and
groups who provide such training to be provided by
GCORR;

3) increased salary and benefits to racial ethnic
pastors who serve minimum salary churches in eco-
nomically depressed and dangerous inner-city commu-
nities; and

4) continued United Methodist opposition to the
death penalty, emphasizing its disproportionate impact
upon racial ethnic persons;

5) local churches to become intentionally multi-cul-
tural and to share power with those they seek to include.

In addition, we call for the United States govern-
ment to enact legislation:

1) creating public sector jobs for the chronically
unemployed;

2) for continued funding for AmericaCorp;

3) placing a greater emphasis on education, job
creation, drug rehabilitation, and community develop-
ment than on building prisons, hiring police, and impos-
ing the death penalty.

Petition Number: 22525-IC-NonDis-0$; McGinley, AT
-I- 7 other individuals & 1 Adm. Bd., Findlay, OH.

Churches in Covenant Communion:
The Church of Christ Uniting

Whereas, most United Methodists would affirm the
unity of God's whole church and pray that we might all
be one;

We recommend that the General Conference refer
the plan outlined in Churches in Covenant Communion:
The Church of Christ Uniting for further study for the
following reasons:

1. The language is tenuous and confusing relative
to the term "covenanting." While it speaks of a covenant
relationship rather than union, the plan states that this
relationship will be "visible and organic," which clearly
implies structural or constitutional change.

2. The uniting of denominations that are deeply
divided in matters of theology is absurd.

3. The United Church of Christ's official position on
the ordination and appointment of gay and lesbian min-
isters is in direct conflict with our Book of Discipline.

4. True ecumenism aims at unity in the true Chris-
tian faith. This proposal is the first step toward an insti-
tutional unity in which the faith of biblical and classical
Christianity is compromised.

Petition Number: 22526-IC-NonDis-O; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Reaffirmation of the Ecumenical Decade
in Solidarity with Women

In 1988 the General Conference adopted a resolu-
tion, "Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity with
Women."

We affirm that prophetic declaration and call par-
ticular attention to our United Methodist affirmation of:

• "women's experiences, their struggles for life and for
nurturing life [as] crucial perspectives for
safeguarding and liberating the creation"; and

• "the diversity of gifts which the Spirit imparts upon
persons in the human family and the challenge to
enable all persons to utilize those gifts for justice and
reconciliation in the world."

We also reaffirm our support for participation in the
Ecumenical Decade, 'The Ecumenical Decade:
Churches in Solidarity with Women" (1988-1998), in-
cluding, in particular, support for:

• "women doing theology and sharing spirituality" in
order to "enable an integrated process of study,
sharing, acting and celebrating"; and

• production of "educational resources and programs
on the marginalization and oppression of women,
their struggle for human dignity and a better life, and
their creative contribution in theology, spirituality
and ministry."

Finally, we urge all constituents of The United
Methodist Church, young and old, female and male, to
view the present ferment in theology as a creative open-
ing for the Holy Spirit to lead us in further doctrinal and
scriptural understandings.

May all sectors of the Church join in respectful,
loving, and open-minded dialogue about our common
Christian faith and witness to the reign of God, in which
there is "no longer male nor female, for all of you are one
in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 3:28).

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DCA Advance Edition

Petition Number: 22668-IC-NonDis-O; Oden, Thomas
C, Dr., OKL.

Conditions for Proceeding with Further

Discussion on The Churches of Christ Uniting

Proposal

We respectfully ask that, before we take any further
steps in discussing the Church of Christ Uniting, we
invite the United Church of Christ and other similar
bodies, who have voluntarily taken upon themselves
strong gay, lesbian, and bisexual advocacy roles, to
rethink their understanding of ordinal sexual responsi-
bility and ministerial discipline and rethink their concep-
tion of their ecumenical mission, which, by official
action, considers the ordination of homosexuals as "a
special gift to the Church of Christ Uniting from the
United Church of Christ." We should not proceed fur-
ther toward Church of Christ Uniting conversations
until these groups review and, we hope, discontinue
their attempt to legitimize homosexuality in the modem
ecumenical movement contrary to ancient ecumenical
teaching. We are unwilling to enter into a mutual accep-
tance of ministries that are essentially congregational in
character and that run directly contrary to our historic
consensus on sexual accountability of ordinands.

Petition Number: 22669-IC-NonDis-O; Oden, Thomas
D., Dr..

Including the Wesleyan Family of Churches
in Ecumenical Dialogue

The General Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns is asked to redirect its attention
from an almost exclusive focus on ecumenical discus-
sion with mainline/old-line churches, such as those
engaged in the proposal for the Churches of Christ
Uniting, and relatively more toward a broader, more
open-minded, empathic, serious ecumenical dialogue
with our nearest neighbors in the ecumenical village,
the Wesleyan family of churches and their parachurch
expressions and manifestations.

Petition Number: 22670-IC-NonDis-O; Racism in Rural
Areas Task Force

Racism in Rural Areas of the United States
and the Church's Response

Whereas, racism is sin. Sin separates us from God
and one another; and

Whereas, a manifestation of sin is injustice, abuse,
and violence; and

Whereas, racism diminishes self-worth and denies
equal opportunity; and

Whereas, the 1992-1996 quadrennium has been
marked by a new upsurge of racially motivated bigotry
and violence across the United States; and

Whereas, there have been hundreds of incidents in
which racial/ethnic persons have suffered violence
through intimidation, shootings, assaults, and murder;
and

Whereas, White supremacist groups such as, but
not limited to, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), Christian Iden-
tity, Neo-Nazi, Posse Comitatus, and Skinheads have
spread north, south, east, and west in the United States,
especially in rural areas; and

Whereas, some of those groups have adopted non-
physical tactics that are equally as "deadly": producing
and distributing cable television programs to promote
racist ideology and establishing home pages on the
Internet; and

Whereas, the racial demographic changes of the
United States are reaching more and more rural areas;
and

Whereas, interracial relationships in America are
marked by four different but related characteristics,
where White persons, generally, as a group:

1. Retain most, if not all, positions of important
decision-making power;

2. Maintain informal (sometimes formal) policies
and practices that discourage racial/ethnic minority ac-
cess to many societal benefits;

3. Assume the superiority of their cultural norms
and values and, therefore, tend to be insensitive to
alternative lifestyles and values;

4. Misplace the problem by focusing critically or
patemalistically on racial/ethnic minority persons and
not on themselves; and

Whereas, racism is both conscious and the uncon-
scious perpetuation of a disproportionate distribution of
power between races, the denial of access to resources
on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, and rationalization
of racial superiority by "blaming the victims"; and

Whereas, prejudice is any attitude formed vnthout
adequate facts, while racism is prejudice plus power; and

Whereas, understanding the historical dimensions
of racism is important; and

Whereas, true multi-culturalism and diversity re-
quire an increase in personal awareness, the learning of
new behaviors, removal of bias and barriers, changes in
policies, practices, and structure, and the creation of
new rules; and

Whereas, creating a multi-cultural and diverse
Church means moving beyond recovering from the past
toward shaping the future in community, a future of
God's shalom that recognizes, values, and celebrates the
unique qualities, gifts, and God's grace in all persons;
and

Independent Commissions

1399

Whereas, the Racism in Rural Areas Task Force
affirms efforts by concerned persons, congregations,
groups, and annual conferences in rural areas who are
confronting racism in their individual and corporate
lives, the Task Force concludes that racism continues to
be a pervasive and systemic force within the rural
church and community and must continue to be under-
stood as the entire Church's unfinished agenda;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference accept and move to implement the following
recommendations of the Racism in Rural Areas Task
Force:

General Church: It is recommended that

The Rural Chaplains Association, a network of
clergy and lay persons, be affirmed in its work with
individuals, rural churches, and communities in shalom
ministries, and that the General Board of Global Minis-
tries continue to resource the rural chaplains.

Training be made available by the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race to enable each annual confer-
ence Commission on Religion and Race to serve as a
resource and support group for promoting cross-cul-
tural understanding in rural areas.

1. New rural-oriented resources on racism and in-
ter-ethnic conflict be developed by the General Board of
Discipleship, in consultation with the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race. These resources should be
developed for all age-level educational work of the
church.

Cross-cultural resources for local churches and an-
nual conferences in rural areas be developed by the
General Board of Discipleship in consultation with
United Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Resources on racism, inter-ethnic conflict, and
cross-cultural material be listed on pages or sections
within the existing catalogs produced by the general
program agencies in consultation with the General Com-
mission on Religion and Race.

In each level of the Course of Study, material on
racism and inter-ethnic conflict in rural settings be de-
veloped and included by the Division of Ordained Min-
istry, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,
in consultation with the General Commission on Relig-
ion and Race.

2. Recommendations for course work and "field
experience" to understand racism and inter-ethnic con-
flict in rural settings be developed by the Division of
Diaconal Ministry, General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry, in consultation with the General Commis-
sion on Religion and Race.

Cross-cultural rural experiences be reflected in all
dated curriculum for children/youth church school ma-
terial developed by the General Board of Discipleship.

3. Training for all national mission personnel related
to the General Board of Global Ministries include a rural
component on rural racism and multiculturalism.

4. The development and nurturing of Shalom min-
istries in rural areas be a priority of the General Board
of Global Ministries, such as Upper Sand Mountain
Cooperative Parish.

5. Cooperative parish ministry as a viable style of
nurture, outreach, and witness, be undergirded and
resourced by the General Board of Global Ministries
and the General Board of Discipleship.

6. Efforts of Black, Native American, and other
farmers of color to preserve and increase land owner-
ship be supported by all general program agencies.

7. All general program agencies advocate to end
discrimination against racial/ethnic minority farmers
and rural organizations by local, state, and federal offi-
cials.

8. Advocacy supports be provided by the General
Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of
Church and Society to organizations that are led by
racial/ethnic minority persons, such as the Federation
of Southern Cooperatives and the Intertribal Agricul-
tural Council.

9. The General Board of Church and Society and the
General Board of Global Ministries work cooperatively
to help local congregations, cooperative parish minis-
tries, and annual conferences establish ministries with
farm workers.

10. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries provide re-
sources for local congregations and annual conferences
to assist in combating rural racism.

11. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries join national
efforts to promote farm worker justice.

12. The General Board of Church and Society and
the General Board of Global Ministries take legislative
(political) action, ecumenically if possible, to direct the
United States Department of Agriculture to decrease
agricultural subsidies that are given mostly to huge
corporate farmers. Further, that at least 15-25% of the
subsidy money should be directed to racial/ethnic mi-
nority farmers and farm organizations to improve farm-
ing methods, try new crops, and provide loans to
purchase needed farm supplies and equipment.

13. The General Commission on Religion and Race
monitor the implementation of the recommendations to
general agencies.

Annual conference/district : It is recommended that

14. Support group (s) be developed for persons ac-
tive in anti-racism strategies and for persons ministering
to victims of hate crimes.

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DCA Advance Edition II

15. An immediate response-support task group be
formed by the bishop and cabinet to respond to bigotry
and violence in the church and/or society.

16. Cross-racial appointment orientation work-
shop (s) for local churches and pastors be incorporated
and conducted by the bishop and cabinet in their opera-
tional policies.

17. Cooperative ministries be initiated and under-
girded in rural areas that include diverse racial/ethnic
minority congregations and encourage cross-cul-
tural/racial cooperation and ministry.

18. Those applying to be Probationary Members in
the Annual Conference be expected by the Board of
Ordained Ministry to participate in a cross-cultural rural
experience.

19. Individuals and congregations consult the con-
ference Commission on Religion and Race and the con-
ference committee with responsibilities for rural
ministries for suggestions on places within the annual
conference for cross-cultural rural experiences.

20. Training in each district/sub-district/clus-
ter/ministirium to promote rural cross-cultural under-
standing be made available by the conference
Commission on Religion and Race.

21. A working plan to provide for cross-cultural
experiences in rural areas be developed and imple-
mented by the Conference Committee on Ethnic Local
Church Concerns.

22. A Response Team to deal with hate crime and
violence, in church and society, especially in rural areas,
be established by cabinets and bishops, (cf. Eastern PA
model).

23. Congregations in rural areas be prepared by
annual conference and/or district leadership for the new
influx of diverse populations so that the Church will
model the new community of inclusiveness and shalom.

24. Concern and support for pastors in cross-racial
appointments be demonstrated by the bishop and cabi-
net. The Conference Commission on Religion and Race
train persons to be listener/ advocates as part of a sup-
port team.

25. Listening posts be provided that allow racial/
ethnic minority persons a safe place to tell their stories,
thereby helping to confront the White Church with its
culture of racism.

26. The identification and development of rural Sha-
lom ministries be a part of a conference Comprehensive
Plan for strengthening racial/ethnic minority churches
and communities.

27. Each annual conference advocate to end dis-
crimination against racial/ ethnic minority farmers and
rural organizations by local, state, and federal officials.

28. Advocacy support be provided by annual confer-
ences to organizations that are led by racial/ethnic mi-
nority persons, such as the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives and the Intertribal Agricultural Council.

29. Annual Conferences and Local Congregations
equally assume responsibility to:

• Establish a farm worker ministry to sensitize
members of the concerns of farm workers and to
advocate for farm worker justice.

• Join the Farm Worker Action Network of the National
Farm Worker Ministry.

• Observe a Farm Worker Sabbath/Farm Worker
Sunday to raise awareness of Farm worker issues,
possibly being a part of Rural Life Sunday
observance.

• Become informed about and advocate for support of
organizations such as the National Farm Worker
Ministry that focus on improving working conditions,
housing, wages, and health care of farm workers.

Local Church : It is recommended that

30. Congregations be prepared to support open itin-
eracy and experience workshops/seminars on inclu-
siveness, racism, and cultural awareness by local
Pastor-Parish Relations committees.

31. Opportunities for the congregation to deal with
the issues of racism and to experience varied styles and
forms of worship be provided by the Council on Minis-
tries/Administrative CouncO, through appropriate
work-area committees.

32. When a pastor of a different racial/ethnic minor-
ity group is appointed, the pastor and the congregation
together develop a covenant that enables the fulfillment
of the new opportunity for ministry.

33. Planning and programing that include aware-
ness of the surrounding community and its racial/ethnic
minority composition be on the agenda of the Council
on Ministries/Administrative Council so that the minis-
try of the congregation is enhanced and relevant

34. Use of curriculum resources like Tlie Language
of Hospitality, Creating a New Community: God's People
Overcoming Racism, and Building a New Community:
God's Children Overcoming Racism be encouraged.

35. Congregations work ecumenically and with
secular agencies on issues of rural racism.

36. Intentionally inclusive mission statements be
written by local churches.

37. Advocacy supports be provided by the local
church to organizations that are led by racial/ethnic
minority persons, such as the Federation of Southern
Cooperatives and the Intertribal Agricultural Council.

Independent Commissions

1401

38. Local churches support efforts of Blacks, Native
American, and other farmers of color to preserve and
increase land ownership.

39. Develop a mode! counseling course to help rural
pastors become confident and skilled to counsel parents
of children who commit hate crimes or who are victims
of hate crimes.

40. Encourage ways to provide more inclusive men-
tal health services in rural areas and offer additional
courses on crisis counseling to rural pastors.

Individual: It is recommended that

41. Persons not be silent. If you are subject to an act
of bigotry or racial violence, tell someone. Tell your
family, your friends, neighbors, the church; seek sup-
port for yourself. Report the incident to police. Insist that
the crime be reported as a "hate crime."

42. Support be given to the victim and encourage
him or her to report the incident to the police. Enlist aid
and support from the church and community. Witness
to the law of love as exemplified in Christ's teaching of
the Good Samaritan.

43. Persons teach children about other cultures and
countries, opening minds that the church is global.

Institutions of Higher Education: It is recom-
mended that

44. The General Commission on Religion and Race
and the Office of Town and Country Ministries, Nafional
Division, General Board of Global Ministries be invited
by schools of theology to design and implement rural
cross-cultural experiences for seminary students pre-
paring to serve as diaconal or ordained ministers.

45. Boards of Trustees be reviewed by all of the two-
and four-year colleges with a relationship to the United
Methodist Church, except historically Black colleges,
for racial, ethnic, and gender inclusiveness and, where
necessary, begin to be reflective of all United Method-
ists of the annual conference in which it is located.

46. All conference elected trustees of two- and four-
year colleges related to the United Methodist Church,
except historically Black Colleges, ask for admission
statistics that include racial/ethnic minority makeup
and encourage the college to reflect at least the ra-
cial/ethnic minority makeup of all high school students
from which their student body is drawn geographically.

47. Training on racism appropriate for college trus-
tees, administration, faculty, staff, and students be de-
signed and made available by the General Commission
on Religion and Race to all two and four year colleges
related to the United Methodist Church.

48. Faculties be reviewed by all two- and four-year
colleges with a relationship to the United Methodist
Church, except historically Black Colleges, for racial,
ethnic and gender inclusiveness and, where necessary.

begin to be reflective of all United Methodists from
which their student body is drawn geographically.

Petition Number: 22717-IC-NonDis-O; Spady, R. +
Cate, Wm. & Jan + Ellington, Wm. +, Harding, Joe -i-
Adm. C. & Members St. Peters UMC, Seattle, WA.

Establish a Steering Committee to Study
the New "Fast Forum"

Consistent with <n 1906.17, .18, and .19, the General
Commission on Communication (UMCom) should es-
tablish a steering committee to study the new "Fast
Forum" communication technology and the administra-
tive theories that underlie it to actively consider estab-
lishing a four-year research project with the Forum
Foundation, which has volunteered its resources and
expertise. (Note: There is no cost to this study proposal
nor use of significant UMCom staff time.)

The purpose is to actively consider recommending
the establishment of a "United Methodist Councilor's
Network" composed of one or more volunteer discus-
sion groups of 8 to 10 persons from each local church
interested in acting as "official advisors," approximately
quarterly, but not more than monthly, to general confer-
ence boards and agencies and to UMCom on issues
faced by the Church or our society. All reports gener-
ated from the process are advisory only and will be
properly disclaimed as representing the views and opin-
ions of those persons participating and not necessarily
the official views of the Church or its agencies and
boards. The information generated using local church
computer "communicators," however, will be 100% valid
for the people participating and just as valid as letters,
telephone calls, and direct testimony given at big meet-
ings or other open forums convened to get feedback
from church members, but it is much more convenient
for people not to have to travel to remote locations to
participate.

When there are no pressing issues for considera-
tion, materials on the United Methodist Social Principles
and Book of Resolutions should be prepared for study and
reflection by the network, including guidance for United
Methodist youth from their parents in a curriculum
process of "psycho-social moratoria" (Erik Erickson),
"...which is so important (to the teenager), it is equal to
the importance of a small child for maternal care" (The
Eclipse of Citizenship, Dr. Robert Pranger, University of
Washington, 1968).

Petition Number: 22808-IC-NonDis-O; Tippit, Stephen
L, Union UMC, Belleville, IL

Realizing Unity Between Lutherans
and Methodists

Whereas, Lutheran and Methodist churches alike
arose as reform movements within large church bodies;
and

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DCA Advance Edition II

Whereas, dialogues sponsored by the Lutheran
World Federation and the World Methodist Council
culminated in 1984 in the common statement "The
Church: Community of Grace," which recommended
"that our churches take steps to declare and establish
full fellowship of Word and Sacrament"; and

Whereas, this common statement was accepted by
the World Methodist Council at its meeting in Nairobi
in 1986; and

Whereas, full fellowship of Word and Sacrament has
now been established between Lutherans and Method-
ists in West Germany (1987), East Germany (1990),
Austria (1991), and Sweden (1993); and

Whereas, a series of dialogues between The United
Methodist Church and the member churches of the
Lutheran Council in the USA held between 1977 and
1979 culminated in the common statement "A Lutheran-
United Methodist Statement on Baptism"; and

Whereas, the Germany United Methodist Central
Conference has voted to become a member of the
"Leuenberger Konkordie" (1995), which is a fellowship
of 80 Lutheran and Reformed judicatories that accept
each other's faith and order; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church believes
that Christ wills for the church to be visibly one; and

Whereas, throughout the church of Jesus Christ
significant ecumenical proposals continue to emerge
that envision the achievement of visible unity through a
series of covenants and concordats that unite our mem-
berships, ministries, observances of the sacraments,
and mission rather than merge our structures; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church Preamble
to the Constitution recognizes that 'The Church of Jesus
Christ exists in and for the world, and its very divided-
ness is a hindrance to its mission in that world"; and

Whereas, United Methodists have diligently partici-
pated in the development of the common statements
between Lutherans and Methodists as a way of reducing
the dividedness among Christians;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Method-
ist Church formally acknowledge the work performed
in the two series of dialogues between The United Meth-
odist Church and the member churches of the Lutheran
Council in the USA and recognize the common state-
ments culminating from those dialogues as official state-
ments of The United Methodist Church on baptism and
episcopacy; and

Be it further resolved, that the General Conference
direct

1. The Council of Bishops and the General Commis-
sion on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns to
initiate a third and final round of dialogue between The
United Methodist Church and interested member

churches of the former Lutheran Council in the USA
with the explicit goals of:

a) identifying and achieving consensus on remain-
ing dialogical tasks and topics necessary to bring the
churches into full communion (altar and pulpit fellow-
ship), including, but not limited to:

i. recognition and interchangeability of ministers
and members;

ii. joint consecrations of future bishops; and

iii. the establishment of organs for consultation and
communication to express and strengthen fellowship
and to enable common witness, life, and service;

b) preparing a Concordat of Agreement declaring
and establishing full fellowship of word, sacrament, and
order between The United Methodist Church and the
applicable member churches of the former Lutheran
Council in the USA for submission to:

i. the General Conference of The United Methodist
Church in the year of our Lord 2000; and

ii. the next scheduled meeting (s) of the governing
body(ies) of the applicable member churches of the
former Lutheran Council in the USA;

for approval and the initiation of the appropriate
legislative, canonical, constitutional, and liturgical ac-
tions necessary to realize the unity Christ wills for the
church.

Petition Number: 22809-IC-NonDis-O; Abiade, Zawdie
K. Dr., WML

Conference Commission on Religion and Race

The relationship that the Discipline (^ 740) invites
the cabinet and conference Board of Ordained Ministry
to have with the conference Commission on Religion
and Race does not occur. There should be an ongoing
functional relationship between these entities, espe-
cially in places like the West Michigan Conference that
do not have ethnic representation on the cabinet. My
interpretation of this paragraph is that it seeks to ensure
that the issues of racial equity will remain before the
Board of Ordained Ministry and the cabinet. I do not
feel, as chair of the conference Commission on Religion
and Race, that either entity has exercised an interest in
building an internal structure that would reflect the
intent of this paragraph, at least not in the West Michi-
gan Conference.

Therefore, I am requesting that at least once a year,
the cabinet and the conference Board of Ordained Min-
istry meet with the conference Commission on Religion
and Race to discuss issues pertinent to the ethnic minor-
ity churches, clergy, and laity.

Independent Commissions

1403

Petition Number: 22810-IC-NonDis-O; MARCHA.

Institutional Racism in General Church
Processes

MARCHA (Methodists Associated to Represent the
Cause of Hispanic Americans) requests that the General
Conference direct the general agencies of The United
Methodist Church to refrain from any practice of insti-
tutional racism in relating to racial ethnic groups, such
as pitting them against one another or against different
organizations within a given group or making them
compete for the same funds or any other kind of re-
sources.

Petition Number: 22905-IC-NonDis-O; West Ohio
Conference MFSA.

Racism Today

The United Methodist Church made a prophetic
witness against racism during the Civil Rights revolu-
tion, and we are committed to becoming a truly inclusive
Church. However, the face of racism in the U.S.A has
changed from the crudeness of segregation to more
sophisticated but equally oppressive forms. If our
Church is to maintain a strong witness against racism
and to be an inclusive Church, we need an analysis in
keeping with the times.

Because of past inequality of opportunity and be-
cause of continuing discrimination against racial ethnic
minorities, it is African Americans, Latinos, and Native
Americans who are hardest hit by rising unemployment.
Because they have been kept at the bottom of the eco-
nomic ladder in numbers disproportionate to their per-
centage of the general population, they are the first and
the hardest hit by cuts in welfare, health care, education;
and by harsher prison conditions and parole policies.
These policies, seemingly racially neutral on their face,
are harshly racist in their effect and implementation.
One of the most blatant forms of this new sanitized
racism is the rising clamor for imposition of the death
penalty.

The new face of racism requires new remedies. To
this end, we call for:

1. The General Commission on Religion and Race
to develop new programs to unmask and eliminate ra-
cism in its new guises;

2. Every annual conference to conduct anti-racism
training programs with a list of organizations and groups
who provide such training to be provided by GCORR.

3. Increased salary and benefits to racial ethnic
pastors who serve minimum salary churches in eco-
nomically depressed and dangerous inner city and rural
communities;

4. Continued United Methodist opposition to the
death penalty, emphasizing its disproportionate impact
upon racial ethnic persons.

5. Local churches to become intentionally multi-cul-
tural and to share power with those they seek to include.

In addition, we call for the U.S. government to enact
legislation:

1. Creating public sector jobs for the chronically
unemployed;

2. Creating a new and updated version of the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) of the 1930's to save an
alienated generation of youth in our urban and rural
areas;

3. Placing a greater emphasis on education, job
creation, drug rehabilitation, and community develop-
ment than on building prisons, hiring police, and impos-
ing the death penalty.

Petition Number: 22527-IC-R242-U; Mission, C & S
Committee and The Adm. Council, St. Paul and St.
Andrew UMC, New York, NY.

Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity
with Women

Whereas, in 1988 the United Methodist Church
voted to "participate fully in The Ecumenical Decade:
Churches in Solidarity with Women' 1988-1998 (The
Book of Resolutions) ; and

Whereas, the ecumenical event "Re-Imagining"
(Minneapolis, November 1993) has been the only na-
tional event in the United States in response to the World
Council of Churches "Ecumenical Decade: Churches in
Solidarity with Women" during the decade and was one
of the largest church gatherings of women theologians
in history; and

Whereas, some United Methodists used the event
to attack church women who attended the event with
accusations of "heresy, neo-paganism and blasphemy"
("Good News," Jan./Feb. 1994, page 35); and

Whereas, writers, editors, and Church members
had access to the grievance procedures of The United
Methodist Church that deal with such accusations, yet
instead used publications in which to make their views
known; and

Whereas, central to the early church theologians'
understanding of Jesus was his identification with the
personified female wisdom, as found in John 1:1-4 and
Proverbs 8:22-31; and

Whereas, for the liturgists and planners of the "Re-
Imagining" conference, the Bible, church creeds and
traditions were the sources for the understanding of
wisdom as being of one substance with the Trinity
("Report of the Task Force on the Study of Wisdom,"
The Council of Bishops, October 31-November 4, 1994,
Circuit Rider, March 1995, page 37); and

Whereas, a milk and honey service was condemned
even though it was in keeping with "the groaning of

1404

DCA Advance Edition II

creation" in Romans 8:3; the promised land of Exodus;
the United Methodist love feast; and the first recorded
eucharist, which included three cups (water, wine, milk
and honey) ; and

Whereas, the organization of United Methodist
Women was singled out for attack, disregarding over
100 years of faithful service; and

Whereas, some members of the "Re-Imagining"
planning team lost their jobs and all suffered accusations
and attacks;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence of The United Methodist Church issue a statement
of support to the Women's Division of the General Board
of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, and
United Methodist Women to include an affirmation of
their historic leadership in mission, ecumenism, theol-
ogy, and the right to participate in ecumenical events;
and

Be it further resolved, that the entire United Meth-
odist Church be involved in a prayerful and thorough
study of the bishops' paper "A Report of the Task Force
on the Study of Wisdom."

Petition Number: 22021-IC-R245-U;CIL.

Ecumenical Decade: Solidarity with Women

Add two new paragraphs at the end of "Ecumenical
Decade: Churches in Solidarity with Women," page 245:

12. Finally, we urge all constituents of The
United Methodist Church, young and old, female
and male, to view the present ferment in theology
as a creative opening for the Holy Spirit to lead us
in further doctrinal and scriptural under-
standings.

13. May all sectors of the Church join in re-
spectful, loving, and open-minded dialogue about
our common Christian faith and witness to the
reign of God, in which there is "no longer male nor
female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus"
(Galatians 3:28).

Petition Number: 22425-IC-R580-U; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Holy Land Toiu-s

Add new text at the end of "Holy Land Tours," pages
580-1 in The Book of Resolutions:

G) Extends sincere appreciation to those
United Methodists who have facilitated the imple-
mentation of the above recommendations in tours
they have sponsored or participated in during the
first quadrennium following adoption of this reso-
lution;

H) Deplores that many tours sponsored or
arranged by United Methodist bishops, pastors,
and laity do not schedule opportunity for all par-
ticipants to enter into partnership with the indige-
nous Christians for the recommended program
time and, therefore, fail to 'Walk With the Living
Stones" in their strides toward Palestinian self-de-
termination, their rich spiritual heritage, and their
faithful contemporary witness;

I) Expresses deep concern that evidence con-
tinues to accumulate that Christianity is dying in
the land of Jesus through economic, social, and
political pressures, which have greatiy diminished
the numbers and percentage of Christians in the
Holy Land. United Methodist bishops and other
organizers of Holy Land tours, particularly those
arranged through Educational Opportunities,
Inc., have a special responsibility to adhere to
these recommendations to strengthen the witness
of the remaining Palestinian disciples of the Living
Lord;

J) Affirms the presence of The United Method-
ist Church in Jerusalem through our liaison office;

K) Encourages tour leaders to consult with the
United Methodist liaison office in Jerusalem in
order to facilitate adherence to these recommen-
dations;

L) Instructs the Joint Panel of International
Affairs of our general agencies to monitor and
report to the General Conference regarding the
implementation of this resolution;

M) Underscores the significance of Bethlehem
2000, which celebrates two millennia of Christi-
anity in the land of Jesus; and

N) Urges close cooperation with the Middle
East Council of Chm-ches and other indigenous
Christian groups to facilitate informed, alternative
travel opportunities to the region.

Local Church

1405

Local Church

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

1107.

Petition Number: 22104-LC-107-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Identifying the Primary Purpose of the Church
and Its Ministry

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 107:

By means of all its expressions, including
business meetings, personnel matters, study
classes, and planning sessions, the Church shall
seek to perfect its love of God and neighbor.

TI113.

Petition Number: 22105-LC-113-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Called to Inclusiveness

Add a new sentence at the end of the fourth para-
graph of ^113:

All locations of meeting for sanctioned church
groups and agencies shall be in facilities accessi-
ble by participants and potential participants, in-
cluding those with disabilities.

1113.

Petition Number: 22671-LC-113-D; Oden, Thomas C,
Dr., OKL.

Regarding Triune and Inclusive Language

Add a new paragraph after the fourth paragraph of
1113:

Exaggerated efforts at inclusive language that
deny ecumenical triune teaching in the name of
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy
Spirit are to be rejected.

1113.

Petition Number: 22672-LC-113-D$; Oden, Thomas C,
Dr..

A Study Commission on Classic Christianity and
Modern Feminism: The Future of their Relationship

Add a new paragraph after the fourth paragraph of
1113:

A Quadrennial Study Commission on Classic
Christianity and Modem Feminism: The Future of
Their Relationship shall be created during the
coming quadrennium to report to the General
Conference of 2000 A.D. Its mission shall be to
study the relation of feminist and classic ecumeni-
cal Christian teaching. It would seek to clarify for
the Church both the strengths and excesses of
feminism and to make recommendations about
how the Church should respond to the achieve-
ments and deficits of feminism. The commission
shall be appointed by the Council of Bishops and
shall have equal representation of women and
men. At least half of the representation of the
commission shall be composed of persons who
have a known record of being committed to classic
Christian teaching under the normative authorify
of Scripture according to our doctrinal standards.

1114.

Petition Number: 22673-LC-114-D; Yeakel, Joseph H.,
Bishop, BMW.

Definition of Clergy

Add a new Rafter "J 114:

Definition of Clergy. — Clergy in The United
Methodist Church are individuals who serve as
deacons, elders, and local pastors under appoint-
ment of a bishop (full and part-time), who hold
membership in an annual conference, and who
are ordained or licensed.

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DCA Advance Edition II

^206.

Petition Number: 22436-LC-206-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship +Paige, Margaret.

Strengthening Cooperative Ministries
Through Training and Funding

Amend ^ 206:

4. [Delete existing text.] Bishops, district super-
intendents, conference staff, and other leaders
shall become familiar, through training, with the
benefits of cooperative ministries, especially coop-
erative parish ministries. They shall provide lead-
ership and training opportunities for pastors and
local chiu-ch leaders as to the value of cooperative
ministries in moving toward excellence in nurture,
outreach, and witness ministries. They are to ex-
plore and develop strategies in the formation of
cooperative ministries to provide meaningful min-
istries to persons in congregations, commimities,
and the global community.

5. Cabinets shall be urged to give priority in the
appointment process to appointing directors and clergy
staff of cooperative parishes ministries, especially co-
operative parish ministries, who have been trained
in cooperative ministry concepts and who have
demonstrated effective ministries of nurture, outreach,
and witness, and to development and implementation of
The cabinet shall develop and implement strategies
designed to enable and equip pastors presently ap-
pointed to cooperative parish ministries to provide ef-
fective...

6. Annual conferences and cabinets are ui^ed
to assist in the development and strengthening of
cooperative ministries by piu-suing funding assis-
tance from general church, annual conference,
and other sources for each cooperative ministry,
including cooperative parish ministries.

^206.

Petition Number: 22674-LC-206.4-D; Church and
Community Workers National Organization, WV.

Strengthening Cooperative Ministries through
Training

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 206.4:

Bishops, district superintendents, conference
staff, and other leaders shall provide training op-
portunities for pastors and local church leaders.

^207.

Petition Number: 22106-LC-207.5-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Churches in Transitional Communities

Amend ^ 207.5:

5. ...some form of cooperative parish ministry.

^208.

Petition Number: 2103&-LC-208-D; Church of tiie
Redeemer + 6 Other Church Groups +, 118
Individuals.

Church Membership

Amend the second sentence of ^ 208:

Therefore, all persons, without regard to race, color,
national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or eco-
nomic condition,...

^208.

Petition Number: 22107-LC-208-D; Lane, James W.
and 6 other Individuals, Levy UMC, Sherwood, AR.

The Church Membership

Amend the second sentence of ^ 208:

Therefore all persons, without regard to race, color,
national origin, disability, or economic condition, shall
be eligible...

^208.

Petition Number: 22437-LC-208-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship +Paige, Margaret.

Study of Local Church Potential

Add a new ^ after ^ 207:

Study of Local Church Potential. — In static, declin-
ing, or changing population areas, local churches
may take the opportunity to study their congrega-
tion's potential. A study task force may be ap-
pointed by the bishop to do an extensive study of
the past, present, and potential ministry of that
local church upon the request of the congregation
or the district superintendent or when the average
worship attendance falls below 15 persons. The
task force shall be composed of an equal nmnber
of lay and clergy persons and shall include per-
sons from that congregation.

1. This study shall include, but not be limited
to: a) unique missionfd opportunities and needs

Local Church

1407

of the community; b) present ministries of the con-
gregation; c) number of leaders and style of lead-
ership; d) growth potential of the surrounding
community; e) fiscal and facilities needs; f) dis-
tance from other United Methodist churches; g)
number and size of churches of other denomina-
tions in the community; h) other items that may
impact the church's ability to fulfill the mission of
the Church as stated in "fl 69.

2. The findings shall be published and pre-
sented to the congregation with recommendations
as to how to increase the local church's potential.
Those invited to the presentation shall include:
the members of the congregation, the pastor(s),
the district superintendent, and members of the
district Board of Church Location and Building (^
2519).

3. The members of the local church shall con-
sider the recommendations and adopt a response
to them. The district superintendent shall report
the results of the study and the congregation's
response to the Cabinet, with recommendations
for the allocation of conference staff, resourcing,
financial support, or other resources needed to
undergird the congregation's efforts to reach its
recommended potential. Such annual conference
support shall be committed no longer than 3
years.

^208.

Petition Number: 22528-LC-208-D; Kuyper, Robert L,
CNV.

Church Membership

Add new text at the end of ^ 208:

Although we do not condone the practice of
homosexuality, all those who struggle with homo-
sexuality or who have overcome homosexuality
shall be eligible to attend our worship services, to
participate in our programs, and, when they take
the appropriate vows, to be admitted into our
membership in any local church in the connec-
tion.

^210.

Petition Number: 22438-LC-210-D; Barrett, R
Dulaney, NMX.

Church Membership

Number existing 'J 210 as 'fl 210.1 and add a new
sub-paragraph:

2. While we understand ourselves to be within
the universal church, members of The United
Methodist Church, lay and clergy, are members of

The United Methodist Church alone. There is no
provision for a person to be a member of more than
one denomination at a time.

^216.

Petition Number: 22529-LC-216.1-D; Mclntyre, Alan,
OKL.

Admission into the Church

Amend the last sentence of "J 216.1:

...faithful members of The United Methodist
Church, after the completion of a reasonable period of
training, and after the Sacrament....

^219.

Petition Number: 22108-LC-219-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Admission into the Church

Add a new sentence before the last sentence of ^
219:

...represent the congregation. In the case of a
mentally challenged or non-verbal person, a spon-
sor may speak the vows for that person as may be
necessary. Names of such persons...

^221.

Petition Number: 22365-LC-221-D; Leckrone, June R.,
Centenary UMC, Portsmouth, VA

Children and The Church

Amend ^ 221:

...to present their children to the Lord in Baptism or
Dedication at an early age. Before Baptism or Dedica-
tion is administered,. ..who present their children for
Baptism or Dedication that they shall use.. .At the time
of Baptism or Dedication they shall be informed....

^221.

Petition Number: 22718-LC-221-D; DeLong, Evelyn L,
Calvary UMC, Circleville, OH.

Regarding Baptism and Dedication

Add new text at the end of <n 221:

When so desired, the Service of Dedication
may be provided for the use of Christian parents
who desire to reserve the Sacrament of Baptism
until a later time when the child makes a personal
commitment to Christ.

1408

DCA Advance Edition II

^225.

Petition Number: 20092-LC-225-D; Milloy, Peter,
MNN.

Confirmation Without Vows of Full Membership

Add a new sentence at the end of "J 225:

In the rite of confirmation persons may con-
firm their baptism with or without being received
into full membership.

^225.

Petition Number: 22109-LC-225-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Children and The Church

Amend the first sentence of ^ 225:

It shall be the duty of parents or guardians, the
pastors, the parents or guardians diaconal ministers.
Christian educators, youth ministry team, and
other professional staff, the officers and teachers of
the church school, and all members of the congregation
to provide training for the children and youth of the
church...

1225.

Petition Number: 22570-LC-225-D; Case, Riley B., NIN.

Children and the Church

Amend ^ 225:

[Second sentence] The pastor shall, at least annu-
aHy biannually, building on the preparation which beys
and girls youth have received.. .who, preferably, are
completing have completed the sixth grade. This in-
struction shall be based on materials which the boys and
fifte youth have already used and on other resources
produced by consistent with the teachings and em-
phases of The United Methodist Church...

1226.

Petition Number: 22110-LC-226-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Rights and Responsibilities of Youth Members
of the Church

Amend the last sentence of ^ 226:

It is further recommended that this course, taught
by the pastor, diaconal minister, certified Christian
educator, youth worker, or other professional
staff, emphasize the doctrines...

1227.

Petition Number: 22111-LC-227-D; Handy, W. T, Jr.,
Bishop.

Affiliate and Associate Members

Renumber % 227 as ^ 227.1 and add a new sub-para-
graph;

2. A bishop and other clergy who are retired,
located, on appointment beyond the local chm-ch,
on disability, or on sabbatical leave may, at their
own initiative, also seek affiliate membership in a
local church after consultation with the home
chm-ch pastor, the district superintendent, and
the resident bishop where the local chiu-ch is situ-
ated.

1227.

Petition Number: 22675-LC-227-D; Pierce, Mark L,

NNY.

Seasonal Local United Methodist Churches
Administrative Board/Council

Amend the fourth sentence of "J 227:

...the Administrative Council or Administrative
Board, except in seasonal United Methodist
churches that are open for worship twenty-six of
fewer weeks per year, except as local law provides.

This relationship...

1227.

Petition Number: 22719-LC-227-D; Pullman, Robert S.,

NCA

Members of the Home Church

Rewrite the relevant wording in ^ 227 to clarify who
is a member of the local church and whether affiliate and
associate members may serve on the Committees of
Nominations and Personnel and Pastor-Parish Relations
(Staff-Parish Relations).

1230.

Petition Number: 22571-LC-230-D; White, Michael L,
AFL

Care of Members

Amend ^ 230:

...should be neglectful of that responsibility, or
wishes an inactive relationship with the local
church, these procedures shall be followed:

Local Church

1409

1. ...without valid reason, or wishes to choose an
inactive relationship witii tiie local church, the pas-
tor...Of (d) accept a transfer of membership to the
Inactive Membership Roll, or (e) request with-
drawal. If the member does not eomply with any of the
available altcrnotivcg over a period of three years, the
member's name may be removed choose or accept
one of these options, that member's name may be
transferred to the Inactive Membership Roll. {See
§4.)

2. If a member whose address is known is residing
outside the community and is not participating in the
worship or activity of the church, the directives to en-
courage a transfer of mcmbcrahip shall be followed each
year until that member joins another church or requests
in writing that the name be removed from the member-
ship roll; provided, however, that if after three years the
council has not been able to relate that member to the
church at the new place of residence, the name may be
removed by the procedure of § 4 below either the
membership secretary or the pastor shall contact
that member and request whether that member
wishes to transfer membership to another, closer
United Methodist church, or a church of another
denomination, or whether that member wishes to
retain membership in that local church. In the last
case, the procedure in § 4 below shall be followed.

3. [Last sentence] ...but if after three years of such
efforts the address is still unknown, the member's name
may be removed from transferred to the Inactive
fflMembership fRoU by the procedure of § 4 below.

4. If the directives of §§ 1, 2, or 3 above have been
followed for the specified number of years without suc-
cess, the member's name may be removed transferred
from the Active Mmembership RfoU by vote of ..each
name being considered individually,; provided that the
and each member's name shall be have been entered
in the minutes of the annual that year's Charge Confer-
ence fertiM=ee-eeftseetrtJveyeai=»pfeeedtngi=efflOva}. On
the roll there shall be entered after the name: "Removed
Transferred to Inactive Membership Roll by order
of the Charge Conference"; and if the action. ..The mem-
bership of the person shall thereby be tefmiftated trans-
ferred, and the record thereof shall be retained;
provided that upon re-involvement request the mem-
ber may be restored to active membership by recom-
mendation of the pastor; and provided further, that
should a transfer of membership be requested before
re-involvement the pastor may restore transfer the
person's membership from the Inactive Membership
Roll to the receiving church for this purpose and
issue Ae a certificate of transfer to that effect.

S.Recognizing that the Church has a continuing
moral and spiritual obligation to nurture all persons,
eveft including those whose names have been fe-
moved from transferred to the Inactive Mmember-
ship Rfoll, it is recommended that a roll of persons thus
removed shall be maintained. It shall then...

1230.

Petition Number: 20093-LC-230.1-D; Administrative
Board, UMC, White, SD.

Care of Members

Amend the last sentence of ^ 230.1:

If the member does not comply with any of the
available alternatives over a period of three one years,
the member's name may be removed.

1230.

Petition Number: 20094-LC-230.1-D; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Gadsen, AL.

Care of Members

Amend the last sentence of % 230.1:

If the member does not comply with any of the
available alternatives over a period of three two years,
the member's name may be removed.

1230.

Petition Number: 22530-LC-230.1-D; Stafford, Linda
E.,WOH.

Membership in The United Methodist Church

Amend '11230.1:

1. a) Membership in The United Methodist
Church must be renewed annually.

In June of each calendar year, members shall
be contacted by letter or informed from the pulpit
that they must fill out an appropriate form indicat-
ing their desire to remain on the membership rolls
for another twelve months. If a member does not
renew his or her membership between June 1 and
August 31 of any calendar year, his or her name
will be read at that year's church or charge confer-
ence. If membership is not renewed between June
1 and August 31 of the subsequent year, that
member's name will be read at the following
church or charge conference and removed.

This policy will not apply to those members
who through illness are no longer able to make a
rational decision.

W If a member residing in the community is negli-
gent... (d) request withdrawal. If the member does not
comply with any of the available alternatives over a
period of three two years, the member's name may be
removed. {See § 4.)

1410

DCA Advance Edition II

^230.

Petition Number: 20095-LC-230.2-D; Administrative
Board, UMC, White, SD.

Care of members

Amend ^ 230.2:

2. ...the directives to encourage a transfer of mem-
bership shall be followed eaeh for a year until that
member joins another church or requests in writing that
the name be removed from the membership roll; pro-
vided, however, that if after three one years the council
has not...

^230.

Petition Number: 20096-LC-230.3-D; Administrative
Board, UMC, White, SD.

Care of Members

Amend the second sentence of "J 230.3:

If the member can be located, the directives of
either §1 or §2 above shall be followed, but if after three
one years of such efforts...

^230.

Petition Number: 20097-LC-230.4-D; Administrative
Board, UMC, White, SD.

Care of Members

Amend 1 230.4:

4. If the directives of §§1, 2, or 3 above have been
followed for the spcclFicd number of years period of
one year without success.. .provided that the member's
name shall have been entered in the minutes of the
annual Charge Conference for three consecutive one
years preceding removal.

^232.

Petition Number: 22720-LC-232-D; Pullman, Robert S.,

NCA

Full Membership Roll

Rewrite the relevant wording in ^ 232 to clarify who
is a member of the local church and whether affiliate and
associate members may serve on the Committees on
Nominations and Personnel and Pastor-Parish Relations
(Staff-Parish Relations).

^232.

Petition Number: 22112-LC-232.1-D; Ragsdale, James
D., Payne Springs UMC, Payne Springs, TX.

Membership Records and Reports

Add new text at the end of ^ 232.1:

Each year, during the month of July, the mem-
bership secretary will mail a letter to each member
whose name appears on the active roll, with an
enclosed envelope containing a chm-ch renewal
vow, a place for the member's signature, and a
space for a voluntary contribution, amount to be
determined by each local church, based on total
apportionment divided by the number of members
on the active full membership roll.

^232.

Petition Number: 22572-LC-232.1-D; White, Michael
L, AFL.

Membership Records and Reports

Amend % 232.1:

1. a) Full Membership Roll (^209).

b) Inactive Membership Roll, which shall con-
tain the names of all full members of the local
church who meet either of the criteria contained
in % 230.

1244.

Petition Number: 23028-LC-244-D; Cunanan, Jose
P.M., PHI.

Numerical Requirements in the Organization
of a Local United Methodist Church

Add a new "J after ^ 243 and renumber as appropri-
ate:

Numerical Requirements in Membership in the Or-
ganization of a Local United Methodist Church. — ^There
shall be at least fifty (50) full members as the
minimum required number in the organization of
a local United Methodist church.

1245.

Petition Number: 22439-LC-245-D; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Organization and Administration of the Local Church

Amend % 245:

...a Committee on Paster Staff-Parish Relations,...

Local Church

1411

^247.

Petition Number: 20006-LC-247-D; Clark, Stephen E.,
First United Methodist Church, Phoenix, AZ.

Membership of the Charge Conference

Delete % 247.2 and replace with the following text:

2. The membership of the Charge Conference
shall be all members of the charge (local church).

^247.

Petition Number: 22440-LC-247.2-D; 7 Conference
Boards of Diaconal Ministry+3 Indiv..

The Relationship of a Retired Diaconal Minister
to a Charge Conference

Amend ^ 247.2:

2. ...together with retired ordained ministers and
retired diaconal ministers who elect to hold...

^247.

Petition Number: 22811-LC-247.7-D; Chapman, Ruth,
Blanchard Pine River UMC, Remus, MI.

Charge and Church Conference, Absentee Ballots

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 247.6 and renum-
ber accordingly:

Those members not able to be present shall be
allowed to vote by absentee ballot. The ballot is to
be delivered to tihe church secretary in a sealed
envelope with the voter's name printed on it The
envelope is to be delivered not later than twelve
hours prior to the vote.

^248.

Petition Number: 20007-LC-248-D; Lay Members,
Aldersgate, Good Samaritan UMC, St. Louis Park,
Edina, MN.

Responsibility of the Charge Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 248.18:

The Chiirge Conference shall promote and ex-
amine the moral and ethical life of the congrega-
tion, and determine which issues as expressed by,
but not limited to, the Social Principles, need spe-
cial attention, discussion and action by the con-
gregation.

^248.

Petition Number: 22549-LC-248.2-D;Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Amend % 248.2:

2. [Second sentence] When the membership size,
program acopc, misaion resources, or other local cir-
cumstances sowarrantrcquirc, the Charge Conference
may, in consultation with and upon the approval of a
written plan by the district superintendent, by a two-
thirds majority vote modify the organizational plans;
provided that the provisions of "n 244 are observed.
Authoriaation for a pastoral charge or church to be
administered according to a modified plan of or-
ganization adopted pursuant to this paragraph
shall expire at the end of four years and may be
terminated at any Charge or Church Conference
by the district superintendent.

^248.

Petition Number: 22113-LC-248.6-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Powers and Duties of the Church Conference

Amend the last sentence of ^ 248.6:

6. ...nominated by the youth coordinator or Youth
Council, and at least one person with a disability.

^248.

Petition Number: 22114-LC-248.9-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Amend % 248.9:

9. It shall examine and recommend, faithfully adher-
ing to the provisions of ^% 305 and 405, renewal of
candidacy of candidates for the ordained and diaconal
ministry.

^248.

Petition Number: 22115-LC-248.11-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Delete ^ 248.11 and substitute new text:

The charge conference shall examine and rec-
ommend to the conference Board of Diaconal Min-
istry, faithfully adhering to the provisions of "J

1412

DCA Advance Edition II

304.5, those persons seeking the diaconal minis-
ter relationship with the annual conference.

^248.

Petition Number: 22116-LC-248.13-D; Administrative
Board, Shoregate UMC, Willowick, OH.

Basic Salary Option Plan

Add a new sentence at the end of "J 248.13:

The charge conference action may be super-
seded by action of the annual conference taken
under ^ 712.5.

^248.

Petition Number: 22117-LC-248.13-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan Option-
The Charge Conference

Amend ^248.13:

13. ...compensation of the pastor and other staff
appointed by the bishop, except for items covered
by a Basic Salary Plan when one has been ap-
proved by the annual conference.

^248.

Petition Number: 22367-LC-248.13-D; Conference
Cabinet, SCA

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Amend ^248.13:

13. The Charge Conference shall in consultation
with the district aupcrintcndcnt set receive from the
Administrative Board/Council a report on the
compensation set by the Board/Council for the

compensation of the pastor and other staff appointed by
the bishop.

^248.

Petition Number: 22531-LC-248.13-D; MFSA + 3
Individuals.

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Amend 1 248.13:

13. ...and other staff appointed by the bishop, ex-
cept in those conferences that have adopted a
Shared Salary Plan Option.^

^248.

Petition Number: 21029-LC-248.14-D; Adminisfa-ative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Powers and Duties of the Charge Conference

Delete ^ 248.14 and substitute new text:

As soon as practicable after the session of
annual conference, each district superintendent
or designated agent shall notify each local church
in the district which ministry items have been
selected for support by that annual conference.
Accompanying this shall be the itemized budget
request from the general Chxu-ch or other agency
for that item. The superintendent shall recom-
mend these items to each local church for the
planning of its own annual budget and shall be
prepared to explain the meaning of each ministry
item whenever a local church may request such
information.

^248.

Petition Number: 22676-LC-248.14-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Duties of the Charge Conference

Add a new sentence at the end of 1 248.14:

The district superintendent or designated
agent shall also notify each charge conference that
it is under no obligation to pay any apportion-
ments to the annual conference if its annual con-
ference knowingfy and willingly supports
ministers who engage in or promote homosexual-
ity.

^249.

Petition Number: 22812-LC-249-D; Chapman, Ruth,
Blanchard Pine River UMC, Remus, MI.

The Church Conference

Amend the first sentence of 'J 249:

...to all local church members present at such meet-
mgs.

Local Church

1413

^250.

^253.

Petition Number: 22677-LC-250.8-D; Acosta. William
H. + Casey. Robert T., VIR.

The Election of Committee Members
and Chairpersons

Renumber ^ 250.2 as .8 and add new text:

8. Committee on Nominations and Personnel,
the membership thereof to be nominated from the
floor of the charge conference only.

^252.

Petition Number: 21031-LC-252-D; Whitfield, D. Max,
LRK

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend the next to last sentence of"n 252.3:

The Administrative Board/Council chairperson
shall be entitled to attend meetings of all boards and
committees of the church, except the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relation when they are dealing with
personnel issues, or unless specifically limited....

^252.

Petition Number: 22441-LC-252.1-D; National Assoc,
of Annual Conference Lay Leaders.

Responsibilities of a Lay Leader

Amend 1252.1c:

1. c) ...the Committee on Finance, aft4 the Commit-
tee on Nominations and Personnel, and the Commit-
tee of Pastor-Parish Relations (Staff-Parish
Relations), where, along with...

Petition Number: 22118-LC-253.2-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Clarification of Responsibilities of the Chairperson
of Outreach Ministries

Amend ^ 253.2rf:

2. d) ...church and societal issues (^ 262.2), global
ministries concerns (^ 262.7), health and welfare min-
istries (f 263.2), Christian unity and interreligious
concerns (^ 262.1), religion and race (^ 262.8), and
status and role of women (*n 262.9).

^253.

Petition Number: 22678-LC-253.2-D; Ellison, Floyd,
DET.

Need for Clarification of "Outreach" and "Church
and Societal Issues"

Amend ^ 253.2(i:

...and advocacy, church and societal issues,. ..aft4
status and role of women, and any other church and
societal issues.

^255.

Petition Number: 22119-LC-255-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Membership of the Administrative Board

Amend the second paragraph of % 255:

The pastor and the associate pastor... appointed to
serve therein; all employed professional staff,
church and community workers....

^253.

^255.

Petition Number: 22573-LC-253-D; Canada, Delace
Rae, Christ UMC, Lehigh Acres, FL.

Work Area for Devotional Life in the Local Church

Add a work area for devotional life to % 253.

^253.

Petition Number: 22120-LC-255-D; Sloan, Norman C,
CIL.

Membership of the Administrative Board

Amend the last sentence of % 255:

The pastor shall be the administrative chief execu-
tive officer, and as such...

Petition Number: 22813-LC-253-D; Wofford, Delbert
R., Settle Memorial UMC. Owensboro, KY.

Chairperson of Prayer Ministries

Amend ^ 253 by adding a chairperson of prayer
ministries.

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DCA Advance Edition II

^257.

Petition Number; 21032-LC-257-D; Sloan, Norman C,
NIL.

Responsibilities

Amend the second sentence of ^ 257:

The pastor in charge or co-pastors shall be the
administrative chief executive officer (s) .

^257.

Petition Number: 22121-LC-257.3-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan Option-
The Administrative Board

Amend 1 257.3/

3. f) ...recommendations from the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relations, except for items covered by
a Basic Salary Plan when one has been approved
by the annual conference.

^257.

Petition Number: 22368-LC-257.3-D; Conference
Cabinet, SCA

Responsibilities of the Administrative Board

Amend \ 257.3f:

3. f) After consultation with the district super-
intendent, set and report Recommend to the Charge
Conference the salary...

^257.

Petition Number: 22721-LC-257.3-D; Gardner, Larry +
Gipson, Robert + Jones, Dale, Trinity UMC, Maysville,
KY.

The Administrative Board, Powers and Duties

Add a new sentence at the end of \ 257.3/

If the annual conference has adopted a confer-
ence-wide plan for compensation of pastors, the
recommendation to the charge conference shall
include any remxuieration or reimbursement for
the pastor(s) not covered by the annual confer-
ence plan.

^257.

Petition Number: 20842-LC-257.4-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Responsibilities of the Administrative Board/ Council

Delete \ 257 A, .5 and replace with new text:

4. TTie Administrative Board/ Coimcil shall of-
fer guidance and leadership in the promotion of
all the specific ministries adopted by that local
church, including those ministries which have
been suggested by the general Church and those
proposed by the annual and district conferences.
The Administrative Board/ Council, in conjunction
with the local church finance committee, shall
work to seciu-e any and all necessary funds for the
total ministry of die local church which it repre-
sents. It shall also offer guidance in the selection
and support of the various ministries of the annual
conference and the general Church.

1257.

Petition Number: 22574-LC-257.3-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Responsibilities of the Administrative Board

Delete the last sentence of ^ 257.3|'and replace with
new text:

Housing shall be considered as a part of a
pastor's total compensation for purposes of re-
porting compensation for income and Social Secu-
rity taxes, in accordance with applicable civil law,
and for purposes of determining the equitable
minimum base compensation of the annual con-
ference. (See 1 722.3.)

1261.

Petition Number: 22122-LC-261-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Work Areas of the Local Church

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 261:

Each work area chairperson, with the guidance of
the pastor or a representative from the employed pro-
fessional staff and chairperson...

Local Church

1415

^261.

Petition Number: 22814-LC-261-D; Wofford, Delbert
R, Settle Memorial UMC, Owensboro, KY.

Work Area on Prayer in the Local Church

Amend ^ 261 by adding a work area for prayer.

1261.

Petition Number: 22815-LC-261-D; Administrative
Board, Kenova UMC, Kenova, WVA

Coordinator of Prayer Ministries

Add a work area called "Prayer Ministries" to ^ 261.

1262.

Petition Number: 22816-LC-262-D; Administrative
Board, Kenova UMC, Kenova, WVA

Coordinator of Prayer Ministries

Add a chairperson of prayer ministries to ^ 262.

1262.

Petition Number: 22123-LC-262.2-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Responsibilities of Work Area Chairperson of Church
and Society

Amend ^ 262.2:

2. The work area chairperson of Church and society
shall keep the Council on Ministries or Administrative
Council or Council on Ministries aware of the need
for stttdy education and action in the areas of on social
issues and education, service, witness, and action is-
sues of social concern. In keeping with. ..the chairper-
son shall recommend to the Council on Ministries or
Administrative Council or Council on Ministries
study/action projects in the field of social concerns
education, service, witness, action, and advocacy
in support of the Church's position. The chairper-
son shall emphasize issues of social justice, in-
cluding: health and wholeness, peace,
environmental justice, rights of racial-ethnic per-
sons, poverty and hunger, concerns of women and
men, children and families. To facilitate and aug-
ment the work of the local congregation, as well as
that of the conference and general boards, the
chairperson is encouraged to participate in
Church networks of action. The chairperson shall
cooperate with other ministry work areas and com-
missions in surveying serving the needs of the local
community...

1262.

Petition Number: 22124-LC-262.2-D; Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministry Fellowship,SEJ.

Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministry as a
Responsibility of Church and Society Work Area

Amend the first sentence of <n 262.2:

2. ...service, witness, and action, which shall in-
clude criminal justice and mercy concerns. In keep-
ing with standards....

1262.

Petition Number: 22125-LC-262.3-D; Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministry, SEJ.

Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries as a Means
of Utilizing Community Volunteers

Add a new sentence at the end of II 262.3:

Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries pro-
vides many opportunities for volunteers, as a con-
gregation and/or ecumenical endeavor, to share
their Christian witness in the community.

1262.

Petition Number: 22126-LC-262.4-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

The Chairperson of Education

Amend the last sentence of ^ 262.4:

The chairperson shall encourage certification of
educational assistants and youth workers to pursue
church certification as directors or ministers of Chris-
tian education, of as associates in Christian education,
or as certified youth workers through the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

1262.

Petition Number: 22127-LC-262.5-D; Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministries, SEJ.

Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries as a
Responsibility of the Evangelism Work Area

Amend the first sentence of II 262.5:

5. ...or a renewal of faith in Jesus Christ, which
shall involve Criminal Justice and Mercy Minis-
tries that include those in jails and prisons, vic-
tims of crime, and their families.

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DCA Advance Edition II

^262.

Petition Number: 22128-LC-262.11-D; Administi-ative
Council, Grant Park-Aldersgate UMC, Atlanta, GA

Chairperson of Worship

Amend ^ 262. 11 to allow the local church to develop
liturgies and rituals that serve its members and commu-
nity.

^262.

Petition Number: 22575-LC-262.11-D; Knotts, Alice G.,
ORI.

The Work Area Chairperson of Worship

Amend the first sentence of ^ 262.11a:

11. a) ...Book of Worship (1992), and otiicr racially
ethnic supplemental worship material with other re-
sources including those provided by the General Board
of Disciplcship, Section on Worship resources from
the General Board of Discipleship, and other in-
clusive and racially ethnic supplemental worship
materials that serve church members and the
community.

^264.

Petition Number: 22129-LC-264-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Program Agencies: Involvement in Community
Ministries

Add new text between the first and second sen-
tences of ^ 264:

The local church may designate coordinators
to relate to community groups and organizations
with which the church shares ministry. These co-
ordinators would share responsibility for the qual-
ity of these programs under the guidance of the
appropriate ministry in the church.

^264.

Petition Number: 20802-LC-264.1-D; Allison Cambre,
TEX.

Program Agencies

Amend TI264.1e:

1. e) [Second sentence] The church school may be
organized with three divisions if desired: children's di-
vision for persons from birth through the sixth fifth
grade; youth division for persons from the seventh
sbcth through the twelfth grade; and adult division for

persons beyond the twelfth grade. In all classes or-
ganized for persons from birth through the twelfth
grade, there shall be at least two adults present.

Division superintendents,...

^264.

Petition Number: 22130-LC-264.1-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

The Church School and Non- Violence

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 264.1:

The chm-ch school is challenged to nmture the
skills of social interaction in keeping with oiu-
Christian tradition. Beginning in their early years,
children should be nurtured to develop the atti-
tudes and skills which enable them to seek non-
violent solutions. As an integral part of the
curriculimi, church schools shall teach the skills
and practice of non-violence as a powerful witness
to Christian faith and an effective strategy for con-
flict resolution.

^264.

Petition Number: 22131-LC-264.6-D; United Metiiodist
Women, St. James UMC, St. James, MN.

Raffles of Handicraft Products

Add a new sub-point at the end of 1 264.6, Article 6:

f) Nothing in % 73G shall be so construed as
to prevent the unit of United Methodist Women
from raising funds by means of a rafQe for handi-
craft products.

^264.

Petition Number: 22532-LC-264.6-D; Johnston, Janet,
Lakeway UMC, Pottsboro, TX.

United Methodist Women

Amend ^ 264.6:

6. United Methodist Women. — In every local church
there shall may be an organized unit of United Method-
ist Women....

Local Church

1417

^264.

Petition Number: 22132-LC-264.7-D; Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministry, SEJ.

Local Church Committee on Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministries

Delete ^ 264.7 and replace with new text:

7. Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. Re-
sponding to the mandate of Jesus Christ, biblical
principles, and the General Conference concerns
for criminal justice and mercy ministries, the local
church is called to minister to persons in prisons
and jails (oflfenders), families of prisoners, and
victims of crime and their families. To fulfill this
ministry responsibility, the local chxu-ch shall
form a Committee or Council on Criminal Justice
and Mercy Ministries to: (1) raise the awareness
and generate involvement of the congregation; (2)
explore and implement ministries to these per-
sons; (3) promote criminal justice concerns; and
(4) become a catalyst for change of society and
reconciliation of persons.

The committee would be accountable to the
Council on Ministries or Administrative Council,
and it may relate to the Global Ministries (mission
outreach) or evangelism (witness) work area. The
chairperson would serve as a member of the coun-
cils and related committee. Three or more persons
may compose the committee or council on prison
ministry.

^270.

Petition Number: 20100-LC-270.1-D; Cobb, Flora,
Edenton Street UMC, Raleigh, NC.

Committee on Nominations and Personnel

Amend the third sentence of ^ 270.1:

Tlic pastor shall be the chairperson The Commit-
tee shall elect its chairperson.

^270.

Petition Number: 20101-LC-270.1-D; Bell, Howard, SIL.
Administrative Committees
Retain the third sentence of ^ 270. 1 without change.

^270.

Petition Number: 22133-LC-270.1-D; Price, Ruthmary
&National Assoc. Conf. Lay Leaders, First United
UMC, Corpus Christi, TX.

Administrative Committees

Delete the third sentence of ^ 270.1 and replace
with new text:

This committee shall choose its chairperson
from the membership of the committee.

^270.

Petition Number: 22134-LC-270.1-D; Gross, Martha J.,
WOH.

Committee on Nominations and Personnel

Amend ^270.1:

...the Committee on Nominations and Personnel;
and vacancies as they occur, shall be elected fretft nomi-
nees from the floor. At least one youth and one young
adult, elected by the Charge Conference or Church
Conferencer. shall serve as members of the Committee
on Nominations and Personnel. Churches arc encour-
aged to establish a policy that retiring members of the
Committee on Nominations and Personnel not succeed
themselves. The Committee on Nominations may
present a slate of choices. Other persons may be
nominated from the floor, and a ballot taken, if
necessary. Any person who has served a three-
year term is ineligible for re-election for at least
two years. At least one youth and one young adult
shall serve as members of the Committee on
Nominations and Personnel.

^270.

Petition Number: 22135-LC-270.1-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Representation on the Conference Committee
on Nominations and Personnel

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 270.1:

In the nomination process,. ..be representative of
persons with disabilities, and the age level,...

1418

DCA Advance Edition II

^270.

Petition Number: 22550-LC-270.1-D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Committee on Nominations and Personnel

Amend 1270.1:

1. There shall be elected annually by the Charge
Conference in each local church a Committee on Nomi-
nations and Personnel, the members of which (ex-
cept in newly organized charges) shall have been
who are members of the local church for at least five
consecutive years. This committee.. .The pastor shall
be the chairperson, except that the Lay Leader shall
chair this committee in churches with more than
500 members. The committee.. .elected from nomi-
nees from the floor. At least one youth and one young
adult, elected by the Charge Conference or Church
Conference, shall serve as members of the Committee
on Nominations and Personnel. Churches are encour-
aged...not succeed themselves, and that, insofar as
possible, such Committee's membership shall be
inclusive and diverse.

If so directed by the Administrative Council or
Administrative Board, tThe Committee on Nomina-
tions and Personnel shall serve throughout the year to
advise guide the Administrative Council.. .and also to
recruit, support, and recognize... personnel of the con-
gregation, working in relationship to the committees
and work areas of the Administrative Council or the
Administrative Board and Council on Ministries in both
its nominations and personnel guidance.

In the nomination process, care shall be given that
each board, committee, council, and work area, as well
as the total nominated personnel shall, insofar as possi-
ble, be comprised of the persons most likely to
advance the Church's mission representative of the
age level, sexual, cultural, racial/ethnic membership, as
well as economic, social, and theological orientation of
the congregation.

^270.

Petition Number: 22577-LC-270.1-D; Pullman, Robert
S., NCA

Mandated Youth Member on the Committee
on Nominations and Personnel

Amend ^ 270.1:

[First paragraph, next to last sentence.] At least one
youth and one young adult, elected by the Charge Con-
ference or Church Conference, shall serve as a mem-
bers of the Committee on Nominations and Personnel.
One or more members of this committee, elected
by the Charge Conference or Church Conference,
may be youth. Churches are encouraged....

^270.

Petition Number: 20005-LC-270.2-D; Elrod, Caroline
M., United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, IN.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Add the following sentence to ^ 270.2:

No person in a parish being presently coun-
seled for personal reasons or having been coun-
seled in the past for personal reasons by the
pastor currendy serving that parish shall be al-
lowed to serve on the Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations so long as that pastor is serving that
parish.

^270.

Petition Number: 22136-LC-270.2-D; Atkins, Hardin L,
III, NMX.

Accountability of Non-Appointed Local Church Staff
to Appointed Pastor-in-Charge and Committees

Add new text after the third sentence of ^ 270.2/(9) :

In any case, all such non-appointed employees
shall be and are subject to dismissal when, in the
sole opinion of the pastor in charge and the Com-
mittee on Pastor-Parish Relations (Staff-Parish
Relations), the employee's performance and/or
conduct is found unsatisfactory for any reason or
in any respect. Abihty and continued demon-
strated willingness of such employees to work ef-
fectively under the ultimate supervision and
authority of the appointed pastor in charge and
harmoniously with other staff members shall be
deemed non-negotiable conditions of employ-
ment. The responsibility for acquainting each pre-
sent and prospective non-appointed local chitfch
employee with these provisions and requirements
rests with the Committee on Pastor-Parish Rela-
tions (Staff-Parish Relations). Access to the com-
mittee by such employees, as well as by appointed
church staff, is to be guaranteed as a means of
identifying problems or impasses, hearing griev-
ances, and taking appropriate remedial action as
necessary.

^270.

Petition Number: 22137-LC-270.2-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Enabling Legislation for Basic Salary Plan Option-
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amende 270.2/(4):

2./> (4) ...reporting budget items to the Committee
on Finance, except for items covered by a Basic

Local Church

1419

Salary Plan when one has been approved by the
annual conference. The parsonage is to be...

^270.

Petition Number: 22138-LC-270.2-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Responsibilities of Pastor-Parish (Staff-Parish)
Relations Committees Regarding Lay Preachers

Amend ^270.2/(6):

2. f) (6) To enlist, interview, evaluate, review, and
recommend annually to the Charge Conference lay
preachers and persons for candidacy....

^270.

Petition Number: 22139-LC-270.2-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Duties of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Add new text at the end of ^ 270.2/(5) :

2.f) (5) ...their professional and spiritual growth and
to encourage staff members to seek professional
certification in their fields of specialization.

1270.

Petition Number: 22140-LC-270.2-D; Administrativ
Council, St. Matthias UMC, Frederichburg, VA.

Annual Evaluation of the Pastor

Add new text between the first and second sen-
tences of ^ 270.2/(3):

For chiu^ches having membership of 200 or
more, the Committee on Pastor/Staff-Parish Rela-
tions must annually seek input, verbal or written,
from each member of tfie Coimcil on Ministries
(as listed in \ 259) in order to determine the
pastor's interaction with the leadership of the pro-
grams of the local chiu-ch. If the local church is
using the Administrative Council organization,
then in that instance, it is recommended that the
Committee on Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations con-
sult annually with the chairperson of the Adminis-
trative Council, the lay leader, plus all work area
chairpersons (as listed in \ 253.1).

1270.

Petition Number: 22141-LC-270.2-D; Fulton, Kenton
W., Trinity UMC, Tulsa, OK.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend ^270.2/(9):

2./) (9) ...the professional and other staff positions
(whether employee or contract) needed to carry
out.. .regarding the process for hiring, contracting,
evaluating,. ..the pastor shall have the authority to hire,
contract, evaluate,. ..When persons are hired or con-
tracted, consideration shall be given....

1270.

Petition Number: 22142-LC-270.2-D; Christian
Educators Fellowship.

Duties of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend the fourth sentence of \ 270.2/(9):

"When persona arc hired, consideration shall be
given to In the hiring process, preference should
be given to persons who meet the training qualifica-
tions and certification standards set forth by the general
church agency to which such positions are related (see
\ 1526.2).

1270.

Petition Number: 22369-LC-270.2-D; Conference
Cabinet, SCA

Responsibilities of the Committee
on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend ^270.2/(6):

2. /)(6) ...of all races and ethnic origin for these
ministries. Neither the pastor nor any member of
the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations shall
be present during the consideration of a candidacy
application or renewal of their immediate family.
The committee shall provide...

1270.

Petition Number: 22370-LC-270.2-D; Conference
Cabinet, SCA

Duties of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend the third sentence of \ 270.2/(9):

Until such a policy has been adopted, jointly the
committee and the pastor shall have....

1420

DCA Advance Edition II

^270.

Petition Number: 22442-LC-270.2-D; Wheat, Frank,
MSS.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Delete ^ 270.2.

^270.

Petition Number: 22443-LC-270.2-D; National Assoc,
of Annual Conference Lay Leaders.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Amend "J 270.2:

2. ...Annual Conference shall also be a member. In
the event that the lay leader is not an elected
member of the committee or the designated lay
member of Annual Conference, then the lay leader
shall be an ex officio member without vote. Only
one person...

SI270.

Petition Number: 22444-LC-270.2-D; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations

Add new text at the end of ^ 270.2/(9) :

In any case, all non-appointed local church
employees are employed at will and not by con-
tract. Employment at will means that the local
church, acting through this committee, and the
employee are each free to terminate the employ-
ment relationship without notice and for any rea-
son or for no reason. All such non-appointed
employees are subject to dismissal without notice
at any time when, in the sole opinion of the pastor
in charge, the employee's performance and/or
conduct is found imsatisfactory for any reason or
in any respect

^270.

Petition Number: 22679-LC-270.2-D; Pierce, Mark L.,

NNY.

Seasonal Local United Methodist Churches Pastor/
Staff Parish Relations Committee

Amend the fifth sentence of ^ 270.2:

All shall be members of the local church or charge,
or associate members in seasonal United Method-
ist chiu-ches that are open for worship twenty-six
or fewer weeks per year, except where Central Con-
ference legislation or local law provides otherwise.

^270.

Petition Number: 22680-LC-270.2-D; Acosta, William
H. + Casey, Robert T.,VIR.

The Election of Committee Members and
Chairpersons

Amend the first sentence of ^ 270.2a:

2. a) ...Committee on Nonjtfii&tions and Personnel
or by nomination from the floor.

^270.

Petition Number: 22817-LC-270.2-D;First UMC,
Broken Arrow, OK

The Make-up of the Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations (Staff-Parish Relations)

Amend % 270.2:

...One of the five to nine persons may be a senior
high youth. At least one of the five to nine persons
shall have practical experience in personnel mat-
ters, either in the course of their daily job or
through continuing education in personnel rela-
tions....No staff member or immediate family member
of a pastor, ©f staff member, or chairman of any other
church committee may serve on the committee....

^270.

Petition Number: 22576-LC-270.2-D; Thompson,
Carol, ORI.

Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
and the Lay Preacher

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 270.2/

2./'(l 1) To enlist, interview, evaluate, and rec-
ommend to the Charge/Church Conference per-
sons to serve as lay preachers.

^270.

Petition Number: 22818-LC-270.2-D;First UMC,
Broken Arrow, OK

Duties of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations
(Staff-Parish Relations)

Amend ^270.2/(1):

2. f){\) ...between the pastor/ staff and the people,
by regularly contacting (among other members of
the congregation) the chairpersons of the work

Local Church

1421

area committees in an informal manner, and con-
tinually interpreting...

twenty-six weeks or fewer per year, except as loc^
law provides otherwise {see n 270.1, 170.3, 2530).^

^270.

Petition Number: 22819-LC-270.2-D;First UMC,
Broken Arrow, OK.

Duties of the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations
(Staff-Parish Relations)

Amend ^270.2/(8):

2. f) (8) To confer with the pastor and chairper-
sons of the administrative board, trustees, fi-
nance, and council on ministries committees
and/or other appointed members.. .by a change of pas-
tor(s). Any recommendations for a change of pas-
tor(s) must be submitted in writing, stating the
specific reasons and rationale for such a request.
The committee shall cooperate...

^270.

Petition Number: 22143-LC-270.4-D; Committee on
Finance, Perry UMC, Perry, GA

Membership of the Local Church Finance Committee

Amend the first sentence of ^ 270.4:

4. ...or the chairpersons of the Administrative Board
and Council on Ministries; the chairperson of the
Conmiittee on Pastor-Parish Relations; a repre-
sentative of the trustees...

^270.

Petition Number: 22681-LC-270.4-D; Acosta, William
H. + Casey, Robert T.VIR.

The Election of Committee Members
and Chairpersons

Amend the first sentence of "B 270.4:

4. ...Committee on Nominations and Personnel or
from the floor, composed of the chairperson;...

^2525.

Petition Number: 22682-LC-2525-D; Pierce, Mark L,

NNY.

Seasonal Local United Methodist Church Trustees

Amend ^ 2525:

...shall be members of The United Methodist
Church or associate members in seasonal United
Membership local churches that are open for

^2530.

Petition Number: 22683-LC-2530.2-D; Pierce, Mark L.,

NNY.

Seasonal Local United Methodist Churches Trustes

Amend the first sentence of "J 2530.2:

...that the chairperson shall be a member of the local
church or an associate member in seasonal United
Methodist churches that are open twenty-six or
fewer weeks per year, except as local law provides
otherwise.

^2533.

Petition Number: 22533-LC-2533-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Local Church Energy Audit

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2533:

The Board of Trustees shall conduct, with the
assistance of expert consultation, an energy audit
of all church properties and equipment to assess
their energy efficiency. It shall tihen develop a plan
based on tiiis audit to maximize the energy eflS-
ciency of these properties and equipment. This
plan shall be reviewed annually and updated at
appropriate intervals. This plan, its review and
update shall be included in the annual
church/charge conference reports.

^2533.

Petition Number: 22820-LC-2533.1-D; Hill, James R,
CAP.

Board of Trustees - Powers and Limitations

Add new text at the end of ^ 2533.1:

...or the chairperson of the parsonage committee, if
one exists; provided further that neither the trustees
nor the pastor shall be allowed the use of any
United Methodist Church property for the per-
formance of a "homosexual marriage," or of any
ceremony to "bless the sexual imion" of any same
gender persons.

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DCA Advance Edition II

^2533.

Petition Number: 22684-LC-2533.2-D; Beckford, Lewis
H., NEN.

Purchase of Local Church Insurance

Amend ^ 2533.2:

2. As a basis for its selection and purchase of
adequate insurance coverage, tBie Board of Trus-
tees...

^2533.

Petition Number: 22144-LC-2533.6-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Board and Trustees Powers and Limitations

Add new text after the first sentence of ^ 2533.6:

Local chiu"ches are urged to adapt existing
facilities, through such programs as widening
doorways, installing ramps and elevators, elimi-
nating stairs where possible, providing handrails,
adequate parking facilities and restrooms so that
people witii disabilities may take their appropriate
place in the fellowship of the chiu-ch.

^2534.

Petition Number: 22145-LC-2534-D; Parrott, Bob, NTX.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Amend ^ 2534:

[Second sentence] The purposes for establishing
such a committee may include the responsibilities to:

1. [Second sentence] It is recommended that cCon-
sideration shall be given. ..administration and invest-
ment. Grants will be made to causes that are
chiu-ch related.

5. Permanent Endowment Fund trustees are
directed by the charge conference to follow the
guidelines and actions initiated by the charge con-
ference, overturn any transaction that the charge
conference may deem excessive, and remove any
trustee who does not carry out the directions of
the charge conference. Careful attention will be
given to the election of trustees to ensure that
there is no conflict of interest. Following each
General Conference, the Permanent Endowment
document shall be brought into line with any
changes in the Discipline.

66. Other responsibilities...

^2534.

Petition Number: 22147-LC-2534-D; Smoot, Jewell M.,
DET.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 2534:

Tlie charge conference shall elect annually all
committee members. Committee members may
be re-elected annually for as many years as the
charge conference may be wiUing to re-elect. Since
the committee members are fiduciaries, each
shall be held to the highest standard of fiduciary
obligation. No funds entrusted to their care shall
be diverted to any other purpose than the piupose
directed by the donor. Every quadrennium, the
committee shall bring the bylaws to the charge
conference for re-affirmation in a manner consis-
tent with the current Discipline.

^2534.

Petition Number: 22146-LC-2534.5-D; Mayhugh, W.
Michael, NTX.

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2534.4 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

The charge conference elects, creates classes,
and may remove trustees who do not comply with
charge conference directions; elects trustees who
do not have conflicting interests that would cause
them to spend funds on causes that are secxdar
rather than church oriented or to invest funds in
banks or institutions that would serve their per-
sonal interests; may direct the trustees to dis-
pense funds for specific programs or override
decisions by the trustees that it deems inappropri-
ate; will review the bylaws following each General
Conference to ensure compliance with the Disci-
pline.

^2534.

Petition Number: 22685-LC-2534.5-D; Coates, Harry
H. & Peggy, First UMC, Claremore, OK

Permanent Endowment Fund Committee

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2534.5 and renum-
ber as appropriate:

The charge conference: elects, rotates, and
may remove trustees who do not follow directions;
ensiu-es that trustees are not employed by banks
or institutions where funds are deposited or have
other interests where loyalties might be compro-
mised; may direct funding of specific projects or

Local Church

1423

programs; m^ overrule trustee action that is con-
sidered inappropriate; shall review every four years
the document and amend according to the Disci-
pline.

^2537.

Petition Number: 21016-LC-2537-D; Rhoads, George
R, Rogers. ARK

Unicorporated Local Church Property

Amend ^ 2537:

...at a meeting of the Charge Conference, fey-a
majority vote of ita mcmbcra present and voting at The
meeting may be a regular meeting or a special meeting
of the Charge Conference called for that purpose.t^w-
vidcd, however, that nNot less than ten days' notice of
such meeting and the proposed action shall have been
given from the pulpit or in the weekly bulletin of the local
church.; and provided further, that After the resolu-
tion is adopted but before the real estate is pur-
chased, the local church shall obtain the written
consent to such action shall be given by of the pastor
and the district superintendent to the purchase. {See
^ 2544.)

^2539.

Petition Number: 21017-LC-2539-D; George R.
Rhoads, Rogers, ARK

Incorporated Local Church Property - Notice and
Authorization

Amend ^ 2539:

...as members of the corporate body, by a majority
vote of those present and voting at any The meeting
may be a regular or special meeting called for that
purpose.; provided that nNot less than ten days' notice
of such meeting and the proposed action shall have been
given from the pulpit or in the weekly bulletin of the local
church.; and provided further, that The resolution
shall be passed by a majority vote of those present
and voting. After the resolution is adopted but
before the real estate is purchased, the local
church shall obtain the written consent to such action
shall be given by of the pastor and the district superin-
tendentt to the piu-chase and provided further, that all
such transactions shall have the approval of the Charge
Conference.

^2540.

Petition Number: 21018-LC-2540-D; Rhoads. George
R., Roger, ARK

Sale, Transfer, Lease or Mortgage

Amend ^ 2540:

Unincorporated Local Church Property — Sale,
Transfer, Lease, orMortgage. — Any real property owned
by, or in which an unincorporated local church has any
interest, may be (a) sold, (b) transferred, (c) leased fef
a term of one year or more (which shall include leases
for less than one year if such a lease is consecutive with
the same lessee) to a non-United Methodist church or
ministry for a term of less than one year if such
lease is consecutive with the same lessee, or (e)
mortgaged subject to the following procedure and con-
ditions:...

^2540.

Petition Number: 20730-LC-2540.3-D; Bishop Ann B.
Sherer and Area Cabinet, MOW, MOE.

Unincorporated Local Church Property-Sale, Transfer,
Lease or Mortgage

Insert new text after the first sentence of ^2540.3:

Should the dollar amount or valuation in any
of the above transactions exceed five thousand
dollars, written consent of the presiding bishop
and of a majority of the superintendents shall also
be necessary.

^2541.

Petition Number: 21019-LC-2541-D; Rhoads, George
R, Rogers, ARK

Incorporated Local Church Property - Sale. Lease,
Transfer, or Mortgage

Amend ^2541:

Incorporated Local Church Property — Sale, Trans-
fer, Lease, or Mortgage. — ^Any real property owned by.
or in which an incorporated local church has any inter-
est, may be (a) sold, (b) transferred, (c) leased for a term
of one year or more (which shall include leases for less
than one year if such a lease is consecutive with the same
lessee) to a non-United Methodist church or ministry
for a term of less than one year if such lease is
consecutive with the same lessee, or (e) mortgaged
subject to the following procedure and conditions:...

1424

DCA Advance Edition II

^2541.

Petition Number: 21020-LC-2541.2-D; Rhoads, George
R., Rogers, ARK

Lx)cal Church Property

Amend ^2541.2:

2. A resolution authorizing the proposed action shall
be passed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members
of the corporate body present and voting at any regular
or special meeting thereof called to consider such ac-
tion; provided that for the aalc of property" which was
conveyed to the church to be sold and its proceeds used
for a spccLFic purpose a vote of the members of said
church shall not be required.

^2541.

Petition Number: 22148-LC-2541.2-D; Whitfield, D.
Max,LRK

Voting of Members of the Lx)cal Church Property
Committee

Amend the first sentence of ^ 2541.2:

2. A resolution authorizing the proposed action shall
be passed by a two-thirds majority vote.. .and by a two-
thirds majority vote of the members....

^2541.

Petition Number: 20731-LC-2541.3-D; Bishop Ann B.
Sherer and Area Cabinet, MOW, MOE.

Incorporated Local Church Property — Sale, Transfer,
Lease or Mortgage

Insert new text after the first sentence of ^254L3:

Should the dollar amount or valuation in any
of the above transactions exceed five thousand
dollars, written consent of the presiding bishop
and of a majority of the superintendents shall also
be necessary.

^2541.

Petition Number: 21021-LC-254L3-D; Rhoads, George
R., Rogers, ARK

Local Church Property

Amend the second sentence of ^ 2541.3:

...church or agency and (d) the congregation, in
case of relocation, first offers its property to a United
Methodist congregation or agency at a price not to
exceed fair market value.

^2542.

Petition Number: 21033-LC-2542-D; Board of
Trustees, Branch Hill UMC, Loveland, OH.

Disposition of Church Building or Parsonage

Add the following text to % 2542:

No conference shall prevent the sale of par-
son^es where there is no possibility of full-time
pastorates.

^2544.

Petition Number: 21022-LC-2544-D; Rhoads, George
R., Rogers, ARK

Planning and Financing Requirements
for Local Church Buildings

Delete ^ 2544 and replace with new text:

Planning and Financing Requirements for Local
Church Buildings. If any local church desires to:

a) build a new church, a new educational
building, or a new parsonage,

b) purchase a chixrch, educational building, or
parsonage, or

c) remodel an existing church, an existing
educational building, or an existing parsonage
where the cost of the remodeling will exceed ten
percent of the value of the existing structure,

then the local church shall first establish a
study committee to:

a) analyze the needs of the church and com-
mimity,

b) project the potential membership with aver-
se attendance, and

c) write up the church's program of ministry
OT 201-204).

The information and findings obtained by the
study committee shall:

a) form the basis of a report to be presented to
the charge conference (^2544.3),

b) be used by the building committee (^
2544.4), and

c) become a part of the report to the district
Board of Church Location and Building (^
2544.5, 2521.1).

1 . After the study committee finishes its work,
the local chm"ch shall secure the written consent
of the pastor and the district superintendent to the

Local Church

1425

building project, purchase proposal, or remodeling
project.

2. In the case of a building project or purchase
proposal, the local church shall secure the ap-
proval of the proposed site by the district Board of
Church Location and Building as provided in the
Discipline a 2520.1).

3. The chaise conference of the local church
shall authorize the building project, purchase pro-
posal, or remodeling project at a regular or called
meeting. Notice of the meeting and the proposed
action shall have been given for not less than ten
days prior to the charge conference (except as
local laws may otherwise provide) from the pulpit
or in the weekly bulletin.

a) After approving a building project or a re-
modeling project, the charge conference shall
elect a building committee of not fewer than three
members of the local church to serve in the devel-
opment of the project as hereinafter set forth; pro-
vided that the charge conference may commit to
its Board of Trustees the duties of the building
committee.

b) After approving a purchase proposal, the
charge conference shall be deemed to have
authorized and directed the Board of Trustees to
proceed with the piu-chase. In the case of the
purchase of a parsonage, the Board of Trustees
shall either:

1) purchase a parsonage which has on the
ground floor level:

a) one room which can be used as a bedroom
by a person with a handicapping condition,

b) one fully accessible bathroom, and

c) fully accessible laundry facilities, or

2) purchase a parsonage without the handi-
capped accessible features specified above and
remodel it so that it does have those features.

4. The building committee shall:

a) use the information and findings of the
study committee and any other relevant informa-
tion to estimate carefully the building facilities
needed, as the case may be, to house the church's
program of worship, education, and fellowship, or
to provide for the present and future pastors and
their families.

b) ascertain the cost of any property to be
purchased.

c) develop preliminary architectural plans
which:

1) comply with local building, fire, and acces-
sibility codes.

2) clearly outline the location on the site of all
proposed present and future construction, and

3) provide adequate facilities for parking, en-
trance, seating, rest rooms, and handicapped ac-
cessibility, but providing for such adequate
facilities shall not apply in the case of a minor
remodeling project.

d) provide on the ground floor level of a newly
constructed parsonage:

1) one room which can be used as a bedroom
by a person with a handicapping condition,

2) a fully accessible bathroom, and

3) fully accessible laundry facilities.

e) secure an estimate of the cost of the pro-
posed construction.

f) develop a financial plan for defraying the
total cost, including an estimate of the amount the
membership can contribute in cash and pledges
and the amount the local church can borrow if
necessary.

5. The building committee shall submit to the
district Board of Church Location and Building for
its consideration and preliminary approval:

a) a statement of the need for the proposed
facilities,

b) the preliminary architectural plans,

c) the preliminary cost estimate, and

d) the preliminary financial plan.

6. After preliminary approval by the district
Board of Church Location and Building, the pas-
tor, with the written consent of the district super-
intendent, shall call a church conference, giving
not less than ten days' notice (except as local laws
may otherwise provide) of the meeting and the
proposed action from the pulpit or in the weekly
bulletin. At the chiwch conference, the building
committee shall present:

a) the preliminary architectural plans,

b) the preliminary cost estimate,

c) the preliminary financial plan, and

d) the building committee's recommendation.

A majority vote of the membership present
and voting at the church conference shall be re-
quired to approve the preliminary architectural
plans, cost estimate, and financial plan and the
building committee's recommendation.

7. After approval by the church conference,
the building committee shall develop detailed
plans and specifications and secure a reliable and

1426

DCA Advance Edition II

detailed estimate of cost, which shall be presented
for approval to the charge conference and to the
district Board of Church Location and Building.

8. After approval by the charge conference and
district Board of Chiu-ch Location and Building,
the building committee may begin the building
project or remodeling project.

9. In metropolitan areas, the building conmiit-
tee shall ensure that adequate steps are taken to
obtain the services of minority (non-White) and
female skilled persons in the construction in pro-
portion to the racial/ ethnic balance in the area. In
non-metropolitan areas, the building committee
shall ensure that racial and ethnic persons are
employed in the construction where available and
in relation to the available work force.

10. The local church shall acquire a fee simple
tide to the lot or lots on \diich any building is to
be erected. The deed or conveyance shall be exe-
cuted as provided in this chapter.

1 1 . If a loan is needed, the local church shall
comply with the provisions of *n 2540 or ^ 2541.

12. The local church shall not enter into a
building contract or, if using a plan for volimteer
labor, inciu- obhgations for materials until it has
cash on hand, pledges payable during the con-
struction period, and (if needed) a loan or written
commitment therefore which will assure prompt
payment of all contractual obligations and other
accoimts when due.

13. Neither the trustees nor any other mem-
bers of a local church shall be required to guaran-
tee personally any loan made to the chiu-ch by any
board created by or under the authority of the
General Conference.

^2544.

••

Petition Number: 22149-LC-2544.7-D; Whitfield, D.
Max,LRK

Voting of the Membership of the Building Committee

Amend the second sentence of ^ 2544.7:

At this conference the building committee shall
submit, for approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the
membership...

^2544.

Petition Number: 22150-LC-2544.8-D; Barling, Aaron
F., LRK.

Approval of the Church Conference of the Building
Committee's Plans

Amend ^ 2544.8:

...shall present these for approval to the Charge
Church Conference and to the district....

^2551.

Petition Number: 22151-LC-2551-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Study of Local Church Potential

Delete ^2551.

Local Church

1427

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20899-LC-NonDis-O; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Port Lavaca, TX.

Voting Rights of Church Professioneds

Whereas, we affirm the gospel as declared in the
Doctrinal Standards of The United Methodist Church;
and

Whereas, we recognize our responsibility in pro-
claiming that gospel through the worship, wisdom, and
structure of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, we as the laity of First United Methodist
Church, Port Lavaca, Texas, wish to have a voice as laity
in order to maintain the worship, wisdom, and structure
of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the Holy Bible. Book of Acts 6:1-6 pro-
vides for and sanctions the appointment of members in
good standing to an exalted position of servanthood and
ministry; and

Whereas, The Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church in Section IV, ^ 309 has allowed and
condoned the voice of paid church ministers to be heard
by the Church and given the vote as laity representatives
in the quota ratio on questions requiring the vote of laity
and clergy of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, the perspective of The United Methodist
Church by a full-time church staffperson is different
from that of the average person in the pew;

Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church create a sepa-
rate entity to allow paid church professionals a vote on
church matters apart from the laity of The United Meth-
odist Church.

Petition Number: 20900-LC-NonDis-O; McDonald,
Pat, First UMC, Bridgeport, TX.

Day Care Facilities

I respectfully request that each county in every state
(those having United Methodist churches) have at least
one day care facility, funded in part by sister UM
churches and funded in part by the apportionment sys-
tem of The United Methodist Church.

Petition Number: 22153-LC-NonDis-O; Dawe, Esther,
Bethany-Calvary UMC, Wauwatosa, WI.

Removal of Inactive Members

Reconsider the policy of removal of inactive mem-
bers by the charge conference.

Petition Number: 22578-LC-NonDis-O; Christian
Educators Fellowship of the UMC.

Discontinue Term "Pastor-Parish Relations
Committee'

Be it resolved, that throughoutThe United Method-
ist Church, including the Book of Discipline, the name
"Staff-Parish Relations Committee" be used when speak-
ing of the personnel body of the local church.

Be it further resolved, that the use of the term
"Pastor-Parish Relations Committee" be discontinued.

Petition Number: 22821-LC-NonDis-O; Hardeman,
John C, First UMC, Florence, AL.

Lay/Reserve Lay Members to Annual Conference

Whereas, the lay member to annual conference is a
member of the local church Committee on Pastor-Parish
Relations and the Committee on Finance, with full voice
and voting responsibilities; and

Whereas, the reserve (alternate) lay member to
annual conference can/will possibly have to perform the
duties of the lay member to annual conference;

I ask the General Conference to add the reserve
(alternate) lay member to annual conference to the
membership of the Committee on Finance and to the
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations.

Petition Number: 22906-LC-NonDis-O; Williamson, H.
C, MuUins UMC, Memphis, TN.

Compensation of Local Pastors

The compensation of local pastors set at the charge
conference will be for the current appointed pastor and
not for the position. In the event that a new pastor is
appointed, whether at the end of the appointment year
or at any time, the receiving church, in consultation with
the district superintendent, shall set the compensation
of the incoming pastor.

Petition Number: 23020-LC-NonDis-O; Martin, James,
Zion UMC, Adell, WI.

Chair of Local Church Nominating Committee

The council ministries of a congregation shall be
chair of the local church nomination committee. This
change would avoid the problem of a pastor nominating
friends or favored people.

Petition Number: 22152-LC-R189-U; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Barrier Free Construction for Handicapped

Delete the next to last paragraph of "Barrier-Free
Construction for the Handicapped," page 190.

1428

DCA Advance Edition II

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

Overview of 1996 Legislation
Fair Process and Grievance Procedures

the Council of Bishops Task Force
on Fair Process and Grievance Procedures

Introduction: The 1992 General Conference
adopted significant changes to Chapter Eight of TTie
Book of Discipline, as recommended by a task force
created by the 1988 General Conference. The task force
had been requested by the 1988 General Conference to
study, evaluate, and re-write, as necessary. Chapter
Eight and such other sections of The Discipline that
affect Chapter Eight. The Task Force recommenda-
tions, and ultimately the legislation adopted in 1992,
arose out of overall concern with inconsistencies, ambi-
guities, and the lack of orderly arrangement of the
judicial and grievance procedure.

After working with the new legislation for over two
years, the Council of Bishops concluded that additional
study of the judicial and grievance procedure was
needed. The 1992 legislation was helpful in many re-
spects. However, several key provisions of this legisla-
tion have created problems "in the trenches," especially
for bishops, district superintendents, Boards of Or-
dained Ministry, Joint Review Committees and Commit-
tees on Investigation, all of whom have specific
responsibilities when grievances are brought against
clergy. For example, the retroactivity of the sexual mis-
conduct provision of the statute of limitations created by
the legislation in 1992 was ruled unconstitutional by the
Judicial Council. In addition, the joint review process
created by the legislation was amended and expanded
by several Judicial Council rulings. And, feedback about
the legislation from those who have been working with
it has shown that there is significant confusion about the
supervisory role of the bishops when grievances are
brought to their attention. In addition, experience has
shown that the process is too cumbersome (for clergy,
committee members, and those who file grievances),
with committee meeting after committee meeting be-
fore anything is decided.

For all of these reasons, the Council of Bishops in
1994 created a Task Force on Fair Process and Griev-
ance Procedures. The task force was charged with the
responsibility of reviewing the 1992 legislation and pre-
paring additional legislation for the 1996 General Con-
ference, if necessary.

Task Force Process: The members of the Task
Force on Fair Process and Grievance Procedures were:
Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader (chair). Bishop Jack
Tuell, LaVeeda Morgan Battle, Esq. (attorney from Bir-

mingham, Alabama) , Barbara Ricks Thompson (general
secretary of General Commission on Religion and
Race), Rev. Robert Kohler (Division of Ordained Minis-
try, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry),
Rev. Ben Feemster (Fort Worth, Texas), Rev. Glenda
Thomas (San Jose, California), and Rev. Stephanie Anna
Hbcon (general secretariat. General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women), with Mary Logan (general
counsel of the General Council on Finance and Admini-
stration) and David Ullrich (associate general counsel
of the General Council on Finance and Administration)
providing staff support for the group. It should be noted
that Bishop Jack Tuell, LaVeeda Morgan Battle, Rev.
Ben Feemster, and Barbara Ricks Thompson all served
on the original Chapter Eight Task Force.

The Task Force met in Chicago in February and
June of 1995, with many additional consultations about
its work. In addition, it received input from the Council
of Bishops, GCFA's Committee on Legal Responsibili-
ties, and others.

The end result of the Task Force's work was pro-
posed legislation, which it submitted to the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry's legislative
committee for consideration. Ultimately, the GBHEM
submitted the legislation that is before the 1996 General
Conference for consideration. The legislation has been
assigned to the Ordained and Diaconal Ministries Leg-
islative Committee (pages 1065-1097, Daily Christian
Advocate, Advance Edition, Vol. 1) .

Summary of Task Force Work: The Task Force
gave careful and ongoing attention to the theological
foundations of United Methodist processes for investi-
gations of alleged grievances involving lay members,
ordained and diaconal ministers and bishops. The Task
Force worked with the goals of clarity, simplicity and
consistency. In addition, special attention was given to
the crucial supervisory responsibility of bishops with
clergy in tiie United Methodist denomination.

The key changes that would be made by these
proposals are as follows:

• The proposed new process clarifies the "supervisory
response" of the bishop, who has the ultimate respon-
sibility for supervising clergy, and who is responsible
for seeking a just resolution and/or reconciliation

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1429

among all parties when a complaint has been
brought.

The disciplinary process would be divided into two
separate tracks: administrative and judicial. Com-
plaints against clergy of an administrative nature are
those that relate to competency and effective-
ness.Complaints against clergy of a judicial nature
are those that relate to the chargeable offenses in ^
2623. The new process would route administrative
complaints through the bishop, to the Board of Or-
dained Ministry and then to the executive session of
the Annual Conference, if necessary. The new proc-
ess would route judicial complaints through the
bishop, to the Committee on Investigation, to trial,
and then to the executive session of the Annual Con-
ference, if necessary.

The proposed new process eliminates joint review,
because it has proven to be duplicative of the work of
the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Committee
on Investigation, too complex, and too formal.

The proposed new judicial process creates the func-
tion of "church counsel," an elder in full connection
who has responsibility for signing judicial com-
plaints, forwarding judicial complaints to the Com-
mittee on Investigation, and representing the Church
in any proceedings of the Committee on Investiga-
tions and later at trial.

The Board of Ordained Ministry would not be re-
sponsible for participating in the process for judicial
complaints. The Board of Ordained Ministry would
continue to be responsible for reviewing and making

recommendations regarding administrative com-
plaints.

• The new process clarifies the disciplinary process
and statute of limitations involving complaints
against bishops.

• The task force recommendations include a require-
ment that Judicial Council decisions set forth the
specific provisions of the Constitution or The Disci-
pline that provide the basis of their decisions, and the
rationale leading to their conclusions.

Attached to this overview is a chart that visually
outlines the Task Force's proposals. The Administrative
and Judicial Procedures Manual will be updated this year
to include a complete explanation of the new proce-
dures, if they are adopted by the General Conference.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Task Force recog-
nizes that improving the Church's structure for handling
internal complaints against lay members, ordained and
diaconal ministers and bishops will continue to be an
ongoing process and likely will not end with these rec-
ommendations. We continue to learn as we go through
the grievance process and learn first hand what works
well and what doesn't. The Task Force believes that the
recommendations contained in the legislation for the
1996 General Conference improve the current structure
significantly.

Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader,

Chair, Task Force on Fair Process and Grievance
Procedures, on behalf of the Task Force

PROPOSED NEW PROCESS FOR RESOLVEVG
COMPLAEVTS AGAINST CLERGY

..> Rcsoluthn/

irawicjllatlw ^

f ;

m

Adminislralive
Complaint

Judicial
Compiainl

RmoluUon/ ^...

3 ~"|Q. "

...^ KoiolulJuii/

Board of
Ordained Ministry

..:

Committee on
Investigation

...^ Resolutloti/

Trial

OsalaUoii/ ^,..

■■■-,^ZL

Executive Session
(Final resolution)

1430

DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Changes to The Book of Discipline

%50.

Petition Number: 20807-MN-50-C; Lundy, J. T.,
First-Centenary U.M.C., Chattanooga, TO.

Council of Bishops

Amend ^ 50:

There shall be a Council of Bishops composed of all
the active bishops of The United Methodist Church....

^53.

Petition Number: 20825-MN-53-C; Ronald R. Stelzleni,
WIS.

Episcopal Tenure

Amend the second paragraph of % 53:

...bishops elected by the jurisdictions of The United
Methodist Church prior to the 1996 A.D. General
Conference shall have life tenure. From 1996 A.D.
onward, all bishops of The United Methodist
Church shall be elected to terms of eight (8) years.
No bishop may serve more than eight years total
in a lifetime but may return to the itinerant minis-
try at the end of his or her term. Each bishop
elected...

^53.

Petition Number: 22038-MN-53-C; United Metiiodist
Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Limitation of Tenure for Bishops

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 53:

...and bishops elected prior to the year 2000 by
the jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church shall
have life tenure. Bishops elected in the year 2000
and following by the jmisdictions of The United
Methodist Chiu-ch shall have such tenm-e as the
jurisdictional conference electing him/her shall
have determined but shall not exceed 12 years.
Each bishop elected by a Central Conference of The
United Methodist Church shall have such tenure as the
Central Conference electing him/her shall have deter-
mined.

^53.

Petition Number: 22039-MN-53-C; Barnett, Jim, SIL

Limitation of Tenure for Bishops

Amend the second paragraph ^ 53:

...elected by the jurisdictions of The United Meth-
odist Church prior to May 1, 1996, shall have life
tenure. Bishops elected by the jurisdictions of The
United Methodist Church after May 1, 1996, shall
be subject to a quadrennial retention vote by the
members of the conferences in the episcopal area
to which they are assigned. Each bishop... electing
him or her shall have determined.

153.

Petition Number: 22413-MN-53-C; Barrett;, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Episcopal Tenure

Amend the second paragraph of 1 53:

...The United Methodist Church shall have life tcn-
ttfe serve no more than eight (8) years with no
re-election.

^108.

Petition Number: 22947-MN-108-D; Bateman, Ann
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beavertson, OR.

Representative Ministry

Delete ^ 108 and replace with new text:

All Christians are called to ministry within the
community of faith and in the world. Lay persons
are called by their baptism and membership in the
Church to manifest and bear witness to Christ's
presence in the world in their activities. Through
their baptism, lay persons are called into the min-
istry of Jesus Christ. Very early in its history, the
Chtu'ch came to understand that all of its mem-
bers were commissioned in baptism to ministry
within local congregations and the larger commu-
nities in which they lived.

The Church affirms that particidar persons
among the baptized are called and set apart for
representative ministries of leadership within the
body to help the whole of the membership of the
Church to be engaged in and to fulfill its ministry.
The purpose of such leadership is the equipping
of the general ministry of the Chiu-ch. "The Holy
Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1431

for the work to which I have called them . ' Then after
fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them
and sent them off' (Acts 13:2-3, NRSV).

Persons in representative ministries are
called by God and set apart by the Church through
ordination to such ministries as ordered by the
Church. Representative ministry is a special min-
istry within and for the general ministry of all
believers. Its purpose is to be a model for and to
equip others in their ministries. It is identified by
special gifts, graces, fruits, and promise of useful-
ness for the designated ministries in the life of the
Church and in the world.

The distinctive role of representative ministry
is to embody the character and mission of the
Church, representing Christ to and in the world.
It is to lead the Church into recognition of its own
corporate ministry. It is not an exclusive ministry,
nor is it a substitute for general ministry. General
ministry, i.e., the ministry of all Christians in bap-
tism, calls persons to embody the gospel in the
world. Representative ministry includes this call
and has specific functions by which the Church
works. It is not limited to one particular form.
There may be as many forms as the Church deter-
mines to be necessary and useful.

^109.

Petition Number: 22948-MN-109-D; Bateman, Ann
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Diaconal Ministry

Delete <n 109.

^110.

Petition Number: 22949-MN-llO-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Ordained Ministry
Delete ^ 110.

^111.

Petition Number: 22950-MN-lll-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Diaconal Ministry

Renumber ^111 as ^109.

^301.

Petition Number: 20037-MN-301-D; SGA NTX.

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians

Insert the following preface before 'll 301:

The mission of the church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ (see ^ 101). All Christians are
called to a ministry of disciple-making. Some have
been called to a set-apart ministry of service and
Word.

^301.

Petition Number: 22951-MN-301-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians

Delete % 301 along with its preceding chapter and
section heading.

^301.

Petition Number: 22970-MN-301-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians

Replace "J 301 with new text:

All Christians are called to ministry within the
community of faith and in the world. Lay persons
are called by their baptism and membership in the
Church to manifest and bear witness to Christ's
presence in the world in their activities. Through
their baptism, lay persons are called into the min-
istry of Jesus Christ. Very early in its history, the
Church came to understand that all of its mem-
bers were commissioned in baptism to ministry
within local congregations and the larger commu-
nities in which they lived.

The Church aJBRrms that particular persons
among the baptized are called and set apart for
representative ministries of leadership within the
body to help the whole of the membership of the
Church be engaged in and fulfill its ministry. The
purpose of such leadership is the equipping of the
general ministry of the Church, "...die Holy Spirit
said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the
work to which I have called them.' Then after
fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them
and sent them off" (Acts 13:2-3, NRSV).

Persons in representative ministries are
called by God and set apart by the Church through
ordination to such ministries as ordered by the
Church. Representative ministry is a special min-
istry within and for the general ministry of all

1432

DC A Advance Edition II

believers. Its purpose is to model and equip others
in their ministries. It is identified by special gifts,
graces, fruits, and promise of usefulness for the
designated ministries in the life of the Church and
in the world.

The distinctive role of representative ministry
is to embody the character and mission of the
Church, representing Christ to and in the world.
It is to lead the Church into recognition of its own
corporate ministry. It is not an exclusive ministry,
nor is it a substitute for general ministry. General
ministry, i.e., the ministry of all Christians in bap-
tism calls persons to embody the gospel in the
world. Representative ministry includes this call
and has specific functions by which the Church
works. It is not limited to one particular form.
TTiere may be as many forms as the Church deter-
mines to be necessary and useful.

^302.

Petition Number: 22953-MN-302-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

The Nature of Diaconal Ministry

Delete ^ 302 along with related section headings.

^[302.

Petition Number: 22971-MN-302-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

The Nature of Ministry and Ordination

Replace ^ 302 with new text:

Section II. The Nature of Ministry and Ordina-
tion.

Christ commissions and mandates the entire
Church to be in ministry. The Scripture makes
clear, however, that the Church has always desig-
nated persons to hold specific authority and re-
sponsibility. Such persons, called by God and
authorized by the Church, continually point the
Church to its dependence on and identity in Jesus
Christ. In the covenant relationship, they are ac-
countable to God and to the Church and are called
to lead the Chiu"ch into participation in God's mis-
sion. Mission is the basis for ministry.

Being called and set apart by the Church is
inherent in the nature of ministry. Ordination is a
sign of God's gift and power given through the
Holy Spirit. Ordination denotes an action by God
and the community by which the ordained are
strengthened by the Spirit for their tasks and are
upheld by the acknowledgment and prayers of the
congregation. Historically, ordering for ministry in
the Church means ordination. The Church, by the

laying on of hands, marks a person for particular
ordained ministry.

Ordination is the act through which the
Church recognizes and affirms God's call to per-
sons and authorizes them for ministries of koi-
nonia, leiturgia, didache, kerygma, and diakonia
which are known most simply as community, lit-
urgy, teaching, proclamation, and service. Ordina-
tion conveys a commission based on the
recognition of individual gifts and the empower-
ment of the Spirif s self-giving love. Ordination
witnesses to a covenant established between the
ordained person and the Chiuch. Ordination is
the sign of one's calling and providing leadership
by which one is set apart for Christian vocation.
Ordination is a gift of God, given in answer to the
prayers of the Church, by which qualified women
and men are called, authorized, and empowered
to be representative ministers of koinonia, leitur-
gia, didache, kerygma, and diakonia. It is ultimately
God in Christ who ordains, acting through the
Spirit and the Church.

Because there is unity in Christ's ministry,
these ministries cannot really be separated. While
there is one ordination, persons may focus on one
or more of these ministries at particular times and
places. They shall be authorized to perform these
specific functions through licensing. Though one
is licensed in a particular function, one may some-
times be called upon to perform ministries in
other functions. The difference between the offices
is a matter of key focus and function. Ministries
are not ranked or valued differentiy. They are the
same ministry, which is Christ's ministry, and are
authorized by common rite.

Ordination should never be construed as per-
mission to function in isolation. It should always
be understood as a covenantal relationship in
which the ordained is not only a representative of
Jesus Christ, but representative of the whole peo-
ple of God. Those in each form of ministry are
called to be faithful representatives of the servant
ministry of Jesus Christ in both the Church and
the world.

^303.

Petition Number: 22954-MN-303-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaveton, OR.

Entrance into Diaconal Ministry

Delete "J 303 along with the section heading.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1433

^303.

Petition Number: 22972-MN-303-D; Bateman, Aim C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Transitional Provisions

Replace^ 303 with new text:

Section III. Transitional Provisions.

1 . Any candidate in process under the order-
ing of ministry as defined in the Book of Discipline,
1992, shall continue under the system in which
they entered candidacy. Those already ordained
deacon shall be certified in the areas of koinonia,
kerygma, and leiturgia.

2. The ordering of ministry adopted in 1996
shall take effect July 1, 2001. In the years prior
to that, the current divisions of Ordained and Dia-
conal Ministry shall develop and write appropriate
structural procedures for the new GeneraJ and
annual conference boards of Ordained Ministry.
The divisions of Ordained and Diaconal Ministry
shall also propose the appropriate changes neces-
sary for the Book of Discipline to bring all paragraphs
into compliance with these changes.

a) All current diaconal and ordained ministers
serving either in local churches or in ministries
beyond the local church may be ordained and/or
licensed to any of the functions for which they
qualify. The existing conference Boards of Dia-
conal and Ordained Ministry shall determine the
licenses to be granted to those already serving
under the current system. These determinations
shall be made by January 1, 2001, to allow the
appointive cabinets and bishops to make their
respective appointments.

b) Current diaconal ministers may choose to
remain diaconal ministers in their current status
under the provisions of the 1992 Book of Discipline.

^304.

Petition Number: 22955-MN-304-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry

Delete ^ 304.

1304.

Petition Number: 22416-MN-304.1-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Regarding Fidelity

Amend 1 304.1:

1. ...maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in
singleness, social responsibility...

1304.

Petition Number: 22686-MN-304.1-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Candidacy for Diaconal Ministry

Amend ^304.1:

1. ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness
personal partnerships, social responsibility,...

1305.

Petition Number: 22956-MN-305-D; Bateman, Ann,
Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Continuation of Candidacy

Delete "J 305.

1306.

Petition Number: 22957-MN-306-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Completion of Candidacy

Delete % 306.

1306.

Petition Number: 22975-MN-306-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

General Provisions

Replace % 306 with new text:

General Provisions. — 1. The annual conference
is the basic body of The United Methodist Church.
The clergy membership of an annual conference
shall consist of members in full connection, pro-
bationary members, afGliate members, certiSed
and apprentice ministers under appointment to a
local United Methodist church or United Method-
ist or ecumenical agency, or appointment to a
position that extends the servanthood of Christ to
the world. All clergy are amenable to the annual

1434

DCA Advance Edition II

conference in the performance of their duties in the
positions to which they are appointed.

^306.

Petition Number: 2082O-MN-306.1-D; Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, SCA

Amend ^306.1:

1. Each candidate must liave been in candidacy for
diaconal ministry for at least efte two years and no more
than eight years.

^307.

Petition Number: 22958-MN-307-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Consecration

Delete % 307 along with its section heading.

^307.

Petition Number: 22976-MN-307-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Apprentice Minister

Replace ^ 307 with new text and add a new section
heading:

APPRENTICE MINISTER

Authority and Duties. — 1. An apprentice minis-
ter is one who is in preparation for representative
ministry through study and experience. A creden-
tial as an apprentice minister may be approved
annually by the district Committee on Ordained
Ministry and granted by the bishop to perform all
the duties of a particular licensed field (koinonia,
kerygma, didache, leiturgia, diakonia) under the con-
ditions of "J 308. Credentialed persons whose ap-
pointment is as the pastor of a local chiu"ch may
administer the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy
Commimion and receive members into the
chtu-ch. Credentialed persons appointed to serve
in other functions may teach confirmation classes
and officiate at the service of marriage (where state
law allows) and at burials.

2. Such authorization granted by the creden-
tial may be renewed annually by the district Com-
mittee on Ordained Ministry and extends only
within the appointment to which the apprentice
minister is deployed.

3. The credential shall remain valid only so
long as the appointment continues and must be
renewed by the bishop when appointments change
between sessions of the annual conference.

4. An apprentice minister shall be under the
supervision of a district superintendent and a
mentor who shall supervise the apprentice minis-
ter's work in the course of study for ordained
ministry and give counsel on matters of ministe-
rial responsibility.

5. Apprentice ministers shall be amenable to
the annual conference in the performance of their
ministerial duties and shall attend the sessions of
the annual conference.

6. The membership of apprentice ministers
under appointment is in the annual conference
where they shall have the right to vote on all mat-
ters except constitutional amendments, election of
delegates to General, jurisdictional, or central
conferences, and matters of ordination, character,
and conference relations of clergy.

7. All apprentice ministers shall receive writ-
ten communication about decisions made regard-
ing their relationship to the annual conference.

^308.

Petition Number: 22959-MN-308-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

General Provisions"

Delete ^ 308.

^308.

Petition Number: 22977-MN-308-D; Bateman, Ann
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Credential as Apprentice Minister

Delete % 308 and replace with new text:

Credential as Apprentice Minister. — All persons
not certified or licensed who perform the minis-
tries of koinonia, kerygma, leiturgia, didache, or diak-
onia under appointment shall have credentials as
an apprentice minister. The Board of Ordained
Ministry may recommend to the clei^ session of
the annual conference the credentialing of those
persons who have:

1. Completed the conditions to be an ap-
proved candidate in % 304.

2. Completed one year of the course of study,
are enrolled full-time in a seminary listed by the
University Senate, have completed one of the
foundational coixrses in addition to their MA. or
equivalent degree from a regionally accredited
graduate school, or one of the foundational
courses in addition to their professional certifica-
tion fi-om a secular certifying body.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1435

3. Been examined and recommended by the
district Committee on Ministry.

4. Been approved by the Board of Ordained
Ministry.

5. Provided the board with a satisfactory cer-
tificate of good health on a prescribed form from
a physician approved by the board if being ap-
pointed full-time. The conference may require psy-
chological and/or psychiatric tests and
evaluations to provide additional information to
qualify for such coverage.

^309.

Petition Number: 22960-MN-309-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Rights of Diaconal Ministers

Delete ^ 309.

^309.

Petition Number: 22978-MN-309-D; Bateman, Cnn C.
and Meyer, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Categories of Apprentice Minister

Replace ^ 309 with new text:

Categories of Apprentice Minister. — Upon satisfac-
tory completion of the requirements of ^ 308, the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry shall at-
test to the completion of the prescribed studies to
the candidates and the Board of Ordained Minis-
try, and they shall be listed in the conference
journal as ehgible to be appointed as apprentice
ministers. In recommending to the Annual Con-
ference those who have met the requirements to
serve as apprentice ministers for the ensuing year,
the Board of Ordained Ministry shall classify them
in two categories with educational and other re-
quirements of their category. Any person who fails
to meet these requirements shall be discontinued
as an apprentice minister. The categories shall be
defined as follows:

1. Full-time Apprentice Ministers. — ^Those eligible
to be appointed full-time apprentice ministers are
persons (a) who may devote their entire voca-
tional time to the ministry to which they are ap-
pointed; (b) who receive in cash support per
annum from all church sources a sum equal to or
larger than the minimum equitable compensation
established for full-time apprentice ministers; (c)
who, unless they have completed the require-
ments for certification, shall complete two courses
per year in a course of study school or the corre-
spondence curriculum prescribed by the Division
of Ordained Ministry; (d) who, when they have

completed the educational requirements for certi-
fication, are involved in continuing education; (e)
who shall not be enrolled as full-time students in
any school.

2. Part-time Apprentice Ministers. — ^Those eligible
to be appointed as part-time apprentice ministers
are persons (a) who have met the provisions of ^
308; (b) who do not devote their entire time to the
ministry to which they are appointed; or (c) do not
receive in cash support per annum from all
church sources a sum equal to or larger than the
minimum equitable compensation established by
the annual conference for full-time apprentice
ministers; and (d) who, unless they have com-
pleted the requirements for certification, shall
complete two courses per year in a course of study
school or the correspondence cxuriculum pre-
scribed by the Division of Ordained Ministry.

3. Upon recommendation of the Board of Or-
dained Ministry, the clergy members in full con-
nection may vote approval annually for students
from other denominations enrolled in a school of
theology listed by the University Senate to serve as
apprentice ministers for the ensuing year under
the direction of the district superintendent; pro-
vided that they shall indicate to the satisfaction of
the Board of Ordained Ministry their agreement to
support and maintain the doctrine and polity of
The United Methodist Chtirch while imder ap-
pointment.

4. Apprentice ministers may serve on any
board, commission, or committee of the Annual
Conference, except the Board of Ordained Minis-
try and Board of Trustees. They shall not be eligi-
ble for election as delegates to the General,
jurisdictional, or central conference.

1310.

Petition Number: 22961-MN-310-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Service Appointment of Diaconal Ministers

Delete "B 310.

1310.

Petition Number: 22979-MN-310-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Continuance as an Apprentice Minister

Replace ^ 310 with new text:

Continuance as an Apprentice Minister. — 1. Per-
sons credentialed as apprentice ministers shall
continue in the course of study for ordained min-
istry, in college or in seminary as outlined in ^

1436

DCA Advance Edition II

314, until tiiey have completed tiie educational
requirement for certification.

2. Upon completing each year's education or
other qualification, an apprentice minister may be
recommended for continuance by the district
Committee on Ordained Ministry. Tlie clergy
members in full coimection of the annual confer-
ence may approve continuance after reference to
and reconunendation by its Board of Ordained
Ministry.

3. A full-time apprentice minister shall com-
plete the educational requirements within eight
years, and a part-time apprentice minister within
ten years, unless a family situation or other cir-
cumstance precludes the apprentice minister's
opportunity to meet said requirements. The ap-
prentice minister may be granted an annual exten-
sion beyond the prescribed limit upon a
three-fourths vote of the district Committee on
Ordained Ministry, recommendation by the con-
ference Board of Ordained Ministry, and the vote
of the clergy members in full connection.

4. An apprentice minister may choose to re-
main in certified relationship with the annual con-
ference upon having completed the requirements
for certification.

5. None of these provisions shall be inter-
preted to change or Umit authorization to local
pastors ordained prior to January 1, 2001, or
enrolled in the second year of the ministerial
course of study prior to January 1, 1997.

^311.

nually the Board of Ordained Ministry shall review
and evaluate their relationship and make recom-
mendation to the cabinet regarding their place-
ment

2. Certified persons may seive on any board,
commission, or committee of the annual confer-
ence except the Board of Ordained Ministry and
the Board of Trustees. They shall not be eligible
for election as delegates to the General or jurisdic-
tional conference.

3. Certified persons shall be amenable to the
district superintendent in the performance of their
ministry.

4. Certified persons who are regularly ap-
pointed to a local chiu"ch or agency are subject to
the provisions of the Discipline in the performance
of their duties. The district superintendent imder
whom they are appointed shall provide guidance
through the district Committee on Ministry.

5. Certified persons in appointment beyond
the local church may also be appointed to a local
church. They shall relate to the district superin-
tendent in the area where their work is done. The
district superintendent shall give them supervi-
sion and report annually to their Board of Or-
dained Ministry.

6. Each certified person shall have an or-
dained person in full connection assigned by the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry as men-
tor until being received into probationary mem-
bership. The mentor is to advise and counsel the
person in light of the expectations for United
Methodist ministry.

Petition Number: 22962-MN-311-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Credentials and Records

Delete 1 311.

^311.

Petition Number: 22980-MN-311-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Certification

Replace^ 311 with new text:

Eligibility and Rights of Certification. — 1. Persons
may be certified as pastors or ministry specialists
who have met educational, professional, and per-
sonal standards for particular ministries in the
Church. They are utilized in local chm-ches and
chiu-ch agencies in ministries of koinonia, kerygma,
leiturgia, didache, and diakonia. The annual confer-
ence has jurisdiction over certified persons. An-

^312.

Petition Number: 22963-MN-312-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Transfers

Delete ^ 312.

^312.

Petition Number: 22981-MN-312-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Qualification for Certification

Replace "J 312 with new text:

Qualification for Certification. — Candidates may
be endorsed by a vote of the board of Ordained
Ministry on recommendation of the candidate's
district Committee on Ordained Ministry after
meeting the following conditions:

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1437

1. Each candidate must have been endorsed
as a candidate for ministry for at least one year.

2. Each must have met the educational and/or
experience requirements.

3. Each must have been recommended in writ-
ing on the basis of a three-fourths majority vote of
the district Committee on Ordained Ministry.

4. Each must present a satisfactory statement
of good health on the prescribed form from a phy-
sician approved by the board. Handicapping con-
ditions are not to be construed as unfavorable
health factors when such a person is capable of
meeting the professional standards and is physi-
cally able to render effective service in the office
of ordained minister. The conference may require
psychological and/or psychiatric tests and evalu-
ations to provide additional information on the
candidate's fitness for ministry.

5. Each must file with the board, in duplicate
on the prescribed form, a satisfactory written, con-
cise autobiographical statement concerning age,
health, family. Christian experience, call to the
ministry, educational record, formative Christian
experiences, and plans for service in the Church.

^313.

Petition Number: 22964-MN-313-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Change in Conference Relationship

Delete "5 313.

higher minimum standard as the requirement for
certification. The educational standards and other
requirements for admission and ordination shall
be set by the central and provisional central confer-
ences for the annual and provisional annual confer-
ences within their territories, and outside such
territories, by the annual or provisional annual con-
ferences themselves.

^313.

Petition Number: 21023-MN-313.2-D; Held, Richard E.
+ 10 Members of Louisa UMC, KEN, Louisa, KY.

Mandatory Retirement
Delete TI 313.2c.

^313.

Petition Number: 22040-MN-313.2-D; 6 Conference
Boards of Diaconal Ministry + 3 Ind..

Relationship of a Retired Diaconal Minister to Charge
Conference

Add a new sub-point at the end of "J 313.2:

All retired diaconal ministers, after consult-
ation with the pastor, shall have a seat in the
chiirge conference and all the privileges of mem-
bership in the church where they elect to hold
such membership. They shall report to the charge
conference and to the pastor any ministerial func-
tions they have performed.

^313.

Petition Number: 22982-MN-313-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Educational Requirements

Replace ^313 with new text:

Educational Requirements. — ^A candidate for cer-
tification must (1) have completed the five-year
coiu"se of study and have five years of full-time
experience, at least one of which shall be after
completing the coixrse of study; or have completed
a basic seminary degree (M.Div, M.C.E., M.S.M.)
from a graduate theological school listed by the
University Senate; or have completed an M.A. or
equivalent degree from a regionally accredited col-
lege or university and the basic Christian studies
series of seven foundation courses; or hold a secu-
lar certification, including at least eight semester
hours of graduate work and have completed the
basic Christian studies series of seven foundation
courses. An annual conference may designate a

^314.

Petition Number: 22965-MN-314-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyer, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Relationship to the Charge Conference

Delete ^ 314 along with its section heading.

SI314.

Petition Number: 22983-MN-314-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Specific Requirements for Certification as Pastor

Replace*]! 314 with new text:

Specific Requirements for Certification as Pas-
tor.— 1 . Each must prepare and preach at least one
written sermon on a biblical passage specified by
the Board of Ordained Ministry.

1438

DCA Advance Edition II

2. Each must present a plan and outline for
teaching a book or books of tiie Bible.

3. Each must have been examined in written
form, covering the areas indicated, and approved
by the Board of Ordained Ministry with respect to
the following questions:

a) Describe yoxu- personal experience of God
and the understanding of God you derive from
biblical, theological, and historical soiu-ces.

b) What is your understanding of humanity
and the human need for divine grace?

c) How do you interpret the statement "Jesus
Christ is Lord"?

d) What is your conception of the activity of the
Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of
believers, and in responsible living in the world?

e) How do your understand the theological
tasks of an ordained United Methodist pastor,
with special reference to Part H of the Book of
Discipline!

f) What is your understanding of the expecta-
tions and obhgations of the appointment system?

g) For the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ
in the world and the most effective witness to the
Christian gospel, and in consideration of your in-
fluence as an ordained minister, are you willing to
make a complete dedication of yourself to the
highest ideals of the Christian life; and to this end,
will you agree to exercise responsible self-control
by personal habits conducive to physical health,
intentional intellectual development, fidehty, so-
cial responsibility, and growth in grace and the
knowledge and love of God?

h) What is yotu understanding of the teaching
office of the pastor, particularly the teaching of the
Bible?

i) What is the meaning of ordination, espe-
cially in the context of the general ministry of the
Church?

j) What is tiie role and significiince of the sac-
raments in your ministry?

k) Do you believe in and will you practice
infant baptism?

I) Describe the nature and purpose of yoiu-
ministry as an expression of the mission of the
Chiu-ch.

m) Describe yoiu- understanding of an inclu-
sive Church and ministry.

n) Are you presentiy convinced that the pas-
toral ministry is the best way to fulfill your re-
sponse to God? Explain.

o) Indicate in some detail how your close per-
sonal relationships affect yoiu- ministry.

p) Describe your understanding of and appre-
ciation for persons of racial/ethnic heritages dif-
ferent from yoiu- own.

q) Mismanagement of personal finances may
detract from your effectiveness as a minister. Are
you presentiy in debt so as to interfere with your
work, or have you obligations to others which will
make it difficult for you to live on the compensa-
tion you may receive?

^315.

Petition Number: 22966-MN-315-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Relationship to the Employing Agency

Delete ^ 315 along with its section heading.

^315.

Petition Number: 22984-MN-315-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Specific Requirement for Certification
as Ministry Specialist

Replace % 315 with new text:

Specific Requirements for Certification as Ministry
Specialist. — 1 . Each must prepare at least one writ-
ten statement reflecting the way in which a biblical
passage assigned by the Board of Ordained Min-
istry is shared with persons within the ministry
setting.

2. Each must present a plan and outline for
sharing the relevance of a book or books of the
Bible within the ministry setting.

3. Each must have been examined in written
form, covering the areas indicated and approved
by the Boeird of Ordained Ministry, with respect to
the following questions:

a) Describe your personal experience of God
and the understanding of God you derive from
biblical, theological, and historical sources.

b) What is your understanding of humanity
and the human need for divine grace?

c) How do you interpret the statement "Jesus
Christ is Lord"?

d) What is your conception of the activity of the
Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of
believers, and in responsible living in the world?

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1439

e) How do your understand the theological
tasks of an ordained United Methodist pastor,
with special reference to Part II of the Book of
Discipline?

f) What is your understanding of the expecta-
tions and obligations of the appointment system?

g) For the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ
in the world and the most effective witness to the
Christian gospel, and in consideration of your in-
fluence as an ordained minister, are you willing to
make a complete dedication of yourself to the
highest ideals of the Christian life; and to this end,
will you agree to exercise responsible self-control
by personal habits conducive to physical health,
intentional intellectual development, fidelity, so-
cial responsibility, and growth in grace and the
knowledge and love of God?

h) What is your understanding of the relation
of the teaching of the Bible to your speciality in
ministry?

i) Describe the nature and purpose of your
ministry as an expression of the mission of the
Church.

j) Describe your understanding of an inclusive
Church and ministry.

k) Are you presently convinced that the or-
dained ministry is the best way to fulfill yoiu" re-
sponse to God? Explain. How does the particular
certification you have chosen fulfill yoxu- response
to God?

I) Indicate in some detail how your close per-
sonal relationships affect your ministry.

m) Describe yoiu" imderstanding of and appre-
ciation for persons of racial/ethnic heritages dif-
ferent from your own.

n) Mismanagement of personal finances may
detract fi-om your effectiveness as a minister. Are
you presently in debt so as to interfere with your
work, or have you obligations to others which will
make it difficult for you to live on the compensa-
tion you may receive?

^316.

Petition Number: 22967-MN-316-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Ilie Employing Agency

Delete \ 316.

^316.

Petition Number: 22985-MN-316-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Continuation of Certification

Replace \ 316 with new text:

Continuation of Certification. — ^To maintain certi-
fication, persons shall serve under full-time ap-
pointment and shall participate annually in at least
one week (40 hours) of continuing education in
the field to which they intend to be licensed. In
case of failure or delay, the Board of Ordained
Ministry shall investigate the circumstances £uid
judge whether to extend the time. In a case clearly
recognized as exceptional, the district committee
may recommend an alternative to these require-
ments, which may be approved by a three-fourths
vote of the Board of Ordained Ministry.

^317.

Petition Number: 22366-MN-317-D; Conference
Cabinet, SCA

Diaconal Ministers Relationship
to the Employing Agency

Amend ^317:

...final termination of employment. The date for
termination of employment shall coincide with the date
of the Annual Conference or the date stipulated in the
contract, except for causes as listed in "n 2621...

^317.

Petition Number: 22968-MN-317-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Termination Procedures for Diaconal Ministers

Delete ^ 317.

TI317.

Petition Number: 22986-MN-317-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Discontinuance from Certification

Replace ^ 317 with new text:

Discontinuance from Certification. — Candidates
may request discontinuance of certification or may
be discontinued by the Board of Ordained Minis-
try upon recommendation of the district Commit-
tee on Ordained Ministry. Prior to any final
recommendation of discontinuance without con-

1440

DCA Advance Edition 11

sent, a person wiU be advised of the right to a
hearing before the executive committee of the con-
ference Board of Ordained Ministry. A report of the
hearing will be made to the full board. When certi-
fication is discontinued, persons shall no longer be
permitted to exercise ministerial functions and
shall surrender their credentials to the district su-
perintendent for deposit.

^319.

Petition Number: 20912-MN-319-D; Richardson,
Emma, Dodson, Donna, Coit, Kathy,, Agnew,
Theodore, Tulsa, OK

Role of a Diaconal Minister

Add a new ^ 319:

1. Diaconal ministers shall be authorized to
conduct non-sacramental services, i.e., funerals,
weddings, memorial services, interments, dedica-
tions.

2. The diaconal minister is accountable to the
sexiior minister where he/she is appointed, or the
senior minister of his/her charge conference if
appointed beyond the local church, for such func-
tions.

^320.

Petition Number: 22989-MN-320-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Continuation in Probationary Membership

Add a new ^ 320:

Continuation in Probationary Membership. — ^To be
continued as probationary members, certified per-
sons shall annually participate in and report con-
tinuing education that is determined in
consultation with their mentor and district super-
intendent, and shall submit a written self-reflec-
tive statement about their ministry annually to the
Board of Ordained Ministry. Probationary mem-
bership shall be for a maximum of eight years. In
a case clearly recognized as exceptional, the
board, by three-fourths vote, may recommend an
extension beyond these limits, which may be ap-
proved by a three-fourths vote of the clergy mem-
bers in full connection present and voting;
provided, however, that no candidates shall be
continued on probation beyond the eighth regular
conference session following their admission to
probationary membership.

S[322.

Petition Number: 22991-MN-322-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Eligibility and Rights of Licensed Ministers

Add a new ^ 322:

Eligibility and Rights of Licensed Ministers. — Pro-
bationary members who have served for four years
after admission as probationary members may be
licensed in one or more ministry functions (koi-
nonia, leiturgia, didache, kerygma, or diakonia). The
license is granted for ten years, licensed minis-
ters have no rights or responsibilities beyond
those that are granted them by their conference
membership.

^323.

Petition Number: 22992-MN-323-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Continuance as Licensed Ministers

Add a new ^ 323:

Continuance as Licensed Ministers. — 1. At the end
of eight years, licensed ministers shall begin an
intentional process of self-reflection regarding
their call to ministry and the focus of that ministry
utilizing resoiu-ces developed by the Division of
Ordained Ministry and adapted by conference
Boards of Ordained Ministry. During that year,
they shall engage with their district superinten-
dent and at least one colleague and one lay person
in reflection about the most effective use of their
gifts. At the end of nine years, they shall submit a
vmtten request to the Board of Ordained Ministry
(1) for continuation of the license for another ten-
year period, (2) for consideration for licensing and
subsequent appointment in another field of certi-
fication for which they meet the educational, per-
sonal, and professional standards, and (3) for
return to general ministry.

2. Readmission to Licensed Status. — Persons may
request readmission, assuming their return to
general ministry was without prejudice, by written
request, and upon completion of an "assessment
of licensed ministry" course developed by the Di-
vision of Ordained Ministry.

3. Change of License. — Licensed ministers may
at any time request a change of license to any
ministry for which they have met the educational,
professional, and personal qualification. Service
years in the original area of certification shall be
evaluated by the Board of Ordained Ministry to
determine adequacy for meeting service require-
ments for a new license. A person may hold certi-
fications in more than one area at a time. Change

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1441

of license does not affect membership status or
ordination in the annual conference.

^336.

Petition Number: 23004-MN-336-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Appointment to Various Ministries

Add a new f 336:

A pastor is a certified or licensed person ap-
proved by the vote of the clergy members in full
connection, appointed by the bishop to be in
charge of a station, circuit, cooperative parish,
extension ministry, a federated church, or to a
church of another denomination, or on the staff of
one such appointment.

^338.

Petition Number: 23006-MN-338-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

A Ministry Specialist

Add a new ^338:

A ministry specialist is a certified or licensed
person approved by the vote of the clergy mem-
bers in full connection, appointed by the bishop to
focus on the servanthood to which all Christians
are called. These persons may be employed on the
staff of a local chiu-ch or cluster of churches, on
the staff of a district or conference, on the staff of
a United Methodist or ecumenical agency, by a
college, university, or school of theology, or in a
position that extends the servanthood of Christ to
the world.

^339.

Petition Number: 23007-MN-339-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

The Responsibilities of a Ministry Specialist

Add a new II 339:

The Responsibilities of a Ministry Specialist. — ^The
ministry specialist shall assist in the total ministry
of the local chvu-ch in its nurturing ministries and
in fulfilling its mission of witness and service in
the world by: (1) giving support, guidance, and
training to the lay leadership in the church, equip-
ping them to fulfill the ministr>' to which they are
sent as servants under the Lordship of Christ; (2)
providing ministry within the congregation and to
the world; (3) assisting in the administration of
the temporal affairs of the congregation. The min-

istry specialist shall assist in the total ministry of
the church universal by living a life of leadership
and example that assists the laity to take up their
calling to meet the needs of the sick, the poor, and
the oppressed.

1 . Ministering in the Local Church. — a) to share
the word, assist in the worship life of the congre-
gation, read and teach the Scriptures, and engage
the people in study and witness.

b) To assist in the administration of the sacra-
ments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper and all
other means of grace. To deliver the elements of
Holy Communion that have been consecrated by
an ordained pastor to the homebound, the sick,
and the dispossessed of society.

c) To give oversight to the ministries of the
local church in which the specialist has been li-
censed, such as music, administration, educa-
tion, counseling, etc.

d) To lead the congregation by teaching and
example in a ministry with persons with handicap-
ping conditions.

e) To be involved with the congregation in
evangelistic outreach in order to win persons on
profession of faith.

fl To counsel with members of the church and
community struggling with personal, ethical, or
spiritual issues.

g) To visit in the homes of the church and
community, especially among the sick, the aged,
and others in need.

h) To participate in community, ecumenical,
and interreligious concerns and to lead the con-
gregation to become so involved; and to pray and
labor for the unity of the Christian community.

i) To search out from among the membership
and constituency men and women for pastoral and
specialized ministry.

j) To give diligent leadership in ordering the
life of the congregation for discipleship in the
Word.

k) To give diligent leadership, ordering the life
of the congregation for servant ministry in the
world through the following:

(1) The development of goals for meeting the
needs of the sick, the poor, and the oppressed.

(2) Developing plans for implementing the
goals and a process for evaluating their effective-
ness.

(3) Selection, training, and deployment of lay
leadership within the congregation to meet the
goals.

1442

DCA Advance Edition 11

(4) Encouraging participation in denomina-
tional and conference programs and ti-aining op-
portunities.

(5) Being willing to assume supervisory re-
sponsibilities within the connection.

2. Ministering in the World. — ^Through specific
employment in a position outside the local
chiu-ch, the ministry specialist may be engaged in
carrying the servanthood of Christ to the world.
The specialist shall also be appointed to a local
church in which the work of ministry shall be
shared on a regular basis and opportunity for in-
vitation to the congregation to be involved in this
ministry shall be offered. The ministry specialist
so employed shall also be involved in the life of the
local church to whatever extent is possible and
shall share in leadership of worship and in assist-
ing with the administration of the sacraments on
a regular basis.

3. Ministry specialists shall give an account of
their ministries to the charge conference and an-
nual conference according to the prescribed
forms.

^340.

Petition Number: 23008-MN-340-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Special Provisions

Add a new ^ 340:

Provisions of 1^ 440-459 and other para-
graphs with reference to ordained and diaconal
ministers or to local pastors in the 1992 Book of
Discipline shall be rewritten during the 1997-2000
quadrennium by the Divisions of Ordained and
Diaconal Ministry to comply with <l[<n 301-340 in
the 1996 Book of Discipline.

^401.

Petition Number: 23036-MN-401-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia,, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Relation to the Ministry of All Christians

Delete ^ 401.

^402.

Petition Number: 22823-MN402-D; White, Michael L,
AFL.

Clergy Members as Employees
of the Annual Conference

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 402:

Effective January 1, 1997, all clergy appointed
within The United Methodist Church (excluding
those appointments beyond the local church out-
side The United Methodist Church structure)
shall be deemed the employees of the annual con-
ference in which they are appointed for personal
income tax piuposes, pursuant to the 1995 U.S.
Comt decision in the Weber vs. The IRS case, in
which United Methodist clergy are no longer per-
mitted to file as self-employed on their personal
income taxes. The local church shall tiherefore
contract with the annual conference for the provi-
sion of pastoral support by United Methodist
clergy. Each annual conference shall be given free-
dom to make these contractual arrangements as
best suit their circumstances and preferences.
Matters of clergy salary and other compensatory
allowances and benefits shall continue to be the
responsibility of the local chtu-ch.

^402.

Petition Number: 23037-MN-402-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beavertson, OR.

The Nature of Ministry and Ordination

Delete "J 402.

^402.

Petition Number: 20808-MN-402.2-D; Adm.C, &
Rosborough, D. & Cummings, Ben Mr.& Mrs.,
Morris Chapel U.M.C, Niles & Hope, Ark., MI.

The Ordained Ministry

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homo-
sexuals are not to be accepted...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1443

^402.

Petition Number: 20826-MN-402.2-D; Bartlett Chapel
UMC+ 11 Adm. Bds +15 Church Groups, + 669
Individuals.

Human Sexuality

Retain ^ 402.2 without change.

^402.

Petition Number: 21026-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Council, Centenary UMC, Shelbyville, KY.

Human Sexuality

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, aclf-avowcd neither persons
practicing homosexuals homosexuality nor persons
advocating homosexuality as a valid Christian life-
style are nei to be accepted as candidates,...

^402.

Petition Number: 21027-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Council and Task Force, Faith UMC, Buchanan, MI.

Ordination of Homosexuals

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, sclf-avowcd practicing homo-
sexuals are not to be accepted...

^402.

Petition Number: 21028-MN-402.2-D; Johnson, David
K. + 2 Church Groups + 6 Ind., Bering Memorial
UMC, Houston, TX.

Human Sexuality

Delete the last sentence of ^ 402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 22041-MN-402.2-D; White, Michael
L, AFL.

Human Sexuality

Amend 1 402.2:

2. [Last sentence] ...self-avowed, practicing homo-
sexuals are not to be accepted. ..to serve in The United
Methodist Church. Any minister who declares him-
self or herself to be a homosexual after receiving

ordination or accepting an appointment in any
status in The United Methodist Church shall be
immediately removed from that position and re-
quired to surrender her or his ministerial creden-
tials. If such a one accepts professional Christian
counseling, makes repentance, receives pardoning
grace and holistic healing from God, and wishes to
return to the United Methodist ministry, his or her
credentials may be restored by vote of the clergy
executive session of the annual conference upon
recommendation of the conference Board of Or-
dained Ministry.

^402.

Petition Number: 22042-MN-402.2-D; Riggins,
Virginia G., Faith UMC, Champaign, IL

Human Sexuality

Delete the last sentence of ^ 402.2 and amend the
first sentence as follows:

...by the practice of fidelity in heterosexual mar-
riage, fidelity in committed same-sex relation-
ships, and celibacy in singleness.

^402.

Petition Number: 22043-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Board, St. Paul's + 13 Other Church Bds. + 15
Individuals, Mountville, PA

Ordination and Appointment of Homosexual Persons

Amend the second sentence of ^ 402.2:

Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible
with Christian teaching, self-avowed persons practicing
homosexuals homosexuality are not to be accepted...

^402.

Petition Number: 22044-MN-402.2-D; 35 Members,
Pacific Beach UMC, San Diego, CA

Standards for Ordained Ministry

Delete the last sentence of % 402.2 and amend the
first sentence as follows:

...they are required to maintain the highest moral
and ethical standards represented by the practice of
fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness.

1444

DCA Advance Edition II

^402.

^402.

Petition Number: 22045-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Council, Grant Park-Aldersgate UMC, Atlanta, GA

The Ordained Ministry

Delete the second sentence of ^ 402.2 and amend
the first sentence as follows:

...represented by the practice of fidelity in marriage
or covenant relationships and celibacy in singleness.

Petition Number: 22588-MN402.2-D; Naapi, Leo L,
Covenant UMC, Reedsport, OR.

Relations of Ordained Ministers to the Ministry
of All Christians

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...self-avowed practicing homosexuals or persons
living a sinful lifestyle are not to be accepted...

^402.

^402.

Petition Number: 22414-MN-402.2-D; Isley, Samuel
W. Jr., Edenton St UMC, Raleigh. NC.

Ministry in the Christian Church

Amend ^ 402.2:

2. ...maintain the highest standards, represented by
the practice of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in single-
ness. Since the practice of homosexuality is incompat-
ible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing
homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, or-
dained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United
Methodist Church.^

Petition Number: 22687-MN-402.2-D; 85 Members,
Chapel Hill UMC, Sodus, MI.

Relation of Ordained Ministers to the Ministry
of All Christians

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed
homosexu£ils or practicing homosexuals are not to be
accepted...

^402.

^402.

Petition Number: 22415-MN402.2-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action.

Not Define "Self-Avowed Practicing Homosexual"

Add a footnote to ^402.2:

Because the term "self-avowed practicing ho-
mosexual" intends to describe behavior that is
referenced by sexual orientation, and because the
same standard is not applied to all persons r^ard-
less of sexual orientation, and not applied to all
persons who self-avow that they are practicing
their sexual orientation, we do not find it possible
to create a definition of "self-avowed practicing
homosexual" that will be adequate to the constitu-
tional test that requires the same standards for
everyone regardless of status.

Petition Number: 22688-MN402.2-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Standards for Ordained Ministry

Amend ^402.2:

...they are required to maintain, by the grace of
God, the highest ethical standards, represented by the
practice of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in single-
ness. Since the practice of homo8cxualit>' is incompat-
ible with Christian teaching, sclf-avowcd practicing
homosexuals arc not to be accepted as candidates, or-
dained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United
Methodist Church.^

^402.

Petition Number: 22689-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Board, Trinity UMC, Richmond, VA

Regarding the Redefinition of "Self-Avowed
Practicing Homosexual"

Amend the last sentence of % 402.2:

...with Christian teaching, a person who is a self-
avowed practicing homosexuals, proven with clear
and convincing evidence, or openly acknowledged
to a bishop, district superintendent, district com-
mittee on ordained ministry, board of ordained
ministry or clergy session of the annual confer-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1445

ence, are shall not te be accepted as a candidates,
ordained as a ministers,...

^402.

Petition Number: 22690-MN402.2-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Relation of Ordained Ministers to the Ministry of All
Christians

Amend ^ 402.2:

...with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing
homosexuals arc not to be accepted as candidates, or-
dained as ministers no person shall be admitted to
candidacy, nor ordained as a minister, nor ap-
pointed to serve in The United Methodist Church un-
less and until such person shall have submitted in
writing a signed statement affirming that 1) he or
she does not believe that homosexuality is God's
perfect will for any person; 2) he or she does not
and shall not engage in homosexual practices; and
3) he or she will not encoxu-age or promote the
practice of homosexuality. Such a written state-
ment shall be required for one to become a candi-
date or to receive any ordination or consecration
in the authority of The United Methodist Church.
Such a statement shall be kept on file in the an-
nual conference office of the annual conference
with which each candidate or minister shall be
affiliated, and no appointment may be made by
any bishop of a minister who has not filed such a
statement It is to be understood that making this
statement falsely or failing to maintain the commit-
ment in this statement shall be groimds for
charges, discipline, and expulsion.

^402.

Petition Number: 22831-MN-402.2-D; Church &
Society Committee + 57 Members, First UMC,
Ypsilanti, MI.

The Ordained Ministry

Delete 1 402.2.

^402.

Petition Number: 22832-MN402.2-D; Administrative
Board & Council on Ministries, First UMC, St.
Joseph, MI.

Ordination and Apppointment of Homosexual Persons

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...self-avowed homosexuals or practicing homo-
sexuals...

iI402.

Petition Number: 22833-MN-402.2-D; Church
Conference, Van & Hill City, Old Zion and Big Bend
UMC, Cranberry and Emlenton, PA.

The Practice of Homosexuality

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...self-avowed and/or practicing homosexuals...

^402.

Petition Number: 22834-MN-402.2-D; Byroads,
Marjorie, Williams Center Asbury UMC, Bryan, OH.

Ordination, Appointment and/or Reappointment of a
Practicing Homosexual

Amend 1 402.2:

2. ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy chastity in
singleness. Since the practice of homosexuality is in-
compatible with the holy Scriptures and Christian
teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to
be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, ©f
appointed, or reappointed to serve in The United
Methodist Church.^

^402.

Petition Number: 22835-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Board, First UMC, Niceville, FL.

Ordination and Appointment of Homosexual Persons

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...self-avowed practicing homosexuals who openly
acknowledge this to a bishop, district superinten-
dent, district Committee on Ordained Ministry,
Board of Ordained Ministry, or any clei^ session
shall are not to be accepted...

^402.

Petition Number: 22836-MN-402.2-D; Administrative
Board, Grace UMC, Newport, KY.

Ordination and Appointment of Homosexual Persons

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing
homosexuals...

1446

DCA Advance Edition II

^402.

Petition Number: 22837-MN402.2-D; 2 Adm. Board, 1
Bible Study & 53 Individuals, Rockland UMC, Belpre,
OH.

Ordination and Appointment of Homosexual Persons

Amend the last sentence of % 402.2:

...self-avowed or practicing homosexuals...

^402.

Petition Number: 22895-MN-402.2-D; Evangelical
Fellowship for United Methodist in WVA

Restricting Acceptance of Homosexuals for
Ordination and Appointment

Amend the last sentence of ^ 402.2:

...self-avowed professed, unrepentant practicing
homosexuals...

^402.

Petition Number: 22896-MN402.2-D; Deborah Circle
UMW, Cornerstone and Friendly Class, First UMC,
Crawfordville, IN.

Human Sexuality

Retain ^ 402.2 without change.

1403.

Petition Number: 23038-MN403-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaveton, OR.

Transitional Provisions

Delete % 403.

1404.

Petition Number: 22046-MN-404-D; Agnew, Theodore
L, First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Candidacy for Ordained Ministry

At the end of ^ 404 add a new sub-paragraph entitied
"Commentary" which includes the complete text of foot-
note 4 at the bottom of pages 205-207.

1404.

Petition Number: 22973-MN404-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Entrance into Ordained Ministry

Renumber % 404 as ^ 304 and amend:

Section IV. Entrance into Ordained Ministry.

Candidacy for Ordained Ministry. — Candidacy for
ordained ministry...

1. The Inquiring Candidate Inquirer. — Upon hear-
ing...discussed in consultation with the candidate's in-
quirer's pastor...

2. The Exploring Candidate Explorer. — ^Those seek-
ing to explore candidacy preparation for ordained min-
istry shall... (b) be assigned as an exploring candidate
explorer to a supervising pastor mentor by the district
eCommittee on Ordained Ministry, and (c) complete
appropriate candidacy studies after proper registra-
tion...

3. The Declared Candidate Applicant. — Those seek-
ing to become certified approved candidates for or-
dained ministry shall ('a^ consult with the pastor and
committee on Pastor Staff-Parish Relations.. .and re-
questing recommendation for certification. The candi-
4ate applicant shall be interviewed by the committee
on his/her statement and Wesley's historic questions in
^ 403 327:...A meeting for the purpose of recommend-
ing a candidate an individual for candidacy for the
ministry... or an authorized elder ordained minister,
who shall counsel with those present regarding the
ability and qualifications of the applicant... to the or-
dained ministry. For such a recommendation tTo be
valid, such a recommendation must be (i) voted by
written ballot by two-thirds of the Charge Conference
present at this meeting (ii) the candidate must have
been a member.. .of the home church; aft4 (iii-ii) the
candidate must have been graduated from an accred-
ited high school or received a certificate of equivalency;
and (iii) two-thirds of the members of the charge
conference present at this meeting must vote by
written ballot to recommend.

4. The Certified Approved Candidate — Candidates
Persons who have completed the requirements of ^
404.2 304.2, .3 and desire to be certified approved as
candidates.. .it may require; (c) submit a written re-
sponse providing evidence of understanding and expec-
tations to the following:... (iii) What are your future plans
for ministry in The United Methodist Church including
proposed speciality for licensing? (v) Describe and
evaluate your personal gifts for ministry; (vi) Indicate in
some detail... fe d) submit a written response.. .and obli-
gations of the itinerant appointment system; (d e)
provide and supply.. .and (tf) agree for the sake of the
mission.. .fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness,
social responsibility, and growth in grace and the knowl-
edge and love of God.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1447

^404.

Petition Number: 22047-MN-404.4-D; Administrative
CouncU, Grant Park-Aldersgate UMC, Atlanta, GA

The Ordained Ministry

Amend ^ 404.4e:

4. (e) ...fidelity in marriage and covenant relation-
ships and celibacy in singleness,...

Delete the fourth paragraph of footnote 4.

Amend the sbcth paragraph of footnote 4:

All candidates agree... fidelity in marriage and
covenant relationships and celibacy in singleness,...

^404.

Petition Number: 22048-MN-404.4-D; Lydick, Howard
L, First UMC, Richardson, TX.

The Certified Candidate

Amend ^ 404.4e:

4. (e) ...social responsibility, and to bear witness
thereto by abstinence from all indulgences (in-
cluding alcoholic beverages and tobacco) and

growth in grace...

^404.

Petition Number: 22589-MN-404.4-D; Methodist
Federation for Social Action, NYK

Regarding Fidelity

Amend the last sentence of ^ 404.4:

...maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in ain-
glcnc93, social responsibility,...

^404.

Petition Number: 22590-MN-404.4-D; Knotts, Alice G.,
ORI.

Eliminate the Footnote

Delete the footnote to \ 404.4e.

^404.

Petition Number: 22824-MN-404.4-D; Administrative
Council, Westpark UMC & First UMC, St. Joseph,
MI, Yakima, WA

The Certified Candidate

Retain "n 404.4 and footnote 4 without change.

^405.

Petition Number: 22974-MN-405-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Continuation of Candidacy

Renumber ^ 405 as \ 305 and amend:

[Second sentence] ...Committee on Ordained Min-
istry CJ 756) on recommendation...

1. A candidate preparing to become a probationary
member certified minister who is enrolled as a student
in a regionally accredited school, college or univer-
sity, or school.. .an official transcript from the school the
person is attending. The transcript...

2. A candidate who is not a student as defined in \
405.1 305.1 shall complete the studies for the license
for the local pastor certification in a ministry of koi-
nonia, kerygma, leiturgia, didache or diakonia af-
ter being accepted.. .The course must be completed
within eight years after issuance of the license for the
local pastor, except as provided in \ 408.2 credentials
as an apprentice minister.. .before application for li-
ecnsing as a local pastor credentialing as an appren-
tice minister.

4. A person who is a certified an approved candi-
date or who is in the process for candidacy process may
have...

^405.

Petition Number: 22826-MN-405.4-D; Administrative
Ministry, Westpark UMC, Yakima, WA

The Ordained Ministry

Retain \ 405.4 without change.

1448

DCA Advance Edition II

^406.

Petition Number: 22049-MN-406-D; U.M.RF. + Elliott,
Dirk Rev., WOH.WMI.

Local Pastor: Authority & Duties

Amend f 406:

1. ...while assigned appointed to a particular
charge.

6. The membership of local pastors under full-time
appointment is in Local pastors under appointment
in an annual conference shall be clergy members

of the Annual Conference...

7. [Delete.]

^406.

Petition Number: 23039-MN-406-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

General Provisions

Delete ^ 406.

^406.

Petition Number: 22827-MN-406.6-D; Forsman, Don
L.NMX.

Authority and Duties of a Local Pastor

Amend ^ 406:

6. The membership of ILocalpastors under full-time
appointment is in the Annual Conference v/hcrc they
shall have the right...

7. The church membership of full-time (1408.1)

and part-time local pastors...

^406.

Petition Number: 22861-MN406.6-D;Beulah UMC,
Beulah, CO.

Consistency in Responsibilities & Privileges of
Ordained and Local Pastors

Amende 406.6:

The membership of local pastors under full-time
appointment is in the Annual Conference where they
shall have the right to vote on all matters except consti-
tutional amendments, election of delegates to General,
Jurisdictional, or Central Conferences, and matters of
ordination, character, and conference relations of
clergy.

^406.

Petition Number: 23029-MN-406.7-D; Sunshine
DCOM of RKM, Beulah, CO,

Consistency in Responsibilities & Privileges
of Ordained and Local Pastors

Amend "J 406.7:

7. The church membership of part-time local pas-
tors (^408.2) shall be in the ehaffe annual conference
to which they are appointed,...

^407.

Petition Number: 23040-MN-407-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Apprentice Ministers

Delete ^ 407.

^407.

Petition Number: 22828-MN407.1-D; Administrative
Council, Westpark UMC, Yakima, WA

The Ordained Ministry

Retain ^ 407.1 without change.

^407.

Petition Number: 22050-MN-407.5-D; U.M.RF. and
Beulah UMC of Pueblo, CO, WML

Local Pastor - Physical Evaluation

Amend the first sentence of ^ 407.5:

5. ...if being appointed as a full-time local pastor...

^408.

Petition Number: 23041-MN-408-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Credential as Apprentice Minister

Delete ^ 408.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1449

^408.

Petition Number: 22051-MN408.2-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Definition of Part-Time Local Pastors

Amend ^ 408.2:

2. Part-time Local Pastors. — ^Those eligible to be
appointed as part-time local pastors are lay persons...

^408.

Petition Number: 22052-MN-408.5-D; U.M.R.F. +
Elliott, Dirk Rev., WOH, WML

Rights of Local Pastors

Amend ^ 408.5:

5. Full-time All local pastors may serve on any
board, commission, or committee except the Board of
Ordained Ministiy and Board of Trustees OT 733.1,
2513.1). They shall sot be eligible for election as dele-
gates to the General, Jurisdictional, or Central Confer-
ence subject to ^ 38.

1410.

Petition Number: 23043-MN-410-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Continuance as an Apprentice Minister

Delete TI 410.

1410.

Petition Number: 22371-MN-410.3-D; Eckert, Jerry.
WIS.

Trial of a Local Pastor

Add new text at the end of ^ 410.3:

The local pastor's rights under ^ 2622 and %
454 must be protected. The local pastor's ap-
proval for appointment and the bishop's authority
to discontinue the local pastor may not be used
instead.

1411.

1408.

Petition Number: 23030-MN408.5-D;Beulah UMC,
Pueblo. CO.

Consistency in Responsibilities & Privileges
of Ordained and Local Pastors

Amend ^ 408.5:

Full-time ILocal pastors may serve on any board,
commission, or committee except the Board of Or-
dained Ministry and Board of Trustees (^ 733.1.
2513.1)....

1409.

Petition Number: 23042-MN-409-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Categories of Apprentice Minister

Delete «[1 409.

Petition Number: 22053-MN-411-D; WPA Board of
Ordained Ministry.

Change in Language Concerning Quadrennial
Training of Counseling Elders

Amend the first sentence of ^ 411:

...approved, trained/retrained quadrennially.

and assigned...

1411.

Petition Number: 22829-MN-411-D; Morris, Paul B.,
Dr., WPA

Counseling Elders

Add a new Rafter ^411:

Supervising Pastors. — Supervising pastors are
clergy members in full connection in an annual
conference, recommended by the cabinet, ap-
proved, trained, and assigned by the Board of
Ordained Ministry to provide supervision and
counsel for exploring and declared candidates for
the ordained ministry under ^ 404,2, .3. The su-
pervising pastor shall:

1 . Administer the inventory or assessment ap-
proved for use by the annual conference Board of
Ordained Ministry.

1450

DCA Advance Edition II

2. Register the exploring candidate with the
Division of Ministry in Nashville and guide the
exploring candidate through candidacy studies.

3. Present the declared candidate, who has
met disciplinary requirements of ^ 404.3, to the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry for ex-
amination (^ 404.4).

4. Sign and complete all necessary forms to
register the certified candidate with the Division
of Ministry in Nashville or give reason on the ap-
propriate form for delay or less than three-foiuths
majority vote by the district Committee on Or-
dained Ministry.

^411.

Petition Number: 23044-MN-411-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Certification

Delete ^ 411.

^412.

Petition Number: 20913-MN-412-D; Lawler, Larry, CIL

Clergy Conference Membership

Amend the second sentence of ^ 412.1:

The clergy membership of an Annual Conference
shall consist of members in full connection under ap-
pointment., associate members under appoint-
ment...

^412.

Petition Number: 22054-MN-412-D; Agnew, Theodore
L, First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Definition of "Clergy Session"

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 412.2:

A clergy session of the annual conference shall
be the only appropriate entity for voting on status
regarding license, ordination, or conference mem-
bership of clergy. This clergy session shall be gov-
erned by provisions of *ni 705 and 821.

^412.

Petition Number: 23045-MN-412-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaveton, OR.

Qualification for Certification

Delete 1 412.

^412.

Petition Number: 22055-MN-412.1-D; U.M.R.F.+
Elliott, Dirk Rev.,WOH & 1 Dist of RKM, WMI.

Local Pastor as Member of Annual Conference

Amend the second sentence of ^ 412.1:

...and local pastors under full-time appointment to a
pastoral charge....

^412.

Petition Number: 22591-MN-412.1-D; Forsman, Don
L, NMX.

The Clergy Membership of an Annual Conference

Amend the second sentence of ^ 412.1:

...and local pastors under full-time appointment to a
pastoral charge (TI 408.1). All clergy appointed pastors
are amenable...

^413.

Petition Number: 22987-MN-413-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Members

Renumber ^ 413 as ^ 318 and amend:

...admission and continuance ef as probationary
membership...

[Second sentence] They are on probation as to
character, preaching skill in their field, and effective-
ness as pastors in ministry... of the Board of Ordained
Ministry (1418).

1. Probationary members arc eligible for ordination
as deacons but may not be ordained ciders until they
qualify for membership...

3. ...and Board of Trustees H
shall not..

[733.1, 2513.1). They

4. ...shall be granted the same security of opportu-
nity for annual appointment as associate members and
members in full connection...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1451

5. Probationary members who are regularly ap-
pointed to a pastoral charge local church or agency
are subject to the provisions of the Discipline in the
performance of their pastoral ministerial du-
ties...through the Board of Ordained Ministry and the
educational institution in performance of work.

6. Probationary members in appointments beyond
the local church shall also be appointed to a local
church. They shall relate themselves to the district
superintendent...

7. Each probationary member shall have an elder a
member in full connection assigned by the Board of
Ordained Ministry as counseling elder a mentorduring
the period of probation. As possible, this should be
the same individual who served as mentor during
the period of candidacy prior to probationary
membership. The counseling elder counselor is to
advise and counsel the probationer in light of the expec-
tations for United Methodist ministry reflected in im
123 4211

^413.

Petition Number: 23046-MN-413-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Educational Requirements

Delete ^ 413.

^413.

Petition Number: 22830-MN413.2-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Voting Rights of Probationary Members

Add new text at the end of ^ 413.2:

Furthermore, no probationary member shall
be permitted to vote on any matter until he or she
sh^ have submitted a written statement affirming
that said member: 1) does not believe that homo-
sexuality is God's perfect will for any person; 2)
does not and shall not engage in homosexual con-
duct; 3) has not encour^ed and will not encour-
age homosexuality; and 4) realizes that swearing
falsely or failing to keep this commitment is
grounds for charges, discipline, and expulsion.

^414.

Petition Number: 22988-MN-414-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership

Renumber ^ 414 as ^ 319 and amend:

Qualification for Election to Probationary Member-
ship.— Candidates Certified persons may be elected...

1. Each candidate person must have met the edu-
cational requirements and been certified as a candi-
date for in one or more ministry functions for at least
one year.

2. [Delete.]

32. Each candidate person must have been...three-
fourths majority vote of the district Committee on
Board of Ordained Ministry.

43. Each must present a satisfactory certificate
statement of good health...

5. [Delete.]

6. [Delete.]

7. [Delete.]

8. [Delete.]

^414.

Petition Number: 23047-MN414-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Specific Requirements for Certification as Pastor

Delete ^414.

^414.

Petition Number: 22692-MN-414.4-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Qualifications for Election to Probationary
Membership

Amend f 414.8g:

8. g) ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness
personal partnerships, social responsibility,...

1452

DCA Advance Edition II

^414.

Petition Number: 22056-MN-414.8-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership

Add new text at the end of ^ 414.8/

The concept of itineracy is important, but sen-
sitive attention should be given in appointing min-
isters with disabilities to responsibilities/duties
that meet their gifts and graces.

^414.

Petition Number: 22825-MN-414.8-D; Adminisb-ative
Council, Westpark UMC, Yakima, WA

Qualifications for Election
to Probationary Membership

Retain ^ 414. 8|r without change.

^415.

Petition Number: 23048-MN-41&-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Specific Requirement for Certification as Ministry
Specialist

Delete ^ 415.

^416.

Petition Number: 23049-MN-416-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Continuation of Certification

Delete 1416.

^416.

Petition Number: 20828-MN-416.2-D; Kremer, James
F., CPA

Special Conditions

Amend ^ 416.2:

2. ...and/or (ii) are members of groups whose cul-
tural practices and training enhance insight and skills
for effective ministry not available through conventional
formal education, and/or (iii) served an additional
eight years as an associate member under full-
time appointment (life/work experience credits),

in consultation with the Division of Ordained Minis-
try);...

^416.

Petition Number: 22057-MN-416.2-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship, WML

Special Conditions for Admission
to Probationary Membership

Amend ^ 416.2:

2. If the candidate has (a) reached thirty-five years
of age (exceptions to the age requirement may be
made to accommodate persons with disabilities);
(h) served as an associate member for a minimum of two
years under full-time appointment;... (e) [Delete existing
text.] been reconunended by the Cabinet, by the
district Committee on Ordained Ministry and the
Board of Ordained Ministry; (f) declared their
willingness to accept continuing appointment; (g)
satisfied the board regarding his or her physical,
mental, and emotional health (the annual confer-
ence may require psychological tests to provide
additional information on the candidate's fitness
for the ministry); (h) have been examined accord-
ing to the provisions of ^ 414.8.

^417.

Petition Number: 23050-MN-417-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Discontinuance from Certification

Delete \ 417.

^418.

Petition Number: 22372-MN-418-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Discontinuance of Probationary Members

Delete \ 418 and replace with new text:

Discontinuance from Probationary Member-
ship.— 1. Probationary members may request dis-
continuance. The request should be made six (6)
months prior to annual conference. The Cabinet
and appropriate committee of the Board of Or-
dained Ministry shall review with the probationary
member the circumstances in order to be sm-e
that the decision is fitting, to provide counsel to
assist in any transition, to share health insurance
and pension implications, and to be siu-e that in-
formation of exiting details and re-entry proce-
dm-es are understood. While discontinuance may
be immediate, it will ordinarily occur at the next
annual conference.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1453

2. If involuntary discontinuance is considered
by the committee responsible for the probationary
member, the probationary member has a right to
fair process under ^% 454 and 2622. The commit-
tee considering the discontinuance must provide
the grounds for their possible action to the proba-
tionary member before it is presented to the Board
of Ordained Ministry. The pastor may first request
a hearing with that committee and have the right
of an advocate to be present at that hearing.

a) After the hearing with the committee, the
pastor then may choose to seek discontinuance,
request aid in transferring to another conference,
or seek classification as a local pastor. Each of
these will be honored unless the grounds for dis-
continuance are a chargeable offense under %
2623. The Board of Ordained Ministry is to be
informed of the decision for their report to the
annual conference.

b) If the grounds are allegations or a grievance
against the probationary member that are charge-
able under 1 2623, that member has the right to
request fair process. When the allegations are
oral, they must be made into a grievance so that
the member can prepare for the proceedings to
come.

3. When discontinuance is granted or when
probationary members are discontinued upon
conclusion of fair process, they are no longer al-
lowed to perform the functions of ministry and
shall surrender their credentials to the district
superintendent for deposit with the conference
secretary. The committee's report, any response
by the member, and the record of actions against
the member shall be kept as required by ^
733.3d.

4. Application for reinstatement to probation-
ary membership or to classification as a local pas-
tor shall be made under provisions of the
appropriate disciplinary requirements. Any stud-
ies carried on during the period when discontin-
ued shall receive credit as the Division of
Ordained Ministry of the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry shall determine.

^418.

Petition Number: 22691-MN-418-D; Administrative
Board and PPR Committee, Evangel and Tolstoy
UMC, Bowdle. SD.

Discontinuance from Probationary Membership

Add new text after the first sentence of "n 418:

Probationary members shall not be involun-
tarily terminated, except for just cause and only
after due process as outlined in ^ 2622. Just

cause shall include failure or delay in making pro-
gress in their study for ordained ministry or a rec-
ommendation to terminate membership by the
Board of Ordained Ministry, based on any one or
more of the offenses listed in % 2623.

1418.

Petition Number: 22990-MN-418-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Discontinuance from Probationary Membership

Renumber ^ 418 as ^ 321 and amend:

[Fourth sentence] ...and shall surrender return
their credentials to the district superintendent for de-
posit with the secretary of the conferencer. and tTheir
membership shall be transferred by the district super-
intendent...relating to discontinuance as a probationary
member aa required in 11 733.3rf. If after discontinuance,
probationary members are classified and approved as
local pastors certified persons in accordance with the
provision of II 408 3 1 1 and under conditions outlined in
"nil 409 312 and 316, they may be permitted to retain
their credentials of certification ordination and shall
receive credit in the course of study for their theological
work as the Division of Ordained Ministry shall dctcr-

1418.

Petition Number: 23051-MN-418-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Members

Delete % 418.

1419.

Petition Number: 22059-MN-419-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Rights of Associate Members

Amend ^ 419:

2. Associate members shall have the right to vote in
the Annual Conference on all matters except the follow-
ing: (a) constitutional amendments; (b) election of lay
delegates to the General and Jurisdictional or Central
Conferences; and-fe^ (b) all matters of ordination,...

3. Associate members may serve on any board,
commission, or committee of an Annual Conference
except the Board of Ordained Ministry' and the Board of
Trustees (111733.1, 2513.1). They shall not be eligible
for election as lay delegates...

1454

DCA Advance Edition II

^419.

Petition Number: 23052-MN-419-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Qualification for Election to Probationary Membership

Delete ^ 419.

^419.

Petition Number: 22058-MN-419.3-D; Pierce,
Ward+Church Conf.& 2 Others of LakewoodUMC,
WMI.

Eligibility and Rights of Associate Members

Amend ^ 419.3:

3. ...except the Board of Ordained Ministry and-the
Board of Tru3tcc3...

^420.

Petition Number: 23053-MN-420-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Continuation in Probationary Membership

Delete "J 420.

TI420.

Petition Number: 22693-MN-420.1-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Requirements for Election as Associate Members

Amend 5 420.1(8):

1. (8) ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in single
Hess personal partnerships, social responsibility,...

^421.

Petition Number: 22061-MN-421-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Progression to Full Membership
for Associate Members

Amend ^ 421:

Progression into Full Membership. — -Associate
members who exhibit exceptional promise for the or-
dained ministry may Persons elected to associate
membership prior to 1997 shall qualify for proba-
tionary membership in the Annual Conference under
special conditions as set forth in "J 416.2 upon receiving

a three-fourths majority vote of the clergy members of
the conference in full connection, present and voting.

^421.

Petition Number: 22062-MN421-D; Walter, Duane
and Diane, Lakewood UMC, Sunfield, MI.

Admission and Continuance of Full Membership
in the Order of Elder

Amend 5 421:

Progression into Full Membership. — 1. Associate
members.. .present and voting.

2. Associate members who have reached the
age of 55 or older and have served at least five
years as an associate member may be received
into full membership by three-fom^s vote of the
clergy members in ftill connection and voting.

^421.

Petition Number: 23054-MN-421-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Discontinuance fi^om Probationary Membership

Delete ^ 421.

^422.

Petition Number: 22993-MN-422-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Members in Full Connection

Renumber ^ 422 as ^ 324 along with its heading and
amend:

admission to and continuance of full membership in
the annual conference

[Second sentence] In keeping of the #ms cove-
nant...They offer themselves without reserve to be ap-
pointed the church and to serve, after consultation, as
the appointive authority may determines.. .and confer-
ence relations Cim 705.6, 733.2).

A full member of an Annual Conference shall be
eligible for ordination as elder by a bishop and such
other elders full members as the ordaining bishop may
determine.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1455

1422.

Petition Number: 23055-MN-422-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Eligibility and Rights of Licensed Ministers

Delete ^ 422.

1423.

Petition Number: 20914-MN-423-D; Lawler, Larry, CIL.

Rights and Responsibilities of Full Members

Amend ^ 423:

1. Of Full Members. — Members in full connection
under appointment shall have. ..and conference rela-
tions of clergy. Retired full connection members
shall have the privilege of seat and voice at the
Annual Conference, without vote. This responsibil-
ity shall not be limited...

1423.

Petition Number: 22063-MN423-D; Handy, W. T,
Bishop, COB.

Rights and Responsibilities

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 423:

Clergy who are retired, located, on disability,
or on sabbatical leave may, at their own initiative,
apply to the conference Board of Ordained Minis-
try for affiUate membership in the annual confer-
ence wliere they reside. By a two-thirds vote of the
executive session, such clergy may be received
with rights and privileges, including service on
conference boards, agencies, task fores, and com-
mittees, with voice but without vote. Voting mem-
bership shall be retained in the clergy member's
home annual conference for the duration of affili-
ate member relationship. Such persons may serve
on the board, agency, task force or committee of
only one annual conference at any one time.

1423.

Petition Number: 22952-MN423-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Rights and Responsibilities

Renumber ^ 423 as ^ 325 and amend:

Rights and Responsibilities. — 1. Of Full Mem-
bers.— Members in full connection. ..and Jurisdictional
or Central Conferences Cn701.1fl) and shall have.. .not-

withstanding provisions of Chapter 3 which grant to the
Board. ..under the provision of the Constitution CJ 38,
Art. IV). Every effective member...

2. ...and a primary basis of their guaranteed annual
appointment...

a) Continuing availability for appointment. Per-
sons licensed to serve as pastors shall be available
to itinerate as needed. Consultation shall take
place between the bishop, the superintendents,
the local churches, and the pastors. Appointments
most commonly will be initiated by the bishop and
the superintendents. In special circumstances,
the pastor or a local chiu-ch or agency may initiate
an appointment. The appointment of persons li-
censed in other ministry specialties other than
pastor shall be determined based on the positions
available and the needs of the churches and other
agencies in consultation with the bishop, superin-
tendents, employing bodies, and the ministers.
Appointments for ministry specialists may be in-
itiated by the individual, the bishop, superinten-
dent, church, or agency involved.

b) Annual participation in evaluation with Commit-
tees on Pastor Stafif-Parish Relations...

c) ...and effectiveness for ministry (270.2/ 520.2,
733.2w, o), both within...

dj Growth in competence and effectiveness through
continuing education is expected of conference mem-
feefs. The board of Ordained Ministry (II 733.2n) shall
set minimal standards necessary to meet this annual
requirement for appointment as well as an4 specific
guidelines for continuing education programs for mem-
befs of their conference. The board shall and ensure
theif the availability of such programs.

3. ...the provisions of 11 454.3 regarding adminis-
trative location may be invoked.

1423.

Petition Number: 23056-MN-423-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Continuance as Licensed Ministers

Delete ^ 423.

1456

DCA Advance Edition II

^423.

Petition Number: 22592-MN-423.1-D; Lepley, Ralph J,
NCA

Rights and Responsibilities of Full Clergy Members

Amend the last sentence of ^ 423.1:

Every effective member in full connection who is in
good standing shall receive an annual station chtirch
appointment by the bishop.

^423.

Petition Number: 22838-MN-423.1-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Rights and Responsibilities

Amend ^423.1:

1. Of Full Members. — Members in full connec-
tion shall have no right to an appointment nor to
vote on any matter unless and until they shall have
submitted in writing a signed statement that: 1)
they do not consider the practice of homosexuahty
God's perfect will for any person; 2) they do not
and will not engage in homosexual practices; 3)
they do not and will not promote homosexuality;
and 4) they realize that falsely swearing or failing
to keep this commitment shall be grotmds for
charges, discipline, and expulsion. Members in full
connection shaU have the right...

^423.

Petition Number: 22694-MN-423.2-D; Terneus, John,
Yukon, OK.

Rights and Responsibilities of Members

Add a nevf sub-point at the end of ^ 423.2:

2. f) All ordained ministers under episcopal
appointment shall serve a local United Methodist
chxu-ch full time at least one year of every seven
consecutive years.

^424.

Petition Number: 22064-MN-424-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

The Practice of Ministry

Amend ^I 424c (4):

c) (4) Are you willing to relate yourself to all persons
without regard to race, color, national origin, ©f social
status, or disabilities?

^424.

Petition Number: 22839-MN-424-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Requirements for Admission

Amend 1424a (6):

a) (6) ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in ainglc-
fte89 personal partnerships, social responsibility...

^424.

Petition Number: 22840-MN-424-D; Adminisb-ative
Board, Westpark UMC, Yakima, WA

The Ordained Ministry

Retain ^ 424c (6) without change.

^424.

Petition Number: 22994-MN424-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Requirements for Admission

Renumber ^ 424 as ^ 326 and amend:

Requirements for Admission. — Candidates who have
feeen^Probationary members for at least two years may
be admitted.. .They shall have (1) served full time under
episcopal appointment for at least twe four full Annual
Conference years following the completion of the edu-
cational requirements spcciFicd in 3 (b) below their
admission as probationary members. Upon recom-
mendation...and (b) assumed by a counseling elder
mentor assigned by the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Their The service must be evaluated.. .clergy members
in full connection? Those probationary members un-
der appointment January, 1081 shall not be subject to
the provisions of this paragraph unless the Annual Con-
ference otherwise provides; (2) been previously elected
as probationary members and ordained deacons; (3)
qualified for and received a license in at least two
ministry specialties; (S4) met the following educa-
tional requirements for probationary membership;^

(a) [Delete.]

(b) [Delete.]

■M-(5) met educational requirements which shall
in every case shall include a minimum of two semester
or three quarter hours in each of the fields of (a) United
Methodist history, (b) United Methodist doctrine, and
(c) United Methodist polity, (d) worship and lit-
urgy, (e) Old Testament, (f) New Testament, (g)
mission of the church in the contemporary world,
(h) public speaking which may be included in a
practical preaching course, (i) theology; provided
that a candidate may meet the requirements for no

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1457

more than three of these courses by undertaking an
independent.. .Board of Ordained Ministry (see Ij
1530.2);

(d) [Delete.]

(4 6) satisfied the board regarding physical... (5 7)
prepared and preached a at least one written sermon or
prepared a way of sharing and shared on a biblical
passage specified by the Board of Ordained Ministry; (6
8) presented a plan and outline for teaching or sharing
a book or books of the Bible in the ministry setting;
(? 9) responded to a written. ..The following questions
arc guidelines for the preparation of the examination:

a) Theology...

(6) ...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness,
social responsibility,...

c) The Practice of Ministry...

(1) ...obligations of the itinerant appointive sys-
tem?

(5) Will you regard all pastoral conversations held
in your function as ordained minister of a confes-
sional nature...

three-fourths vote of the clergy members in full connec-
tion, present and voting. Upon recommendation of
the Board of Ordained Ministry, an annual confer-
ence may equate less than full-time to the require-
ment of full-time service; (4) satisfied the board...

^425.

Petition Number: 22995-MN-425-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Historic Examination for Admission
Into Full Connection

Renumber ^ 425 as ^ 327.

^425.

Petition Number: 23058-MN-425-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Rights and Responsibilities

Delete "J 425.

^424.

Petition Number: 23057-MN-424-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Members in Full Connection

Delete ^ 424.

1424.

Petition Number: 22065-MN-424.3-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Associate Members Prior to Elimination of Category

Amend "D 424(3) rrf;:

{'i)(d) under conditions regarded as exceptional,
candidates who completed the first two years of the
advanced course of study for ordained ministry and
were admitted to probationary membership by a three
fourths vote (1[ 416.2), upon recommendation by the
Board of Ordained Ministry when they have completed
two additional years of advanced studies specified by
and under the direction of the Division of Ordained
Ministry and have met all the other requirements, may
candidates who were admitted into associate
membership of an annual conference prior to
1997 who have served at least four years under
appointment and have received the recommenda-
tion of the Cabinet and the Board of Ordained
Ministry shall be received into full membership by a

1426.

Petition Number: 22996-MN-426-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Appointments

Renumber ^ 426 as ^ 328 and amend:

Appointments. — Ordained ministers.. .may receive
mi appointments in...

1. [Fourth sentence] Their membership on eonfer-
cnee boards and agencies is restricted to the eonfcrcncc
of which they arc a member. They shall be eligible to
serve on all commissions, boards, and agencies
within the bounds of the conference in which they
are serving, except the Board of Ordained Minis-
try and the Board of Trustees, so long as they shall
not serve on any commissions, boards, or agen-
cies in their home conference at the same time.
They shall be compensated.. .and the Comprehensive
Protection Plan (sec *]] 1606.20).^'*

2. [Fourth sentence] When the board of Ordained
Ministry certifies that their credentials are at least equal
to those of associate members, although they arc not
associate members, they may be accorded all the rights
and privileges of associate membership in the annual
Conference (*]] 419.2, .3). Upon written application to
the Board of Ordained Ministry, they may be
granted voice, but not vote in the Annual Confer-
ence session. They shall not have security of appoint-
ment.

1458

DCA Advance Edition II

3. Between conference sessions...

^426.

Petition Number: 23059-MN-426-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Requirements for Admission

Delete ^ 426.

^426.

Petition Number: 22066-MN426.4-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship, WML

Ordained Ministers from Other Nations — Affiliate
Members

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 426:

Ordained ministers of Methodist or united
churches from nations other than the United
States serving as missionaries certified by the
General Board of Global Ministries within the
botmds of an annual conference may be affiliate
members of the conference without prejudice to
their relationship to their churches of origin (^
1432.5a).

^427.

Petition Number: 22997-MN-427-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Transfers

Renumber ^ 427 as f 329 and amend:

1. ...by transfer into probationary, associate, or full
membership. ..Consultation with the chairperson or ex-
ecutive committee of the Board...

2. a) ...by transfer into probationary, associate, or
full conference membership.. .Prior consultation with
the chairperson or executive committee of the Board or
Ordained Ministry shall be held, in order to determine
that the minister meets the functions for which the
individual is eligible to be licensed and that the
standards for conference membership established by
the Discipline and the Annual Conference have been
met

3. a) ...receive them as probationary members, as-
sociatc members, or local pastors apprentice minis-
ters, or certified ministers.... whether they meet the
educational and experience requirements for confer-
ence membership.

b) ...probationary members for at least tw© four
years and complete all the requirements of ^ 434 327,

including courses in United Methodist history, doctrine,
and polity, before being licensed and admitted into full
conference membership....

^427.

Petition Number: 23060-MN-427-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Historic Examination for Admission
Into Full Connection

Delete ^ 427.

^428.

Petition Number: 23061-MN-428-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Appointments

Delete ^ 428.

^429.

Petition Number: 23062-MN429-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Transfers

Delete "D 429.

^430.

Petition Number: 22998-MN430D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Recognition of Orders

Renumber ^428 as ^330.

^431.

Petition Number: 22999-MN431-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Ordination

Renumber ^ 431 as "J 331 and amend:

...authority to serve the Church through sacramen-
tal and functional leadership....

3. ...accepting God's call to be his God's servant.

6. ...and in consideration of his/her your influence
as an ordained minister, are you fee willing to make a

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1459

complete dedication of himsclf/hcraclf yourself to the
highest ideals of the Christian life; and to this end will
you agree to exercise responsible self-control by per-
sonal habitsconducive to botlily physical health, fnetrtal
and emotional maturity intentional intellectual devel-
opment, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness,
social responsibility, and growth in grace and the knowl-
edge and love of Godr?

^431.

Petition Number: 22841-MN431.6-D; Deppe, Martin,
NIL.

Qualifications for Ordination

Amend «[1 431.6:

...fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singlcncaa
personal partnerships, social responsibility...

1431.

Petition Number: 22842-MN-431.6-D; Administrative
Board, Westpark UMC, Yakima, WA.

The Ordained Ministry

Retain ^ 431.6 without change.

1431.

Petition Number: 22593-MN-431.9-D; Case, Riley B.,

NIN.

Qualifications for Ordination

Amend 1431.9:

9. Be accountable to The United Methodist Church,
affirm its doctrine as outlined in the doctrinal
standards of the Church, accept its Discipline....

1431.

Petition Number: 22067-MN-431.10-D; 11
Administrative Boards + 7 Individuals, St. Paul and
Leighton UMC, Mountville and Caledonia, PA and MI.

Qualifications of Ordination

Add a new sub-paragraph after "n 431.10:

Subscribe to and teach United Methodist doc-
trine as deUneated in H 68 and 69 of The Book of
Discipline.

1432.

Petition Number: 23000-MN-432-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

The Act of Ordination

Renumber "J 432 as ^ 332 and amend:

...through the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and
Order ministries of koinonia, didache, leiturgia, kery-
gma, and diakonia and acknowledgment and authenti-
cation...

.laying on of my hands" (II

[Second paragraph]
Timothy 1:6, NRSV).

[Third paragraph] ...for examination and granting
credentials certification and licensing to those who
seek ordination....

[Fourth paragraph] ...a shared relationship be-
tween those tiie one being ordained for sacranicntal
aft4 functional leadership....

1433.

Petition Number: 20810-MN-433-D; Cambre, Allison,
TEX.

Classification of Ordination

Amend ^ 433:

Classification of Ordination. — ^The ordained minis-
try of The United Methodist Church consists of bish-
ops, elders, and deacons... or The Evangelical United
Brethren Church. Clergy transferring fi-om other
denominations may have their orders reaffirmed.

1433.

Petition Number: 23001-MN-433-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Classification of Ordination

Renumber ^ 433 as "J 333 and amend:

...consists of ciders and deacons one order with
persons licensed to serve particular func-
tions....permanently granted by cither previously by
The Methodist Church, The Evangelical United Breth-
ren Church, or The United Methodist Chiu-ch.^

Ordained ministers are persons who have
been licensed to ministry as pastors or ministry
specialists and who have been ordained in accord-
ance with the Order and Discipline of The United
Methodist Church. They may be elected to mem-
bership in full connection with an annual confer-
ence.

1460

DCA Advance Edition II

1. [Delete existing text.] Licensed pastors are
persons who have been received by an annual
conference and have the authority to conduct di-
vine worship, to preach the Word, to perform the
marriage ceremony where the laws of the state or
province permit, to bury the dead, and to admin-
ister the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Com-
munion.

2. [Delete existing text.] licensed ministry spe-
cialists are persons who have been received by an
annual conference and have the authority to assist
in divine worship, to share the Word through
teaching and example, to bury the dead, to assist
in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Commun-
ion, and to lead by precept and example in minis-
try to the world.

^434.

Petition Number: 23063-MN-434-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and IVleyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Appointments to Various Ministries

Delete ^ 434.

^435.

Petition Number: 22068-MN-435-D; Walter, Duane
and Diane, Lakewood UMC, Sunfield, MI.

Admission and Continuance of Full Membership in
the Annual Conference and the Order of Elder

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 435.2:

Deacons who have been associate members
for at least five years, who have reached the age of
55 and have been elected to full membership in
accordance with 51 343(3) ^eA

^435.

Petition Number: 22069-MN-435-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WML

Order of Elder and Elimination of Category of
Associate Member

Add a new sub-paragraph after *[ 435.2:

Deacons who have been associate members
and have been elected to full membership in ac-
cordance with TI 424(3) (d).

^435.

Petition Number: 23064-MN-435-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

The Appointment System

Delete ^ 435.

^435.

Petition Number: 20811-MN-435.3-D; Lundy, James
T, First-Centenary U.M.C., Chattanooga, TN.

The Order of Elder

Amend the second sentence of "J 435.3:

The bishops shall be assisted by other elders and
may include lait>" designated by the bishop representing
the Church community' and representatives of other
Christian communions,...

^436.

Petition Number: 22070-MN-436-D; Talbott, Norbert:
L, Epworth UMC, Indianapolis, IN.

Ordained Ministry

Amend ^ 436:

General Provisions. — ^All clergy members who are
in good standing in an Annual Conference shaH may
receive annually...

^436.

Petition Number: 23002-MN-436-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

Appointments to Various Ministries

Renumber "J] 436 as ^ 334 and amend:

. . .or are on leave of absence or retired. When the
area of service requires the functions of a pastor,
persons licensed as pastors may serve in exten-
sion ministries.

In addition to the ordained ministers, persons who
have been granted a license as local pastors certified
and who have been approved by the vote of the clergy
members in full connection may be appointed as pastors
in charge under certain conditions which arc specified
in ^^ 406-408. All clergy members and licensed local
pastors credentialed, certified, and licensed per-
sons to be appointed shall assume...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1461

^436.

Petition Number: 23065-MN-436-D; Bateman. Aim C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Appointment to Various Ministries

Delete ^ 436.

^437.

Petition Number: 22071-MN-437-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Part-Time or Bi- Vocational Ministry

Amend ^ 437:

77ie Itinerant System. — ^The itinerant system is the
accepted method of The United Methodist Church by
which ordained ministers clergy members are ap-
pointed by the bishop to fields of labor. Appointments
may be made to ftill-time, part-time, or bi-voca-
tional service. All ordained minsters clergy members
shall accept...

1. Full-time service shall be the norm for ordained
ministry in the Annual Conference. Full-time service
shall mean that the clergy person's entire vocational
time,...

2. Less than full-time Part-time or bi-vocational
service may be rendered by a clergy member under the
conditions stipulated in this paragraph. Less than full-
tjffte Part-time or bi-vocational service shall
mean... and the Cabinet, the ordained minister clergy
person, and the Annual Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry or the district Committee on Ordained
Ministry is devoted. ..increments by the bishop to less
than full-time part-time or bi-vocational service with-
out loss.. .Appointment to less than full-time part-time
or bi-vocational service is not a guarantee...

a) The ordained minister clergy member seeking
less than full-time part-time or bi-vocational service
should present...

b) ...Board of Ordained Ministry, the less than full-
fe«e part-time or bi-vocational category shall be con-
firmed...

c) Reappointment to less than full-time part-time
or bi-vocational service shall be requested by the or-
dained minister clergy person and approved annually by
the bishop and Cabinet and shall not be granted for more
than a total of eight years except by a three-fourths

two-thirds vote of the clergy members in full eonnce-
ti©» of the Annual Conference.

d) Ordained ministers Clergy persons who receive
appointment at less than full-time to part-time or bi-
vocational service remain... the appointment is to be

made. Exceptions to the six-month deadline shall
be approved by the Cabinet.

e) The bishop may make ad interim appointments
at less than full time part-time or bi-vocational service
upon request of the ordained minister clergy person
following consultation...

1437.

Petition Number: 22072-MN-437-D; Atkins, Hardin L,
III, NMX.

Interim Appointments and Interim Pastors

Add new sub-paragraphs after ^ 437.3:

4. Concerning interim pastoral appointments:
We recognize that there are especially sensitive
situations in local chiu-ch congregations such as,
but not limited to, (a) the need for changing pas-
tors after a long-term pastorate, when trust and
affections between people and pastor have deep-
ened through long association; (b) internal church
tensions and disagreements which clearly place
the next pastor (or even a series of pastors) to be
appointed at risk for short tenure; (c) necessary
leave of absence, withdrawal, or other situations
resulting in removal of appointed pastors. In such
cases, short-term pastoral anointments may be
desirable, predictable, unavoidable, or any combi-
nation of the above. Whether so named or not,
they become interim pastoral appointments with
intentional or virtual interim pastors.

5. Intentional interim pastors shall be defined
as those licensed or ordained persons so ap-
pointed by the bishop and Cabinet for a specified
period of time, generally one year or less. A writ-
ten agreement to that effect shall be signed by each
intentional interim pastor and the appropriate lo-
cal church Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
chairperson and district superintendent. Each
shall receive a copy of the agreement. Any regular
pastor in full connection who feels a special inter-
est in, or call to, this type of service is encouraged
to make that information known to his or her dis-
trict superintendent. Cabinets are especially en-
couraged to consider the gifts and graces of those
retired clergy who may be willing and able to ren-
der a much-needed service in such a capacity.

6. Virtual interim pastors shall be defined as
those persons regularly appointed as successor
pastors in such situations and whose appointment
tenure was at risk fi-om the beginning, through
circumstances previously known to the bishop
and Cabinet. They shall be expected to do their
best in such circumstances, but no blame will be
attached to their ministry if the appointment is a
short one. If such a pastor stays fewer than three
years due to local church action to change pastors,

1462

DCA Advance Edition II

the notation ''Virtual Interim Pastor" shall be en-
tered into that pastor's individual appointment re-
cord for the year(s) in question and shall be
considered by the bishop and Cabinet in making
the pastor's future appointment.

^437.

Petition Number: 23003-MN-437-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR.

The Appointment System

Renumber "H 437 as f 335 and amend:

The Itinerant Appointive System. — The itinerant ap-
pointive system is the accepted method of The United
Methodist Church by which ordained ministers are
appointed by the bishop deployed to their fields of
labor. All ordained ministers shall accept and abide by
these appointments. Persons certified or licensed
for pastoral ministry shall be available for itinera-
tion. Persons certified or licensed for functions
other than pastor shall be in consultation with the
bishop and superintendents regarding possible
appointments. Persons appointed to multiple-staff min-
istries,...as well as to the pastor in charge. The nature of
the appointive process is gpcciFicd in ITI 529 533.

1. ...in consultation with the paster minister and the
Committee on Pastor Staff-Parish Relations, is de-
voted...

2. ...under the conditions stipulated specified in
this paragraph....

b) ...as established in "n^ 444 and 529-533 of tiie
1992 Discipline, and upon joint...

d) Ordained ministers who receive appointment at
less than full-time service remain within the itineracy
and as such remain available, upon consultation. ..shall
be made to the bishop and Cabinet by persons wishing
a local church appointment at least six months
prior...

e) ...following consultation as specified in ^"J 529-
533 of the 1992 Book of Discipline, and upon recom-
mendation...

^437.

Petition Number: 23066-MN-437-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor

Delete ^ 437.

^437.

Petition Number: 20812-MN437.2-D; Cambre, Allison,
TEX.

The Itinerant System

Amend ^ 437.2c:

2. c) ...approved annually by the bishop and Cabinet
and shall not be granted for more than a total of eight
years except by a three-fourths vote of the clergy mem-
bers in full connection of the Annual Conference.

^437.

Petition Number: 22594-MN-437.4-D; Crowe, John M.,
NCA

The Itinerant System

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "J 437:

The ordained minister shall be appointed by
the bishop to be the full-time pastor in chaise of a
station or circuit for a minimum of four years.

^438.

Petition Number: 23067-MN-438-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

A Ministry Specialist

Delete 1 438.

^439.

Petition Number: 22073-MN-439-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WML

Duties of a Pastor: Community Context

Amend ^ 439:

... (2) providing ministry within the congregation, in
the community setting, and to the world;...

1. Ministering Within the Congregation, to the Com-
munity, and to the World. —

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1463

^439.

^439.

Petition Number: 22074-MN-439-D; Eliason, Hap,
TEN.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor

Add a new paragraph at the end of ^ 439.16:

Pastor(s) administering the Sacrament of Bap-
tism to an infant or child of divorced parents shall
carefully ascertain that both parents agree to the
action. The parents' written statements of agree-
ment shall be kept on file with the baptismal re-
cords. If a parent has sole legal custody of the
infant or child, or if one parent cannot be located
for agreement, the parent desiring the sacrament
for his or her infant or child shall make a written
statement of the situation, which shall be kept on
file with baptismal records.

^439.

Petition Number: 23005-MN-439-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Salem and Beaverton, OR

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor

Renumber ^ 439 as ^ 337 and amend:

1. n) To search out from among the membership
and constituency men and women for pastoral ordained
ministry and other church-related occupations as pas-
tors and ministry specialists:...

o) To give diligent pastoral leadership...

2. b) (3) The selection, training, and deployment ©f
lay leadership within the congregation and the develop-
ment of a process for evaluating lay leadership.

c) ...for participation in the itineracy and leader-
ship of all ordained men and women.

^439.

Petition Number: 23068-MN-439-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

The Responsibilities of a Ministry Specialist

Delete ^ 439.

Petition Number: 20813-MN-439.1-D; Cambre, Allison,
TEX.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor

Add new text at the end of ^ 439.1/

l.f) ...and The United Methodist Church. To sol-
emnize a marriage, the pastor shall:

1) have ascertained that both parties under-
stand that Holy Matrimony is a physical and spiri-
tual union of a man and a woman, entered into
within the community of faith by mutual consent
of heart, mind, and will, and widi intent that it be
lifelong;

2) have ascertained that both parties freely
and knowingly consent to such marriage without
fraud, coercion, or mental reservation;

3) have instructed both parties as to the na-
ture, meaning, and purpose of Holy Matrimony.

^439.

Petition Number: 22075-MN-439.1-D; Spencer,
Gordon, OKL.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor

Amend ^439.1^

I. g)To perform the marriage ceremony after the
couple has reviewed two video tapes and after due
counsel with the parties involved. The first tape would
be on marriage and the second tape would be on
healthy parenting. The decision to perform the cere-
mony shall be the right and responsibility' of the pastor.
Qualifications for performing marriage...

^439.

Petition Number: 22595-MN-439.1-D; Stafford, Linda
E.,WOH.

United Methodist Ministers acting as Agents
for the State

Delete % 439.1^ and replace with new text:

1. g) At his or her discretion, to recognize and
celebrate within the community of faith marriages
which have been legalized by the state. No pastor,
however, shall perform any ceremony that shall
legalize a marriage on behalf of the state.

1464

DCA Advance Edition II

^440.

^448.

Petition Number: 23069-MN-440-D; Bateman, Ann C.
and Meyers, Patricia, Trinity UMC, Salem and
Beaverton, OR.

Special Provisions

Delete ^ 440.

^440.

Petition Number: 23035-MN-440.5-D; Sunshine
DCOM of RKM, Beulah, CO.

Consistency in Responsibilities & Privileges of
Ordained and Local Pastors

Amend ^ 440.5:

5. Ordained All ministers of The United Methodist
Church...

^443.

Petition Number: 22060-MN-443-D; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Elders in Administrative/Program Positions

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of the
introductory paragraph of ^ 443:

Elders may not serve more than a total of nine
(9) years in administrative/program positions (for
example, district superintendent, council director
positions by whatever name) in a career of or-
dained ministry.

^445.

Petition Number: 22076-MN-445-D; Wasson, William,
MOW.

Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth

Amend 1445.1:

1 . Clergy shall be expected encouraged to continue
their education and spiritual growth...

Petition Number: 20752-MN-448-D; White, Charles,
Jr., Western North Carolina Annual Conference.

Leave of Absence

Amend ^ 448:

Leave of Absence. — 1. General Provisions. — ^This
relationship is may be granted to clergy who are proba-
tionary, associate, aft4 or full members who, because of
sufficient reason, are unable to or who chose temporar-
ily t0 cease to perform the duties of full-time itinerant
ministry. This relationship may be initiated by the mifl-
istef clergy member as a voluntary leave of absence or
by the district superintendents or the Board of Or-
dained Ministry as an involuntary a remedial leave of
absence through the Board of Ordained Ministry, as
provided below. Any leave of absence shall be aft4
granted or renewed by the vote of the executive session
of clergy members in full connection of the Annual
Conference upon the board's recommendation of the
Board of Ordained Ministry. The fair process as set
forth in 112622 shall be followed in any involuntary leave
of absence procedure. Between sessions of the Annual
Conference, voluntary or remedial leave of absence
may be granted or terminated, with the approval of the
bishop and district superintendents, by the executive
committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. This
interim action shall be subject to the approval of a
majority of those present and voting at the executive
session of clergy members in full connection with the
Annual Conference at its next session?, provided that a
two- thirds vote of those present and voting at the
next executive clergy session shall be required to
approve an interim remedial leave of absence in-
itiated by the district superintendents under ^
448.3a.

No voluntary or remedial leave of absence, or
any combination of voluntary and remedial leaves
of absence, shall be granted for more than five
consecutive years. Bhs A leave of absence shall be
counted... upon the recommendation of the Board of
Ordained Ministry.

After consultation with the pastor in charge of
a local church, a clergy member on leave of ab-
sence shall designate a Charge Conference within
the bounds of the Annual Conference in which
he/she shall hold membership and to which
he/she shall submit an annual report The exer-
cise of ministry by the member on leave of absence
shall be limited to the Charge Conference in which
membership is held and under the supervision of
the pastor in charge, to whom the member shall
report all marriages performed, baptisms admin-
istered, and funerals conducted. A member on
leave of absence shall be held amenable to the
Annual Conference for his/her conduct and the
continuation of ordination rights. In case of failure
to report to the Charge Conference, the Annual

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1465

Conference may place the clergy member on ad-
ministrative location (11454.3).

Should there be grievances... serve as delegates to
General, or Jurisdictional Conferences. Involuntary
leaves of absence shall be approved by two-thirds vote
of the clergy members in full connection at a session of
the Annual Conference.

a)- 2. Voluntary Leave of Absence. — ^The written re-
quest from the clergy member for this relation-
ship...This relationship shall be approved annually upon
written request of the clergy member and shall not be
granted for more than five years in succession except by
a two-thirds ( ) vote of the clergy' members in full con-
nection. Clergy members on voluntary leave of ab-
sence may, with the permission of the Charge
Conference in which membership is held and with
the approval of the Division of Chaplains and Re-
lated Ministries, continue to hold an existing re-
serve commission as an armed forces chaplain but
may not voluntarily serve on extended active duty.

When an end to the voluntary leave of absence
is requested by the clergy member, it shall be by
written request to the Board of Ordained Ministry
at least six (6) months prior to the session of
Annual Conference. The Board of Ordained Min-
istry shall review the circumstances surrounding
the granting of the relationship for the purpose of
determining whether those circumstances have
been alleviated or resolved. When clergy members
on volimtary leave of absence do not request an
extension of the leave of absence annually during
the five-year period, or do not indicate willingness
to return to the itinerant ministry at the end of the
five-year period following documented efforts to
make contact with the member, the Board of Or-
dained Ministry shall recommend to the executive
session of the clergy members in full connection
with the Annual Conference that the clergy mem-
ber be either located or terminated without further
process.

b)- 3. Involuntary Remedial Leave of Absence. — Re-
medial leave of absence may be initiated by the
district superintendents or by the Board of Or-
dained Ministry, as provided below. The fair proc-
ess as set forth in H 2622 shall be followed in any
remedial leave of absence procedure. The clergy
member has the right to a complete statement
from the board of any requirements to be met
during the leave which are to be met before the
leave will be terminated. The board shall also in-
form the member that if the stated requirements
have not been met within a maximum of five years,
the board will be required to recommend to the
executive session of clergy members that the
member be located or terminated without further
process. The Board of Ordained Ministry shall
review at least annually the circumstances sur-
rounding the granting of remedial leave of absence

and any requirements related thereto for the pur-
pose of determining whether those circumstances
have been alleviated or resolved and those require-
ments met. If at the end of the five-year period the
circumstances have not been alleviated or resolved
or the stated requirements have not been met, the
Board of Ordained Ministry shall recommend to
the executive session of the clergy members in full
connection with the Annual Conference that the
clergy member be either located or terminated
without further process, and such action shall not
be deemed to be in violation of H 2622.5.

a) Initiated by District Superintendents for Incompe-
tence or Ineffectiveness. — Upon determination by the
district superintendents that a clergy member is
incompetent or ineffective in performing the work
of ministry, they as a Cabinet The District Superin-
tendents may request to the Board of Ordained Min-
istry that the clergy member be placed on an
involuntary a remedial leave of absence without the
consent of the clergy member;. Any such request
must be made at least ninety (90) days prior to the
Annual Conference session. %ey The district super-
intendents shall give to the clergy member and the
Board of Ordained Ministry in writing specific reasons
for the request. The clergy member has the right to a
hearing before the bishop, district superintendents, and
executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry
prior to being placed on involuntary remedial leave of
absence initiated by the district superintendents
under 11448. 3a. Approval of such a leave shall
require a two-thirds vote of an executive session
of clergy members in full connection with the An-
nual Conference. By two-thirds vote of the executive
session of clergy members in full connection with the
Annual conference, upon recommendation of the
bishop, district superintendents, and Board of Ordained
Ministry, the ninety-day notice requirement may be
waived. Annual continuation of tThis relation shall be
approved require a two-thirds vote of the executive
session of clergy members in full connection with
the Annual Conference upon \\Tittcn request of the
district superintendents recommendation of the
Board of Ordained Ministry and shall not be ap-
proved for more than three years in succession.

There will be.. .Its purpose shall be to ensure that
the Disciplinary procedures for involuntary remedial
leave of absence were properly followed in any reme-
dial leave of absence procediu^e initiated by the
district superintendents under % 448.3a. The en-
tire process leading to the recommendation for involun-
tary such a remedial leave of absence shall be
reviewed by the Administrative Review Committee, and
it shall report its findings to the executive session of
clergy members in full connection with the Annual Con-
ference.

b) Initiated by Board of Ordained Ministry in Re-
sponse to Complaints or Charges. — In its response in
any proceeding alleging commission of one of the

1466

DCA Advance Edition II

chargeable ofifenses listed in 12623, the Board of
Ordained Ministry may recommend that a clergy
member be placed on remedial leave of absence as
provided in 1 454. le. This relation shall be ap-
proved annually by the executive session of clergy
members in full connection with the Annual Con-
ference upon recommendation of the Board of
Ordained Ministry.

2. [Delete.]

3. [Delete.]

4. [Delete.]

5. [Delete.]

64. TTiis paragraph,. ..upon the conclusion of the
i99S 1996 General Conference.

^448.

Petition Number. 20815-MN-448-D; Jones, W. Paul,
Dr.. MOW.

Ecumenical AEGliation

Add a new "J after 1 447:

Ecumenical Affiliation. — In faithfulness to the
ecumenical vision and commitment of The United
Methodist Church (1 5), in unusual circum-
stances United Methodist ordained clergy may en-
ter into a relationship of affiliation with another
Christian church or order. Such affiliation is
granted by the bishop upon written application
and recommendation of the Board of Ordained
Ministry. Responsibihty for acquiring written ap-
proval from the proposed affiliated chtu-ch body
shall rest with the clergyperson applying. The ap-
plication must show that the affiliation promotes
vital ministry to the gospel of Jesus Christ consis-
tent with the purposes of our traditions, reflects
theological coherence, and protects the integrity of
The United Methodist Church and the affiliated
church body. The Board of Ordained Ministry
shall receive a written report from the ordained
minister annually and make recommendation to
the bishop regarding continued affiliation.

1. The pastor's request should be made at
least ninety (90) days prior to annual conference
and is presumed to be for the following year un-
less otherwise specifically stated by the pastor.

2. If the pastor needs to take a break sooner,
the Cabinet shall review the reasons with the pas-
tor and work out the ad interim time.

3. The clergy session of the annual conference
will vote whether or not to grant the leave.

4. To return to appointment, the pastor should
give the Cabinet notice six (6) months before an-
nual conference, though the Cabinet may be able
to work out something in less time. The Cabinet
may grant an appointment between annual confer-
ence sessions if the pastor requests it and the
Cabinet can work it out.

5. While on leave, the pastor is to choose a
charge conference of a church in the conference
of residence and, if residing outside the annual
conference of membership, also in a charge con-
ference of the annual conference of membership.
The annual report of pastoral activities is to be
turned in to both. While the pastor is under the
supervision of the pastor of the charge conference
of residence, pastoral activity is not restricted to
the chiu-ch of the charge conference.

6. If living outside the conference of member-
ship while on leave, the pastor may seek affiliate
membership in the annual conference of resi-
dence. The right of vote at conference shall be in
the conference of membership only. Membership
on conference or district committees may be in
both conferences.

7. While the pastor is on leave, other than
availability of appointment and other rights indi-
cated here, the rights and responsibilities of the
pastor under 1 423 are retained.

8. In order for a pastor to stay on leave for
more than five consecutive years, the conference
must support the request by a two-thirds majority.

^448.

^448.

Petition Number: 21520-MN-448-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Leave of Absence

Delete 1 448 and replace with new text:

Leave of Absence. — ^This relationship is
granted to clergy who are probationary, associate,
and full members who choose to take a break from
ministry on a temporary basis.

Petition Number: 20814-MN-448.1-D; Cambre, Allison,
TEX.

Leave of Absence

Add a new sentence after the second sentence of ^
448.1:

1. ...upon the board's recommendation. The rea-
son(s) for the leave of absence shall be put in
writing by the bishop. The fair process as set forth...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1467

^448.

Petition Number: 22596-MN448.1-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Leave of Absence

Amend the third sentence of "H 448.1ft:

The clergy member has the right to a hearing before
the bishop, district aupcrintcndcnts, and executive com-
mittee....

^452.

Petition Number: 21024-MN-452.1-D;
Held,Richard,Pierce, Ward,+ 2 Church Grps., 2 Ind.,
KEN &WMI. Louisa, KY.

Mandatory Retirement

Delete ^452.1.

^452.

Petition Number: 22373-MN-452.5-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Rights of Retired Ordained Ministers

Delete ^ 454.5 and replace with new text, renum-
bering as appropriate:

5. Rights. — a) Retired ordained ministers shall
be eligible for membership on conference and dis-
trict comittees, commissions, and boards. They
shall be eligible to vote for and be elected to Gen-
eral and jiuisdictional conferences. They shall be
eligible to vote on constitutional amendments.

b) Ministers shall seek charge conference
membership in a local church after consultation
with and the permission of the pastor. Such a
membership shall be held in the minister's con-
ference. Should the minister live outside the con-
ference, he/she shall also seek membership in a
charge conference in his/her conference of resi-
dence. His/her membership shall be in the charge
conference, and he/she shall not be counted as a
member of either local church. After consultation
with and approval of the pastor in charge, he/she
may have membership and vote on committees
and boards and all other privileges of member-
ship, but in only one of those churches.

c) Ministers may perform functions of ministry
anywhere, provided they do so with the consent of
the minister in charge where they have their
charge conference membership in their confer-
ence of residence.

d) Ordained ministers living outside the con-
ference may apply for affiliate membership to the
Board of Ordained Ministry in the conference of
their residence. If that relationship is granted,
they may belong to conference and district com-
mittees, commissions, and boards. They shall be
counted as clergy members. They may vote only in
their home conference on constitutional amend-
ments and for delegates to or be elected to General
or jurisdictional conference from their home con-
ference.

e) Should retired ministers serve fiill-time in a
church under ^J 426, they shall be given pension
credit for that period of service in the conference
where the church is. Should the minister serve
part-time, the pension credit shall be given on a
prorated basis unless raised by annual conference
vote.

6. Responsibilities. — Retired ordained ministers
must report annually to the charge conference(s)
(if they reside outside their conference) all of the
pastoral functions they perform. The reports shall
be forwarded to the Board of Ordained Ministry of
their conference. Failure to report shall be
grounds for the district superintendent to seek
involuntary termination following due process.

^452.

Petition Number: 22417-MN-452.5-D; Church
Membership, First UMC, Pueblo, CO.

Retired Ministers' Report

Amend "J 452.5:

5. [Second sentence] They shaH are requested to
report to the Charge Conference.. .They shaH are re-
quested to forward annually.. .Without this report, the
conference, after having given thirty days' notice, may
locate them without their consent.

^452.

Petition Number: 20829-MN-452.6-D; Pastor/Parish
Relations, Grand Ronde UMC, Grande Ronde, OR.

Appointment of Retired Ordained Ministers

Amend ^ 452.6:

6. Appointment of Retired Ordained Ministers. — A
retired ordained minister shall be eligible to receive an
appointment when requested by the bishop and Cabinet
but not the same appointment from which he/she has
been retired. A retired ordained minister...

1468

DCA Advance Edition II

^452.

Petition Number: 22695-MN-452.6-D; Hurst, David
M., DET.

Retired Ordained Ministers

Add new text after the first sentence of ^ 452.6:

Those clergy who served or are serving in an
appointnient(s) beyond the local church for which
no pension was or is available may be reap-
pointed, at the discretion of the bishop, to the
same setting from which they retire.

^453.

Petition Number: 22374-MN-453-D; Board of
Ordained Ministry, ORI.

Location by Mutual Consent

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of % 453:

Location by Mutual Consent. — a) Upon request by
the member and recommendation of the Board of
Ordained Ministry, the annual conference may
grant a member a letter of Location by Mutual
Consent Inasmuch as this status involves no find-
ing as to the character of the member requesting
it, it shall be voted in the executive session prior
to the examination of character and certification of
good standing.

b) Location shall be certified by a letter from
the presiding bishop. Ordained ministers located
according to the provisions of this paragraph shall
not continue to hold membership in the annual
conference. After consultation with the pastor,
persons located in accordance widi this paragraph
shall designate the local church in which they
shall hold membership. They shall be clergy mem-
bers of the charge conference, but they may not
exercise any ministerial ftinctions, except under
the supervision of the pastor in charge and the
Board of Ordained Ministry, which may grant this
privilege annually only upon approval of a two-
thirds majority of its members present and voting.

^453.

Petition Number: 22375-MN-453.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Further Defining Honorable Location

Add new text at the end of % 453.1:

d) To locate is to "setde down in one place,"
to get out of itineracy, presumably on a permanent
basis but without losing credentials, which basi-
cally means that training and experience are still

considered fully valid. Located pastors differ fi-om
pastors on leave of absence in that the latter pre-
sumes to be returning to itineracy after a brief pe-
riod of time. They differ fi"om retired pastors in that
they have not had enough experience (minimima of
twenty years or reaching retirement age).

e) Located pastors shall be considered as lay
persons in all respects except three. For example,
as lay persons, they can become members of the
local church and hold office as lay participants;
they will be counted as lay on conference and
district committees and as candidates for General
and jurisdictional conference. However, as clergy,
they shall have the rights of membership in the
clergy session of the annual conference. If they
choose to return to itineracy, they may do so, the
first year being on probation before returning as a
full member of the conference.

1453.

Petition Number: 20816-MN453.5-D; Peter F. Milloy,

MNN.

Withdrawal between Conferences

Add new text at the end of "J 453.5:

...by the Annual Conference at its next session, but
the board shall not announce the nature of the
complaint

^454.

Petition Number: 20753-MN454-D; Charles D. White
Jr., Western North Carolina Annual Conference.

General Provisions

Amend ^454:

l.a) Supervision. — In the course of the ordinary
fulfillment of the superintending role, the bishop or
district superintendent may receive or initiate a griev-
ances, which is a written and signed statement
alleging about the performance or character of a clcr-
gypcrson. A grievance is a written and signed statement
claiming misconduct or unsatisfactory performance of
ministerial duties commission by a clergyperson of
one of the chargeable offenses fisted in ^2623.
The person filing the grievance...

b) [Second sentence] A complaint must be based
on incompetence, ineffectiveness, or any one or more of
the offenses...

e;(2) Remedial Iteave of absence (^448.3J)

(11) Administrative location in accordance with
1454.3

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1469

^454.

Petition Number: 20817-MN-454-D; Whitfield, D.
Max,LRK

Complaints

Add new text at the end of the first sentence of ^
454.16:

1. b) ...who shall forward it on to the Joint Review
Committee or the Committee on Investigation. A

complaint must be based on...

^454.

Petition Number: 21521-MN454-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Defining the Role of Advocate

Insert a new "J 454.1a and renumber as appropriate:

1. a) Advocacy. — 1) The role of an advocate or
counsel for a grievant or a respondent shall be to
help resolve allegations of misconduct or unsatis-
factory performance. Ways in which this may be
done include but are not limited to listening care-
fully, examining relevant documents, enlisting
others to provide emotional support, offering ad-
vice, participating in supervisory conversations to
which the respondent/grievant is invited when any
of the actions in Ti 313, 410, 418, 448, 451,
452.3, 453.4-5, 454, 457-459, 704.4, or 2623-
2627 is under discussion, cautioning against un-
due pressure, raising questions to clarify facts or
process, seeking the appropriate response to
grievances found to be true, encouraging adher-
ence to Church law on the part of all who are
involved in any administrative, supervisory, or ju-
dicial process which may result in a change in
conference relation for the respondent.

2) The advocate shall be the choice of the
grievant/respondent who shall indicate that in
writing to the superintendent If there is a civil or
criminal matter involved in the grievance, both
parties may also have legal coimsel present. If
either party fails to obtain an advocate, the super-
intendent shall strongly encotirage getting one and
may assist in doing so.

^454.

Petition Number: 22376-MN454-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.
Grievance Procedures
Delete % 454.

^454.

Petition Number: 22844-MN-454-D; Echols, Verna K.
& Echols, Scott K Dr., First UMC, Lake Wales, FL

Promoting Holy Living for Pastors and Lay
Involvement in Redressing Certain Grievances

Amend ^ 454.1:

1. a) (1) Supervision. — In the course.. .mediator or
mediation team.

(2) In all grievances against clergypersons re-
garding sexual misconduct (including but not lim-
ited to adultery and child molestation) or physical
violence by a clergyperson, the supervisory re-
sponse shall be directed toward justice and the
best interests and protection of the local church
and its members. The supervisory response to any
such grievance shall include full disclosure to,
and consultation with, the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations and a charge conference (as set
forth in subsection (3) below).

(3) Upon receipt of a grievance submitted by
an individual who claims therein to have been
offended by the sexual or violent conduct of a
clergyperson, the Committee on Pastor-Parish Re-
lations and district superintendent receiving such
grievance shall call a charge conference of the
clergyperson's parish, under the provisions of ^
247. At the charge conference, the district super-
intendent shall make to the conferees a simple but
complete statement of the grievance(s) made
against the clergyperson. The superintendent
shall call for nominations from the floor and an
immediate vote to elect by a simple majority one
lay representative chiu-ch member who shall not
be a present or succeeding member of the Com-
mittee on Pastor-Parish Relations of that charge.
The elected lay representative shall be given ac-
cess to any and all information and documents,
including written and electronic memoranda and
records, regarding the current charges made
against the clergyperson, including all information
and documents that are or have been produced,
received, or sent by any agency, board, member,
staff, pastor, or the presiding bishop of the annual
conference of that charge and/or clergyperson.

(4) The lay representative shall make a written
and oral report of his or her evidentiary findings
to a second charge conference, called under the
provisions of TI 247, within 30 days of the charge
conference at which he or she was elected as rep-
resentative. The conferees may then respond to
the report in one or more of the following ways:

1 . Recommend that the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations continue the present relationship
with the pastor and work toward healing and rec-
onciUation;

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DCA Advance Edition II

2. Recommend to the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations that the pastor be temporarily or
permanently suspended or removed from that
pastoral charge;

3. Recommend to the district superintendent
that he or she seek remedial action through the
existing complaint procedxu-es of ^ 454.16 below,

4. Respond as deemed appropriate by a ma-
jority vote of the conferees.

Subsections (3) and (4) apply only to griev-
ances and should not be construed as replacing,
deterring, or prohibiting the procedures of ^
454.16 regarding complaints made by the district
superintendent or bishop under the authority of
the Discipline, the conference, and its committees.

(5) The district superintendent receiving any
clergyperson against whom a grievance has been
filed under subsections (2) through (4) above
shall provide all members of the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relations of the receiving parish:
(a) a complete, written statement of the griev-
ance(s) and any resulting complaint(s) against the
clergyperson; (b) complete information regarding
the existence and availability of the lay repre-
sentative's report to the clergyperson's former
charge conference; and (c) complete information
regarding the status of the grievance(s) (and com-
plaint) within the grievance and complaint process
and the resolution of such grievance (and com-
plaint), including any remedial action taken
eigainst the clergyperson.

^454.

Petition Number: 21522-MN-454.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Judicial Council Insistance on Mediation

Amend the fourth sentence of "J 454.1a:

The supervisory response shall be directed toward
justice for and reconciliation between all parties and the
clergyperson and flaay must include consultation with...

^454.

Petition Number: 21523-MN-454.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Defining Who Signs a Grievance

Amende 454.1a:

[Second sentence] A grievance is a written and
signed statement claiming misconduct or unsatisfactory
performance of ministerial duties. Signers of the griev-
ance must be witnesses or victims of alleged vio-

lations, not a

ance...

^454.

third party. The person filing the griev-

Petition Number: 21524-MN454.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Grievance Procedures

Add a new sentence after the second sentence of ^
454.1a:

A grievance must contain time, place, and spe-
cifics of events alleged to have taken place.

^454.

Petition Number: 21525-MN-454.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Complying with Judicial Council's Offering and
Defining Mediation

Add a new ^ 454.16 and renumber as appropriate:

1. b) Mediation. — 1) Mediation is a process of
reconciling people in dispute by allowing them to
take part together with guidance of a neutral,
trained third party in efforts to resolve the dispute.
The intent is that the resolution be mutually agree-
able and voluntary.

At any point where a grievance related to per-
formance or character has been brought, media-
tion can be attempted in either or both of the
disputes between the accused (respondent) and
accuser (grievant) with respect to the grievance
and between the respondent or grievant and the
conference officials with respect to conference ac-
tions and concerns. Mediation may begin as soon
as a mediator is selected and acceptable to the
parties involved. Mediation is not binding. The
effort, however, is to reach a resolution satisfac-
tory enough that the decisions become accepted
by the parties involved.

To initiate mediation, the superintendent
must inform all parties of this opportunity and
should encourage it as a step prior to further ac-
tion on the grievance. Any of the parties involved
may request mediation, and the superintendent
must provide the opportunity.

2) Mediators may not be members of the su-
pervisory structure of the conference but must be
disinterested neutral parties trained for the task.
Mediators may be allowed, with permission of the
pastor involved, to have access to any records held
by the conference about the pastor (see ^ 706.9).
Mediators shall have access to any church officer
to gain information regarding disability, health in-

Ordained and Piaconal Ministry

1471

surance, pension, or any other matters that may be
pertinent to resolving the mediation.

3) Mediation may result in any of the options
later available to be recommended by the Joint
Review Committee, including the dropping of any
grievance, as well as those related to change of
appointment, health and welfare of the pastoral
family, and any other benefits or options available.

4) If mediation does not achieve mutual agree-
ment, the mediation process may be ended. It may
be reopened upon request of the superintendent
or the parties involved at any time to obtain a
voluntary resolution, no matter what further steps
of fair process are occurring.

5) Grievances that could become chargeable
offenses are not grounds to prevent mediation.
Mediation may not be used to hinder fair process,
though it may provide voluntary reconciliation and
resolution which could end the matter and make
further fair process steps unnecessary.

^454.

Petition Number: 21526-MN-454.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Grievances, Complaints, and Chargeable Offenses

Add new text at the beginning of ^ 454. Irf:

1. d) Disposition of Complaints. — Grievances that
are chargeable offenses under II 2623 that are
referred as complaints may not be handled under
administrative processes such as involuntary
leave of absence, involuntary retirement, adminis-
trative location, removing a local pastor's license,
or dropping from probation. While a respondent
may voluntarily choose leave, retirement, location,
giving up the license, or dropping out of probation
under a chai^eable offense, those alternatives may
not be imposed except by a trial court To work out
a voluntary remedial alterative or change of con-
ference relations acceptable to the respondent,
upon receipt of the When a complaint has been re-
ceived from the Joint Review Committee,...

1454.

Petition Number: 22077-MN-454.1-D; Barnes, Ray,
Johnson, T., Bales, H., White, Chas., University City
UMC, Charlotte. NC.

Involvement of Local Church Pastor-Parish Relation
Committee in Joint Review Committee Process

Amend the third paragraph of "J 454. k:

...Persons other than the parties involved shall be
heard atthesolediscretionofthe committee; provided,

however, that the committee shall invite to be heard
three members of the respondent's Committee on
Pastor (Staff)-Parish Relations or comparable com-
mittee. No legal counsel...

1454.

Petition Number: 22103-MN-454.1-D; Bales, H.,
Barnes, R, White C, Johnson T., University City
UMC, Charlotte, NC.

Options for Directed Counseling or Therapy
in Program of Remedial Action

Amend ^454.1e(7):

1. e) (7) Personal counseling or therapy: Provision
shall be made for options in choice of a counselor
or therapist mutually agreeable to the Board of
Ordained Ministry and the clergy person. If evalu-
ation is required, the evaluative counselor shall be
a different individual than the therapeutic coun-
selor.

1454.

Petition Number: 22377-MN-454.1-D; Board of
Ordained Ministry, ORI.

Joint Review Committee

Add new text at the end of *n 454.1c:

If the respondent fails to appear at the duly
called initial hearing of the Joint Review Commit-
tee, the Joint Review Committee shall have the
right to hold that hearing to review material pre-
sented in the complaint, to review any supporting
materials submitted, and to hear from any person
it deems helpful to its process and task. FoUowing
the meeting, the Joint Review Committee shall
refer the complaint, including the entire file, with
any recommendations, to the Board of Ordained
Ministry. The Board of Ordained Ministry may
refer the complaint as charges to the Committee
on Investigation for possible trial.

1454.

Petition Number: 22378-MN-454.1-D; Board of
Ordained Ministry, ORI.

Joint Review Committee

Amend the last paragraph of ^ 454.1c:

...No legal counsel representing the person un-
der complaint and/or the person bringing the
grievance shall be present.. ..and shall have the right of
advocacy. The Joint Review Committee shall use a
professional attorney as a hearings officer to pro-

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DCA Advance Edition II

vide counsel to the presiding officer, at the expense
of the annual conference, for the sole piupose of
providing legal and procedural advice during the
joint review hearing. If resolution of the matter...

^454.

Petition Number: 22597-MN-454.1-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Grievance Procedures

Add new text at the end of % 454.1a:

No action may be taken to change a pastor's
conference relationship without a written griev-

^454.

Petition Number: 22843-MN-454.1-D; Dollarhide,
Charles, Village UMC, Oklahoma City, OK.

Complaints

Amend ^ 454.1&:

1. b) ...No complaint shall be considered for any
misconduct which shall not have been committed within
six two years immediately ...This six two-year limita-
tion...

^454.

Petition Number: 22379-MN-454.3-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Deleting Administrative Location

Delete ^ 454.3.

^454.

Petition Number: 22598-MN454.3-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Recommendation to Administrative Location

Amend the first sentence of the third paragraph of
^ 454.36:

The notice to the clergy member shall also inform
the member of the right to a hearing before the bishop.
Cabinet, and executive committee....

^501.

Petition Number: 20844-MN-501-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

The Office of District Superintendent

Amend ^ 501:

Task. — ^The task of superintending in The United
Methodist Church resides in the office of bishop and
extends to the district superintendent, with each pos-
sessing distinct responsibilities local church leader-
ship itself. From apostolic times, certain ordained
persons called by God have been entrusted with the
particular tasks of superintending. Those who superin-
tend carry primary responsibility for ordering the life of
the Church. It is their task to enable the gathered
Church to worship and to evangelize faithfully.

[Second paragraph, second sentence] ...and faithful
to the mandate of the Gchurch's scriptures. The
elected superintendency shall offer a ministry of
counsel and encouragement to the itinerant min-
istry and the local chiu-ch leadership. The formal
leadership in The United Methodist Church, located in
these superintending offices, is an integral part of the
system of an itinerant ministry.*

^503.

Petition Number: 20845-MN-503-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Office of District Superintendent

Amend the second sentence of ^ 503:

Bishops arc elected and district superintendents arc
appointed from the group of ciders who arc ordained to
be ministers of Word, Sacrament, and Order and
thereby Bishops and superintendents are elected
by the General Conference, while superintendents
are nominated from within each district and
elected by the annual conference. Once elected,
superintendents shall be appointed to serve in
their assigned districts and shfdl be responsible to
the churches of those districts. The primary
agency for relating them to their districts and hold-
ing them accountable in love shall be the district
leadership committee, or an equivalent group to
be elected at district conference. Both bishops
and superintendents participate in the ministry of
Christ,...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1473

^503.

Petition Number: 22845-MN-503-D; Yeaman, John R,
STX.

The Office of District Superintendent

Add new text at the end of ^ 503:

Laity who evidence the mode, pace, and skills
set forth in % 502 and have manifest experience
in management or supervision in the private or
public sectors may be appointed as district super-
intendents.

^504.

Petition Number: 20846-MN-504-D; Administrative
Council. First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Office of Superintendent

Amend ^I 504:

Bishops and superintendents share in the full min-
istry aa ordained elders, of the church as overseers
of and shepherds to congregations (1 Timothy 3:
1-13; Titus 1: 5-9). Superintendents may be
either full or associate members of an annual con-
ference; they may be ordained as elder or deacon.
The Body of Christ is one;...

^509.

Petition Number: 21527-MN-509-D; Bamett, Jim, SIL.

Discontinuation of Office

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of "n 509:

Discontinuation of Office. — ^The various secretar-
ies of the annual conference(s) in the area to
which a bishop is assigned shall cause a quadren-
nial vote of retention to be taken at the annual
conference session at the close of each quadren-
nium to determine if the bishop has the support
and affirmation of 60% of the members of the
annual conference(s) in the area unless the pre-
siding bishop is leaving office under the provi-
sions of ^ 509.1, .2, .3, or .4. The secretaries of
the conferences shall inform in writing the secre-
tary of the Council of Bishops as to the results of
such vote. Should the bishop fail to receive the
60% vote of affirmation and support by the cumu-
lative members of the area, the Council of Bishops
shall fiimish a certificate of discontinuation which
shall entitie the former bishop to membership as
a traveling elder in the annual conference (or its
successor) in which membership was last held.
Notification of this action shall be given by the
secretary of the Council of Bishops to the chair-

person and secretary of the jurisdictional Commit-
tee on Episcopacy.

^509.

Petition Number: 22078-MN-509.1-D; Agnew,
Theodore L. First UMC, Stillwater, OK.

Termination of Office

Amend TI 509.1a:

I. a) A bishop shall be retired on August 31 next
following the regular session of the Jurisdictional Con-
ference if the bishop's sbcty-sixth sixty-eighth birthday
has been reached...

^509.

Petition Number: 22079-MN-509.1-D; Held, Richard E.
+ 10 Members of Louisa UMC, KEN.

Mandatory Retirement

Delete^ 509.1a.

^509.

Petition Number: 22380-MN-509.1-D; N. Central
Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy.

Mandatory Retirement of Bishops

Amende 509.1a:

1. a) ...if the bishop's sbcty-sixth seventh birthday
has been reached on or before Jtriy September 1 of the
year in which the Jurisdictional Conference is held.
This legislation shiill be effective January 1, 2000.

S[513.

Petition Number: 22381-MN-513-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Accountability of Bishops

Amend ^ 513:

Involuntary Termination of Office. — General Provi-
sion.— ^Accountability for the work of the bishop
shall be to the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Commit-
tee (JCD 475). 1. Episcopal leadership in....

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DCA Advance Edition II

^513.

Petition Number: 22696-MN-513-D; Acosta, William
H. + Casey, Robert T.,VIR.

Statute of Limitations

Amend the provisions of ^ 513 to apply the statutes
of limitations for complaints equally to all clergy, includ-
ing bishops.

^513.

Petition Number: 22846-MN-513-D; Lippse, Charles
E., TEN.

Involuntary Termination of Office

Amend ^ 513:

1. [Add new text at end.] The Council of Bishops
may appoint their own committee to investigate a
complaint against another bishop for either of
these chargeable offenses: (1) disobediences of
the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist
Church (^ 2623.1 re;), or (2) dissemination of
doctrines contrary to the established doctrines of
the Church (^ 2623.109) as outlined in % 513.6.

6. Investigation by the Council of Bishops. — Since
the office of a bishop is embedded in its own
context and bishops become, through their elec-
tion, members first of the Council of Bishops and
are, therefore, coUegial expressions of episcopal
leadership in the Church, die Council of Bishops
shall hold one another accountable for obedience
to the Order and Discipline of The United Meth-
odist Church and dissemination of doctrines con-
sistent with the established standards of doctrine
of the Church.

The Council of Bishops may appoint their ovni
committee to investigate a complaint against an-
other bishop for either of the charges listed below.
The Council of Bishops shall set their ovwi proce-
dures to conduct a fair investigation with the fol-
lowing guidelines:

If ten bishops sign a complaint against another
bishop for either of the chargeable offenses: (1)
disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The
United Methodist Church (^ 2623.1(e)), or (2)
dissemination of doctrine contrary to the estab-
lished standard of doctrine of tiie Church (•][
2623.1(f)), the Council of Bishops shall appoint
an investigative committee composed of seven
bishops who will review the complaint and recom-
mend by majority vote to dismiss the charge or
recommend censure of the bishop charged with
the offense. The Council of Bishops will hear the
complaint and by majority vote dismiss the charge
or censure the bishop. A vote of censure will be
forwarded to the bishop's jurisdictional Commit-

tee on Investigation where the investigation will
follow disciplinary procedures as outiined in %
2625.2.

^513.

Petition Number: 21529-MN-513.5-D; Milloy, Peter F.,

MNN.

Complaints Against Bishops

Amend ^ 513.5:

5. Complaints. — ^A complaint prepared forwarded
by the Review Committee; to the Jurisdictional/Central
Conference Committee on Episcopacyj must be
based... and shall be submitted in written form writing
and signed.. .which shall not have been committed
within two six years immediately preceding the receipt
of the grievance, except in the case of sexual abuse.
The bishop... chairperson of the jurisdictional commit-
tee. The provisions of *[ 2622 shall apply to any
actions pursuant to ^ 513.

^513.

Petition Number: 21530-MN-513.5-D; Swantner, M.
Thomas, CIL

Complaints Prepared by the Review Committee

Amend the second sentence of "J 513.5:

No complaint shall be considered for any miscon-
duct or unsatisfactory performance or any misconduct
which shall has not have been committed within two six
years immediately preceding the receipt of the griev-
ance, except in the case of sexual or child abuse.

^513.

Petition Number: 22382-MN-513.5-D; Eckert, Jerry.
WIS.

Statute of Limitations for Bishops

Amend the second sentence of *5 513.5:

...which shall not have been committed within two
years the same statute of limitations as everyone
else immediately preceding the receipt...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1475

^513.

Petition Number: 22418-MN-513.5-D; McCullough,
June D., Audubon UMC, Audubon, NJ.

Complaints prepared by the Review Committee

Amend the second sentence of ^ 513.5:

No complaint.. .committed within tw© six years im-
mediately preceding....

^514.

Petition Number: 22080-MN-514-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WMI.

Specific Responsibilities of Bishops

Add a new sub-paragraph after % 514.1:

To lead and oversee the spiritual and temporal
a£Fairs of the area to which he or she is assigned,
with particular attention to: strengthening the lo-
cal church; giving spiritual leadership to both laity
and clergy; and building relationships with people
of the area through participation of the life of local
congregations.

^514.

Petition Number: 22847-MN-514.2-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Specific Responsibilities of Bishops

Add new text at the end of 1 514.2:

In order to guard the faith, no bishop shall
acknowledge as a candidate, participate in the or-
dination of, recognize the ordination of, or give an
appointment to any place in The United Methodist
Church to any person who shall not have submit-
ted to that bishop a signed statement afOrming
that he or she: 1) does not believe that homosexu-
ality is God's perfect will for any person; 2) does
not and will not engage in homosexual practices;
3) does not and will not promote homosexuality;
and 4) realizes that swearing falsely or failing to
keep this commitment is grounds for charges, dis-
cipline, and expulsion.

^514.

Petition Number: 22419-MN-514.8-D; Barrett, R.
Dulaney, NMX.

Specific Responsibilities of Bishops

Add new text at the end of ^ 514.8:

8. To discharge such other duties as the Discipline
may direct; provided that no bishop is to be elected,
appointed, or otherwise designated to fill an office
of bishop for ecumenical officer, secretary, titular
or ceremonial head, or any other such office that
would be a full-time position.

1515.

Petition Number: 20818-MN-515.4-D; Brewer,
Timothy, Dr., STX.

District Superintendency

Add new text to the end of ^ 515.4:

The bishop may so define the size of the dis-
tricts (ideally 10 to 15 charges) so that superin-
tendents would be able to use a portion of their
time pastoring a local church. The local church
would provide housing, office space, and a portion
of the superintendent's salary. This would create
a significant increase in superintendents. There-
fore, the bishop each year would select an appoint-
ive cabinet fi-om among the superintendents.

1515.

Petition Number: 22551-MN-515.5-D;Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Mutual Accountability of Bishops with District
Superintendents

Amend ^ 515.5:

5. To review with appoint the district superinten-
dents annually their mutual accountability as ser-
vant-leaders and to encourage the extension of
such accountability among the clergy and laity -(^

5517-518).

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DCA Advance Edition II

^517.

Petition Number: 20806-MN-517-D; Martin, James,
Zion United Methodist Church, Adell, WI.

Selecting the District Superintendent

Delete ^517 and replace with new text:

Inasmuch as the district superintendency is
an extension of the general superintendency, the
district superintendent shall be chosen by the an-
nual conference in a manner analogous to the
choosing of the bishops. He or she shall be chosen
by balloting by all members of the annual confer-
ence, which shall continue until an eligible elder
receives at least 60% of the ballots. Elders who are
members of the annual conference and who are at
least 50 years of age with a minimum of 20 years
of service are eligible for election to the office of
district superintendent. The election will normally
continue until retirement District superinten-
dents will be required to retire at the end of the
conference year immediately following his or her
65th birthday. The assignment of the district su-
perintendents will be made by the bishop in con-
sultation with the Committees on District
Superintendency in order to determine the lead-
ership needs of the districts according to ^ 501
and 502. In the selection of superintendents, due
consideration shall be given to the inclusiveness
of The United Methodist Church with respect to
sex, race, national origin, and age, except for the
provisions of mandatory retirement.

^517.

Petition Number: 22081-MN-517-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, WML

Assignment of District Superintendent to Area-Wide
Responsibilities

Amend ^ 517:

Selection and Assignment. — 1. Inasmuch as the dis-
trict superintendency... the provisions of mandatory re-
tirement.

2. Annual conference cabinets may, with con-
sent of the bishop and the annual conference, ask
that the bishop of the area appoint one of their
number to specific area-wide responsibility
deemed of sufficient importance to the welfare of
the congregations of the episcopal area. Another
district superintendent may be named by the
bishop to carry on the duties of the district super-
intendent who has been appointed to the area-
wide responsibility.

^517.

Petition Number: 22082-MN-517-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Selection and Assignment of Superintendents

Amend the last sentence of ^ 517:

...with respect to sex, race, national origin, disabil-
ity, and age...

^517.

Petition Number: 22383-MN-517-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Selecting, Training, Assigning, and Term
of District Superintendents

517-518 and replace with the following

Delete
new text:

1. General Provisions. — a) District superinten-
dents are co-workers with their pastors in helping
on connectional ministries, in providing advice
and assistance in local ministries, and in aiding to
keep churches fi-om becoming parochial, as weU
as assisting the bishop in making appointments.

b) Due consideration in selecting superinten-
dents shall be given to inclusiveness of The United
Methodist Church, with respect to gender, race,
national origin, physically challenged condition,
and age. However, preference may be given to
pastors with twenty or more years of experience in
local chiu-ches.

c) A superintendent shall ordinarily serve for
six years, with the possibility of up to two addi-
tional years if needed by the bishop. No superin-
tendent shall serve for more than eight years in
any eleven consecutive years nor serve for more
than twelve years.

d) Consideration of any pastor for superinten-
dency shall be given to the nature of superinten-
dency as described in t% 501-502 and 519-524.

2. Nomination. — Candidates for the superin-
tendency shall be selected by the conference
Nominating Committee, with nominations from
the floor of the clergy session of the aimual con-
ference also possible.

3. Election. — Candidates shall be elected by
the clei^ session of the annual conference one
year prior to their appointment to a district. The
nmnber elected shall be the number that will be
needed at that succeeding conference. Two alter-
nates shall also be elected, to be available should
there be additional openings for any reason. A
special executive session of the annual conference
shall be called by the bishop to elect further can-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1477

didates should the two alternates not be enough.
Election shall be by majority vote.

4. Training. — Superintendents-elect may at-
tend training programs of the General Conference,
of seminaries, and of their own jurisdiction or
conference during the year prior to being ap-
pointed. They shall meet with the Cabinet a mini-
mum of thirty hours and may take part in Cabinet
discussions, but without vote. They shall spend no
less than one hundred twenty additional hours of
working time with a superintendent of their choice
for field experience. The alternates may attend
training programs and shall spend at least 60
hours with, a superintendent of their choice.

5. Appointment. — ^All superintendents-elect
and alternates shall receive and work in the ap-
pointments set by the bishop, just as all other
ministerial members do. Based on the needs of
the districts, as learned by the bishop from con-
sultations with the respective district superinten-
dency committees, and the needs of the
conference, as learned by the bishop from consult-
ation with the cabinet, the bishop shall appoint the
superintendents, the superintendents-elect, and
alternates (if needed) to their respective districts
at the succeeding annual conference session.
Should a midyear vacancy in the superintendency
occur, the bishop, after consultation with the Cabi-
net and with the district Committee on Superin-
tendency, shall appoint one of the
superintendent-elects or alternates to fill the va-
cancy.

^517.

Petition Number: 22422-MN-517-D; Bardsley, John
W., HOL

Selection, Assignment, and Term
of District Superintendent

Add new text at the end of ^ 517:

At the discretion of the bishop and/or annual
conference, the district superintendent may be a
part-time appointment If so determined, the per-
centage of time required for the superintendency
is to be determined so that the superintendent
may remain as a pastor of a charge.

1517.

Petition Number: 22552-MN-517-D;Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC. Midland, TX.

Election of District Superintendents

Amend ^ 517:

Selection and Assignment. — Inasmuch as the dis-
trict superintendency is an adjunct to extension of the
general superintendency, the elders of each Annual
Conference bishop shall by a secret ballot and a
three-fifths majority of elders present and voting
elect appoint elders to serve as district superintendents
to be servant-leader members of the Cabinet to-
gether with the resident bishop. Unless election
occxu-s earlier, a minimum of three such secret
ballots shall be taken, after which balloting may be
terminated by a simple majority vote of the elders
present and voting. Prior to the assignment or re-
assignment of each district superintendent eaeh
appointment, the bishop shall consult.. .district to which
the new superintendent.. .and the district (^^ 501-502).
In case the elders fail to elect district superinten-
dents as provided, the resident bishop may ap-
point district superintendent(s) ad interim to
serve until the subsequent Annual Conference is
convened. In the selection of superintendents, bishops
shall give due consideration to the inclusivcncss of The
United Methodist Church with respect to sex, race,
national origin, and age except for the provisions of
mandatory retirement.

1517.

Petition Number: 23031-MN-517-D; Cunanan, Jose
P.M., PHI.

Election, Appointment and Term
of District Superintendents

Delete ^ 517 and replace with new text:

Election and Appointment. — In the historic man-
ner and democratic tradition of the election of
bishops, the district superintendents shall be
elected by the annual conference clergy and lay
delegates to which districts they will be appointed
(TH 503, 505, 506, 507).

1. Election. — ^The annual conference, in the
session immediately after the General Conference
or at the start of the quadrennium, shall elect
district superintendents of such numbers as may
be required to correspond with the number of
districts in the annual conference. In the election
of district superintendents, due consideration
shall be given to the inclusiveness of The United
Methodist Church with respect to sex, race, and
national origin. In addition, consideration shall be

1478

DCA Advance Edition II

given to the nature of the superintendency as de-
scribed in TRI 501 , 502.

2. The annual conference shall elect one or
more district superintendents from among the
traveling elders of The United Methodist Church.
Balloting at the annual conference shall not be
lunited to its own clergy members. The number of
district superintendents shaU be determined by
the annual conference.

3. The annual conferences are authorized to
fix the percentage of votes necessary to elect a
district superintendent It is recommended that at
least 60 percent of those present and voting be
necessary to elect.

4. Appointment— Inasmuch as the district su-
perintendency is an extension of the general su-
perintendency, die bishop shall appoint those
elected by the annual conference to their respec-
tive district appointments.

up to twelve consecutive years, but m at least two
different distncts. No elder shall serve-
rs 18.

Petition Number: 22084-MN-518-D; District
Superintendent Committee (SE District), SNJ.

Limitation on Years of Service
Amend ^ 518:

Limitation on Years of Service. Inaomuch Al-
thou^ the normal term for a district superintendent
shall be up to six years. fetiMhig the term may be
extended to no niorc tlmu up tu cightycai afor missional
reasons by the bishop. No oupcrintuiJcnt ohaU auvc
lor more than eight ycmj in nn;- conjctuLivL lLvlii
yeafsr N 0 elder shall serve as district superintendent for
more than twelve consecutive years....

1518.

Petition Number: 20830-MN-518-D; Hemdon, Charles
M., OKL.

Missional Reasons
Define "missional reasons" as found in ^ 518.

1518.

Petition Number: 20847-MN-518-D; Administrative
Council, First UMC, Kermit, TX.

Limitations on Years of Service
Delete ^[ 518 and replace with new text:

The normal term for a district superintendent
shall be an elected term of two years, with the
option of re-election for one additional term of two
years.

1518.

Petition Number: 22083-MN-518-D; Van Giesen
David L, MOW.

Limitations on Years of Service
Amend ^518:

Limitations on Years of Service.— The normal term
tor a district superintendent shall be tt^4© six years but
this may be extended to no more tliaii up lo eight years
mone district for missional reasons. No oupcrinttii-
dent ohall sctyc for mure than eight yeai-g in any tuii-
oecutiveelevuiyLaia.A superintendent may serve

1518.

Petition Nurnber: 22553-MN-51^D; Thurman, Gary
L, First UMC, Midland, TX.

Term of District Superintendents
Amend the first sentence of % 518:

Limitations on Years of Service.— The normal term
for a district superintendent shall be up to sk years but
this may be, by re-election, extended to no more than
up to eight years for miooional i caauna.

1518.

D^^'^nJ^"'"^^''- 23032-MN-51^D; Cunanan, Jose
r.M., rHl.

Limitation on Years of Service
Delete % 518 and replace with new text:

Tenure of Service of District Superintendents.— An
elder may be elected for a term of four years in die
first election. She/he shall be eligible for reelec-
tion for a second term of four years. An elder may
not be elected for more than eight years in any
consecutive tweh^e years. No elder shaU serve as
distnct superintendent for more than twelve
years.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1479

^520.

Petition Number: 22420-MN-520-D; United Metiiodist
Rural Fellowship.

District Superintendent and Lay Preacher: Supervision

Amend ^ 520:

4. ...appointed within the district, and for lay
preachers assigned within the district, and for build-
ing clusters...

6. To recruit, train, name, and support per-
sons as pastor-in-chai^e to work with each lay
preacher within the district.

^521.

Petition Number: 22421-MN-521-D; United Metiiodist
Rural Fellowship.

The District Superintendent and the Lay Preacher:
Personnel

Amend ^ 521:

1. ...ordained and diaconal ministry, and the lay
preacher, with special concern...

2. To recommend to the district Committee on
Ordained Ministry, when appropriate, those seek-
ing to be lay preachers.

33. ...examination of candidates into ordained min-
istry and those seeking to serve, and continue, as
lay preachers; to issue and renew...

6. To consult with the leadership of local
churches on the possible assignment of a lay
preacher.

^524.

Petition Number: 20819-MN-524-D; Peter F. Milloy,

MNN.

Fair Process

Add a new f after % 524:

Fair Process. — All grievances received regard-
ing persons under the supervision of a district
superintendent shall be handled under the provi-
sions of "n 313.3ft or ^ 454, and under the provi-
sions of any annual conference policies which
prescribe processes implementing those para-
graphs.

^524.

Petition Number: 22086-MN-524-D; Disti-ict
Superintendent Committee (SE District), SNJ.

Dudes and Responsibilities of a Pastor

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 524:

To initiate and respond to requests of a local
church or churches to covenant in program formu-
lations and visioning for strengthening the mis-
sions and outreach of the congregation.

^524.

Petition Number: 22384-MN-524-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Non-Personnel Responsibilities
of District Superintendents

Delete ^ 524.

^522.

Petition Number: 22085-MN-522-D; Disti-ict
Superintendent Committee (SE District), SNJ.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Pastor

Amend ^ 522.2:

2. To counsel with clergy concerning their pastoral
duties and responsibilities and with diaconal ministers
concerning their ministerial duties as well as other mat-
ters affecting their ministry' and personal life. Such
duties for clergy and diaconal ministers shall in-
clude, but not be limited to: the need for spiritual
growth; the need to understand and practice vi-
sioning for the future; the need to anticipate, pre-
pare for, and embrace change.

^525.

Petition Number: 22087-MN-525-D; Eckert, Jerry, WIS.

Grievance Procedures

Add a new ^ after ^ 524:

Grievance Procedures. — 1 . When a written griev-
ance is presented, or when a pastor refuses to
voluntarily accept a change of conference relation-
ship, the superintendent must follow the role de-
fined in ^ 454, seeking reconciliation, restoration,
and justice through the processes described there
and through Fair Process (f 2622).

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DCA Advance Edition II

^527.

Petition Number: 22385-MN-527.5-D$; Jones, Scott J.
& Heitzenrater, Richard P., First UMC, Commerce
TX.

Committee on Theological Dialogue

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 527:

The Council of Bishops shall appoint a Com-
mittee on Theological Dialogue to inform the
Church through the Council of Bishops on matters
of doctrine and theology. The committee shall re-
port to the council in an advisory capacity, and all
decisions about the use of its work shall be made
by the council.

a) The committee shall be composed of 24
persons chosen for their competence in reflecting
on the doctrine of the Church and its contempo-
rary theological task as follows: five active bish-
ops, five persons with a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a
theological discipUne, five clergy, five laity, and
four at-large members. In determining the
makeup of the committee, the coimcil shall take
care to make it as representative as possible of the
whole Chiu-ch.

h) The committee will meet twice a year, with
the following responsibilities: (1) to assist the
Council of Bishops in die tasks given to it in W
514.2 and 527.2; and

(2) to assist the council in finding ways of
fostering doctrinal reflection and theological dia-
logue at all levels of The United Methodist Church,
thereby helping the Church recover and update
our distinctive doctrinal heritage— catholic, evan-
gelical, and reformed— and thereby enabling doc-
trinal reinvigoration for the sake of authentic
renewal, fruitful evangelism, and ecumenical dia-
logue.

c) The agenda of the committee will be deter-
mined by the Council of Bishops, or in absence of
du-ection from the council, by majority vote of the
committee.

d) The committee will rely on its members for
secretarial and support services. It will have no
employed staff of its own.

Estimated annual budget for the committee is
$40,000. This budget assumed two meetings a
year held over a Saturday night to save travel ex-
penses.

Travel

Housing

Food

Office and Misc.

$ 25,000
5,000
5,000
5.000

^529.

Petition Number: 22386-MN-529.3-D; Eckert, Jerry,

AccountabiUty of District Superintendents
Delete % 529.3.

^530.

Petition Number: 22088-MN-530-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Appointment-Making
Add a new sentence before the last sentence of ^

_ _ ...mandatory retirment. The concept of itineracy
IS important, and sensitive attention should be
given in appointing ministers vrith disabilities to
responsibilities/duties that meet tiieir gifts and
graces. Through appointment-making...

^530.

Petition Number: 22089-MN-530.1-D; Agnew
Theodore L, First UMC, StiUwater, OK

Responsibility
Amend "J 530.1:

1. Responsibility.— I. Pastors and clergy in appoint-
mcnto beyond the local Llmitli shall be appointed by a
bishop, whowitii appropriate participation and con-
sultation of the district superintendent(s) (^ 531).
The bishop is empowered to make and fix all appoint-
ments m the episcopal area of which the Annual Confer-
ence IS a part, including appointments to local
churches and appointments beyond the local
church. Appointments are to be made...

^530.

Petition Number: 22599-MN-530.1-D; Lepley, Ralph J.,

Appointment Making

Amend the third sentence of ^ 530.1:

...marital status, marriage to another clergy per-
son, or age, except for....

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1481

^530.

^531.

Petition Number: 22090-MN-530.2-D; Tlie National
Committee on Deaf Ministry.

Appointment-Making Across Conference Lines

Add a new sentence after the first sentence of ^
530.2:

...and open itineracy. This is especially important
for congregations and ministries having special
language and cultural needs. Tlie Jurisdictional
Committee...

^530.

Petition Number: 22091-MN-530.3-D; Administrative
Board, Asbury UMC, Odessa, TX.

Voluntary Consent of Conference Members
to Transfer

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of 1[ 530:

Mandatory requirement concerning transfer of
pastors in full connection from annual confer-
ences of present membership to another:

An ancient landmark right of clergy in full
connection has been that of providing voluntary
consent (and presumably equally voluntary re-
fiisal) to a proposed transfer of membership to
another annual conference for appointment pur-
poses. Notice of this right, which has been sus-
tained by a ruling of the Judicial Council, has
consistently appeared in previous editions of The
Discipline dirough the 1988 edition. Until or un-
less this right is repealed by General Conference
action, it remains in effect, any conflicting provi-
sion of church law notwithstanding. Further, any
such pastor in good standing who states either
orally or in writing a desire not to change confer-
ences shall have that request honored. Said pastor
shall be informed of a specific appointment offer
in the light of the request.

^531.

Petition Number: 22848-MN-531-D; Staff/Parish
Relations Committee, Euclid Avenue UMC, Oak Park,
IL

Appointment Making

Add new text at the end of the introductory para-
graph of ^531:

It is a consultive process between a confer-
ence, pastor, and congregation in an atmosphere
of mutuality to discern gifts and needs and arrive
at a covenantal decision.

Petition Number: 22849-MN-531-D; Administrative
Board, Great Falls UMC, Great Falls, VA.

Consultation and Appointment Making

Amend 1 531.1:

1. The process of consultation shall be mandatory
prior to each appointment consideration and in

every Annual Conference.

^532.

Petition Number: 22092-MN-532-D; Hallman, Howard
W., Araby UMC, Frederick, MD.

Criteria in the Appointment Making Process

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 532:

Marriage Solidarity. — Because Jesus taught
"what God has joined together, let no one sepa-
rate," no appointment shall be made that requires
a pastor to live apart from his or her spouse.

^532.

Petition Number: 22850-MN-532.2-D; Yeaman, John
F.,STX.

Criteria in Appointment Making

Add new text at the end of ^ 532.2d:

When the spouse is in a profession or trade
and has clients, the cabinet shall consult with the
spouse and shall appoint the pastor within com-
muting distance of the spouse.

^533.

Petition Number: 22851-MN-533-D; Staff-Parish
Relations Committee, Euclid Avenue UMC, Oak Park,
IL.

Process of Appointment Making

Amend "H 533:

5. a) [Add new text at end.] There should also be
close examination of the profile structured by the
Committee on Pastor/Staff-Relations of the charge
so that there is a fit between the pastor and that
profile.

6. [Add new text at end.] During the time of
search and discussion by the cabinet, the district
superintendent should maintain a minimum of
bi-weekly contact with the Committee on Pastor-
Parish Relations. Once the recommendation is

1482

DCA Advance Edition 11

made by the cabinet, an initial consultation should
be held between the district superintendent, the
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations, and the
prospective pastor to discuss profiled needs of the
congregation. The outcome of this initial constilt-
ation would be: (1) a decision to go forward with the
appointment; (2) a decision that the anointment
should not be carried out; or (3) a decision to re-
convene no less than two days later for a second and
finalizing interview.

10. [Add new text at end.] Fundamental to this
coUegial process is a commitment to make every
effort to maintain confidentiality prior to any pub-
lic announcement.

^533.

Petition Number: 22872-MN-533-D; Administrative
Board, Great Falls UMC, Great Falls, VA.

Process of Appointment-Making
Amend ^ 533, renumbering as appropriate:

1. An announcement of each meeting of the
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations, including
the annual meeting considering pastoral supply,
shall be placed in the bulletin immediately preced-
ing these meetings.

2. At the annual meeting of the Committee on
Pastor-Parish Relations at which pastoral supply
is discussed, the minister will not attend.

i3. A change in appointment...

^35. When a change in appointment hao been dctcr-
H«fte4 is being considered, the district superinten-
dent should shall meet together or separately...sharing
the basis for the proposed change and...

i012. When the steps...before a public an-
nouncement is made. A pubUc announcement is
then made.

^533.

Petition Number: 23033-MN-533-D; Administrative
Board, Isle of Faith UMC, Jacksonville, FL.

Process of Appointment Making
Amend ^ 533:

1. A change in appointment may only be initiated by
a pastor; or a Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations; in
consultation with the a district superintendentr«f-a

ulSflOp.

3. . . .for the purpose of oharing the baai^s fui confirm-
mg the change...

4. All appointments requests for change shall re-
ceive .8. If during this consultative process it is deter-
mined by the local church, the prospective pastor,

the bishop afi4 or Cabinet...

^533.

Petition Number: 22093-MN-533.2-D; Atkins, Hardin
L.,III + Barrett, R. Dulaney, NMX.

Age of Clergy and Appointment Making Process
Add new text to ^ 533.2:

2. a) In consistency with our denominational
position on open itineracy, the rights of the aging
and support of increased and non-discriminato?
employment opportunities, no reference to or dis-
cussion of a pastor's age shaU be permitted at any
step m the appointment-making process. (See the
opemng sentences and sub-paragraDh E of IT 72
and also II 530.1.) ^ i:- oi i /^

b) This requirement shall in no way alter pre-
sent or future retirement eligibility rights of a
member of the clergy.

c) However, in cases of retired clergy willing to
serve as pastors and acceptable to the bishop and
cabinet, their retired status shall be clearly iden-
tified and acknowledged in all steps of appoint-
ment-making.

^533.

Petition Number: 22601-MN-533.2-D; Crowe, John M.,

The Process of Appointment Making

Add a new sub-point at the end of 1 533.2:

2. a) The bishop shall appoint pastors with
children and/or youth only to charges that akeady
have an active nursery, children's ministry,
and/or youth group.

^533.

Petition Number: 22600-MN-533.7-D; Lepley, Ralph J.,

Process of Appointment-Making

Add a new sentence at the beginning of ^ 533.7:

7. No annual conference member in full con-
nection and in good standing may be appointed to
less than full-time ministry without that member's
signed, written permission. When appointments are
being made....

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1483

^534.

Petition Number: 22554-MN-534-D; Thurman, Gary
L. First UMC. Midland, TX.

Tenure in Local Church Appointments

Delete the last sentence of ^ 534 and replace with
new text:

A pastoral appointment to a charge shall not
exceed seven consecutive years, unless previously
and annually consented to by a three-fifths affirm-
ative vote of the Annual Conference. Such vote
shall be by one secret ballot.

^733.

Petition Number: 21533-MN-733.2-D; 14
Administrative Boards + 9 Individuals, Leighton
UMC, Caledonia, MI.

Duties of the Board of Ordained Ministry

Add a new sub-point after ^ 733.2g and renumber
as appropriate:

To ensure that all candidates for ordained
ministry who are accepted into connection sub-
scribe to United Methodist doctrine as delineated
in ^f 68 and 69 of The Book of Discipline.

^534.

^733.

Petition Number: 23034-MN-534-D; Administrative
Board, Isle of Faith UMC, Jacksonville, FL

Frequency in Appointment Making

Amend ^ 534:

...at any time deemed advisable necessary by the
bishop...

SI733.

Petition Number: 22602-MN-733-D; Stabler, L. Vastine
Jr., Highlands UMC, Birmingham, AL.

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Amend ^ 733:

1. ...consisting of n^ fewer than six ordained minis-
ters in full connection and two lay persons. Each
The Annual Conference shall elect two lay persons and
may at its discretion elect further tey members, up to
but no more than one third nor less than fifteen
percent of the membership of the board may be com-
posed of lay members. Lay members shall have a
vote...

a) [Second sentence] At least two-thirds three-
fourths of the members who are ordained ministers
in fiill connection shall be graduates of seminaries
listed by the University Senate....

^733.

Petition Number: 22697-MN-733.1-D; Ferris, Donald
R.WML

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Amend the third sentence of ^ 733.1:

Lay members shall have a vote except on matters
prohibited by 11 36, Article 2, in the Constitution.

Petition Number: 22094-MN-733.2-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Duties of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Amend the second sentence of ^ 733.2a:

...enlist women and men of all races and ethnic
origins, inclusive of those with disabilities, for the

ordained ministry....

^734.

Petition Number: 22095-MN-734.1-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Membership of Annual Conference Board
of Diaconal Ministry

Amend the last sentence of the first paragraph of ^
734.1:

It is recommended that the board membership in-
clude women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic
persons....

^735.

Petition Number: 22387-MN-735.3-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Annual Review of the Bishop's Ministry

Add a new sub-point at the end of "J 735.3:

To evaluate the ministry of the bishop annually
by providing a format through which every mem-
ber of the annual conference may offer his or her
perceptions of the work of the bishop. The means
of evaluating the effectiveness of the bishop shall
be based on what is being used by the annual
conference for evaluation of its pastors (^
733.3o).

1484

DCA Advance Edition II

^756.

Petition Number: 22096-MN-756-D; United Methodist
Rural Fellowship.

Committee on Ordained Ministry - Associate Member

Amend the second sentence of "J 756.1:

It shall be composed of... and at least five other
ordained ministers in full connection in the district;; and
at least one ordained associate member whenever
there are associate members or local pastors in
the district, including women...

^756.

Petition Number: 22097-MN-756.1-D; WPA Board of
Ordained Ministry.

Extending Voting Privileges of Lay Persons
on District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 756.1:

At least three lay persons shall be members of the
committee with vote, except on matters prohibited by II
36, Article 2 in the Constitution, nominated annually....

^759.

Petition Number: 22389-MN-759.4-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Annual Review of the District Superintendent's
Ministry

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 759.4:

To evaluate the ministry of the superintendent
annually by providing a format through which
every member of the annual conference in the
district may offer his or her perceptions of the
work of the superintendent. The means of evalu-
ating the effectiveness of the superintendent shall
be based on what is being used by the annual
conference for evaluation of its pastors (^
733.30).

^1024.

Petition Number: 21025-MN-1024.1-2; 10 members,
Louisa UMC, Louisa, KY.

Mandatory Retirement

Delete^ 509.1a.

^756.

Petition Number: 22698-MN-756.1-D; Ferris, Donald
R., WML

The District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Amend the second paragraph of ^ 756.1:

At least three lay persons shall be members of the
committee with vote, except on matters prohibited by ^
36, Article 2 in the Constitution, nominated annually...

^756.

Petition Number: 22388-MN-756.5-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

District Committee on Ordained Ministry and Lay
Preacher

Amend ^ 756.5:

5. The committee shall supervise all matters dealing
with candidacy for the ordained ministry, asd with the
license for local pastor and with the license for lay
preacher.

^1527.

Petition Number: 22098-MN-1527.2-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Areas of Concern for the Division of Ordained
Ministry

Amend % 1527.2:

2. ...men of all races and ethnic origins and persons
with disabilities in and for the ordained ministry of the
Church.

^1528.

Petition Number: 22099-MN-1528-D; United
Methodist Rural Fellowship.

Division of Ordained Ministry - Laity as Members

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 1528:

At least one lay man and one lay woman shall
be included in the membership of the division.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1485

^1529.

Petition Number: 22603-MN-1529-D; Case, Riley B.,

NIN.

Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph after TI 1529.10:

To monitor the course offerings in the theo-
logical schools ofThe United Methodist Church to
ensure that such courses do not undermine his-
toric United Methodist doctrine, polity, and eth-
ics.

^1529.

Petition Number: 22604-MN-1529-D; March, Susan,
Amboy UMC, Amboy, IN.

Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained Ministry

Add a new sub-paragraph at the end of ^ 1529:

To have conversations with the theological
schools of The United Methodist Church to make
sure that such schools are open to various theo-
logical perspectives, including charismatic and
evangelical dieologies.

^1529.

Petition Number: 22100-MN-1529.7-D; Association for
Physically Challenged Ministers.

Responsibilities of the Division of Ordained Ministry

Amend ^ 1529.7:

7. ...for all multiracial/multicultural groups and
persons with disabilities within the denomination.

^2613.

Petition Number: 21546-MN-2613-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

A Way to Assure a Hearing by the Judicial Council
Providing a Decision was not Reported

Add new text to ^2613:

Should the bishop fail to report, the Council
may still pass on the decisions of law, provided
they receive the written questions and bishop's
responses from the conference secretary, or re-
ceive copies of the minutes of the annual confer-
ence session prepared for use during the
conference or contained in the conference journal,
or receive written testimony of the bringers of the
questions plus two others as to the bringing of the

questions and the content of the bishop's deci-
sions, if any.

^2618.

Petition Number: 22605-MN-2618-D; Griffith, Thomas
H., CAP.

Statement of Information by the Judicial Council

Add a new ^ after % 2618:

At least once each quadrennium, the Judicial
Council shall issue a statement of information on
the process and protocol for the filing of briefs
before the council; a statement of information re-
garding procedures for requests for oral argu-
ments before the council; and a statement of
general information, process, and policy on the
judicial process of The United Methodist Church
for those who serve as advocates and counsels for
the accused, and as counsel for the Church. These
documents shall be made available through ar-
rangements made by the secretary of the Judicial
Council to bishops, chairpersons of annual confer-
ence Boards of Ordained Ministry, and other indi-
viduals upon request.

^2622.

Petition Number: 21543-MN-2622-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Providing the Right for the Accused
to Face the Accusers

Add a new sub-paragraph to ^ 2622:

The respondent has the right to face the origi-
nal grievants in all hearings under fair process.

^2622.

Petition Number: 22390-MN-2622-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Complainants' Rights in Fair Process

Add a new TI after ^ 2622:

Complainants' Rights in Fair Process. — General Pro-
visions.— ^Those bringing complaints are to receive
respectful, balanced treatment throughout any
grievance and trial procedxu"es. They shall receive
comparable rights to those provided for the re-
spondent. They shall receive reasonable response
from chixrch ofBcers. Church officers shall seek to
build reconciliation among all the parties at inter-
est, so long as these efforts are not used to hinder
fair process.

1486

DCA Advance Edition II

1 . In any involuntary administrative or judicial
proceeding, the complainant shall have a right to
be heard before any final action is taken.

2. Notice of any hearing shall advise the com-
plainant about the proposed procedures, with suf-
ficient detail to allow the complainant to prepare.
Notice shall be given not less than twenty (20)
days prior to the hearing.

3. The complainant shall have the right to be
accompanied by another person to any interview
or hearing to which they are subject. The person
accompanying them shall have the right of advo-
cacy.

4. Under no circumstances shall one party or
counsel, in the absence of the other party or covm-
sel, discuss substantive matters with the members
of the hearing, trial, or appellate body, while the
case is pending. Questions of procedure may be
raised with the presiding officer or secretary of the
hearing or appellate body.

5. The complainant shall have the right to an
answer to each question, allegation, specification,
or other matter brought OflBcials must provide
grounds for their decisions, which are also to be
shared with the complainant.

6. ConfidentiaUty of the name and accusations
of the complainant shall be maintained through-
out the proceedings, except from the respondent,
church officers identified by the Discipline, and
hearing body members involved.

8. Special attention should be given to ensiu--
ing the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The
United Methodist Church in boards, committees,
and courts of The United Methodist Chiu-ch.

^2622.

Petition Number: 22391-MN-2622-D; Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry, ORI.

Fair Process

Add a new sub-paragraph after ^ 2622.6:

In the event that the respondent fails to appear
for a supervisory interview or at the duly called
hearing of the Joint Review Committee and
chooses not to participate in the supervisory or
Joint Review process by refusing to return phone
calls, refusing registered mail, refusing to commu-
nicate personally with the bishop or district super-
intendent, or speaking only through an attorney,
then the respondent will be seen as being willing
to forgo due process as described in ^ 2622.

^2622.

Petition Number: 22606-MN-2622.3-D; Griffith,
Thomas H., CAP.

Fair Process

Add new text at the end of ^ 2622.3:

All persons acting in the role of advocate
and/or coimsel in a judicial administration pro-
ceeding shall have on file with the Registrar of the
Board of Ordained Ministry a certificate of com-
pletion of a basic course in United Methodist pol-
ity approved by the Division of Ordained Ministry
of the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry. (See % 1529.2, .10.)

^2623.

Petition Number: 20803-MN-2623.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Simplifying the Phrasing of the Charge

Amend 12623. ire;:

1. (e) disobedience to the Order and Discipline of
The United Methodist Church;...

^2623.

Petition Number: 21544-MN-2623.1-D; 10
Administrative Boards & 12 Individuals, Leighton and
Other UM Churches, Caledonia, MI.

Regarding Chargeable Offenses

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 2623.1:

(k) participation in leadership of a same-sex
covenant service uniting gay or lesbian persons.

^2623.

Petition Number: 21547-MN-2623.1-D; Lydick,
Howard L., First UMC, Richardson, TX.

Chargeable Offenses

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 2623.1 and .3:

1. (k) consumption of alcoholic beverages,
renting property to anyone for the sale of alcoholic
beverages, and signing any application for a li-
cense to sell alcoholic beverages, signing any
other document to permit the sale of alcohohc
beverages.

3. (g) consiunption of alcoholic beverages,
renting property to anyone for the sale of alcoholic
beverages, and signing any application for a li-

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1487

cense to sell alcoholic beverages, signing any other
document to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.

^2623.

Petition Number: 22392-MN-2623.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Rephrasing of the Charge

Amend ^2623.167:

1. (i) sexual abuse or harassment;

^2623.

Petition Number: 22393-MN-2623.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Re: Phrasing of the Charge

Amend 11 2623. UW:

1. (h) racial harassment;

^2623.

Petition Number: 22607-MN-2623.1-D; Griffith,
TTiomas H., CAP.

Additional Chargeable Offenses

Add new text at the end of ^ 2623.1:

1. (k) filing of an action in a civil court against
The United Methodist Church, any of its annual
conferences or general agencies, one or more
bishops, one or more district superintendents,
one or more ministerial members of an annual
conference, or lay members of a local church
while acting in their elected or appointed offices,
prior to the completion of any and all available
judicial procedxu-es within The United Methodist
Church. (However, such act shall not be consid-
ered a chai^eable offense if the person files an
action in a civil court within fourteen (14) days of
the termination of the appropriate statutes of limi-
tations under civil law to protect his/her legal
rights under the constitution of the jurisdiction in
which the action is filed.)

^2623.

Petition Number: 22699-MN-2623.1-D; Oden, Thomas
C, OKL.

Chargeable Offenses

Add a new sub-point at the end of ^ 2623.1:

...credentials; (k) pjirticipation as an ordained
minister in leadership of a same-sex covenant
service which dishonors Christian teaching on
holy matrimony by appearing to treat such a serv-
ice as if it were indeed viewed by the Church as
similar to endtuing fidelity in monogamous mari-
tal covenant.

^2623.

Petition Number: 22852-MN-2623.1-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Chargeable Offenses

Delete "n 2623. ITW and replace with new text:

1. (b) engaging in homosexual practices or pro-
moting homosexual practices;

^2623.

Petition Number: 22853-MN-2623.1-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Chargeable Offenses

Add new text at the end of % 2623.1:

The difficulty, alleged or real, of defining a
particular offense shall not constitute grounds for
ignoring the disciplinary charge. Agencies and in-
dividuals concerned are to use their best judg-
ment, seeking to uphold the provisions of the
Discipline.

^2623.

Petition Number: 22854-MN-2623.1-D; Hill, James R.,
CAP.

Chargeable Offenses

Add new text at the end of ^ 2623.1:

(k) allowing United Methodist property to be
used for homosexual "marriages" or "blessing the
sexual union" of same sex persons.

1488

DCA Advance Edition II

^2623.

Petition Number: 21548-MN-2623.3-D; Frederick.
Austin, Jr., STX.

Chargeable Offenses

Add a new sub-point at the end of % 2623.3:

3. (g) relationships and/or behavior which un-
dermine the ministry of a pastor.

^2623.

Petition Number: 22394-MN-2623.3-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

A Charge that Could be used Against a Lay Person

Add new text at the end of 1 2623.3:

3. ... 09 sexual abuse or harassment; (g) behavior
that undermines the ministry of a pastor.

^2625.

Petition Number: 22395-MN-2625-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Grievance Procedures

Delete % 2625 and replace with new text:

Grievance Procedures. — 1 . General Provisions. — a)
In the course of normal activities, questions some-
times arise about lay persons or clergy perform-
ance and/or character. Ordinarily, such questions
are handled in the committees and groups related
to the concern (worship issues by Worship Com-
mittee, issue of difficulty with a church member
by Staff-Parish Relations Committee, etc.), by
learning experiences like continuing education or
counseling, or under the supervisory responsibili-
ties of the superintendents.

However, on rare occasions, questions of a
nature serious enough to merit removal of a per-
son from ministry or church membership are
brought. Their handling requires great care, since
for clergy the career, livelihood, housing, health
insm-ance, other forms of pastoral support
(viewed as "property" under civil law), and the
lives of the pastor's family are involved. For laity,
value to the life of the church, community rela-
tions, and impact on their families are also criti-
cal. Actions taken against clergy or laity should be
commensurate with the complaints and not be
such as to destroy a career or church relationship
no matter how minor the complaint.

Superiors in office, such as superintendents
and bishops, must be free to minister to the peo-
ple on all sides in the dispute and, once their roles

in seeking a voluntary resolution between the par-
ties breaks down, they must step aside to let others
handle the proceedings and not become advocates
for any one of them but maintain their proper judi-
cial roles (1^ 523.12, 515.3, 2627.4).

Whenever laity, pastors, district superinten-
dents, bishops, or other clergy persons are ac-
cused of violating their covenant of standards and
responsible ministry (^ 211, 302, 431, 439,
500), their innocence shall be presumed, and
they shall have fair process rights (^ 2622). Every
effort at reconciliation and remedial help shall be
attempted by all involved to bring about restora-
tion for the sake of Christ's mission. Those efforts
failing, the following grievance procedures shall
be required prior to trial.

b) The grievance procedures are required
prior to any form of removal from the church or
from ministry. Removal from ministry includes
being dropped from probation, being dropped as
a local pastor, being involuntarily retired, being
administratively located, being involuntarily put
on leave of absence, or being terminated from
membership in the conference. Should any of
these be considered for clergy, including bishops,
then the following procedures are required. Ac-
tions against laity also require the following.

c) The statute of limitations for chargeable of-
fenses shall be six years from the time of the event
to the ISling of the complaint. This statute also
applies for complaints of incompetence and inef-
fectiveness. In order for allegations concerning
events that took place prior to the statute of limi-
tations to be cited for the sake of developing a
pattern, they must be included in the original com-
plaint. In either case, additionsd allegations
brought in the course of following these grievance
procedures must be brought as new complaints
unless the respondent is willing to accept their
introduction.

2. Procedures. — a) Persons feeling that a lay or
clergy person has violated the covenant relation-
ships and/or order of the Church or has shown
ineffectiveness or incompetency must submit a
complaint in writing to the proper authority: the
superintendent for a lay person, diaconal minis-
ter, or pastor; the bishop for a superintendent; or
the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee chair-
person for a bishop. The written complaint must
contain the grounds (the date, place, specifics of
events alleged to have taken place, and portion of
the Discipline violated, where necessary) for re-
questing removal.

b) Filing of a Complaint. — The one in authority
receiving the complaint shall seek information im-
mediately about the following:

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1489

(1) The one in authority shall be sure that the
person bringing the complaint (complainant) has
attempted to reconcile the matter directly with the
accused person (respondent) prior to the filing of
the complaint (Matthew 18:15).

(2) The one in authority shall be sure that the
complaint has not already been resolved through
a church committee, the Staff-Parish Relations
Committee, Personnel Committee, or other group
in the church or conference (n 270.2, 735.3,
and 759.4).

(3) The one in authority shall be sure that the
complaint has not already been resolved in a ses-
sion involving the complainant, the respondent,
and a person or persons mutually respected by
both (Matthew 18:16).

(4) The one in authority shall examine the
complaint to be sure it meets the following crite-
ria: that it contains time, place, etc.; that support-
ing documents verifying the allegations are
included; that the complaint comes from a witness
to the events so that the complaint is not hearsay;
that the complaint and supporting documentation
provide "clear and convincing evidence" for both
chargeable oflFenses and incompetency and inef-
fectiveness (in the latter, supporting letters or
complaints from a second witness besides the
original complainant are also required); that the
events occurred within the statute of limitations;
and that the charges are not trivial but of sufficient
substance to merit removal from ministry or office
in The United Methodist Church.

(5) Only if all of the above efforts have been
made and criteria met shall the one in authority
file the complaint for the purpose of continuing
within these grievance procedures. The one in
authority has the power to drop the complaint if it
fails to meet the above steps and criteria or to
remand the complaint to the complainant so that
the proper steps and criteria can be attempted in
order to bring about reconciliation. The complain-
ant shall be informed of the decision.

(6) If the one in authority is satisfied that
sincere efforts have been made toward reconcili-
ation or attempted under a^(l)-(4) above, and
presuming that the respondent is innocent, then
within one week the one in authority shall send the
complaint and the documentation to the respon-
dent with encouragement to obtain an advocate,
who may be a lawyer. If the matter may have civil
or criminal consequences, the respondent may
have legal counsel in addition to an advocate
knowledgeable about Church law. The respondent
shall be allowed twenty days to find an advocate
and to prepare a written response, including any
supporting documentation. With the response in
hand, the one in authority then has the discretion
to drop the complaint or move it forward. If the

complaint is dropped, the one in authority shall
immediately contact both parties and state the
grounds for the matter being dropped. If the re-
spondent confesses to some or all of the complaint,
the process shall also go forward to see if a voluntary
resolution can be obtained through consultation or
mediation among the parties.

c) Consultation. — (1) The one in authority may
either interview the respondent about the com-
plaint or send a clergy member to interview
him/her. In setting up the following interviews,
the one in authority shall encourage both the
grievant and respondent to have advocates pre-
sent. The interviews shall cover the complaint; the
respondent's side of the story; careful delineation
of the procedure under which this complaint is
being handled, and the procedures related to ap-
peal (see 2d below); the options available through
the Church for continuing education, psychother-
apy, or other remedial possibilities that could re-
solve the concern; and options for making
changes. For laity that could include attending
another church, taking a vacation, giving up office,
etc. For clergy it could include transfer to another
congregation, conference, or denomination, sab-
batical leave, leave of absence, early retirement,
disability, etc.; actions that can be taken with the
complainant (such as seeking reconciliation, me-
diation, filing counter-grievances); and the various
appeals processes. Within that week, those bring-
ing the complaint shall also receive the same in-
formation in an interview with the one in authority
or designated clergy member. The two parties may
voluntarily resolve the complaint by mutual agree-
ment, or either may wish to proceed to the next
step.

(2) Based on the results of the interviews, the
one in authority shall bring the respondent and
the complainant together in a consultation in the
hope of determining a resolution to the grievance.
The one in authority, other clergy member, or
trained mediator, whoever is respected by both
sides, shall conduct the session in the hope of
achieving reconciliation, that is, some kind of
resolution voluntarily accepted by the parties in-
volved. Even if there is no resolution, the com-
plaint may be corrected or modified according to
the facts stipulated by the parties involved.

d) Hearing. — (1) If these reconciling efforts fail,
the complaint as modified and supporting materi-
als shall be immediately sent to the respondent
and complainant and be forwarded to the appro-
priate review committee. For lay persons, the lay
officers of the district will seek seven lay persons
from chiu-ches in the district to act in this capacity.
For pastors and superintendents, the committee
(including no members of the board of Ordained
Ministry or Cabinet) shall be a group of seven
pastors plus three alternates nominated by the

1490

DCA Advance Edition II

conference Nominating Committee and elected by
the annual conference. For bishops, the Jmisdic-
tional Committee on Review will be used, except
thatno other bishops shall be on the committee (see
1 513.5). For diaconal ministers, the Review Com-
mittee of the conference may be used unless there
are enough diaconal ministers in the jurisdiction
who are not members of a Board of Diaconal Min-
istry to gather seven to act in this capacity. The
convener shall be elected by the committee at the
meeting where the group is chosen.

(2) The Review Committee shall meet within
two weeks after the chairperson has received the
complaint as modified and the supporting materi-
als. A quorum shall be seven. Procedural matters
shall be worked out before the meeting by the
convener in consultation with the parties and their
advocates/counsels.

(3) The committee shall meet with the respon-
dent and the complainant. The respondent and the
complainant shall each have advocates of their
choice. If the complainant fails to attend after
proper notice and with no reason acceptable to a
majority of the committee, the matter shall be
dropped. If the respondent fails to attend after
proper notice and with no reason acceptable to a
majority of the committee, the hearing may pro-
ceed. The hearing may be postponed upon a ma-
jority vote of the committee in order to bring the
parties together, or for other good reason.

(4) TTie hearing shall be conducted informally,
with the committee having the authority to call
witnesses who were present at any of the alleged
events specified in the complaint. Other allega-
tions of similar events may not be considered if
they have not been included in the complaint origi-
nally sent to the respondent. The statute of limita-
tions applies to all complaints before the
Committee. But no fewer than two witnesses (in-
cluding the complainant but not the respondent)
to any particular event are required to allow the
committee to consider any event included in a
complaint alleging incompetence or ineffective-
ness against a pastor. The committee must allow
the respondent to bring witnesses, which may re-
quire additional meetings before the committee is
able to make an informed recommendation. While
the hearing is informal, a transcript shall be made.

(5) If five of the seven Review Committee
members vote to recommend that the respondent,
if a diaconal minister or clergy person, be sus-
pended (relieved of duty but kept at ftill salary,
housing, and all other normal pastoral support)]
based on their determination that harm might be
done to tiie charge (district for a superintendent,
or conference for a bishop) or to the respondent,
the one in authority shall make those arrange-
ments. Lay respondents may be relieved of office
and/or may be requested (though not required) to

stoy away fi-om the church during die suspension.
Ihe suspension may last up to sixty (60) days and
may be extended by tiie committee's majority vote
upon request of die respondent, person in autiior-
ily, or complamants as often as necessary if the
committee so votes, unless the proper body or judi-
cial process autiiorizes a change. Upon new infor-
mation, the committee may drop the complaint and
immediately restore the diaconal minister or clergy
person to appointment or laity to office. The com-
plainant may end the suspension at any time by
ch-opping the complaint The respondent may end
the suspension by choosing a change in church or
conference relations.

(6) Upon their investigation of die complaint.
It may become evident to the committee that one
or botii sides or even the one in authority have
caused harm or violated the Discipline. Therefore,
the committee, on majority vote, has the autiiority
to recommend for die respondent, for the com-
plainant, and for the one in authority any or sev-
eral of die following: (a) die complaints be
dropped; (b) remedial work or continuing educa-
tion to improve needed skills; (c) psychoflierapy
or other appropriate healing program; (d) a vaca-
tion up to a month in length to be taken as soon
as possible; (e) career evaluation; (f) private rep-
rimand; (g) peer support and supervision; (h)
change of appointinent, if clergy; (i) change of
conference relations, if clergy, including sabbati-
cal leave, disability, removal from probation, early
retirement, honorable location, or surrender of
ministerial office; (j) change of office, if lay person,
including removal from elected office in the
church, suspension from elected office for a pe-
riod of time determmed by the committee, or ter-
mination of church membership; (k) charges be
prepared and signed by the complainant indicat-
ing which specffications have substance.

(7) The committee shall make its recommen-
dations known to the respondent, die complain-
ant, and die one in authority immediately upon
their decision. Within a week, the one in autiiority
shall meet with the respondent, die complainant,
and their advocates at a time and place convenient
to all parties in order to discuss the recommenda-
tions. They may postpone the meeting by mutual
agreement The committee m^ send someone to
participate in die meeting. If no further resolution
IS worked out voluntarily among them widiin fif-
teen (15) days, the recommendations shall then
be forwarded to the bishop, or to the Jurisdictional
Episcopacy Committee chairperson if die respon-
dent is a bishop.

(8) The respondent has twenty days from the
time the recommendations are forwarded to de-
cide whether to withdraw under charges, request
trial under 1 2626, or allow the matter to proceed
to the responsible body.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1491

3. Disposition. — a) If the respondent chooses
withdrawal, he/she shall do so in writing to the
one in authority. If the respondent chooses one of
the other options, the one receiving the charges
shall appoint a clergy member, who may be the
complainant's advocate, to be counsel for the
Church on behalf of the complfiinant. If the charge
is against the bishop, the Jurisdictional Commit-
tee on Episcopacy chairperson shall select a clergy
member from a conference never served by the
bishop and not on the Jurisdictional Episcopacy
Committee to be counsel for the Church on behalf
of the complainant.

b) If trial is chosen, the request for trial is to
be sent the person in authority, to the complain-
ant, and to any other person authorized by the
Discipline. The right to trial with its rights and
restrictions under ^^ 2623 is available for all who
request it, including those who admit to the com-
plaint but contest the recommendation of the Re-
view Committee. The right of trial may not be
abridged by the refusal of anyone in authority to
admit that there are any complaints or charges
against the respondent. The conference has the
obligation to be sure that the charges and specifi-
cations as modified during the grievance proce-
diu-e are forwarded. A trial may not be requested
if the respondent withdraws or chooses to go be-
fore the body responsible for them.

c) If the respondent chooses to go before the
responsible body, they shall be handled as fol-
lows:

(1) Recommendations about a diaconal minis-
ter (^ 308), superintendent or clergy person (^^
36, 704.4) are to be forwarded to the annual
conference for action at their next session or at a
special session called for this purpose.

(2) Recommendations about a bishop are to
be referred to the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Com-
mittee (TI 623) for action at their next session or
at a special session called for this purpose.

(3) Recommendations about a lay person are
to be handled by charge conference (^ 230) for a
chiu"ch member for action at their next session or
at a special session called for this piupose.

d) If the person under complaint requests it,
notice of the particulars of the complaint and the
respondent's answers must be sent to all the
body's voting members at least thirty days prior to
the body's meeting.

e) Procedures. — (1) During the session, chaired
by the president oif the group, the recommenda-
tion of title Review Committee shall be considered.
A transcript shall be taken. The respondent's ad-
vocacy team and the Chixrch's counsel team shall
have the right to call witnesses and cross-examine

during the hearing. The body must allow time for
fair consideration of the recommendation and both
sides of the complaint. The Review Committee may
send someone to represent them at the hearing.
Members of the body have the right to question the
parties involved. Votes are by secret ballot

(2) If the recommendation is supported by the
body, it shall go into effect when the body decides
it shall begin. The body also has the right to modify
the recommendation or to drop it or order any of
the other options listed above in 2d(6).

4. Appeal. — a) Appeal of a withdrawal may be
made to die body responsible for the respondent,
on the grounds of questions of law, defects of
proceedings, and/or weight of evidence. The re-
spondent must notify the one in authority in
his/her case and the president of the responsible
body at least sixty days prior to the body's meeting
in order to allow the respondent to request notice
of particulars of the complaint to be sent out to the
body's members and to allow the respondent to
prepare materials to accompany them.

b) Appeal of a church trial will follow f 2627.

c) Appeal of the body's action may be made by
the accused to the Judicial Council on questions
of law, defects of proceedings, or weight of evi-
dence. Appeal must be made to the president of
the Judicial Council within ten days of the body's
decision. The council shall be responsible to an-
swer each of the objections raised in the appeal.

5. Reconciliation. — Everyone involved shall
have the responsibility of trying to reconcile the
matters throughout all proceedings. Reconcili-
ation will be to seek a voluntary resolution satis-
factory to all parties but may not be used to
impede them.

^2625.

Petition Number: 22856-MN-2625-D; Dollarhide,
Charles, Village UMC, Oklahoma City, OK.

Investigation Procedures

Amend ^ 2625.16:

1. b) ...committed within six (6) two (2) years im-
mediately...Time spent on leave of absence shall not be
considered as part of the aix (6) two (2) years. The
introduction of any material relating to events happen-
ing before the six two-year time period...

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DCA Advance Edition II

^2625.

Petition Number: 21549-MN-2625.1-D; Cook,
Margaret, St. Paul's UMC, Coronada, CA

Investigation Procedures

Delete the first sentence of "n 2626.1/ and replace
with new text:

In all cases a respondent shall be entitled to
appear and to be represented by counsel, who
shall be either a lay or clergy member of The
United Methodist Church, at the option of the
respondent

^2625.

Petition Number: 2260S-MN-2625.3-D; Griffith
Thomas H., CAP.

Investigation of a Clergy Member
of an Annual Conference

Add new text at the end of f 2625.3<i:

If the respondent refuses to accept or abide by
this suspension, an additional charge of "disobe-
dience to the Order and Discipline of The United
Methodist Church" (2623. Ic), witii the specifica-
tion of "refusal to accept the suspension issued by
the bishop at the recommendation of the Commit-
tee on Investigation," shall, on motion of counsel
for the Church, be added by the presiding officer
of the trial to the bill of charges voted by the
Committee on Investigation.

^2625.

Petition Number: 22855-MN-2625.3-D; SEJ Assoc, of
B.O.M. Chairpersons & Registrars, Lewisburg, TN.

Investigation Procedures

Add a new sub-point after ^ 2625.3rf:

e.^ If a determination is made that a complaint
is not based on chargeable offenses, the Commit-
tee on Investigation may refer the complaint to the
bishop for administrative or other action.

^2625.

Petition Number: 22857-MN-2625.3-D; SEJ Assoc.
B.O.M Chairpersons and Registrars, First UMC,
Lewisburg, TN.

Investigation of a Clergy Member or a Local Pastor

Amend the first sentence of ^ 2625.3a:

3. a) There shall be a Committee on Investigation
consisting of seven (7) elders in full connection, two (2)
lay observers, and five (5) six (6) alternates mem-
bers, five (5) of whom shall be elders in full con-
nection and one (1) of whom shall be a lay person.
Two (2) members and one (1) alternate shaU be
named nominated by the presiding bishop; two (2)
members and one (1) alternate shall be named by
the chairperson of tiie Board of Ordained Minis-
try; and three (3) members and the two (2) lay
observers and four (4) alternates (one of whom
shall be an alternate lay observer) shall be named
by the conference Nominating Committee. All
shall be m4 elected quadrennially by the Annual Con-
ference....

^2626.

Petition Number: 21550-MN-2626-D; Canady
DeArmond E., SCA

Trial Procedures
Add new text at the end of ^ 2626.1/

All persons, lay or clergy, who are invoh^ed in
a trial procedure, including the respondent and
the counsel for the respondent, shall have all nec-
essary travel and sustenance (food and lodging)
expenses paid by the annual conference fi-om con-
tingency or other designated conference funds.

^2626.

Petition Number: 22396-MN-2626.1-D; Eckert Terrv
WIS.

Granting the Executive Session Broader
Responsibility

Delete ^ 2626. 1/z (2) and replace with new text:

1. h)(2) The penalty fixed by the Trial Court
shall take effect immediately, except where the
penally changes the ministerial relationship of the
respondent The presiding officer of the Trial
Court, at his/her discretion, m^ order a stay of
penalty.

(3) Because the clergy session of the annual
conference is responsible for all matters of char-
acter and conference relations of its members (f

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1493

36), the results of a Church trial are to be reported
there. If those results would provide a negative
judgment of the pastor's character and/or change
the pastor's conference relations, the executive ses-
sion may choose to review the proceedings from the
time the complaint was first made through the en-
tire appeals process in order to determine whether
or not the matter was handled with justice and the
proper results obtained. The pastor affected maybe
present and may have counsel. Motions to initiate
this review may be made by any member of the
executive session. The executive session has the
right to all information necessary to determine the
person's qualifications for ministry. The pastor
alone may claim confidentiality on jmy matter,
though the Board of Ordained Ministry, Cabinet
members, or others may not invade the pastor's
privacy for anything that does not add measurably
to the information needed by the conference to
make their judgment {% 733.21). The executive
session, with the permission of the pastor accused
(^ 706.9), has the right to all records of the com-
mittees and bodies that participated in actions
against the pastor for the sake of determining if the
pastor was treated respectfully, fairly, and within
Church law at all levels of the actions taken. The
executive session then has the right to accept, mod-
ify, or reverse the results of the Church trial or call
for a new trial.

^2627.

Petition Number: 21551-MN-2627.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Requiring Response of the Jurisdictional
Appeals Committee

Add a new sub-point to ^ 2627.1:

Each item in an appeal shall be specifically
answered by the appellate body as to why it is
supported or tmned down. Appeals based on
questions about errors of law shall have citations
of law which support the ruling of the appellate
body. Questions on weight of evidence shall be
answered as to why the ruling on degree of weight
was made, based on the criteria (such as state law
rules of evidence. Black's Law Dictionary, etc.)
used by the appellate body. The ruling of the ap-
pellate body shall contain all these materials and
shall be sent to the respondent, the grievant, and
all others designated by The Book of Discipline.

^2627.

Petition Number: 21552-MN-2627.1-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Addition of a Time Frame for the Jurisdictional
Appeals Committee

Add a new sentence at the end of ^ 2627.1a:

The appeals committee shall convene within
thirty days of notification for hearing of the appeal
and shall return a ruling within sixty days of the
original notification unless the accused agrees to
an extension of time.

^2628.

Petition Number: 21553-MN-2628-D; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Impeachment Proceedings
Against a Judicial Council Member

Add a new ^I after <n 2627:

Impeachment of Judicial Council Members. — 1.
General Provisions. — a) In a proceeding against a
member of the Judicial Council based on one or
more grievances, the member shall be presumed
innocent until impeached.

b) A grievance against a member of the Judi-
cial Council shall be in writing, stating the speci-
fications (date, place, and specifics of the event
alleged to have taken place), and the provisions of
The Book of Discipline or Judicial Council Rules of Prac-
tice and Procedure violated, or other justifiable
cause.

c) the grievance shall include with it any docu-
ments which verify it.

d) No grievance shall be considered for alleged
actions occurring more than six years prior to the
filing of the grievance.

2. Supervision. — a) The written grievance shall
be forwarded to the accused member and to the
general counsel of the General Council on Finance
and Administration.

b) If the grievance is in order and not fiivolous,
the general counsel shall meet with the respon-
dent and grievant and their counsels as soon as
possible, preferably within 30 days of receiving
the grievance, to discuss the complaint and seek
resolution.

c) If that discussion does not resolve the mat-
ter, mediation shall be offered.

d) If the mediation fails, the general counsel
has the discretion to drop the grievance or to pass

1494

DCA Advance Edition 11

it on for impeachment proceedings. The grievant
and the respondent shall be notified immediately
as to the decision.

3. Impeachment.— a) The grievance shall be for-
warded to the chairperson of the Commission on
the General Conference, who shall convene the
commission within thirty days of receiving the
grievance.

h) Copies of the grievance and of briefs fi-om
the parties at interest to the grievance shall be sent
to all members of the Commission on the General
Conference through the general coimsel's ofBce,
with the notification of the impeachment hearing.

c) The chairperson shall provide opportunity
for a full hearing for the grievant and the respon-
dent together in the presence of the commission,
making decisions on procedure, admissibiHty,
and other typical functions expected of an im-
peachment hearing president

d) Impeachment, meaning removal from office
as a member of the Judicial Council, shall result
from a two-thirds vote of commission members
present

4.^^/>ea/.— a; A Judicial Coimcil member who
is impeached may appeal to the appeUate commit-
tee of the jurisdictional or central conference of
the chiu-ch or conference of membership. That
appeal shall be filed with die chairperson of the
Commission on the General Conference and with
the proper appellate committee within thirty days
of the verdict The appellate committee shall meet
with the grievant and respondent and their coun-
sels within sixty days of receiving the appeal. A
majority vote shall determine the result

b) The respondent may further appeal to the next
General Conference session. If the General Conference
overturns the impeachment by a majority vote, the mem-
ber can be restored to complete his/her term of office
or be elected for a new term, provided such election
would not in any otherway violate The Book of Discipline.

^2628.

Petition Number: 22609-MN-2628-D; Griffith, Thomas

Miscellaneous Provisions
Add a new sub-paragraph to % 2628:

If a bishop, ordained minister, or local pastor
IS removed from the orders or license to preach by
trial, he/she may request a termination of his/her
participation in the Ministerial Pension Plan and
seek a distribution of vested benefits under the
provisions of the Plan Document of the Ministerial
Pension Plan as amended from time to time by the
General Conference.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1495

Proposed Resolutions

Petition Number: 20041-MN-NDIS-O; Fincher, Jabe,
Jr., AWF.

Continuance as a Local Pastor

Regarding "n 409.2 of The Book of Discipline, consid-
eration of the problem of effectiveness of ministers
needs to be addressed. There are ministers that have
gone to seminary and completed all the required educa-
tional needs that just sit back and practically do nothing,
and there are ministers that have only completed the
basics of the candidacy program that are more effective
as pastors than the seminary graduates ever dreamed of
being. It sometimes seems as if the seminary graduates
(ordained ministers) say to themselves, "I have a guar-
anteed secure job. I don't need to work very hard at it."
This, as we all know, is the wrong attitude to have. It
hurts the church as a whole at all levels. There needs to
be a better method of judging effectiveness as a minis-
ter. By merely completing seminary does not ensure
this. Please prayerfully and diligently consider this prob-
lem.

Petition Number: 20034-MN-NonDis-O; Abiade,
Zawdie K. Dr., WML

Pastoral Duties in Cross-Cultural Appointments

No pastor shall perform any pastoral duties to any
Methodist congregation without the permission of the
present pastor, especially in a cross-racial appoint-
ment (s).

Petition Number: 20036-MN-NonDis-O; Davis, Don
C, NCA

Annual Evaluation of Clergy by Pastor-Parish
Relations Committee

Inasmuch as the annual clergy evaluation by the
pastor parish committee

-has been unwelcomed by many ministers;

-has been counterproductive for many churches;

-has lowered the morale of many ministers;

-has created unnecessary tension between minister
and laity;

-has eroded the trust level of both ministers and lay
people;

-has caused lay people to think they are to control
and remake the minister;

-and has run counter to the historic prophetic role
of the minister as a free spokesman for God, inde-
pendent of favor or disfavor by the hearer;

Therefore, as a minister of the North Carolina An-
nual Conference, I do hereby petition the General Con-
ference,

TTiat the procedure of annual evaluation of clergy
by the pastor parish committee be discontinued as an
expectation of all ministers and churches, and that only
those churches and/or ministers which choose to follow
the procedure do so as a voluntary choice.

Petition Number: 20733-MN-NonDis-O; General and
Jurisdictional Delegation, Florida Annual Conference,
Leesburg, FL.

Mandatory Retirement Age for Clergy, Bishops
and other Chxirch Employees

Whereas, in the 1980's the U.S. Congress made
mandatory retirement ages illegal in the USA; and

Whereas, virtually all organizations across the coun-
try have complied, including academic institutions; and

Whereas, justice issues are involved around "age-
ism" or age discrimination in these matters;

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of
TTie United Methodist Church remove all mandatory
retirement age requirements for clergy, including Bish-
ops, and for all other employees of the church to be
implemented with deliberate speed.

Petition Number: 20789-MN-NonDis-O; Williamson,
H. C, Mullins UMC, Memphis, TN.

Compensation of Local Pastors

The compensation of local pastors set at the charge
conference will be for the current appointed pastor and
not for the position. In the event that a new pastor is
appointed, whether at the end of the appointment year
or at any time, the receiving church, in consultation with
the district superintendent, shall set the compensation
of the incoming pastor.

Petition Number: 20804-MN-NonDis-O; Martin,
James, Zion United Methodist Church, Adell, WI.

Pastoral Changes

A procedure should be implemented so that the
Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations is totally involved
in discussion with district superintendent and bishops
regarding any pastoral change. Moving pastors without
consulting the Committee on Pastor-Parish Relations is
wrong. Such consultation with little or no knowledge of
the churches involved is not in the best interest of The
United Methodist Church.

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DCA Advance Edition 11

Petition Number: 20805-MN-NonDis-O; James Martin,
Zion United Methodist Church, Adell, WI.

Study ofThe Itineracy

An in-depth study of the itineracy shall be under-
taken, giving special attention to the traumatic effect
frequent changes of pastors has on ministerial families
as well as on the churches involved.

Petition Number: 20824-MN-NonDis-O$; Cambre
Allison, TEX.

Review of the Church

I petition the 1996 General Conference to mandate
that the Council of Bishops form a blue ribbon commit-
tee to perform a top to bottom review of the Church, all
sacred cows looked at, no holds barred, including, but
not limited to, such items as: 1) aspects of our polity that
cause us to be tied to the past (e.g., ways of raising
revenue, representation of laity to annual conference);
2) a reexamination of the purpose and need for some
apportionments; 3) looking at ways to abolish standing
committees and replace them with task forces, ad hoc
groups, etc. at all levels of the Church— from national to
local; 4) assessing the "credentialling" need and process
for clergy; 5) loss of membership and influence; and
other such issues as they see fit. This report is to be
presented to the General Conference in the year 2000.

Petition Number: 22101-MN-NonDis-O; BMCR.

African American Clergywomen

Whereas, African American clergywomen are sub-
jected to sexism and racism within The United Method-
ist Church with respect to appointments, compensation,
and election to chair, convene, and serve on various
boards and agencies of the general Church; and

Whereas, these discriminatory practices have
caused a significant number of African American clergy-
women to suffer stress-related illnesses; and

Whereas, the salaries for African American clergy
are substantially less than those of White female and
male clergy;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence enact the following:

*Commission the General Board of Ordained Min-
istry to do a comprehensive study to document the
disparities affecting African American clergywomen
with regard to:

1. Appointments, compensations, and elections to
chair, convene, and serve on various boards and agen-
cies of the general Church.

2. The nature and extent of stress-related illnesses
suffered by African American clergywomen related to
these disparities.

*Submit a report of these findings no later than the
2000 General Conference.

Petition Number: 22397-MN-NonDis-O; Eckert Terrv
WIS. ^ ^'

Reinstatement and Recompense
for Rev. Merrily Anderson

Whereas, the Rev. Merrily Anderson was placed on
administrative location without trial and appeal; and

Whereas, the hearings used were tainted with un-
fair procedures, biased hearing officers, and inappropri-
ate decisions; and

Whereas, Rev. Anderson does not ever want any
other pastor to go through what she has at the hands of
the denomination;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence request that the Pacific Northwest Annual Confer-
ence restore Rev. Merrily Anderson to appointment for
all of the time she was wrongfully removed from minis-
try; pay her full pastoral support based on her support
package, including housing when she was removed
from ministry; pay medical costs incurred; give pension
credit for that period; and continue paying her at that
level until she is provided with an appointment or volun-
tarily takes an alternative conference relationship.

Petition Number: 22398-MN-NonDis-O; Eckert Terrv
WIS.

Reinstatement and Recompense
for Rev, Bill Brooks

Whereas, the Rev. Bill Brooks was removed from
ministiy in a manner that demeaned him and his family,
violated the covenant between ministers, and was based
on uncritical and unverified belief of accusations; and

AVhereas, the interviews and hearings were tainted
with unfair procedures, biased hearing officers, and
inappropriate decisions; and

Whereas, Rev. Brooks and his wife do not ever want
any other pastor and family to go through what they
have at the hands of the denomination;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence request the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference re-
store Rev. Bill Brooks to appointment for all of the time
he was wrongfully removed from ministry, pay him full
pastoral support, pay medical and legal costs incurred,
give pension credit for that period, and continue paying
him at that level until he is provided with an appointment
or voluntarily takes an alternative conference relation-
ship.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1497

Petition Number: 22399-MN-NonDis-O; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Reinstatement for Rev. Bruce Southard

Whereas, the Rev. Bruce Southard was removed
from ministry in a manner that demeaned him, violated
the covenant between ministers, and was based on un-
critical and unverified belief of accusations; and

Whereas, the interviews and hearings were tainted
with confusion, biased hearing officers, and inappropri-
ate decisions; and

Whereas, Rev. Southard does not ever want any
other pastor to go through what he has at the hands of
the denomination;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence request that the Kansas East Annual Conference
rescind its action against Rev. Bruce Southard and that
Kansas West Annual Conference restore Rev. Southard
to the status of voluntary location for all of the time he
was wrongfully removed.

Petition Number: 22400-MN-NonDis-O; Eckert, Jerry,
WIS.

Reinstatement and Recompense
for Rev. F.D. Tumey

Whereas, the Rev. F.D. Turney was removed from
ministry in a manner that demeaned him, violated the
covenant between ministers, and was based on uncriti-
cal and unverified belief of accusations; and

Whereas, the interviews and hearings were tainted
with unfair procedures, biased hearing officers, and
inappropriate decisions; and

Whereas, Rev. Turney does not ever want any other
pastor to go through what he has at the hands of the
denomination;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence request that the North Alabama Annual Confer-
ence restore Rev. F.D. Tumey to appointment for all of
the time he was wrongfully removed from ministry, pay
him full pastoral support based on his support package,
including housing; pay medical costs incurred; give pen-
sion credit for that period; and continue paying him at
that level until he is provided with an appointment or
voluntarily takes an alternative conference relationship.

Petition Number: 22401-MN-NonDis-O; Baldwin, Jo,
Ninth Street UMC, Covington, KY.

Regarding Language for Adoption
of the "New Circuit Rider" Concept

Incorporate language into the Discipline that would
formalize adoption of the "New Circuit Rider" for The
United Methodist Church. This passage could read as
follows:

The concept of the New Circuit Rider has been
adopted by The United Methodist Church as an
expanded version of the original circuit riders.
The New Circuit Rider is a special evangelical
need for recruitment of minorities and women in
the ministry of the Church but can also be used by
the majority group as a means for future church
placement The New Circuit Rider preachs at a
different church throughout the district as op-
posed to serving several charges. The New Circuit
Rider must be a seminary student or graduate.
The appointment is dual track and part time with
salary and travel expenses to be raised through
love offerings in the respective local churches (the
goal is $10,000 a year plus travel). The model for
the New Circuit Rider is the Covington District of
the KentuclQ' Annual Conference, where material
and training for implementing the ministry are
available.

Petition Number: 22402-MN-NonDis-O$; Eckert,
Jerry, WIS.

Formation of an Impartial Panel

Whereas, impartial examination of personnel cases
was not a part of the work of the Chapter 8 Study
Commission formed by the 1988 General Conference;
and

Whereas, examination of these cases, like careful
investigation of airline crashes, would have led to more
changes based on realities, not just based on principles
or experiences of those on the study commission, and
almost certainly have led to petitions geared far more to
protect pastors and churches from arbitrary and abusive
administration; and

Whereas, a survey of pastors and their families
showed that they have suffered financial losses in nine
of the personnel cases between 1981 and 1989 estimated
to be approximately $2,100,000, and in some cases the
losses are still growing;

Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference
establish an impartial panel of three members and two
alternates of impeccable credibility and with compe-
tence in Church law to review any request of a pastor or
surviving family member of a pastor removed from office
by Church trial, by administrative action, by supervisory
action, or by arbitrary action.

Petition Number: 22610-MN-NonDis-O; Donaldson,
John, DKT.

A Resolution for General Conference
to Elect an Archbishop

I believe that we ought to rectify the weaknesses in
our Church government by establishing the office of
archbishop, an executive officer on a level with our
judicial and legislative branches, who is empowered to
give leadership to the Church on a day to day basis.

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DCA Advance Edition II

If the General Conference finds this idea of merit,
let a committee be formed to draw up a specific plan,
including the proposed scope of authority, duration of
office, and eligibility for election, to be forwarded to the
annual conferences for their vote in 1997.

Petition Number: 22632-MN-NonDis-O; Fang,
Marcus, First UMC, Stevens Point, WI.

The Order of Elder

Whereas, the 1988 and 1992 General Conferences
enacted legislation (^435.3) enabling the whole church
to participate in the ordination of elders (to wit, "the
bishop shall be assisted by other elders and may include
laity designated by the bishop representing the Church
community... in the laying on of hands,") thus affirming
the ministry of all Christians and dignifying the ministry
of the laity; and

Whereas, said legislation clearly relegates to each
presiding bishop sole prerogative to allow or disallow
participation by representatives of the church commu-
nity in the ordination of elders; and

Whereas, only the Judicial Council may declare a
paragraph of the Discipline null and void; and

Whereas, the Council of Bishops has passed a
"covenant for action" (reference United Methodist
News Service press release dated May 11, 1993) which
effectively discourages its members from choosing to
include or not to include laity in the laying on of hands
during the ordination of elders;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General
Conference reaffirm the will of its two predecessor Gen-
eral Conferences with respect to ^ 435.3; and

Be it further resolved, that the 1996 General Confer-
ence direct the Council of Bishops to rescind its May,
1993 "consensus" which runs contrary to ^ 435.3 of the
Discipline.

Petition Number: 22700-MN-NonDis-O; Bales, Harold,
Johnson, Tom, Porter, Mark,, WNC.

Restoration of Pastoral Leadership

In the event that a significant disruption occurs in
the life of a minister requiring disciplinary action short
of removal of ministerial credentials, the preferred
course of action will be to allow for the continuation of
the minister's appointment with his/her current local
congregation or charge, providing there exists mutual
assent between both minister and pastor-parish commit-
tee.

Petition Number: 22701-MN-NonDis-O; Donaldson
John, DKT.

A Resolution for the General Conference:
Academic Orthodoxy

This resolution calls for the 1996 General Confer-
ence to instruct the Division of Higher Education to
require all the faculty members of our United Methodist
seminaries to answer in the affirmative the historical
questions of ^ 425 which are applicable to their situation,
including questions 1-14, the key question being the first
one: "Have you faith in Christ?" Conformity in essential
doctrine is not too harsh a demand.

Petition Number: 22702-MN-NonDis-O;
Administrative Board, Trinity UMC, Richmond, VA

Regarding the Ordained Ministry Study

We petition the 1996 General Conference to receive
the report of the "Study on the Ordained Ministry" from
the Council of Bishops, with thanks, and that the study
be filed. We also petition that no further study commit-
tees or task forces be appointed or funded to study the
ordained ministry, except by the National Division of
Ordained Ministry.

Petition Number: 22703-MN-NonDis-O; Buchanan,
Sam A Jr., Belmont UMC, Nashville, TN.

Develop a Plan for Filling Senior
Ministerial Positions

I petition the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church to come up with a plan for
filling senior ministerial positions so that more people
will be attracted to the ministry and that those attracted
to the ministry and those already in the ministry will feel
that through their efforts, skills, talents, dedication, and
divine guidance they will have an opportunity to find
their place in God's church regardless of where it might
be.

It is hoped the study group will be made up of a good
balance of bishops, ministerial educators, and laymen.

Petition Number: 22858-MN-NonDis-O; United
Methodist Women, First UMC, Roswell, NM.

Resolution on the Re-Imagining Conference

Whereas, our Father's own words (Matthew 24:4-5)
tell us that "Jesus answered: Watch out that no one
deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming,
"I am the Christ," and will deceive many"'; and Colos-
sians 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive
through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which de-
pends on human tradition and the basic principles of this
world rather than on Christ"; and

Whereas, a specific denouncement has not been
made on behalf of The United Methodist Church con-
cerning the irreverent incursion on our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, which occurred during the Re-Imagining

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1499

Conference at Minneapolis, Minnesota, in November of
1993; and the failure to promptly address "Sophia" has
reflected negatively on the United Methodist Women
and The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, this same New Age philosophy has resur-
faced in another conference, "Celebrate! Gathering at
the Crossroads," which took place over the 1994 Christ-
mas holiday in St. Louis, Missouri, and of which The
United Methodist Church was a supporter; and

Whereas, this deceitful attack of the New Age move-
ment is infiltrating many facets of our world, with the
result that we are no longer safe within the confines of
our homes and our churches, and that this movement is
teaching our young children, our college/seminary stu-
dents, our missionaries, or professionals, etc. to rely on
themselves.. .that they can find the power within them-
selves (2 John 7-11); and

Whereas, our religious beliefs are not to be compro-
mised, and these concerns are valuable and must not fall
on deaf ears; and

Whereas, our potential membership is beginning to
see The United Methodist Church as an organization
that has become so big it doesn't have the time or the
desire to address the problems and concerns of its
congregations;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the entire Re-Imagin-
ing Conference be denounced by the General Confer-
ence, and that a firm denouncement of the Re-Imagining
Conference must occur for the sake of the United Meth-
odist Women, the members of The United Methodist
Church, and the youth growing up in an era where these
New Age approaches to worship are rapidly becoming
acceptable.

Petition Number: 22859-MN-NonDis-O; Booth, Karen
S., PED.

A Resolution on the Women's Spirituality
Movement and the United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church is called to be in
dialogue with new religious movements in America and
to respond with both neighborly compassion and con-
sistent witness to the Christian faith. One of the fastest
growing religious movements today is the Feminist or
Women's Spirituality Movement. While this new relig-
ious movement has much to teach the Church — about
care for the earth, about empowerment of women, about
the need for creative and meaningful ritual, and about
the "feminine" attributes of God — there is also much
within the movement that is outside the bounds of Chris-
tian belief and practice. Because we affirm that "the
intent in developing interreligious relationships is not to
amalgamate all faiths into one religion" ("Guidelines for
Interreligious Relationships," The Book of Resolutions,
pages 263-273), these differences should be identified,
studied, and lovingly, yet firmly, addressed by the de-
nomination.

For example, Cynthia Eller {Living in the Lap of the
Goddess, Crossroad, 1993) has discovered that despite
claims to the contrary, the Women's Spirituality Move-
ment is made up almost entirely of white, middle and
upper-class, well-educated, boomer-age women. In addi-
tion, many Women's Spirituality "circles" consistently
exclude men from attendance and participation. Mem-
bers of The United Methodist Church are committed to
inclusiveness and continue to strive to embody this goal
in all aspects of their lives.

Eller also describes the Women's Spirituality Move-
ment as an "admixture of Jungianism, ecology. Native
American religions, political feminism, paganism, Bud-
dhism, Theosophy, and just about anything else you
would care to list" (Eller, pages 38 if). This raises two
important questions for the Church. First, what are the
ethical concerns raised by the co-optation of indigenous
spiritualities? At issue here is true religious diversity and
integrity.

Of equal or greater importance is the question about
the introduction of certain of the movement's beliefs and
practices into the life of the denomination. Our fourth
guideline for interreligious relationships states that it is
"unwise to juxtapose symbols of different religions" and
that United Methodists should not expect "to participate
fully in another faith's rituals and worship" ("Guidelines
for Interreligious Relationships," page 272). Yet a recent
newsletter cover from the permanent Re-Imagining
Community (which is still supported by several promi-
nent United Methodist clergywomen) portrayed the
Great Triple Goddess of neo-paganism — Virgin,
Mother, and Crone. The Fall 1994 issue of our national
clergywomen's magazine, Wellsprings, printed a Cron-
ing Ritual (a celebration of menarche) which one of the
co-authors acknowledged is rooted in feminist witch-
craft (also known as Wicca) . And a recent chapel service
at Garrett Evangelical Seminary included a "Psalm in
Search of the Goddess" which sang the praises of Nut,
Isis, Asherah, Cybele, and other goddesses. United
Methodists must decide in what ways this incorporation
of neo-pagan witchcraft and goddess spirituality into our
common life blurs the boundaries of our faith and com-
promises the integrity of our Christian witness.

One of the primary ritualistic emphases in the
Women's Spirituality Movement is on women's bodily
cycles — menstruation, child-birth, lactation, and
menarche. Secular feminists have soundly criticized and
even denounced these ritual practices for defining
women's worth primarily in relation to their reproduc-
tive systems. For the last several decades. The United
Methodist Church has stood in solidarity with these
feminist critics. We recognize, for example, that "prac-
tices, traditions, and attitudes in almost all societies
viewed women as inferior to men, as having few talents
and contributions to make to the general well-being of
society aside from their biological roles" ('The Status of
Women," The Book of Resolutions, page 371). We claim
that Jesus, by his life and ministry with and for women,
witnessed against such rigid cultural patterns and prac-

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DCA Advance Edition II

tices. TTiis suggests that focusing ritualistic attention on
the female body and its cycles may deprive women of
their fullest humanity and limit their contribution to the
life of the church and the worid. The United Methodist
Church, therefore, needs to clearly articulate the ways
in which these practices, as well as many others, regres-
sively stereotype women and deny them their full per-
sonhood.

We, therefore, call upon the General Commission
on the Status and Role of Women and the Women's
Division of the General Board of Global Minis-
tries—whose primary responsibility is the advocacy of
and care for women— to study and address these prob-
lematic aspects of the Women's Spirituality Movement
and to develop appropriate program materials for use at
the local church and annual conference levels.

We further call upon the Council of Bishops,
through their teaching office, to study and address the
Women's Spirituality Movement, in particular the ways
in which its influences in the permanent Re-Imagining
Community and in our seminaries impact the theologi-
cal life of the denomination.

And finally, we call upon the Division of Ordained
Ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and
Ministry to fully investigate the Croning Ritual publish-
ed in the Fall 1994 issue of Wellsprings, in particular its
feminist witchcraft (Wiccan) roots, and to direct the
Wellsprings editorial circle to identify, explain, and re-
nounce those Wiccan roots in a forthcoming issue of the
magazine.

Petition Number: 22860-MN-NonDis-O;
Administrative Council, Rlncon UMC, Rincon, GA

Adhere to The Book of Discipline

Whereas, The United Methodist Church's Disci-
pline spells out in Part HI under Social Principles our
stand at this time on the practice of homosexuality; and

Whereas, our Bible (the standard for Christian liv-
ing) in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 says, "Do not you know the
wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolatrous
nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual
offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of
God" (NIV);

Therefore, be it resolved:

(1) that the Council of Bishops adhere to the Book
of Discipline in dealing with those issues that relate to
the life and witness of our beloved United Methodist
Church;

(2) that the 1996 General Conference give strong
leadership to annual conferences in following all policy
set down by the Book of Discipline;

(3) that each bishop of each annual conference be
given instruction to follow all policy set down by the Book
of Discipline; and

(4) that the Board of Ordained Ministry of each
annual conference be instructed to adhere to all policy
set down by the Book of Discipline.

Petition Number: 22862-MN-NonDis-O; Bardslev
John W., HOL

Appointments of Clergy Members

Whereas, the itinerant system and appointment sys-
tem presently utilized are considerably outmoded and
outdated, the General Conference is urged to change
the process so that a pastor may be appointed indefi-
nitely. That is, the appointment is not subject to yearly
appointment unless and until such a change in appoint-
ment is sought by the pastor or the local church.

The local church would have to be more deeply
involved in the appointment process and understand
that this is not for one year only. Theoretically, the
appointment is for life. This would remove the thinking
that we can tolerate the pastor for one year and then get
another. Grievance would, of necessity, have to be
worked out harmoniously. Petty matters as well as the
feeling that one person controls the local church and a
need for a "friend" in the cabinet would not enter the
appointment process. The bishop and the cabinet would
be fi-eed for more pressing matters, i.e., mission and
evangelistic efforts, etc.

Petition Number: 22863-MN-NonDis-O; Nagle,
Elizabeth C. & Frederick W., First UMC, Madison
WI.

Clergy Coimseling

Whereas, God's blessing upon a newly-married cou-
ple is to be found in the sincerity and commitment of the
couple and not in expenditures for wedding festivities;
and

Whereas, social pressures exist fostering competi-
tion in providing lavish food, drink, and entertainment
in connection with weddings; and

Whereas, such lavishness implies poor stewardship
in that the funds thus spent on an afternoon's amuse-
ment might be better used to provide start-up resources
for a new couple or for old-age security for their parents;
and

Whereas, a misplaced emphasis on entertainment,
by diverting attention from the marriage itself, may
display poor judgement even among families that can
afford the expense; and

Whereas, the time and effort devoted to planning a
wedding extravaganza would be better spent in pre-
marital counseling or planning a budget;

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1501

Therefore, be it resolved, that United Methodist
clergy be encouraged to counsel betrothed couples in
the exercise of restraint in planning wedding festivities;
and to remind couples that the meaning of a Christian
wedding has nothing to do with the showmanship of its
coincident festivities.

Petition Number: 22878-MN-NonDis-O; Sims, Janet
and Nevoraski, Robert, Bristol UMC, Bristol, WI.

Suggested Changes in The United Methodist
Church

Please evaluate the following considerations, as I
feel they would be improvements:

I have heard at least 160 sermons ("messages")
from women pastors (150 in the church of which I am a
member and 10 from miscellaneous visits) . All but about
5 of these sermons have had the following weaknesses:

• too general

• too much about personal experiences; not enough
bible references or correlation

• lacking a definite direction

• the typical and natural "motherly" ways of most
women show up too much in the pulpit; the Church
needs to portray an image of more firmness and
definite direction

This last point is even more significant today as
more and more children are raised by a single parent,
usually the mother. They get enough motherly kindness
at home and could use a little more firm direction when
at church, especially to compensate for all the poor
values portrayed in movies and on television.

K it were not so acceptable for women to be so
assertive and aggressive, we would not have the im-
mense problems in the U.S. of split families, single
parents, unwed mothers (these problems would exist,
but not in the current magnitude) . We are too permis-
sive and not firm enough. Women might do many jobs
better than men (on the average they are better organ-
ized and more efficient) but that does not help the
breakdown of the family in the U.S., and our churches
need to maintain a good example of men in dominant
roles.

I sincerely feel there are more appropriate places for
women in the ministry, but not leading churches.

Petition Number: 22907-MN-NonDis-O; Cummings,
Ben Mr. & Mrs., Hope UMC, Hope. AR.

Exit Procedures

We petition the 1996 General Conference of The
United Methodist Church to examine the procedures
for dismissal of clergy or staff that reflects a lifestyle that
is not in accordance with the beliefs and docfrines stated
in the Book of Discipline. We ask that all annual confer-
ences be represented to cast a vote rather than just the
conference to which the person is appointed. When a
minister or staff member associated with The United
Methodist Church makes national headlines taking part
in seminars, etc., proclaiming "Sophia" or other beliefs
so confrary to God's Word, it not only offends and
reflects on all members of The United Methodist
Church, but on all persons who call themselves "Chris-
tian." How can we allow any person to cast that image
on our Church?

Petition Number: 22908-MN-NonDis-O;
Administrative Board, Wauhatchie UMC,
Chattanooga, TN.

Practice of Homosexuality While a Minister
or Employee of the United Methodist Church

Whereas, the Bible is obviously opposed to homo-
sexuality; and

Whereas, all persons who become ministers know,
when they choose to enter our ordained or diaconal
ministry, that our Church is opposed to homosexuality;
and

Whereas, all persons who are employed by the
agencies of our Church know our Church's stand on
homosexuality;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Confer-
ence add to the Book of Discipline that such persons who
become homosexual or lesbian, admit to the same, or
can be proven to be homosexual be asked to resign from
their ministry or employment in The United Methodist
Church; or if they choose not to resign, that their minis-
try or employment be terminated by firing them.

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DCA Advance Edition II

Proposed Changes to the Mmistiy Study

The following petitions propose changes to legislation submittpH tn fli^^ r«no.-oi r t ,. ,

Bishops. In this section, text shown in bold or stSeout represeS^^^ *' ^"""'^^ °f

in the Ministry Study. The page number giveTiSSes Xe 'he S^^^

Christian Advocate Advance Edition I. "'^icates wnere ttie original petition may be found in the Daily

^110.

Petition Number: 22918-MN-llO-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Ordained Ministry

Amend ^ 110, renumbered as f 117, in the Study
on the Ministry, page 984-5:

...among the People of God. Ordained ministers
Deacons are called to interpret to the church the needs
concerns, and hopes of the world, and the promises
of God for Creation. Within these specialized min-
istries, deacons are called to ministries of Word
and service, and through miniatiic^ of love, juoticc and
ocmcc to connect the alter and the marketplace (1414)
fielders are called to ministries of Word, Sacrament, and
<^rder (TI 318) ao wcU ao to the oIGcc and rc3puajibiliOe.j
of a Deacon. Tlirough these distinctive functions, all
ordained ministers are called to lead the church in
building love, reconciliation, justice and peace in
the world. They do this by devote devoting them-
selves wholly to the work...

^202.

Petition Number: 22919-MN-202-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Christian Discipleship

Amend the last sentence of proposed ^ 202 in the
Study on the Ministry, page 986:

Working in a collegial relationship with pastorCs)
ordained ministers and other elected leaders of the

congregation...

^204.

Petition Number: 22920-MN-204-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Nature of Office of Lay Ministry Steward

Amend the third sentence of proposed ^ 204 of the
Study on the Ministry, pages 986-7:

Therefore, they shall work closely with the pas-
tor(o) in chaige ordained ministers of the congrega-
tion in order to help...

^206.

Petition Number: 22921-MN-20^D; Diaconal Ministnr
Clearness Committee.

Lay Ministry Stewards

Amend the last sentence of proposed 91 206 of the
Study on the Ministry, page 987:

Lay Ministry Stewards shall meet regularly with the
P"^tor(s) ordained minister(s) and the otiier lay lead-
ers of tiie congregation in order to develop otiateMV
plan for equipping of flie ministry in their of tiie con-
gregation.

^303.

Petition Number: 22922-MN-303.2-D; Diaconal
Ministry Clearness Committee.

Puipose of Ordination

Amend the last sentence of proposed ^ 303.2 in the
study on the Ministry, page 991:

...of the Church are also ordained as elders.

1304.

Petition Number: 22923-MN-304.1-D; Diaconal
Ministry Clearness Committee.

Qualifications for Ordination

Amend proposed f 304.1/ in the Study on the Min-
istry, page 992:

_ 1. i) ...and be prepared to live in the covenant ^its
with the laity and ordained ministers of die Church.

1305.

Petition Number: 22924-MN-305-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Entrance into Licensed and Ordained Ministry

Amend proposed new ^ 305 in the Study on the
Mmistry, page 993:

^_JSecond sentence] ...candidates for the order of
oeaeen ordained ministry be examined regarding the

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1503

authenticity of their call by God to thia order ordered
ministry.

Wesley's Questions for the Examiners. In order that
The United Methodist Church may be assured that
those persons who present themselves as candidates for
ordained ministry...

^306.

Petition Number: 22925-MN-306-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry

Amend proposed new ^ 306 in the Study on the
Ministry, page 993-4:

3. b) ...recommendation to the candidate for ordina-
tion ae-deaeoft....

4. ...and desire to be certified as candidates for
ordination as dcacona shall...

e) ...call for the ministry of deacon or elder; and...

^307.

Petition Number: 22926-MN-307-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Continuation of Candidacy

Amend the first sentence of proposed new ^ 307.1
in the Study on the Ministry, page 994:

1. A candidate preparing for ordination as deacon
ordained ministry who is enrolled...

^310.

Petition Number: 22927-MN-310-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Clergy Orders

Add a section number to the Study on Ministry's
proposed section on Clergy Orders, pages 995-6:

SECTION III. CLERGY ORDERS IN THE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

title:

Renumber proposed new ^ 315 as "n 310 and amend

Orders in Relation to the Ministry of All Christians
Renumber ^310 as TI 311.
Renumber 1311 as "B 312.
Renumber ^ 312 as ^ 313.
Renumber 'J 313 as ^ 314.

^315.

Petition Number: 22928-MN-315-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Orders in Relation to Ministry of all Christians

Renumber proposed new ^ 315 on page 996 in the
Study on the Ministry as 'fl 310 and amend:

Orders in Relation to the Ministry of All Christians

[Last sentence] The deacon is a sign of the intcrrc
latcdncss of the congregation's worship with the minis
try — ef — service embodies the interrelationship
between worship in the gathered community and
service to God in the world.

Within the people of God, other persons are
called to the ministry of elder. The elders carry on
the historic work of the presbyteros in the life of
the Church. Beginning in some of the very early
Christian communities, the presbyteros assisted
the bishop in leading the gatfiered community in
the celebration of sacraments and the guidance
and care of its communal life. The ministry of
elder exemplifies and leads the Church in remem-
bering and celebrating the gifts of God and living
£aithfully in response to God's grace.

^316.

Petition Number: 22933-MN-316-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

The Ordained Deacon

Renumber proposed new ^ 316 in the Study on the
Ministry, pages 996-7, as ^ 320; insert as an introduction
to renumbered Section V. The Ordained Deacon; and
amend:

[Second sentence] Deacons fulfill servant ministry
in the world and relate lead the Church in relating
the gathered life of Christians to their ministry minis-
tries in the world, interrelating the altar to the market-
place worship in the gathered community with
service to God in the world. Deacons.. .in the congre-
gation's mission to the world and in leading the con-
gregation in interpreting the needs, concerns, and
hopes of the world to the congregation.

[Delete the third and fourth paragraphs.]

1504

DCA Advance Edition II

^317.

Petition Number: 22912-MN-317-D; Tennessee
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.

Qualifications for Ordination as a Deacon

Amend proposed ^ 317 of the Study of the Ministry
page 997:

Qualifications for Ordination aa Deacon Consecra-
tion as Probationary Member. A person shall be
eligible for ordination to the order of dcacuu consecra-
tion as a probationary member in the Annual Confer-
ence...

1. Candidacy Requirement: Each candidate shall
have been a certified candidate for ordained miniatiy
probationary membership at least two (2) years...

2. ...as a condition for ordination consecration as
probationary member. This required service...

3. Undergraduate Requirement: A candidate for m^
dinafaon ao deacon consecration as probationary
member shall have completed...

6. Local pastors may fulfill the requirements for
ordination aa a deacon consecration as a probation-

irrizan fVi.-iTr I^i^ti^.

ary member when they have:

9. 1 What are the theological tasks of an ordained
deacon a probationary member with special refer-
ence...

j. ...your commitment as a deacon probationary
member in servant ministry in The United Methodist
Church?

^317.

Petition Number: 22930-MN-317-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Qualifications for Consecration

Renumber proposed new % 317 in the Study on the
Mmistiy, pages 997-8, as ^ 316 and amend:

Qualifications for Ordination as Deacon Consecra-
tion as a Probationary Member. A person shall be
eligible for ordination to the order of dcacuii consecra-
tion as a probationary member in the Annual Confer-
ence...

_ 1. ...a certified candidate for ordained miniaUy pro-
bationary membership at least two...

2. ...as a condition for ordination consecration.
This required service...

3. Undergraduate Requirement: A candidate for of-
dination aa dcatoii consecration as a probationary
member shall have completed...

6. Local Pastors may fulfill the requirements for
ordination ao a Jlucuii consecration as a probation-
ary member when they have:...

9. 1 What are the theological tasks of an ordained
deaeoft a probationary member with special refer-
ence...

j. ...and your commitment as a deacon in conse-
crated probationary member of tiie Annual Con-
ference of The United Methodist Church?

_ k. ...and the servant ministiy of the-deaees proba-
tionary membership.

^318.

Petition Number: 22913-MN-318-D; Tenn. Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministiy and, Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

The Ordained Deacon

Amend proposed Section IV titie and ^ 318 of the
Study of the Ministry, pages 998-9:

Section IV. The Ordained Deacon Consecration as
Probationary Member.

Ordination Consecration. Ordination aa a dea-
con to Word and nei vice Consecration to probation-
ary membership is the act of the church...The service
for consecration of probationary members and tiie
service for ordination of deacons.. .shall vote on the
ordination consecration of the candidates. The bishop
and secretary of the Annual Conference shall provide
credentials to the deacon probationary member upon
ordination consecration.

^318.

Petition Number: 22929-MN-318-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Consecration as a Probationary Member

Amend the titie of the Study on Ministiys proposed
Chapter Three, Section IV, page 998:

Section IV. The Ordained Deacon Consecration as
a Probationary Member.

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1505

^319.

Petition Number: 22914-MN-319-D; Tenn. Annual
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.

Probationary Service of a Deacon

Amend proposed "n 319 of the Study of the Ministry,
page 999:

Probationary Service of a Deacon as a Probation-
ary Member. All persons who are ordained deacons
consecrated as probationary members shall be ap-
pointed...Board of Ordained Ministry for all ordained
deacons probationjuy members to be involved...

1. The deacons probationary members planning
to give their lives as deacons in full connection shall be
in ministries of Word and service the entire probation-
ary period as probationary deacons.

2. The deacons probationary members planning
to give their lives as elders in fixU connection shall be
in ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service
for the entire at least half of their probationary' period
as probationary elders. The probationary elders A
deacon serving as pastors in of the local church. ..will
evaluate the deacon's probationary member's ability
to express his/her ordination as deacon in the congre-
gational context understanding of servant leader-
ship.

^319.

Petition Number: 22931-MN-319-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Probationary Service

Renumber proposed new ^ 319 of the Study on the
Ministry, page 999, as % 317 and amend:

Probationary Service of a Deacon. All persons who
are ordained deacons consecrated shall be ap-
pointed...arrangements shall be offered by the Board of
Ordained Ministry for all ordained deacons probation-
ary members to be involved. ..to support the practice
and work of the diaconatc in their ministry as servant
leaders.. .in the life of the conference. The specialized
service of probationary members shall be evalu-
ated by the district superintendent and Board of
Ordained Ministry in terms of the probationary
member's ability to express and give leadership in
servant ministry.

1. The deacons probationary members planning
to give their lives as deacons in full connection shall be
in ministries of Word and Sservice for their the entire
probationary period.

2. The deacons probationary members planning
to give their lives as elders in full connection shall be
in ministries of service at least half of their Word,

Sacrament, Order, and Service for their entire pro-
bationary period. A deacon probationary member

serving as pastor...Thc District Superintendent and the
Board of Ordained Ministry will evaluate the deacon's
ability to express his/her ordination as deacon in the
congregational context.

^320.

Petition Number: 22915-MN-320-D;Tenn. Conference
Board of Diaconal Ministry.

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Members

Amend proposed 11 320 of the Study of the Ministry,
pages 999, 1000:

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Member-
ship.— Probationary members are ordained deacons
who arc on trial...

1. Probationary members who are preparing for
deacon's or elder's orders may be ordained as dea-
cons or elders when they qualify...

^320.

Petition Number: 22932-MN-320-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Membership

Renumber proposed new H 320 in the Study on the
Ministry, pages 999-1000, as ^ 318 and amend:

Eligibility and Rights of Probationary Member-
ship.— Probationary members are ordained deacons
who arc on trial in preparation...

1. Probationary members who are preparing for
deacon's or elder's orders...

4. [Tliird sentence] They shall also be assigned a
deacon in full connection or elder...

^321.

Petition Number: 22934-MN-321-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

The Ordained Deacon

Renumber proposed Section III in the Study on the
Ministry, page 996:

Section fflV. The Ordained Deacon in Full Connec-
tion.

1506

DCA Advance Edition II

^321.

Petition Number: 22935-MN-321-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Authority and Responsibilities of Deacons
in Full Connection

Amend proposed new 1 321 in the Study on the
Ministiy, page 1000:

Ministry, Authority and Responsibilities of Deacons
in Full Connection.— 1. Deacons.. . to alifetime of servant
leadership to ministry of Word and Service in both
the community...

1322.

Petition Number: 22916-MN-322-D; Tennessee
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.

Requirements for Admission of Ordination to Deacon

Amend proposed ^ 322 of the Study of the Ministry,
pages 1000-1001:

Requirements for Admission of Ordination to Dea-
con in Full Connection. — Deacons Probationary
members who are applying for admission ordination
into full connection and who have been probationary
members for at least three years may be ordained and
admitted...

2. Been previously elected as a probationary mem-
ber and ordained deacon consecrated.

1322.

Petition Number: 22936-MN-322-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Requirements for Admission of Deacon
in Full Connection

Amend proposed new f 322.2 in the Study on the
Ministry, page 1001:

2. Been previously elected and consecrated as a
probationary member and ordained deacon.

1324.

Petition Number: 22937-MN-324-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Ministry of an Elder

Amend proposed new % 324 in the Study on the
Ministiy, pages 1002-3:

...have been ordained consecrated and served as a
deaeoft probationary member, have been found.. .call

to ordination has been confirmed by the Church. Elders
are ordained to a lifetime ministry of Word, Sacra-
ment, and Order. They are authorized...Elders con-
tinue their service responsibility ao Deacons in the
ministry of all Christians while serving as Elders and,
as such, are bound by the meaning of that ordination
their baptism.

1324.

Petition Number: 22969-MN-324-D; Tennessee
Conference Baord of Diaconal Ministry.

Ministry of an Elder

Amend proposed new "n 324 in the Study on the
Ministry, pages 1002-3:

...have completed their formal preparation and have
been ordained consecrated and served as a deacon
probationary elder, have been found...Holy Commun-
ion, aft4 to order the life of the church for mission and
ministry, and to serve in ministries of compassion
and justice. The servant.. .Elders continue tiicir service
responsibility^ as Deacons while serving as Elders and,
as such, are bound by the meaning of that ordination.

1407.

Petition Number: 22940-MN407-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

License as a Local Pastor

Amend proposed ^ 407, renumbered as f 340 in the
Study on the Ministiy, page 1008:

_ 1. Been ordained a deacon consecrated as a pro-
bationary member.

1409.

Petition Number: 22941-MN-409-D; Diaconal Ministiy
Clearness Committee.

Continuance as a Local Pastor

Amend proposed ^ 409, renumbered as 1 343 in the
Stiidy on the Ministiy, page 1008:

1. Persons licensed as local pastors who are not
deacons probationary members shall continue...

2. ...a local pastor not ordained a deacon conse-
crated as a probationary member may be recom-
mended...

Ordained and Diaconal Ministry

1507

^410.

Petition Number: 22942-MN-410-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Exiting, Reinstatement, and Retirement
of Local Pastors

Amend proposed "II 410, renumbered as % 343 in the
Study on the Ministry, page 1009:

Renumber as ^ 344.

Exiting, Reinstatement, and Retirement of Local
Pastors Who Are Not Ordained Deacons Consecrated
as Probationary Members.

^424.

Petition Number: 22939-MN-424-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Requirements for Admission to Full Connection
and Ordination as Elder

Amend proposed ^ 424, renumbered as % 334 in the
Study on the Ministry, page 1006:

[First sentence] Deacons Probationary members

who are candidates... (2) been previously elected and
consecrated as probationary members and ordained
deacons;...

^411.

Petition Number: 22943-MN-411-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clemess Committee.

Mentors

Amend the first sentence of proposed "H 411, renum-
bered as ^ 345 in the Study on the Ministry, page 1009:

...and deacons who arc probationary members of
the annual conference...

^422.

Petition Number: 22917-MN-422-D; Tennessee
Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry.

Members in Full Connections

Amend the proposed last sentence of ^ 422, renum-
bered as ^ 325, in the Study on the Ministry, page 1003:

A deacon in probationary relationship consecrated
probationary member in the Annual Conference...

1[422.

Petition Number: 22938-MN-422-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Conmmittee.

Elders in Full Connection

Amend proposed ^ 422, renumbered as "JI 325 in the
Study on the Ministry, page 1003:

[Third paragraph] A deacon person in probation-
ary relationship...

^733.

Petition Number: 22944-MN-733-D; Diaconal Ministry
Clearness Committee.

Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Amend proposed "J 733 in the Study on the Ministry,
pages 1022-23:

1. ...not fewer than six ordained elders and deacons
in full connection, providing for representation of
each order. During the quadrennium beginning in
1996, the members of the board shall include
diaconal ministers. The Board of Ordained Minis-
try, in consultation with the episcopal office, shall
develop a plan of proportional representation to
become effective in each Annual Conference by
the year 2000. Where possible, the plan shall
include a minimum of three elders and three dea-
cons in full connection. Each Annual Conference...

c) ...provide for a Division of Deacons and a Division
of Elders. The entire board shall have responsibility
for examining and recommending probationary
members for ordination as deacons and elders.
The Division of Deacons shall also have ongoing
care for, and oversight of, those diaconal ministers
who choose not to become ordained as deacons.
The bishop shall ensure that diaconal ministers
are represented in the membership of the Division
of Deacons whenever possible.

2. vw) To promote...

itx) To work in cooperation with the Board of Dia-
conal Ministry as long as such board is organized in the
conference, and then to continue the responsibili-
ties of that board in relation to continuing diaconal
ministers and certified persons in order to enhance
the total ministry of the Church. In particular, the
Board of Ordained Ministry will maintain respon-
sibility for guiding those who are currently in the
candidacy process for diaconsd ministry, maintain
an ongoing relationship with those who choose to
continue as diaconal ministers, and ensure that
the foUovnng responsibilities for certification are

1508

DCA Advance Edition II

continued: (1) to assist the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry in the study, interpreta-
tion, promotion, and support for certified profes-
sional ministry careers and the maintenance of
standards and processes for certification; (2) to
determine whether applicants meet the standards
of the General Board of Higher Education and Min-
istry for professional certification in education,
evangelism, music, and other areas that may be
assigned; (3) to recommend to the annual confer-
ence for vote persons who have met the standards
and have been mutually approved by the confer-
ence Board of Ordained Ministry and the General
Board of Higher Education jmd Ministry for profes-
sional certification in education, evangelism, mu-
sic, and other areas that may be assigned and to
report the action of the annual conference to the
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry;
(4) to keep a current record of all persons in the
annual conference who have been certified in pro-
fessional church careers, including places of serv-
ice address; (5) to renew or discontinue
professional certification based on an annual re-
view and evaluation of all persons who have been
certified in education, evangelism, music, or other
areas that may be assigned; (6) to report annually
to the annual conference for publication in the con-
ference journal a roster of all persons certified in
professional careers and the careers in which they
are certified; and (7) to work with the annual con-
ference, congregations, and employing agencies to
assiu-e responsible conditions of employment for
certified persons, to provide a supportive atmos-
phere that wiU empower their service, and to see
that entrance into employment and departure from
employment are open and fair to all persons in-
volved.

^756.

Petition Number: 22945-MN-756.1-D; Diaconal
Ministry Clearness Committee.

District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Amend the last sentence of the first paragraph of ^
756.1 of the Study on the Ministry, page 1023:

...including education regarding the ministry
and roles of deacons and elders and distribution of
any available written guidelines.

SI1508.

Petition Number: 22946-MN-1508.1-D; Diaconal
Ministry Clearness Committee.

Divisions of General Board of Higher Education

and Ministry

Amend the last sentence of proposed ^ 1508.1 in the
Study on the Ministry, page 1023:

Further, the Board is authorized to alter its organi-
zation to adjust to changing circumstances, regardless
of the provisions herein stated within the parameters
of responsibility established by the Book of Disci-
pline, 1996.